JRE 
H t 


HISTORY 

OF 

MONTGOMERY  COUNTY, 

OHIO. 

CONTAINING 


A History  of  the  County  ; its  Townships,  Cities,  Towns,  Schools, 
Churches,  etc,  ; General  and  Local  Statistics;  Portraits  of 
Early  Settlers  and  Prominent  Men  ; History  of  The 
Northwest  Territory;  History  of  Ohio;  Map  of 
Montgomery  County  ; Constitution  of  the 
United  States,  Miscellaneous 
Matters,  etc.,  etc. 


ILLTTSTIR^-TIEID. 


CHICAGO: 

W.  H.  BEERS  & CO. 
1882. 


„7  1' 


PREFACE. 


THE  province  of  the  historian  is  to  gather  the  threads  of  the  past  ere  they 
elude  forever  his  grasp,  and  weave  them  into  a harmonious  web  to  which 
the  art  preservative  may  give  immortality.  Therefore,  he  who  would  rescue 
from  fast-gathering  oblivion  the  deeds  of  a community  and  send  them  on  to 
futurity  in  an  imperishable  record  should  deliver  “a  plain,  unvarnished  tale.” 
In  such  a spirit  have  the  compilers  of  the  following  pages  approached’  the 
work  of  detailing  the  history  embodied  herein,  and  trust  they  have  been  fairly 
faithful  to  the  task  imposed.  It  has  been  our  honest  endeavor  to  trace  the 
history  of  the  development  of  this  section  from  that  period  when  it  was  in  the 
undisputed  possession  of  the  red  man  to  the  present,  and  to  place  before  the 
reader  an  authentic  narrative  of  its  rise  and  progress  to  the  prominent  position 
it  now  occupies  among  the  counties  of  Ohio. 

That  such  an  undertaking  is  attended  with  no  little  difficulty  and  vexation, 
none  will  deny.  The  aged  pioneer  relates  events  of  the  early  settlements,  while 
his  neighbor  sketches  the  same  events  with  totally  different  outlines.  With 
these  the  historian  has  to  contend;  and,  while  it  has  been  our  aim  to  compile 
an  accurate  history,  were  it  devoid  of  all  inaccuracies,  that  perfection  would 
have  been  attained  of  which  the  publishers  had  not  the  faintest  conception, 
and  which  Macaulay  once  said  never  could  be  reached. 

From  State,  county,  township,  town  and  village  records,  printed  publica- 
tions, family  manuscripts  and  innumerable  private  sources  of  information,  as 
well  as  from  the  testimony  of  living  witnesses,  we  have  endeavored  to  produce 
a history  which  should  prove  accurate,  instructive  and  worthy  of  the  county 
represented. 

The  compass  of  the  work  is  wide,  extending  over  a long  period  of  time, 
embracing  the  accounts  of  early  explorers;  also  reaching  back  among  the  leg- 
ends of  the  past,  and  approaching  the  events  of  to-day  by  a series  of  chapters 
giving  the  exploration,  settlement  and  gradual  development  of  this  portion  of 
the  Miami  Valley. 

The  general  history  of  the  county  up  to  and  including  Chapter  XII,  the 
article  on  the  Mexican  war  in  chapter  XIII,  and  the  first  five  chapters  on  the 
city  of  Dayton,  were  written  by  Ashley  Brown.  The  balance  of  Chapter  XIII, 
with  all  of  the  chapters  up  to  and  including  Chapter  XXII  of  the  county  history, 
are  from  the  pens  of  R.  C.  Brown,  F.  E.  Weakley,  G.  A.  Graham,  P.  A.  Durant 
and  Damon  Clarke,  the  same  writers  furnishing  from  Chapter  VI  to  Chapter 
XII  inclusive,  of  the  city  of  Dayton,  with  the  exception  of  Chapter  VIII,  con- 
taining the  history  of  education,  which  was  contributed  by  Robert  W.  Steele, 
to  whom  more  than  to  any  other  citizen  of  Montgomery  County  are  we  indebted 
for  invaluable  aid  in  the  compilation  of  this  work.  The  article  on  Raper 
Chapel,  in  Chapter  VII,  of  the  city  of  Dayton,  was  kindly  furnished  by  Hon. 
Henderson  Elliott,  while  that  on  the  German  Baptist  Church,  included  in 
Chapter  XXI  of  the  general  history,  was  written  by  Rev.  Samuel  Kinsey. 

The  histories  of  the  several  townships  were  contributed  by  the  following 


PREFACE. 


gentlemen:  Washington  Township,  by  Joseph  Nutt;  German,  by  Rev.  J.  P. 
Hentz;  Randolph,  by  E.  F.  Warner;  Wayne,  by  Henry  Guppy;  Clay,  by  Dr. 
Christopher  Gish;  Miami,  by  Jacob  Zimmer;  while  Jefferson,  Madison,  Jack- 
son,  Perry,  Butler,  Harrison,  Mad  River  and  Van  Buren  were  written  by  F.  E. 
Weakley,  G.  A.  Graham,  R.  C.  Brown  and  A.  P.  Steele.  In  our  efforts  to  col- 
lect reliable  data,  we  have  at  all  times  met  with  the  earnest  co-operation  of  your 
people,  and  to  the  ministers  of  the  many  religious  denominations,  to  the  mem- 
bers of  the  several  professions,  to  the  manufacturers,  merchants,  State,  county 
and  city  officials  and  intelligent  citizens  throughout  this  section  of  the  Miami 
Valley,  we  return  our  sincere  thanks  for  the  valuable  assistance  rendered  us 
from  the  inception  of  our  work  in  1880,  until  its  completion  in  1882. 

THE  PUBLISHERS. 


CONTENTS 


BOOK  I. 


PART  FIRST. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


Page. 


Geographical  Position 19 

Early  Explorations  20 

Discovery  of  the  Ohio 32 


English  Explorations  and  Settle- 


Page. 

ments 34 

American  Settlements 59 

Division  of  the  Northwest  Terri- 
tory  65 


Page. 

Tecumseh  and  the  War  of  1812 69 

Black  Hawk  and  the  Black  Hawk 
War 73 


PART  SECOND. 

HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


Page. 


History  of  Ohio 93 

French  History 96 

Ordinance  of  1787,  No.  32 105 

The  War  of  1812 122 

Banking  126 

The  Canal  System 128 

Ohio  Land  Tracts 129 

Improvements 132 

State  Boundaries 136 


Page. 


Organization  of  Counties 137 

Description  of  Counties 137 

Early  Events 137 

Governors  of  Ohio 160 

Ancient  Works 174 

Some  General  Characteristics 177 

Outline  Geology  of  Ohio 179 

Ohio’s  Rank  During  the  War 182 


Page. 

A Brief  Mention  of  Prominent 

Ohio  Generals 191 

Some  Discussed  Subjects 196 

Conclusion  200 

Comments  upon  the  Ordinance  of 
1787,  from  the  Statutes  of  Ohio, 
Edited  by  Salmon  P.  Chase,  and 
Published  in  the  year  1833 204 


BOOK  II. 

PART  FIRST. 

HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


PAGE. 

CHAPTER  I. — TJie  Mound  Builders — Earthworks, 
and  Evidences  of  Antiquity — Location  of  Mounds 
in  Montgomery  County — Title  to  Lands  in  the 
Northwest  — Indian  Title  to  Ohio  Valley  and 
Low&r  Lake  Region  — The  French  Title — The 
English  Title — French-English  War  for  Posses- 
sion— English  Acquire  Po-session — Expeditions 
into  the  Indian  Country — Northwest  Territory 
in  Control  of  the  British  in  1775 — But  Indians 
had  not  Ceded  any  their  Rights — George  Rogers 
Clark’s  Expedition  to  Illinois — Fort  McIntosh 
and  Laurens  — Great  Britain’s  Quitclaim  to 
Lands  Northwest  of  the  Ohio 215 — 223 

CHAPTER  II. — The  Miami  Valley — Military  Events 
that  Influenced  its  Settlement — The  Common 
Hunting  Grounds  for  the  Tribes — Description  of 
Streams,  Hills  and  Bottoms — Colonists  Pushing 
Through  to  the  West  — Capt.  Bullit— Indian 
Alarm  and  Hostilities— Col.  Bowman's  Expedi- 
tion to  Old  Chillicothe  — Speedy  Retaliation — 
Hard  Winter  of  1780  — Location  of  the  Ohio 
Tribes — Their  Strength — Noted  Chieftains — In- 
dian Village  Life — Manners,  Customs  and  Con- 
ditions— Hunting,  Trapping,  Fishing — War  Par- 
ties— Cruelties 224 — 241 

CHAPTER  III.  — Kentucky  Pioneers  — Col.  Byrd’s 


Expedition  Against  Them — Clark  Destroys  In- 
dian Villages  on  Little  Miami  and  Mad  River — 

Col.  Broadhead’s  Expedition — Col.  Lochry  Am- 
bushed— Williamson  — Crawford’s  Defeat  and 
Death — Battle  of  Blue  Licks — Skirmish  at  the 
Mouth  of  Mad  River — Indian  Towns,  Crops  and 
Supplies  Destroyed  at  Piqua  and  Loramie — Mouth 
of  Mad  River  Selected  in  1782  for  Settlement — 

Fort  Harmar  and  Fort  Finney  Built — Clark  and 
the  Shawnees  at  Fort  Finney — Logan  Destroys 
Mackacheek  Towns — Virginia  Cedes  Northwest 
Territory  to  United  States  — Indian  Treaties — 
United  States  Title  Perfected — Location  of  Lora- 
mie’s  Store  and  Fort  Loramie — Standing  Stone 

Forks  of  Miami 242—253 

CHAPTER  IV. — Northwest  Territory  July  4, 1786 — 
Territorial  Officers  in  1787 — Gov.  St.  Clair  at  Fort 
Harmar — Washington  County — Pioneer  Thanks- 
giving— The  Symmes  Purchase — Columbia — The 
Cincinnati  Settlement — North  Bend — The  Mad 
River  Country — Details  of  Progress — Fort  Wash- 
ington— Hamilton  County  — Indian  Troubles — 
Harmar’s  Expedition — Indians  at  Dunlap’s  Sta- 
tion— St.  Clair’s  Defeat — Wilkinson’s  Expedition 
— Gen.  Anthony  Wayne — His  Advance  in  1793 — 
Victory  at  Fallen  Timbers,  1794 — Winter  Quar- 
ters ; Winter  of  1794-95 254—267 


VI 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE. 

CHAPTER  V. — Wayne’s  Treaty  — Squatters  — Pur- 
chase of  Lands  at  Mouth  of  Mad  ltiver — Survey- 
ing Parties- Dayton  Platted — Drawing  Lota — 
Formation  of  Colony — First  Settlers — Their  Jour- 
ney Through  the  Woods —Arrival  by  River — 
Biographical  Sketches — Topograph  cal — Dayton 
Township — Tax  Assessment,  1798 — Township  Af- 
fairs to  1803 — Ohio  Becomes  a State — The  Name 
— State  Boundaries— Montgomery  County — Gen. 
Richard  Montgomery — The  Original  Townships 
— Enumeration 268 — 287 

CHAPTER  VL — First  Settlements  — Emigrant  Set- 
tlors— In  the  Clearings — Cabins  and  Cabin  Life 
— The  Squatter  Settlements — Tomahawk  Rights 
— Discouraged  Squatters  — Order  ot  Township 
Settlements — Farming — Food  — Cabin  Affairs 
Stock  — Sugar  Camps  — Mills  — Log  Rollings — 
Weddings 288 — 300 

CHAPTER  VII. — The  County  Seat— County  Court — 

The  Log  Jail — Elections  of  1803 — First  Commis- 
sioners— Tax  Duplicate,  1804 — 1804  and  1805 
— Randolph  Township — Jefferson  Township — 

The  Brick  Court  House— Schools — Division  of 
Montgomery  County — Roads — Fruits — Whisky — 
Indian  Summer — Hunting  and  Trapping — 1808 
— Madison  Township — Militia — First  County 
Co n v e n tio n — W ay n e To w u sh i p — 1 8 0-1 1 — First 
Stone  Jail —Earthquakes — Influential  Men  of 


the  County — War  Times 301-318 

CHAPTER  VIII.— War  of  1812 319-340 


CHAPTER  IX — Germantown — Jackson  Township — 
Fatmersville — Aloxandersville — Whisky  Tax — 
Improved  Stock — Liberty — Union — Little  York 
— County  Building — Market  Rates— Butler 
Township — Chumbersburg — Vandalia — Miamis- 


PAGB 

burg — Perry  Township — New  Lebanon — Johns- 
ville — Notes — Sunbury — Clay  Township — Phil- 
li psbu rg — A rl i n g ton — W est  Bal ti more — Brook- 
vi  le — County  Infirmary — Miami  Township — 
Carrollton — Miami  Canal — Events  of  1833  to  1841 
Division  of  Dayton  Townshiy — Harrison  Town- 
ship— Mad  River  Township — Van  Bureu  Town- 
ship— Beavertown — Turnpikes 341-350 

CHAPTER  X. — Log  Cabin  Settlers — D.  C.  Cooper — 
Robert  Edgar — Maj.  George  Adams — Dr.  John 
Hole — Zachariah  Hole — Aaron  Nutt — Daniel 

Hoover 351-368 

CHAPTER  XI. — New  Comers — Judge  Joseph  H. 

Cran<j — Col.  Robert  Patterson 369-378 

CHAPTER  XII. — Philip  Gunkel — Henry  Brown — 

Jonathan  Harshman — H.  G.  Phillips 379-393 

CHAPTER  XIII.— The  Mexican  War— 1847  to  1861 
— The  War  of  the  Rebellion — Events  in  Military 

Circles  since  1865 394-434 

CHAPTER  XIV —The  Soldiers’  Home 435-447 

CHAPTER  XV. — Geology  of  Montgomery  County 

448-461 

CHAPTER  XVI. — County  Buildings— Railroads. ..462-469 
CHAPTER  XVII. — Bench  and  Bar  of  Montgomery 

County 470-491 

CHAPTER  XVIII  — Medical  Societies 492-497 

CHAPTER  XIX. — Montgomery  County  Bible  Society 

— Sabbath  School  Union 498-501 

CHAPTER  XX. — Agriculture — Horticulture — Pio- 
neer Association — Farmers’  Club ^...502-510 

CHAPTER  XXT. — Insane  Asylum — Infirmary — 
Children’s  Home — Women’s  Christian  Associa- 
tion— German  Baptists — Gypsies 511-534 

CHAPTER  XXII.— County  Officers— Statistics.... 535-542 


PAhT  SECOND. 

CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


PAGE. 

CHAPTER  I. — Selecting  the  Site — Purchase  of  1789 
— The  Proprietors  in  1795 — The  Plat — Arrival  of 
First  Settlers — Dayton  Pioneers  — Three  First 
Cabins — Topographical  — Discouragements — Im- 
provements— The  Hamlet  — Block  House  and 
School  — First  Dayton  Baby  — Cabin  Meeting 
House  and  Burying  Ground — Flat  Boating  Trade 
— Skiu  Currency — Indian  Trading — Titles  and 
Change  of  Plat — The  Old  Tavern — Population 

Reduced 547-558 

CHAP  T E R 1 1.  — The  Village  — Incorporated- 
Changes — Flood  of  1805 — Indian  Graves — First 
Newspaper — The  Academy — First  Brick  Resi- 
dence— Business  in  1808 — The  Doctors — Public 
Vendue — Mail  Routes — Divorce — Town  Election 
— Mannfictures  — Ferries  — The  Town  Plats  — 
United  States  Patents  to  Cooper — Fourth  of  July, 

18l)9 — St.  John’s  Lodge — Boating  up  the  Miami — 

A Trip  East — Teaming — The  Town  in  1810-1811 
— Mob — Celebrations — War  of  1812 — Mechanical 

Society — Real  Estate 559-569 

CHAPTER  III. -The  Bank — Shows,  1815 — Female 
Bible  Society' — Cabin  town — Rattlesnake — Com- 
mons— Bucklot — Market  House — Wagon  Rates 
— Rival  Societies  — Mad  River  Bridge — Bridge 
Street  Bridge — Breweries — Town  Election,  1816 
— Freighting  up  the  River — Medical  Society — 
Sunday  Schools — Camp  Meeting — Stage  Lines — 
Boating  South — New  Year’s  Ball — Scarcity  of 
Money  — Compton’s  Tavern — Sickly  Season — 
Hanging  of  McAfee — Mails — 1825  to  1829 — Day- 

ton  and  the  Canal.. 570-581 

CHAPTER  I V.—  Charter  Amended — Licenses — Town 
Boundaries  1829 — The  Five  Wards — Elections 
1820  to  1841  inclusive — Caual  and  Other  Statis- 
tics— Cholera — Seely’s  Basin — Peasley’rf  Garden 
— New  Bridges — Cooper  Hydraulic — Change  of 
Mad  River — Canal  Extension — Dayton  Hydraulic 
Company — Harrison  Convention — Clay  Conven- 
tion— City  Charter — Markets — Scraps  of  History 
— Elections  1841  to  1853,  inclusive — Statistics..582-594 
CHAPTER  Y. — Village  Plats  and  other  Localities — 
Mexicnn  War — Flood  of  1847 — The  City  in  1856 

— Minor  Events — Ceusus — Banks 595-603 

CHAPTER  VI.— Dayton  Industrial  Interests — 


Introduction — Car  Works — Wood  Working  Es- 
tablishments— Agricultural  Works — Carriages — 
Machine  Shops,  etc. — Mills— Brewers — Marble 
and  Stone — Tobacco — Cracker  Manufactories — 

Miscellaneous  604-637 

CHAPTER  VII. — Churches. — Presbyterian — Metho- 
dist— Baptist — Lutheran — United  Brethren — Re- 
formed— Ch  ristian — Du  1 1 kard — Hebrew — Metho- 

dist  Protestant — Catholic — Y.  M.  C.  A 638 — 682 

CHAPTER  VIII. — Educational — Introduction — Pub- 
lic Schools — German  Schools — Night  Schools — 
Colored  Schools — Instruction  in  Music — High 
Schools  — School  Law  — Superintendent  of  In- 
struction-Intermediate School — Normal  School 
— Board  of  Examiners — Public  Library — Free 
Night  Industrial  Schools — Statement  of  Superin- 
tendent of  Penmanship  — Cooper  Academy  — 
Catholic  Schools — (Saint  Emanuel’s — Saint  Jo- 
seph’s— Saint  Mary’s — Holy  Trinity — Sisters  of 
Notre  Dame — Saint  Mary’s  Institute) — Commer- 
cial College 683 — 705 

CHAPTER  IX. — The  Dayton  Press. — Pioneer  News- 
payers — The  Dayton  Journal — The  Dayton  Re- 
publican— The  Dayton  Democrat  — The  Dayton 
Whig  and  Miami  Democrat — The  Dayton  Tran- 
script.— The  Daily  Day  Ionian — The  Dayton  Tri- 
Weekly  Bulletin — The  Dayton  Gazette — The  Day- 
ton  Daily  and  Weekly  Volhzeilung — The  Saturday 
People — The  Daily  and  Weekly  Herald — The  Mi- 
ami Valley  Courier  — The  Vindicator — Christ 
Church  Register — The  Reformed  Publishing  House 
— The  Religious  Telescope — The  United  Brethren 
Publishing  House — Christian  Publishing  House — 

Conclusion  '. '. 706 — 724 

CHAPTER  X.  — Secret  Societies.  — Masonic — Odd 
Fellows  — Knights  of  Pythias  — Ancient  Order 
United  Workmen — Order  United  American  Me- 
chanics— Other  Orders 725 — 735 

CHAPTER  XI. — Fire  Protection  — Water-Works — 
Board  of  Health  — Police — Work-House  — City 
Prison  — Insurance  — Street  Railways  — Dayton 
Gas,  Light  and  Coke  Company — Telegraphs. ..736 — 751 
CHAPTER  XII. — St.  Elizabeth  Hospital — Woodland 
Cemetery — Calvary  Cemetery — Descriptive  Re- 
view of  the  City  of  Dayton 752 — 760 


CONTENTS. 


vii 


BOOK  III. 


PART 

TOWNSHIP 

\ 

PAGE. 


Washington  Township 3 

Towns 16 

Baptists 17 

Old  School  Baptists 19 

Universalists 19 

Orthodox  Friends 19 

Washington  Presbyterian  Church 20 

Methodist  Episcopal  Church 21 

Conclusion 22 

German  Township 24 

Twin  Valley 24 

Germantown 25 

Sunsbury 26 

Early  Settlement 26 

Brief  Biographical  Sketches  of  Pioneers 29 

Churches 35 

Sunday  Schools . 44 

Education 45 

Institutions  of  a Higher  Grade 46 

Places  of  Sepulture 47 

Newspapers  and  Printing 48 

Manufactures 49 

The  Legal  Profession 49 

The  Medical  Profession 50 

Justices  of  the  Peace 51 

Prominent  Men 51 

Statistics  for  the  year  1881 53 

Randolph  Township 54 

The  First  Settlement 55 

Education 56 

Manufacturing 56 

Physicians 57 

Officers  of  the  Township,  Etc 58 

Roads 59 

Churches 59 

Secret  Societies 62 

Villages 62 

Jefferson  Township 65 

Early  Settlers  and  Settlements 66 

Churches 70 

School" 72 

Early  Enterprises 72 

Graveyards 73 

Towns  and  Villages 73 

Madison  Township 75 

Pioneers 76 

Early  Enterprise 80 

Churches 80 

Schools 81 

Villages 81 

McAfee  Murder 81 

Wayne  Township 82 

Schools  and  Churches 86 

Topography 88 

Public  Roads 90 

Jackson  Township 93 

Early  Settlements 94 

Churches 98 

Schools 99 

Roads y9 

Towns  and  Villages 100 


FIRST. 

HISTORIES. 

PAGE. 


Butler  Township 102 

Early  Settlement 103 

Justices  of  the  Peace 107 

Schools 107 

Churches  and  Graveyards 108 

Mills,  Distilleries,  Etc 110 

Villages Ill 

Stations 114 

Perry  Township 115 

Early  Settlers 118 

Pyrmont 120 

New  Lebanon 121 

Clay  Township 122 

Villages 127 

Miami  Township 132 

Erection  of  Miami  Township 136 

Streams 138 

Mill" 138 

Agriculture 139 

The  Great  Mound 139 

Miami8burg 139 

Shipping  and  Traveling  Facilities 141 

Manufacturing 141 

Merchants 143 

Postmasters 144 

Public  Houses 144 

Banks 145 

The  Reformed  Church 145 

The  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church 146 

Grace  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church 147 

United  Brethren 147 

The  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 147 

The  Catholic  Church 148 

Education 150 

The  Press 150 

The  Miamisburg  Union 151 

The  Miamisburg  Bulletin 151 

The  Miamisburg  News 152 

Alexanderville 152 

Carrollton 153 

Bridgeport 153 

Cemeteries 154 

Harrison  Township 156 

Mad  River  Township  163 

Oakland 163 

Pioneers 163 

Mills  and  Distilleries 169 

Graveyards 170 

Schools 171 

Churches 171 

Military  Camps 172 

Township  Officers 172 

Justices  of  the  Peace 172 

Township  Clerks 172 

Township  Treasurers 172 

Van  Buren  Township 173 

Shakertown  176 

Davids’  Church 177 

Beavertown 178 

Mills 179 

Topography,  etc 179 

Stone  Quarries  181 


PART  SECOND. 

BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 


PAGE. 


Dayton 185 

Washington  Township 258 

German  Township 278 

Randolph  Township 294 

Jefferson  Township 310 

Madison  Township 319 

Wayne  Township 323 

Jackson  Township 337 


PAGE. 


Butler  Township 356 

Perry  Township 369 

Clay  Township 396 

Miami  Township 413 

Harrison  Township 426 

Mad  River  Township 438 

Van  Buren  Township 445 


CONTENTS. 


viii 


PORTRAITS. 


PAGE. 


Dr.  John  Troon 213 

Robert  Bradford  (deceased) 226 

Samuel  Wells 235 

Joseph  Nutt 246 

John  W.  Turner 265 

E.  Shultz 266 

George  Bixler 275 

Henry  Becker 286 

James  H.  Monger . 295 

John  Vance 306 

John  Sacksteder 315 

Col  eaten  Sell  wind 326 

Jacob  Stickle 335 

Michael  Schiml 345 

Christian  F.  Bremer 355 

Charles  Burroughs 366 

H.  Wyatt,  Sr 375 

E.  E.  Barney  (deceased) 546 

Daniel  Beckel  (deceased) 553 

William  Dickey  (deceased) 572 

John  Temple  (deceased) 589 

Henry  Best  (deceased) 608 

M.  P.  Nolan 625 

E.  Bimm 644 

P M Itchell 661 


PAGB. 


E.  H.  Brownell 386 

Samuel  W.  Hoover 406 

John  W.  Gaines 407 

E.  Newcom  (deceased) 418 

Mrs.  E.  Newcom 419 

Noah  Coler 430 

Mrs.  Eliza  A.  Coler 431 

J.  M.  Kelsey 442 

Mrs.  Mary  Kelsey 443 

William  M.  Kelsey 454 

Mrs.  Phebe  Kelsey  (deceased) 455 

Samuel  Weller 474 

Mrs.  Mary  C.  Weller 475 

David  Worman 494 

Mrs.  Susannah  Worman 495 

Robert  Sloan 514 

Mrs.  Mary  A.  Sloan 515 

J.  J.  Mcllhenny,  M.  D 680 

John  L.  H.  Frank 689 

W.  J.  Shuey 700 

John  Rouzer 709 

J.  E.  Lowes 720 

Samuel  A.  Dickey  (deceased) 729 

H.  C.  Eversole 740 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


PAGE. 

Map  of  Montgomery  County 14, 15 

Constitution  of  the  United  States 79 

Population  of  the  United  States 203 

Area  of  the  United  States 203 

Area  of  the  Principal  Countries  in  the  World 203 


PAGE. 

Population  of  the  Principal  Countries  in  the  World..  203 


Population  of  Ohio 202 

Population  of  Montgomery  County 539 

Business  References 456 


I JLIiUSTIt  ATIO  NS. 


Source  of  the  Mississippi 22 

La  Salle  Landing  on  the  Shores  of  Green  Bay 24 

Buffalo  Hunt 26 

Trapping 28 

Mouth  of  the  Mississippi 31 

High  Bridge 33 

Pontiac,  the  Ottawa  Chieftain 42 

Indians  Attacking  Frontiersmen 55 


Present  site  Lake  Street  Bridge,  Chicago,  in  1833 58 

Pioneer  Dwelling 60 

Lake  Bluff. 62 

Tecumseh,  the  Shawnee  Chieftain 68 

Indians  Attacking  a Stockade 71 

Black  Hawk,  the  Sac  Chieftain 74 

Perry’s  Monument,  Cleveland * 91 

Niagara  Falls 92 


PART  FIRST. 


■I 


I 


The  Northwest  Territory. 


GEOGRAPHICAL  POSITION. 

When  the  Northwestern  Territory  was  ceded  to  the  United  States 
by  Virginia  in  1784,  it  embraced  only  the  territory  lying  between  the 
Ohio  and  the  Mississippi  Rivers,  and  north  to  the  northern  limits  of  the 
United  States.  It  coincided  with  the  area  now  embraced  in  the  States 
of  Ohio,  Indiana,  Michigan,  Illinois,  Wisconsin,  and  that  portion  of 
Minnesota  lying  on  the  east  side  of  the  Mississippi  River.  The  United 
States  itself  at  that  period  extended  no  farther  west  than  the  Mississippi 
River ; but  by  the  purchase  of  Louisiana  in  1803,  the  western  boundary 
of  the  United  States  was  extended  to  the  Rocky  Mountains  and  the 
Northern  Pacific  Ocean.  The  new  territory  thus  added  to  the  National 
domain,  and  subsequently  opened  to  settlement,  has  been  called  the 
“New  Northwest,”  in  contradistinction  from  the  old  “Northwestern 
Territory.  ” 

In  comparison  with  the  old  Northwest  this  is  a territory  of  vast 
magnitude.  It  includes  an  area  of  1,887,850  square  miles  ; being  greater 
in  extent  than  the  united  areas  of  all  the  Middle  and  Southern  States, 
including  Texas.  Out  of  this  magnificent  territory  have  been  erected 
eleven  sovereign  States  and  eight  Territories,  writh  an  aggregate  popula- 
tion, at  the  present  time,  of  13,000,000  inhabitants,  or  nearly  one  third  of 
the  entire  population  of  the  United  States. 

Its  lakes  are  fresh-water  seas,  and  the  larger  rivers  of  the  continent 
flow  for  a thousand  miles  through  its  rich  alluvial  valleys  and  far- 
stretching  prairies,  more  acres  of  which  are  arable  and  productive  of  the 
highest  percentage  of  the  cereals  than  of  any  other  area  of  like  extent 
on  the  globe. 

For  the  last  twenty  years  the  increase  of  population  in  the  North- 
west has  been  about  as  three  to  one  in  any  other  portion  of  the  United 
States. 


(19) 


20 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


EARLY  EXPLORATIONS. 

In  the  year  1541,  DeSoto  first  saw  the  Great  West  in  the  New 
World.  He,  however,  penetrated  no  farther  north  than  the  35th  parallel 
of  latitude.  The  expedition  resulted  in  his  death  and  that  of  more  than 
half  his  army,  the  remainder  of  whom  found  their  way  to  Cuba,  thence 
to  Spain,  in  a famished  and  demoralized  condition.  DeSoto  founded  no 
settlements,  produced  no  results,  and  left  no  traces,  unless  it  were  that 
he  awakened  the  hostility  of  the  red  man  against  the  white  man,  and 
disheartened  such  as  might  desire  to  follow  up  the  career  of  discovery 
for  better  purposes.  The  French  nation  were  eager  and  ready  to  seize 
upon  any  news  from  this  extensive  domain,  and  were  the  first  to  profit  by 
DeSoto’s  defeat.  Yet  it  was  more  than  a century  before  any  adventurer 
took  advantage  of  these  discoveries. 

In  1616,  four  years  before  the  pilgrims  “ moored  their  bark  on  the 
wild  New  England  shore,”  Le  Caron,  a French  Franciscan,  had  pene- 
trated through  the  Iroquois  and  Wyandots  (Hurons)  to  the  streams  which 
run  into  Lake  Huron  ; and  in  1634,  two  Jesuit  missionaries  founded  the 
first  mission  among  the  lake  tribes.  It  was  just  one  hundred  years  from 
the  discovery  of  the  Mississippi  by  DeSoto  (1541)  until  the  Canadian 
envoys  met  the  savage  nations  of  the  Northwest  at  the  Falls  of  St.  Mary, 
below  the  outlet  of  Lake  Superior.  This  visit  led  to  no  permanent 
result;  yet  it  was  not  until  1659  that  any  of  the  adventurous  fur  traders 
attempted  to  spend  a Winter  in  the  frozen  wilds  about  the  great  lakes, 
nor  was  it  until  1660  that  a station  was  established  upon  their  borders  by 
Mesnard,  who  perished  in  the  woods  a few  months  after.  In  1665,  Claude 
Allouez  built  the  earliest  lasting  habitation  of  the  white  man  among  the 
Indians  of  the  Northwest.  In  1668,  Claude  Dablon  and  James  Marquette 
founded  the  mission  of  Sault  Ste.  Marie  at  the  Falls  of  St.  Mary,  and  two 
years  afterward,  Nicholas  Perrot,  as  agent  for  M.  Talon,  Governor  Gen- 
eral of  Canada,  explored  Lake  Illinois  (Michigan)  as  far  south  as  the 
present  City  of  Chicago,  and  invited  the  Indian  nations  to  meet  him  at  a 
grand  council  at  Sault  Ste.  Marie  the  following  Spring,  where  they  were 
taken  under  the  protection  of  the  king,  and  formal  possession  was  taken 
of  the  Northwest.  This  same  year  Marquette  established  a mission  at 
Point  St.  Ignatius,  where  was  founded  the  old  town  of  Michillimackinac. 

During  M.  Talon’s  explorations  and  Marquette’s  residence  at  St. 
Ignatius,  they  learned  of  a great  river  away  to  the  west,  and  fancied 
—as  all  others  did  then — that  upon  its  fertile  banks  whole  tribes  of  God’s 
children  resided,  to  whom  the  sound  of  the  Gospel  had  never  come. 
Filled  with  a wish  to  go  and  preach  to  them,  and  in  compliance  with  a 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


21 


request  of  M.  Talon,  who  earnestly  desired  to  extend  the  domain  of  his 
king\  and  to  ascertain  whether  the  river  flowed  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico 
or  the  Pacific  Ocean,  Marquette  with  Joliet,  as  commander  of  the  expe- 
dition, prepared  for  the  undertaking. 

On  the  13th  of  May,  1673,  the  explorers,  accompanied  by  five  assist- 
ant French  Canadians,  set  out  from  Mackinaw  on  their  daring  voyage  of 
discovery.  The  Indians,  who  gathered  to  witness  their  departure,  were 
astonished  at  the  boldness  of  the  undertaking,  and  endeavored  to  dissuade 
them  from  their  purpose  by  representing  the  tribes  on  the  Mississippi  as 
exceedingly  savage  and  cruel,  and  the  river  itself  as  full  of  all  sorts  of 
frightful  monsters  ready  to  swallow  them  and  their  canoes  together.  But, 
nothing  daunted  by  these  terrific  descriptions,  Marquette  told  them  he 
was  willing  not  only  to  encounter  all  the  perils  of  the  unknown  region 
they  were  about  to  explore,  but  to  lay  down  his  life  in  a cause  in  which 
the  salvation  of  souls  was  involved  ; and  having  prayed  together  they 
separated.  Coasting  along  the  northern  shore  of  Lake  Michigan,  the 
adventurers  entered  Green  Bay,  and  passed  thence  up  the  Fox  River  and 
Lake  Winnebago  to  a village  of  the  Miamis  and  Kickapoos.  Here  Mar- 
quette was  delighted  to  find  a beautiful  cross  planted  in  the  middle  of  the 
town  ornamented  with  white  skins,  red  girdles  and  bows  and  arrows, 
which  these  good  people  had  offered  to  the  Great  Manitou,  or  God,  to 
thank  him  for  the  pity  he  had  bestowed  on  them  during  the  Winter  in 
giving  them  an  abundant  “ chase.”  This  was  the  farthest  outpost  to 
which  Dablon  and  Allouez  had  extended  their  missionary  labors  the 
year. previous.  Here  Marquette  drank  mineral  waters  and  was  instructed 
in  the  secret  of  a root  which  cures  the  bite  of  the  venomous  rattlesnake. 
He  assembled  the  chiefs  and  old  men  of  the  village,  and,  pointing  to 
Joliet,  said:  “ My  friend  is  an  envoy  of  France,  to  discover  new  coun- 
tries, and  I am  an  ambassador  from  God  to  enlighten  them  with  the  truths 
of  the  Gospel.”  Two  Miami  guides  were  here  furnished  to  conduct 
them  to  the  Wisconsin  River,  and  they  set  out  from  the  Indian  village  on 
the  10th  of  June,  amidst  a great  crowd  of  natives  who  had  assembled  to 
witness  their  departure  into  a region  where  no  white  man  had  ever  yet 
ventured.  The  guides,  having  conducted  them  across  the  portage, 
returned.  The  explorers  launched  their  canoes  upon  the  Wisconsin, 
which  they  descended  to  the  Mississippi  and  proceeded  down  its  unknown 
waters.  What  emotions  must  have  swelled  their  breasts  as  they  struck 
out  into  the  broadening  current  and  became  conscious  that  they  were 
now  upon  the  bosom  of  the  Father  of  Waters.  The  mystery  was  about 
to  be  lifted  from  the  long-sought  river.  The  scenery  in  that  locality  is 
beautiful,  and  on  that  delightful  seventeenth  of  June  must  have  been 
clad  in  all  its  primeval  loveliness  as  it  had  been  adorned  by  the  hand  of 


22 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


Nature.  Drifting  rapidly,  it  is  said  that  the  bold  bluffs  on  either  hand 
“ reminded  them  of  the  castled  shores  of  their  own  beautiful  rivers  of 
France.”  By-and-by,  as  they  drifted  along,  great  herds  of  buffalo  appeared 
on  the  banks.  On  going  to  the  heads  of  the  valley  they  could  see  a 
country  of  the  greatest  beauty  and  fertility,  apparently  destitute  of  inhab- 
itants yet  presenting  the  appearance  of  extensive  manors,  under  the  fas- 
tidious cultivation  of  lordly  proprietors. 


SOURCE  OF  THE  MISSISSIPPI. 


j 

On  J une  25,  they  went  ashore  and  found  some  fresh  traces  of  men  upon 
the  sand,  and  a path  which  led  to  the  prairie.  The  men  remained  in  the 
boat,  and  Marquette  and  Joliet  followed  the  path  till  they  discovered  a 
village  on  the  banks  of  a river,  and  two  other  villages  on  a hill,  within  a 
half  league  of  the  first,  inhabited  by  Indians.  They  were  received  most 
hospitably  by  these  natives,  who  had  never  before  seen  a white  person. 
After  remaining  a few  days  they  re-embarked  and  descended  the  river  to 
about  latitude  33°,  where  they  found  a village  of  the  Arkansas,  and  being 
satisfied  that  the  river  flowed  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  turned  their  course 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


23 


up  the  river,  and  ascending  the  stream  to  the  mouth  of  the  Illinois, 
rowed  up  that  stream  to  its  source,  and  procured  guides  from  that  point 
to  the  lakes.  “ Nowhere  on  this  journey,”  says  Marquette,  “ did  we  see 
such  grounds,  meadows,  woods,  stags,  buffaloes,  deer,  wildcats,  bustards, 
swans,  ducks,  parroquets,  and  even  beavers,  as  on  the  Illinois  River.” 
The  party,  without  loss  or  injury,  reached  Green  Bay  in  September,  and 
reported  their  discovery — one  of  the  most  important  of  the  age,  but  of 
which  no  record  was  preserved  save  Marquette’s,  Joliet  losing  his  by 
the  upsetting  of  his  canoe  on  his  way  to  Quebec.  Afterward  Marquette 
returned  to  the  Illinois  Indians  by  their  request,  and  ministered  to  them 
until  1675.  On  the  18th  of  May,  in  that  year,  as  he  was  passing  the 
mouth  of  a stream — going  with  his  boatmen  up  Lake  Michigan — he  asked 
to  land  at  its  mouth  and  celebrate  Mass.  Leaving  his  men  with  the  canoe, 
he  retired  a short  distance  and  began  his  devotions.  As  much  time 
passed  and  he  did  not  return,  his  men  went  in  search  of  him,  and  found 
him  upon  his  knees,  dead.  He  had  peacefully  passed  away  while  at 
prayer.  He  was  buried  at  this  spot.  Charlevoix,  who  visited  the  place 
fifty  years  after,  found  the  waters  had  retreated  from  the  grave,  leaving 
the  beloved  missionary  to  repose  in  peace.  The  river  has  since  been 
called  Marquette. 

While  Marquette  and  his  companions  were  pursuing  their  labors  in 
the  West,  two  men,  differing  widely  from  him  and  each  other,  tvere  pre- 
paring to  follow  in  his  footsteps  and  perfect  the  discoveries  so  well  begun 
by  him.  These  were  Robert  de  La  Salle  and  Louis  Hennepin. 

After  La  Salle’s  return  from  the  discovery  of  the  Ohio  River  (see 
the  narrative  elsewhere),  he  established  himself  again  among  the  French 
trading  posts  in  Canada.  Here  he  mused  long  upon  the  pet  project  of 
those  ages — a short  way  to  China  and  the  East,  and  was  busily  planning  an 
expedition  up  the  great  lakes,  and  so  across  the  continent  to  the  Pacific, 
when  Marquette  returned  from  the  Mississippi.  At  once  the  vigorous  mind 
of  LaSalle  received  from  his  and  his  companions’  stories  the  idea  that  by  fol- 
lowing the  Great  River  northward,  or  by  turning  up  some  of  the  numerous 
western  tributaries,  the  object  could  easily  be  gained.  He  applied  to 
Frontenac,  Governor  General  of  Canada,  and  laid  before  him  the  plan, 
dim  but  gigantic.  Frontenac  entered  warmly  into  his  plans,  and  saw  that 
LaSalle’s  idea  to  connect  the  great  lakes  by  a chain  of  forts  with  the  Gulf 
of  Mexico  would  bind  the  country  so  wonderfully  together,  give  un- 
measured power  to  France,  and  glory  to  himself,  under  whose  adminis- 
tration he  earnestly  hoped  all  would  be  realized. 

LaSalle  now  repaired  to  France,  laid  his  plans  before  the  King,  who 
warmly  approved  of  them,  and  made  him  a Chevalier.  He  also  received 
from  all  the  noblemen  the  warmest  wishes  for  his  success.  The  Chev- 


24 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY, 


alier  returned  to  Canada,  and  busily  entered  upon  his  work.  He  at 
once  rebuilt  Fort  Frontenac  and  constructed  the  first  ship  to  sail  on 
these  fresh- water  seas.  On  the  7th  of  August,  1679,  having  been  joined 
by  Hennepin,  he  began  his  voyage  in  the  Griffin  up  Lake  Erie.  He 
passed  over  this  lake,  through  the  straits  beyond,  up  Lake  St.  Clair  and 
into  Huron.  In  this  lake  they  encountered  heavy  storms.  They  were 
some  time  at  Michillimaekinac,  where  LaSalle  founded  a fort,  and  passed 
on  to  Green  Bay,  the  “ Baie  des  Puans  ’’  of  the  French,  where  he  found 
a large  quantity  of  furs  collected  for  him.  He  loaded  the  Griffin  with 
these,  and  placing  her  under  the  care  of  a,  pilot  and  fourteen  sailors, 


LA  SALLE  LANDING  ON  THE  SHORE  OF  GREEN  BAY. 


started  her  on  her  return  voyage.  The  vessel  was  never  afterward  heard 
of.  He  remained  about  these  parts  until  early  in  the  Winter,  when,  hear- 
ing nothing  from  the  Griffin,  he  collected  ail  the  men — thirty  working 
men  and  three  monks — and  started  again  upon  his  great  undertaking. 

By  a short  portage  they  passed  to  the  Illinois  or  Kankakee,  called  by 
the  Indians,  “Theakeke,”  wolf,  because  of  the  tribes  of  Indians  called 
by  that  name,  commonly  known  as  the  Mahingans,  dwelling  there.  The 
French  pronounced  it  Kialciki,  which  became  corrupted  to  Kankakee. 
“Falling  down  the  said  river  by  easy  journeys,  the  better  to  observe  the 
country,"  about  the  last  of  December  they  reached  a village  of  the  Illi- 
nois Indians,  containing  some  five  hundred  cabins,  but  at  that  moment 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


25 


no  inhabitants.  The  Seur  de  LaSalle  being  in  want  of  some  breadstuffs, 
took  advantage  of  the  absence  of  the  Indians  to  help  himself  to  a suffi- 
ciency of  maize,  large  quantities  of  which  he  found  concealed  in  holes 
under  the  wigwams.  This  village  was  situated  near  the  present  village 
of  Utica  in  LaSalle  County,  Illinois.  The  corn  being  securely  stored, 
the  voyagers  again  betook  themselves  to  the  stream,  and  toward  evening, 
on  the  4th  day  of  January,  1680,  they  came  into  a lake  which  must  have 
been  the  lake  of  Peoria.  This  was  called  by  the  Indians  Pim-i-te-wi , that 
is,  a place  where  there  are  many  fat  beasts.  Here  the  natives  were  met 
with  in  large  numbers,  but  they  were  gentle  and  kind,  and  having  spent 
some  time  with  them,  LaSalle  determined  to  erect  another  fort  in  that 
place,  for  he  had  heard  rumors  that  some  of  the  adjoining  tribes  were 
trying  to  disturb  the  good  feeling  which  existed,  and  some  of  his  men 
were  disposed  to  complain,  owing  to  the  hardships  and  perils  of  the  travel. 
He  called  this  fort  “ Crevecceur  ” (broken-heart),  a name  expressive  of  the 
very  natural  sorrow  and  anxiety  which  the  pretty  certain  loss  of  his  ship, 
Griffin,  and  his  consequent  impoverishment,  the  danger  of  hostility  on  the 
part  of  the  Indians,  and  of  mutiny  among  his  own  men,  might  well  cause 
him.  His  fears  were  not  entirely  groundless.  At  one  time  poison  was 
placed  in  his  food,  but  fortunately  was  discovered. 

While  building  this  fort,  the  Winter  wore  away,  the  prairies  began  to 
look  green,  and  LaSalle,  despairing  of  any  reinforcements,  concluded  to 
return  to  Canada,  raise  new  means  and  new  men,  and  embark  anew  in 
the  enterprise.  For  this  purpose  he  made  Hennepin  the  leader  of  a party 
to  explore  the  head  waters  of  the  Mississippi,  and  he  set  out  on  his  jour- 
ney. This  journey  was  accomplished  with  the  aid  of  a few  persons,  and 
was  successfully  made,  though  over  an  almost  unknown  route,  and  in  a 
bad  season  of  the  year.  He  safely  reached  Cana  da,  and  set  out  again  for 
the  object  of  his  search. 

Hennepin  and  his  party  left  Fort  Crevecoeur  on  the  last  of  February, 
1680.  When  LaSalle  reached  this  place  on  his  return  expedition,  he 
found  the  fort  entirely  deserted,  and  he  was  obliged  to  return  again  to 
Canada.  He  embarked  the  third  time,  and  succeeded.  Seven  days  after 
leaving  the  fort,  Hennepin  reached  the  Mississippi,  and  paddling  up  the 
icy  stream  as  best  he  could,  reached  no  higher  than  the  Wisconsin  River 
by  the  11th  of  April.  Here  he  and  his  followers  were  taken  prisoners  by  a 
band  of  Northern  Indians,  who  treated  them  with  great  kindness.  Hen- 
nepin’s comrades  were  Anthony  Auguel  and  Michael  Ako.  On  this  voy- 
age they  found  several  beautiful  lakes,  and  “saw  some  charming  prairies.'’ 
Their  captors  were  the  Isaute  or  Sauteurs,  Chippewas,  a tribe  of  the  Sioux 
nation,  who  took  them  up  the  river  until  about  the  first  of  May,  when 
they  reached  some  falls,  which  Hennepin  christened  Falls  of  St.  Anthony 


26 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY 


in  honor  of  his  patron  saint.  Here  they  took  the  land,  and  traveling 
nearly  two  hundred  miles  to  the  northwest,  brought  them  to  their  villages. 
Here  they  were  kept  about  three  months,  were  treated  kindly  by  their 
captors,  and  at  the  end  of  that  time,  were  met  by  a band  of  Frenchmen, 


BUFFALO  HUNT. 

headed  by  one  Seur  de  Luth,  who,  in  pursuit  of  trade  and  game,  had  pene- 
trated thus  far  by  the  route  of  Lake  Superior ; and  with  these  fellow- 
countrymen  Hennepin  and  his  companions  were  allowed  to  return  to  the 
borders  of  civilized  life  in  November,  1680,  just  after  LaSalle  had 
returned  to  the  wilderness  on  his  second  trip.  Hennepin  soon  after  went 
to  France,  where  he  published  an  account  of  his  adventures. 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


27 


The  Mississippi  was  first  discovered  by  De  Soto  in  April,  1541,  in  his 
vain  endeavor  to  find  gold  and  precious  gems.  In  the  following  Spring, 
De  Soto,  weary  with  hope  long  deferred,  and  worn  out  with  his  wander- 
ings, fell  a victim  to  disease,  and  on  the  21st  of  May  died.  His  followers, 
reduced  by  fatigue  and  disease  to  less  than  three  hundred  men,  wandered 
about  the  country  nearly  a year,  in  the  vain  endeavor  to  rescue  them- 
selves by  land,  and  finally  constructed  seven  small  vessels,  called  brig- 
antines, in  which  they  embarked,  and  descending  the  river,  supposing  it 
would  lead  them  to  the  sea,  in  July  they  came  to  the  sea  (Gulf  of 
Mexico),  and  by  September  reached  the  Island  of  Cuba. 

They  were  the  first  to  see  the  great  outlet  of  the  Mississippi ; but, 
being  so  weary  and  discouraged,  made  no  attempt  to  claim  the  country, 
and  hardly  had  an  intelligent  idea  of  what  they  had  passed  through. 

To  La  Salle,  the  intrepid  explorer,  belongs  the  honor  of  giving  the 
first  account  of  the  mouths  of  the  river.  His  great  desire  was  to  possess 
this  entire  country  for  his  king,  and  in  January,  1682,  he  and  his  band  of 
explorers  left  the  shores  of  Lake  Michigan  on  their  third  attempt,  crossed 
the  Portage,  passed  down  the  Illinois  River,  and  on  the  6th  of  February 
reached  the  banks  of  the  Mississippi. 

On  the  13th  they  commenced  their  downward  course,  which  they 
pursued  with  but  one  interruption,  until  upon  the  6th  of  March  they  dis- 
covered the  three  great  passages  by  which  the  river  discharges  its  waters 
into  the  gulf.  La  Salle  thus  narrates  the  event : 

“We  landed  on  the  bank  of  the  most  western  channel,  about  three 
leagues  (nine  miles)  from  its  mouth.  On  the  seventh,  M.  de  La  Salle 
went  to  reconnoiter  the  shores  of  the  neighboring  sea,  and  M.  de  Tonti 
meanwhile  examined  the  great  middle  channel.  They  found  the  main 
outlets  beautiful,  large  and  deep.  On  the  eighth  we  reascended  the  river, 
a little  above  its  confluence  with  the  sea,  to  find  a dry  place  beyond  the 
reach  of  inundations.  The  elevation  of  the  North  Pole  was  here  about 
twenty-seven  degrees.  Here  we  prepared  a column  and  a cross,  and  to 
the  column  were  affixed  the  arms  of  France  with  this  inscription : 

“ Louis  Le  Grand,  Roi  de  France  et  de  Navarre,  regne;  Le  neuvieme  April,  1682.” 

The  whole  party,  under  arms,  chanted  the  Te  Deum , and  then,  after 
a salute  and  cries  of  “ Vive  le  Roi ,”  the  column  was  erected  by  M.  de 
LaSalle,  who,  standing  near  it,  proclaimed  in  a loud  voice  the  authority  of 
the  King  of  France.  La  Salle  returned  and  laid  the  foundations  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi settlements  in  Illinois;  thence  he  proceeded  to  France,  where 
another  expedition  was  fitted  out,  of  which  he  was  commander,  and  in  two 
succeeding  voyages  failed  to  find  the  outlet  of  the  river  by  sailing  along 
the  shore  of  the  gulf.  On  the  third  voyage  he  was  killed,  through  the 


28 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


treachery  of  his  followers,  and  the  object  of  his  expeditions  was  not 
accomplished  until  1699,  when  D'Iberville,  under  the  authority  of  the 
crown,  discovered,  on  the  second  of  March,  by  way  of  the  sea,  the  mouth 
of  the  C1  Hidden  River.”  This  majestic  stream  was  called  by  the  natives 
“ Malbouchia ,”  and  by  the  Spaniards,  “ la  Palissade ,”  from  the  great 


r 


TRAPPING. 


number  of  trees  about  its  mouth.  After  traversing  the  several  outlets, 
and  satisfying  himself  as  to  its  certainty,  he  erected  a fort  near  its  western 
outlet,  and  returned  to  France. 

An  avenue  of  trade  was  now  opened  out  which  was  fully  improved. 
In  1718,  New  Orleans  was  laid  out  and  settled  by  some  European  colo- 
nists. In  1762,  the  colony  was  made  over  to  Spain,  to  be  regained  by 
France  under  the  consulate  of  Napoleon.  In  1803,  it  was  purchased  by 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


29 


the  United  States  for  the  sum  of  fifteen  million  dollars,  and  the  territory 
of  Louisiana  and  commerce  of  the  Mississippi  River  came  under  the 
charge  of  the  United  States.  Although  LaSalle’s  labors  ended  in  defeat 
and  death,  he  had  not  worked  and  suffered  in  vain.  He  had  thrown 
open  to  France  and  the  world  an  immense  and  most  valuable  country ; 
had  established  several  ports,  and  laid  the  foundations  of  more  than  one 
settlement  there.  “ Peoria,  Kaskaskia  and  Cahokia,  are  to  this  day  monu- 
ments of  LaSalle’s  labors ; for,  though  he  had  founded  neither  of  them 
(unless  Peoria,  which  was  built  nearly  upon  the  site  of  Fort  Crevecoeur,) 
it  was  by  those  whom  he  led  into  the  West  that  these  places  were 
peopled  and  civilized.  He  was,  if  not  the  discoverer,  the  first  settler  of 
the  Mississippi  Valley,  and  as  such  deserves  to  be  known  and  honored.” 

The  French  early  improved  the  opening  made  for  them.  Before  the 
year  1698,  the  Rev.  Father  Gravier  began  a mission  among  the  Illinois, 
and  founded  Kaskaskia.  For  some  time  this  was  merely  a missionary 
station,  where  none  but  natives  resided,  it  being  one  of  three  such  vil- 
lages, the  other  two  being  Cahokia  and  Peoria.  What  is  known  of 
these  missions  is  learned  from  a letter  written  by  Father  Gabriel  Marest, 
dated  Aux  Cascaskias,  autrement  dit  de  lTmmaculate  Conception  de 
la  Sainte  Vierge,  le  9 Novembre,  1712.”  Soon  after  the  founding  of 
Kaskaskia,  the  missionary,  Pinet,  gathered  a,  flock  at  Cahokia.  while 
Peoria  arose  near  the  ruins  of  Fort  Crevecoeur.  This  must  have  been 
about  the  year  1700.  The  post  at  Vincennes  on  the  Oubache  river, 
(pronounced  Wa-ba,  meaning  summer  cloud  moving  swiftly')  was  estab- 
lished in  1702,  according  to  the  best  authorities.*  It  is  altogether  prob- 
able that  on  LaSalle’s  last  trip  he  established  the  stations  at  Kaskaskia 
and  Cahokia.  In  July,  1701,  the  foundations  of  Fort  Ponchartrain 
were  laid  by  De  la  Motte  Cadillac  on  the  Detroit  River.  These  sta- 
tions, with  those  established  further  north,  were  the  earliest  attempts  to 
occupy  the  Northwest  Territory.  At  the  same  time  efforts  were  being 
made  to  occupy  the  Southwest,  which  finally  culminated  in  the  settle- 
ment and  founding  of  the  City  of  New  Orleans  by  a colony  from  England 
in  1718.  This  was  mainly  accomplished  through  the  efforts  of  the 
famous  Mississippi  Company,  established  by  the  notorious  John  Law, 
who  so  quickly  arose  into  prominence  in  France,  and  who  with  his 
scheme  so  quickly  and  so  ignominiously  passed  away. 

From  the  time  of  the  founding  of  these  stations  for  fifty  years  the 
French  nation  were  engrossed  with  the  settlement  of  the  lower  Missis- 
sippi, and  the  war  with  the  Chicasaws,  who  had,  in  revenge  for  repeated 

* There  is  considerable  dispute  about  this  date,  some  asserting  it  was  founded  as  late  as  1742.  When 
the  new  court  house  at  Vincennes  was  erected,  all  authorities  on  the  subject  were  carefully  examined,  and 
r?02  fixed  upon  as  the  correct  date.  It  was  accordingly  engraved  on  the  corner-stone  of  the  court  house. 


30 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


injuries,  cut  off  the  entire  colony  at  Natchez.  Although  the  company 
did  little  for  Louisiana,  as  the  entire  West  was  then  called,  yet  it  opened 
the  trade  through  the  Mississippi  River,  and  started  the  raising  of  grains 
indigenous  to  that  climate.  Until  the  year  1750,  but  little  is  known  of 
the  settlements  in  the  Northwest,  as  it  was  not  until  this  time  that  the 
attention  of  the  English  was  called  to  the  occupation  of  this  portion  of  the 
New  World,  which  they  then  supjiosed  they  owned.  Vivier,  a missionary 
among  the  Illinois,  writing  from  “ Aux  Illinois,”  six  leagues  from  Fort 
Chartres,  June  8,  1750,  says:  “We  have  here  whites,  negroes  and 

Indians,  to  say  nothing  of  cross-breeds.  There  are  five  French  villages, 
and  three  villages  of  the  natives,  within  a space  of  twenty-one  leagues 
situated  between  the  Mississippi  and  another  river  called  the  Karkadaid 
(Kaskaskias).  In  the  five  French  villages  are,  perhaps,  eleven  hundred 
whites,  three  hundred  blacks  and  some  sixty  red  slaves  or  savages.  The 
three  Illinois  towns  do  not  contain  more  than  eight  hundred  souls  all 
told.  Most  of  the  French  till  the  soil;  they  raise  wheat,  cattle,  pigs  and 
horses,  and  live  like  princes.  Three  times  as  much  is  produced  as  can 
be  consumed ; and  great  quantities  of  grain  and  flour  are  sent  to  New 
Orleans.”  This  city  was  now  the  seaport  town  of  the  Northwest,  and 
save  in  the  extreme  northern  part,  where  only  furs  and  copper  ore  were 
found,  almost  all  the  products  of  the  country  found  their  way  to  France 
by  the  mouth  of  the  Father  of  Waters.  In  another  letter,  dated  Novem- 
ber 7,  1750,  this  same  priest  says:  “For  fifteen  leagues  above  the 

mouth  of  the  Mississippi  one  sees  no  dwellings,  the  ground  being  too  low 
to  be  habitable.  Thence  to  New  Orleans,  the  lands  are  only  partially 
occupied.  New  Orleans  contains  black,  white  and  red,  not  more,  I 
think,  than  twelve  hundred  persons.  To  this  point  come  all  lumber, 
bricks,  salt-beef,  tallow,  tar,  skins  and  bear’s  grease  ; and  above  all,  pork 
and  flour  from  the  Illinois.  These  things  create  some  commerce,  as  forty 
vessels  and  more  have  come  hither  this  year.  Above  New  Orleans, 
plantations  are  again  met  with ; the  most  considerable  is  a colony  of 
Germans,  some  ten  leagues  up  the  river.  At  Point  Coupee,  thirty-five 
leagues  above  the  German  settlement,  is  a fort.  Along  here,  within  five 
or  six  leagues,  are  not  less  than  sixty  habitations.  Fifty  leagues  farther 
up  is  the  Natchez  post,  where  we  have  a garrison,  who  are  kept  prisoners 
through  fear  of  the  Chickasaws.  Here  and  at  Point  Coupee,  they  raise 
excellent  tobacco.  Another  hundred  leagues  brings  us  to  the  Arkansas, 
where  we  have  also  a fort  and  a garrison  for  the  benefit  of  the  river 
traders.  * * * From  the  Arkansas  to  the  Illinois,  nearly  five  hundred 

leagues,  there  is  not  a settlement.  There  should  be,  however,  a fort  at 
the  Oubache  (Ohio),  the  only  path  by  which  the  English  can  reach  the 
Mississippi.  In  the  Illinois  country  are  numberless  mines,  but  no  one  to 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY, 


31 


work  them  as  they  deserve.”  Father  Marest,  writing  from  the  post  at 
Vincennes  in  1812,  makes  the  same  observation.  Vivier  also  says  : “ Some 
individuals  dig  lead  near  the  surface  and  supply  the  Indians  and  Canada. 
Two  Spaniards  now  here,  who  claim  to  be  adepts,  say  that  our  mines  are 
like  those  of  Mexico,  and  that  if  we  would  dig  deeper,  we  should  find 
silver  under  the  lead  ; and  at  any  rate  the  lead  is  excellent.  There  is  also 
in  this  country,  beyond  doubt,  copper  ore,  as  from  time  to  time  large 
pieces  are  found  in  the  streams.” 


MOUTH  OP  THE  MISSISSIPPI. 


At  the  close  of  the  year  1750,  the  French  occupied,  in  addition  to  the 
lower  Mississippi  posts  and  those  in  Illinois,  one  at  Du  Quesne,  one  at 
the  Maumee  in  the  country  of  the  Miamis,  and  one  at  Sandusky  in  what 
maybe  termed  the  Ohio  Valley.  In  the  northern  part  of  the  Northwest 
they  had  stations  at  St.  Joseph’s  on  the  St.  Joseph’s  of  Lake  Michigan, 
at  Fort  Ponchartrain  (Detroit),  at  Michillimackanac  or  Massillimacanac, 
Fox  River  of  Green  Bay,  and  at  SaultSte.  Marie.  The  fondest  dreams  of 
LaSalle  were  now  fully  realized.  The  French  alone  were  possessors  of 
this  vast  realm,  basing  their  claim  on  discovery  and  settlement.  Another 
nation,  however,  was  now  turning  its  attention  to  this  extensive  country, 


32 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


and  hearing  of  its  wealth,  began  to  lay  plans  for  occupying  it  and  for 
securing  the  great  profits  arising  therefrom. 

The  French,  however,  had  another  claim  to  this  country,  namely,  the 


DISCOVERY  OF  THE  OHIO. 

This  “ Beautiful  ” river  was  discovered  by  Robert  Cavalier  de  La- 
Salle in  1669,  four  years  before  the  discovery  of  the  Mississippi  by  Joliet 
and  Marquette. 

While  LaSalle  was  at  his  trading  post  on  the  St.  Lawrence,  he  found 
leisure  to  study  nine  Indian  dialects,  the  chief  of  which  was  the  Iroquois. 
He  not  only  desired  to  facilitate  his  intercourse  in  trade,  but  he  longed 
to  travel  and  explore  the  unknown  regions  of  the  West.  An  incident 
soon  occurred  which  decided  him  to  fit  out  an  exploring  expedition. 

While  conversing  with  some  Senecas,  he  learned  of  a river  called  the 
Ohio,  which  rose  in  their  country  and  flowed  to  the  sea,  but  at  such  a 
distance  that  it  required  eight  months  to  reach  its  mouth.  In  this  state- 
ment the  Mississippi  and  its  tributaries  were  considered  as  one  stream. 
LaSalle  believing,  as  most  of  the  French  at  that  period  did,  that  the  great 
rivers  flowing  west  emptied  into  the  Sea  of  California,  was  anxious  to 
embark  in  the  enterprise  of  discovering  a route  across  the  continent  to 
the  commerce  of  China  and  Japan. 

He  repaired  at  once  to  Quebec  to  obtain  the  approval  of  the  Gov- 
ernor. His  eloquent  appeal  prevailed.  The  Governor  and  the  Intendant, 
Talon,  issued  letters  patent  authorizing  the  enterprise,  but  made  no  pro- 
vision to  defray  the  expenses.  At  this  juncture  the  seminary  of  St.  Sul- 
pice  decided  to  send  out  missionaries  in  connection  with  the  expedition, 
and  LaSalle  offering  to  sell  his  improvements  at  LaChine  to  raise  money, 
the  offer  was  accepted  by  the  Superior,  and  two  thousand  eight  hundred 
dollars  were  raised,  with  which  LaSalle  purchased  four  canoes  and  the 
necessary  supplies  for  the  outfit. 

On  the  6th  of  July,  1669,  the  party,  numbering  twenty-four  persons, 
embarked  in  seven  canoes  on  the  St.  Lawrence ; two  additional  canoes 
carried  the  Indian  guides.  In  three  days  they  were  gliding  over  the 
bosom  of  Lake  Ontario.  Their  guides  conducted  them  directly  to  the 
Seneca  village  on  the  bank  of  the  Genesee,  in  the  vicinity  of  the  present 
City  of  Rochester,  New  York.  Here  they  expected  to  procure  guides  to 
conduct  them  to  the  Ohio,  but  in  this  they  were  disappointed. 

The  Indians  seemed  unfriendly  to  the  enterprise.  LaSalle  suspected 
that  the  Jesuits  had  prejudiced  their  minds  against  his  plans.  After 
waiting  a month  in  the  hope  of  gaining  their  object,  they  met  an  Indian 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


33 


from  the  Iroquois  colony  at  the  head  of  Lake  Ontario,  who  assured  them 
that  they  could  there  find  guides,  and  offered  to  conduct  them  thence. 

On  their  way  they  passed  the  mouth  of  the  Niagara  River,  when  they 
heard  for  the  first  time  the  distant  thunder  of  the  cataract.  Arriving 


HIGH  BRIDGE,  LAKE  BLUFF,  LAKE  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


among  the  Iroquois,  they  met  with  a friendly  reception,  and  learned 
from  a Shawanee  prisoner  that  they  could  reach  the  Ohio  in  six  weeks. 
Delighted  with  the  unexpected  good  fortune,  they  made  ready  to  resume 
their  journey ; but  just  as  they  were  about  to  start  they  heard  of  the 
arrival  of  two  Frenchmen  in  a neighboring  village.  One  of  them  proved 
to  be  Louis  Joliet,  afterwards  famous  as  an  explorer  in  the  West.  He 


34 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


had  been  sent  by  the  Canadian  Government  to  explore  the  copper  mines 
on  Lake  Superior,  but  had  failed,  and  was  on  his  way  back  to  Quebec. 
He  gave  the  missionaries  a map  of  the  country  he  had  explored  in  the 
lake  region,  together  with  an  account  of  the  condition  of  the  Indians  in 
that  quarter.  This  induced  the  priests  to  determine  on  leaving  the 
expedition  and  going  to  Lake  Superior.  LaSalle  warned  them  that  the 
Jesuits  were  probably  occupying  that  field,  and  that  they  would  meet 
with  a cold  reception.  Nevertheless  they  persisted  in  their  purpose,  and 
after  worship  on  the  lake  shore,  parted  from  LaSalle.  On  arriving  at 
Lake  Superior,  they  found,  as  LaSalle  had  predicted,  the  Jesuit  Fathers, 
Marquette  and  Dablon,  occupying  the  field. 

These  zealous  disciples  of  Loyola  informed  them  that  they  wanted 
no  assistance  from  St.  Sulpice,  nor  from  those  who  made  him  their  patron 
saint ; and  thus  repulsed,  they  returned  to  Montreal  the  following  June 
without  having  made  a single  discovery  or  converted  a single  Indian. 

After  parting  with  the  priests,  LaSalle  went  to  the  chief  Iroquois 
village  at  Onondaga,  where  he  obtained  guides,  and  passing  thence  to  a 
tributary  of  the  Ohio  south  of  Lake  Erie,  he  descended  the  latter  as  far 
as  the  falls  at  Louisville.  Thus  was  the  Ohio  discovered  by  LaSalle,  the 
persevering  and  successful  French  explorer  of  the  West,  in  1669. 

The  account  of  the  latter  part  of  his  journey  is  found  in  an  anony- 
mous paper,  which  purports  to  have  been  taken  from  the  lips  of  LaSalle 
himself  during  a subsequent  visit  to  Paris.  In  a letter  written  to  Count 
Frontenac  in  1667,  shortly  after  the  discovery,  he  himself  says  that  he 
discovered  the  Ohio  and  descended  it  to  the  falls.  This  was  regarded  as 
an  indisputable  fact  by  the  French  authorities,  who  claimed  the  Ohio 
Valley  upon  another  ground.  When  Washington  was  sent  by  the  colony 
of  Virginia  in  1753,  to  demand  of  Gordeur  de  St.  Pierre  why  the  French 
had  built  a fort  on  the  Monongahela,  the  haughty  commandant  at  Quebec 
replied : “We  claim  the  country  on  the  Ohio  by  virtue  of  the  discoveries 
of  LaSalle,  and  will  not  give  it  up  to  the  English.  Our  orders  are  to 
make  prisoners  of  every  Englishman  found  trading  in  the  Ohio  Valley.” 

ENGLISH  EXPLORATIONS  AND  SETTLEMENTS. 

When  the  new  year  of  1750  broke  in  upon  the  Father  of  Waters 
and  the  Great  Northwest,  all  was  still  wild  save  at  the  French  posts 
already  described.  In  1749,  when  the  English  first  began  to  think  seri- 
ously about  sending  men  into  the  West,  the  greater  portion  of  the  States 
of  Indiana,  Ohio,  Illinois,  Michigan,  Wisconsin,  and  Minnesota  were  yet 
under  the  dominion  of  the  red  men.  The  English  knew,  however,  pretty 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


85 


conclusively  of  the  nature  of  the  wealth  of  these  wilds.  As  early  as 
1710,  Governor  Spotswood,  of  Virginia,  had  commenced  movements  to 
secure  the  country  west  of  the  Alleghenies  to  the  English  crown.  In 
Pennsylvania,  Governor  Keith  and  James  Logan,  secretary  of  the  prov- 
ince, from  1719  to  1731,  represented  to  the  powers  of  England  the  neces- 
sity of  securing-  the  Western  lands.  Nothing  was  done,  however,  by  that 
power  save  to  take  some  diplomatic  steps  to  secure  the  claims  of  Britain 
to  this  unexplored  wilderness. 

England  had  from  the  outset  claimed  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific, 
on  the  ground  that  the  discovery  of  the  seacoast  and  its  possession  was  a 
discovery  and  possession  of  the  country,  and,  as  is  well  known,  her  grants 
to  the  colonies  extended  “ from  sea  to  sea.”  This  was  not  all  her  claim. 
She  had  purchased  from  the  Indian  tribes  large  tracts  of  land.  This  lat- 
ter was  also  a strong  argument.  As  early  as  1684,  Lord  H oward,  Gov- 
ernor of  Virginia,  held  a treaty  with  the  six  nations.  These  were  the 
great  Northern  Confederacy,  and  comprised  at  first  the  Mohawks,  Onei- 
das,  Onondagas,  Cayugas,  and  Senecas.  Afterward  the  Tuscaroras  were 
taken  into  the  confederacy,  and  it  became  known  as  the  Six  Nations. 
They  came  under  the  protection  of  the  mother  country,  and  again  in 
1701,  they  repeated  the  agreement,  and  in  September,  1726,  a formal  deed 
was  drawn  up  and  signed  by  the  chiefs.  The  validity  of  this  claim  has 
often  been  disputed,  but  never  successfully.  In  1744,  a purchase  was 
made  at  Lancaster,  Pennsylvania,  of  certain  lands  within  the  “ Colony  of 
Virginia,”  for  which  the  Indians  received  <£200  in  gold  and  a like  sum  in 
goods,  with  a promise  that,  as  settlements  increased,  more  should  be  paid. 
The  Commissioners  from  Virginia  were  Colonel  Thomas  Lee  and  Colonel 
William  Beverly.  As  settlements  extended,  the  promise  of  more  pay  was 
called  to  mind,  and  Mr.  Conrad  Weiser  was  sent  across  the  mountains  with 
presents  to  appease  the  savages.  Col.  Lee,  and  some  Virginians  accompa- 
nied him  with  the  intention  of  sounding  the  Indians  upon  their  feelings 
regarding  the  English.  They  were  not  satisfied  with  their  treatment, 
and  plainly  told  the  Commissioners  why.  The  English  did  not  desire  the 
cultivation  of  the  country,  but  the  monopoty  of  the  Indian  trade.  In 
1748,  the  Ohio  Company  was  formed,  and  petitioned  the  king  for  a grant 
of  land  beyond  the  Alleghenies.  This  was  granted,  and  the  government 
of  Virginia  was  ordered  to  grant  to  them  a half  million  aci'es,  two  hun- 
dred thousand  of  which  were  to  be  located  at  once.  Upon  the  12tli  of 
June,  1749,  800,000  acres  from  the  line  of  Canada  north  and  west  was 
made  to  the  Loyal  Company,  and  on  the  29th  of  October,  1751,  100,000 
acres  were  given  to  the  Greenbriar  Company.  All  this  time  the  French 
were  not  idle.  They  saw  that,  should  the  British  gain  a foothold  in  the 
West,  especially  upon  the  Ohio,  they  might  not  only  prevent  the  French 


36 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


settling  upon  it,  but  in  time  would  come  to  the  lower  posts  and  so  gain 
possession  of  the  whole  country.  Upon  the  10th  of  May,  1774,  Vaud- 
reuil,  Governor  of  Canada  and  the  French  possessions,  well  knowing  the 
consequences  that  must  arise  from  allowing  the  English  to  build  trading- 
posts  in  the  Northwest,  seized  some  of  their  frontier  posts,  and  to  further 
secure  the  claim  of  the  French  to  the  West,  he,  m 1749,  sent  Louis  Cel- 
eron with  a party  of  soldiers  to  plant  along  the  Ohio  River,  in  the  mounds 
and  at  the  mouths  of  its  principal  tributaries,  plates  of  lead,  on  which 
were  inscribed  the  claims  of  France.  These  were  heard  of  in  1752,  and 
within  the  memory  of  residents  now  living  along  the  “ Oyo,”  as  the 
beautiful  river  was  called  by  the  French.  One  of  these  plates  was  found 
with  the  inscription  partly  defaced.  It  bears  date  August  16,  1749,  and 
a copy  of  the  inscription  with  particular  account  of  the  discovery  of  the 
plate,  was  sent  by  DeWitt  Clinton  to  the  American  Antiquarian  Society, 
among  whose  journals  it  may  now  be  found.*  These  measures  did  not, 
however,  deter  the  English  from  going  on  with  their  explorations,  and 
though  neither  party  resorted  to  arms,  yet  the  conflict  was  gathering,  and 
it  was  only  a question  of  time  when  the  storm  would  burst  upon  the 
frontier  settlements.  In  1750,  Christopher  Gist  was  sent  by  the  Ohio 
Company  to  examine  its  lands.  He  went  to  a village  of  the  Twigtwees, 
on  the  Miami,  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles  above  its  mouth.  He 
afterward  spoke  of  it  as  very  populous.  From  there  he  went  down 
the  Ohio  River  nearly  to  the  falls  at  the  present  City  of  Louisville, 
and  in  November  he  commenced  a survey  of  the  Company’s  lands.  Dur- 
ing the  Winter,  General  Andrew  Lewis  performed  a similar  work  for  the 
Greenbriar  Company.  Meanwhile  the  French  were  busy  in  preparing 
their  forts  for  defense,  and  in  opening  roads,  and  also  sent  a small  party 
of  soldiers  to  keep  the  Ohio  clear.  This  party,  having  heard  of  the  Eng- 
lish post  on  the  Miami  River,  early  in  1652,  assisted  by  the  Ottawas  and 
Chippewas,  attacked  it,  and,  after  a severe  battle,  in  which  fourteen  of 
the  natives  were  killed  and  others  wounded,  captured  the  garrison. 
(They  were  probably  garrisoned  in  a block  house).  The  traders  were 
carried  away  to  Canada,  and  one  account  says  several  were  burned.  This 
fort  or  post  was  called  by  the  English  Pickawillany.  A memorial  of  the 
king’s  ministers  refers  to  it  as  “ Pickawillanes,  in  the  center  of  the  terri- 
tory between  the  Ohio  and  the  Wabash.  The  name  is  probably  some 
variation  of  Pickaway  or  Picqua  in  1773,  written  by  Rev.  David  Jones 
Pickaweke.” 

* The  following  is  a translation  of  the  inscription  on  the  plate:  “In  the  year  1749.  reign  of  Louis  XV., 
King  of  France,  we,  Celeron,  commandant  of  a detachment  by  Monsieur  the  Marquis  of  Gallisoniere,  com- 
mander-in-chief of  New  France,  to  establish  tranquility  in  certain  Indian  villages  of  these  cantons,  have 
buried  this  plate  at  the  confluence  of  the  Toradakoin,  this  twenty-ninth  of  July,  near  the  river  Ohio,  otherwise 
Beautiful  River,  as  a monument  of  renewal  of  possession  which  we  have  taken  of  the  said  river,  and  all  its 
tributaries;  inasmuch  as  the  preceding  Kings  of  France  have  enjoyed  it,  and  maintained  it  by  their  arms  and 
treaties;  especially  by  those  of  Ryswick,  Utrecht,  and  Aix  La  Chapelle.” 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY,, 


37 


This  was  the  first  blood  shed  between  the  French  and  English,  and 
occurred  near  the  present  City  of  Piqua,  Ohio,  or  at  least  at  a point  about 
forty-seven  miles  north  of  Dayton.  Each  nation  became  now  more  inter- 
ested in  the  progress  of  events  in  the  Northwest.  The  English  deter- 
mined to  purchase  from  the  Indians  a title  to  the  lands  they  wished  to 
occupy,  and  Messrs.  Fry  (afterward  Commander-in-chief  over  W ashing- 
ton  at  the  commencement  of  the  French  War  of  1775-1763),  Lomax  and 
Patton  were  sent  in  the  Spring  of  1752  to  hold  a conference  with  the 
natives  at  Logstown  to  learn  what  they  objected  to  in  the  treaty  of  Lan- 
caster already  noticed,  and  to  settle  all  difficulties.  On  the  9th  of  June, 
these  Commissioners  met  the  red  men  at  Logstown,  a little  village  on  the 
north  bank  of  the  Ohio,  about  seventeen  miles  below  the  site  of  Pitts- 
burgh. Here  had  been  a trading  point  for  many  years,  but  it  was  aban- 
doned by  the  Indians  in  1750.  At  first  the  Indians  declined  to  recognize 
the  treaty  of  Lancaster,  but,  the  Commissioners  taking  aside  Montour, 
the  interpreter,  who  was  a son  of  the  famous  Catharine  Montour,  and  a 
chief  among  the  six  nations,  induced  him  to  use  his  influence  in  their 
favor.  This  he  did,  and  upon  the  13th  of  June  they  all  united  in  signing 
a deed,  confirming  the  Lancaster  treaty  in  its  full  extent,  consenting  to  a 
settlement  of  the  southeast  of  the  Ohio,  and  guaranteeing  that  it  should 
not  be  disturbed  by  them.  These  were  the  means  used  to  obtain  the  first 
treaty  with  the  Indians  in  the  Ohio  Valley. 

Meanwhile  the  powers  beyond  the  sea  were  trjdng  to  out-manoeuvre 
each  other,  and  were  professing  to  be  at  peace.  The  English  generally 
outwitted  the  Indians,  and  failed  in  many  instances  to  fulfill  their  con- 
tracts. They  thereby  gained  the  ill-will  of  the  red  men,  and  further 
increased  the  feeling  by  failing  to  provide  them  with  arms  and  ammuni- 
tion. Said  an  old  chief,  at  Easton,  in  1758  : “ The  Indians  on  the  Ohio 
left  you  because  of  your  own  fault.  When  we  heard  the  French  were 
coming,  we  asked  you  for  help  and  arms,  but  we  did  not  get  them.  The 
French  came,  they  treated  us  kindly,  and  gained  our  affections.  The 
Governor  of  Virginia  settled  on  our  lands  for  his  own  benefit,  and,  when 
we  wanted  help,  forsook  us.” 

At  the  beginning  of  1653,  the  English  thought  they  had  secured  by 
title  the  lands  in  the  West,  but  the  French  had  quietly  gathered  cannon 
and  military  stores  to  be  in  readiness  for  the  expected  blow.  The  Eng- 
lish made  other  attempts  to  ratify  these  existing  treaties,  but  not  until 
the  Summer  could  the  Indians  be  gathered  together  to  discuss  the  plans 
of  the  French.  They  had  sent  messages  to  the  French,  warning  them 
away  ; but  they  replied  that  they  intended  to  complete  the  chain  of  forts 
already  begun,  and  would  not  abandon  the  field. 

Soon  after  this,  no  satisfaction  being  obtained  from  the  Ohio  regard- 


38 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


ing  the  positions  and  purposes  of  the  French,  Governor  Dinwiddie  of 
Virginia  determined  to  send  to  them  another  messenger  and  learn  from 
them,  if  possible,  their  intentions.  For  this  purpose  he  selected  a young 
man,  a surveyor,  who,  at  the  early  age  of  nineteen,  had  received  the  rank 
of  major,  and  who  was  thoroughly  posted  regarding  frontier  life.  This 
personage  Avas  no  other  than  the  illustrious  George  Washington,  who  then 
held  considerable  interest  in  Western  lands.  He  was  at  this  time  just 
twenty-two  years  of  age.  Taking  Gist  as  his  guide,  the  two,  accompanied 
by  four  servitors,  set  out  on  their  perilous  march.  They  left  Will’s 
Creek  on  the  10th  of  November,  1753,  and  on  the  22d  reached  the  Monon- 
gahela,  about  ten  miles  above  the  fork.  From  there  they  went  to 
Logstown,  where  Washington  had  a long  conference  with  the  chiefs  of 
the  Six  Nations.  From  them  he  learned  the  condition  of  the  French,  and 
also  heard  of  their  determination  not  to  come  down  the  river  till  the  fol- 
lowing Spring.  The  Indians  were  non-committal,  as  they  were  afraid  to 
turn  either  way,  and,  as  far  as  they  could,  desired  to  remain  neutral. 
Washington,  finding  nothing  could  be  done  with  them,  went  on  to 
Venango,  an  old  Indian  town  at  the  mouth  of  French  Creek.  Here  the 
French  had  a fort,  called  Fort  Machault.  Through  the  rum  and  flattery 
of  the  French,  he  nearly  lost  all  his  Indian  followers.  Finding  nothing 
of  importance  here,  he  pursued  his  way  amid  great  privations,  and  on  the 
11th  of  December  reached  the  fort  at  the  head  of  French  Creek.  Here 
he  delivered  Governor  Dinwiddie’s  letter,  received  his  answer,  took  his 
observations,  and  on  the  16th  set  out  upon  his  return  journey  Avith  no  one 
but  Gist,  his  guide,  and  a few  Indians  who  still  remained  true  to  him, 
notAvithstanding  the  endeavors  of  the  French  to  retain  them.  Their 
homeward  journey  was  one  of  great  peril  and  suffering  from  the  cold,  yet 
they  reached  home  in  safety  on  the  6th  of  January,  1754. 

From  the  letter  of  St.  Pierre,  commander  of  the  French  fort,  sent  by 
Washington  to  Governor  Dimviddie,  it  Avas  learned  that  the  French  Avould 
not  give  up  without  a struggle.  Active  preparations  Avere  at  once  made 
in  all  the  English  colonies  for  the  coming  conflict,  while  the  French 
finished  the  fort  at  Venango  and  strengthened  their  lines  of  fortifications, 
and  gathered  their  forces  to  be  in  readiness. 

The  Old  Dominion  Avas  all  alive.  Virginia  Avas  the  center  of  great 
activities  ; volunteers  were  called  for,  and  from  all  the  neighboring 
colonies  men  rallied  to  the  conflict,  and  everyAvhere  along  the  Potomac 
men  were  enlisting  under  the  Governor’s  proclamation — which  promised 
two  hundred  thousand  acres  on  the  Ohio.  Along  this  river  they  Avere 
gathering  as  far  as  Will’s  Creek,  and  far  beyond  this  point,  whither  Trent 
had  come  for  assistance  for  his  little  band  of  forty-one  men,  who  were 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


39 


working  away  in  hunger  and  want,  to  fortify  that  point  at  the  fork  of 
the  Ohio,  to  which  both  parties  were  looking  with  deep  interest. 

“ The  first  birds  of  Spring  filled  the  air  with  their  song ; the  swift 
river  rolled  by  the  Allegheny  hillsides,  swollen  by  the  melting  snows  of 
Spring  and  the  April  showers.  The  leaves  were  appearing  ; a few  Indian 
scouts  were  seen,  hut  no  enemy  seemed  near  at  hand  ; and  all  was  so  quiet, 
that  Frazier,  an  old  Indian  scout  and  trader,  who  had  been  left  by  Trent 
in  command,  ventured  to  his  home  at  the  mouth  of  Turtle  Creek,  ten 
miles  up  the  Monongahela.  But,  though  all  was  so  quiet  in  that  wilder- 
ness, keen  eyes  had  seen  the  low  intrenchment  rising  at  the  fork,  and 
swift  feet  had  borne  the  news  of  it  up  the  river ; and  upon  the  morning 
of  the  17th  of  April,  Ensign  Ward,  who  then  had  charge  of  it,  saw 
upon  the  Allegheny  a sight  that  made  his  heart  sink — sixty  batteaux  and 
three  hundred  canoes  filled  with  men,  and  laden  deep  with  cannon  and 
stores.  * * * That  evening  he  supped  with  his  captor,  Contrecoeur, 

and  the  next  day  he  was  bowed  off  by  the  Frenchman,  and  with  his  men 
and  tools,  marched  up  the  Monongahela.” 

The  French  and  Indian  war  had  begun.  The  treaty  of  Aix  la 
Chapelle,  in  1748,  had  left  the  boundaries  between  the  French  and 
English  possessions  unsettled,  and  the  events  already  narrated  show  the 
French  were  determined  to  hold  the  country  watered  by  the  Mississippi 
and  its  tributaries  ; while  the  English  laid  claims  to  the  country  by  virtue 
of  the  discoveries  of  the  Cabots,  and  claimed  all  the  country  from  New- 
foundland to  Florida,  extending  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific.  The 
first  decisive  blow  had  now  been  struck,  and  the  first  attempt  of  the 
English,  through  the  Ohio  Company,  to  occupy  these  lands,  had  resulted 
disastrously  to  them.  The  French  and  Indians  immediately  completed 
the  fortifications  begun  at  the  Fork,  which  they  had  so  easily  captured, 
and  when  completed  gave  to  the  fort  the  name  of  DuQuesne.  Washing- 
ton was  at  Will’s  Creek  when  the  news  of  the  capture  of  the  fort  arrived. 
He  at  once  departed  to  recapture  it.  On  his  way  he  entrenched  him- 
self at  a place  called  the  “ Meadows,”  where  he  erected  a fort  called 
by  him  Fort  Necessity.  From  there  he  surprised  and  captured  a force  of 
French  and  Indians  marching  against  him,  but  was  soon  after  attacked 
in  his  fort  by  a much  superior  force,  and  was  obliged  to  yield  on  the 
morning  of  July  4th.  He  was  allowed  to  return  to  Virginia. 

The  English  Government  immediately  planned  four  campaigns  ; one 
against  Fort  DuQuesne  ; one  against  Nova  Scotia ; one  against  Fort 
Niagara,  and  one  against  Crown  Point.  These  occurred  during  1755-6, 
and  were  not  successful  in  driving  the  French  from  their  possessions. 
The  expedition  against  Fort  DuQuesne  was  led  by  the  famous  General 
Braddock,  who,  refusing  to  listen  to  the  advice  of  Washington  and  those 


40 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


acquainted  with  Indian  warfare,  suffered  such  an  inglorious  defeat.  This 
occurred  on  the  morning  of  July  9th,  and  is  generally  known  as  the  battle 
of  Monongahela,  or  “ Braddock’s  Defeat.”  The  war  continued  with 
various  vicissitudes  through  the  years  1756-7  ; when,  at  the  commence- 
ment of  1758,  in  accordance  with  the  plans  of  William  Pitt,  then  Secre- 
tary of  State,  afterwards  Lord  Chatham,  active  preparations  were  made  to 
carry  on  the  war.  Three  expeditions  were  planned  for  this  year : one, 
under  General  Amherst,  against  Louisburg  ; another,  under  Abercrombie, 
against  Fort  Ticonderoga  ; and  a third,  under  General  Forbes,  against 
Fort  DuQuesne.  On  the  26tli  of  July,  Louisburg  surrendered  after  a 
desperate  resistance  of  more  than  forty  days,  and  the  eastern  part  of  the 
Canadian  possessions  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  British.  Abercrombie 
captured  Fort  Frontenac,  and  when  the  expedition  against  Fort  DuQuesne, 
of  which  Washington  had  the  active  command,  arrived  there,  it  was 
found  in  flames  and  deserted.  The  English  at  once  look  possession, 
rebuilt  the  fort,  and  in  honor  of  their  illustrious  statesman,  changed  the 
name  to  Fort  Pitt. 

The  great  object  of  the  campaign  of  1759,  was  the  reduction  of 
Canada.  General  Wolfe  was  to  lay  siege  to  Quebec ; Amherst  was  to 
reduce  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point,  and  General  Prideaux  was  to 
capture  Niagara.  This  latter  place  was  taken  in  July,  but  the  gallant 
Prideaux  lost  his  life  in  the  attempt.  Amherst  captured  Ticonderoga 
and  Crown  Point  without  a blow  ; and  Wolfe,  after  making  the  memor- 
able ascent  to  the  Plains  of  Abraham,  on  September  13th,  defeated 
Montcalm,  and  on  the  18th,  the  city  capitulated.  In  this  engagement 
Montcolm  and  Wolfe  both  lost  their  lives.  De  Levi,  Montcalm’s  successor, 
marched  to  Sillery,  three  miles  above  the  city,  with  the  purpose  of 
defeating  the  English,  and  there,  on  the  28th  of  the  following  April,  was 
fought  one  of  the  bloodiest  battles  of  the  French  and  Indian  War.  It 
resulted  in  the  defeat  of  the  French,  and  the  fall  of  the  City  of  Montreal. 
The  Governor  signed  a capitulation  by  which  the  whole  of  Canada  was 
surrendered  to  the  English.  This  practically  concluded  the  war,  but  it 
was  not  until  1763  that  the  treaties  of  peace  between  France  and  England 
were  signed.  This  was  done  on  the  10th  of  February  of  that  year,  and 
under  its  provisions  all  the  country  east  of  the  Mississippi  and  north  of 
the  Iberville  River,  in  Louisiana,  were  ceded  to  England.  At  the  same 
time  Spain  ceded  Florida  to  Great  Britain. 

On  the  13th  of  September,  1760,  Major  Robert  Rogers  was  sent 
from  Montreal  to  take  charge  of  Detroit,  the  only  remaining  French  post 
in  the  territory.  He  arrived  there  on  the  19th  of  November,  and  sum- 
moned the  place  to  surrender.  At  first  the  commander  of  the  post, 
Beletre,  refused,  but  on  the  29th,  hearing  of  the  continued  defeat  of  the 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


41 


French  arms,  surrendered.  Rogers  remained  there  until  December  23d 
under  the  personal  protection  of  the  celebrated  chief,  Pontiac,  to  whom, 
no  doubt,  he  owed  his  safety.  Pontiac  had  come  here  to  inquire  the 
purposes  of  the  English  in  taking  possession  of  the  country.  He  was 
assured  that  they  came  simply  to  trade  with  the  natives,  and  did  not 
desire  their  country.  This  answer  conciliated  the  savages,  and  did  much 
to  insure  the  safety  of  Rogers  and  his  party  during  their  stay,  and  while 
on  their  journey  home. 

Rogers  set  out  for  Fort  Pitt  on  December  23,  and  was  just  one 
month  on  the  way.  His  route  was  from  Detroit  to  Maumee,  thence 
across  the  present  State  of  Ohio  directly  to  the  fort.  This  was  the  com- 
mon trail  of  the  Indians  in  their  journeys  from  Sandusky  to  the  fork  of 
the  Ohio.  It  went  from  Fort  Sandusky,  where  Sandusky  City  now  is, 
crossed  the  Huron  river,  then  called  Bald  Eagle  Creek,  to  “ Mohickon 
John’s  Town”  on  Mohickon  Creek,  the  northern  branch  of  White 
Woman’s  River,  and  thence  crossed  to  Beaver’s  Town,  a Delaware  town 
on  what  is  now  Sandy  Creek.  At  Beaver’s  Town  were  probably  one 
hundred  and  fifty  warriors,  and  not  less  than  three  thousand  acres  of 
cleared  land.  From  there  the  track  went  up  Sandy  Creek  to  and  across 
Big  Beaver,  and  up  the  Ohio  to  Logstown,  thence  on  to  the  fork. 

The  Northwest  Territory  was  now  entirely  under  the  English  rule. 
New  settlements  began  to  be  rapidly  made,  and  the  promise  of  a large 
trade  was  speedily  manifested.  Had  the  British  carried  out  their  promises 
with  the  natives  none  of  those  savage  butcheries  would  have  been  perpe- 
trated, and  the  country  would  have  been  spared  their  recital. 

The  renowned  chief,  Pontiac,  was  one  of  the  leading  spirits  in  these 
atrocities.  We  will  now  pause  in  our  narrative,  and  notice  the  leading 
events  in  his  life.  The  earliest  authentic  information  regarding  this 
noted  Indian  chief  is  learned  from  an  account  of  an  Indian  trader  named 
Alexander  Henry,  who,  in  the  Spring  of  1761,  penetrated  his  domains  as 
far  as  Missillimacnac.  Pontiac  was  then  a great  friend  of  the  French, 
but  a bitter  foe  of  the  English,  whom  he  considered  as  encroaching  on  his 
hunting  grounds.  Henry  was  obliged  to  disguise  himself  as  a Canadian 
to  insure  safety,  but  was  discovered  by  Pontiac,  who  bitterly  reproached 
him  and  the  English  for  their  attempted  subjugation  of  the  West.  He 
declared  that  no  treaty  had  been  made  with  them ; no  presents  sent 
them,  and  that  he  would  resent  any  possession  of  the  West  by  that  nation. 
He  was  at  the  time  about  fifty  years  of  age,  tall  and  dignified,  and  was 
civil  and  military  ruler  of  the  Ottawas,  Ojibwas  and  Pottawatamies. 

The  Indians,  from  Lake  Michigan  to  the  borders  of  North  Carolina, 
were  united  in  this  feeling,  and  at  the  time  of  the  treaty  of  Paris,  ratified 
February  10,  1763,  a general  conspiracy  was  formed  to  fall  suddenly 


42 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


PONTIAC,  THE  OTTAWA  CHIEFTAIN. 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


43 


upon  the  frontier  British  posts,  and  with  one  blow  strike  every  man  dead. 
Pontiac  was  the  marked  leader  in  all  this,  and  was  the  commander 
of  the  Chippewas,  Ottawas,  Wyandots,  Miamis,  Shawanese,  Delawares 
and  Mingoes,  who  had,  for  the  time,  laid  aside  their  local  quarrels  to  unite 
in  this  enterprise. 

The  blow  came,  as  near  as  can  now  be  ascertained,  on  May  7,  1763, 
Nine  British  posts  fell,  and  the  Indians  drank,  “ scooped  up  in  the  hollow 
of  joined  hands,”  the  blood  of  many  a Briton. 

Pontiac’s  immediate  field  of  action  was  the  garrison  at  Detroit. 
Here,  however,  the  plans  were  frustrated  by  an  Indian  woman  disclosing 
the  plot  the  evening  previous  to  his  arrival.  Everything  was  carried  out, 
however,  according  to  Pontiac’s  plans  until  the  moment  of  action,  when 
Major  Gladwyn,  the  commander  of  the  post,  stepping  to  one  of  the  Indian 
chiefs,  suddenly  drew  aside  his  blanket  and  disclosed  the  concealed 
musket.  Pontiac,  though  a brave  man,  turned  pale  and  trembled.  He 
saw  his  plan  was  known,  and  that  the  garrison  were  prepared.  He 
endeavored  to  exculpate  himself  from  any  such  intentions  ; but  the  guilt 
was  evident,  and  he  and  his  followers  were  dismissed  with  a severe 
reprimand,  and  warned  never  to  again  enter  the  walls  of  the  post. 

Pontiac  at  once  laid  siege  to  the  fort,  and  until  the  treaty  of  peace 
between  the  British  and  the  Western  Indians,  concluded  in  August,  1764, 
continued  to  harass  and  besiege  the  fortress.  He  organized  a regular 
commissariat  department,  issued  bills  of  credit  written  out  on  bark, 
which,  to  his  credit,  it  may  be  stated,  were  punctually  redeemed.  At 
the  conclusion  of  the  treaty,  in  which  it  seems  he  took  no  part,  he  went 
further  south,  living  many  yeass  among  the  Illinois. 

He  had  given  up  all  hope  of  saving  his  country  and  race.  After  a 
time  he  endeavored  to  unite  the  Illinois  tribe  and  those  about  St.  Louis 
in  a war  with  the  whites.  His  efforts  were  fruitless,  and  only  ended  in  a 
quarrel  between  himself  and  some  Kaskaskia  Indians,  one  of  whom  soon 
afterwards  killed  him.  His  death  was,  however,  avenged  by  the  northern 
Indians,  who  nearly  exterminated  the  Illinois  in  the  wars  which  followed. 

Had  it  not  been  for  the  treachery  of  a few  of  his  followers,  his  plan 
for  the  extermination  of  the  whites,  a masterly  one,  would  undoubtedly 
have  been  carried  out. 

It  was  in  the  Spring  of  the  year  following  Rogers’  visit  that  Alex- 
ander Henry  went  to  Missillimacnac,  and  everywhere  found  the  strongest 
feelings  against  the  English,  who  had  not  carried  out  their  promises,  and 
were  doing  nothing  to  conciliate  the  natives.  Here  he  met  the  chief, 
Pontiac,  who,  after  conveying  to  him  in  a speech  the  idea  that  their 
French  father  would  awake  soon  and  utterly  destroy  his  enemies,  said : 
“ Englishman,  although  you  have  conquered  the  French,  you  have  not 


44 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


yet  conquered  us  ! We  are  not  your  slaves!  These  lakes,  these  woods, 
these  mountains,  were  left  us  by  our  ancestors.  They  are  our  inheritance, 
and  we  will  part  with  them  to  none.  Your  nation  supposes  that  we,  like 
the  white  people,  can  not  live  without  bread  and  pork  and  beef.  But  you 
ought  to  know  that  He,  the  Great  Spirit  and  Master  of  Life,  has  provided 
food  for  us  upon  these  broad  lakes  and  in  these  mountains.” 

He  then  spoke  of  the  fact  that  no  treaty  had  been  made  with  them, 
no  presents  sent  them,  and  that  he  and  his  people  were  yet  for  war. 
Such  were  the  feelings  of  the  Northwestern  Indians  immediately  after 
the  English  took  possession  of  their  country.  These  feelings  were  no 
doubt  encouraged  by  the  Canadians  and  French,  who  hoped  that  yet  the 
French  arms  might  prevail.  The  treaty  of  Paris,  however,  gave  to  the 
English  the  right  to  this  vast  domain,  and  active  preparations  were  going 
on  to  occupy  it  and  enjoy  its  trade  and  emoluments. 

In  1762,  France,  by  a secret  treaty,  ceded  Louisiana  to  Spain,  to  pre- 
vent it  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  English,  who  were  becoming  masters 
of  the  entire  West.  The  next  year  the  treaty  of  Paris,  signed  at  Fon- 
tainbleau,  gave  to  the  English  the  domain  of  the  country  in  question. 
Twenty  years  after,  by  the  treaty  of  peace  between  the  United  States 
and  England,  that  part  of  Canada  lying  south  and  west  of  the  Great 
Lakes,  comprehending  a large  territory  which  is  the  subject  of  these 
sketches,  was  acknowledged  to  be  a portion  of  the  United  States  ; and 
twenty  years  still  later,  in  1803,  Louisiana  was  ceded  by  Spain  back  to 
France,  and  by  France  sold  to  the  United  States. 

In  the  half  century,  from  the  building  of  the  Fort  of  Crevecoeur  by 
LaSalle,  in  1680,  up  to  the  erection  of  Fort  Chartres,  many  French  set- 
tlements had  been  made  in  that  quarter.  These  have  already  been 
noticed,  being  those  at  St.  Vincent  (Vincennes),  Kohokia  or  Cahokia, 
Kaskaskia  and  Prairie  du  Rocker,  on  the  American  Bottom,  a large  tract 
of  rich  alluvial  soil  in  Illinois,  on  the  Mississippi,  opposite  the  site  of  St. 
Louis. 

By  the  treaty  of  Paris,  the  regions  east  of  the  Mississippi,  including 
all  these  and  other  towns  of  the  Northwest,  were  given  over  to  England; 
but  they  do  not  appear  to  have  been  taken  possession  of  until  1765,  when 
Captain  Stirling,  in  the  name  of  the  Majesty  of  England,  established  him- 
self at  Fort  Chartres  bearing  with  him  the  proclamation  of  General  Gage, 
dated  December  30,  1764,  which  promised  religious  freedom  to  all  Cath- 
olics who  worshiped  here,  and  a right  to  leave  the  country  with  their 
effects  if  they  wished,  or  to  remain  with  the  privileges  of  Englishmen. 
It  was  shortly  after  the  occupancy  of  the  West  by  the  British  that  the 
war  with  Pontiac  opened.  It  is  already  noticed  in  the  sketch  of  that 
chieftain.  By  it  many  a Briton  lost  his  life,  and  many  a frontier  settle- 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


45 


ment  in  its  infancy  ceased  to  exist.  This  was  not  ended  until  the  year 
1764,  when,  failing  to  capture  Detroit,  Niagara  and  Fort  Pitt,  his  confed- 
eracy became  disheartened,  and,  receiving  no  aid  from  the  French,  Pon- 
tiac abandoned  the  enterprise  and  departed  to  the  Illinois,  among  whom 
he  afterward  lost  his  life. 

As  soon  as.  these  difficulties  were  definitely  settled,  settlers  began 
rapidly  to  survey  the  country  and  prepare  for  occupation.  During  the 
year  1770,  a number  of  persons  from  Virginia  and  other  British  provinces 
explored  and  marked  out  nearly  all  the  valuable  lands  on  the  Mononga- 
hela  and  along  the  banks  of  the  Ohio  as  far  as  the  Little  Kanawha.  This 
was  followed  by  another  exploring  expedition,  in  which  George  Washing- 
ton was  a party.  The  latter,  accompanied  by  Dr.  Craik,  Capt.  Crawford 
and  others,  on  the  20th  of  October,  1770,  descended  the  Ohio  from  Pitts- 
burgh to  the  mouth  of  the  Kanawha  ; ascended  that  stream  about  fourteen 
miles,  marked  out  several  large  tracts  of  land,  shot  several  buffalo,  which 
were  then  abundant  in  the  Ohio  Valley,  and  returned  to  the  fort. 

Pittsburgh  was  at  this  time  a trading  post,  about  which  was  clus- 
tered a village  of  some  twenty  houses,  inhabited  by  Indian  traders.  This 
same  year,  Capt.  Pittman  visited  Ivaskaskia  and  its  neighboring  villages. 
He  found  there  about  sixty-five  resident  families,  and  at  Cahokia  only 
forty-five  dwellings.  At  Fort  Chartres  was  another  small  settlement,  and 
at  Detroit  the  garrison  were  quite  prosperous  and  strong.  For  a year 
or  two  settlers  continued  to  locate  near  some  of  these  posts,  generally 
Fort  Pitt  or  Detroit,  owing  to  the  fears  of  the  Indians,  who  still  main- 
tained some  feelings  of  hatred  to  the  English.  The  trade  from  the  posts 
was  quite  good,  and  from  those  in  Illinois  large  quantities  of  pork  and 
flour  found  their  way  to  the  New  Orleans  market.  At  this  time  the 
policy  of  the  British  Government  was  strongly  opposed  to  the  extension 
of  the  colonies  west.  In  1763,  the  King  of  England  forbade,  by  royal 
proclamation,  his  colonial  subjects  from  making  a settlement  beyond  the 
sources  of  the  rivers  which  fall  into  the  Atlantic  Ocean.  At  the  instance 
of  the  Board  of  Trade,  measures  were  taken  to  prevent  the  settlement 
without  the  limits  prescribed,  and  to  retain  the  commerce  within  easy 
reach  of  Great  Britain. 

The  commander-in-chief  of  the  king’s  forces  wrote  in  1769  : “ In  the 
course  of  a few  years  necessity  will  compel  the  colonists,  should  they 
extend  their  settlements  west,  to  provide  manufactures  of  some  kind  for 
themselves,  and  when  all  connection  upheld  by  commerce  with  the  mother 
country  ceases,  an  independency  in  their  government  will  soon  follow.” 

In  accordance  with  this  policy,  Gov.  Gage  issued  a proclamation 
in  1772,  commanding  the  inhabitants  of  Vincennes  to  abandon  their  set- 
tlements and  join  some  of  the  Eastern  English  colonies.  To  this  they 

I 


46 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


strenuously  objected,  giving  good  reasons  therefor,  and  were  allowed  to 
remain.  The  strong  opposition  to  this  policy  of  Great  Britain  led  to  its 
change,  and  to  such  a course  as  to  gain  the  attachment  of  the  French 
population.  In  December,  1773,  influential  citizens  of  Quebec  petitioned 
the  king  for  an  extension  of  the  boundary  lines  of  that  province,  which 
was  granted,  and  Parliament  passed  an  act  on  June  2,  1774,  extend- 
ing the  boundary  so  as  to  include  the  territory  lying  within  the  present 
States  of  Ohio,  Indiana,  Illinois  and  Michigan. 

In  consequence  of  the  liberal  policy  pursued  by  the  British  Govern- 
ment toward  the  French  settlers  in  the  West,  they  were  disposed  to  favor 
that  nation  in  the  war  which  soon  followed  with  the  colonies ; but  the 
early  alliance  between  France  and  America  soon  brought  them  to  the  side 
of  the  war  for  independence. 

In  1774,  Gov.  Dunmore,  of  Virginia,  began  to  encourage  emigration 
to  the  Western  lands.  He  appointed  magistrates  at  Fort  Pitt  under  the 
pretense  that  the  fort  was  under  the  government  of  that  commonwealth. 
One  of  these  justices,  John  Connelly,  who  possessed  a tract  of  land  in  the 
Ohio  Valle}-,  gathered  a force  of  men  and  garrisoned  the  fort,  calling  it 
Fort  Dunmore.  This  and  other  parties  were  formed  to  select  sites  for 
settlements,  and  often  came  in  conflict  with  the  Indians,  who  yet  claimed 
portions  of  the  valley,  and  several  battles  followed.  These  ended  in  the 
famous  battle  of  Kanawha  in  July,  where  the  Indians  were  defeated  and 
di’iven  across  the  Ohio. 

During  the  years  1775  and  1776,  by  the  operations  of  land  companies 
and  the  perseverance  of  individuals,  several  settlements  were  firmly  estab- 
lished between  the  Alleghanies  and  the  Ohio  River,  and  western  land 
speculators  were  busy  in  Illinois  and  on  the  Wabash.  At  a council  held 
in  Kaskaskia  on  July  5,  1773,  an  association  of  English  traders,  calling 
themselves  the  “ Illinois  Land  Company,”  obtained  from  ten  chiefs  of  the 
Kaskaskia,  Cahokia  and  Peoria  tribes  two  large  tracts  of  land  lying  on 
the  east  side  of  the  Mississippi  River  south  of  the  Illinois.  In  1775,  a mer- 
chant from  the  Illinois  Country,  named  Viviat,  came  to  Post  Vincennes 
as  the  agent  of  the  association  called  the  “ Wabash  Land  Company.”  On 
the  8th  of  October  he  obtained  from  eleven  Piankeshaw  chiefs,  a deed  for 
37,497,600  acres  of  land.  This  deed  was  signed  by  the  grantors,  attested 
by  a number  of  the  inhabitants  of  Vincennes,  and  afterward  recorded  in 
the  office  of  a notary  public  at  Kaskaskia.  This  and  other  land  com- 
panies had  extensive  schemes  for  the  colonization  of  the  West;  but  all 
were  frustrated  by  the  breaking  out  of  the  Revolution.  On  the  20th  of 
April,  1780,  the  two  companies  named  consolidated  under  the  name  of  the 
“ United  Illinois  and  Wabash  Land  Company.”  They  afterward  made 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


47 


strenuous  efforts  to  have  these  grants  sanctioned  by  Congress,  but  all 
signally  failed. 

When  the  War  of  the  Revolution  commenced,  Kentucky  was  an  unor- 
ganized country,  though  there  were  several  settlements  within  her  borders. 

In  Hutchins’  Topography  of  Virginia,  it  is  stated  that  at  that  time 
“ Kaskaskia  contained  80  houses,  and  nearly  1,000  white  and  black  in- 
habitants — the  whites  being  a little  the  more  numerous.  Cahokia  con- 
tains 50  houses  and  300  white  inhabitants,  and  80  negroes.  There  were 
east  of  the  Mississippi  River,  about  the  year  1771  ” — when  these  observa- 
tions were  made  — “ 300  white  men  capable  of  bearing  arms,  and  230 
negroes.” 

From  1775  until  the  expedition  of  Clark,  nothing  is  recorded  and 
nothing  known  of  these  settlements,  save  what  is  contained  in  a report 
made  by  a committee  to  Congress  in  June,  1778.  From  it  the  following 
extract  is  made : 

“Near  the  mouth  of  the  River  Kaskaskia,  there  is  a village  which 
appears  to  have  contained  nearly  eighty  families  from  the  beginning  of 
the  late  revolution.  There  are  twelve  families  in  a small  village  at  la 
Prairie  du  Rochers,  and  near  fifty  families  at  the  Kahokia  Village.  There 
are  also  four  or  five  families  at  Fort  Chartres  and  St.  Philips,  which  is  five 
miles  further  up  the  river.” 

St.  Louis  had  been  settled  in  February,  1764,  and  at  this  time  con- 
tained, including  its  neighboring  towns,  over  six  hundred  whites  and  one 
hundred  and  fifty  negroes.  It  must  be  remembered  that  all  the  country 
west  of  the  Mississippi  was  now  under  French  rule,  and  remained  so  until 
ceded  again  to  Spain,  its  original  owner,  who  afterwards  sold  it  and  the 
country  including  New  Orleans  to  the  United  States.  At  Detroit  there 
were,  according  to  Capt.  Carver,  who  was  in  the  Northwest  from  1766  to 
1768,  more  than  one  hundred  houses,  and  the  river  was  settled  for  more 
than  twenty  miles,  although  poorly  cultivated — the  people  being  engaged 
in  the  Indian  trade.  This  old  town  has  a history,  which  we  will  here 
relate. 

It  is  the  oldest  town  in  the  Northwest,  having  been  founded  by 
Antoine  de  Lamotte  Cadillac,  in  1701.  It  was  laid  out  in  the  form  of  an 
oblong  square,  of  two  acres  in  length,  and  an  acre  and  a half  in  width. 
As  described  by  A.  D.  Frazer,  who  first  visited  it  and  became  a permanent 
resident  of  the  place,  in  1778,  it  comprised  within  its  limits  that  space 
between  Mr.  Palmer’s  store  (Conant  Block)  and  Capt.  Perkins’  house 
(near  the  Arsenal  building),  and  extended  back  as  far  as  the  public  barn, 
and  was  bordered  in  front  by  the  Detroit  River.  It  was  surrounded  by 
oak  and  cedar  pickets,  about  fifteen  feet  long,  set  in  the  ground,  and  had 
four  gates  — east,  west,  north  and  south.  Over  the  first  three  of  these 


48 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


gates  were  block  houses  provided  with  four  guns  apiece,  each  a six- 
pounder.  Two  six-gun  batteries  were  planted  fronting  the  river  and  in  a 
parallel  direction  with  the  block  houses.  There  were  four  streets  running 
east  and  west,  the  main  street  being  twenty  feet  wide  and  the  rest  fifteen 
feet,  while  the  four  streets  crossing  these  at  right  angles  were  from  ten 
to  fifteen  feet  in  width. 

At  the  date  spoken  of  by  Mr.  Frazer,  there  was  no  fort  within  the 
enclosure,  but  a citadel  on  the  ground  corresponding  to  the  present 
northwest  corner  of  Jefferson  Avenue  and  Wayne  Street.  The  citadel  was 
inclosed  by  pickets,  and  within  it  were  erected  barracks  of  wood,  two 
stories  high,  sufficient  to  contain  ten  officers,  and  also  barracks  sufficient 
to  contain  four  hundred  men,  and  a provision  store  built  of  brick.  The 
citadel  also  contained  a hospital  and  guard-house.  The  old  town  of 
Detroit,  in  1778,  contained  about  sixty  houses,  most  of  them  one  story, 
with  a few  a story  and  a half  in  height.  They  were  all  of  logs,  some 
hewn  and  some  round.  There  was  one  building  of  splendid  appearance, 
called  the  “ King’s  Palace,”  two  stories  high,  which  stood  near  the  east 
gate.  It  was  built  for  Governor  Hamilton,  the  first  governor  commissioned 
by  the  British.  There  were  two  guard-houses,  one  near  the  west  gate  and 
the  other  near  the  Government  House.  Each  of  the  guards  consisted  of 
twenty-four  men  and  a subaltern,  who  mounted  regularly  every  morning 
between  nine  and  ten  o’clock,  Each  furnished  four  sentinels,  who  were 
relieved  every  two  hours.  There  was  also  an  officer  of  the  day,  who  per- 
formed strict  duty.  Each  of  the  gates  was  shut  regularly  at  sunset, 
even  wicket  gates  were  shut  at  nine  o’clock,  and  all  the  keys  were 
delivered  into  the  hands  of  the  commanding  officer.  They  were  opened 
in  the  morning  at  sunrise.  No  Indian  or  squaw  was  permitted  to  enter 
town  with  any  weapon,  such  as  a tomahawk  or  a knife.  It  was  a stand- 
ing order  that  the  Indians  should  deliver  their  arms  and  instruments  of 
every  kind  before  they  were  permitted  to  pass  the  sentinel,  and  they  were 
restored  to  them  on  their  return.  No  more  than  twenty-five  Indians  were 
allowed  to  enter  the  town  at  any  one  time,  and  they  were  admitted  only 
at  the  east  and  west  gates.  At  sundown  the  drums  beat,  and  all  the 
Indians  were  required  to  leave  town  instantly.  There  was  a council  house 
near  the  water  side  for  the  purpose  of  holding  council  with  the  Indians. 
The  population  of  the  town  was  about  sixty  families,  in  all  about  two 
hundred  males  and  one  hundred  females.  This  town  was  destroyed  by 
fire,  all  except  one  dwelling,  in  1805.  After  which  the  present  “new” 
town  was  laid  out. 

On  the  breaking  out  of  the  Revolution,  the  British  held  every  post  of 
importance  in  the  West.  Kentucky  was  formed  as  a component  part  of 
Virginia,  and  the  sturdy  pioneers  of  the  West,  alive  to  their  interests, 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


49 


and  recognizing  the  great  benefits  of  obtaining  the  control  of  the  trade  in 
this  part  of  the  New  World,  held  steadily  to  their  purposes,  and  those 
within  the  commonwealth  of  Kentucky  proceeded  to  exercise  their 
civil  privileges,  by  electing  John  Todd  and  Richard  Gallaway, 
burgesses  to  represent  them  in  the  Assembly  of  the  parent  state. 
Early  in  September  of  that  year  (1777)  the  first  court  was  held 
in  Harrodsburg,  and  Col.  Bowman,  afterwards  major,  who  had  arrived 
in  August,  was  made  the  commander  of  a militia  organization  which 
had  been  commenced  the  March  previous.  Thus  the  tree  of  loyalty 
was  growing.  The  chief  spirit  in  this  far-out  colony,  who  had  represented 
her  the  year  previous  east  of  the  mountains,  was  now  meditating  a move 
unequaled  in  its  boldness.  He  had  been  watching  the  movements  of  the 
British  throughout  the  Northwest,  and  understood  their  whole  plan.  He 
saw  it  was  through  their  possession  of  the  posts  at  Detroit,  Vincennes, 
Kaskaskia,  and  other  places,  which  would  give  them  constant  and  easy 
access  to  the  various  Indian  tribes  in  the  Northwest,  that  the  British 
intended  to  penetrate  the  country  from  the  north  and  soutn,  ana  annihi- 
late the  frontier  fortresses.  This  moving,  energetic  man  was  Colonel, 
afterwards  General,  George  Rogers  Clark.  He  knew  the  Indians  were  not 
unanimously  in  accord  with  the  English,  and  he  was  convinced  that,  could 
the  British  be  defeated  and  expelled  from  the  Northwest,  the  natives 
might  be  easily  awed  into  neutrality ; and  by  spies  sent  for  the  purpose, 
he  satisfied  himself  that  the  enterprise  against  the  Illinois  settlements 
might  easily  succeed.  Having  convinced  himself  of  the  certainty  of  the 
project,  he  repaired  to  the  Capital  of  Virginia,  which  place  he  reached  on 
November  5th.  While  he  was  on  his  way,  fortunately,  on  October  17th, 
Burgoyne  had  been  defeated,  and  the  spirits  of  the  colonists  greatly 
encouraged  thereby.  Patrick  Henry  was  Governor  of  Virginia,  and  at 
once  entered  heartily  into  Clark’s  plans.  The  same  plan  had  before  been 
agitated  in  the  Colonial  Assemblies,  but  there  was  no  one  - until  Clark 
came  who  was  sufficiently  acquainted  with  the  condition  of  affairs  at  the 
scene  of  action  to  be  able  to  guide  them. 

Clark,  having  satisfied  the  Vii'ginia  leaders  of  the  feasibility  of  his 
plan,  received,  on  the  2d  of  January,  two  sets  of  instructions — one  secret, 
the  other  open  — the  latter  authorized  him  to  proceed  to  enlist  seven 
companies  to  go  to  Kentucky,  subject  to  his  orders,  and  to  serve  three 
months  from  their  arrival  in  the  West.  The  secret  order  authorized  him 
to  arm  these  troops,  to  procure  his  powder  and  lead  of  General  Hand 
at  Pittsburgh,  and  to  proceed  at  once  to  subjugate  the  country. 

With  these  instructions  Clark  repaired  to  Pittsburgh,  choosing  rather 
to  raise  his  men  west  of  the  mountains,  as  he  well  knew  all  were  needed 
in  the  colonies  in  the  conflict  there.  He  sent  Col.  W.  B.  Smith  to  Hoi- 


50 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


stou  for  the  same  purpose,  but  neither  succeeded  in  raising  the  required 
number  of  men.  The  settlers  in  these  parts  were  afraid  to  leave  their 
own  firesides  exposed  to  a vigilant  foe,  and  but  few  could  be  induced  to 
join  the  proposed  expedition.  With  three  companies  and  several  private 
volunteers,  Clark  at  length  commenced  his  descent  of  the  Ohio,  which  he 
navigated  as  far  as  the  Falls,  where  he  took  possession  of  and  fortified 
Corn  Island,  a small  island  between  the  present  Cities  of  Louisville, 
Kentucky,  and  New  Albany,  Indiana.  Remains  of  this  fortification  may 
yet  be  found.  At  this  place  he  appointed  Col.  Bowman  to  meet  him 
with  such  recruits  as  had  reached  Kentucky  by  the  southern  route,  and 
as  many  as  could  be  spared  from  the  station.  Here  he  announced  to 
the  men  their  real  destination.  Having  completed  his  arrangements, 
and  chosen  his  party,  he  left  a small  garrison  upon  the  island,  and  on  the 
24th  of  June,  during  a total  eclipse  of  the  sun,  which  to  them  augured 
no  good,  and  which  fixes  beyond  dispute  the  date  of  starting,  he  with 
his  chosen  band,  fell  down  the  river.  His  plan  was  to  go  by  water  as 
far  as  Fort  Massac  or  Massacre,  and  thence  march  direct  to  Kaskaskia. 
Here  he  intended  to  surprise  the  garrison,  and  after  its  capture  go  to 
Cahokia,  then  to  Vincennes,  and  lastly  to  Detroit.  Should  he  fail,  he 
intended  to  march  directly  to  the  Mississippi  River  and  cross  it  into  the 
Spanish  country.  Before  his  start  he  received  two  good  items  of  infor- 
mation : one  that  the  alliance  had  been  formed  between  France  and  the 
United  States;  and  the  other  that  the  Indians  throughout  the  Illinois 
country  and  the  inhabitants,  at  the  various  frontier  posts,  had  been  led  to 
believe  by  the  British  that  the  “ Long  Knives  ” or  Virginians,  were  the 
most  fierce,  bloodthirsty  and  cruel  savages  that  ever  scalped  a foe.  With 
this  impression  on  their  minds,  Clark  saw  that  proper  management  would 
cause  them  to  submit  at  once  from  fear,  if  surprised,  and  then  from  grati- 
tude would  become  friendly  if  treated  with  unexpected  leniency. 

The  march  to  Kaskaskia  was  accomplished  through  a hot  July  sun, 
and  the  town  reached  on  the  evening  of  July  4.  He  captured  the  fort 
near  the  village,  and  soon  after  the  village  itself  by  surprise,  and  without 
the  loss  of  a single  man  or  by  killing  any  of  the  enemy.  After  sufficiently 
working  upon  the  fears  of  the  natives,  Clark  told  them  they  were  at  per- 
fect liberty  to  worship  as  they  pleased,  and  to  take  whichever  side  of  the 
great  conflict  they  would,  also  he  would  protect  them  from  any  barbarity 
from  British  or  Indian  foe.  This  had  the  desired  effect,  and  the  inhab- 
itants, so  unexpectedly  and  so  gratefully  surprised  by  the  unlooked 
for  turn  of  affairs,  at  once  swore  allegiance  to  the  American  arms,  and 
when  Clark  desired  to  go  to  Cahokia  on  the  6th  of  July,  they  accom- 
panied him,  and  through  their  influence  the  inhabitants  of  the  place 
surrendered,  and  gladly  placed  themselves  under  his  protection.  Thus 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


51 


the  two  important  posts  in  Illinois  passed  from  the  hands  of  the  English 
into  the  possession  of  Virginia. 

In  the  person  of  the  priest  at  Kaskaskia,  M.  Gibault,  Clark  found  a 
powerful  ally  and  generous  friend.  Clark  saw  that,  to  retain  possession 
of  the  Northwest  and  treat  successfully  with  the  Indians  within  its  boun- 
daries, he  must  establish  a government  for  the  colonies  he  had  taken. 
St.  Vincent,  the  next  important  post  to  Detroit, remained  yet  to  be  taken 
before  the  Mississippi  Valley  was  conquered.  M.  Gibault  told  him  that 
he  would  alone,  by  persuasion,  lead  Vincennes  to  throw  off  its  connection 
with  England.  Clark  gladly  accepted  his  offer,  and  on  the  14th  of  July, 
in  company  with  a fellow-townsman,  M.  Gibault  started  on  his  mission  of 
peace,  and  on  the  1st  of  August  returned  with  the  cheerful  intelligence 
that  the  post  on  the  “ Oubache  ” had  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance  to 
the  Old  Dominion.  During  this  interval,  Clark  established  his  courts, 
placed  garrisons  at  Kaskaskia  and  Cahokia,  successfully  re-enlisted  his 
men,  sent  word  to  have  a fort,  which  proved  the  germ  of  Louisville, 
erected  at  the  Falls  of  the  Ohio,  and  dispatched  Mr.  Roeheblave,  who 
had  been  commander  at  Kaskaskia,  as  a prisoner  of  war  to  Richmond. 
In  October  the  County  of  Illinois  was  established  by  the  Legislature 
of  Virginia,  John  Todd  appointed  Lieutenant  Colonel  and  Civil  Governor, 
and  in  November  General  Clark  and  his  men  received  the  thanks  of 
the  Old  Dominion  through  their  Legislature. 

In  a speech  a few  days  afterward,  Clark  made  known  fully  to  the 
natives  his  plans,  and  at  its  close  all  came  forward  and  swore  alle- 
giance to  the  Long  Knives.  While  he  was  doing  this  Governor  Hamilton, 
having  made  his  various  arrangements,  had  left  Detroit  and  moved  down 
the  Wabash  to  Vincennes  intending  to  operate  from  that  point  in  reducing 
the  Illinois  posts,  and  then  proceed  on  down  to  Kentucky  and  drive  the 
rebels  from  the  West.  Gen.  Clark  had,  on  the  return  of  M.  Gibault, 
dispatched  Captain  Helm,  of  Fauquier  County,  Virginia,  with  an  attend- 
ant named  Henry,  across  the  Illinois  prairies  to  command  the  fort. 
Hamilton  knew  nothing  of  the  capitulation  of  the  post,  and  was  greatly 
surprised  on  his  arrival  to  be  confronted  by  Capt.  Helm,  who,  standing  at 
the  entrance  of  the  fort  by  a loaded  cannon  ready  to  fire  upon  his  assail- 
ants, demanded  upon  what  terms  Hamilton  demanded  possession  of  the 
fort.  Being  granted  the  rights  of  a prisoner  of  war,  he  surrendered  to 
the  British  General,  who  could  scarcely  believe  his  eyes  when  he  saw  the 
force  in  the  garrison. 

Hamilton,  not  realizing  the  character  of  the  men  with  whom  he  was 
contending,  gave  up  his  intended  campaign  for  the  Winter,  sent  his  four 
hundred  Indian  warriors  to  prevent  troops  from  coming  down  the  Ohio, 


52 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


and  to  annoy  the  Americans  in  all  ways,  and  sat  quietly  down  to  pass  the 
Winter.  Information  of  all  these  proceedings  having  reached  Clark,  he 
saw  that  immediate  and  decisive  action  was  necessary,  and  that  unless 
he  captured  Hamilton,  Hamilton  would  capture  him.  Clark  received  the 
news  on  the  29th  of  January,  1779,  and  on  February  4th,  having  suffi- 
ciently garrisoned  Kaskaskia  and  Cahokia,  he  sent  down  the  Mississippi 
a “ battoe,”  as  Major  Bowman  writes  it,  in  order  to  ascend  the  Ohio  and 
Wabash,  and  operate  with  the  land  forces  gathering  for  the  fray. 

On  the  next  day,  Clark,  with  his  little  force  of  one  hundred  and 
twenty  men,  set  out  for  the  post,  and  after  incredible  hard  marching 
through  much  mud,  the  ground  being  thawed  by  the  incessant  spring 
rains,  on  the  22d  reached  the  fort,  and  being  joined  by  his  “ battoe,”  at 
once  commenced  the  attack  on  the  post.  The  aim  of  the  American  back- 
woodsman was  unerring,  and  on  the  24th  the  garrison  surrendered  to  the 
intrepid  boldness  of  Clark.  The  French  were  treated  with  great  kind- 
ness, and  gladly  renewed  their  allegiance  to  Virginia.  Hamilton  was 
sent  as  a prisoner  to  Virginia,  where  he  was  kept  in  close  confinement. 
During  his  command  of  the  British  frontier  posts,  he  had  offered  prizes 
to  the  Indians  for  all  the  scalps  of  Americans  they  would  bring  to  him, 
and  had  earned  in  consequence  thereof  the  title  “ Hair-buyer  General,” 
by  which  he  was  ever  afterward  known. 

Detroit  was  now  without  doubt  within  easy  reach  of  the  enterprising 
Virginian,  could  he  but  raise  the  necessary  force.  Governor  Henry  being 
apprised  of  this,  promised  him  the  needed  reinforcement,  and  Clark  con- 
cluded to  wait  until  he  could  capture  and  sufficiently  garrison  the  posts. 
Had  Clark  failed  in  this  bold  undertaking,  and  Hamilton  succeeded  in 
uniting  the  western  Indians  for  the  next  Spring’s  campaign,  the  West 
would  indeed  have  been  swept  from  the  Mississippi  to  the  Allegheny 
Mountains,  and  the  great  blow  struck,  which  had  been  contemplated  from 
the  commencement,  by  the  British. 

“ But  for  this  small  army  of  dripping,  but  fearless  Virginians,  the 
union  of  all  the  tribes  from  Georgia  to  Maine  against  the  colonies  might 
have  been  effected,  and  the  whole  current  of  our  history  changed.” 

At  this  time  some  fears  were  entertained  by  the  Colonial  Govern- 
ments that  the  Indians  in  the  North  and  Northwest  were  inclining  to  the 
British,  and  under  the  instructions  of  Washington,  now  Commander-in- 
Chief  of  the  Colonial  army,  and  so  bravely  fighting  for  American  inde- 
pendence, armed  forces  were  sent  against  the  Six  Nations,  and  upon  the 
Ohio  frontier,  Col.  Bowman,  acting  under  the  same  general’s  orders, 
marched  against  Indians  within  the  present  limits  of  that  State.  These 
expeditions  were  in  the  main  successful,  and  the  Indians  were  compelled 
to  sue  for  peace. 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


53 


During  this  same  year  (1779)  the  famous  “ Land  Laws”  of  Virginia 
were  passed.  The  passage  of  these  laws  was  of  more  consequence  to  the 
pioneers  of  Kentucky  and  the  Northwest  than  the  gaining  of  a few  Indian 
conflicts.  These  laws  confirmed  in  main  all  grants  made,  and  guaranteed 
to  all  actual  settlers  their  rights  and  privileges.  After  providing  for  the 
settlers,  the  laws  provided  for  selling  the  balance  of  the  public  lands  at 
forty  cents  per  acre.  To  carry  the  Land  Laws  into  effect,  the  Legislature 
sent  four  Virginians  westward  to  attend  to  the  various  claims,  over  many 
of  which  great  confusion  prevailed  concerning  their  validity.  These 
gentlemen  opened  their  court  on  October  13,  1779,  at  St.  Asaphs,  and 
continued  until  April  26,  1780,  when  they  adjourned,  having  decided 
three  .thousand  claims.  They  were  succeeded  by  the  surveyor,  who 
came  in  the  person  of  Mr.  George  May,  and  assumed  his  duties  on  the 
10th  day  of  the  month  whose  name  he  bore.  With  the  opening  of  the 
next  year  (1780)  the  troubles  concerning  the  navigation  of  the  Missis- 
sippi commenced.  The  Spanish  Government  exacted  such  measures  in 
relation  to  its  trade  as  to  cause  the  overtures  made  to  the  United  States 
to  be  rejected.  The  American  Government  considered  they  had  a right 
to  navigate  its  channel.  To  enforce  their  claims,  a fort  was  erected  below 
the  mouth  of  the  Ohio  on  the  Kentucky  side  of  the  river.  The  settle- 
ments in  Kentucky  were  being  rapidly  filled  by  emigrants.  It  was  dur- 
ing this  year  that  the  first  seminary  of  learning  was  established  in  the 
West  in  this  young  and  enterprising  Commonwealth. 

The  settlers  here  did  not  look  upon  the  building  of  this  fort  in  a 
friendly  manner,  as  it  aroused  the  hostility  of  the  Indians.  Spain  had 
been  friendly  to  the  Colonies  during  their  struggle  for  independence, 
and  though  for  a while  this  friendship  appeared  in  danger  from  the 
refusal  of  the  free  navigation  of  the  river,  yet  it  was  finally  settled  to  the 
satisfaction  of  both  nations. 

The  Winter  of  1779-80  was  one  of  the  most  unusually  severe  ones 
ever  experienced  in  the  West.  The  Indians  always  referred  to  it  as  the 
“Great  Cold.”  Numbers  of  wild  animals  perished,  and  not  a few 
pioneers  lost  their  lives.  The  following  Summer  a party  of  Canadians 
and  Indians  attacked  St.  Louis,  and  attempted  to  take  possession  of  it 
in  consequence  of  the  friendly  disposition  of  Spain  to  the  revolting 
colonies.  They  met  with  such  a determined  resistance  on  the  part  of  the 
inhabitants,  even  the  women  taking  part  in  the  battle,  that  they  were 
compelled  to  abandon  the  contest.  They  also  made  an  attack  on  the 
settlements  in  Kentucky,  but,  becoming  alarmed  in  some  unaccountable 
manner,  they  fled  the  country  in  great  haste. 

About  this  time  arose  the  question  in  the  Colonial  Congress  con- 
cerning the  western  lands  claimed  by  Virginia,  New  York,  Massachusetts 


54 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


and  Connecticut.  The  agitation  concerning  this  subject  finally  led  New 
York,  on  the  19th  of  February,  1780,  to  pass  a law  giving  to  the  dele- 
gates of  that  State  in  Congress  the  power  to  cede  her  western  lands  for 
the  benefit  of  the  United  States.  This  law  was  laid  before  Congress 
during  the  next  month,  but  no  steps  were  taken  concerning  it  until  Sep- 
tember 6th,  when  a resolution  passed  that  body  calling  upon  the  States 
claiming  western  lands  to  release  their  claims  in  favor  of  the  whole  body. 
This  basis  formed  the  union,  and  was  the  first  after  all  of  those  legislative 
measures  which  resulted  in  the  creation  of  the  States  of  Ohio,  Indiana, 
Illinois,  Michigan,  Wisconsin  and  Minnesota.  In  December  of  the  same 
year,  the  plan  of  conquering  Detroit  again  arose.  The  conquest  might 
have  easily  been  effected  by  Clark  had  the  necessary  aid  been  furnished 
him.  Nothing  decisive  was  done,  yet  the  heads  of  the  Government  knew 
that  the  safety  of  the  Northwest  from  British  invasion  lay  in  the  capture 
and  retention  of  that  important  post,  the  only  unconquered  one  in  the 
territory. 

Before  the  close  of  the  year,  Kentucky  was  divided  into  the  Coun- 
ties of  Lincoln,  Fayette  and  Jefferson,  and  the  act  establishing  the  Town 
of  Louisville  was  passed.  This  same  year  is  also  noted  in  the  annals  of 
American  history  as  the  year  in  which  occurred  Arnold’s  treason  to  the 
United  States. 

Virginia,  in  accordance  with  the  resolution  of  Congress,  on  the  2d 
day  of  January,  1781,  agreed  to  yield  her  western  lands  to  the  United 
States  upon  certain  conditions,  which  Congress  would  not  accede  to,  and 
the  Act  of  Cession,  on  the  part  of  the  Old  Dominion,  failed,  nor  was 
anything  farther  done  until  1783.  During  all  that  time  the  Colonies 
were  busily  engaged  in  the  struggle  with  the  mother  country,  and  in 
consequence  thereof  but  little  heed  was  given  to  the  western  settlements. 
Upon  the  16th  of  April,  1781,  the  first  birth  north  of  the  Ohio  River  of 
American  parentage  occurred,  being  that  of  Mary  Heckewelder,  daughter 
of  the  widely  known  Moravian  missionary,  whose  band  of  Christian 
Indians  suffered  in  after  years  a horrible  massacre  by  the  hands  of  the 
frontier  settlers,  who  had  been  exasperated  by  the  murder  of  several  of 
their  neighbors,  and  in  their  rage  committed,  without  regard  to  humanity, 
a deed  which  forever  afterwards  cast  a shade  of  shame  upon  their  lives. 
For  this  and  kindred  outrages  on  the  part  of  the  whites,  the  Indians 
committed  many  deeds  of  cruelty  which  darken  the  years  of  1771  and 
1772  in  the  history  of  the  Northwest. 

During  the  year  1782  a number  of  battles  among  the  Indians  and 
frontiersmen  occurred,  and  between  the  Moravian  Indians  and  the  Wyan- 
dots.  In  these,  horrible  acts  of  cruelty  were  practised  on  the  captives, 
many  of  such  dark  deeds  transpiring  under  the  leadership  of  the  notorious 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY, 


55 


tion.  By  the  close  of  the  year  victory  had  perched  upon  the  American 
banner,  and  on  the  30th  of  November,  provisional  articles  of  peace  had 
been  arranged  between  the  Commissioners  of  England  and  her  uncon- 
querable colonies.  Cornwallis  had  been  defeated  on  the  19th  of  October 
preceding,  and  the  liberty  of  America  was  assured.  On  the  19th  of 
April  following,  the  anniversary  of  the  battle  of  Lexington,  peace  was 


frontier  outlaw,  Simon  Girty,  whose  name,  as  well  as  those  of  his  brothers, 
was  a terror  to  women  and  children.  These  occurred  chiefly  in  the  Ohio 
valleys.  Cotemporary  with  them  were  several  engagements  in  Kentucky, 
in  which  the  famous  Daniel  Boone  engaged,  and  who,  often  by  his  skill 
and  knowledge  of  Indian  warfare,  saved  the  outposts  from  cruel  destruc- 


INDIANS  ATTACKING  FRONTIERSMEN. 


56 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


proclaimed  to  the  army  of  the  United  States,  and  on  the  Sd  of  the  next 
September,  the  definite  treaty  which  ended  our  revolutionary  struggle 
was  concluded.  By  the  terms  of  that  treaty,  the  boundaries  of  the  West 
were  as  follows : On  the  north  the  line  was  to  extend  along  the  center  of 
the  Great  Lakes  ; from  the  western  point  of  Lake  Superior  to  Long  Lake  ; 
thence  to  the  Lake  of  the  Woods;  thence  to  the  head  of  the  Mississippi 
River ; down  its  center  to  the  31st  parallel  of  latitude,  then  on  that  line 
east  to  the  head  of  the  Appalachicola  River;  down  its  center  to  its  junc- 
tion with  the  Flint ; thence  straight  to  the  head  of  St.  Mary’s  River,  and 
thence  down  along  its  center  to  the  Atlantic  Ocean. 

Following  the  cessation  of  hostilities  with  England,  several  posts 
were  still  occupied  by  the  British  in  the  North  and  West.  Among  these 
was  Detroit,  still  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  Numerous  engagements 
with  the  Indians  throughout  Ohio  and  Indiana  occurred,  upon  whose 
lands  adventurous  whites  would  settle  ere  the  title  had  been  acquired  by 
the  proper  treaty. 

To  remedy  this  latter  evil,  Congress  appointed  commissioners  to 
treat  with  the  natives  and  purchase  their  lands,  and  prohibited  the  set- 
tlement of  the  territory  until  this  could  be  done.  Before  the  close  of  the 
year  another  attempt  was  made  to  capture  Detroit,  which  was,  however, 
not  pushed,  and  Virginia,  no  longer  feeling  the  interest  in  the  Northwest 
she  had  formerly  done,  withdrew  her  troops,  having  on  the  20th  of 
December  preceding  authorized  the  whole  of  her  possessions  to  be  deeded 
to  the  United  States.  This  was  done  on  the  1st  of  March  following,  and 
the  Northwest  Territory  passed  from  the  control  of  the  Old  Dominion. 
To  Gen.  Clark  and  his  soldiers,  however,  she  gave  a tract  of  one  hundred 
and  fifty  thousand  acres  of  land,  to  be  situated  any  where  north  of  the 
Ohio  wherever  they  chose  to  locate  them.  They  selected  the  region 
opposite  the  falls  of  the  Ohio,  where  is  now  the  dilapidated  village  of 
Clarksville,  about  midway  between  the  Cities  of  New  Albany  and  Jeffer- 
sonville, Indiana. 

While  the  frontier  remained  thus,  and  Gen.  Haldimand  at  Detroit 
refused  to  evacuate  alleging  that  he  had  no  orders  from  his  King  to  do 
so,  settlers  were  rapidly  gathering  about  the  inland  forts.  In  the  Spring 
of  1784,  Pittsburgh  was  regularly  laid  out,  and  from  the  journal  of  Arthur 
Lee,  who  passed  through  the  town  soon  after  on  his  way  to  the  Indian 
council  at  Fort  McIntosh,  we  suppose  it  was  not  very  prepossessing  in 
appearance.  He  says : 

“ Pittsburgh  is  inhabited  almost  entirely  by  Scots  and  Irish,  who 
live  in  paltry  log  houses,  and  are  as  dirty  as  if  in  the  north  of  Ireland  or 
even  Scotland.  There  is  a great  deal  of  trade  carried  on,  the  goods  being 
bought  at  the  vast  expense  of  forty-five  shillings  per  pound  from  Phila- 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


57 


delphia  and  Baltimore.  They  take  in  the  shops  flour,  wheat,  skins  and 
money.  There  are  in  the  town  four  attorneys,  two  doctors,  and  not  a 
priest  of  any  persuasion,  nor  church  nor  chapel.” 

Kentucky  at  this  time  contained  thirty  thousand  inhabitants,  and 
was  beginning  to  discuss  measures  for  a separation  from  Virginia.  A 
land  office  was  opened  at  Louisville,  and  measures  were  adopted  to  take 
defensive  precaution  against  the  Indians  who  were  yet,  in  some  instances, 
incited  to  deeds  of  violence  by  the  British.  Before  the  close  of  this  year, 
1784,  the  military  claimants  of  land  began  to  occupy  them,  although  no 
entries  were  recorded  until  1787. 

The  Indian  title  to  the  Northwest  was  not  yet  extinguished.  They 
held  large  tracts  of  lands,  and  in  order  to  prevent  bloodshed  Congress 
adopted  means  for  treaties  with  the  original  owners  and  provided  for  the 
surveys  of  the  lands  gained  thereby,  as  well  as  for  those  north  of  the 
Ohio,  now  in  its  possession.  On  January  31,  1786,  a treaty  was  made 
with  the  Wabash  Indians.  The  treaty  of  Fort  Stanwix  had  been  made 
in  1784.  That  at  Fort  McIntosh  in  1785,  and  through  these  much  land 
was  gained.  The  Wabash  Indians,  however,  afterward  refused  to  comply 
with  the  provisions  of  the  treaty  made  with  them,  and  in  order  to  compel 
their  adherence  to  its  provisions,  force  was  used.  During  the  year  1786, 
the  free  navigation  of  the  Mississippi  came  up  in  Congress,  and  caused 
various  discussions,  which  resulted  in  no  definite  action,  only  serving  to 
excite  speculation  in  regard  to  the  western  lands.  Congress  had  promised 
bounties  of  land  to  the  soldiers  of  the  Revolution,  but  owing  to  the 
unsettled  condition  of  affairs  along  the  Mississippi  respecting  its  naviga- 
tion, and  the  trade  of  the  Northwest,  that  body  had,  in  1783,  declared 
its  inability  to  fulfill  these  promises  until  a treaty  could  be  concluded 
between  the  two  Governments.  Before  the  close  of  the  year  1786,  how- 
ever, it  was  able,  through  the  treaties  with  the  Indians,  to  allow  some 
grants  and  the  settlement  thereon,  and  on  the  14th  of  September  Con- 
necticut ceded  to  the  General  Government  the  tract  of  land  known  as 
the  “ Connecticut  Reserve,”  and  before  the  close  of  the  following  year  a 
large  tract  of  land  north  of  the  Ohio  was  sold  to  a company,  who  at  once 
took  measures  to  settle  it.  By  the  provisions  of  this  grant,  the  company 
were  to  pay  the  United  States  one  dollar  per  acre,  subject  to  a deduction 
of  one-third  for  bad  lands  and  other  contingencies.  They  received 
750,000  acres,  bounded  on  the  south  by  the  Ohio,  on  the  east  by  the 
seventh  range  of  townships,  on  the  west  by  the  sixteenth  range,  and  on 
the  north  by  a line  so  drawn  as  to  make  the  grant  complete  without 
the  reservations.  In  addition  to  this,  Congress  afterward  granted  100,000 
acres  to  actual  settlers,  and  214,285  acres  as  army  bounties  under  the 
resolutions  of  1789  and  1790. 


58 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY, 


While  Dr.  Cutler,  one  of  the  agents  of  the  company,  was  pressing 
its  claims  before  Congress,  that  body  was  bringing  into  form  an  ordinance 
for  the  political  and  social  organization  of  this  Territory.  When  the 
cession  was  made  by  Virginia,  in  1784,  a plan  was  offered,  but  rejected. 
A motion  had  been  made  to  strike  from  the  proposed  plan  the  prohibition 
of  slavery,  which  prevailed.  The  plan  was  then  discussed  and  altered, 
and  finally  passed  unanimously,  with  the  exception  of  South  Carolina. 
By  this  proposition,  the  Territory  was  to  have  been  divided  into  states 


by  parallels  and  meridian  lines.  This,  it  was  thought,  would  make  ten 
states,  which  were  to  have  been  named  as  follows  — beginning  at  the 
northwest  corner  and  going  southwardly : Sylvania,  Michigania,  Cher- 
sonesus,  Assenisipia,  Metropotamia,  Illenoia,  Saratoga,  Washington,  Poly- 
potamia  and  Pelisipia. 

There  was  a more  serious  objection  to  this  plan  than  its  category  of 
names, — the  boundaries.  The  root  of  the  difficulty  was  in  the  resolu- 
tion of  Congress  passed  in  October,  1780,  which  fixed  the  boundaries 
of  the  ceded  lands  to  be  from  one  hundred  to  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


59 


square.  These  resolutions  being  presented  to  the  Legislatures  of  Vir- 
ginia and  Massachusetts,  they  desired  a change,  and  in  July,  1786,  the 
subject  was  taken  up  in  Congress,  and  changed  to  favor  a division  into 
not  more  than  five  states,  and  not  less  than  three.  This  was  approved  by 
the  State  Legislature  of  Virginia.  The  subject  of  the  Government  was 
again  taken  up  by  Congress  in  1786,  and  discussed  throughout  that  year 
and  until  July,  1787,  when  the  famous  “Compact  of  1787”  was  passed, 
and  the  foundation  of  the  government  of  the  Northwest  laid.  This  com- 
pact is  fully  discussed  and  explained  in  the  history  of  Illinois  in  this  book, 
and  to  it  the  reader  is  referred. 

The  passage  of  this  act  and  the  grant  to  the  New  England  Company 
was  soon  followed  by  an  application  to  the  Government  by  John  Cleves 
Symmes,  of  New  Jersey,  for  a grant  of  the  land  between  the  Miamis. 
This  gentleman  had  visited  these  lands  soon  after  the  treaty  of  1786,  and, 
being  greatly  pleased  with  them,  offered  similar  terms  to  those  given  to  the 
New  England  Company.  The  petition  was  referred  to  the  Treasury 
Board  with  power  to  act,  and  a contract  was  concluded  the  following- 
year.  During  the  Autumn  the  directors  of  the  New  England  Company 
were  preparing  to  occupy  their  grant  the  following  Spring,  and  upon  the 
23d  of  November  made  arrangements  for  a party  of  forty-seven  men, 
under  the  superintendency  of  Gen.  Rufus  Putnam,  to  set  forward.  Six 
boat-builders  were  to  leave  at  once,  and  on  the  first  of  January  the  sur- 
veyors and  their  assistants,  twenty-six  in  number,  were  to  meet  at  Hart- 
ford and  proceed  on  their  journey  westward ; the  remainder  to  follow  as 
soon  as  possible.  Congress,  in  the  meantime,  upon  the  3d  of  October, 
had  ordered  seven  hundred  troops  for  defense  of  the  western  settlers,  and 
to  prevent  unauthorized  intrusions  ; and  two  days  later  appointed  Arthur 
St.  Clair  Governor  of  the  Territory  of  the  Northwest. 

AMERICAN  SETTLEMENTS. 

The  civil  organization  of  the  Northwest  Territory  was  now  com- 
plete, and  notwithstanding  the  uncertainty  of  Indian  affairs,  settlers  from 
the  East  began  to  come  into  the  country  rapidly.  The  New  England 
Company  sent  their  men  during  the  Winter  of  1787-8  pressing  on  over 
the  Alleghenies  by  the  old  Indian  path  which  had  been  opened  into 
Braddock’s  road,  and  which  has  since  been  made  a national  turnpike 
from  Cumberland  westward.  Through  the  weary  winter  daj^s  they  toiled 
on,  and  by  April  were  all  gathered  on  the  Yohiogany,  where  boats  had 
been  built,  and  at  once  started  for  the  Muskingum.  Here  they  arrived 
on  the  7th  of  that  month,  and  unless  the  Moravian  missionaries  be  regarded 
as  the  pioneers  of  Ohio,  this  little  band  can  justly  claim  that  honor. 


00  THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 

Gen.  St.  Clair,  the  appointed  Governor  of  the  Northwest,  not  having 
yet  arrived,  a set  of  laws  were  passed,  written  out,  and  published  by 
being  nailed  to  a tree  in  the  embryo  town,  and  Jonathan  Meigs  appointed 
to  administer  them. 

Washington  in  writing  of  this,  the  first  American  settlement  in  the 
Northwest,  said : “ No  colony  in  America  was  ever  settled  under 

such  favorable  auspices  as  that  which  has  just  commenced  at  Muskingum. 
Information,  property  and  strength  will  be  its  characteristics.  I know 
many  of  its  settlers  personally,  and  there  never  were  men  better  calcu- 
lated to  promote  the  welfare  of  such  a community. ” 


A PIONEER  DWELLING. 

On  the  2d  of  July  a meeting  of  the  directors  and  agents  was  held 
on  the  banks  of  the  Muskingum,  “ for  the  purpose  of  naming  the  new- 
born city  and  its  squares.”  As  yet  the  settlement  was  known  as  the 
“Muskingum,”  but  that  was  now  changed  to  the  name  Marietta,  in  honor 
of  Marie  Antoinette.  The  square  upon  which  the  block -houses  stood 
was  called  “ Campus  Martins  square  number  19,  “ Capitolium  ;”  square 
number  61,  “ Cecilia;"  and  the  great  road  through  the  covert  way,  “ Sacra 
Via.”  Two  days  after,  an  oration  was  delivered  by  James  M.  Varnum, 
who  with  S.  H.  Parsons  and  John  Armstrong  had  been  appointed  to  the 
judicial  bench  of  the  territory  on  the  16th  of  October,  1787.  On  July  9, 
Gov.  St.  Clair  arrived,  and  the  colony  began  to  assume  form.  The  act 
of  1787  provided  two  district  grades  of  government  for  the  Northwest, 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


61 


■under  the  first  of  which  the  whole  power  was  invested  in  the  hands  of  a 
governor  and  three  district  judges.  This  was  immediately  formed  upon 
the  Governor’s  arrival,  and  the  first  laws  of  the  colony  passed  on  the  25th 
of  July.  These  provided  for  the  organization  of  the  militia,  and  on  the 
next  day  appeared  the  Governor’s  proclamation,  erecting  all  that  country 
that  had  been  ceded  by  the  Indians  east  of  the  Scioto  River  into  the 
County  of  Washington.  From  that  time  forward,  notwithstanding  the 
doubts  yet  existing  as  to  the  Indians,  all  Marietta  prospered,  and  on  the 
2d  of  September  the  first  court  of  the  territory  was  held  with  imposing 
ceremonies. 

The  emigration  westward  at  this  time  was  very  great.  The  com- 
mander at  FortHarmer,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Muskingum,  reported  four 
thousand  five  hundred  persons  as  having  passed  that  post  between  Feb- 
ruary and  June,  1788  — many  of  whom  would  have  purchased  of  the 
“Associates,”  as  the  New  England  Company  was  called,  had  they  been 
ready  to  receive  them. 

On  the  26th  of  November,  1787,  Symmes  issued  a pamphlet  stating 
the  terms  of  his  contract  and  the  plan  of  sale  he  intended  to  adopt.  In 
January,  1788,  Matthias  Denman,  of  New  Jersey,  took  an  active  interest 
in  Symmes’  purchase,  and  located  among  other  tracts  the  sections  upon 
which  Cincinnati  has  been  built.  Retaining  one-third  of  this  locality,  he 
sold  the  other  two-thirds  to  Robert  Patterson  and  John  Filson,  and  the 
three,  about  August,  commenced  to  lay  out  a town  on  the  spot,  which 
was  designated  as  being  opposite  Licking  River,  to  the  mouth  of  which 
they  proposed  to  have  a road  cut  from  Lexington.  The  naming  of  the 
town  is  thus  narrated  in  the  “Western  Annals  ” : — “ Mr.  Filson,  who  had 
been  a schoolmaster,  was  appointed  to  name  the  town,  and,  in  respect  to 
its  situation,  and  as  if  with  a prophetic  perception  of  the  mixed  race  that 
were  to  inhabit  it  in  after  days,  he  named  it  Losantiville,  which,  being 
interpreted,  means  : ville , the  town  ; anti , against  or  opposite  to  ; os , the 
mouth  ; L.  of  Licking.” 

Meanwhile,  in  July,  Symmes  got  thirty  persons  and  eight  four-horse 
teams  under  way  for  the  West.  These  reached  Limestone  (now  Mays- 
ville)  in  September,  where  were  several  persons  from  Redstone.  Here 
Mr.  Symmes  tried  to  found  a settlement,  but  the  great  freshet  of  1789 
caused  the  “ Point,”  as  it  was  and  is  yet  called,  to  be  fifteen  feet  under 
water,  and  the  settlement  to  be  abandoned.  The  little  band  of  settlers 
removed  to  the  mouth  of  the  Miami.  Before  Symmes  and  his  colony  left 
the  “ Point,”  two  settlements  had  been  made  on  his  purchase.  The  first 
was  by  Mr.  Stiltes,  the  original  projector  of  the  whole  plan,  who,  with  a 
colony  of  Redstone  people,  had  located  at  the  mouth  of  the  Miami, 
whither  Symmes  went  with  his  Maysville  colony.  Here  a clearing  had 


62 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


been  made  by  the  Indians  owing  to  the  great  fertility  of  the  soil.  Mr. 
Stiltes  with  his  colony  came  to  this  place  on  the  18th  of  November,  1788, 
with  twenty-six  persons,  and,  building  a block-house,  prepared  to  remain 
through  the  Winter.  They  named  the  settlement  Columbia.  Here  they 
were  kindly  treated  by  the  Indians,  but  suffered  greatly  from  the  flood 
of  1789. 

On  the  4th  of  March,  1789,  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States 
went  into  operation,  and  on  April  30,  George  Washington  was  inaug- 
urated President  of  the  American  people,  and  during  the  next  Summer, 
an  Indian  war  was  commenced  by  the  tribes  north  of  the  Ohio.  The 
President  at  first  used  pacific  means ; but  these  failing,  he  sent  General 
Harmer  against  the  hostile  tribes.  He  destroyed  several  villages,  but 


was  defeated  in  two  battles,  near  the  present  City  of  Fort  Wayne, 
Indiana.  From  this  time  till  the  close  of  1795,  the  principal  events  were 
the  wars  with  the  various  Indian  tribes.  In  1796,  General  St.  Clair 
was  appointed  in  command,  and  marched  against  the  Indians ; but  while 
he  was  encamped  on  a stream,  the  St.  Mary,  a branch  of  the  Maumee, 
he  was  attacked  and  defeated  with  the  loss  of  six  hundred  men. 

General  Wayne  was  now  sent  against  the  savages.  In  August,  1794, 
he  met  them  near  the  rapids  of  the  Maumee,  and  gained  a complete 
victory.  This  success,  followed  by  vigorous  measures,  compelled  the 
Indians  to  sue  for  peace,  and  on  the  30th  of  July,  the  following  year,  the 
treaty  of  Greenville  was  signed  by  the  principal  chiefs,  by  which  a large 
tract  of  country  was  ceded  to  the  United  States. 

Before  proceeding  in  our  narrative,  we  will  pause  to  notice  Fort 
Washington,  erected  in  the  early  part  of  this  war  on  the  site  of  Cincinnati. 
Nearly  all  of  the  great  cities  of  the  Northwest,  and  indeed  of  the 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


63 


whole  country,  have  had  their  nuclei  in  those  rude  pioneer  structures, 
known  as  forts  or  stockades.  Thus  Forts  Dearborn,  Washington,  Pon- 
chartrain,  mark  the  original  sites  of  the  now  proud  Cities  of  Chicago, 
Cincinnati  and  Detroit.  So  of  most  of  the  flourishing  cities  east  and  west 
of  the  Mississippi.  Fort  Washington,  erected  by  Doughty  in  1790,  was  a 
rude  but  highly  interesting  structure.  It  was  composed  of  a number  of 
strongly-built  hewed  log  cabins.  Those  designed  for  soldiers’  barracks 
were  a story  and  a half  high,  while  those  composing  the  officers  quarters 
were  more  imposing  and  more  conveniently  arranged  and  furnished. 
The  whole  were  so  placed  as  to  form  a hollow  square,  enclosing  about  an 
acre  of  ground,  with  a block  house  at  each  of  the  four  angles. 

The  logs  for  the  construction  of  this  fort  were  cut  from  the  ground 
upon  which  it  was  erected.  It  stood  between  Third  and  Fourth  Streets 
of  the  present  city  (Cincinnati)  extending  east  of  Eastern  Row,  now 
Broadway,  which  was  then  a narrow  alley,  and  the  eastern  boundary  of 
of  the  town  as  it  was  originally  laid  out.  On  the  bank  of  the  river, 
immediately  in  front  of  the  fort,  was  an  appendage  of  the  fort,  called  the 
Artificer’s  Yard.  It  contained  about  two  acres  of  ground,  enclosed  by 
small  contiguous  buildings,  occupied  by  workshops  and  quarters  of 
laborers.  Within  this  enclosure  there  was  a large  two-story  frame  house, 
familiarly  called  the  “Yellow  House,”  built  for  the  accommodation  of 
the  Quartermaster  General.  For  many  years  this  was  the  best  finished 
and  most  commodious  edifice  in  the  Queen  City.  Fort  Washington  was 
for  some  time  the  headquarters  of  both  the  civil  and  military  governments 
of  the  Northwestern  Territory. 

Following  the  consummation  of  the  treaty  various  gigantic  lanfl  spec- 
ulations were  entered  into  by  different  persons,  who  hoped  to  obtain 
from  the  Indians  in  Michigan  and  northern  Indiana,  large  tracts  of  lands. 
These  were  generally  discovered  in  time  to  prevent  the  outrageous 
schemes  from  being  carried  out,  and  from  involving  the  settlers  in  war. 
On  October  27,  1795,  the  treaty  between  the  United  States  and  Spain 
was  signed,  whereby  the  free  navigation  of  the  Mississippi  was  secured. 

No  sooner  had  the  treaty  of  1795  been  ratified  than  settlements  began 
to  pour  rapidly  into  the  West.  The  great  event  of  the  year  1796  was  the 
occupation  of  that  part  of  the  Northwest  including  Michigan,  which  was 
this  year,  under  the  provisions  of  the  treaty,  evacuated  by  the  British 
forces.  The  United  States,  owing  to  certain  conditions,  did  not  feel 
justified  in  addressing  the  authorities  in  Canada  in  relation  to  Detroit 
and  other  frontier  posts.  When  at  last  the  British  authorities  were 
called  to  give  them  up,  they  at  once  complied,  and  General  Wayne,  who 
had  done  so  much  to  preserve  the  frontier  settlements,  and  who,  before 
the  year’s  close,  sickened  and  died  near  Erie,  transferred  his  head- 


64 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


quarters  to  the  neighborhood  of  the  lakes,  where  a county  named  after 
him  was  formed,  which  included  the  northwest  of  Ohio,  all  of  Michigan, 
and  the  northeast  of  Indiana.  During  this  same  year  settlements  were 
formed  at  the  present  City  of  Chillicothe,  along  the  Miami  from  Middle- 
town  to  Piqua,  while  in  the  more  distant  West,  settlers  and  speculators 
began  to  appear  in  great  numbers.  In  September,  the  City  of  Cleveland 
was  laid  out,  and  during  the  Summer  and  Autumn,  Samuel  Jackson  and 
Jonathan  Sharpless  erected  the  first  manufactory  of  paper — the  “ Red- 
stone Paper  Mill” — in  the  West.  St.  Louis  contained  some  seventy 
houses,  and  Detroit  over  three  hundred,  and  along  the  river,  contiguous 
to  it,  were  more  than  three  thousand  inhabitants,  mostly  French  Canadians, 
Indians  and  half-breeds,  scarcely  any  Americans  venturing  yet  into  that 
part  of  the  Northwest. 

The  election  of  representatives  for  the  territory  had  taken  place, 
and  on  the  4th  of  February,  1799,  they  convened  at  Losantiville  — now 
known  as  Cincinnati,  having  been  named  so  by  Gov.  St.  Clair,  and 
considered  the  capital  of  the  Territory — to  nominate  persons  from  whom 
the  members  of  the  Legislature  were  to  be  chosen  in  accordance  with 
a previous  ordinance.  This  nomination  being  made,  the  Assembly 
adjourned  until  the  16th  of  the  following  September.  From  those  named 
the  President  selected  as  members  of  the  council,  Henry  Vandenburg, 
of  Vincennes,  Robert  Oliver,  of  Marietta,  James  Findlay  and  Jacob 
Burnett,  of  Cincinnati,  and  David  Vance,  of  Vanceville.  On  the  16th 
of  September  the  Territorial  Legislature  met,  and  on  the  24th  the  two 
houses  were  duly  organized,  Henry  Vandenburg  being  elected  President 
of  the  Council. 

The  message  of  Gov.  St.  Clair  was  addressed  to  the  Legislature 
September  20th,  and  on  October  13th  that  body  elected  as  a delegate  to 
Congress  Gen.  Wm.  Henry  Harrison,  who  received  eleven  of  the  votes 
cast,  being  a majority  of  one  over  his  opponent,  Arthur  St.  Clair,  son  of 
Gen.  St.  Clair. 

The  whole  number  of  acts  passed  at  this  session,  and  approved  by 
the  Governor,  were  thirty-seven  — eleven  others  were  passed,  but  received 
his  veto.  The  most  important  of  those  passed  related  to  the  militia,  to 
the  administration,  and  to  taxation.  On  the  19th  of  December  this  pro- 
tracted session  of  the  first  Legislature  in  the  West  was  closed,  and  on  the 
30th  of  December  the  President  nominated  Charles  Willing  Bryd  to  the 
office  of  Secretary  of  the  Territory  vice  Wm.  Henry  Harrison,  elected  to 
Congress.  The  Senate  confirmed  his  nomination  the  next  day. 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


65 


DIVISION  OF  THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 

The  increased  emigration  to  the  Northwest,  the  extent  of  the  domain, 
and  the  inconvenient  modes  of  travel,  made  it  very  difficult  to  conduct 
the  ordinary  operations  of  government,  and  rendered  the  efficient  action 
of  courts  almost  impossible.  To  remedy  this,  it  was  deemed  advisable  to 
divide  the  territory  for  civil  purposes.  Congress,  in  1800,  appointed  a 
committee  to  examine  the  question  and  report  some  means  for  its  solution. 
This  committee,  on  the  3d  of  March,  reported  that : 

“ In  the  three  western  countries  there  has  been  but  one  court  having 
cognizance  of  crimes,  in  five  years,  and  the  immunity  which  offenders 
experience  attracts,  as  to  an  asylum,  the  most  vile  and  abandoned  crim- 
inals, and  at  the  same  time  deters  useful  citizens  from  making  settlements 
in  such  society.  The  extreme  necessity  of  judiciary  attention  and  assist- 
ance is  experienced  in  civil  as  well  as  in  criminal  cases.  * * * * To 

minister  a remedy  to  these  and  other  evils,  it  occurs  to  this  committee 
that  it  is  expedient  that  a division  of  said  territory  into  two  distinct  and 
separate  governments  should  be  made ; and  that  such  division  be  made 
by  a line  beginning  at  the  mouth  of  the  Great  Miami  River,  running 
directly  north  until  it  intersects  the  boundary  between  the  United  States 
and  Canada.” 

The  report  was  accepted  by  Congress,  and,  in  accordance  with  its 
suggestions,  that  body  passed  an  Act  extinguishing  the  Northwest  Terri- 
tory, which  Act  was  approved  May  7.  Among  its  provisions  were  these : 
“ That  from  and  after  July  4 next,  all  that  part  of  the  Territory  of 
the  United  States  northwest  of  the  Ohio  River,  which  lies  to  the  westward 
of  a line  beginning  at  a point  on  the  Ohio,  opposite  to  the  mouth  of  the 
Kentucky  River,  and  running  thence  to  Fort  Recovery,  and  thence  north 
until  it  shall  intersect  the  territorial  line  between  the  United  States  and 
Canada,  shall,  for  the  purpose  of  temporary  government,  constitute  a 
separate  territory,  and  be  called  the  Indiana  Territory.” 

After  providing  for  the  exercise  of  the  civil  and  criminal  powers  of 
the  territories,  and  other  provisions,  the  Act  further  provides: 

“ That  until  it  shall  otherwise  be  ordered  by  the  Legislatures  of  the 
said  Territories,  respectively,  Chillicothe  on  the  Scioto  River  shall  be  the 
seat  of  government  of  the  Territory  of  the  United  States  northwest  of  the 
Ohio  River;  and  that  St.  Vincennes  on  the  Wabash  River  shall  be  the 
seat  of  government  for  the  Indiana  Territory.” 

Gen.  Wm.  Henry  Harrison  was  appointed  Governor  of  the  Indiana 
Territory,  and  entered  upon  his  duties  about  a year  later.  Connecticut 
also  about  this  time  released  her  claims  to  the  reserve,  and  in  March  a law 


6G 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


was  passed  accepting  this  cession.  Settlements  had  been  made  upon 
thirty-five  of  the  townships  in  the  reserve,  mills  had  been  built,  and  seven 
hundred  miles  of  road  cut  in  various  directions.  On  the  3d  of  November 
the  General  Assembly  met  at  Chillicothe.  Near  the  close  of  the  year, 
the  first  missionary  of  the  Connecticut  Reserve  came,  who  found  no 
township  containing  more  than  eleven  families.  It  was  upon  the  first  of 
October  that  the  secret  treaty  had  been  made  between  Napoleon  and  the 
King  of  Spain,  whereby  the  latter  agreed  to  cede  to  France  the  province 
of  Louisiana. 

In  January,  1802,  the  Assembly  of  the  Northwestern  Territory  char- 
tered the  college  at  Athens.  From  the  earliest  dawn  of  the  western 
colonies,  education  was  promptly  provided  for,  and  as  early  as  1787, 
newspapers  were  issued  from  Pittsburgh  and  Kentucky,  and  largely  read 
throughout  the  frontier  settlements.  Before  the  close  of  this  year,  the 
Congress  of  the  United  States  granted  to  the  citizens  of  the  Northwestern 
territory  the  formation  of  a State  government.  One  of  the  provisions  of 
the  “compact  of  1787”  provided  that  whenever  the  number  of  inhabit- 
ants within  prescribed  limits  exceeded  45,000,  they  should  be  entitled  to 
a separate  government.  The  prescribed  limits  of  Ohio  contained,  from  a 
census  taken  to  ascertain  the  legality  of  the  act,  more  than  that  number, 
and  on  the  30th  of  April,  1802,  Congress  passed  the  act  defining  its  limits, 
and  on  the  29th  of  November  the  Constitution  of  the  new  State  of  Ohio, 
so  named  from  the  beautiful  river  forming  its  southern  boundary,  came 
into  existence.  The  exact  limits  of  Lake  Michigan  were  not  then  known, 
but  the  territory  now  included  within  the  State  of  Michigan  was  wholly 
within  the  territory  of  Indiana. 

Gen.  Harrison,  while  residing  at  Vincennes,  made  several  treaties 
with  the  Indians,  thereby  gaining  large  tracts  of  lands.  The  next  year  is 
memorable  in  the  history  of  the  West  for  the  purchase  of  Louisiana  from 
France  by  the  United  States  for  $15,000,000.  Thus  by  a peaceful  mode, 
the  domain  of  the  United  States  was  extended  over  a large  tract  of 
country  west  of  the  Mississippi,  and  was  for  a time  under  the  jurisdiction 
of  the  Northwest  government,  and,  as  has  been  mentioned  in  the  early 
part  of  this  narrative,  was  called  the  “New  Northwest.”  The  limits 
of  this  history  will  not  allow  a description  of  its  territory.  The  same  year 
large  grants  of  land  were  obtained  from  the  Indians,  and  the  House  of 
Representatives  of  the  new  State  of  Ohio  signed  a bill  respecting  the 
College  Township  in  the  district  of  Cincinnati. 

Before  the  close  of  the  year,  Gen.  Harrison  obtained  additional 
grants  of  lands  from  the  various  Indian  nations  in  Indiana  and  the  present 
limits  of  Illinois,  and  on  the  18th  of  August,  1804,  completed  a treaty  at 
St.  Louis,  whereby  over  51,000,000  acres  of  lands  were  obtained  from  the 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


6-1 

aborigines.  Measures  were  also  taken  to  learn  the  condition  of  affairs  in 
and  about  Detroit. 

C.  Jouett,  the  Indian  agent  in  Michigan,  still  a part  of  Indiana  Terri- 
tory, reported  as  follows  upon  the  condition  of  matters  at  that  post : 

“ The  Town  of  Detroit. — The  charter,  which  is  for  fifteen  miles 
square,  was  granted  in  the  time  of  Louis  XIY.  of  France,  and  is  now, 
from  the  best  information  I have  been  able  to  get,  at  Quebec.  Of  those 
two  hundred  and  twenty-five  acres,  only  four  are  occupied  by  the  town 
and  Fort  Lenault.  The  remainder  is  a common,  except  twenty-four 
acres,  which  were  added  twenty  years  ago  to  a farm  belonging  to  Wm. 
Macomb.  * * * A stockade  incloses  the  town,  fort  and  citadel.  The 

pickets,  as  well  as  the  public  houses,  are  in  a state  of  gradual  decay.  The 
streets  are  narrow,  straight  and  regular,  and  intersect  each  other  at  right 
angles.  The  houses  are,  for  the  most  part,  low  and  inelegant.” 

During  this  year,  Congress  granted  a township  of  land  for  the  sup- 
port of  a college,  and  began  to  offer  inducements  for  settlers  in  these 
wilds,  and  the  country  now  comprising  the  State  of  Michigan  began  to 
fill  rapidly  with  settlers  along  its  southern  borders.  This  same  year,  also, 
a law  was  passed  organizing  the  Southwest  Territory,  dividing  it  into  two 
portions,  the  Territory  of  New  Orleans,  which  city  was  made  the  seat  of 
government,  and  the  District  of  Louisiana,  which  was  annexed  to  the 
domain  of  Gen.  Harrison. 

On  the  11th  of  January,  1805,  the  Territory  of  Michigan  was  formed, 
Wm.  Hull  was  appointed  governor,  with  headquarters  at  Detroit,  the 
change  to  take  effect  on  June  30.  On  the  11th  of  that  month,  a fire 
occurred  at  Detroit,  which  destroj^ed  almost  every  building  in  the  place. 
When  the  officers  of  the  new  territory  reached  the  post,  they  found  it  in 
ruins,  and  the  inhabitants  scattered  throughout  the  country.  Rebuild- 
ing, however,  soon  commenced,  and  ere  long  the  town  contained  more 
houses  than  before  the  fire,  and  many  of  them  much  better  built. 

While  this  was  being  done,  Indiana  had  passed  to  the  second  grade 
of  government,  and  through  her  General  Assembly  had  obtained  large 
tracts  of  land  from  the  Indian  tribes.  To  all  this  the  celebrated  Indian, 
Tecumthe  or  Tecumseh,  vigorously  protested,  and  it  was  the  main  cause 
of  his  attempts  to  unite  the  various  Indian  tribes  in  a conflict  with  the 
settlers.  To  obtain  a full  account  of  these  attempts,  the  workings  of  the 
British,  and  the  signal  failure,  culminating  in  the  death  of  Tecumseh  at 
the  battle  of  the  Thames,  and  the  close  of  the  war  of  1812  in  the  Northwest, 
we  will  step  aside  in  our  story,  and  relate  the  principal  events  of  his  life, 
and  his  connection  with  this  conflict. 


TECUMSEH,  THE  SHAWANOE  CHIEFTAIN. 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


69 


TECUMSEH,  AND  THE  WAR  OF  1812. 

This  famous  Indian  chief  was  born  about  the  year  1768,  not  far  from 
the  site  of  the  present  city  of  Springfield,  Ohio.  His  father,  Puckeshinwa, 
was  a member  of  the  Kisopok  tribe  of  the  Swanoese  nation,  and  his 
mother,  Methontaske,  was  a member  of  the  Turtle  tribe  of  the  same 
people.  They  removed  from  Florida  about  the  middle  of  the  last  century 
to  the  birthplace  of  Tecumseh.  In  1774,  his  father,  who  had  risen  to  be 
chief,  was  slain  at  the  battle  of  Point  Pleasant,  and  not  long  after  Tecum- 
seh, by  his  bravery,  became  the  leader  of  his  tribe.  In  1795  he  was 
declared  chief,  and  then  lived  at  Deer  Creek,  near  the  site  of  the 
present  City  of  Urbana.  He  remained  here  about  one  year,  when  he 
returned  to  Piqua,  and  in  1798,  he  went  to  White  River,  Indiana.  In 
1805,  he  and  his  brother,  Laulewasikan  (Open  Door),  who  had  announced 
himself  as  a prophet,  went  to  a tract  of  land  on  the  W abash  River,  given 
them  by  the  Pottawatomies  and  Kickapoos.  From  this  date  the  chief 
comes  into  prominence.  He  was  now  about  thirty-seven  years  of  age, 
was  five  feet  and  ten  inches  in  height,  was  stoutly  built,  and  possessed  of 
enormous  powers  of  endurance.  His  countenance  was  naturally  pleas- 
ing, and  he  was,  in  general,  devoid  of  those  savage  attributes  possessed 
by  most  Indians.  It  is  stated  he  could  read  and  write,  and  had  a confi- 
dential secretary  and  adviser,  named  Billy  Caldwell,  a half-breed,  who 
afterward  became  chief  of  the  Pottawatomies.  He  occupied  the  first 
house  built  on  the  site  of  Chicago.  At  this  time,  Tecumseh  entered 
upon  the  great  work  of  his  life.  He  had  long  objected  to  the  grants  of 
land  made  by  the  Indians  to  the  whites,  and  determined  to  unite  all  the 
Indian  tribes  into  a league,  in  order  that  no  treaties  or  grants  of  land 
could  be  made  save  by  the  consent  of  this  confederation. 

He  traveled  constantly,  going  from  north  to  south  ; from  the  south 
to  the  north,  everywhere  urging  the  Indians  to  this  step.  He  was  a 
matchless  orator,  and  his  burning  words  had  their  effect. 

Gen.  Harrison,  then  Governor  of  Indiana,  by  watching  the  move- 
ments of  the  Indians,  became  convinced  that  a grand  conspiracy  was 
forming,  and  made  preparations  to  defend  the  settlements.  Tecumseh’s 
plan  was  similar  to  Pontiac’s,  elsewhere  described,  and  to  the  cunning 
artifice  of  that  chieftain  was  added  his  own  sagacity. 

During  the  3rear  1809,  Tecumseh  and  the  prophet  were  actively  pre- 
paring for  the  work.  In  that  year,  Gen.  Harrison  entered  into  a treaty 
with  the  Delawares,  Kickapoos,  Pottawatomies,  Miamis,  Eel  River  Indians 
and  Weas,  in  which  these  tribes  ceded  to  the  whites  certain  lands  upon 
the  Wabash,  to  all  of  which  Tecumseh  entered  a bitter  protest,  averring 


70 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


as  one  principal  reason  that  he  did  not  want  the  Indians  to  give  up  any 
lands  north  and  west  of  the  Ohio  River. 

Tecumseh,  in  August,  1810,  visited  the  General  at  Vincennes  and 
held  a council  relating  to  the  grievances  of  the  Indians.  Becoming  unduly 
angry  at  this  conference  he  was  dismissed  from  the  village,  and  soon  after 
departed  to  incite  the  southern  Indian  tribes  to  the  conflict. 

Gen.  Harrison  determined  to  move  upon  the  chief’s  headquarters  at 
Tippecanoe,  and  for  this  purpose  went  about  sixty-five  miles  up  the 
Wabash,  where  he  built  Fort  Harrison.  From  this  place  he  went  to  the 
prophet’s  town,  where  he  informed  the  Indians  he  had  no  hostile  inten- 
tions, provided  they  were  true  to  the  existing  treaties.  He  encamped 
near  the  village  early  in  October,  and  on  the  morning  of  November  7,  he 
was  attacked  by  a large  force  of  the  Indians,  and  the  famous  battle  of 
Tippecanoe  occurred.  The  Indians  were  routed  and  their  town  broken 
up.  Tecumseh  returning  not  long  after,  was  greatly  exasperated  at  his 
brother,  the  prophet,  even  threatening  to  kill  him  for  rashly  precipitating 
the  war,  and  foiling  his  (Tecumseh’s)  plans. 

Tecumseh  sent  word  to  Gen.  Harrison  that  he  was  now  returned 
from  the  South,  and  was  ready  to  visit  the  President  as  had  at  one  time 
previously  been  proposed.  Gen.  Harrison  informed  him  he  could  not  go 
as  a chief,  which  method  Tecumseh  desired,  and  the  visit  was  never 
made. 

In  June  of  the  following  year,  he  visited  the  Indian  agent  "at 
Fort  Wayne.  Here  he  disavowed  any  intention  to  make  a war  against 
the  United  States,  and  reproached  Gen.  Harrison  for  marching  against  his 
people.  The  agent  replied  to  this  ; Tecumseh  listened  with  a cold  indif- 
ference, and  after  making  a few  general  remarks,  with  a haughty  air  drew 
his  blanket  about  him,  left  the  council  house,  and  departed  for  Fort  Mal- 
den, in  Upper  Canada,  where  he  joined  the  British  standard. 

He  remained  under  this  Government,  doing  effective  work  for  the 
Crown  while  engaged  in  the  war  of  1812  which  now  opened.  He  was, 
however,  always  humane  in  his  treatment  of  the  prisoners,  never  allow- 
ing his  warriors  to  ruthlessly  mutilate  the  bodies  of  those  slain,  or  wan- 
tonly murder  the  captive. 

In  the  Summer  of  1813,  Perry’s  victory  on  Lake  Erie  occurred,  and 
shortly  after  active  preparations  were  made  to  capture  Malden.  On  the 
27th  of  September,  the  American  army,  under  Gen.  Harrison,  set  sail  for 
the  shores  of  Canada,  and  in  a few  hours  stood  around  the  ruins  of  Mal- 
den, from  which  the  British  army,  under  Proctor,  had  retreated  to  Sand- 
wich, intending  to  make  its  way  to  the  heart  of  Canada  by  the  Valley  of 
the  Thames.  On  the  29th  Gen.  Harrison  was  at  Sandwich,  and  Gen. 
McArthur  took  possession  of  Detroit  and  the  territory  of  Michigan. 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


71 


On  the  2d  of  October,  the  Americans  began  their  pursuit  of  Proctor, 
whom  they  overtook  on  the  5th,  and  the  battle  of  the  Thames  followed. 
Early  in  the  engagement,  Tecumseh  who  was  at  the  head  of  the  column 
of  Indians  was  slain,  and  they,  no  longer  hearing  the  voice  of  their  chief- 
tain, fled.  The  victory  was  decisive,  and  practically  closed  the  war  in 
the  Northwest. 


INDIANS  ATTACKING  A STOCKADE. 


Just  who  killed  the  great  chief  has  been  a matter  of  much  dispute  ; 
but  the  weight  of  opinion  awards  the  act  to  Col.  Richard  M.  Johnson, 
who  fired  at  him  with  a pistol,  the  shot  proving  fatal. 

In  1805  occurred  Burr’s  Insurrection.  He  took  possession  of  a 
beautiful  island  in  the  Ohio,  after  the  killing  of  Hamilton,  and  is  charged 
by  many  with  attempting  to  set  up  an  independent  government.  His 
plans  were  frustrated  by  the  general  government,  his  property  confiscated 
and  he  was  compelled  to  flee  the  country  for  safety. 


72 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


In  January,  1807,  Governor  Hull,  of  Michigan  Territory,  made  a 
treaty  with  the  Indians,  whereby  all  that  peninsula  was  ceded  to  the 
United  States.  Before  the  close  of  the  year,  a stockade  was  built  about 
Detroit.  It  was  also  during  this  year  that  Indiana  and  Illinois  endeavored 
to  obtain  the  repeal  of  that  section  of  the  compact  of  1787,  whereby 
slavery  was  excluded  from  the  Northwest  Territory.  These  attempts, 
however,  all  signally  failed. 

In  1809  it  was  deemed  advisable  to  divide  the  Indiana  Territory. 
This  was  done,  and  the  Territory  of  Illinois  was  formed  from  the  western 
part,  the  seat  of  government  being  fixed  at  Kaskaskia.  The  next  year, 
the  intentions  of  Tecumseh  manifested  themselves  in  open  hostilities,  and 
then  began  the  events  already  narrated. 

While  this  war  was  in  progress,  emigration  to  the  West  went  on  with 
surprising  rapidity.  In  1811,  under  Mr.  Roosevelt  of  New  York,  the 
first  steamboat  trip  was  made  on  the  Ohio,  much  to  the  astonishment  of 
the  natives,  many  of  whom  fled  in  terror  at  the  appearance  of  the 
“ monster.”  It  arrived  at  Louisville  on  the  10th  day  of  October.  At  the 
close  of  the  first  week  of  January,  1812,  it  arrived  at  Natchez,  after  being 
nearly  overwhelmed  in  the  great  earthquake  which  occurred  while  on  its 
downward  trip. 

The  battle  of  the  Thames  was  fought  on  October  6,  1813.  It 
effectually  closed  hostilities  in  the  Northwest,  although  peace  was  not 
fully  restored  until  July  22,  1814,  when  a treaty  was  formed  at  Green- 
ville, under  the  direction  of  General  Harrison,  between  the  United  States 
and  the  Indian  tribes,  in  which  it  was  stipulated  that  the  Indians  should 
cease  hostilities  against  the  Americans  if  the  war  were  continued.  Such, 
happily,  was  not  the  case,  and  on  the  24th  of  December  the  treaty 
of  Ghent  was  signed  by  the  representatives  of  England  and  the  United 
States.  This  treaty  was  followed  the  next  year  by  treaties  with  various 
Indian  tribes  throughout  the  West  and  Northwest,  and  quiet  was  again 
restored  in  this  part  of  the  new  world. 

On  the  18th  of  March,  1816,  Pittsburgh  was  incorporated  as  a city. 
It  then  had  a population  of  8,000  people,  and  was  already  noted  for  its 
manufacturing  interests.  On  April  19,  Indiana  Territory  was  allowed 
to  form  a state  government.  At  that  time  there  were  thirteen  counties 
organized,  containing  about  sixty-three  thousand  inhabitants.  The  first 
election  of  state  officers  was  held  in  August,  when  Jonathan  Jennings 
was  chosen  Governor.  The  officers  were  sworn  in  on  November  7,  and 
on  December  11,  the  State  was  formally  admitted  into  the  Union.  For 
some  time  the  seat  of  government  was  at  Corydon,  but  a more  central 
location  being  desirable,  the  present  capital,  Indianapolis  (City  of  Indiana), 
was  laid  out  January  1,  1825. 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


73 


On  the  28th  of  December  the  Bank  of  Illinois,  at  Shawneetown,  was 
chartered,  with  a capital  of  $300,000.  At  this  period  all  banks  were 
under  the  control  of  the  States,  and  were  allowed  to  establish  branches 
at  different  convenient  points. 

Until  this  time  Chillicothe  and  Cincinnati  had  in  turn  enjoyed  the 
privileges  of  being  the  capital  of  Ohio.  But  the  rapid  settlement  of  the 
northern  and  eastern  portions  of  the  State  demanded,  as  in  Indiana,  a 
more  central  location,  and  before  the  close  of  the  year,  the  site  of  Col- 
umbus was  selected  and  surveyed  as  the  future  capital  of  the  State. 
Banking  had  begun  in  Ohio  as  early  as  1808,  when  the  first  bank  was 
chartered  at  Marietta,  but  here  as  elsewhere  it  did  not  bring  to  the  state 
the  hoped-for  assistance.  It  and  other  banks  were  subsequently  unable 
to  redeem  their  currency,  and  were  obliged  to  suspend. 

In  1818,  Illinois  was  made  a state,  and  all  the  territory  north  of  her 
northern  limits  was  erected  into  a separate  territory  and  joined  to  Mich- 
igan for  judicial  purposes.  By  the  following  year,  navigation  of  the  lakes 
was  increasing  with  great  rapidity  and  affording  an  immense  source  of 
revenue  to  the  dwellers  in  the  Northwest,  but  it  was  not  until  1826  that 
the  trade  was  extended  to  Lake  Michigan,  or  that  steamships  began  to 
navigate  the  bosom  of  that  inland  sea. 

Until  the  year  1832,  the  commencement  of  the  Black  Hawk  War, 
but  few  hostilities  were  experienced  with  the  Indians.  Roads  were 
opened,  canals  were  dug,  cities  were  built,  common  schools  were  estab- 
lished, universities  were  founded,  many  of  which,  especially  the  Michigan 
University,  have  achieved  a world  wide-reputation.  The  people  were 
becoming  wealthy.  The  domains  of  the  United  States  had  been  extended, 
and  had  the  sons  of  the  forest  been  treated  with  honesty  and  justice,  the 
record  of  many  years  would  have  been  that  of  peace  and  continuous  pros- 
perity. 


BLACK  HAWK  AND  THE  BLACK  HAWK  WAR. 

This  conflict,  though  confined  to  Illinois,  is  an  important  epoch  in 
the  Northwestern  history,  being  the  last  war  with  the  Indians  in  this  part 
of  the  United  States. 

Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiah,  or  Black  Hawk,  was  born  in  the  principal 
Sac  village,  about  three  miles  from  the  junction  of  Rock  River  with  the 
Mississippi,  in  the  year  1767.  His  father’s  name  was  Py-e-sa  or  Pahaes ; 
his  grandfather’s,  Na-na-ma-kee,  or  the  Thunderer.  Black  Hawk  early 
distinguished  himself  as  a warrior,  and  at  the  age  of  fifteen  was  permitted 
to  paint  and  was  ranked  among  the  braves.  About  the  year  1783,  he 
went  on  an  expedition  against  the  enemies  of  his  nation,  the  Osages,  one 


74 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


BLACK  HAWK,  THE  SAC  CHIEFTAIN. 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


75 


of  whom  he  killed  and  scalped,  and  for  this  deed  of  Indian  bravery  he  was 
permitted  to  join  in  the  scalp  dance.  Three  or  four  years  after  he,  at  the 
head  of  two  hundred  braves,  went  on  another  expedition  against  the 
Osages,  to  avenge  the  murder  of  some  women  and  children  belonging  to 
his  own  tribe.  Meeting  an  equal  number  of  Osage  warriors,  a fierce 
battle  ensued,  in  which  the  latter  tribe  lost  one-half  their  number.  The 
Sacs  lost  only  about  nineteen  warriors.  He  next  attacked  the  Cherokees 
for  a similar  cause.  In  a severe  battle  with  them,  near  the  present  City 
of  St.  Louis,  his  father  was  slain,  and  Black  Hawk,  taking  possession  of 
the  “ Medicine  Bag,”  at  once  announced  himself  chief  of  the  Sac  nation. 
He  had  now  conquered  the  Cherokees,  and  about  the  year  1800,  at  the 
head  of  five  hundred  Sacs  and  Foxes,  and  a hundred  Iowas,  he  waged 
war  against  the  Osage  nation  and  subdued  it.  For  two  years  he  battled 
successfully  with  other  Indian  tribes,  all  of  whom  he  conquered. 

Black  Hawk  does  not  at  any  time  seem  to  have  been  friendly  to 
the  Americans.  When  on  a visit  to  St.  Louis  to  see  his  “ Spanish 
Father,”  he  declined  to  see  any  of  the  Americans,  alleging,  as  a reason, 
he  did  not  want  two  fathers. 

The  treaty  at  St.  Louis  was  consummated  in  1804.  The  next  year  the 
United  States  Government  erected  a fort  near  the  head  of  the  Des  Moines 
Rapids,  called  Fort  Edwards.  This  seemed  to  enrage  Black  Hawk,  who 
at  once  determined  to  capture  Fort  Madison,  standing  on  the  west  side  of 
the  Mississippi  above  the  mouth  of  the  Des  Moines  River.  The  fort  was 
garrisoned  by  about  fifty  men.  Here  he  was  defeated.  The  difficulties 
with  the  British  Government  arose  about  this  time,  and  the  War  of  1812 
followed.  That  government,  extending  aid  to  the  Western  Indians,  by 
giving  them  arms  and  ammunition,  induced  them  to  remain  hostile  to  the 
Americans.  In  August,  1812,  Black  Hawk,  at  the  head  of  about  five 
hundred  braves,  started  to  join  the  British  forces  at  Detroit,  passing  on 
his  way  the  site  of  Chicago,  where  the  famous  Fort  Dearborn  Massacre 
had.  a few  days  before  occurred.  Of  his  connection  with  the  British 
Government  but  little  is  known.  In  1813  he  with  his  little  band  descended 
the  Mississippi,  and  attacking  some  United  States  troops  at  Fort  Howard 
was  defeated. 

In  the  early  part  of  1815,  the  Indian  tribes  west  of  the  Mississippi 
were  notified  that  peace  had  been  declared  between  the  United  States 
and  England,  and  nearly  all  hostilities  had  ceased.  Black  Hawk  did  not 
sign  any  treaty,  however,  until  May  of  the  following  year.  He  then  recog- 
nized the  validity  of  the  treaty  at  St.  Louis  in  1804.  From  the  time  of 
signing  this  treaty  in  1816,  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  in  1832,  he 
and  his  band  passed  their  time  in  the  common  pursuits  of  Indian  life. 

Ten  years  before  the  commencement  of  this  war,  the  Sac  and  Fox 


76 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


Indians  were  urged  to  join  the  Iowas  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Father  of 
Waters.  All  were  agreed,  save  the  band  known  as  the  British  Band,  of 
which  Black  Hawk  was  leader.  He  strenuously  objected  to  the  removal, 
and  was  induced  to  comply  only  after  being  threatened  with  the  power  of 
the  Government.  This  and  various  actions  on  the  part  of  the  white  set- 
tlers provoked  Black  Hawk  and  his  band  to  attempt  the  capture  of  his 
native  village  now  occupied  by  the  whites.  The  war  followed.  He  and 
his  actions  were  undoubtedly  misunderstood,  and  had  his  wishes  been 
acquiesced  in  at  the  beginning  of  the  struggle,  much  bloodshed  would 
have  been  prevented. 

Black  Hawk  was  chief  now  of  the  Sac  and  Fox  nations,  and  a noted 
warrior.  He  and  his  tribe  inhabited  a village  on  Rock  River,  nearly  three 
miles  above  its  confluence  with  the  Mississippi,  where  the  tribe  had  lived 
many  generations.  When  that  portion  of  Illinois  was  reserved  to  them, 
they  remained  in  peaceable  possession  of  their  reservation,  spending  their 
time  in  the  enjoyment  of  Indian  life.  The  fine  situation  of  their  village 
and  the  quality  of  their  lands  incited  the  more  lawless  white  settlers,  who 
from  time  to  time  began  to  encroach  upon  the  red  men’s  domain.  From 
one  pretext  to  another,  and  from  one  step  to  another,  the  crafty  white 
men  gained  a foothold,  until  through  whisky  and  artifice  they  obtained 
deeds  from  many  of  the  Indians  for  their  possessions.  The  Indians  were 
finally  induced  to  cross  over  the  Father  of  Waters  and  locate  among  the 
Iowas.  Black  Hawk  was  strenuously  opposed  to  all  this,  but  as  the 
authorities  of  Illinois  and  the  United  States  thought  this  the  best  move,  he 
was  forced  to  comply.  Moreover  other  tribes  joined  the  whites  and  urged 
the  removal.  Black  Hawk  would  not  agree  to  the  terms  of  the  treaty 
made  with  his  nation  for  their  lands,  and  as  soon  as  the  military,  called  to 
enforce  his  removal,  had  retired,  he  returned  to  the  Illinois  side  of  the 
river.  A large  force  was  at  once  raised  and  marched  against  him.  On 
the  evening  of  May  14,  1882,  the  first  engagement  occurred  between  a 
band  from  this  army  and  Black  Hawk’s  band,  in  which  the  former  were 
defeated. 

This  attack  and  its  result  aroused  the  whites.  A large  force  of  Inen 
was  raised,  and  Gen.  Scott  hastened  from  the  seaboard,  by  way  of  the 
lakes,  with  United  States  troops  and  artillery  to  aid  in  the  subjugation  of 
the  Indians.  On  the  24th  of  June,  Black  Hawk,  with  200  warriors,  was 
repulsed  by  Major  Demont  between  Rock  River  and  Galena.  The  Ameri- 
can army  continued  to  move  up  Rock  River  toward  the  main  body  of 
the  Indians,  and  on  the  21st  of  July  came  upon  Black  Hawk  and  his  band, 
and  defeated  them  near  the  Blue  Mounds. 

Before  this  action,  Gen.  Henry,  in  command,  sent  word  to  the  main 
army  by  whom  he  was  immediately  rejoined,  and  the  whole  crossed  the 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


77 


Wisconsin  in  pursuit  of  Black  Hawk  and  his  band  who  were  fleeing  to  the 
Mississippi.  They  were  overtaken  on  the  2d  of  August,  and  in  the  battle 
which  followed  the  power  of  the  Indian  chief  was  completely  broken.  He 
fled,  but  was  seized  by  the  Winnebagoes  and  delivered  to  the  whites. 

On  the  21st  of  September,  1832,  Gen.  Scott  and  Gov.  Reynolds  con- 
cluded a treaty  with  the  Winnebagoes,  Sacs  and  Foxes  by  which  they 
ceded  to  the  United  States  a vast  tract  of  country,  and  agreed  to  remain 
peaceable  with  the  whites.  For  the  faithful  performance  of  the  provi- 
sions of  this  treaty  on  the  part  of  the  Indians,  it  was  stipulated  that 
Black  Hawk,  his  two  sons,  the  prophet  Wabokieshiek,  and  six  other  chiefs 
of  the  hostile  bands  should  be  retained  as  hostages  during  the  pleasure 
of  the  President.  They  were  confined  at  Fort  Barracks  and  put  in  irons. 

The  next  Spring,  by  order  of  the  Secretary ‘of  War,  they  were  taken 
to  Washington.  From  there  they  were  removed  to  Fortress  Monroe, 
“there  to  remain  until  the  conduct  of  their  nation  was  such  as  to  justify 
their  being  set  at  liberty.”  They  were  retained  here  until  the  4th  of 
June,  when  the  authorities  directed  them  to  be  taken  to  the  principal 
cities  so  that  they  might  see  the  folly  of  contending  against  the  white 
people.  Everywhere  they  were  observed  by  thousands,  the  name  of  the 
old  chief  being  extensively  known.  By  the  middle  of  August  they 
reached  Fort  Armstrong  on  Rock  Island,  where  Black  Hawk  was  soon 
after  released  to  go  to  his  countrymen.  As  he  passed  the  site  of  his  birth- 
place, now  the  home  of  the  white  man,  he  was  deeply  moved.  His  village 
where  he  was  born,  where  he  had  so  happily  lived,  and  where  he  had 
hoped  to  die,  was  now  another’s  dwelling  place,  and  he  was  a wanderer. 

On  the  next  day  after  his  release,  he  went  at  once  to  his  tribe  and 
his  lodge.  His  Avife  was  yet  living,  and  with  her  he  passed  the  remainder 
of  his  days.  To  his  credit  it  may  be  said  that  Black  HaAvk  always  re- 
mained true  to  his  Avife,  and  served  her  with  a devotion  uncommon  among 
the  Indians,  living  Avith  her  upward  of  forty  years. 

Black  HaAvk  now  passed  his  time  hunting  and  fishing.  A deep  mel- 
ancholy had  settled  over  him  from  which  he  could  not  be  freed.  At  all 
times  Avhen  he  visited  the  whites  he  was  received  with  marked  atten- 
tion. He  was  an  honored  guest  at  the  old  settlers’  reunion  in  Lee  County, 
Illinois,  at  some  of  their  meetings,  and  received  many  tokens  of  esteem. 
In  September,  1838,  while  on  his  way  to  Rock  Island  to  receive  his 
annuity  from  the  Government,  he  contracted  a severe  cold  which  resulted 
in  a fatal  \attack  of  bilious  fever  Avhich  terminated  his  life  on  October  3. 
His  faithful  wife,  Avho  was  devotedly  attached  to  him,  mourned  deeply 
during  his  sickness.  After  his  death  he  Avas  dressed  in  the  uniform  pre- 
sented to  him  by  the  President  Avhile  in  Washington.  He  Avas  buried  in 
a grave  six  feet  in  depth,  situated  upon  a beautiful  eminence.  “ The 


78 


THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 


body  was  placed  in  the  middle  of  the  grave,  in  a sitting  posture,  upon  a 
seat  constructed  for  the  purpose.  On  his  left  side,  the  cane,  given  him 
by  Henry  Clay,  was  placed  upright,  with  his  right  hand  resting  upon  it. 
Many  of  the  old  warrior’s  trophies  were  placed  in  the  grave,  and  some 
Indian  garments,  together  with  his  favorite  weapons.” 

No  sooner  was  the  Black  Hawk  war  concluded  than  settlers  began 
rapidly  to  pour  into  the  northern  parts  of  Illinois,  and  into  Wisconsin, 
now  free  from  Indian  depredations.  Chicago,  from  a trading  post,  had 
grown  to  a commercial  center,  and  was  rapidly  coming  into  prominence. 
In  1835,  the  formation  of  a State  Government  in  Michigan  was  discussed, 
but  did  not  take  active  form  until  two  years  later,  when  the  State  became 
a part  of  the  Federal  Union. 

The  main  attraction  to  that  portion  of  the  Northwest  lying  west  of 
Lake  Michigan,  now  included  in  the  State  of  Wisconsin,  was  its  alluvial 
wealth.  Copper  ore  was  found  about  Lake  Superior.  For  some  time  this 
region  was  attached  to  Michigan  for  judiciary  purposes,  but  in  1836  was 
made  a territory,  then  including  Minnesota  and  Iowa.  The  latter  State 
was  detached  two  years  later.  In  1848,  Wisconsin  was  admitted  as  a 
State,  Madison  being  made  the  capital.  We  have  now  traced  the  various 
divisions  of  the  Northwest  Territory  (save  a little  in  Minnesota)  from 
the  time  it  was  a unit  comprising  this  vast  territory,  until  circumstances 
compelled  its  present  division. 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 


79 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA 
AND  ITS  AMENDMENTS. 

We,  the  people  of  the  United  States,  in  order  to  form  a more  perfect  union , 
establish  justice,  insure  domestic  tranquillity , provide  for  the  common 
defense,  promote  the  general  ivelfare,  and  secure  the  blessings  of  liberty 
to  ourselves  and  our  posterity,  do  ordain  and  establish  this  Constitution 
for  the  United  States  of  America. 

Article  I. 

Section  1.  All  legislative  powers  herein  granted  shall  be  vested  in 
a Congress  of  the  United  States,  which  shall  consist  of  a Senate  and 
House  of  Representatives. 

Sec.  2.  The  House  of  Representatives  shall  be  composed  of  mem- 
bers chosen  every  second  year  by  the  people  of  the  several  states,  and  the 
electors  in  each  state  shall  have  the  qualifications  requisite  for  electors  of 
the  most  numerous  branch  of  the  State  Legislature. 

No  person  shall  be  a representative  who  shall  not  have  attained  to  the 
age  of  twenty-five  years,  and  been  seven  years  a citizen  of  the  United 
States,  and  who  shall  not,  when  elected,  be  an  inhabitant  of  that  state  in 
which  he  shall  be  chosen. 

Representatives  and  direct  taxes  shall  be  apportioned  among  the  sev- 
eral states  which  may  be  included  within  this  Union,  according  to  their 
respective  numbers,  which  shall  be  determined  by  adding  to  the  whole 
number  of  free  persons,  including  those  bound  to  service  for  a term  of 
years,  and  excluding  Indians  not  taxed,  three-fifths  of  all  other  persons. 
The  actual  enumeration  shall  be  made  within  three  years  after  the  first 
meeting  of  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  and  within  every  subse- 
quent term  of  ten  years,  in  such  manner  as  they  shall  by  law  direct.  The 
number  of  Representatives  shall  not  exceed  one  for  every  thirty  thousand, 
but  each  state  shall  have  at  least  one  Representative  ; and  until  such 
enumeration  shall  be  made  the  State  of  New  Hampshire  shall  be  entitled 
to  choose  three,  Massachusetts  eight,  Rhode  Island  and  Providence  Plan- 
tations one,  Connecticut  five,  New  York  six,  New  Jersey  four,  Pennsylva- 
nia eight,  Delaware  one,  Maryland  six,  Virginia  ten,  North  Carolina  five, 
and  Georgia  three. 

When  vacancies  happen  in  the  representation  from  any  state,  the 
Executive  authority  thereof  shall  issue  writs  of  election  to  fill  such 
vacancies. 

The  House  of  Representatives  shall  choose  their  Speaker  and  other 
officers,  and  shall  have  the  sole  power  of  impeachment. 

Sec.  3.  The  Senate  of  the  United  States  shall  be  composed  of  two 
Senators  from  each  state,  chosen  by  the  Legislature  thereof  for  six  years  ; 
and  each  Senator  shall  have  one  vote. 

Immediately  after  they  shall  be  assembled  in  consequence  of  the  first 
election,  they  shall  be  divided  as  equally  as  may  be  into  three  classes. 
The  seats  of  the  Senators  of  the  first  class  shall  be  vacated  at  the  expira- 


80 


AND  ITS  AMENDMENTS. 


tion  of  the  second  year,  of  the  second  class  at  the  expiration  of  the  fourth 
year,  and  of  the  third  class  at  the  expiration  of  the  sixth  year,  so  that 
one-third  may  be  chosen  every  second  year;  and  if  vacancies  happen  by 
resignation  or  otherwise,  during  the  recess  of  the  Legislature  of  any  state, 
the  Executive  thereof  may  make  temporary  appointments  until  the  next 
meeting  of  the  Legislature,  which  shall  then  fill  such  vacancies. 

No  person  shall  be  a Senator  who  shall  not  have  attained  to  the  age 
of  thirty  years  and  been  nine  years  a citizen  of  the  United  States,  and 
who  shall  not,  when  elected,  be  an  inhabitant  of  that  state  for  which  he 
shall  be  chosen. 

The  Vice-President  of  the  United  States  shall  be  President  of  the 
Senate,  but  shall  have  no  vote  unless  they  be  equally  divided. 

The  Senate  shall  choose  their  other  officers,  and  also  a President  pro 
tempore , in  the  absence  of  the  Vice-President,  or  when  he  shall  exercise 
the  office  of  President  of  the  United  States. 

The  Senate  shall  have  the  sole  power  to  try  all  impeachments.  When 
sitting  for  that  purpose  they  shall  be  on  oath  or  affirmation.  When  the 
President  of  the  United  States  is  tried  the  Chief  Justice  shall  preside. 
And  no  person  shall  be  convicted  without  the  concurrence  of  two-thirds 
of  the  members  present. 

Judgment,  in  cases  of  impeachment,  shall  not  extend  further  than  to 
removal  from  office,  and  disqualification  to  hold  and  enjoy  any  office  of 
honor,  trust,  or  profit  under  the  United  States;  but  the  party  convicted 
shall  nevertheless  be  liable  and  subject  to  indictment,  trial,  judgment, 
and  punishment  according  to  law. 

Sec.  4.  The  times,  places  and  manner  of  holding  elections  for  Sen- 
ators and  Representatives  shall  be  prescribed  in  each  state  by  the  Legis- 
lature thereof ; but  the  Congress  may  at  any  time  by  law  make  or  alter 
such  regulations,  except  as  to  the  places  of  choosing  Senators. 

The  Congress  shall  assemble  at  least  once  in  every  year,  and  such 
meeting  shall  be  on  the  first  Monday  in  December,  unless  they  shall  by 
law  appoint  a different  day. 

Sec.  5.  Each  house  shall  be  the  judge  of  the  election,  returns,  and 
qualifications  of  its  own  members,  and  a majority  of  each  shall  constitute 
a quorum  to  do  business;  but  a smaller  number  may  adjourn  from  day  to 
day,  and  may  be  authorized  to  compel  the  attendance  of  absent  members 
in  such  manner  and  under  such  penalties  as  each  house  may  provide. 

Each  house  may  determine  the  rules  of  its  proceedings,  punish  its 
members  for  disorderly  behavior,  and,  with  the  concurrence  of  two-thirds, 
expel  a member. 

Each  house  shall  keep  a journal  of  its  proceedings,  and  from  time  to 
time  publish  the  same,  excepting  such  parts  as  may,  in  their  judgment, 
require  secrecy  ; and  the  yeas  and  nays  of  the  members  of  either  house 
on  any  question  shall,  at  the  desire  of  one-fifth  of  those  present,  be  entered 
on  the  journal. 

Neither  house,  during  the  session  of  Congress,  shall,  without  the 
consent  of  the  other,  adjourn  for  more  than  three  days,  nor  to  any  other 
place  than  that  in  which  the  two  houses  shall  be  sitting. 

Sec.  6.  The  Senators  and  Representatives  shall  receive  a compen- 
sation for  their  services,  to  be  ascertained  by  law,  and  paid  out  of  the 
treasury  of  the  United  States.  They  shall  in  all  cases,  except  treason, 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 


81 


felony,  and  breach  of  the  peace,  be  privileged  from  arrest  during  their 
attendance  at  the  session  of  their  respective  houses,  and  in  going  to  and 
returning  from  the  same ; and  for  any  speech  or  debate  in  either  house 
they  shall  not  be  questioned  in  any  other  place. 

No  Senator  or  Representative  shall,  during  the  time  for  which  he  was 
elected,  be  appointed  to  any  civil  office  under  the  authority  of  the  United 
States,  which  shall  have  been  created,  or  the  emoluments  whereof  shall 
have  been  increased  during  such  time  ; and  no  person  holding  any  office 
under  the  United  States,  shall  be  a member  of  either  house  during  his 
continuance  in  office. 

Sec.  7.  All  bills  for  raising  revenue  shall  originate  in  the  House  of 
Representatives ; but  the  Senate  may  propose  or  concur  with  amendments 
as  on  other  bills. 

Every  bill  which  shall  have  passed  the  House  of  Representatives  and 
the  Senate,  shall,  before  it  becomes  a law,  be  presented  to  the  President 
of  the  United  States ; if  he  approve  he  shall  sign  it ; but  if  not  he  shall 
return  it,  with  his  objections,  to  that  house  in  which  it  shall  have  origi- 
nated, who  shall  enter  the  objections  at  large  on  their  journal,  and 
proceed  to  reconsider  it.  If,  after  such  reconsideration  two-thirds  of  that 
house  shall  agree  to  pass  the  bill,  it  shall  be  sent,  together  with  the  objec- 
tions, to  the  other  house,  by  which  it  shall  likewise  be  reconsidered,  and  if 
approved  by  two-thirds  of  that  house,  it  shall  become  a law.  But  in  all 
such  cases  the  votes  of  both  houses  shall  be  determined  by  yeas  and  nays, 
and  the  names  of  the  persons  voting  for  and  against  the  bill  shall  be  entered 
on  the  journal  of  each  house  respectively.  If  any  bill  shall  not  be  returned 
by  the  President  within  ten  days  (Sundays  excepted),  after  it  shall  have 
been  presented  to  him,  the  same  shall  be  a law,  in  like  manner  as  if  he 
had  signed  it*  unless  the  Congress,  by  their  adjournment,  prevent  its 
return,  in  which  case  it  shall  not  be  a law. 

Every  order,  resolution,  or  vote  to  which  the  concurrence  of  the 
Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  may  be  necessary  (except  on  a 
question  of  adjournment),  shall  be  presented  to  the  President  of  the 
United  States,  and  before  the  same  shall  take  effect  shall  be  approved  by 
him,  or,  being  disapproved  by  him,  shall  be  re-passed  by  two-thirds  of 
the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives,  according  to  the  rules  and  lim- 
itations prescribed  in  the  case  of  a bill. 

Sec.  8.  The  Congress  shall  have  power — 

To  lay  and  collect  taxes,  duties,  imposts  and  excises,  to  pay  the  debts, 
and  provide  for  the  common  defense  and  general  welfare  of  the  United 
States ; but  all  duties,  imposts,  and  excises  shall  be  uniform  throughout 
the  United  States; 

To  borrow  money  on  the  credit  of  the  United  States ; 

To  regulate  commerce  with  foreign  nations,  and  among  the  several 
States,  and  with  the  Indian  tribes ; 

To  establish  a uniform  rule  of  naturalization,  and  uniform  laws  on 
the  subject  of  bankruptcies  throughout  the  United  States  ; 

To  coin  money,  regulate  the  value  thereof,  and  of  foreign  coin,  and 
fix  the  standard  of  weights  and  measures ; 

To  provide  for  the  punishment  of  counterfeiting  the  securities  and 
current  coin  of  the  United  States ; 

To  establish  post  offices  and  post  roads ; 


82 


AND  ITS  AMENDMENTS. 


To  promote  the  progress  of  sciences  and  useful  arts,  by  securing, 
for  limited  times,  to  authors  and  inventors,  the  esclusive  right  to  their 
respective  writings  and  discoveries  ; 

To  constitute  tribunals  inferior  to  the  Supreme  Court ; 

To  define  and  punish  piracies  and  felonies  committed  on  the  high 
seas,  and  offenses  against  the  law  of  nations ; 

To  declare  war,  grant  letters  of  marque  and  reprisal,  and  make  rules 
concerning  captures  on  land  and  water  ; 

To  raise  and  support  armies,  but  no  appropriation  of  money  to  that 
use  shall  be  for  a longer  term  than  two  years ; 

To  provide  and  maintain  a navy ; 

To  make  rules  for  the  government  and  regulation  of  the  land  and 
naval  forces ; 

To  provide  for  calling  forth  the  militia  to  execute  the  laws  of  the 
Union,  suppress  insurrections,  and  repel  invasions ; 

To  provide  for  organizing,  arming  and  disciplining  the  militia,  and 
for  governing  such  part  of  them  as  may  be  employed  in  the  service  of  the 
United  States,  reserving  to  the  states  respectively  the  appointment  of  the 
officers,  and  the  authority  of  training  the  militia  according  to  the  disci- 
pline prescribed  by  Congress ; 

To  exercise  legislation  in  all  cases  whatsoever  over  such  district  (not 
exceeding  ten  miles  square)  as  may,  by  cession  of  particular  states,  and  the 
acceptance  of  Congress,  become  the  seat  of  the  government  of  the  United 
States,  and  to  exercise  like  authority  over  all  places  purchased  by  the 
consent  of  the  Legislature  of  the  state  in  which  the  same  shall  be,  for 
the  erection  of  forts,  magazines,  arsenals,  dock  yards,  and  other  needful 
buildings ; and 

To  make  all  laws  which  shall  be  necessary  and  proper  for  carrying 
into  execution  the  foregoing  powers,  and  all  other  powers  vested  by  this 
Constitution  in  the  government  of  the  United  States,  or  in  any  depart- 
ment or  officer  thereof. 

Sec.  9.  The  migration  or  importation  of  such  persons  as  any  of  the 
states  now  existing  shall  think  proper  to  admit,  shall  not  be  prohibited 
by  the  Congress  prior  to  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  eight, 
but  a tax  or  duty  may  be  imposed  on  such  importation,  not  exceeding  ten 
dollars  for  each  person. 

The  privilege  of  the  writ  of  habeas  corpus  shall  not  be  suspended, 
unless  when  in  cases  of  rebellion  or  invasion  the  public  safety  may 
require  it. 

No  bill  of  attainder  or  ex  post  facto  law  shall  be  passed. 

No  capitation  or  other  direct  tax  shall  be  laid,  unless  in  proportion 
to  the  census  or  enumeration  hereinbefore  directed  to  be  taken. 

No  tax  or  duty  shall  be  laid  on  articles  exported  from  any  state. 

No  preference  shall  be  given  by  any  regulation  of  commerce  or  rev- 
enue to  the  ports  of  one  state  over  those  of  another;  nor  shall  vessels 
bound  to  or  from  one  state  be  obliged  to  enter,  clear,  or  pay  duties  in 
another. 

No  money  shall  be  drawn  from  the  Treasury,  but  in  consequence  of 
appropriations  made  by  law ; and  a regular  statement  and  account  of 
the  receipts  and  expeditures  of  all  public  money  shall  be  published  from 
time  to  time. 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 


83 


No  title  of  nobility  shall  be  granted  by  the  United  States : and  no 
person  holding  any  office  of  profit  or  trust  under  them,  shall,  without  the 
consent  of  the  Congress,  accept  of  any  present,  emolument,  office,  or  title 
of  any  kind  whatever,  from  any  king,  prince,  or  foreign  state. 

Sec.  10.  No  state  shall  enter  into  any  treaty,  alliance,  or  confeder- 
ation ; grant  letters  of  marque  and  reprisal ; coin  money ; emit  bills  of 
credit ; make  anything  but  gold  and  silver  coin  a tender  in  payment  of 
debts ; pass  any  bill  of  attainder,  ex  post  facto  law,  or  law  impairing  the 
obligation  of  contracts,  or  grant  any  title  of  nobility. 

No  state  shall,  without  the  consent  of  the  Congress,  lay  any  imposts 
or  duties  on  imports  or  exports,  except  what  may  be  absolutely  necessary 
for  executing  its  inspection  laws,  and  the  net  produce  of  all  duties  and 
imposts  laid  by  any  state  on  imports  or  exports,  shall  be  for  the  use  of  the 
Treasury  of  the  United  States ; and  all  such  laws  shall  be  subject  to  the 
revision  and  control  of  the  Congress. 

No  state  shall,  without  the  consent  of  Congress,  lay  any  duty  on 
tonnage,  keep  troops  or  ships  of  war  in  time  of  peace,  enter  into  any 
agreement  or  compact  with  another  state,  or  with  a foreign  power,  or 
engage  in  war,  unless  actually  invaded,  or  in  such  imminent  danger  as  will 
not  admit  of  delay. 

Article  II. 

Section  1.  The  Executive  power  shall  be  vested  in  a President  of 
the  United  States  of  America.  He  shall  hold  his  office  during  the  term 
of  four  years,  and,  together  with  the  Vice-President  chosen  for  the  same 
term,  be  elected  as  follows  : 

Each  state  shall  appoint,  in  such  manner  as  the  Legislature  thereof 
may  direct,  a number  of  Electors,  equal  to  the  whole  number  of  Senators 
and  Representatives  to  which  the  state  may  be  entitled  in  the  Congress ; 
but  no  Senator  or  Representative,  or  person  holding  an  office  of  trust  or 
profit  under  the  United  States,  shall  be  appointed  an  Elector. 

[ * The  Electors  shall  meet  in  their  respective  states,  and  vote  by 
ballot  for  two  persons,  of  whom  one  at  least  shall  not  be  an  inhabitant  of 
the  same  state  with  themselves.  And  they  shall  make  a list  of  all  the 
persons  voted  for,  and  of  the  number  of  votes  for  each  ; which  list  they 
shall  sign  and  certify,  and  transmit,  sealed,  to  the  seat  of  the  government 
of  the  United  States,  directed  to  the  President  of  the  Senate.  The  Pres- 
ident of  the  Senate  shall,  in  the  presence  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives, open  all  the  certificates,  and  the  votes  shall  then  be  counted. 
The  person  having  the  greatest  number  of  votes  shall  be  the  President, 
if  such  number  be  a majority  of  the  whole  number  of  Electors  appointed  ; 
and  if  there  be  more  than  one  who  have  such  majority,  and  have  an  equal 
number  of  votes,  then  the  House  of  Representatives  shall  immediately 
choose  by  ballot  one  of  them  for  President ; and  if  no  person  have  a ma- 
jority, then  from  the  five  highest  on  the  list  the  said  House  shall  in  like 
manner  choose  the  President.  But  in  choosing  the  President,  the  vote 
shall  be  taken  by  states,  the  representation  from  each  state  having  one 
vote  ; a quorum  for  this  purpose  shall  consist  of  a member  or  members 
from  two-thirds  of  the  states,  and  a majority  of  all  the  states  shall  be 
necessary  to  a choice.  In  every  case,  after  the  choice  of  the  President 


• This  clause  between  brackets  has  been  superseded  and  annulled  by  the  Twelfth  amendment 


84 


AND  ITS  AMENDMENTS. 


the  person  having  the  greatest  number  of  votes  of  the  Electors  shall  be 
the  Vice-President.  But  if  there  should  remain  two  or  more  who  have 
equal  votes,  the  Senate  shall  choose  from  them  by  ballot  the  Vice-Presi- 
dent.] 

The  Congress  may  determine  the  time  of  choosing  the  Electors,  and 
the  day  on  which  they  shall  give  their  votes  ; which  day  shall  be  the  same 
throughout  the  United  States. 

No  person  except  a natural  born  citizen,  or  a citizen  of  the  United 
States  at  the  time  of  the  adoption  of  this  Constitution,  shall  be  eligible 
to  the  office  of  President ; neither  shall  any  person  be  eligible-  to  that 
office  who  shall  not  have  attained  the  age  of  thirty-five  years,  and  been 
fourteen  years  a resident  within  the  United  States. 

In  case  of  the  removal  of  the  President  from  office,  or  of  his  death, 
resignation,  or  inability  to  discharge  the  powers  and  duties  of  the  said 
office,  the  same  shall  devolve  on  the  Vice-President,  and  the  Congress 
may  by  law  provide  for  the  case  of  removal,  death,  resignation,  or  inabil- 
ity, both  of  the  President  and  Vice-President,  declaring  what  officer  shall 
then  act  as  President,  and  such  officer  shall  act  accordingly,  until  the  dis- 
ability be  removed,  or  a President  shall  be  elected. 

The  President  shall,  at  stated  times,  receive  for  his  services  a com- 
pensation which  shall  neither  be  increased  nor  diminished  during  the 
period  for  which  he  shall  have  been  elected,  and  he  shall  not  receive 
within  that  period  any  other  emolument  from  the  United  States  or  any  of 
them. 

Before  he  enters  on  the  execution  of  his  office,  he  shall  take  the  fol- 
lowing oath  or  affirmation : 

“ I do  solemnly  swear  (or  affirm)  that  I will  faithfully  execute  the 
office  of  President  of  the  United  States,  and  will,  to  the  best  of  my  ability, 
preserve,  protect,  and  defend  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States.” 

Sec.  2.  The  President  shall  be  commander  in  chief  of  the  army  and 
navy  of  the  United  States,  and  of  the  militia  of  the  several  states,  when 
called  into  the  actual  service  of  the  United  States;  he  may  require  the 
opinion,  in  writing,  of  the  principal  officer  in  each  of  the  executive 
departments,  upon  any  subject  relating  to  the  duties  of  their  respective 
offices,  and  he  shall  have  power  to  grant  reprieves  and  pardon  for  offenses 
against  the  United  States,  ex-cept  in  cases  of  impeachment. 

He  shall  have  power,  by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the 
Senate,  to  make  treaties,  provided  two-thirds  of  the  Senators  present  con- 
cur; and  he  shall  nominate,  and  by  and  with  the  advice  of  the  Senate, 

: hall  appoint  ambassadors,  other  public  ministers  and  consuls,  judges  of 
the  Supreme  Court,  and  all  other  officers  of  the  United  States  whose 
appointments  are  not  herein  otherwise  provided  for,  and  which  shall  be 
established  by  law ; but  the  Congress  may  by  law  vest  the  appointment 
of  such  inferior  officers  as  they  think  proper  in  the  President  alone,  in 
the  courts  of  law,  or  in  the  heads  of  departments. 

The  President  shall  have  power  to  fill  up  all  vacancies  that  may 
happen  during  the  recess  of  the  Senate,  by  granting  commissions  which 
shall  expire  at  the  end  of  their  next  session. 

Sec.  3.  He  shall  from  time  to  time  give  to  the  Congress  information 
of  the  state  of  the  Union,  and  recommend  to  their  consideration  such  mea- 
sures as  he  shall  judge  necessary  and  expedient ; he  may  on  extraordinary 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 


85 


occasions  convene  both  houses,  or  either  of  them,  and  in  case  of  disagree- 
ment between  them,  with  respect  to  the  time  of  adjournment,  he  may 
adjourn  them  to  such  time  as  he  shall  think  proper;  he  shall  receive 
ambassadors  and  other  public  ministers ; he  shall  take  care  that  the  laws  be 
faithfully  executed,  and  shall  commission  all  the  officers  of  the  United 
States. 

Sec.  4.  The  President,  Vice-President,  and  all  civil  officers  of  the 
United  States,  shall  be  removed  from  office  on  impeachment  for,  and  con 
viction  of,  treason,  bribery,  or  other  high  crimes  and  misdemeanors. 

Article  III. 

Section  I.  The  judicial  power  of  the  United  States  shall  be  vested 
in  one  Supreme  Court,  and  such  inferior  courts  as  the  Congress  may  from 
time  to  time  ordain  and  establish.  The  Judges,  both  of  the  Supreme  and 
inferior  courts,  shall  hold  their  offices  during  good  behavior,  and  shall,  at 
stated  times,  receive  for  their  services  a compensation,  which  shall  not  be 
diminished  during  their  continuance  in  office. 

Sec.  2.  The  judicial  power  shall  extend  to  all  cases,  in  law  and 
equity,  arising  under  this  Constitution,  the  laws  of  the  United  States,  and 
treaties  made,  or  which  shall  be  made,  under  their  authority ; to  all  cases 
affecting  ambassadors,  other  public  ministers,  and  consuls ; to  all  cases  of 
admiralty  and  maritime  jurisdiction  ; to  controversies  to  which  the  United 
States  shall  be  a party ; to  controversies  between  two  or  more  states ; 
between  a state  and  citizens  of  another  state  ; between  citizens  of  differ- 
ent states  ; between  citizens  of  the  same  state  claiming  lands  under  grants 
of  different  states,  and  between  a state  or  the  citizens  thereof,  and  foreign 
states,  citizens,  or  subjects. 

In  all  cases  affecting  ambassadors,  other  public  ministers,  and  consuls, 
and  those  in  which  a state  shall  be  a party,  the  Supreme  Court  shall  have 
original  jurisdiction. 

In  all  the  other  cases  before  mentioned,  the  Supreme  Court  shall 
have  appellate  jurisdiction,  both  as  to  law  and  fact,  with  such  exceptions 
and  under  such  regulations  as  the  Congress  shall  make. 

The  trial  of  all  crimes,  except  in  cases  of  impeachment,  shall  be  by 
jury  ; and  such  trial  shall  be  held  in  the  state  where  the  said  crimes  shall 
have  been  committed  ; but  when  not  committed  within  an}^  state,  the 
trial  shall  be  at  such  place  or  places  as  the  Congress  may  by  law  have 
directed. 

Sec.  3.  Treason  against  the  United  States  shall  consist  only  in  levy- 
ing war  against  them,  or  in  adhering  to  their  enemies,  giving  them  aid 
and  comfort.  No  person  shall  be  convicted  of  treason  unless  on  the  tes- 
timony of  two  witnesses  to  the  same  overt  act,  or  on  confession  in  open 
court. 

The  Congress  shall  have  power  to  declare  the  punishment  of  treason 
but  no  attainder  of  treason  shall  work  corruption  of  blood,  or  forfeiture 
except  during  the  life  of  the  person  attainted. 

Article  IV. 

Section  1.  Full  faith  and  credit  shall  be  given  in  each  state  to  the 
public  acts,  records,  and  judicial  proceedings  of  every  other  state.  And 


86 


AND  ITS  AMENDMENTS. 


the  Congress  may,  by  general  laws,  prescribe  the  manner  in  which  such 
acts,  records,  and  proceedings  shall  be  proved,  and  the  effect  thereof. 

Sec.  2.  The  citizens  of  each  state  shall  be  entitled  to  all  privileges 
and  immunities  of  citizens  in  the  several  states. 

A person  charged  in  any  state  with  treason,  felony,  or  other  crime, 
who  shall  flee  from  justice  and  be  found  in  another  state,  shall,  on  demand 
of  the  executive  authority  of  the  state  from  which  he  fled,  be  delivered 
up,  to  be  removed  to  the  state  having  jurisdiction  of  the  crime. 

No  person  held  to  service  or  labor  in  one  state,  under  the  laws  thereof 
escaping  into  another,  shall,  in  consequence  of  any  law  or  regulation 
therein,  be  discharged  from  such  service  or  labor,  but  shall  be  delivered 
up  on  the  claim  of  the  party  to  whom  such  service  or  labor  may  be  due. 

Sec.  3.  New  states  may  be  admitted  by  the  Congress  into  this  Union ; 
but  no  new  state  shall  be  formed  or  erected  within  the  jurisdiction  of  any 
other  state  ; nor  any  state  be  formed  by  the  junction  of  two  or  more  states, 
or  parts  of  states,  without  the  consent  of  the  Legislatures  of  the  states 
concerned,  as  well  as  of  the  Congress. 

The  Congress  shall  have  power  to  dispose  of  and  make  all  needful 
rules  and  regulations  respecting  the  territory  or  other  property  belonging 
to  the  United  States ; and  nothing  in  this  Constitution  shall  be  so  construed 
as  to  prejudice  any  claims  of  the  United  States  or  of  any  particular  state. 

Sec.  4.  The  United  States  shall  guarantee  to  every  state  in  this 
Union  a republican  form  of  government,  and  shall  protect  each  of  them 
against  invasion,  and  on  application  of  the  Legislature,  or  of  the  Execu- 
tive (when  the  Legislature  can  not  be  convened),  against  domestic  vio- 
lence. 

Abticle  V. 

The  Congress,  whenever  two-thirds  of  both  houses  shall  deem  it 
necessary,  shall  propose  amendments  to  this  Constitution,  or,  on  the  ap- 
plication of  the  Legislatures  of  two-thirds  of  the  several  states,  shall  call 
a convention  for  proposing  amendments,  which,  in  either  case,  shall  be 
valid  to  all  intents  and  purposes  as-  part  of  this  Constitution,  when  rati- 
fied by  the  Legislatures  of  three  fourths  of  the  several  states,  or  by  con- 
ventions in  three-fourths  thereof,  as  the  one  or  the  other  mode  of  ratifi- 
cation may  be  proposed  by  the  Congress.  Provided  that  no  amendment 
which  may  be  made  prior  to  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
eight  shall  in  any  manner  affect  the  first  and  fourth  clauses  in  the  ninth 
section  of  the  first  article ; and  that  no  state,  without  its  consent,  shall 
be  deprived  of  its  equal  suffrage  in  the  Senate. 

Akticle  VI. 

All  debts  contracted  and  engagements  entered  into  before  the  adop- 
tion of  this  Constitution  shall  be  as  valid  against  the  United  States  under 
this  Constitution  as  under  the  Confederation. 

This  Constitution,  and  the  laws  of  the  United  States  which  shall  be 
made  in  pursuance  thereof,  and  all  treaties  made,  or  which  shall  be  made, 
under  the  authority  of  the  United  States,  shall  be  the  supreme  law  of  the 
land ; and  the  Judges  in  every  state  shall  be  bound  thereby,  anything  in 
the  Constitution  or  laws  of  any  state  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

The  Senators  and  Representatives  before  mentioned,  and  the  mem- 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 


87 


bers  of  the  several  state  Legislatures,  and  all  executive  and  judicial  offi- 
cers, both  of  the  United  States  and  of  the  several  states,  shall  be  bound 
by  oath  or  affirmation  to  support  this  Constitution  ; but  no  religious  test 
shall  ever  be  required  as  a qualification  to  any  office  or  public  trust  under 
the  United  States. 


The  ratification  of  the  Conventions  of  nine  states  shall  be  sufficient 
for  the  establishment  of  this  Constitution  between  the  states  so  ratifying 
the  same. 

Done  in  convention  by  the  unanimous  c msent  of  the  states  present,  the 
seventeenth  day  of  September,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand 
seven  hundred  and  eighty-seven,  and  of  the  independence  of  the 
United  States  of  America  the  twelfth.  In  witness  whereof  vce  have 
hereunto  subscribed  our  names. 


Article  VII. 


GEO.  WASHINGTON, 


President  and  Deputy  f rom  V irginia. 


New  Hampshire. 
John  Langdon, 
Nicholas  Gilman. 


Delaivare. 

Geo.  Read, 

John  Dickinson, 

Jaco.  Broom, 

Gunning  Bedford,  Jr., 
Richard  Bassett. 


Massachusetts. 
Nathaniel  Gorham, 
Rufus  King. 


Connecticut. 

Wm.  Sam'l  Johnson, 
Roger  Sherman. 


Maryland l. 

James  M‘ Henry, 

Danl.  Carroll, 

Dan.  of  St.  Thos.  Jenifer. 


New  York. 

Alexander  Hamilton. 


Virginia. 

John  Blair, 

James  Madison,  Jr. 


New  Jersey. 

Wil.  Livingston, 
Wm.  Paterson, 
David  Brearley, 
Jona.  Dayton. 


North  Carolina. 

Wm.  Blount, 

Hu.  Williamson, 

Rich’d  Dobbs  Spaight. 


Pennsylvania. 

B.  Franklin, 
Robt.  Morris, 
Thos.  Fitzsimons, 
James  Wilson, 
Thos.  Mifflin, 
Geo.  Clymer, 
Jared  Ingersoll, 
Gouv.  Morris. 


South  Carolina. 

J.  Rutledge, 

Charles  Pinckney, 

Chas.  Cotesworth  Pinckney, 
Pierce  Butler. 


Ceorgia. 

William  Few, 
Abr.  Baldwin. 


WILLIAM  JACKSON,  Secretary. 


88 


AND  ITS  AMENDMENTS. 


Articles  in  Addition  to  and  Amendatory  op  the  Constitution 
op  the  United  States  of  America. 

Proposed  by  Congress  and  ratified  by  the  Legislatures  of  the  several  states , 
pursuant  to  the  fifth  article  of  the  original  Constitution. 

Article  I. 

Congress  shall  make  no  law  respecting  an  establishment  cf  religion, 
or  prohibiting  the  free  exercise  thereof ; or  abridging  the  freedom  of 
speech,  or  of  the  press;  or  the  right  of  the  people  peaceably  to  assemble, 
and  to  petition  the  Government  for  a redress  of  grievances. 

Article  II. 

A well  regulated  militia  being  necessary  to  the  security  of  a free 
state,  the  right  of  the  people  to  keep  and  bear  arms  shall  not  be  infringed. 

Article  III. 

No  soldier  shall,  in  time  of  peace,  be  quartered  in  any  house  without 
the  consent  of  the  owner,  nor  in  time  of  war  but  in  a manner  to  be  pre- 
scribed by  law. 

Article  IV. 

The  right  of  the  people  to  be  secure  in  their  persons,  houses,  papers, 
and  effects  against  unreasonable  searches  and  seizures,  shall  not  be’ vio- 
lated; and  no  warrants  shall  issue  but  upon  probable  cause,  supported  by 
oath  or  affirmation,  and  particularly  describing  the  place  to  be  searched 
and  the  persons  or  things  to  be  seized. 

Article  V. 

No  person  shall  be  held  to  answer  for  a capital  or  otherwise  infamous 
crime,  unless  on  a presentment  or  indictment  of  a Grand  Jury,  except  in 
cases  arising  in  the  land  or  naval  forces,  or  in  the  militia  when  in  actual 
service  in  time  of  war  or  public  danger ; nor  shall  any  person  be.  subject 
for  the  same  offense  to  be  twice  put  in  jeopardy  of  life  or  limb  ; nor  shall 
be  compelled  in  any  criminal  case  to  be  a witness  against  himself,  nor  be 
deprived  of  life,  liberty,  or  property,  without  due  process  of  law ; nor 
shall  private  property  be  taken  for  public  use,  without  just  compensation. 

Article  VI. 

In  all  criminal  prosecutions,  the  accused  shall  enjoy  the  right  to  a 
speedy  and  public  trial,  by  an  impartial  jury  of  the  state  and  district 
wherein  the  crime  shall  have  been  committed,  which  district  shall  have 
been  previously  ascertained  by  law,  and  to  be  informed  of  the  nature  and 
cause  of  the  accusation  ; to  be  confronted  with  the  witnesses  against  him; 
to  have  compulsory  process  for  obtaining  witnesses  in  his  favor ; and  to 
have  the  assistance  of  counsel  for  his  defense. 

Article  VII. 

In  suits  at  common  law,  where  the  value  in  controversy  shall  exceed 
twenty  dollars,  the  right  of  trial  by  jury  shall  be  preserved,  and  no  fact 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 


89 


tried  by  a jury  shall  be  otherwise  re-examined  in  any  court  of  the  United 
States  than  according  to  the  rules  of  the  common  law. 

Article  VIII. 

Excessive  bail  shall  not  be  required,  nor  excessive  fines  imposed, 
nor  cruel  and  unusual  punishments  inflicted. 

Article  IX. 

The  enumeration,  in  the  Constitution,  of  certain  rights,  shall  not  be 
construed  to  deny  or  disparage  others  retained  by  the  people. 

Article  X. 

The  powers  not  delegated  to  the  United  States  by  the  Constitution, 
nor  prohibited  by  it  to  the  states,  are  reserved  to  the  states  respectively, 
or  to  the  people. 

Article  XI. 

The  judicial  power  of  the  United  States  shall  not  be  construed  to 
extend  to  any  suit  in  law  or  equity  commenced  or  prosecuted  against  one 
of  the  United  States  by  citizens  of  another  state,  or  by  citizens  or  sub- 
jects of  any  foreign  state. 

Article  XII. 

The  Electors  shall  meet  in  their  respective  states  and  vote  by  ballot 
for  President  and  Vice-President,  one  of  whom,  at  least,  shall  not  be  an 
inhabitant  of  the  same  state  with  themselves ; they  shall  name  in  their 
ballots  the  person  to  be  voted  for  as  president,  and  in  distinct  ballots  the 
person  voted  for  as  Vice-President,  and  they  shall  make  distinct  lists  of 
all  persons  voted  for  as  President,  and  of  all  persons  voted  for  as  Vice- 
President,  and  of  the  number  of  votes  for  each,  which  list  they  shall  sign 
and  certify,  and  transmit  sealed  to  the  seat  of  the  government  of  the  United 
States,  directed  to  the  President  of  the  Senate.  The  President  of  the 
Senate  shall,  in  presence  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives, 
open  all  the  certificates,  and  the  votes  shall  then  be  counted.  The  person 
having  the  greatest  number  of  votes  for  President  shall  be  the  President, 
if  such  number  be  a majority  of  the  whole  number  of  Electors  appointed ; 
and  if  no  person  have  such  majority,  then  from  the  persons  having  the 
highest  number  not  exceeding  three  on  the  list  of  those  voted  for  as 
President,  the  House  of  Representatives  shall  choose  immediately,  by 
ballot,  the  President.  But  in  choosing  the  President,  the  votes  shall  be 
taken  by  States,  the  representation  from  each  state  having  one  vote;  a 
quorum  for  this  purpose  shall  consist  of  a member  or  members  from  two- 
thirds  of  the  states,  and  a majority  of  all  the  states  shall  be  necessary  to 
a choice.  And  if  the  House  of  Representatives  shall  not  choose  a Presi- 
dent whenever  the  right  of  choice  shall  devolve  upon  them,  before  the 
fourth  day  of  March  next  following,  then  the  Vice-President  shall  act  as 
President,  as  in  the  case  of  the  death  or  other  constitutional  disability  of 
the  President.  The  person  having  the  greatest  number  of  votes  as  Vice- 
President,  shall  be  the  Vice-President,  if  such  number  be  the  majority 
of  the  whole  number  of  electors  appointed,  and  if  no  person  have  a major- 


90 


AND  ITS  AMENDMENTS. 


ity  then  from  the  two  highest  numbers  on  the  list,  the  Senate  shall  choose 
the  Vice-President ; a quorum  for  the  purpose  shall  consist  of  two-thirds 
of  the  whole  number  of  Senators,  and  a majority  of  the  whole  number 
shall  be  necessary  to  a choice.  But  no  person  constitutionally  ineligible 
to  the  office  of  President  shall  be  eligible  to  that  of  Vice-President  of  the 
United  States. 

Article  XIII. 

Section  1.  Neither  slavery  nor  involuntary  servitude,  except  as  a 
punishment  for  crime,  whereof  the  party  shall  have  been  duly  convicted, 
shall  exist  within  the  United  States,  or  any  place  subject  to  their  juris- 
diction. 

Sec.  2.  Congress  shall  have  power  to  enforce  this  article  by  appro- 
priate legislation. 

Article  XIV. 

Section  1.  All  persons  born  or  naturalized  in  the  United  States  and 
subject  to  the  jurisdiction  thereof,  are  citizens  of  the  United  States,  and 
of  the  state  wherein  they  reside.  No  state  shall  make  or  enforce  any  law 
which  shall  abridge  the  privileges  or  immunities  of  citizens  of  the  United 
States;  nor  shall  any  state  deprive  any  person  of  life,  liberty,  or  property, 
without  due  process  of  law,  nor  deny  to  any  person  within  its  jurisdiction 
the  equal  protection  of  the  laws. 

Sec.  2.  Representatives  shall  be  appointed  among  the  several  states 
according  to  their  respective  numbers,  counting  the  whole  number  of  per- 
sons in  each  state,  excluding  Indians  not  taxed ; but  when  the  right  to 
vote  at  any  election  for  the  choice  of  Electors  for  President  and  Vice- 
President  of  the  United  States,  Representatives  in  Congress,  the  execu- 
tive and  judicial  officers  of  a state,  or  the  members  of  the  Legislature 
thereof,  is  denied  to  any  of  the  male  inhabitants  of  such  state,  being 
twenty-one  years  of  age  and  citizens  of  the  United  States,  or  in  any  way 
abridged  except  for  participation  in  rebellion  or  other  crimes,  the  basis  of 
representation  therein  shall  be  reduced  in  the  proportion  which  the  num- 
ber of  such  male  citizens  shall  bear  to  the  whole  number  of  male  citizens 
twenty-one  years  of  age  in  such  state. 

Sec.  3.  No  person  shall  be  a Senator  or  Representative  in  Congress, 
or  Elector  of  President  and  Vice-President,  or  hold  any  office,  civil  or 
military,  under  the  United  States,  or  under  any  state,  who,  having  previ- 
ously taken  an  oath  as  a Member  of  Congress,  or  as  an  officer  of  the 
United  States,  or  as  a member  of  any  state  Legislature,  or  as  an  execu- 
tive or  judicial  officer  of  any  state  to  support  the  Constitution  of  the 
United  States,  shall  have  engaged  in  insurrection  or  rebellion  against  the 
same,  or  given  aid  or  comfort  to  the  enemies  thereof.  But  Congress  may 
by  a vote  of  two-thirds  of  each  house,  remove  such  disability. 

Sec.  4.  The  validity  of  the  public  debt  of  the  United  States  author^ 
ized  by  law,  including  debts  incurred  for  payment  of  pensions  and  boun- 
ties for  services  in  suppressing  insurrection  or  rebellion,  shall  not  be  ques- 
tioned. But  neither  the  United  States  nor  any  state  shall  pay  any  debt 
or  obligation  incurred  in  the  aid  of  insurrection  or  rebellion  against  the 
United  States,  or  any  loss  or  emancipation  of  any  slave,  but  such  debts, 
obligations,  and  claims  shall  be  held  illegal  and  void. 


91 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

Article  XV. 

Section  1.  The  right  of  citizens  of  the  United  States  to  vote  shall  not 
be  denied  or  abridged  by  the  United  States,  or  by  any  State,  on  account  of  race, 
color,  or  previous  condion  of  servitude. 


PERRY’S  MONUMENT,  CLEVELAND,  OHIO, 

On  Lake  Shore  & Michigan  Southern  Railway. 


PART  SECOND. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


HISTORY  OF  OHIO. 


IT  is  not  our  province  in  a volume  of  this  description,  to  delineate  the  chronol- 
ogy of  prehistoric  epochs,  or  to  dwell  at  length  upon  those  topics  pertaining 
to  the  scientific  causes  which  tended  to  the  formation  of  a continent,  undiscov- 
ered for  centuries,  by  the  wisdom  and  energy  of  those  making  a history  of  the 
Old  World,  by  the  advancement  of  enlightenment  in  tne  Eastern  Hemisphere. 

Naturally,  the  geological  formation  of  the  State  of  Ohio  cannot  be  entirely 
separated  from  facts  relative  to  the  strata,  which,  in  remote  ages  accumulated 
one  layer  above  the  other,  and  finally  constituted  a “built-up”  America,  from 
a vast  sea.  The  action  of  this  huge  body  of  water  washed  sediment  and  what- 
ever came  in  its  way  upon  primitive  rocks,  which  were  subjected  to  frequent 
and  repeated  submersions,  emerging  as  the  water  subsided,  thus  leaving  a 
stratum  or  layer  to  solidify  and  mark  its  number  in  the  series — a system  of 
growth  repeated  in  trees  of  the  forest — in  those  descernible  rings  that  count  so 
many  years.  The  southeastern  part  of  North  America  emerging  a second 
time  from  the  Silurian  Sea,  which  extended  west  to  the  Rocky  Mountains  and 
north  to  the  primitive  hills  of  British  America,  a succession  of  rock -bound, 
salt-water  lakes  remained.  These  covered  a large  portion  of  the  continent,  and 
their  water  evaporating,  organic  and  mineral  matter  remained  to  solidify.  This 
thick  stratum  has  been  designated  by  geologists  as  the  water-lime  layer.  This 
constitutes  the  upper  layer  of  rock  in  the  larger  portion  of  the  west  half  of 
Ohio.  In  other  sections  it  forms  the  bed  rock. 

Following  the  lime-rock  deposit,  must  have  been  more  frequent  sweeps  of 
the  great  sea,  since  the  layers  are  comparatively  thin,  proving  a more  speedy 
change.  During  this  scientific  rising  and  falling  of  the  sea,  other  actions  were 
taking  place,  such  as  volcanic  and  other  influences  which  displaced  the  regular- 
ity of  the  strata,  and  occasionally  came  out  in  an  upheaval  or  a regular  perpen- 
dicular dip.  A disturbance  of  this  character  formed  the  low  mountain  range 
extending  from  the  highlands  of  Canada  to  the  southern  boundary  of  Tennes- 
see. This  “bulge”  is  supposed  to  be  the  consequence  of  the  cooling  of  the 
earth  and  the  pressure  of  the  oceans  on  either  side  of  the  continent.  Geolo- 
gists designate  this  as  the  Cincinnati  arch.  This  forms  a separation  between 
the  coal  fields  of  the  Alleghanies  and  those  of  Illinois. 

Passing  over  several  periods,  wre  reach  the  glacial,  during  which  the  topog- 
raphy of  the  continent  was  considerably  modified,  and  which  is  among  the 
latest  epochs  of  geology,  though  exceedingly  remote  as  compared  with  human 


94 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


history.  Previously,  a torrid  heat  prevailed  the  entire  Northern  hemisphere. 
Now  the  temperature  of  the  frigid  zone  crept  southward  until  it  reached  Cincin- 
nati. A vast  field  of  ice,  perhaps  hundreds  of  feet  thick,  extended  from  the 
north  pole  to  this  point.  As  this  glacial  rigor  came  southward,  the  flow  of 
the  St.  Lawrence  River  was  stopped,  and  the  surplus  water  of  the  great  lake 
basin  was  turned  into  the  Ohio  and  Mississippi.  This  glacial  sea  was  by  no 
means  stationary  even  after  its  southern  limit  had  been  reached.  It  possessed 
the  pi’operties  of  a solid  and  a fluid.  Its  action  was  slow  but  powerful,  grind- 
ing mountains  to  powder  and  forming  great  valleys  and  basins.  Separating 
into  two  glacial  portions,  one  moved  toward  the  watershed  north  of  the  Ohio 
River ; and,  continuing  westerly,  it  hollowed  out  the  basin  of  Lake  Erie  and 
crushed  the  apex  of  the  Cincinnati  arch.  From  this  point,  it  turned  south- 
ward and  swept  with  a regular  course  through  the  Maumee  and  Miami  Valleys 
to  the  Ohio  River.  The  southern  border  constantly  melting,  and  flowing  toward 
the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  the  great  field  was  pressed  forward  by  the  accumulations 
of  ice  in  the  northern  latitudes.  Thus  for  ages,  this  powerful  force  was  fitting 
the  earth  for  the  habitation  of  man.  The  surface  was  leveled,  huge  rocks 
broken  and  reduced  to  pebbles,  sand,  clay,  etc.,  other  soil  and  surface-material — 
while  the  debris  was  embedded  at  the  bottom.  In  some  sections,  as  the  ice 
melted  and  freed  the  bowlders  and  rocks,  the  lighter  material  was  swept  away. 
The  glacier  moving  forward,  and  the  forces  proving  an  “ equilibrium,”  the 
edge  of  this  ice-field  was  held  in  a solid  stronghold,  and  the  material  thus  de- 
posited forms  a ridge,  called  by  geologists  “terminal  moraine,”  first  exemplified 
in  Ohio  by  the  “Black  Swamp,”  in  the  Maumee  Valley. 

The  most  extreme  rigor  of  this  period  beginning  to  wane,  the  ice  of  the 
Maumee  and  Miami  Valleys  began  to  move  slowly  forward,  toward  the  north, 
reaching  the  points  now  termed  Hudson,  Mich.;  Fort  Wayne,  Ind.,  and  Kenton, 
Ohio — reaching  somewhat  further  south  than  Lima  and  Van  Wert.  The  edge  of 
the  glacier  was  defined  in  outline  by  the  present  western  border  of  Lake  Erie,  and 
parallel  with  it.  Climatic  influences  “ acting  and  counteracting,”  the  glacial 
force  was  concentrated,  the  Maumee  Valley  being  subjected  to  a grinding  proc- 
ess, and  a deposit  of  material  going  on,  which  now  forms  the  boundary  of  the 
“ Black  Swamp.”  As  our  readers  are  aware,  the  waters  of  the  St.  Joseph  and 
St.  Mary’s  meet  at  Fort  Wayne,  and  their  united  waters  form  the  Maumee ; 
thence  the  turn  is  northwest,  and,  wearing  an  outlet  through  the  ridge,  it 
reaches  the  head  of  Lake  Erie. 

The  torrid  zone  yet  gaining  the  ascendency,  the  ice-fields  continuing  their 
reverse  motion,  and  retreating  toward  the  north,  the  basin  of  the  great  lakes 
was  formed ; and  the  blocks  of  ice  melting  therein,  a vast  sea  of  fresh  water  was. 
formed,  which  gradually  overflowed  a portion  of  Canada  and  Michigan.  But 
the  St.  Lawrence,  that  important  outlet,  was  under  the  restraint  of  an  ice 
blockade,  and  the  surplus  water  of  the  fresh  sea  was  turned  into  the  Ohio  and 
and  Mississippi. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


95 


Later,  mountains  of  ice-float  were  drifted  from  the  north  by  winds  and  cur- 
rents, into  temperate  latitudes,  and  melting,  deposited  rocks,  stones  and  general 
debris.  Following  the  iceberg-drift,  came  the  permanent  elevation  above  the  ocean- 
level.  The  St.  Lawrence  outlet  was  formed.  The  inland  sea  was  assuming  its 
division  into  lakes.  The  united  waters  of  Erie  and  Huron  flowed  through  the 
Wabash  Valley  and  into  the  Ohio,  until,  through  some  agency,  that  section  was 
dry,  and  the  lakes  drained  in  another  direction.  The  action  of  the  glacial 
period  in  the  Erie  basin  vicinity  created  wliat  is  known  as  the  “ Niagara  lime- 
stone,” by  grinding  upper  strata  and  drifting  the  debris  elsewhere.  This  seems 
to  have  occurred  at  intervals,  exposures  being  made  in  Seneca,  Sandusky  and 
Wood  Counties,  and  beneath  the  axis  of  the  Cincinnati  arch.  Oriskany  lime- 
stone is  also  available  in  another  stratum,  which  has  been  brought  to  the  surface. 
Again,  there  is  a carboniferous  stratum  of  limestone,  and  along  the  Maumee  is 
a thin  exposure  of  the  Hamilton  limestone  and  shale. 

A glacier  having  both  fluid  and  solid  properties,  it  will  readily  be  compre- 
hended that  obdurate  projections  of  rock  resisted  its  action,  and  created  currents 
in  other  directions,  for  its  forces.  When  this  specified  epoch  had  ceased  to  be, 
Ohio  was  a rough,  irregular  and  crude  mixture  of  ridges  and  knobs  and  pinnacles, 
which  were  “ leveled  up  ” and  finished  by  iceberg-drift  and  inland-sea  deposits. 
This  settled  and  accumulated,  and  the  work  of  hundreds  of  years  produced  a 
beautiful  surface,  its  inequalities  overcome,  the  water  having  receded  and  “terra 
firma”  remaining.  A deep  bed  of  clay,  sufficiently  compact  to  hold  the  germs 
of  organic  matter,  and  sufficiently  porous  to  absorb  moisture,  was  especially 
adapted  to  encourage  the  growth  of  vegetation.  These  seeds  had  been  brought 
by  the  winds  and  waves  and  natural  agencies,  and  now  began  to  produce  plants 
and  shrubs,  which  withered  to  enrich  the  soil,  after  scattering  broadcast  seeds 
that  would  again  perpetuate  verdure.  Worms,  land  crabs  and  burrowing  ani- 
mals assisted  in  the  creation  of  soil,  while  the  buffalo,  deer  and  bear  followed, 
as  soon  as  forestry  appeared.  Decomposed  foliage  and  fallen  timber  aided  in 
the  great  work  of  preparing  the  present  State  of  Ohio  for  the  habitation  of  man. 
Prairie,  marsh,  forest,  rivers  and  lakes  were  formed,  which,  in  turn,  were  modi- 
fied and  prepared  for  a grand  destiny  by  other  influences. 

In  glancing  over  the  compiled  histories  of  Ohio,  those  containing  details  of 
her  early  struggles,  afflictions  and  triumphs,  we  are  especially  impressed  with 
its  near  and  sympathetic  relation  with  the  great  Northwest,  and  the  republic  of 
the  United  States  of  America.  From  the  early  years  when  white  men  built 
their  rude  cabins  in  the  then  tangled  wilderness,  to  the  opulent  and  magnificent 
present  of  this  united  nation,  Ohio  has  been  stanch,  loyal  and  earnest,  both 
in  action  and  principle. 

We  shall  endeavor  to  trace  the  history  of  the  State  concisely  and  accurately, 
according  to  the  data  given  by  the  most  reliable  historians.  We  are  obliged  to 
glean  the  prominent  events  only,  our  space  being  limited,  compared  with  the 
multitudinous  interests  connected  with  this  important  part  of  the  United  States. 


96 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


FRENCH  HISTORY. 

All  through  early  French  history,  is  the  fact  especially  prominent,  that  in 
their  explorations  and  expeditions,  they  united  piety  and  business.  They  were 
zealous  in  sending  out  their  missionaries,  but  they  were  always  attended  by 
traders  and  those  who  were  as  skilled  in  the  world’s  profit  and  loss,  as  their 
companions  were  in  propagating  Christianity. 

Prior  to  the  landing  of  the  Pilgrim  Fathers  upon  Plymouth  Rock,  the 
Upper  Lakes  were  visited  by  the  French,  and  records  prove  that  during  the  first 
half  of  the  seventeenth  century,  a vagabondish  set,  working  in  the  interests  of 
the  fur  company  of  New  France,  understood  the  geographical  position  of  the 
lakes  and  their  tributary  streams.  M.  Perrot,  an  intelligent  explorer,  made 
overtures  of  peace  to  the  Indian  tribes  around  these  bodies  of  water,  and 
effected  a treaty,  which,  it  is  claimed,  established  the  right  for  the  French,  in 
the  name  of  their  king,  to  hold  the  place  near  St.  Mary’s  Falls.  They  further 
assert  that  the  Mississippi  was  discovered  by  the  French  from  Lake  Superior, 
but  this  is  not  authenticated,  and  Father  Marquette  and  M.  Joliet  are  accepted 
as  the  first  who  found  this  large  stream,  in  1763.  The  good  missionary  won 
his  way  with  his  patient  and  sympathetic  nature. 

Ohio  was,  like  the  other  portions  of  the  West,  originally  in  the  possession 
of  aborigines  or  Indians.  Of  their  origin,  many  suppositions  are  advanced, 
but  no  certainties  sustained.  From  practical  evidences,  the  Mound-Builders 
were  active  in  Ohio,  and  here  as  elsewhere,  their  work  marked  retrogression 
rather  than  advancement.  The  territory  of  Ohio  was  claimed  by  the  French, 
and  included  in  that  wide  tract  between  the  Alleghanies  and  the  Rockies,  held 
by  them  under  the  name  of  Louisiana.  Before  the  year  1750,  a French  trad- 
ing-post was  established  at  the  mouth  of  the  Wabash,  and  communication  was 
established  between  that  point  and  the  Maumee,  and  Canada.  Between  the 
years  1678  and  1682,  the  intrepid  La  Salle  and  Father  Hennepin,  assisted  by 
Fondi,  an  Italian,  with  a small  band  of  followers,  inaugurated  a series  of 
explorations  about  the  great  lakes  and  the  Mississippi,  building  forts  on  their 
way  and  planting  the  French  priority.  In  1680,  La  Salle  erected  a stockade  at 
the  foot  of  the  rapids  of  the  Maumee,  which  was  a general  rendezvous  for  mission- 
aries, traders  and  explorers,  besides  constituting  a primitive  “stock  exchange.’' 

The  English  colonies  were  at  this  time  east  of  the  Alleghanies,  while  the 
French  were  establishing  themselves  west  of  this  range,  gaining  an  entrance 
north  and  south,  the  two  portions  separated  by  hostile  and  barbarous  foes. 
La  Salle’s  spirit  of  adventure  led  him  into  new  fields,  but  Father  Hennepin 
was  detailed  to  investigate  that  part  of  the  world  now  known  as  the  State  of 
Ohio.  The  records  assert  that  he  published  a volume  containing  an  account  of 
his  observations  “in  the  country  between  New  Mexico  and  the  frozen  ocean,” 
in  1684,  together  with  maps  of  Lakes  Erie,  Huron  and  Michigan,  and  a plat 
of  the  larger  streams  in  Ohio. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


97 


Apparently,  the  French  more  speedily  comprehended  the  value  of  their 
advantages  in  the  New  World  than  the  English,  and  vigorously  inaugurated  and 
sustained  commercial  and  religious  projects.  They  were  essentially  benefited 
by  the  mediation  of  the  Catholic  priests  between  settlers  and  Indians,  this 
really  earnest  class  everywhere  ingratiating  themselves  with  the  savages.  The 
Order  of  Jesuits  were  very  vigorous,  and  representatives  were  stationed  at  every 
trading-post,  village  and  settlement.  The  English  colonists  engaged  mostly  in 
agriculture,  while  the  French  took  a lively  interest  in  the  fur  trade  with  the 
natives,  probably  from  their  former  settlement  in  Quebec  and  thereabouts,  where 
the  climate  is  advantageous  for  this  business.  This  added  to  the  influence  of 
the  priests,  and  the  natural  assimilation  of  French  and  the  Indians,  through 
the  tact  and  amiability  of  the  former,  the  French  possessions  gained  more 
rapidly  than  the  English  or  Spanish.  They  courted  their  daughters  and 
married  them.  They  engaged  in  feasts  and  trades,  and  took  advantage  of 
those  unimpeded  times  to  extend  their  dominion  with  surprising  celerity.  A 
chain  of  trading,  missionary  and  military  posts  extended  from  New  Orleans  to 
Quebec,  by  way  of  the  Mississippi  and  Illinois  Rivers,  thence  via  Mackinaw  and 
Detroit  to  Lakes  Erie  and  Ontario.  This  route  was  shortened  thereafter  by 
following  the  Ohio  River  to  the  Wabash,  following  the  latter  upward,  and 
down  the  Maumee  to  Lake  Erie. 

About  the  same  time,  and  to  check  the  advancement  of  the  French,  the 
Ohio  Company  was  formed  by  the  English.  This  was  an  outgrowth  of  the 
contest  between  these  two  nations  for  the  ascendency,  whether  empire,  settle- 
ment or  individual.  After  thirty  years’  peace  between  these  two  nations, 
“King  George's  War”  opened  the  campaign  in  1744,  but  terminated  in  1748, 
the  treaty  at  Aix-la-Chapelle  unfortunately  omitting  a settlement  of  any  division 
of  claims  in  America.  The  English,  French  and  Spanish  were  the  first  to 
enter  America,  and  the  right  of  possession  by  each  monarch  or  empire  was 
held  by  right  of  a first  discovery.  The  only  right  that  England  could  advance 
regarding  Ohio  was  that  the  portion  of  the  Six  Nations  found  in  the  Ohio 
Valley  had  placed  some  of  their  lands  under  British  jurisdiction,  and  that  other 
portions  had  been  purchased  at  Lancaster,  Penn.,  by  means  of  a treaty  with 
the  same  nations.  All  this  was  strenuously  denied  and  ignored  by  the  French. 
Thus  several  conflicting  influences  swept  carnage  over  fair  Ohio.  The  Indians  were 
allied  to  one  side  and  the  other,  and  were  against  each  other.  The  Indians  and 
French  would  advance  against  the  English,  and  they,  in  retaliation,  would 
make  a raid  into  the  Indian  territory  and  overcome  a French  settlement. 
Whenever  they  could  as  well,  Indians  would  take  the  cause  in  their  own  keep- 
ing and  fight  each  other.  The  wide,  verdant  fields  of  Ohio  were  drenched 
ghastly  red  under  a glowing  sun,  and  the  great  forests  echoed  moans  from  the 
dying  and  distressed.  The  English  colonists  had  partially  overcome  their 
deprivation,  caused  by  a struggle  for  subsistence,  and  means  to  guard  against 
the  savages — this  distress  augmented  by  campaigns  against  Canada — by  their 


98 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


increased  numbers  and  wealth,  but  were  now  alarmed  by  the  French  rule  in 
America,  which  gained  so  rapidly,  unmolested  as  it  was  by  Indian  raids  and 
other  devastating  circumstances.  A constant  conflict  was  going  on  between 
Lake  Erie  and  the  Upper  Ohio.  Atrocities  and  massacres  were  committed 
indiscriminately,  which  opened  the  way  for  a desperate  class  of  marauders  and 
villains  from  the  colonies  and  European  States.  These  people  enlisted  with 
the  Indians  on  either  side  for  the  purpose  of  leadership  and  plunder.  Every 
fortification,  trading-post  and  settlement  was  garrisoned  or  deserted,  and  the 
ground  between  the  Alleghanies  and  the  Maumee  became  a conflict  field,  rife 
with  thrilling  deeds,  sacrifice  and  adventures,  the  half  never  having  been 
chronicled,  and  many  heroes  falling  uncrowned  by  even  a lasting  memory,  since 
during  these  times  the  people  kept  few  annals,  and  cared  less  for  historical 
memories  than  anything  on  earth.  They  were  living,  and  dying,  and  struggling, 
and  that  was  more  than  they  could  carry  through  safely.  The  French  formed 
a road  from  the  Ohio  River  to  Detroit,  via  the  foot  of  the  Lower  Rapids  of  the 
Maumee,  and  the  foot  of  the  Lower  Rapids  of  the  Sandusky. 

The  Ohio  Company  obtained  a charter  under  English  views,  from  the 
British  Government,  with  a grant  of  6,000  acres  of  land  on  the  Ohio.  The 
English  now  reverted  to  the  times  of  the  Cabots,  and  protested  that  by  right 
they  held  the  entire  country  between  the  Atlantic  and  Pacific  Oceans,  bounded 
by  those  parallels  of  latitude  defining  their  Atlantic  coast  settlements.  France 
claimed  the  region  drained  by  the  Mississippi  and  tributaries,  the  great  lakes 
and  their  tributaries,  the  area  being  west  of  the  Alleghanies.  Ohio  was  thus 
included  in  the  disputed  tract. 

The  Ohio  Company  was  formed  in  1848,  by  a number  of  Virginians  and 
Londoners,  two  brothers  of  George  Washington  taking  conspicuous  parts  in  the 
movement ; Thomas  Lee  was  especially  active.  When  the  surveys  were  begun, 
the  Governor  of  Canada  entered  vigorous  protests,  and  indicated  his  displeasure 
by  a prompt  line  of  posts  from  Erie  to  Pittsburgh,  named  respectively,  Presque 
Isle,  Le  Boeuf,  Vedango,  Kittaning  and  Du  Quesne.  The  latter  was  begun 
by  the  English,  captured  by  the  French,  and  by  them  completed. 

The  first  English  settlement  of  which  we  can  find  traces  was  a block -house 
at  Piqua,  about  the  year  1752.  It  was  attacked,  and  a bitter  struggle  ensued, 
resulting  in  the  death  of  fourteen  of  the  assailants.  Those  within  the  garrison 
suffered  severely,  many  being  burned,  and  the  remainder  captured  and  dis- 
patched to  Canada. 

In  1753,  the  French  and  Indian  war  actively  began.  It  did  not  extend 
beyond  the  American  continent  until  1756,  when  the  home  governments  took 
an  interest  in  its  progress  beyond  encouraging  their  respective  colonists  to  pur- 
sue the  war-path  to  a direful  finale  for  their  adversaries.  For  four  years,  the 
French  captured  and  conquered,  spreading  terror  wherever  they  went,  and 
they  followed  every  Englishman  that  set  his  foot  on  Ohio  soil  to  the  death. 
We  may  state  that  these  people  had  not  retained  their  civilized  habits,  and 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


99 


constant  association  with  savages  had  embued  them  with  barbarous  methods  of 
warfare  which  were  sickening  and  revolting  to  the  English,  and  to  which  they 
could  not  resort.  It  is  highly  probable  that  French  success  was  vastly  brought 
about  by  these  means,  together  with  the  assistance  of  their  Indian  allies.  In 
1758,  when  the  English  hope  was  almost  exterminated,  the  elder  Pitt  being 
placed  at  the  head  of  the  administration,  a new  and  energetic  system  was 
inaugurated,  wise  measures  instituted,  and  military  science  triumphed  over 
savage  cunning  and  French  intrigue.  The  first  brilliant  English  achievement 
was  the  conquest  of  Canada.  When  the  home  governments  interfered,  the 
war  assumed  the  character  of  a French  and  English  conflict,  regardless  of 
Indian  right,  yet  the  tribes  continued  to  participate  in  the  carnage. 

A certain  Christian,  Frederick  Post,  a Moravian  missionary,  located  upon 
the  Muskingum,  near  Beavertown.  Heckewelder  consented  to  become  his 
associate.  The  Indians  receiving  them  kindly,  under  conditions  that  Post 
should  serve  as  tutor,  this  missionary  began  clearing  a field  for  the  purpose  of 
planting  corn  for  sustenance.  This  did  not  accord  with  Indian  logic.  They 
had  stipulated  that  he  teach  and  he  was  planting  corn,  which  to  them  was  a 
signal  of  the  coming  of  other  whites,  the  building  of  a fort  and  encroachments 
upon  the  Indians.  They  referred  to  the  French  priests,  who  were  in  good 
physical  condition,  did  not  till  land,  but  were  in  charge  of  the  Great  Spirit 
who  provided  for  them,  a conclusive  proof  to  them  that  when  divine  work  was 
acceptable  to  the  Great  Spirit,  priests  were  somehow  sustained  by  other  than 
the  plans  which  disturbed  their  great  hunting-grounds.  However,  they 
allowed  him  a small  space,  and  he  remained  with  them,  preaching  and  teaching 
during  the  summer  of  1762,  when,  accompanied  by  one  of  the  principal  chiefs, 
he  returned  to  Lancaster,  Penn.,  where  a treaty  was  concluded.  On  his  return 
to  his  post,  he  was  met  by  Heckewelder,  who  imparted  the  tidings  that  friendly 
Indians  had  warned  him  that  the  war  was  about  to  sweep  over  their  section, 
and  destruction  awaited  them  if  they  remained.  The  mission  was  accordingly 
abandoned.  This  failure  was  not  so  bitter  as  the  English  effort  to  sustain  their 
trading-post  in  1749,  on  the  Great  Miami,  afterward  called  Laramie’s  store. 
It  pursued  a feeble  existence  until  1752,  when  a French  raid  upon  the  Twig- 
twees  and  English  colonists  proved  fatal. 

A European  treaty  now  excluded  the  French  from  any  rights  to  make 
treaties  with  the  Indians,  and  the  English,  in  their  flush  of  victory  after  Pitt’s 
succession,  assumed  the  authority  over  Indians  and  lands.  The  savages  did 
not  accept  the  situation  with  anything  resembling  the  gentle  spirit  of  resigna- 
tion, and  the  Ottawa  chief,  Pontiac,  led  the  several  tribes  into  a general  war 
against  the  intruders.  It  was  no  longer  French  and  English,  but  Indian  and 
English,  the  former  being  instigated  and  assisted  many  times  by  the  French, 
now  desperate  and  unscrupulous  in  a mad  spirit  for  revenge. 

The  intention  of  the  Indians  was  to  drive  the  whites  east  of  the  mountains, 
destroying  their  numerous  strongholds  in  Pennsylvania  and  Virginia,  if  they 


100 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


failed  in  their  hope  of  utterly  exterminating  them.  Pontiac  had  effected  a 
consolidation  of  the  tribes  ranging  from  Mackinaw  to  North  Carolina,  thus 
being  enabled  to  swoop  down  upon  all  the  settlements  simultaneously.  A 
deadly  beginning  was  made  in  the  Ohio  Valley,  and  only  two  or  three  English 
traders  escaped  out  of  the  one  hundred  and  twenty  located  in  that  vicinity. 
The  forts  at  Presque  Isle,  St.  Joseph  and  Mackinaw,  were  captured  amid  scenes 
of  slaughter  too  terrible  to  perpetuate  in  description.  The  years  1763  and 
1764  were  literally  drenched  in  human  carnage  and  anguish.  Ohio  was  a 
great  field  of  crime,  murder,  pain  and  horror.  The  expeditions  of  Bradstreet 
and  Bouquet  crushed  the  war  in  1764,  and  Pontiac  with  his  Ottawas  removed 
to  the  Maumee  and  settled.  English  settlement  now  progressed  with  great 
rapidity,  but  this  was  destined  to  be  disturbed  in  1774,  by  the  action  of  Lord 
Dunmore,  who  led  an  expedition  against  the  tribes  of  the  Ohio  country,  termi- 
nated by  his  treaty  on  the  Scioto  plains.  At  this  period,  the  colonists  were  not 
in  strict  harmony  with  England,  and  the  spirit  of  revolution  was  spreading 
every  day. 

When  Lord  Dunmore  made  his  treaty,  the  affirmation  was  made  and  gained 
ground  that  he,  being  a thorough  loyalist,  had  compromised  under  such  terms 
as  held  the  Indians  British  allies  against  the  settlers.  Directly  following  this 
treaty,  was  the  deliberate  murder  of  a number  of  Indians,  near  Wheeling, 
including  the  family  of  the  great  chief,  Logan — which  inaugurated  retaliating 
atrocities. 

In  the  year  1781,  April  16,  the  first  white  child  was  born  within  the  pres- 
ent limits  of  Ohio,  and  was  christened  Mary  Heckewelder,  daughter  of  a Mora- 
vian missionary.  All  the  settlers  of  these  Moravian  towns  on  the  Muskingum 
were  made  prisoners  in  September  of  the  same  year.  Heckwelder  was  trans- 
ported to  Detroit,  but  English  tyranny  failed  to  find  any  evidence  against  him 
or  his  colaborers,  and  they  were  reluctantly  released,  and  returned  to  their  fam- 
ilies in  Sandusky.  Poverty  added  to  their  sufferings,  and  in  the  forlorn 
hope  of  finding  a remnant  of  their  property  at  the  old  settlements,  which  might 
assist  in  mitigating  their  necessities,  they  wearily  went  thitherward.  They 
began  gathering  their  grain,  but  the  Wyandots  attacked  them,  and  many  lives 
were  lost.  Frontiersmen  had  also  grown  jealous  of  them,  and  a body  of  about 
ninety  marched  out  together,  for  the  fiendish  purpose  of  pillaging,  slaughtering 
and  laying  waste  all  Moravian  towns  and  posts.  With  the  wily  insidiousness  of 
savages,  they  went  about  their  diabolical  plan.  The  Moravians  were  cordial  and 
bade  this  band  welcome,  when  they  reached  their  towns  in  the  guise  of  friend- 
ship. Williamson,  the  leader,  and  the  gleaners,  were  called  from  the  fields, 
when,  to  the  dismay  of  these  trusting  and  frank  people,  they  were  all  bound, 
and  only  fifteen  out  of  the  marauding  band  of  ninety  were  in  favor  of  even 
sparing  the  lives  of  these  hapless  men,  women  and  children.  Forty  men, 
twenty-two  women  and  thirty-four  children  were  then  cruelly  and  heartlessly 
murdered,  their  sufferings  laughed  to  scorn,  and  the  last  sound  that  fell  on  their 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


101 


ears  was  exultant  derision.  It  would  seem  that  whatever  the  Indians  left  un- 
done, in  the  way  of  horror,  in  the  State  of  Ohio,  the  whites  improved  upon,  and 
blackened  the  pages  of  American  history  with  deeds  of  blood.  Succeeding  this 
barbarity,  was  the  expedition  against  Moravian  Indian  towns,  upon  the  San- 
dusky. Not  an  Indian,  whether  an  enemy  or  friend,  old  or  young,  male  or 
female,  was  to  escape  the  assault,  including  an  extermination  of  the  Moravian 
element. 

Col.  William  Crawford  led  the  expedition,  which  counted  500  men,  in  their 
dastardly  work.  Warning  had  in  some  manner  reached  the  towns,  and 
the  troops  found  them  deserted.  But  the  Indians  were  incensed,  and 
their  wrath  had  not  driven  them  to  hiding-places,  but  to  a preparation  to 
meet  their  foes.  They  fought  desperately,  and  Crawford’s  troops  were  defeated 
and  scattered,  many  being  captured,  and  among  them,  Col.  Crawford  himself. 
It  is  hardly  probable  that  Crawford  could  justly  expect  much  mercy  at  the 
hands  of  his  captors.  His  battle-cry  had  been  “no  quarter,”  and  yet  he  evi- 
dently hoped  for  some  consideration,  as  he  requested  an  interview  with  Simon 
Girty,  who  lived  with  and  influenced  the  Indians.  Accounts  state  that  Craw- 
ford implored  the  aid  of  Girty,  and  at  last  secured  a promise  to  use  his  power 
to  obtain  the  Colonel’s  pardon.  However,  this  was  of  no  avail,  and  it  is  doubt- 
ful whether  Girty  was  disposed  to  intercede.  The  prisoners  were  tortured  and 
put  to  death,  and  Crawford’s  agonies  were  protracted  as  long  as  possible.  Dr. 
Knight  managed  to  disable  the  Indian  who  had  him  in  charge,  and  made  his 
escape  to  the  settlements,  where  he  related  the  result  of  the  expedition  and  the 
tortures  of  the  captured. 

On  October  27,  1784,  a treaty  was  concluded,  at  Fort  Stanwix,  with  the 
sachems  and  warriors  of  the  Mohawks,  Onondagas,  Senecas,  Cayugas,  Onei- 
das  and  Tuscarawas,  and  the  Six  Nations  then  ceded  to  the  Colonial  Govern- 
ment all  claims  to  the  country  west  of  a line  defined  by  the  western  boundary 
to  the  Ohio — thus  rendering  the  Indian  claim  to  a large  portion  of  Ohio  lands 
practically  extinct. 

Although  the  French  and  Indian  war  was  a series  of  heart-rending  events, 
it  was  a serious  and  remarkable  school  of  discipline  for  the  untrained  troops 
which  soon  engaged  in  the  Revolutionary  struggle.  On  the  fields  of  Ohio,  many 
valuable  officers,  who  earned  distinction  in  the  war  of  independence,  learned  their 
first  lessons  in  intrepid  valor. 

During  the  Revolution,  the  colonial  troops  were  engaged  east  of  the  moun- 
tains, and  western  settlements  and  frontier  people  were  left  alone  to  defend  them- 
selves and  their  property  against  encroachments  and  attacks. 

The  Indian  tribes  again  became  belligerent,  and  united  with  the  English 

O C 7 o 

against  the  “Americans.”  The  latter  held  a line  of  posts  along  the  Upper 
Ohio,  while  the  British  were  stationed  in  the  old  French  strongholds  on  the 
lakes  and  the  Mississippi.  The  unscrupulous  whites  and  Indians  ranged  at  ran- 
dom between  this  boundary  and  the  Cuyahoga,  thence  southerly  to  the  Ohio, 


102 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


thus  including  the  Scioto  and  Miami  Valleys.  Southeastern  Ohio  constituted 
“the  neutral  ground.” 

Gen.  Clarke’s  expedition,  although  chiefly  confined  to  Indiana  and  Illinois, 
greatly  influenced  the  settlement  of  Ohio.  His  exploits  and  the  resolution  of 
his  troops  were  chiefly  instrumental  in  holding  the  country  west  of  the  Alle- 
ghanies,  and  insuring  its  possession  by  the  United  States  during  the  Revolution. 
The  British  had  been  emphatic,  in  the  Paris  treaty,  at  the  time  of  the  settlement 
of  the  French  and  English  difficulties,  in  demanding  the  Ohio  River  as  the 
northern  boundary  of  the  United  States.  The  American  Commissioners  relied 
upon  Gen.  Clarke’s  valor  and  energy  in  holding  the  country  west  of  the  Alle- 
ghanies,  which  he  had  conquered,  and  the  British  Commissioners  were  compelled 
to  give  their  consent,  under  civil  and  military  measures.  In  1783,  by  the 
treaty  of  Paris,  at  the  close  of  the  Revolutionary  war,  the  English  relinquished 
all  rights  to  the  fertile  territory  between  the  Alleghanies  and  the  Mississippi, 
and  the  United  States  held  undisputed  possession. 

January  10,  1786,  Gens.  Rufus  Putnam  and  Benjamin  Tupper  circulated  a 
pamphlet,  proposing  the  formation  of  a company  for  the  purpose  of  settling  the 
Ohio  lands,  and  soliciting  the  attention  and  consideration  of  all  those  desiring  a 
future  home  and  prosperity.  A meeting  was  also  called,  to  assemble  during  the 
following  February,  and  select  delegates  to  represent  each  county  in  Massachu- 
setts. These  dignitaries  should  convene  during  the  month  of  March,  at  the 
“ Bunch  of  Grapes  ” tavern,  in  Boston,  for  the  purpose  of  definitely  forming  the 
association,  and  adopting  such  measures  as  would  benefit  all  directly  interested. 
The  meeting  and  “ convention  ” followed,  and  the  subscription  books  were  opened. 
One  million  dollars,  chiefly  represented  by  Continental  certificates,  was  the 
price  of  the  land.  The  shares  were  valued  at  $1,000  each,  and  there  was  a 
division  of  a thousand  shares.  The  first  payment  was  to  be  $10  per  share,  this 
money  to  be  set  aside  for  such  expenses  as  might  accrue.  A year’s  interest  was 
to  be  devoted  to  the  establishment  of  the  settlement,  and  those  families  who 
were  unable  to  incur  the  expense  of  moving  were  to  be  assisted.  Those  who 
purchased  shares  to  the  number  of  twenty  were  entitled  to  a representation  by 
an  agent,  who  was  permitted  to  vote  for  Directors.  This  plan  matured  and  was 
acted  upon  during  the  following  year.  It  may  be  that  the  action  of  Connecti- 
cut, in  ceding  her  territorial  claims  to  the  General  Government,  with  few  excep- 
tions, greatly  encouraged  this  new  undertaking.  That  tract  was,  until  recently, 
designated  the  “Western  Reserve” — an  extent  170  miles  from  the  western 
boundary  of  Pennsylvania,  and  parallel  thereto,  being  reserved. 

On  October  27,  1787,  a contract  was  made  between  the  Board  of  the  Treas- 
ury, for  the  United  States,  and  Manasseh  Cutler  and  Winthrop  Sargent,  agents 
for  the  Directors  of  the  New  England  Ohio  Company,  for  the  purchase  of  a tract 
of  land,  bounded  by  the  Ohio,  and  from  the  mouth  of  the  Scioto  to  the  inter- 
section of  the  western  boundary  of  the  seventh  townships,  then  surveying ; 
thence  by  said  boundary  to  the  northern  boundary  of  the  tenth  township  from 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


103 


the  Ohio ; thence,  by  a due  west  line,  to  the  Scioto ; thence,  by  the  Scioto,  to 
the  beginning. 

However  fertile  and  attractive  Ohio  was  known  to  have  been,  settlement  did 
not  gain  rapidly  after  the  close  of  the  war  with  England,  although  the  United 
States  has  gained  her  freedom.  It  was  more  than  six  years  after  Cornwallis 
laid  down  his  sword,  before  a white  settlement  was  formed  on  the  Ohio  side  of  the 
river.  The  French  and  Indian  war  had  incited  the  English  to  be  jealous  of  her 
colonial  conquests,  and  mistrusting  their  loyalty,  they  had,  so  soon  as  the  French 
claims  were  annulled,  taken  measures  to  crush  all  colonial  claims  also,  and  a 
royal  proclamation  rescinded  all  colonial  land  grants  and  charters,  holding  all 
the  country  west  of  the  sources  of  the  Atlantic  rivers  under  the  protection  and 
sovereignty  of  the  king  of  Great  Britain,  for  the  use  of  the  Indians.  All  white 
persons  were  forbidden  to  remain  or  settle  within  the  prescribed  limits.  Parlia- 
ment then  attached  this  tract  to  Quebec,  and  the  English  Government  felt  assured 
that  the  thirteen  colonies  were  restricted  and  held  secure  east  of  the  Alleghanies. 

The  result  of  the  war  between  the  colonies  and  England  did  not  constitute 
an  Indian  treaty.  Although  England  signed  over  her  title  and  right,  the  sava- 
ges held  the  land  and  ignored  all  white  agreements,  one  way  or  the  other. 
Whenever  an  attempt  at  settlement  was  undertaken,  Indian  depredations  proved 
disastrous.  The  tribes  were  encouraged  by  the  English  fur  traders,  and  the 
English  commandant  at  Detroit  incited  them  to  destroy  all  Americans  who 
attempted  to  usurp  the  rights  of  red  men. 

Added  to  this  serious  difficulty  was  the  unsettled  debate  regarding  State 
claims,  wThich  rendered  a title  precarious.  A treaty,  signed  at  Fort  McIntosh, 
previous  to  the  war,  and  authenticated,  shows  that  during  the  conflict  the  Dela- 
wares and  Wyandots  occupied  the  Indian  and  British  frontier,  on  the  southern 
shore  of  Lake  Erie,  from  the  Cuyahoga  to  the  Maumee,  and  from  the  lake  to 
the  sources  of  its  tributaries.  Later,  these  two  tribes  ceded  to  the  United 
States  “the  neutral  ground,”  by  warranty  deed,  and  by  quit-claim,  the  terri- 
tory south  and  west  of  the  described  tract,  set  apart  for  their  use. 

By  special  measures,  the  grant  of  Congress  in  the  matter  of  the  Ohio  Com- 
pany extended  to  nearly  5,000,000  acres,  valued  at  $3,500,000.  The  original 
Ohio  Company  obtained  1,500,000  acres,  the  remaining  being  reserved  by  indi- 
viduals, for  private  speculation. 

The  same  year,  Congress  appointed  Arthur  St.  Clair,  Governor,  and  Win- 
throp  Sargent,  Secretary,  of  the  Territory. 

Fort  Harmar  had  previously  been  built,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Muskingum, 
and  in  1788,  a New  England  colony  attempted  the  “ Muskingum  settlement,” 
on  the  opposite  side,  which  was  afterward  named  Marietta.  In  July,  1788,  the 
Territorial  officers  were  received  in  this  village,  and  there  established  the  first 
form  of  civil  government,  as  set  forth  in  the  Ordinance  of  1787.  Three  United 
States  Judges  were  appointed,  and  Courts  of  Common  Pleas,  Probate  and 
Justice  were  established. 


104 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


If  the  stormy  times  were  supposed  to  he  of  the  past,  that  composure  was 
rudely  broken  by  the  utter  disregard  of  the  Shawnee  and  other  Indian  tribes, 
who  soon  induced  the  Delawares  and  Wyandots  to  repudiate  their  consent  in  the 
matter  of  settlement.  The  miseries  of  frontier  horrors  were  repeated.  The 
British  commandant  at  Detroit  instigated  many  of  these  hostilities,  yet  the 
American  Govei'nment  took  honorable  action  in  assuring  the  English  represent- 
ative that  American  military  preparations  in  the  West  was  not  an  expedition 
against  Detroit,  or  other  British  possessions,  although  the  possession  of  Detroit 
by  that  nation  was  in  direct  opposition  to  the  treaty  of  1783.  Gov.  St.  Clair, 
to  avert  the  direful  consequences  of  a border  war,  dispatched  a Frenchman, 
Gameline,  to  the  principal  Indian  towns  of  the  Wabash  and  Maumee  countries, 
to  request  them  to  meet  the  United  States  agents,  and  make  a compromise  for 
the  benefit  of  both  parties,  at  the  same  time  reiterating  the  desire  of  the  General 
Government  to  adhere  to  the  Fort  Harmar  treaty.  The  Miamis,  Shawnees, 
Ottawas,  Kickapoos  and  Delawares  received  this  representative  kindly,  but 
declined  the  wampum  sent  by  the  Governor,  and  deferred  giving  an  answer 
until  they  had  considered  the  subject  with  the  “ father  at  Detroit.” 

Blue  Jacket,  chief  of  the  Shawnees,  informed  the  Frenchman  that  the  Indi- 
ans doubted  the  sincerity  of  the  Americans.  The  new  settlement  on  the  Ohio 
was  a proof  that  the  whites  intended  to  crowd  further  and  further,  until  the 
Indians  were  again  and  again  robbed  of  their  just  right.  He  then  emphatically 
asserted  that  unless  the  north  side  of  the  river  was  kept  free  from  these  inroads 
there  could  be  no  terms  of  peace  with  the  Shawnees,  and  many  other  tribes. 

Blue  Jacket  was  unusually  intelligent  and  sagacious,  and  expressed  himself 
eloquently.  He  was  persistent  in  his  determination  to  engage  in  the  war  of 
extermination,  should  the  white  settlements  continue  north  of  the  Ohio. 

These  overtures  were  continued,  but  they  failed  in  producing  any  arrange- 
ment that  permitted  the  whites  to  locate  north  of  the  Ohio. 

Congress  called  upon  Kentucky  and  Pennsylvania  to  lend  the  aid  of  their 
militia.  Gen.  Harmar  was  instructed  to  destroy  the  Miami  villages  at  the 
head  of  the  Maumee.  Late  in  the  fall  of  1790,  he  executed  this  order. 

The  Indians  had  stored  a large  quantity  of  provisions,  in  expectation  of  a 
campaign,  and  this  dependence  was  devastated.  Without  authority,  and  with 
undue  carelessness,  he  divided  his  army  and  attempted  to  achieve  other  victo- 
ries. He  more  than  lost  what  he  had  gained.  Two  raids  upon  the  Wabash  In- 
dians, thereafter,  proved  successful,  but  the  campaign  under  Gov.  St.  Clair  was 
not  calculated  to  establish  peace  or  obtain  power,  and  was  deemed  but  little  less 
than  a failure. 

The  year  1792  was  a series  of  skirmishes,  so  far  as  a settlement  was  con- 
cerned, but  1793  succeeded  well  enough  to  convene  a meeting  of  United  States 
Commissioners  and  representatives  of  the  hostile  tribes,  at  the  rapids  of  the 
Maumee.  It  is  highly  probable  that  a satisfactory  treaty  might  have  been 
arranged,  had  it  not  been  for  the  intervention  and  malicious  influence  of  the 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


105 


British  Superintendent  of  Indian  Affairs,  Col.  McKee,  his  assistant  Capt. 
Elliott,  and  the  notorious  Capt.  Simon  Girty,  who  instigated  the  savages  to 
deeds  more  horrible  than  their  own  barbarisms. 

It  was  evident  that  a severe  struggle  must  ensue,  and  Capt.  Wayne,  in 
1792,  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  Western  army,  was  called  upon  to  con- 
duct the  campaign.  He  exhibited  his  wisdom  in  the  beginning,  by  preparing 
his  men  in  military  discipline  and  fully  equipping  them  before  marching  to  meet 
a savage  foe  in  a wilderness.  Various  causes  detained  the  army,  and  it  was  not 
until  the  fall  of  1793,  that  the  force  marched  from  Fort  Washington  (Cincin- 
nati) to  begin  the  battle. 

It  was  already  late  in  the  season,  and,  before  any  progress  had  been  made, 
the  army  went  into  winter  quarters  at  Greenville,  on  a branch  of  the  Big 
Miami. 

In  the  mean  time,  the  Ohio  Company  had  not  matured  its  practical  “ settle- 
ment plan,”  although  a generous  grant  had  been  obtained.  In  1792,  they 
received  a clear  title  to  750,000  acres  of  land,  for  which  the  full  price  had  pre- 
viously been  paid,  in  Continental  currency.  Congress  set  aside  214,285  acres 
as  army  bounties,  and  100,000  acres  to  actual  settlers.  The  two  latter  appro- 
priations joined  that  of  the  Ohio  Company. 

There  had  been  numerous  conventions,  discussions  and  other  fruitless 
attempts  to  somehow  form  a plan  for  the  government  of  the  Northwest  Terri- 
tory, but  it  was  not  until  July  13,  1787,  that  an  ordinance  was  passed,  and  that 
was  the  result  of  Hr.  Cutler’s  efforts.  Every  State  sustained  its  measures. 

This  ordinance  was  the  foundation  of  the  constitution  of  the  future  State  of 
Ohio,  and  indeed,  permeates  the  entire  Northwestern  creed. 

ORDINANCE  OF  1787.— No.  32. 

An  Ordinance  for  the  Government  of  the  Territory  of  the  United  States,  Northwest  of 
the  Ohio  River. 

Be  it  ordained  by  the  United  States  in  Congress  assembled,  That  the  said  Territory,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  government,  be  one  district;  subject,  however,  to  be  divided  into  two  districts,  as  future  cir- 
cumstances may,  in  the  opinion  of  Congress,  make  it  expedient. 

Be  it  ordained  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  That  the  estates  of  both  resident  and  non-resident 
proprietors  in  the  said  Territory,  dying  intestate,  shall  descend  to  and  be  distributed  among  their 
children  and  the  descendants  of  a deceased  child,  in  equal  parts ; the  descendants  of  a deceased 
child  or  grandchild  to  take  the  share  of  their  deceased  parent  in  equal  parts  among  them.  And 
when  there  shall  be  no  children  or  descendants,  then  in  equal  parts  to  the  next  of  kin  in  equal 
degree ; and  among  collaterals,  the  children  of  a deceased  brother  or  sister  of  the  intestate  shall 
have,  in  equal  parts  among  them,  their  deceased  parent’s  share;  and  there  shall  in  no  case  be  a 
distribution  between  kindred  of  the  whole  and  half  blood,  saving  in  all  cases  to  the  widow  of 
intestate,  her  third  part  of  the  real  estate,  for  life,  and  one-third  part  of  the  personal  estate ; and 
this  law  relative  to  descents  and  dower,  shall  remain  in  full  force  until  altered  by  the  Legis- 
lature of  the  district.  And  until  the  Governor  and  Judges  shall  adopt  laws  as  hereinafter 
mentioned,  estates  in  said  Territory  may  be  devised  or  bequeathed  by  wills  in  writing,  signed 
and  sealed  by  him  or  her  in  whom  the  estate  may  be  (being  of  full  age),  and  attested  by  three 
witnesses ; and  real  estate  may  be  conveyed  by  lease  and  release,  or  bargain  and  sale,  signed  and 
sealed,  and  delivered  by  the  person  (being  in  full  age)  in  whom  the  estate  may  be,  and  attested 


106 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


by  two  witnesses,  provided  such  wills  he  duly  proved,  and  such  conveyances  be  acknowledged,  or 
the  execution  thereof  duly  proved  and  be  recorded  within  one  year  after  proper  magistrates, 
courts  and  registers  shall  be  appointed  for  that  purpose.  And  personal  property  may  be  trans- 
ferred by  delivery,  saving,  however,  to  the  French  and  Canadian  inhabitants  and  other  settlers  of 
the  Kaskaskias,  St.  Vincent’s  and  the  neighboring  villages,  who  have  heretofore  professed  them- 
selves citizens  of  Virginia,  their  laws  and  customs  now  in  force  among  them,  relative  to  the 
descent  and  conveyance  of  property. 

Be  it  ordained  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  That  there  shall  be  appointed  from  time  to  time,  by 
Congress,  a Governor  whose  commission  shall  continue  in  force  for  a term  of  three  years,  unless 
sooner  revoked  by  Congress.  He  shall  reside  in  the  district  and  have  a freehold  estate  therein, 
of  a thousand  acres  of  land  while  in  the  exercise  of  his  office. 

There  shall  be  appointed  from  time  to  time  by  Congress,  a Secretary  whose  commission  shall 
continue  in  force  for  two  years,  unless  sooner  revoked.  He  shall  reside  in  the  district,  and  shall 
have  a freehold  estate  therein  in  500  acres  of  land,  while  in  the  exercise  of  his  office.  It  shall  be 
his  duty  to  keep  and  preserve  the  acts  and  laws  passed  by  the  Legislature,  and  the  public  records 
of  the  district,  and  the  proceedings  of  the  Governor  in  his  executive  department,  and  transmit 
authentic  copies  of  such  acts  and  proceedings  every  six  months,  to  the  Secretary  of  Congress. 
There  shall  also  be  appointed  a court  to  consist  of  three  Judges,  any  two  of  whom  to  form  a 
court,  who  shall  have  a common  law  jurisdiction  and  shall  reside  in  the  district  and  have  each 
therein  a freehold  estate  in  500  acres  of  land,  while  in  the  exercise  of  their  office,  and  their 
commissions  shall  continue  in  force  during  good  behavior. 

The  Governor  and  Judges,  or  a majority  of  them,  shall  adopt  and  publish  in  the  district 
such  laws  of  the  original  States,  criminal  and  civil,  as  may  be  necessary  and  best  suited  to  the 
circumstances  of  the  district,  and  report  them  to  Congress  from  time  to  time,  which  laws  shall  be 
in  force  in  the  district  until  the  organization  of  the  General  Assembly  therein,  unless  disapproved 
by  Congress.  But  afterward,  the  Legislature  shall  have  authority  to  alter  them,  as  they  shall 
think  fit. 

The  Governor,  for  the  time  being,  shall  be  commander-in-chief  of  the  militia,  appoint  and 
commission  all  officers  in  the  same,  below  the  rank  of  general  officers.  All  general  officers  shall 
be  appointed  and  commissioned  by  Congress. 

Previous  to  the  organization  of  the  General  Assembly,  the  Governor  shall  appoint  such  mag- 
istrates and  other  civil  officers  in  each  county  or  township,  as  he  shall  find  necessary  for  the 
preservation  of  the  peace  and  good  order  in  the  same.  After  the  General  Assembly  shall  be 
organized,  the  powers  and  duties  of  magistrates  and  other  civil  officers  shall  be  regulated  and 
defined  by  the  said  Assembly,  but  all  magistrates  and  other  civil  officers  not  herein  otherwise 
directed,  shall,  during  the  continuance  of  this  temporary  government,  be  appointed  by  the 
Governor. 

For  the  prevention  of  crimes  and  injuries,  the  laws  to  be  adopted  or  made  shall  have  force 
in  all  parts  of  the  district,  and  for  the  execution  of  process,  criminal  or  civil,  the  Governor  shall 
make  proper  divisions  thereof,  and  he  shall  proceed  from  time  to  time  as  circumstances  may 
require,  to  lay  out  the  parts  of  the  district  in  which  the  Indian  titles  shall  have  been  extin- 
guished, into  counties  and  townships,  subject,  however,  to  such  alterations  as  may  thereafter  be 
made  by  the  Legislature.  So  soon  as  there  shall  be  5,000  free  male  inhabitants  of  full  age  in  the 
district,  upon  giving  proof  thereof  to  the  Governor,  they  shall  receive  authority  with  time  and 
place,  to  elect  representatives  from  their  counties  or  townships,  to  represent  them  in  the  General 
Assembly.  Provided,  That  for  every  500  free  male  inhabitants,  there  shall  be  one  representative, 
and  so  on  progressively  with  the  number  of  free  male  inhabitants,  shall  the  right  of  representa- 
tion increase,  until  the  number  of  representatives  shall  amount  to  twenty-five.  After  which,  the 
number  shall  be  regulated  by  the  Legislature.  Provided,  That  no  person  be  eligible  or  qualified 
to  act  as  a representative  unless  he  shall  have  been  a citizen  of  one  of  the  United  States  three 
years,  and  be  a resident  in  the  district,  or  unless  he  shall  have  resided  in  the  district  three 
years,  and  in  either  case,  shall  likewise  hold  in  his  own  right  in  fee  simple  200  acres  of  land 
within  the  same. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


107 


Provided,  Also,  that  a freehold  in  50  acres  of  land  in  the  district,  having  been  a citizen  of 
one  of  the  States,  and  being  a resident  in  the  district,  or  the  like^  freehold  and  two  years’  resi- 
dence in  the  district,  shall  be  necessary  to  qualify  a man  as  an  elector  of  a representative. 

The  representatives  thus  elected,  shall  serve  for  the  term  of  two  years.  And  in  case  of  the 
death  of  a representative  or  removal  from  office,  the  Governor  shall  issue  a writ  to  the  county  or 
township  for  which  he  was  a member,  to  elect  another  in  his  stead,  to  serve  for  the  residue  of  the 
term. 

The  General  Assembly  or  Legislature  shall  consist  of  the  Governor,  Legislative  Council,  and 
a House  of  Representatives.  The  Legislative  Council  shall  consist  of  five  members,  to  continue 
in  office  five  years,  unless  sooner  removed  by  Congress;  any  three  of  whom  to  be  a quorum. 
And  the  members  of  the  Council  shall  be  nominated  and  appointed  in  the  following  manner,  to  wit ; 

As  soon  as  representatives  shall  be  elected,  the  Governor  shall  appoint  a time  and  place  for 
them  to  meet  together,  and  when  met,  they  shall  nominate  ten  persons,  residents  in  the  district, 
and  each  person  in  a freehold  in  500  acres  of  land,  and  return  their  names  to  Congress,  five  of 
whom  Congress  shall  appoint  and  commission  as  aforesaid.  And  whenever  a vacancy  shall  hap- 
pen in  the  Council  by  death  or  removal  from  office,  the  House  of  Representatives  shall  nominate 
two  persons,  qualified  as  aforesaid,  for  each  vacancy,  and  return  their  names  to  Congress,  one  of 
whom  Congress  shall  appoint  and  commission  for  the  residue  of  the  term.  And  every  five  years, 
fpur  months  at  least  before  the  expiration  of  the  time  of  service  of  the  members  of  the  Council, 
the  said  House  shall  nominate  ten  persons  qualified  as  aforesaid,  and  return  their  names  to 
Congress,  five  of  whom  Congress  shall  appoint  and  commission  to  serve  as  members  of  the 
Council  five  years,  unless  sooner  removed.  And  the  Governor,  Legislative  Council  and  House 
of  Representatives  shall  have  authority  to  make  laws  in  all  cases,  for  the  good  government 
of  the  district,  not  repugnant  to  the  principles  and  articles  in  this  Ordinance,  established  and 
declared. 

And  all  bills  having  passed  by  a majority  in  the  House,  and  by  a majority  in  the  Council, 
shall  be  referred  to  the  Governor  for  his  assent.  But  no  bill  or  legislative  act  whatever,  shall  be 
of  any  force  without  his  assent.  The  Governor  shall  have  power  to  convene,  prorogue  and  dis- 
solve the  General  Assembly,  when  in  his  opinion  it  shall  be  expedient. 

The  Governor,  Judges,  Legislative  Council,  Secretary,  and  such  other  officers  as  Congress 
shall  appoint  in  the  district,  shall  take  an  oath  or  affirmation  of  fidelity  and  of  office.  The  Gov- 
ernor before  the  President  of  Congress,  and  all  other  officers  before  the  Governor. 

As  soon  as  a Legislature  shall  be  formed  in  the  district,  the  Council  and  House  assembled 
in  one  room,  shall  have  authority  by  joint  ballot  to  elect  a delegate  to  Congress,  who  shall 
have  a seat  in  Congress,  with  a right  of  debating,  but  not  of  voting,  during  this  temporary  gov- 
ernment. 

And  for  extending  the  fundamental  principles  of  civil  and  religious  liberty,  which  forms 
the  basis  whereon  these  republics,  their  laws  and  constitutions,  are  created ; to  fix  and  establish 
those  principles  as  the  basis  of  all  laws,  constitutions  and  governments,  which  forever  hereafter 
shall  be  formed  in  said  Territory.  To  provide  for  the  establishment  of  States,  and  permanent 
governments  therein,  and  for  their  admission  to  a share  in  the  Federal  Council  on  an  equal  footing 
with  the  original  States,  at  as  early  periods  as  may  be  consistent  with  the  general  interest. 

It  is  hereby  ordained  and  declared  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  That  the  following  articles  shall 
be  considered  as  articles  of  compact  between  the  original  States  and  the  people,  and  States  in 
said  Territory,  and  forever  remain  unaltered  unless  by  common  consent,  to  wit: 

Article  II.  The  inhabitants  of  said  Territory  shall  always  be  entitled  to  the  benefits  of  the 
writ  of  habeas  corpus,  and  of  the  trial  by  jury;  of  a proportionate  representation  of  the  people 
in  the  Legislature,  and  of  judicial  procedure  according  to  the  course  of  common  law.  All  per- 
sons shall  be  bailable,  except  for  capital  offenses,  where  the  proof  shall  be  evident  or  the  pre- 
sumption great.  All  fines  shall  be  moderate,  and  no  cruel  or  unreasonable  punishment  shall  be 
inflicted.  No  man  shall  be  deprived  of  his  liberty  or  property,  but  by  the  judgment  of  his  peers 
or  the  law  of  the  land.  And  should  the  public  exigencies  make  it  necessary  for  the  common 
preservation,  to  take  any  person’s  property,  or  to  demand  his  particular  services,  full  compensation 


108 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


shall  be  made  for  the  same.  And  in  the  just  preservation  of  rights  and  property,  it  is  under- 
stood and  declared  that  no  law  aught  ever  to  be  made  or  have  force  in  the  said  Territory, 
that  shall  in  any  manner  whatever  interfere  with  or  effect  private  contracls  or  engagements  bona 
fide  and  without  fraud,  previously  formed. 

Art.  III.  Religion,  morality  and  knowledge  being  necessary  to  good  government  and  the 
happiness  of  mankind,  schools  and  the  means  of  education  shall  forever  be  encouraged.  The 
utmost  good  faith  shall  always  be  observed  toward  the  Indians ; their  lands  and  property  shall 
never  be  taken  from  them  without  their  consent;  and  in  their  property,  rights  and  liberty  they 
shall  never  be  invaded  or  disturbed,  unless  in  just  and  lawful  wars  authorized  by  Congress.  But 
laws  founded  in  justice  and  humanity,  shall  from  time  to  time  be  made  for  preventing  wrongs 
being  done  to  them,  and  for  preserving  peace  and  friendship  with  them. 

Art.  IV.  The  said  Territory  and  the  States  which  may  be  formed  therein,  shall  ever  remain 
a part  of  the  confederacy  of  the  United  States  of  America,  subject  to  the  articles  of  confedera- 
tion, and  to  such  alterations  therein  as  shall  be  constitutionally  made,  and  to  all  the  acts  and 
ordinances  of  the  United  States  in  Congress  assembled  conformable  thereto.  The  inhabitants  and 
settlers  in  said  Territory  shall  be  subject  to  pay  a part  of  the  federal  debts  contracted  or  to  be 
contracted,  and  a proportional  part  of  the  expenses  of  the  Government,  to  be  apportioned  on 
them  by  Congress,  according  to  the  same  common  rule  and  measure  by  which  apportionments 
thereo'f  shall  be  made  on  the  other  States,  and  the  taxes  for  paying  their  proportion  shall  be  laid 
and  levied  by  the  authority  and  directions  of  the  Legislature  of  the  district  or  districts  or  new 
States,  within  the  time  agreed  upon  by  the  United  States  in  Congress  assembled.  The  Legisla- 
tures of  those  districts  or  new  States,  shall  never  interfere  with  the  primary  disposal  of  the  soil 
by  the  United  States  in  Congress  assembled,  nor  with  any  regulations  Congress  may  find  neces- 
sary for  securing  the  title  in  such  soil  to  the  bona-fide  purchasers.  No  tax  shall  be  imposed  on 
lands  the  property  of  the  United  States,  and  in  no  case,  shall  non-residents  be  taxed  higher  than 
residents.  The  navigable  waters  leading  into  the  Mississippi  and  St  Lawrence,  and  the  carry- 
ing places  between  the  same,  shall  be  common  highways,  and  forever  free  as  well  to  the  inhabi- 
tants of  the  said  Territory  as  to  the  citizens  of  the  United  States  and  those  of  any  other  States 
that  may  be  admitted  into  the  confederacy,  without  any  tax,  impost  or  duty  therefor. 

Art.  V.  There  shall  be  formed  in  said  Territory  not  less  than  three,  nor  more  than  five, 
States,  and  the  boundaries  of  the  States,  as  soon  as  Virginia  shall  alter  her  act  of  cession  and 
consent  to  the  same,  shall  become  fixed  and  established  as  follows,  to  wit : The  western  State  in 

the  said  Territory  shall  be  bounded  by  the  Mississippi,  the  Ohio,  the  Wabash  Pavers ; a direct 
line  drawn  from  the  Wabash  and  Post  St.  Vincent,  due  north  to  the  Territorial  line  between  the 
United  States  and  Canada;  and  by  the  said  Territorial  line  to  the  Lake  of  the  Woods  and  Missis- 
sippi. The  middle  State  shall  be  bounded  by  the  said  direct  line,  the  Wabash  from  Post  St.  Vin- 
cent to  the  Ohio,  by  the  Ohio,  by  a direct  line  drawn  due  north  from  the  mouth  of  the  Great 
Miami  to  the  said  Territorial  line.  The  eastern  State  shall  be  bounded  by  the  last-mentioned 
direct  line,  the  Ohio,  Pennsylvania  and  said  territorial  line.  Provided,  however,  and  it  is  further 
understood  and  declared,  that  the  boundaries  of  those  three  States  shall  be  subject  so  far  to  be 
altered,  that,  if  Congress  shall  hereafter  find  it  expedient,  they  shall  have  authority  to  form  one 
or  two  States  in  that  part  of  the  said  Territory  which  lies  north  of  an  east  and  west  line  drawn 
through  the  southerly  bend  or  extreme  of  Lake  Michigan.  And  whenever  any  of  the  said  States 
shall  have  60,000  free  inhabitants  therein,  such  State  shall  be  admitted  by  its  delegates  into  the 
Congress  of  the  United  States  on  an  equal  footing  with  the  original  States  in  all  respects  what- 
ever, and  shall  be  at  liberty  to  form  a permanent  constitution  and  State  government.  Provided, 
The  constitution  and  government  so  to  be  formed,  shall  be  represented,  and  in  conformity  to  the 
principles  contained  in  these  articles ; and  so  far  as  it  can  be  consistent  with  the  general  interest 
of  the  confederacy,  such  admission  shall  be  allowed  at  an  earlier  period,  and  when  there  may  be 
a less  number  of  free  inhabitants  than  60,000. 

Art.  VI.  There  shall  be  neither  slavery  nor  involuntary  servitude  in  the  said  Territory, 
otherwise  than  in  the  punishment  of  crimes  whereof  the  party  shall  have  been  duly  convicted. 
Provided  always,  That  any  person  escaping  into  the  same  from  whom  labor  or  service  is  lawfully 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


109 


claimed  in  one  of  the  original  States,  each  fugitive  may  he  lawfully  claimed  and  conveyed  to  the 
person  claiming  his  or  her  labor  or  services  as  aforesaid. 

Be  it  ordained  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  That  the  resolutions  of  the  23d  of  April,  1784, 
relative  to  the  subject  of  this  ordinance,  be  and  the  same  are  hereby  repealed  and  declared  null 
and  void. 

The  passage  of  this  ordinance,  since  known  as  the  “ Ordinance  of  1787, v 
was  immediately  followed  by  an  application  to  the  Government,  by  John  Cleves 
Seymour,  of  New  Jersey,  in  behalf  of  the  country,  between  the  Miamis,  and  a 
contract  was  concluded  the  following  year.  The  Ohio  Company  were  exceed- 
ingly energetic  in  inaugurating  settlements.  Gen.  Putman,  with  a party  of 
forty-seven  men,  set  out  on  an  exploring  expedition,  accompanied  by  six  boat 
builders.  On  the  1st  of  January,  1788,  twenty-six  surveyors  followed,  from 
Hartford,  Conn.  They  arrived  in  Ohio  on  the  7th  of  April,  1788,  and  their 
active  energy  founded  the  permanent  beginning  of  this  great  Western  State- 
When  we  review  the  dangerous  experiments  that  have  been  made,  in  this  land 
west  of  the  Alleghanies,  the  horrors  which  had  overwhelmed  every  attempt,  we 
can  faintly  realize  the  stalwart  courage  that  sent  these  men  on  their  way,  and 
sustained  them  in  their  pioneer  hardships.  With  characteristic  vigor,  they 
began  their  little  town.  Enthusiastic  and  happy,  they  did  not  rest  from  their 
toilsome  march  over  the  old  Indian  roads,  but  kept  busily  at  work  to  estab- 
lish an  oasis  in  this  wide  expanse  of  wilderness,  before  they  should  take  nec- 
essary ease  to  recuperate  their  strength. 

The  wise  men  met  on  the  2d  of  May,  and  the  little  town  was  named 
Marietta.  Situated  as  it  was,  in  the  midst  of  danger,  they  had  used  precaution 
to  build  and  equip  a fortified  square,  which  was  designated  Campus  Martius  ; 
Square  No.  19  was  Capitolium,  and  Square  No.  61  was  Cecelia,  and  the  main 
street  was  Sacra  Via. 

Marietta  was  especially  fortunate  in  her  actual  “first  families.”  Ten  of  the 
forty-eight  men  had  received  a thorough  college  education  ; the  remaining  were 
individuals  of  sterling  merit,  honorable,  and  several  had  already  attained  reputations 
for  superior  excellence  of  abilities.  Patriotic  and  brave,  the  settlement  certainly 
possessed  a foundation  that  promised  well  for  the  future.  The  following  4th  of 
J uly  was  an  auspicious  event,  and  the  Hon.  James  M.  Varnum  was  the  eloquent 
orator  of  the  occason. 

The  opening  of  the  court,  on  the  2d  of  September,  was  a solemn  ceremonial, 
the  High  Sheriff  leading  with  drawn  sword,  followed  by  citizens,  with  an  escort 
of  officers  from  Fort  Harmar,  the  members  of  the  bar,  the  Governor  and  Clergy- 
men, the  Judges  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas — Gen.  Rufus  Putman  and 
Benjamin  Tupper — all  these  constituted  an  imposing  spectacle,  as  they  pro- 
gressed over  a path  which  had  been  cut  through  the  forest  to  Campus  Martius 
Hall,  the  edifice  of  law  and  order. 

The  Judges  took  their  seats,  a prayer  was  offered  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Cutler, 
and  immediately  the  Sheriff,  Col.  Ebenezer  Sprout,  proclaimed  the  response, 
and  the  court  of  impartial  justice  was  convened. 


110 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


This  ceremonial  was,  perhaps,  made  all  the  more  impressive  by  the  presence 
of  several  powerful  Indian  chiefs,  who  had  journeyed  to  Marietta  for  the  pur- 
pose of  making  a treaty. 

The  settlement  now  increased  rapidly,  new  cabins  were  erected  constantly. 
On  the  17th  of  December,  a society  event  occurred,  in  the  form  of  a grand  ball, 
fifteen  ladies  being  present. 

John  Cleves  Sy mines  had  contracted  for  2,000,000  acres  of  land,  and  suc- 
ceeded in  obtaining  his  grant,  but  circumstances  prevented  him  from  meeting 
his  part  of  the  obligations,  and  the  specification  was  reduced  to  1,000,000. 
After  vain  attempt  to  make  his  payments,  a settlement  was  finally  effected  for 
248,540  acres,  and  Symmes  was  prepared  to  dispose  of  clear  titles  to  new-com- 
ers. In  1788,  a town  was  established  within  the  boundaries  of  his  grant,  at  the 
mouth  of  the  little  Miami,  known  as  Columbia,  and  in  the  early  part  of  1787 
another  was  formed  opposite  the  mouth  of  the  Licking  River,  by  name  Losanti- 
ville,  analyzed  by  a frontier  scholar — ville,  the  town  ; anti,  opposite  to ; os,  the 
mouth  of;  L , Licking. 

Judge  Symmes  had  projected  building  his  main  town  at  North  Bend.  This 
plan  was  frustrated  by  reason  of  Ensign  Luce — who  had  been  commissioned  by 
Gen.  Ilarmar  to  erect  a fort — deciding  that  North  Bend  was  not  suitable  for  the 
purpose.  He  selected  Losantiville  for  the  purpose,  and  Fort  Washington  was 
the  result.  In  1790,  Gov.  St.  Clair  was  called  to  inspect  the  settlement,  and 
proceeded  to  organize  Hamilton  County,  at  the  same  time  calling  the  town 
Cincinnati. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  Connecticut  ceded  most  of  her  western  lands  to 
General  Government,  retaining,  however,  a minor  portion.  As  the  settlements 
began  to  increase  on  the  “ Virginia  Reserve”  and  between  the  Scioto  and  Miami 
Rivers,  all  those  holding  claims  were  not  disposed  to  part  with  them,  while 
others  were  anxious  to  secure  grants  for  the  purpose  of  speculation,  rather  than 
the  advancement  of  civilization.  The  Scioto  Company  was  a questionable  ad- 
herent of  the  Ohio  Company,  and  began  operations,  which  resulted  well,  what- 
ever their  purpose  may  have  been. 

Gen.  Putnam  cleared  the  land  and  directed  the  building  of  100  dwellings  and 
six  block-houses.  During  1791,  the  colony  arrived,  consisting  of  500  persons. 
Only  ten  of  these  were  tillers  of  the  soil.  Viscount  Malartie  ventured  into  the 
wilderness,  but  instead  of  settling,  joined  Gen.  St.  Clair’s  army,  and  was  ulti- 
mately his  aid-de-camp.  Indian  conquests  were  not  to  his  taste,  and  he  soon 
returned  to  France.  This  new  colony  was  essentially  French,  and  its  location 
was  Gallia  County.  The  name  “ Gallipolis  ” was  selected. 

These  settlers,  being  unaccustomed  to  severe  toil,  and  disinclined  to  learn 
its  hard  lesson,  soon  became  demoralized,  through  deprivation  and  absolute 
want.  Congress  came  to  their  aid  with  a land  grant  of  24,000  acres,  but  few 
of  them  cared  to  enter  claims,  and  soon  all  traces  of  the  old  town  were  lost,  and 
its  inhabitants  scattered. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


Ill 


Gen.  St.  Clair  having  become  unpopular,  through  repeated  failures  in  Indian 
campaigns,  and  Gen.  Anthony  Wayne  having  wintered  at  Fort  Washington, 
the  spring  of  1798  was  opened  by  a march  of  the  army,  well  disciplined  and 
led  by  “Mad  Anthony,”  on  a campaign  that  must  crush  the  rapidly  increasing 
depredations  of  the  Indians,  notwithstanding  which  these  new  settlements  had 
been  made.  All  winter,  Gen.  Wayne  had  dispatched  scouts,  spies  and  hardy 
frontiersmen  on  errands  of  discovery,  and  his  plans  were,  therefore,  practically 
matured.  His  army  cut  its  way  through  the  forests,  gathering  horses,  provis- 
ions, etc.,  as  they  marched,  and  finally  came  nearly  up  to  the  enemy  before  dis- 
covery. They  again  returned  to  Fort  Washington,  as  the  Commander-in-Chief, 
under  the  order  of  the  Executive,  had  proclaimed  inaction  until  the  Northern 
or  British  Commissioners  and  Indians  should  convene  and  discuss  the  situation 
and  prospects.  Gen.  Wayne,  meantime,  drilled  his  men  at  “ Hobson’s  Choice,” 
a place  near  Fort  Washington. 

The  Commissioners  came  from  Detroit,  and  assembled  at  Capt.  Matthew 
Elliot’s  house,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Detroit  River. 

A meeting  was  called  at  Sandusky,  and  twenty  Indian  representatives  were 
present,  to  argue  the  grounds  of  a treaty.  Simon  Girty  acted  as  interpreter, 
and  has  been  ^vehemently  accused  of  unfaithfulness  in  this  trust,  since  he  did 
not  advocate  the  adjustment  of  matters  on  any  grounds.  The  Indians  reiterated 
their  rights  and  wrongs,  and  offered  to  receive  the  half  of  the  purchase  money, 
provided  the  actual  settlers  would  accept  it  as  the  price  of  the  land,  move  away, 
and  leave  the  original  owners  the  proud  possessors  of  their  lands.  The  Govern- 
ment would  then  expend  less  money  than  they  would  have  done  in  a full  Indian 
purchase,  or  a long  and  cruel  war.  This  being-out  of  the  question  and  rejected, 
a decided  specification  was  made  that  the  Ohio  boundary  was  to  be  obliterated, 
and  a new  one  adopted,  that  encompassed  a mere  fraction  of  territory.  This 
was  also  rejected.  The  Indians  indignantly  bade  the  Americans  to  go  back  to 
their  father,  and  they  would  return  to  their  tribes. 

The  council  was  terminated  in  confusion.  It  is  highly  probable  that  some 
settlement  might  have  been  made,  had  it  not  been  for  English  influence  which 
instigated  the  savages,  in  the  hope  of  ultimately  making  conquests  for  them- 
selves. The  commander  at  Detroit  evinced  great  uneasiness  whenever  there 
was  a shadow  of  an  opportunity  for  a peaceful  understanding. 

On  Christmas  Day,  1793,  a detachment  of  the  army  encamped  on  the 
identical  ground  made  memorable  by  St.  Clair’s  horrible  defeat.  A reward  was 
offered  for  every  human  skull  that  was  found,  and  600  were  gathered.  The 
bones  of  the  victims  were  removed  from  the  spot  where  they  built  Fort  Recovery. 
This  point  was  left  in  charge  of  Alexander  Gibson. 

Early  in  the  year  1794,  Lord  Dorchester  addressed  the  Commissioners  in 
behalf  of  the  English.  Even  at  this  time,  Gen.  Wayne,  to  avoid  the  terrors  of 
a great  war,  again  made  overtures  of  peace,  dispatching  Freeman,  Trueman  and 
Hardin,  all  initiated  in  savage  tactics,  on  errands  of  mercy — and  the  three  men 


112 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


wece  inhumanly  murdered.  The  English  went  so  far  as  to  order  Gov.  Simcoe 
to  erect  a fort,  in  April,  1794,  on  the  Rapids  of  the  Maumee,  thus  rousing  the 
Indians  by  a bold  proof  that  they  had  espoused  their  cause.  In  May,  the 
Spanish,  who  were  ever  jealous  of  colonial  encroachments,  were  willing  to  aid 
in  a general  raid  against  the  Americans. 

In  June,  a scouting  party  from  Fort  Recovery,  fell  into  an  Indian  ambush 
and  suffered  severely,  their  foes  following  them  to  the  very  entrance.  The  siege 
continued  for  two  days.  It  was  plainly  evident  that  white  men  augmented  the 
Indian  force ; ounce  balls  and  buck-shot  surely  came  from  their  rifles.  Again, 
the  Indians  immediately  began  a search  beneath  the  logs  where  pieces  of  artillery 
were  hidden  during  the  great  battle  of  St.  Clair,  but  fortunately,  Fort  Recovery 
had  the  use  of  them  and  they  accomplished  much. 

On  July  26,  Scott  joined  Wayne  at  Greenville,  with  1,600  mounted 
Kentuckians,  and  on  the  28th,  the  legion  took  up  its  line  of  deadly  march. 
Halting  at  Girty’s  Town,  they  built  Fort  Mary’s,  later  on  Fort  Adams.  Throw- 
ing the  enemy  off  their  guard  by  feints  and  counter-marching,  the  troops  surprised 
the  Indians,  and  without  the  slightest  resistance  took  possession  of  their  villages 
at  the  confluence  of  the  Auglaize  and  Maumee.  They  found  provision  in 
abundance,  and  tarried  a week  building  Fort  Defiance. 

Again  Gen.  Wayne  would  have  made  terms  of  peace,  on  the  principle  of  the 
Government  to  arrest  bloodshed,  but  the  Indians  were  rendered  cruelly  intent 
on  wap  by  an  addition  of  a body  of  British  militia  from  Detroit,  and  by  regulars 
stationed  at  a fort  they  had  built  on  the  left  bank  of  the  river,  below  the  rapids, 
called  Fort  Miami.  The  “Fallen  Timber”  ground  was  selected  as  the  field 
for  a battle  by  the  savages,  in  the  expectation  that  the  trees  cast  down  by  a 
tornado  and  there  remaining,  would  seriously  impede  American  progress. 

August  15th,  JVayne  marched  down  the  river,  and  at  Roche  de  Boeuf,  erected 
a fortification  for  their  stores  and  luggage,  naming  it  “ Fort  Deposit.”  On  the 
20th,  the  American  army  began  the  attack.  Maj.  Price  and  Maj.  Gen.  Scott 
were  heroic  in  their  assistance,  and  after  a sharp,  deadly  conflict,  the  enemy 
was  routed,  fleeing  in  confusion,  and  leaving  their  dead  and  wounded  strewn 
thickly  over  the  field.  The  savages  were  pressed  to  the  front  always,  and  when 
the  carnage  was  painful,  the  British  troops  not  engaged  looked  on  coolly  from  the 
fort  and  offered  no  assistance,  aiding  their  own,  however,  when  possible.  Gen. 
Wayne  being  an  ardent  soldier,  was  apt  to  forget  his  position,  and  impetuously 
place  himself  constantly  in  danger.  Lieut.  Harrison  is  reported  to  have 
requested  the  General  not  to  forget  to  give  him  field  orders,  in  his  own  partici- 
pation in  the  battle,  and  to  have  received  the  reply  that  the  standing  order  was 
always  to  charge  bayonets. 

Notwithstanding  the  treaty  of  1878,  and  the  fact  that  the  British  were  tres- 
passing, they  encroached  upon  the  Ohio  soil,  and  essayed  to  vindicate  their 
action  by  discarding  American  claims  and  recognizing  the  Indian  rights,  whereby 
they  might  seek  their  own  colonization  and  make  treaties. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


life 


Maj.  Campbell  was  in  command  at  Fort  Miami,  and  when  he  saw  the  sava- 
ges being  cut  down  almost  mercilessly,  he  not  only  refrained  from  offering  aid, 
but  when,  in  their  desperate  retreat,  they  attempted  to  enter  the  fort  for  pro- 
tection, he  ordered  the  doors  closed  in  their  faces. 

On  the  following  day,  Campbell  sent  a message  to  Wayne,  demanding  a 
reason  for  hostile  action,  adding  that  Great  Britain  was  not  now  at  war  with  the 
United  States.  He  received  a characteristic  reply. 

During  the  Revolution,  Detroit  was  an  important  British  point,  and  the 
Maumee  was  its  outlet.  Therefore,  the  English  clung  tenaciously  to  this  pos- 
session, giving,  as  it  did,  the  advantage  of  the  great  fur  trade.  The  English 
Government  evidently  regretted  ceding  so  much  of  her  territory  in  the  West, 
and  were  searching  for  an  excuse  to  quarrel  and  attempt  to  regain  at  least  a part 
of  Avhat  they  had  lost.  Their  policy  was  to  sustain  the  bitter  hatred  between 
the  Indians  and  the  Americans. 

The  settlement  of  the  Maumee  Valley  had  been  rapid,  but  the  very  name 
was  an  agony  of  remembrance  of  frightful  massacres  and  atrocities.  Col. 
McKee,  the  British  Indian  agent,  and  his  assistant,  Capt.  Elliott,  were  from 
Pennsylvania,  but  being  Tories,  they  had  assimilated  with  the  Indians.  They 
joined  the  Shawnee  tribe  and  married  Indian  wives,  and  made  their  fortunes 
thereby,  through  British  appointments  to  secure  the  savage  interests.  The 
Indians  were  directly  served  by  McKee  and  Elliott,  with  ammunition  and  sup- 
plies, during  the  Wayne  conflict. 

Several  skirmishes  ensued,  but  severe  weather  approaching,  the  troops 
moved  for  quarters,  and  on  the  14th  day  of  September,  they  attacked  the  Miami 
villages,  captured  them  with  provisions  and  stores,  and  erected  a fort,  leaving 
it  in  charge  of  Lieut.  Col.  Hamtramck.  With  cheers  and  rifle-shooting,  this  post 
was  named  Fort  Wayne . The  main  army  marched  into  Greenville  and  went  into 
winter  quarters. 

Wayne  had  achieved  a brilliant  victory,  but  his  success  did  not  overcome  his 
practical  reasoning,  and  he  was  unwilling  to  subject  his  men  to  a severe  winter’s 
campaign  unless  necessity  was  peremptory. 

Gov.  Simcoe,  Col.  McKee  and  a few  of  the  most  savage  Indian  chiefs 
attempted  to  rally  the  Indians  for  a new  attack.  Gov.  Simcoe,  of  Detroit,  was 
aware  that  the  mounted  volunteers  under  Wayne  had  been  allowed  to  return 
home,  and  that  the  term  of  service  of  a portion  of  the  “ Legion  ” was  about  to 
expire. 

The  British  and  Indians  held  a conference,  but  the  latter  were  weary  with 
fighting  for  the  glory  of  the  Great  Father  at  Detroit,  and  did  not  enter  into  the 
plan.  The  winter  proved  most  poverty  stricken  to  them,  the  English  failing  to 
supply  them,  and  their  crops  and  sustenance  having  been  destroyed  by  Wayne. 
They  were  then  fully  prepared  to  listen  to  the  faintest  signal  from  Wayne  to 
conciliate  affairs,  and  the  Wyandots  and  Delawares  were  the  first  to  confer  with 
him  on  the  subject.  Their  position  was  exposed  and  they  had  suffered  severely. 


114 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


They  soon  influenced  other  tribes  to  consider  the  question.  As  a mass,  they 
were  convinced  of  their  inability  to  overcome  the  Americans,  and  had  become 
impatient  and  disgusted  with  the  duplicity  of  their  British  friends,  who  had  not 
hesitated  to  sacrifice  them  in  every  instance,  and  who  deserted  them  in  then- 
hour  of  distress.  United,  they  sued  for  peace.  Terms  were  made,  and  about 
the  1st  of  August,  the  famous  Greenville  treaty  was  ratified  and  established, 
and  the  old  Indian  war  in  Ohio  terminated. 

The  Wyandots,  Delawares,  Shawnees,  Chippewas,  Ottawas,  Pottawatomies, 
Miamis,  Eel  Rivers,  Weas,  Kickapoos,  Piankeshaws  and  Kaskaskias  were  thus 
conciliated.  The  old  Indian  boundary  line,  settled  upon  at  the  Fort  McIntosh 
treaty,  was  retained,  and  the  southwestern  line  was  prolonged  from  old  Fort 
Recovery,  southwest  of  the  Ohio  River. 

“ The  general  boundary  lines  between  the  lands  of  the  United  States  and 
the  lands  of  the  said  Indian  tribes  shall  begin  at  the  mouth  of  the  Cuyahoga 
River,  and  thence  run  up  the  same  to  the  portage  between  that  and  the  Tus- 
carawas Branch  of  the  Muskingum ; thence  down  that  branch  to  the  crossing- 
place  above  Fort  Laurens  ; thence  westerly  to  a fork  of  that  branch  of  the 
Great  Miami  River  (running  into  the  Ohio),  at  or  near  which  fork  stood  Lar- 
amie’s store — Mary’s  River,  which  is  a branch  of  the  Miami  that  runs  into  Lake 
Erie  ; thence  a westerly  course  to  Fort  Recovery,  which  stands  on  a branch  of 
the  Wabash  ; thence  southwesterly  on  a direct  line  to  the  Ohio,  so  as  to  inter- 
sect that  river  opposite  the  mouth  of  the  Kentucky  or  Cuttawa  River.” 

This  boundary  line  has,  ever  since  this  memorable  treaty,  been  a prominent 
landmark,  and  may  now  be  traced  as  the  southern  boundary  line  of  Stark,  Ash- 
land, Richland  and  Marion  Counties,  and  the  northern  line,  in  part,  of  Tuscar- 
awas and  Knox.  Old  Fort  Recovery  was  located  in  Mercer,  near  the  Indiana 
line.  Laramie’s  store  was  in  Shelby. 

Within  the  Indian  Reservation,  the  United  States  held  sixteen  distinct  sec- 
tions of  land,  for  the  purpose  of  military  posts,  so  arranged  that  the  Govern- 
ment had  full  right  of  way  north  and  west. 

The  “Joy  treaty  ” between  England  and  the  United  States  was  ratified  early 
in  1796,  and  the  British  were  obliged  to  vacate  Detroit  and  Fort  Miami,  and  recall 
the  fact  that  they  had  no  claim  or  right  to  either  points.  Gen.  Wayne  received 
them,  and  accompanied  by  Gov.  St.  Clair,  proceeded  to  Detroit.  Here  the  lat- 
ter laid  out  a county,  calling  it  Wayne,  and  designated  Detroit  as  its  seat  of 
justice.  This  was  the  fifth  county  in  the  Northwest  Territory,  north  of  the 
Ohio  River.  Washington  County,  with  Marietta  as  a seat  of  justice,  was  first 
established;  next  Hamilton,  with  Cincinnati  as  a county  seat.  Wayne  County 
was  organized  in  1796,  and  included  about  twenty-six  of  the  present  counties, 
in  the  northwest  part  of  the  State,  covering  about  a quarter  of  its  area,  besides 
parts  of  Indiana  and  Michigan. 

In  other  parts  of  the  State,  the  population  was  rapidly  increasing.  In  May, 
1795,  the  Legislature  authorized  a committee  to  institute  measures  for  the 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


117 


disposal  of  their  Western  lands.  The  Virginia  and  Connecticut  Reservations 
required  some  action  on  the  part  of  Government,  inasmuch  as  ceding  a portion 
and  re-selling  had  in  a measure  disturbed  free  titles.  Fifty-six  persons  negoti- 
ated and  purchased  lands,  receiving  quit-claim  titles  and  entire  rights.  They 
re-sold  to  John  Morgan  and  John  Caldwell  and  Jonathan  Bruce,  in  trust.  Thus 
3,000,000  acres  were  prepared  for  settlement.  Upon  the  quit-claim  deeds  of 
these  representatives,  the  full  title  of  lands  included  within  the  old  Western 
Reserve  rests. 

Judge  Symmes  began  his  active  operations  in  1796,  and  by  the  close  of 
1797  all  lands  east  of  the  Cuyahoga  were  laid  out  in  townships,  five  miles  square. 
The  agent  of  the  Connecticut  Land  Company  was  Gen.  Moses  Cleveland,  and  in 
his  honor  the  leading  city  in  the  Reserve  was  named.  Some  townships  were 
retained  for  private  sale,  and  others  were  disposed  of  by  lottery,  in  1798. 

Wayne’s  treaty  led  to  the  formation  of  Dayton,  and  the  peopling  of  that 
section.  A difficulty  arose  regarding  the  original  Symmes  grant  and  its  modifi- 
cation. Symmes  had  sold  land  titles,  in  good  faith,  beyond  his  vested  power, 
and  Congress  was  now  called  upon  to  adjust  these  claims  and  titles.  Seventeen 
days  after  the  Wayne  or  Greenville  treaty,  St.  Clair,  Wilkinson,  Dayton  and 
Ludlow  contracted  with  Symmes  for  seven  and  eight  ranges,  between  the  Mad 
and  Little  Miami  Rivers.  November  4,  1795,  Mr.  Ludlow  laid  out  Dayton. 

During  the  years  1790  and  1795,  the  Governor  and  Supreme  Judges  of  the 
Northwest  Territory  had  published  sixty-four  statutes.  Thirty-four  of  these 
were  ratified  at  Cincinnati,  for  the  purpose  of  forming  a complete  statutory.  It 
was  termed  the  “ Maxwell  Code.” 

Mr.  Nathaniel  Massie  founded  a town  on  the  Scioto,  which  was  called 
Chillicothe.  The  Iroquois  treaty  had  previously  invited  settlement,  and  embryo 
towns  had  begun  as  early  as  1769,  under  the  protection  of  the  Connecticut 
Company.  A land  company  was  organized  in  Hartford,  Conn.,  in  1795,  sending 
out  forty-three  surveyors  to  divide  the  townships  of  that  part  of  the  Western 
Reserve,  east  of  the  Cuyahoga,  five  miles  square.  The  first  resident  of  the  town 
of  Cleveland  was  Mr.  Job  Stiles  and  family,  and  Mrs.  Stiles  was  the  mother  of 
the  first  white  child  born  on  the  Reserve.  Some  other  parts  of  the  territory 
progressed  more  rapidly  in  population. 

Along  the  Muskingum,  Scioto  and  Miami,  towns  began  to  spring  up,  which 
might  perhaps  better  be  termed  farming  settlements. 

Cincinnati  was  increasing,  and  in  1796,  had  reached  100  cabins,  15  frame 
houses  and  600  persons,  with  prospects  for  a firm  future. 

The  Virginia  Military  Land  District  was  between  the  Little  Miami  and 
Scioto,  and  was  rapidly  increasing  in  population. 

Mr.  Massie  was  unceasing  in  his  efforts  to  advance  the  West,  and  laid  out 
Manchester,  offering  inducements  that  could  not  fail  to  attract  settlers. 

Ebenezer  Zane  procured  a grant  in  consideration  of  opening  a bridle  path 
from  the  Ohio  River  at  Wheeling,  over  the  country  via  Chillicothe,  to  Limestone, 


118 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


in  Kentucky.  The  year  following,  the  United  States  mail  was  taken  over 
this  route. 

The  comparatively  tranquil  condition  of  the  country  and  the  inducements  it 
had  to  offer  encouraged  a rapid  settlement  of  the  Territory.  A prominent 
feature  of  the  early  growth  of  Ohio  was  the  general  prevalence  of  reliable, 
stanch  principle.  The  people  were  of  the  good  colonial  stock. 

In  1800,  Chillicothe  was  denominated  the  seat  of  the  Territorial  govern- 
ment, and  the  first  stone  edifice  in  the  State  was  begun  in  this  town,  soon  after 
this  appointment.  About  this  time,  a serious  difficulty  suddenly  occurred  to 
those  individuals  who  had  taken  lands  on  the  Western  Reserve  of  Connecticut. 
That  Eastern  power  had,  it  is  true,  ceded  a part  of  her  claim  to  the  General 
Government,  and  had  stipulated  for  the  sale  of  certain  other  tracts.  At  the 
same  time,  the  State  had  not  signed  away  her  jurisdiction  over  some  sections  of 
her  claim,  and  those  unfortunate  people  in  and  about  Dayton  found  themselves 
without  any  government  upon  which  they  might  depend  in  a case  of  emergency. 
The  matter  was,  accordingly,  presented  to  the  Territorial  government,  which 
interceded  with  the  Eastern  State,  and,  sanctioned  by  the  Assembly  at  Congress, 
Connecticut  relinquished  her  jurisdiction  in  1800. 

Cleveland  was  an  important  point,  and  was  growing  in  the  mean  time.  How- 
ever, it  had  suffered  exceedingly  from  the  ravages  of  fever  and  ague.  For  a 
period  of  two  months,  there  was  not  an  individual,  but  a boy  thirteen  years 
of  age,  able  to  procure  food  for  the  others.  Flour  was  out  of  all  rational  con- 
sideration, and  the  meal  upon  which  they  lived  was  pounded  by  hand.  In 
1799,  Williams  and  Myatt  erected  a grist-mill  at  the  falls,  near  Newbury. 

A startling  agitation  occurred  in  1801,  which  in  these  days  would  cause  but  a 
ripple  in  the  political  sea,  but  happening  during  a time  when  legislative  dignity 
and  state  authority  were  regarded  with  reverential  awe,  it  created  the  most 
intense  feeling.  Great  indignation  was  openly  expressed. 

The  Governor  and  several  legislators  felt  that  they  had  been  insulted  in 
the  performance  of  their  respective  duties,  at  Chillicothe,  while  the  Assembly 
was  in  session  in  1801.  No  measures  being  taken  by  the  authorities  at  the 
capital  to  protect  the  Executive,  a law  was  passed  removing  the  seat  of  govern- 
ment to  Cincinnati. 

This  circumstance  led  to  a general  consideration  of  the  advantages  of  a 
State  government,  and  a popular  desire  was  expressed  for  a change  in  this 
respect.  Gov.  St.  Clair  had  fallen  into  disfavor  through  his  failure  as  a military 
leader  and  his  failures  in  the  Indian  campaigns,  and  from  his  assuming  powers 
which  w^re  not  vested  in  him,  especially  the  subdivision  of  counties.  He  was 
also  identified  with  the  Federal  party,  which  was  not  popular  in  Ohio.  The 
opposition  was  strong  in  the  Assembly,  but  was  in  the  minority  in  the  House  of 
Representatives.  The  boundary  question  was  agitated  at  the  same  time.  The 
intention  was  to  thus  effect  the  limits  of  Ohio  that  a State  government  would 
necessarily  have  to  be  postponed.  Against  this  measure,  Tiffin,  Worthington, 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


119 


Longham,  Darlington,  Massie,  Dunlavy  and  Morrow  strenuously  objected.  After 
considerable  discussion,  Thomas  Worthington  obtained  leave  of  absence  from 
the  session,  and  journeyed  to  Washington  in  behalf  of  a State  government.  It 
was  obvious  that  the  Territory,  under  the  ordinance,  was  not  entitled  to  a 
change.  Massie  suggested  the  feasibility  of  appointing  a committee  to  address 
Congress  on  the  subject.  This  the  House  refused  to  pass. 

An  effort  was  then  made  to  take  a census,  but  any  action  on  this  subject 
was  postponed  until  the  next  session. 

During  all  this  ineffectual  struggle,  Worthington  was  doing  his  best  in  Wash- 
ington, and  succeeded  so  well  that  on  March  4,  a report  was  made  to  the  House 
in  favor  of  the  State  government.  This  report  was  made  on  a basis  that  the 
census,  in  1800,  summed  up  over  45,000  for  Ohio. 

April  30,  Congress  passed  a law  carrying  into  effect  the  views  expressed  on 
this  subject.  A convention  met  on  November  1.  Its  members  were  generally 
Jeffersonian  in  their  views.  Gov.  St.  Clair  proposed  to  address  them  as  their 
chief  executive  magistrate.  Several  members  resolutely  opposed  this  action, 
insisting  upon  a vote,  which,  through  courtesy  and  not  a sense  of  right,  resulted 
in  permitting  him  to  address  them.  He  advised  the  postponement  of  the  State 
government  until  the  original  eastern  portion  of  the  State  was  sufficiently  pop- 
ulated to  demand  this  right.  Only  one,  out  of  thirty-three,  voted  to  sustain 
the  Governor  in  these  views. 

The  convention  agreed  to  the  views  of  Congress.  November  29,  the  agree- 
ment was  ratified  and  signed,  as  was  the  constitution  of  the  State  of  Ohio. 
The  General  Assembly  was  ordered  to  convene  the  first  Tuesday  of  March,  1803. 

This  was  carried  into  effect.  A constitution  was  framed  for  the  new  State, 
adhering  to  the  Ordinance  of  1787.  The  rights  and  duties  of  citizens  were 
plainly  set  forth,  and  general  business  was  transacted.  The  new  State  consti- 
tution was  signed  by  : 

Edward  Tiffin,  President  and  Representative  from  Ross  County. 

Adams  County — Joseph  Darlington,  Israel  Donalson,  Thomas  Yinker. 

Belmont  County — James  Caldwell  and  Elijah  Woods. 

Clermont  County — Philip  Gatch  and  James  Sargent. 

Fairfield  County — Henry  Abrams  and  Emanuel  Carpenter. 

Hamilton  County — John  W.  Brown,  Charles  Willing  Byrd,  Francis  Dun- 
lavy, William  Goforth,  John  Gitchel,  Jeremiah  Morrow,  John  Paul,  John  Riley, 
John  Smith  and  John  Wilson. 

Jefferson  County — Rudolph  Blair,  George  Humphry,  John  Milligan,  Nathan 
Updegraff  and  Bezaleel  Wells. 

Ross  County — Michael  Baldwin,  James  Grubb,  Nathaniel  Massie  and  F. 
Worthington. 

Washington  County — Ephraim  Cutler,  Benjamin  Ives  Gilman,  John  Mc- 
Intyre and  Rufus  Putnam. 

Thomas  Scott,  Secretary. 


120 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


The  first  Legislature  of  the  State,  under  the  new  constitution,  created  eight 
new  counties,  viz.,  Gallia,  Scioto,  Franklin,  Columbiana,  Butler,  Warren, 
Greene  and  Montgomery. 

The  first  State  officers  were  : Michael  Baldwin,  Speaker  of  the  House  ; Na- 
thaniel Massie,  President  of  the  Senate ; William  Creighton,  Secretary  of 
State  ; Col.  Thomas  Gibson,  Auditor  ; William  McFarland,  Treasurer  ; Return 
J.  Meigs,  Jr.,  Samuel  Huntington  and  William  Sprigg,  Judges  of  the  Supreme 
Court ; Francis  Dunlavy,  Willis  Silliman  and  Calvin  Pease,  Judges  of  the  Dist- 
rict Court. 

The  General  Assembly  held  a second  session  in  December,  at  which  time 
the  militia  law  was  revised,  also  giving  aliens  equal  proprietary  rights  with  native 
citizens.  The  revenue  system  was  modified  and  improved.  Acts  authorizing 
the  incorporation  of  townships  were  passed,  and  for  the  establishment  of  coun- 
ties. Furthermore,  Jacob  White,  Jeremiah  Morrow  and  William  Ludlow  were 
authorized  to  locate  a township  for  collegiate  purposes,  according  to  previous 
specified  terms  of  Congress.  The  Symmes  grant  and  the  college  specification 
collided  materially,  but  the  irregularity  of  the  former  was  not  to  create  any 
inconvenience  for  the  latter.  Mr.  Symmes  had  in  good  faith  marked  off  this 
township,  but  circumstances  preventing  the  perfection  of  his  plans,  that  lapsed 
with  the  others,  and  the  original  township  was  now  entered  by  settlers. 

Accordingly,  thirty-six  sections,  west  of  the  Great  Miami,  were  selected, 
and  are  now  held  by  the  Miami  University. 

Gov.  St.  Clair,  notwithstanding  his  unpopularity,  was  re-appointed. 

Ohio  was  under  a system  of  government  which  guaranteed  the  best  improve- 
ments ; her  Legislature  being  composed  of  her  best  statesmen,  and  the  laws 
passed  having  the  general  interest  of  the  people  embodied  in  them. 

A bill  was  passed,  appropriating  the  net  proceeds  of  the  land  lying  within 
said  State,  sold  by  Congress  after  the  20th  day  of  June,  1802,  after  deducting 
all  expenses  incident  to  the  same,  to  be  applied  to  the  laying-out  of  roads, 
leading  from  the  navigable  waters  emptying  into  the  Atlantic  to  the  Ohio,  to 
the  said  State,  and  through  the  same ; such  roads  to  he  laid  out  under  the 
authority  of  Congress,  with  the  consent  of  the  several  States  through  which  the 
road  shall  pass.  In  conformity  with  these  provisions,  steps  were  taken,  in  1805, 
which  resulted  in  the  making  of  the  Cumberland  or  National  road. 

Burr,  at  this  time,  began  an  organization  for  the  ostensible  purpose  of 
making  a settlement  on  the  Wachita,  but  his  party  being  armed  and  his  plans 
not  being  frankly  disclosed,  an  investigation  proved  that  his  real  design  was  a 
mutinous  revolt  against  Governmental  powers,  and  to  gratify  his  ambition  by 
founding  his  own  kingdom  in  Mexico,  and  defeating  the  Spanish.  If  success 
crowned  his  efforts,  his  ultimate  victory  was  to  rupture  the  Union  by  forcing  the 
Western  States  to  withdraw  from  their  allegiance.  By  gaining  an  influence 
over  the  noble  hut  misguided  Blennerhasset,  he  established  his  headquarters  on 
his  island  in  the  Ohio.  The  history  of  Burr’s  expedition  is  already  well  known. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


121 


The  final  capture  by  Gov.  Tiffin,  of  ten  boats  loaded  with  stores,  on  the  Mus- 
kingum, and  four  near  Marietta,  decided  the  fate  of  this  scheme,  and  Burr  was 
finally  arrested  and  put  on  trial  May  22,  1807. 

The  advancement  of  the  settlement  of  the  State  was  in  no  manner  impeded, 
and  towns  sprang  up,  farms  were  laid  out,  and  all  other  improvements  inaugu- 
rated which  tended  to  a permanent  prosperity. 

In  1808,  Tecumseh  left  Greenville  to  join  the  Prophet  on  the  banks  of  the 
Tippecanoe,  a tributary  of  the  Upper  Wabash,  on  a tract  of  land  granted  herein 
by  the  Pottawatomies. 

The  Indians  were  virtually  by  treaty  allowed  but  a small  proportion  of  land 
within  the  boundaries  of  the  State,  and  were  maintaining  peaceful  attitudes 
toward  the  whites,  with  exceptional  border  depredations,  which  were  settled  by 
mutual  understanding. 

Although  the  United  States  had  gained  independence,  and  was  treating  with 
England  as  with  other  foreign  powers,  the  British  persisted  in  violating  the 
national  rights  of  the  United  States,  impressing  American  seamen  into  the 
British  service,  seizing  American  vessels  engaged  with  France  in  trade,  and 
otherwise  violating  the  rights  of  an  independent  nation,  at  peace  with  the  Brit- 
ish power. 

The  mission  upon  which  Henry  was  sent  by  the  British,  to  create  disturb- 
ance between  the  States,  and  thus  broken,  to  weaken  the  strength  of  the  Gen- 
eral Government,  added  fuel  to  the  fire,  and  united  indignation  cried  for  war. 

British  agents  again  bargained  with  the  Indians  of  the  Wabash  and  Maumee 
Valleys,  desiring  them  to  inaugurate  another  war  upon  the  western  sections  and 
to  make  a desperate  attack  upon  the  settlements  south  of  the  lakes.  The  Brit- 
ish agent  at  Malden  negotiated  in  rifles,  powder,  ball,  merchandise,  lead,  blank- 
ets and  shirts.  The  Indians  were  inspired  again  with  the  hope  that  the  whites 
would  be  driven  back,  and  that  all  the  country  north  of  the  Ohio  would  again 
revert  to  them. 

The  Canadians  in  league  with  the  English,  gave  the  savages  unlimited 
quantities  of  whisky,  which  naturally  aroused  their  fierce  natures  to  acts  of 
violence  and  blood.  It  is  highly  probable  that  the  use  of  liquor  was  the  main 
cause  of  the  deterioration  of  the  best  traits  of  the  Indian  character,  after  the 
Revolution.  Again,  many  unscrupulous  men  upon  the  frontier  did  not  hesi- 
tate to  commit  the  most  merciless  crimes  against  the  Indians,  such  was  the 
prejudice  against  them,  and  the  courts  invariably  failed  to  indict  them  for  these 
atrocities.  This  error  on  the  part  of  the  Americans  served  to  influence  the 
savages  against  them. 

At  this  time,  the  seats  of  justice  were  distant  over  a hundred  miles  each 
from  the  other,  uninhabited  tracts  frequently  extending  between  them  which  were 
absolute  wildernesses.  The  routes  were  in  many  cases  difficult  and  circuitous. 

As  early  as  1808,  there  was  a mail  communication  for  the  people  on  the 
Lower  Maumee,  many  days  elapsing  between  the  arrivals  and  departures  of 


122 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO 


the  same,  however.  Horace  Gunn  was  the  carrier.  Benoni  Adams  brought 
the  news  from  Cleveland  to  the  same  point,  his  trip  requiring  a fortnight.  It 
must  be  remembered  that  this  journey  was  mostly  made  on  foot.  The  Black 
Swamp  could  not  be  traversed  in  any  other  manner. 

THE  WAR  OF  1812. 

The  war  of  1812  can  be  called  a continuation  of  the  Revolution,  with  all 
justice.  Although  rumors  had  reached  Ohio,  that  active  preparations  were 
being  made  for  general  action,  no  official  tidings  had  been  sent  to  Hull,  com- 
mander-in-chief of  the  Western  forces. 

The  Secretary  of  War,  instead  of  sending  a special  messenger  directly  to 
Hull,  communicated  with  the  post  adjacent,  depending  upon  a continuation  of 
the  news  from  that  point.  At  the  same  time,  advices  were  sent  the  British 
post  at  Malden  and  Detroit.  Hull  sent  out  a packet  with  official  papers,  stores, 
etc.,  the  day  previous  to  that  on  which  the  official  intelligence  arrived  that  an 
open  rupture  existed  between  the  two  powers,  and  this  was  of  course  captured. 

The  Western  forces  marched  to  Detroit  and  crossed  over  to  Sandwich,  pre- 
pai’atory  to  attacking  Malden,  a post  most  favorable  for  the  transportation  of 
stores,  troops,  etc.  which  was  therefore  considered  valuable. 

Peter  Minard  first  gave  the  news  to  the  settlers  of  the  Maumee.  He  had 
heard  from  a Delaware  chief,  who  assured  him  a general  massacre  was  to  take 
place  in  the  valley.  Maj.  Spafford  paid  no  heed  to  this  “idle  fear,”  until  a 
few  days  thereafter  a messenger  came  to  his  quarters,  reporting  a band  of  fifty 
Pottawatomies  on  the  march  to  join  the  hostile  tribes  near  Malden.  They  had 
plundered  and  burned  Monclova,  and  had  nearly  reached  the  rapids. 

The  Major,  with  his  family  and  settlers,  immediately  launched  a barge  on 
the  river  and  were  able  to  reach  old  Fort  Miami  just  as  the  savages  reached 
Maumee  City.  They  could  plainly  witness  the  flames  that  devoured  their  old 
homes.  They  kept  on  their  way  in  their  miserable  craft,  until  they  reached 
Milan,  where  they  learned  that  the  entire  country  was  in  danger. 

Although  the  Indians  were  defeated  in  the  battle  of  Tippecanoe  in  the  fall 
of  1811,  they  plotted  vigorously  with  the  English  for  the  invasion  of  Ohio. 

Gen.  William  Hull  marched  from  the  southwestern  part  of  the  State 
directly  north,  crossing  the  counties  of  Champaign,  Logan,  Hardin,  Hancock 
and  Wood,  establishing  military  posts  along  the  route  and  cutting  a way 
through  the  wilderness  of  the  unsettled  portions.  He  crossed  the  Maumee  on 
the  1st  of  July,  and  marched  to  Detroit. 

Hull  was  evidently  actuated  in  his  succeeding  disgraceful  failures  by  two 
fears — lack  of  confidence  in  the  ability  of  his  troops,  and  the  belief  that  they 
might  desert  him  in  action.  He  proclaimed  freedom,  and  a necessity  of  sub- 
mitting to  the  Canadians  under  existing  circumstances.  He  held  out  induce- 
ments to  the  British  regulars  to  desert  their  cause  and  essayed  to  pacify  the 
savages,  but  he  accomplished  nothing  beyond  jeopardizing  the  American  cause 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


123 


and  disgracing  his  army.  His  men  became  restless.  Col.  Miller  and  Col. 
Cass  were  delighted  when  detailed  on  scouting  expeditions,  and  did  not  hesi- 
tate to  attack  advancing  squads  of  the  enemy.  At  last,  an  attack  was  made  on 
the  Niagara  frontier,  and  Hull  speedily  abandoned  his  project  and  collected  his 
forces  at  Detroit. 

Meantime,  Col.  Proctor  had  reached  Malden,  and  quickly  perceiving  the 
advantage  of  a post  at  that  point,  whereby  he  could  cut  off  supplies  and  starve 
Hull  into  subjection,  he  massed  his  forces  about  this  section,  captured  Van 
Horn  and  his  two  hundred  men,  and  withstood  the  attack  of  Miller,  although 
he  gained  nothing  by  so  doing.  Again  Hull  displayed  his  weakness  by  recall- 
ing his  forces  from  further  molestations. 

Gen.  Brock,  however,  reached  Malden  on  the  13th  of  August,  1812,  and 
began  war  preparations. 

Gen.  Dearborn  placed  a force  on  the  Niagara  frontier,  but  an  armistice  was 
made  with  the  British.  Hull  dispatched  a third  party  under  McArthur,  to 
open  communications  to  the  Raisin  River. 

Gen.  Brock  appeared  at  Sandwich  and  began  to  erect  batteries,  which  Hull 
would  not  allow  to  be  molested.  The  result  was,  that  on  the  26th  of  August 
Detroit  was  surrendered  to  the  enemy,  and  not  a blow  had  been  struck  in  its 
defense. 

By  this  dastardly  act,  1,400  brave  men  who  had  not  been  permitted  to 
make  a single  effort  to  sustain  the  American  cause,  were  surrendered  to  300 
English  regulars,  400  Canadians  and  their  Indian  allies.  Gen.  Hull  was,  in 
consequence  of  this  series  of  “mistakes,”  accused  of  treason  and  cowardice, 
and  convicted  of  the  latter.  By  the  middle  of  August,  the  British  had  gained 
the  control  over  most  of  the  Northwestern  Territory. 

The  appointment  of  William  Henry  Harrison  to  the  position  of  com- 
mander in  chief  of  the  Western  forces,  was  most  opportune.  He  speedily 
raised  a vigorous  army,  and  advanced  by  three  routes  to  the  foot  of  the  rapids. 

Gen.  Harrison  commanded  the  right  wing,  and  marched  by  the  way  of  Upper 
Sandusky,  where  he  located  his  depot  of  supplies.  Gen.  Tupper  commanded 
the  center,  Fort  McArthur,  in  Hardin  County,  being  his  base,  while  Gen.  Win- 
chester marched  from  Fort  Defiance  down  the  Maumee  to  the  foot  of  the  rapids. 

A large  force  of  British  and  Indians  moved  up  the  left  bank  of  the  Mau- 
mee toward  Fort  Wayne,  and  Gen.  Harrison,  to  intercept  them,  marched  to 
the  confluence  of  the  Auglaize  with  the  Maumee. 

Harrison  was  aware  that  the  enemy  would  be  also  hemmed  in  by  Win- 
chester. The  weather  was  rainy,  and  the  prospects  were  that  a most  unfortun- 
ate season  was  to  follow  the  expected  engagements.  Harrison  heard  that 
Winchester  had  reached  Fort  Defiance,  and  that  the  Indians  and  British  were 
retreating  down  the  Maumee.  He  followed,  and  marched  to  Winchester’s 
camp,  where  he  arrived  in  season  to  quell  a mutiny  under  command  of  Col. 
Allen,  of  the  Kentucky  troops. 


124 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


In  January,  1813,  Winchester  had  reached  the  rapids,  where  he  received 
tidings  that  Frenchtown  was  menaced  and  exposed.  Without  orders,  he  sent  a 
party  to  the  rescue,  which  defeated  the  enemy.  The  weather  was  intensely 
cold,  and  the  company  lay  within  eighteen  miles  of  Malden,  where  the  enemy 
was  collected  in  full  force,  consequently  re-enforcements  must  be  dispatched 
immediately  or  the  town  again  left  to  its  fate. 

Winchester  then  marched  with  a force  of  259  men,  and  upon  arriving  at 
nightfall,  insisted  upon  remaining  on  open  ground,  although  warned  repeatedly 
that  this  would  be  a most  dangerous  experiment. 

In  the  morning,  he  was  surprised  by  the  enemy,  massed  directly  before 
him,  with  a battery  within  three  hundred  yards  of  his  camp,  and  a shower  of 
bombs,  balls  and  grape-shot  falling  among  his  exposed  troops,  and  the  yells  of 
Indians  reminding  him  of  his  fatal  error.  Lewis,  who  led  the  party  out  in  the 
beginning  and  had  apprehended  the  danger,  bravely  defended  himself  behind 
garden  pickets.  Winchester  was  defeated  on  the  22d  of  January,  1813,  and 
the  Indians  were  permitted  to  massacre  the  prisoners  and  the  settlers. 

Harrison  fell  back  to  the  foot  of  the  rapids.  On  the  1st  of  February,  he 
began  the  construction  of  Fort  Meigs.  On  the  27th  of  April,  Proctor  and 
Tecumseh  attacked  this  fort,  and  laid  siege  with  the  full  expectation  of  success. 
The  stipulation  was  that  Gen.  Harrison  was  to  be  delivered  to  Tecumseh. 
While  the  balls  and  bombs  were  making  havoc  with  the  fort,  the  Indians  were 
climbing  trees  and  pouring  a galling  fire  down  upon  the  troops.  Gen.  Proctor 
invited  Harrison  to  surrender,  which  was  politely  declined,  with  the  assurance 
that  the  British  General  would  have  the  opportunity  to  distinguish  himself  as  a 
soldier  before  such  a proceeding  was  enacted 

Gen.  Clay  was  descending  the  Maumee  with  1,200  Kentuckians  in  flat 
boats.  Orders  went  from  Harrison  that  800  men  should  land  on  the  left  bank, 
take  and  spike  the  British  cannon,  and  then  to  enter  the  fort,  from  which 
soldiers  were  to  issue  to  assist  the  re-enforcements. 

Capt.  Hamilton  was  to  pilot  Gen.  Clay  to  the  fort,  cutting  their  way 
through.  All  succeeded,  Col.  Dudley  taking  the  batteries  and  spiking  the 
cannon.  But  his  men,  too  much  elated  by  their  success,  against  orders,  and 
against  the  repeated  expostulations  of  Col.  Dudley,  insisted  on  pursuing  the 
Indians.  Col.  Dudley  would  not  desert  them.  This  act  proved  their  ruin. 
By  a decoy,  they  were  led  into  a defile  which  proved  an  ambush,  and  the  men 
found  themselves  surrounded  by  savages,  without  means  of  escape. 

A most  frightful  massacre  began,  and  every  man  would  have  fallen  had  not 
Tecumseh  sternly  forbidden  the  cowardly  carnage.  One  of  his  principal  chiefs 
ignored  this  order,  and  the  next  instant  the  great  warrior  buried  his  hatchet  in 
his  head.  The  brave  Col.  Dudley  was,  however,  tomahawked  and  scalped. 

There  were  no  immediate  signs  that  the  fort  would  be  surrendered,  and  the 
siege  was  raised  on  the  9th  of  May.  It  was  renewed  on  the  20th  of  July,  and 
abandoned  a few  days  later.  The  enemy  decided  this  stronghold  was  invulnerable. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


125 


On  the  1st  of  August,  the  enemy  proceeded  to  Fort  Stevenson,  at  Lower 
Sandusky,  garrisoned  by  150  men  under  Maj.  Croghan.  The  fort  had  the 
use  of  but  one  piece  of  cannon.  The  enemy  with  Tecumseh’s  Indians  num- 
bered 3,300  strong,  with  six  pieces  of  cannon. 

Gen.  Proctor  again  tendered  the  offer  to  surrender,  adding  that  a refusal 
would  only  bring  about  a useless  resistance,  and  a massacre  by  the  Indians. 
The  reply  was,  that  before  the  fort  went  over  to  the  British,  not  an  American 
would  be  left  to  be  massacred,  as  they  should  hold  out  to  the  last  man.  Proc- 
tor opened  fire.  The  first  movement  was  an  assault  upon  the  northwest  angle 
of  the  fort,  as  if  to  make  a breach  and  thus  carry  the  works.  The  command- 
ant strengthened  that  point  by  bags  of  sand,  and  during  the  night  stealthily 
placing  his  one  cannon  in  a concealed  position,  he  filled  it  with  slugs. 

The  following  day,  the  fire  again  swept  the  northwest  corner,  and,  evening- 
approaching,  a column  of  350  men  swept  up  within  twenty  yards  of  the  walls. 
They  were  met  by  the  musketry,  which  had  little  effect,  and  the  ditch  was  soon 
filled  with  men.  The  next  instant  the  hidden  cannon,  so  placed  as  to  sweep 
the  ditch,  suddenly  began  action,  and  the  surprised  assailants  quickly  recoiled, 
and  the  fort  was  saved,  with  the  loss  of  only  one  man. 

The  next  morning,  the  enemy  had  disappeared,  evidently  in  haste,  as  guns, 
clothing  and  stores  were  left  behind.  They  had  lost  over  one  hundred  and 
fifty  men  by  this  useless  attempt.  Croghan  had  previously  received  orders  to 
evacuate  the  fort  from  Gen.  Harrison,  and  his  determination  to  hold  the  position 
merited  Harrison’s  reprimand  and  remand  of  commission.  Such  was  the  sev- 
erity of  military  law.  However,  the  rank  of  Colonel  was  immediately  conferred 
upon  him  by  the  President,  for  his  gallantry.  The  ladies  of  Chillicothe  pre- 
sented him  with  an  elegant  testimonial  in  the  shape  of  a sword. 

It  was  decided  to  make  a naval  warfare  effectual  in  the  recovery  of  the 
Northwestern  Territory,  and  accordingly  vessel-building  began  under  Commo- 
dore Perry’s  supervision. 

The  British  looked  upon  this  proceeding  with  derision,  fully  intending  to 
use  these  boats  for  their  own  purpose.  They  publicly  proclaimed  their  intention. 

By  the  1st  of  August,  1813,  Commodore  Perry  set  sail  a flotilla,  the  Law- 
rence and  the  Niagara,  of  twenty  guns  each,  with  smaller  vessels  following. 
Some  difficulty  was  encountered  in  launching  the  larger  vessels,  on  account  of 
the  shallowness  of  the  water. 

Perry’s  first  destination  was  Put-in-Bay,  thirty  miles  from  Malden,  where 
the  British  fleet  lay  under  the  guns  of  the  fort.  On  the  10th  of  September, 
the  British  fleet — exceeding  the  American  by  ten  guns — under  Commodore 
Barclay,  appeared  off  Put-in-Bay,  distant  about  ten  miles.  Perry  immediately 
set  sail.  The  wind  shifting,  the  Americans  had  the  advantage. 

Perry  hoisted  the  Union  Jack.  A general  preparation  was  made  for  the 
conflict.  An  ominous  silence  settled  over  all  as  the  fleets  approached.  A 
bugle  sounded  on  the  enemy’s  ship  Detroit,  and  a furious  fire  was  opened  upon 


126 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


the  Lawrence.  The  frightful  and  desperate  battle  that  ensued  is  so  familiar 
that  it  is  not  necessary  for  us  to  repeat  its  details.  It  forever  remains  in  his- 
tory as  a prominent,  desperate  struggle  that  turned  the  tide  most  decisively  in 
favor  of  the  Americans.  Hand  to  hand,  for  three  hours,  this  furious  struggle 
surged,  resulting  in  a pronounced  victory  for  the  Americans. 

Commodore  Perry  immediately  requested  parole  for  his  severely  wounded 
antagonist,  Commodore  Barclay.  Capt.  Elliott  was  at  this  engagement  highly 
commended  by  Perry  for  his  bravery. 

Gen.  Harrison  now  made  preparations  to  follow  Proctor,  and  reached  Mal- 
den on  the  27th  of  September. 

Proctor  had  retreated  to  Sandwich,  and  thence  Harrison  followed  him, 
overtaking  the  enemy  on  the  9th  of  October,  on  the  bank  of  the  Thames.  An 
engagement  ensued,  which  was  not  particularly  marked  in  its  events,  but  which 
practically  terminated  the  war  in  the  Northwest. 

Tecumseh  fell  during  this  battle,  and  his  death  disheartened  the  savages  to 
such  an  extent  that  they  were  willing  to  make  terms  of  peace.  Accordingly 
a treaty  was  concluded  on  the  22d  of  July,  1814,  with  the  Wyandots,  Dela- 
wares, Shawnees,  Senecas  and  Miamis,  the  tribes  engaged  in  hostilities. 

Again  Ohio  was  able  to  turn  her  attention  to  the  improvements  within  her 
own  boundaries.  Weary  and  disabled  though  she  was,  her  ambition  and 
energy  were  unimpaired.  The  struggle  had  been  severe,  but  a grand  reward 
had  been  won,  and  peace  and  independence  belonged  to  these  sturdy,  earnest, 
pioneers. 

In  1815,  a town  was  founded  near  Fort  Meigs,  and,  in  1816,  Gen.  John 
E.  Hunt  and  Judge  Robert  A.  Forsythe  located  at  Maumee. 

BANKING. 

Up  to  the  year  1817,  Ohio  had  no  banking  system,  and  on  the  28th  of 
January  of  that  year,  the  United  States  Bank  opened  a branch  at  Cincinnati, 
and  yet  another  during  the  following  October  at  Chillicothe.  These  branches 
found  a large  amount  of  business  to  transact,  and  while  being  of  assistance  in 
various  ways  to  the  State,  also  received  a fine  revenue  themselves.  The  State 
therefore  resolved  upon  a tax  levy,  and,  in  1819,  the  branches  were  to  pay 
$50,000  each,  and  the  State  Auditor  was  authorized  to  issue  his  warrant  for 
the  collection  of  the  same. 

The  bank  branches  demurred,  but  the  State  was  decided,  and  the  banks 
accordingly  filed  a bill  in  chancery,  in  the  United  States  Circuit  Court,  setting 
forth  reasons  whereby  their  prayer  that  Ralph  Osborn,  State  Auditor,  should 
be  restrained  from  making  such  collection,  should  be  seriously  considered. 

Osborn  being  counseled  not  to  appear  on  the  day  designated  in  the  writ,  an 
injunction  was  obtained,  with  the  security  given  in  the  shape  of  bonds  from  the 
bank,  to  the  amount  of  $100,000.  On  the  14tli  of  September,  the  bank  sent  a 
commissioner  to  Columbus,  who  served  upon  the  Auditor  a copy  of  the  petition 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


127 


for  the  injunction,  and  a subpoena  to  make  an  appearance  before  the  court 
on  the  first  Monday  in  the  following  January.  Osborn  submitted  both  the 
petition  and  the  injunction  to  the  Secretary  of  State,  with  his  warrant  for  col- 
lecting the  tax.  Legally,  the  matter  was  somewhat  complicated. 

The  Auditor  desired  the  Secretary  of  State  to  take  legal  advice,  and  if  the 
papers  did  not  actually  amount  to  an  injunction,  to  give  orders  for  the  execu- 
tion of  the  warrant. 

The  decision  was  that  the  papers  did  not  equal  a valid  injunction.  The  State 
writ  for  collection  was  therefore  given  over  to  John  L.  Harper,  with  directions 
to  enter  the  banking-house  and  demand  the  payment  of  the  tax.  In  case  of  a 
refusal,  the  vault  was  to  be  entered  and  a levy  made  upon  the  amount  required. 
No  violence  was  to  be  used,  and  if  force  was  used  to  deter  the  act,  the 
same  was  to  be  reported  to  a proper  magistrate  and  an  affidavit  made  to  that 
fact. 

On  September  17,  Mr.  Harper  went  about  his  errand,  taking  with  him  T. 
Orr  and  J.  MacCollister.  After  securing  access  to  the  vault,  a demand  was 
made  for  the  payment  of  the  tax.  This  was  promptly  refused,  and  a notice 
given  of  the  granting  of  the  injunction.  This  was  disregarded,  and  the  officer 
seized  $98,000  in  gold,  silver  and  notes.  This  was  placed  in  charge  of  the 
State  Treasurer,  Mr.  H.  M.  Curry. 

The  officers  were  arrested  and  imprisoned  by  the  United  States  Circuit 
Court,  and  the  money  returned  to  the  bank.  The  case  was  reviewed  by 
the  Supreme  Court,  and  the  measures  of  the  Circuit  Court  were  sustained.  The 
State,  therefore,  submitted.  In  the  mean  time,  the  Legislature  had  prepared 
and  passed  a resolution,  as  follows : 

Resolved,  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Ohio,  That  in  respect  to  the  powers  of  the 
Governments  of  the  several  States  that  compose  the  American  Union,  and  the  powers  of  the  Fed- 
eral Government,  this  General  Assembly  do  recognize  and  approve  the  doctrines  asserted  by  the 
Legislatures  of  Kentucky  and  Virginia  in  their  resolutions  of  November  and  December,  1798, 
and  January,  1800,  and  do  consider  their  principles  have  been  recognized  and  adopted  by  a 
majority  of  the  American  people. 

Resolved  further,  That  this  General  Assembly  do  assert  and  will  maintain  by  all  legal  and 
constitutional  means,  the  rights  of  States  to  tax  the  business  and  property  of  any  private  corpo- 
ration of  trade,  incorporated  by  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  and  located  to  transact  its 
corporate  business  within  any  State. 

Resolved  further,  That  the  bank  of  the  United  States  is  a private  corporation  of  trade,  the 
capital  and  business  of  which  may  be  legally  taxed  in  any  State  where  they  may  be  found. 

Resolved  further,  That  the  General  Assembly  do  protest  against  the  doctrines  that  the  politi- 
cal rights  of  the  separate  States  that  compose  the  American  Union  and  their  powers  as  sovereign 
States,  may  be  settled  and  determined  in  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States,  so  as  to  con- 
clude and  bind  them  in  cases  contrived  between  individuals,  and  where  they  are,  no  one  of  them, 
parties  direct. 

The  bank  was  thus  debarred  from  the  aid  of  State  laws  in  the  collection  of 
its  dues  and  in  the  protection  of  its  rights.  An  attempt  was  made  to  effect  a 
change  in  the  Federal  constitution,  which  would  take  the  case  out  of  the 
United  States  Courts.  This,  however,  proved  ineffectual. 


128 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


The  banking  system  in  Ohio  has,  by  reason  of  State  surveillance,  not  been 
subjected  to  those  whirlwind  speculations  and  questionable  failures  which  have 
marked  many  Western  States,  in  the  establishment  of  a firm  basis  upon  which 
a banking  law  could  be  sustained,  with  mutual  benefit  to  the  institution  and  the 
people. 

THE  CANAL  SYSTEM. 

In  the  first  part  of  1817,  the  Legislature  considered  a resolution  relating 
to  a canal  between  Lake  Erie  and  the  Ohio  River.  No  action  was  taken  and 
the  subject  was  not  again  agitated  until  1819.  Gov.  Brown  appointed  three 
commissioners  in  1820,  for  the  purpose  of  employing  an  efficient  engineer  and 
such  assistants  as  he  deemed  necessary,  for  the  purpose  of  surveying  a practical 
route  for  this  canal.  The  commissioners  were  restricted  in  their  actions  until 
Congress  should  accept  a proposition  in  behalf  of  the  State,  for  a donation  and 
sale  of  the  public  lands  lying  upon  and  near  the  route  of  the  proposed  canal. 
A delay  was  thus  occasioned  for  two  years. 

In  1822,  the  matter  was  referred  to  a committee  of  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives. This  committee  approved  and  recommended  the  employment  of  the 
engineer.  They  furthermore  added  illustrations  to  prove  the  feasibility  of  the 
project. 

James  Geddes,  a skillful  engineer  of  New  York,  was  in  due  time  appointed 
to  the  position  and  instructed  to  make  the  necessary  examinations  and  sur- 
veys. 

The  surveys  were  made,  and  estimates  given  of  the  expenses,  which  docu- 
ments were  laid  before  the  Legislature  at  several  sessions. 

In  1825,  an  act  was  passed  providing  for  the  internal  improvement  of  the 
State  by  navigable  canals.  Directly  thereafter,  the  State  set  vigorously  about 
the  work  of  constructing  two  canals,  one  leading  from  the  Ohio  to  Lake  Erie, 
by  way  of  the  valleys  of  the  Scioto  and  Muskingum,  the  other  from  Cincinnati 
to  Dayton. 

The  first  canal-boat  from  Cincinnati  to  Dayton,  reached  her  destination  in 
1829,  on  the  25th  of  January.  This  outlet  of  communication  was  extended 
to  Lake  Erie,  and  was  completed  in  1845.  The  largest  artificial  lake  now 
known  is  on  the  elevation  between  the  Ohio  and  the  lake,  in  Mercer  County, 
and  supplies  the  St.  Mary’s  feeder  of  the  Miami  Canal,  about  three  miles  dis- 
tant, eastwardly.  This  reservoir  is  about  nine  miles  long,  and  from  two  to 
four  broad. 

Two  walls  of  earth,  from  ten  to  twenty  feet  high,  were  formed,  on  the  east 
and  west,  which  united  with  the  elevations  north  and  south,  surrounded  this 
basin.  When  the  water  was  admitted,  whole  farms  were  submerged,  and  the 
“neighbors”  complained  lest  this  overflow  should  tempt  miasma.  So  great 
was  the  excitement,  that  over  one  hundred  and  fifty  residents  of  the  county 
united,  and  with  shovels  and  spades,  made  a breach  in  the  embankment. 
Many  holding  prominent  positions  in  the  county  were  engaged  in  this  work, 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


129 


and  all  laid  themselves  liable  to  the  State  laws,  which  made  the  despoiling  of 
public  works  a penitentiary  offense. 

The  matter  was  taken  up  by  the  courts,  but  a grand  jury  could  not  be 
found  in  Mercer  County  to  find  a bill  of  indictment. 

The  officers  who  had  charge  of  the  work,  ignored  the  law  requiring  the  cut- 
ing  and  saving  of  the  timber  on  lands  appropriated,  for  canal  reservoirs.  The 
trees  were  ruthlessly  girdled,  and  thousands  of  acres  of  valuable  timber  that 
might  have  been  highly  desirable  in  the  building  of  bridges,  etc.,  were 
destroyed.  However,  an  adjustment  was  finally  effected,  and  the  work  was 
prosecuted  with  the  entire  approbation  of  the  people,  who  were  convinced  that 
convenient  transportation  was  to  be  desired. 

OHIO  LAND  TRACTS. 

After  the  Indians  relinquished  all  claims  against  the  lands  of  those  States 
west  of  the  Alleghanies,  as  they  had  been  obtained  by  conquest,  the  United 
States,  as  a government,  owned  the  soil.  When  Ohio  was  admitted  into  the 
Union,  a stipulation  was  made  that  the  fee  simple  to  all  the  lands  within  its 
boundaries,  with  the  exception  of  those  previously  sold  or  granted,  should  vest 
in  the  General  Government.  At  the  present  writing,  but  few  tracts  remain 
that  can  be  called  “ public  lands.”  In  this,  as  in  other  States,  tracts  are  des- 
ignated by  their  pioneer  signification  or  the  purpose  to  which  they  were  oi'igi- 
nally  devoted.  In  Ohio,  these  tracts  are  known  as  : 


1. 

Congress  Lands. 

8. 

Symmes’  Purchase. 

15. 

Maumee  Road. 

2. 

United  States  Military. 

9. 

Refugee  Tract. 

16. 

School  Lands. 

3 

Virginia  Military. 

10. 

French  Grant. 

17. 

College  Lands. 

4. 

Western  Reserve. 

11 

Dohrman’s  Grant. 

18. 

Ministerial  Lands. 

5. 

Fire  Lands. 

12. 

Zane’s  Grant. 

19. 

Moravian  Lands. 

6. 

Ohio  Company’s  Purchase. 

13. 

Canal  Lands. 

20. 

Salt  Sections. 

7. 

Donation  Tract. 

14. 

Turnpike  Lands. 

The  lands  sold  by  the  direct  officers  of  the  Government,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  Congress,  according  to  the  laws,  are  known  as  Congress  lands.  They 
are  properly  surveyed,  and  laid  out  in  townships  six  miles  square,  under  the 
direction  of  the  Government,  and  the  expense  incurred  settled  by  Congress. 
These  townships  are  subdivided  into  sections,  containing  640  acres.  One  sec- 
tion is  reserved,  in  every  township,  for  educational  purposes,  to  be  utilized  in 
any  manner  approved  by  the  State  as  being  the  best  to  aid  the  cause  for  which 
they  are  assigned. 

The  Western  Reserve  will  be  remembered  as  the  tract  originally  belonging  to 
Connecticut.  It  lies  in  the  northeast  quarter  of  the  State.  A half-million  acres 
were  donated  by  the  old  Eastern  State,  when  her  claim  was  in  force,  to  sufferers 
from  fire  during  the  Revolutionary  war,  which  created  the  name,  “ fire  lands.” 
Many  settled  here  whose  homes  were  destroyed  by  the  British  during  the  war. 

It  will  be  remembered,  that  on  account  of  discoveries  by  subjects  of  empires, 
in  the  New  World,  the  “ Old  World  ” kings  laid  claim  to  different  portions 


130 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


of  the  young  continent.  At  that  period,  European  knowledge  of  American 
geographical  positions  and  limits  was  exceedingly  meager,  which  occasioned 
several  wars  and  more  discussions.  These  Old-World  sovereigns  also  assumed 
the  authority  to  sell  or  present  tracts  of  land  to  their  subjects,  in  those  terri- 
tories they  deemed  their  own. 

King  Charles  II  of  England  granted  to  his  loyal  subjects  the  colony  of 
Connecticut,  in  1662,  placing  with  them  a charter  of  right  to  all  lands  within 
certain  prescribed  boundaries.  But  these  “ boundaries  ” frequently  conflicted 
with  those  of  others,  and  sometimes  extended  to  the  Pacific  Ocean,  or  “ South 
Sea,”  as  it  was  then  termed.  Connecticut,  by  her  original  charter  rights,  held 
all  lands  between  the  forty-first  and  forty-second  parallels  of  north  latitude,  and 
from  Providence  Plantation  on  the  east,  to  Pacific  Ocean  on  the  west,  except- 
ing the  New  York  and  Pennsylvania  colonies.  As  late  as  the  establishment  of 
the  United  States  as  an  independent  government,  those  colliding  claims  fre- 
quently engendered  confusion  and  warm  discussion  between  the  nation  and 
Connecticut,  regarding  the  original  colony  claim.  This  was  compromised  by 
the  national  claims  being  relinquished  in  regard  to  the  territorial  claim  in  Ohio, 
and  Connecticut  holding  the  3,800,000  acres  described  as  the  “ Western  Reser- 
vation.” The  Government  held  the  right  of  jurisdiction. 

In  1796,  Congress  set  aside  a certain  division  of  land,  to  satisfy  the  claims 
of  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  Revolutionary  war.  It  includes  the  2,500,000 
acres  between  the  Greenville  treaty  line  and  the  Congress  and  refugee  lands, 
and  “VII  ranges  of  townships,”  on  the  east,  and  the  Scioto  River,  west.  This 
constitutes  the  “ Military  Tract.”  The  “ Virginia  Military  Tract  ” lies  between 
the  Scioto  and  Little  Miami  Rivers,  and  extends  south  to  the  Ohio. 

James  I,  in  his  authorized  charter  to  the  Virginia  colony,  in  the  year 
1609,  made  rather  visionary  boundary  lines,  sweeping  over  the  continent,  west 
of  the  Ohio  River,  “ of  the  north  and  south  breadth  of  Virginia.”  Virginia 
reconciled  the  matter  by  relinquishing  all  her  claims  northwest  of  the  Ohio 
River,  with  the  exception  of  a tract  for  the  purpose  of  donating  the  same  to  her 
troops  of  the  Revolution- — their  claims  demanding  such  a return  in  some  section. 
Unfortunately,  this  tract  was  not  regularly  surveyed,  and  conflicting  “lines” 
have  given  rise  to  litigation  ever  since  that  stipulation  was  made. 

The  Ohio  Company’s  Purchase  has  already  been  described — as  has  the 
Symmes  Purchase. 

The  Refugee  Tract  covers  an  area  of  100,000  acres,  extending  eastwardly 
from  the  Scioto  River  forty-eight  miles,  in  a strip  of  country  four  and  one-half 
miles  broad,  north  to  south.  Columbus , the  capital  of  the  State,  is  situated  in 
the  western  portion.  This  land  was  donated  by  Congress  to  those  individuals 
who  left  the  British  dominions  and  rule,  during  the  Revolution,  and  espoused 
the  American  cause. 

The  French  Tract  borders  on  the  Ohio  River,  in  the  southeastern  quarter 
of  Scioto  County.  It  includes  24,000  acres,  and  was  ceded  to  those  French 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


131 


families  that  lost  their  claims  at  Gallipolis,  through  invalid  titles  ; 12,000  acres 
were  added,  after  the  above  grant  of  1795. 

Dohrman’s  Grant  includes  a section,  six  miles  square,  in  the  southeastern 
portion  of  Tuscarawas  County.  It  was  granted  to  Arnold  Henry  Dohrman,  a 
Portuguese  merchant,  as  a token  of  appreciation  of  the  aid  and  shelter  he  ren- 
dered American  cruisers  and  vessels  of  war,  during  the  Revolution. 

The  Moravian  Lands  were  originally  grants  by  the  old  Continental  Con- 
gress, in  1787,  and  confirmed  by  the  act  of  the  Government  Congress,  in  1796, 
to  the  Moravian  Brethren,  of  Bethlehem,  Penn.,  in  sacred  trust,  and  for  the 
use  of  those  Indians  who  embraced  Christianity  and  civilization,  desiring  to  live 
and  settle  thereon.  These  three  tracts  include  4,000  acres  each,  and  are  situ- 
ated in  Tuscarawas  County.  In  1823,  the  Indians  relinquished  their  rights  to 
the  12,000  acres  in  this  county,  for  24,000  acres,  in  a territory  designated  by 
the  United  States,  together  with  an  annuity  of  $400. 

Zane’s  Tracts  included  a portion  of  land  on  the  Muskingum,  whereon  Zanes- 
ville was  built ; another  at  the  crossing  of  the  Hocking,  on  which  Lancaster  is 
located  ; and  yet  another  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Scioto  River,  opposite  Chilli- 
cothe.  These  grants  were  made  to  Ebenezer  Zane,  by  Congress,  in  1796,  as  a 
reward  for  opening  a road  from  Wheeling,  Va.,  to  Maysville,  Ky.  In  1802, 
Mr.  Zane  received  three  additional  tracts,  one  square  mile  each,  in  considera- 
tion of  being  captured  and  held  a prisoner,  during  the  Revolutionary  war, 
when  a boy,  by  the  Indians.  He  lived  with  these  people  most  of  his  life,  secur- 
ing many  benefits  for  the  Americans.  These  tracts  are  located  in  Champaign 
County. 

The  Maumee  Road  Lands  extend  the  length  of  the  road,  from  the  Maumee 
River,  at  Perrysburg,  to  the  western  limits  of  the  Western  Reserve,  a distance 
of  forty-six  miles — in  a strip  two  miles  wide.  This  includes  about  60,000 
acres.  These  lands  were  ceded  by  the  Indians,  at  the  treaty  of  Brownstown,  in 
1808.  The  original  intention  of  Congress  was  to  mark  a highway  through  this 
strip,  but  no  definite  action  was  taken  until  1823,  when  the  land  was  ceded  to 
the  State  of  Ohio,  under  an  obligation  that  the  State  make  and  sustain  the  pro- 
jected road,  within  four  years  after  the  transfer. 

The  Turnpike  Lands  extended  over  31,360  acres  along  the  western  side  of 
the  Columbus  & Sandusky  Turnpike,  in  the  eastern  parts  of  Seneca,  Craw- 
ford and  Marion  Counties.  They  were  designed  for  the  transportation  of  mail 
stages,  troops  and  other  United  States  property,  free  from  toll.  The  grant  was 
made  in  1827. 

“ The  Ohio  Canal  Lands  ” comprise  about  1,000,000  acres,  set  aside  for  the 
purpose  of  canal  construction. 

When  Ohio  was  admitted  to  the  Union,  a guarantee  was  given  that  the  State 
should  not  tax  Government  lands  until  they  should  have  been  sold  for  five  years. 
That  the  thirty-sixth  part  of  all  territory  within  the  State  limits  should  be  de- 
voted to  educational  purposes,  for  the  general  benefit  of  the  population.  In 


132 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


order  to  secure  tracts  which  would  prove  available,  and  thus  insure  returns, 
they  were  selected  in  small  lots.  No.  16  was  designated  as  the  sectional  portion, 
in  each  township  of  Congress  lands,  the  Ohio  Company’s  and  Symmes  Pur- 
chases, the  United  States  Military  Lands,  the  Connecticut  Reserve,  and  a num- 
ber of  quarter  townships.  These  school  lands  were  selected  by  the  Secretary 
of  the  Treasury. 

The  college  townships  are  thirty-six  miles  square.  A section,  thirty-six 
miles  square,  in  the  center  of  Jackson  County,  in  the  vicinity  and  containing 
the  Scioto  Salt  Licks,  was  also  reserved  by  Congress,  together  with  a quarter- 
mile  township  in  Delaware  County.  This  swept  over  27,040  acres.  In  1824, 
Congress  authorized  the  State  to  sell  these  lands.  The  proceeds  were  to  be 
devoted  to  literary  requirements,  such  as  might  be  specified  by  Congress. 

IMPROVEMENTS. 

We  have  heretofore  briefly  alluded  to  the  canal  system  of  Ohio,  which  in 
the  beginning  caused  considerable  anxiety  to  settlers  directly  in  the  course  of 
its  survey.  The  Legislature  passed  the  “ Internal  Improvement  by  Navigable 
Canals  ” act,  in  1825,  and  the  work  was  immediately  inaugurated  and  hastened. 
The  “ Ohio  Canal  ” extends  from  the  lake  to-  the  Ohio,  and  the  “ Miami  ” con- 
nects Cincinnati  with  Dayton.  The  latter  was  completed  to  Toledo  in  1844,  a 
length  of  493  miles.  Its  total  cost,  including  reservoir  cutting  and  feeders,  was 
$7,500,000.  The  Ohio  Canal  was  finished  in  1833. 

During  the  construction  of  these  canals,  the  curiosities  which  have  attracted 
antiquarians  and  scientists,  in  the  State  of  Ohio,  were  found  in  various  places. 
Relics  were  discovered  that  must  have  belonged  to  a giant  race.  Nearly  3,000 
graves  were  found,  of  the  “ mound  type.” 

A third  canal  was  begun  in  1836,  reaching  from  Walhonding,  in  Coshocton 
County,  to  Roscoe,  its  length  being  twenty-five  miles,  involving  an  expense  of 
$610,000.  This  was  completed  in  1842.  The  Hocking  Canal,  between  Car- 
roll,  in  Fairfield  ■ County,  and  Athens,  in  Athens  County,  a distance  of  fifty- 
six  miles,  was  also  cut,  about  the  same  time,  at  a cost  of  nearly  $1,000,000. 

The  Muskingum  improvements  were  also  being  carried  forward.  Locks  and 
dams  were  requisite  for  the  perfection  of  navigation  in  this  water-course,  from 
Dresden  to  Marietta,  a distance  of  ninety-one  miles.  This  added  an  expense 
of  $1,630,000  to  the  call  for  improvement  appropriations.  To  the  Miami  Canal 
was  added  a feeder,  known  as  the  Warren  County  Canal — extending  from 
Franklin  to  Lebanon,  which  was  not  completed,  although  over'  $250,000  were 
expended  in  its  construction  as  far  as  it  went. 

Railway  transportation  was  a subject  which  engrossed  the  attention  of  those  in- 
terested in  State  perpetuity  and  general  jirosperity.  About  the  year  1831,  the  Leg- 
islature received  applications  for  railway  charters.  The  first  one  granted  was  the 
“ Cincinnati,  Sandusky  & Cleveland  Railroad,”  on  June  5, 1832.  The  “ Sandusky, 
Mansfield  & Newark  Railroad  ” obtained  a charter  in  1836,  March  11,  followed, 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


135 


three  days  thereafter,  by  the  “ Cleveland,  Columbus  & Cincinnati  Railroad.” 
The  “ Little  Miami  ” was  begun  in  1837.  Notwithstanding  these  chartered 
rights,  but  129  miles  were  completed  in  1847,  and  in  operation.  In  1878, 
the  mileage  had  increased  to  6,264.  The  valuation  of  the  operating  roads 
was  estimated  the  same  year,  at  $76,113,500.  Their  taxation  summed  up 
$1,128,116. 

No  State  in  the  Union  has  been  more  zealous  in  her  educational  interests  than 
Ohio.  Public  lands  were  generously  granted  by  Congress,  and  the  State  added 
her  affirmation.  However,  no  practical  and  effectual  system  was  adopted  until 
1825. 

An  act  was  then  passed  to  tax  all  real  property  one-half  mill  per  dollar  for 
the  establishment  of  schools  in  each  township,  and  the  support  of  the  same. 
An  act  of  1829,  increased  the  tax  to  three-fourths  of  a mill.  Trustees  of 
townships  were  instructed  to  make  divisions  and  locate  convenient  school  dis- 
tricts. Householders  were  to  elect  three  school  directors,  a clerk  and  treasurer 
annually.  Privileges  and  restrictions  were  enjoined  in  all  cases.  The  house- 
holders were  allowed  their  discretion,  governed  accordingly,  in  imposing  taxes 
for  the  erection  of  school  buildings.  The  Courts  of  the  Common  Pleas 
appointed  a committee  to  examine  the  qualifications  of  those  individuals  mak- 
ing application  for  the  position  of  teachers.  The  school  extended  equal  privi- 
leges to  all  white  children.  Those  of  colored  parentage  were  excluded,  and  no 
tax  was  levied  for  school  purposes  upon  colored  parents.  An  amendment  has 
admitted  the  children  of  colored  parents.  The  system  has  continued  the  same, 
with  a few  amendments.  A State  Commissioner  of  Common  Schools  is  elected 
every  third  year,  who  has  general  charge  of  the  interests  of  public  schools.  A 
State  Board  of  Examiners,  composed  of  three  persons,  appointed  by  the  State 
Commissioner,  for  two  years’  term,  is  authorized  to  issue  life  certificates  of  high 
qualifications,  to  such  teachers  as  it  may  find  to  possess  the  requisite  scholarship, 
character,  experience  and  ability.  These  certificates,  signed  by  the  Commis- 
sioner, are  valid  throughout  the  State.  A County  Board  of  Examiners,  of 
three  members,  is  formed  in  each  county.  Boards  of  education,  for  cities,  are 
made  up  of  one  or  two  members  from  each  ward.  City  Boards  of  Examiners 
are  also  appointed.  Section  4 of  the  law  of  1873,  was  amended  in  1877,  which 
made  the  territory  annexed  to  an  incorporated  village,  at  the  option  of  the 
voters  of  the  village  and  tributary  section,  whether  it  be  included  with  the  vil- 
lage as  one  school  district,  or  left  as  two  school  districts.  Section  56  of  the  law  was 
amended,  in  its  bearing  upon  cities  of  30,000  to  75,000  inhabitants,  by  limiting 
to  five  mills  on  the  dollar  of  taxable  property,  the  levies  in  such  cities  for  con- 
tinuing schools,  for  purchasing  sites  for  schoolhouses,  for  leasing,  purchasing, 
erecting  and  furnishing  school  houses,  and  for  all  school  expenses.  The  public 
funds  are  subject  to  the  discretion  of  voters,  and  boards  are  authorized,  under 
instructions,  to  make  the  best  use  of  such  funds.  Taxation  is  subject  to  the 
discretion  of  the  State,  certain  limits  being  prescribed. 


136 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


In  1878,  the  number  of  youth  of  the  school  age  numbered  1,041,963. 
On  the  rolls,  740,194  names  were  recorded.  In  the  year  1878,  23,391  teach- 
ers were  employed,  receiving  $4,956,514.46  for  their  services. 

Ohio  not  only  sustains  her  public  schools  on  a broad,  liberal  basis,  but  she 
encourages  educational  pursuits  in  superior  universities  and  colleges  throughout 
the  State.  These  institutions  are  not  aided  by  State  funds,  but  are  sustained  by 
society  influence,  added  to  their  self-supporting  resources.  Ohio  also  possesses 
a large  number  of  normal  schools,  academies,  seminaries  and  business  colleges. 
These  are  not  entitled  to  the  privileges  of  the  school  fund.  Scientific,  profes- 
sional, theological,  legal  and  medical  instructions  are  in  no  manner  limited  iD 
their  facilities.  Industrial  and  reformatory  schools  are  especially  thorough. 
Institutions  for  the  instruction  of  the  deaf  and  dumb,  and  blind,  and  feeble- 
minded, are  under  the  best  discipline. 

We  may  add,  many  female  seminaries  have  been  established  which  are  entirely 
sustained  by  other  than  State  aid.  Ohio  has,  from  its  inception,  been  solid  and 
vigorous  in  whatever  tended  toward  improvement  and  enlightenment. 

We  have  also  referred  to  the  banking  system  of  this  State,  as  being  first 
established  on  a basis  through  a contest  between  the  State  and  the  General 
Government.  Authorities  differ  regarding  the  exact  date  and  location  of  the 
very  first  house  established  in  the  State  for  the  purpose  of  transacting  banking 
business.  It  is  highly  probable  that  Marietta  is  more  directly  associated  with 
that  event  than  any  other  town.  There  are  at  present  over  one  hundred  and 
sixty-seven  national  banks,  with  an  aggregate  capital  of  $27,794,468.  It  also 
has  eighteen  banks  of  deposit,  incorporated  under  the  State  banking  laws  of 
1845,  representing  an  aggregate  capital  of  $539,904.  Twenty-three  savings 
banks,  incorporated  under  the  State  act  of  1875,  with  an  aggregate  capital  of 
$1,277,500.  Of  private  banks  it  has  192,  with  an  aggregate  capital  of 
$5,663,898.  The  State  represents  in  her  banking  capital  over  $36,275,770. 
The  First  National  of  Cincinnati  lias  a capital  stock  of  over  $1,000,000. 
The  others  fall  below  that  sum,  their  capital  diminishing  from  10,000  shares  of 
$100  each.  The  valuation  for  taxation  is  $850,000 — Merchant’s  National  of 
Cincinnati — to  the  valuation  of  a tax  of  $5,000  on  the  First  National  of 
Beverly. 

BOUNDARY  LINES. 

W e must  not  omit  the  subj  ect  of  the  State  boundaries.  Ohio  was  especially 
the  field  for  most  animated  discussions,  relative  not  only  to  State  limits  but 
county  lines  and  township  rights.  In  1817,  a severe  controversy  arose,  which 
was  settled  only  after  violent  demonstrations  and  Government  interference. 

In  primitive  times,  the  geographical  position,  extent  and  surface  diversities 
were  but  meagerly  comprehended.  In  truth,  it  may  be  asserted  they  could  not 
have  been  more  at  variance  with  actual  facts  had  they  been  laid  out  “ hap- 
hazard.” The  ordinance  of  1787  represented  Lake  Michigan  far  north  of  its 
real  position,  and  even  as  late  as  1812,  its  size  and  location  had  not  been 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


137 


definitely  ascertained.  During  that  year,  Amos  Spafford  addressed  a clear,  com- 
prehensive letter  to  the  Governor  of  Ohio,  on  this  subject,  relative  to  the 
boundary  lines  of  Ohio.  Several  lines  of  survey  were  laid  out  as  the  first 
course,  but  either  Michigan  or  Ohio  expressed  disapproval  in  every  case.  This 
culminated  in  1835,  when  the  party  beginning  a “ permanent  ” survey  began 
at  the  northwest  corner  of  the  State,  and  was  attacked  by  a force  of  Michigan 
settlers  who  sent  them  away  badly  routed  and  beaten.  No  effort  was  made  to 
return  to  the  work  until  the  State  and  various  parties  had  weighed  the  subject, 
and  finally  the  interposition  of  the  Government  became  necessary. 

A settlement  resulted  in  Ohio  being  bounded  on  the  north  by  Lake  Erie 
and  the  State  of  Michigan,  on  the  east  by  Pennsylvania  and  West  Virginia,  on 
the  south  by  the  Ohio  River,  and  on  the  wTest  by  Indiana. 

It  is  situated  between  the  38°  25'  and  42°  north  latitude,  and  84°  50' 
west  longitude  from  Greemvich,  or  3°  30'  and  7°  50'  west  from  Washington. 
From  north  to  south,  it  extends  over  210  miles,  and  from  east  to  west  220 
miles — comprising  39,964  square  miles. 

The  State  is  generally  higher  than  the  Ohio  River.  In  the  southern 
counties,  the  surface  is  greatly  diversified  by  the  inequalities  produced  by  the 
excavating  power  of  the  Ohio  River  and  its  tributaries.  The  greater  portion 
of  the  State  was  originally  covered  with  timber,  although  in  the  central  and 
northwestern  sections  some  prairies  were  found.  The  crest  or  watershed 
between  the  waters  of  Lake  Erie  and  those  of  the  Ohio  is  less  elevated  than 
in  New  York  or  Pennsylvania.  Sailing  upon  the  Ohio  the  country  appears 
to  be  mountainous,  bluffs  rising  to  the  height  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  to  six 
hundred  feet  above  the  valleys.  Ascending  the  tributaries  of  the  Ohio,  these 
precipitous  hills  gradually  lessen  until  they  are  resolved  into  gentle  undulations, 
and  toward  the  sources  of  the  river  the  land  is  low  and  marshy. 

Although  Ohio  has  no  inland  lakes  of  importance,  she  possesses  a favorable 
river  system,  which,  aided  by  her  canals,  gives  her  prestige  of  a convenient 
water  transportation.  The  lake  on  her  northern  boundary,  and  the  Ohio 
River  on  her  southern  limit,  afford  most  convenient  outlets  by  water  to  impor- 
tant points.  Her  means  of  communication  and  transportation  are  superior  in 
every  respect,  and  are  constantly  being  increased. 

ORGANIZATION  OF  COUNTIES  AND  EARLY  EVENTS. 

Adams  County  was  named  in  honor  of  John  Adams,  second  President  of 
the  United  States.  Gov.  St.  Clair  proclaimed  it  a county  on  July  10,  1797. 
The  Virginia  Military  Tract  included  this  section,  and  the  first  settlement  made 
within  its  boundaries  was  in  this  county  in  1795,  between  the  Scioto  and  Little 
Miami,  at  Manchester,  by  Gen.  Nathaniel  Massie.  In  this  town  was  held  the 
first  court  of  the  county. 

West  Union,  the  present  county  seat,  was  laid  out  by  the  Hon.  Thomas 
Kirker.  It  occupies  the  summit  of  a high  ridge.  The  surface  of  this  county  is 


138 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


hilly  and  broken,  and  the  eastern  part  is  not  fertile.  It  produces  corn,  wheat,  oats 
and  pork.  Beds  of  iron  are  found  in  the  eastern  part.  Its  hills  are  composed  of 
aluminous  shale.  The  barren  hills  afford  a range  for  cattle  and  hogs.  A sort 
of  vagrant  class  derive  a support  by  collecting  stones,  hoop-poles  and  tanners’ 
barks  from  these  hills. 

Ashland  County  is  one  of  the  finest  agricultural  sections.  It  was  formed 
February  26,  1846.  Wheat  comprises  its  principal  crop,  although  large  quan- 
tities of  oats,  corn,  potatoes,  grass  and  fruit  are  raised.  Ashland  is  its  county 
seat,  and  was  laid  out  by  William  Montgomei’y  in  1816.  It  was  called  Union- 
town  for  several  years.  Daniel  Carter  raised  the  first  cabin  within  the  county 
limits  in  1811. 

Auglaize  County  was  formed  in  February,  1848,  from  Allen  and  Mercer 
Counties.  Wapakoneta  is  its  county  seat. 

Allen  County  was  formed  from  the  Indian  Territory  April  1,  1820.  Lima 
is  its  county  seat. 

Ashtabula  County  was  formed  June  7,  1807,  and  was  organized  January 
22,  1811.  The  surface  is  level  near  the  lake,  while  the  remainder  is  undulat- 
ing. The  soil  is  mostly  clay.  Very  little  wheat  is  raised,  but  considerable 
corn  and  oats.  Butter  and  cheese  are  the  main  marketable  productions.  This 
was  the  first  county  settled  on  the  Western  Reserve,  and  also  the  earliest  in 
Northern  Ohio.  On  the  4th  of  July,  1796,  the  first  surveying  party  arrived 
at  the  mouth  of  Conneaut  Creek.  Judge  James  Kingsbury  was  the  first  who 
wintered  there  with  his  family.  He  was  the  first  man  to  use  a sickle  in  the 
first  wheat-field  in  the  Western  Reserve.  Their  child  was  the  first  born  on  the- 
Western  Reserve,  and  was  starved  to  death.  The  first  regular  settlement  was 
at  Harpersfield,  in  1798. 

Jefferson  is  the  county  seat.  Ashtabula  is  pleasantly  situated  on  the  river, 
with  a fine  harbor  two  and  a half  miles  from  the  village. 

The  first  church  on  the  Western  Reserve  was  founded  at  Austinburg  in 
1801. 

Athens  County  was  formed  from  Washington  March  1,  1805.  It  produces 
wheat,  corn,  oats  and  tobacco.  The  surface  is  hilly  and  broken,  with  rich  bot- 
tom lands  between.  Coal,  iron  ore  and  salt  add  materially  to  its  commercial 
value.  It  has  the  advantage  of  the  canal,  as  well  as  other  transportation. 
Athens,  its  county  seat,  is  situated  on  the  Hocking  River.  The  Ohio  Uni- 
versity, the  first  college  founded  in  the  State,  is  located  here.  We  have 
mentioned  the  ancient  mounds  found  in  this  county,  heretofore.  Yellow  pine  is 
abundant  in  the  lower  part  of  the  Hocking  Valley. 

Brown  County  was  formed  March  1,  1817,  from  Adams  and  Clermont.  It 
produces  wheat,  corn,  rye,  oats  and  pork.  The  southern  part  is  prolific  in 
grain,  while  the  northern  is  adapted  to  grazing  purposes.  The  surface  is  undu- 
lating, with  the  exception  of  the  Ohio  River  hills.  Over  this  county  Tecumseh 
once  held  sway. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO.  139' 

Georgetown  is  the  county  seat,  and  was  laid  out  in  1819.  Ripley  is  the  larg- 
est business  town  in  the  county. 

Belmont  County  was  announced  by  Gov.  St.  Clair  September  7,  1801.  It 
produces  large  crops  of  wheat,  oats,  corn  and  tobacco,  an  annual  crop  of  over 
2,000,000  pounds  of  the  latter  being  the  average.  It  also  trades  largely  in 
wool  and  coal.  It  is  a picturesque  tract  of  country,  and  was  one  of  the 
pioneers  in  the  early  settled  portions. 

In  1790,  Fort  Dillie  was  erected  on  the  west  side  of  the  Ohio.  Baker’s 
Fort  was  a mile  below  the  mouth  of  the  Captina.  Many  desperate  Indian  bat- 
tles were  fought  within  the  limits  of  this  county,  and  the  famous  Indian  scout, 
Lewis  Wetzel,  roamed  over  the  region. 

St.  Clairsville  is  the  county  seat,  situated  on  the  elevation  of  land,  in  a fer- 
tile district.  Capt.  Kirkwood  and  Elizabeth  Zane,  of  historic  fame,  were  early 
pioneers  here. 

Butler  County  was  formed  in  1803,  from  Hamilton.  It  is  within  the  blue 
limestone  formation,  and  one  of -the  most  fertile  sections  of  Ohio.  It  produces 
more  corn  than  any  other  county  in  the  State,  besides  fine  crops  of  wheat, 
oats  and  large  quantities  of  pork.  Hamilton,  the  county  seat,  is  situated  on  the 
Great  Miami.  Its  hydraulic  works  furnish  superior  water-power.  Rossville, 
on  the  opposite  side  of  the  Miami,  is  a large  mercantile  town. 

St.  Clair  passed  through  this  county  on  his  Indian  campaigns  in  1791, 
building  Fort  Hamilton  on  the  Miami. 

Champaign  County  was  formed  March  1,  1805,  from  Greene  and  Franklin. 
It  is  drained  by  Mad  River  and  its  tributaries,  which  furnishes  extensive  mill 
privileges.  Nearly  a half  is  undulating,  a quarter  rolling,  a fifth  hilly,  and 
5 per  cent  wet  prairie.  The  soil  is  fertile,  and  produces  wheat,  corn,  oats, 
barley,  hay,  while  beef  and  wool  add  to  the  general  wealth.  Urbana,  the 
county  seat,  was  laid  out  in  1805,  by  Col.  William  Ward.  He  was  chief  owner 
of  the  land  and  donated  many  lots  to  the  county,  under  condition  that  their 
proceeds  be  devoted  to  public  improvements.  Joseph  Vance  and  George 
Fithian  were  the  first  settlers.  The  Methodists  built  the  first  church  in  1807. 
The  main  army  of  Hull  concentrated  at  this  point  before  setting  out  for  Detroit. 
Many  Indian  councils  were  called  here,  and  Tecumseh  was  located  for  a time 
near  Deer  Creek. 

Carroll  County  was  formed  from  Columbiana  in  1832-33.  It  produces 
wheat,  oats  and  corn,  and  valuable  coal  and  iron.  The  surface  is  hilly.  Car- 
rollton is  its  county  seat.  At  Harlem  is  a celebrated  chalybeate  spring. 

Clark  County  was  formed  March  1,  1817,  from  Champaign,  Madison  and 
Greene.  Its  second  settlement  was  at  Kreb’s  Station,  in  1796.  It  is  highly  culti- 
vated, well  watered  and  very  fertile.  The  Mad  River,  Buck  and  Beaver  Creeks 
furnish  abundant  water-power.  It  produces  principally  wheat,  corn  and  oats. 

Tecumseh,  the  old  Indian  warrior,  was  born  at  the  ancient  Indian  vil- 
lage of  Piqua,  on  the  Mad  River,  on  the  site  of  New  Boston.  Piqua  was 


140 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


destroyed  by  Gen.  George  Rogers  Clarke.  Skeletons,  beads,  gun  barrels, 
tomahawks,  kettles,  etc.,  have  been  found  in  the  vicinity. 

Springfield,  the  county  seat,  is  situated  on  the  National  road.  It  has  con- 
venient transportation  facilities,  is  handsomely  laid  out,  and  is  noted  for  its 
cultured  citizens.  It  is  near  Mad  River,  and  Buck  Creek  runs  through  it. 

Clinton  County  was  formed  in  1810.  It  produces  chiefly  wheat,  oats, 
wool  and  pork.  Its  surface  is  undulating,  in  some  parts  hilly,  and  the  soil  fer- 
tile. Its  streams  furnish  desirable  water-power.  The  county  was  settled  in 
1808.  Wilmington  is  the  county  seat,  and  was  laid  out  in  1811.  The  first 
log  house  was  built  by  William  Hobsin. 

Clermont  County  was  the  eighth  formed  in  the  Northwest  Territory,  by 
proclamation  of  Gov.  St.  Clair,  December  9,  1800.  The  soil  is  exceedingly 
rich,  and  the  surface  is  broken  and,  near  the  Ohio,  hilly.  Wheat,  corn,  oats, 
hay,  potatoes,  tobacco,  barley,  buckwheat  and  rye  form  the  main  crops,  while 
beef,  pork,  flour,  hay  and  whisky  constitute  its  main  exports.  Its  streams 
furnish  good  water-power.  Batavia,  its  county  seat,  is  situated  on  the  Little 
Miami  River,  and  was  laid  out  in  1820,  by  George  Ely. 

Columbiana  County  was  formed  March  25,  1803,  from  Jefferson  and  Wash- 
ington. Its  soil  is  very  fertile,  producing  wheat,  corn,  oats  and  potatoes.  It 
is  wealthy  in  mineral  deposits,  coal,  iron  ore,  lime  and  freestone  being  abun- 
dant. Its  water-lime  stone  is  of  superior  quality.  Salt  water  is  found  on  Yel- 
low and  Beaver  Creeks.  This  is  also  the  great  wool-producing  county  of 
the  State.  It  was  settled  in  1797.  New  Lisbon,  its  county  seat,  is  well 
built. 

The  first  paper-mill  in  Ohio  was  erected  in  this  county,  on  Little  Beaver 
Creek,  by  John  Coulter  and  John  Bever. 

Coshocton  County  was  organized  April  1,  1811.  Its  principal  products  are 
wheat,  corn,  oats  and  wool.  Hills  and  valleys  alternate  along  the  Muskingum 
River.  Abrupt  changes  are  strongly  marked — a rich  alluvum  being  overhung 
by  a red- bush  hill,  while  directly  beside  it  may  be  seen  the  poplar  and  sugar 
tree.  Coal  and  iron  ore  add  to  its  general  importance,  while  salt  wells  have 
proven  remunerative. 

Coshocton,  the  county  seat,  is  built  on  four  wide,  natural  terraces,  at  the 
junction  of  the  Tuscarawas  with  the  Walhonding. 

Cuyahoga  County  was  formed  June  7,  1807,  from  Geauga.  Near  the  lake, 
the  soil  is  sandy,  while  a clayey  loam  may  be  found  elsewhere.  The  valleys 
near  the  streams  produce  wheat,  barley  and  hay.  Fruit  is  successfully  grown, 
and  cheese,  butter,  beef  and  wool  are  largely  exported.  Bog  iron  is  found  in 
the  western  part,  and  fine  grindstone  quarries  are  in  operation.  The  sandstone 
from  these  quarries  is  now  an  important  article  of  commerce.  As  early  as 
1775,  there  was  a French  settlement  within  the  boundaries  of  Cuyahoga.  In 
1786,  a Moravian  missionary  came  to  the  present  site  of  Cleveland,  and  set- 
tled in  an  abandoned  village  of  the  Ottawas.  Circumstances  prevented  a 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


141 


permanent  settlement,  and  the  British  tacitly  took  possession,  even  remaining 
upon  the  lake  shores  after  the  Revolution. 

The  first  permanent  settlement  was  made  at  Cleveland  in  1796.  Mr.  Job 
V.  Stiles  and  family  and  Edward  Paine  passed  the  first  winter  there,  their  log 
cabin  standing  where  the  Commercial  Bank  is  now  located.  Rodolphus 
Edwards  and  Nathaniel  Doane  settled  here.  The  town  was,  in  1813,  a depot 
of  supplies  and  a rendezvous  for  troops  engaged  in  the  war. 

Cleveland,  the  county  seat,  is  situated  at  the  northern  termination  of  the 
Ohio  Canal,  on  the  lake  shore.  In  1814,  it  was  incorporated  as  a village,  and 
in  1836,  as  a city.  Its  elevation  is  about  a hundred  feet  above  the  lake.  It 
is  a lovely  city,  and  has  one  of  the  best  harbors  on  Lake  Erie. 

Ohio  City  is  another  important  town,  nearly  opposite  Cleveland,  on  the 
Cuyahoga.  It  was  incorporated  in  1836. 

Crawford  County  was  formed  April  1,  1820,  from  the  old  Indian  territory. 
The  entire  county  is  adapted  to  grazing.  The  soil  is  generally  composed  of 
rich  vegetable  loam,  and  in  some  parts  the  subsoil  is  clay  mixed  with  lime. 
Rich  beds  of  shell  marl  have  been  discovered.  It  produces-  wheat,  corn,  oats, 
clover,  timothy  seed,  wool  and  cattle.  Fine  limestone  quarries  are  worked  with 
success. 

Bucyrus  is  the  county  seat,  and  was  laid  out  February  11,  1822,  by  Samuel 
Norton  and  James  Ivilbourn,  original  owners  of  the  land.  The  first  settler  in 
the  town  proper  was  Samuel  Norton.  A gas  well  has  been  dug  in  Bucyrus, 
on  the  land  of  R.  W.  Musgrove,  which  burns  in  a brilliant  light  when  con- 
ducted to  the  surface  by  means  of  pipes.  Crawford’s  Sulphur  Springs  are 
located  nine  miles  from  Bucyrus.  The  water  is  impregnated  with  sulphuretted 
hydrogen.  It  deposits  a reddish-purple  sediment.  In  its  nature  the  water  is  a 
cathartic,  and  is  diuretic  and  diaphoretic  in  its  effects.  A few  rods  away  is  a 
burning  spring.  The  Annapolis  Sulphur  Spring  is  clear  and  has  gained  consid- 
erable fame  by  its  curative  qualities.  Opposite  Bucyrus  is  a chalybeate  spring 
of  tonic  qualities. 

There  are  some  beds  of  peat  in  the  county,  the  most  extensive  one  being  a 
wet  prairie  called  Cranberry  Marsh,  containing  nearly  2,000  acres. 

Darke  County  was  organized  in  March,  1817,  from  Miami  County.  It  is 
abundantly  timbered  with  poplar,  walnut,  blue  ash,  hickory,  beech  and  sugar 
maple.  It  yields  superior  wheat,  and  is  well  adapted  to  grazing.  In  this 
county  occurred  the  lamentable  defeat  of  St.  Clair,  and  the  treaty  of  Greenville. 

Greenville  is  the  county  seat,  and  was  laid  out  August  10,  1808,  by  Robert 
Gray  and  John  Dover.  In  December,  1793,  Wayne  built  Fort  Greenville  on 
this  spot,  which  covered  about  the  same  extent  as  the  present  town. 

Delaware  County  was  formed  February  10,  1808,  from  Franklin.  It  pro- 
duces mainly  wheat,  corn,  oats,  pork  and  wool. 

Delaware  is  the  county  seat,  and  was  laid  out  in  the  spring  of  1808,  by 
Moses  Byxbe.  The  Delaware  Spring  in  the  village  is  of  the  white  sulphur  or 


142 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


cold  hydro-sulphurous  nature,  valuable  for  medicinal  qualities  in  cases  of  bilious 
derangements,  dyspepsia,  scrofulous  affections,  etc. 

Defiance  County  was  inaugurated  March  4,  1845,  from  Williams,  Henry 
and  Paulding.  The  Maumee,  Tiffin  and  Auglaize  flow  through  it.  The  Black 
Swamp  covers  much  of  its  area. 

Defiance,  the  county  seat,  is  situated  on  the  Maumee.  It  was  laid  out  in 
1822,  by  B.  Level  and  H.  Phillips.  A large  Indian  settlement  occupied  its 
site  in  very  early  times.  Wayne  arrived  here  August  8,  1794,  captured  the 
place,  finding  about  one  thousand  acres  of  corn,  peach  and  apple  orchards,  and 
vegetables  of  all  varieties.  Here  he  built  Fort  Defiance. 

Erie  County  was  formed  in  1838,  from  Huron  and  Sandusky.  The  soil  is 
alluvial,  and  yields  large  crops  of  wheat,  corn,  oats  and  potatoes.  It  possesses 
inexhaustable  quarries  of  limestone  and  freestone.  Immense  quantities  of  bog 
iron  are  also  found.  The  Erie  tribe  is  said  to  have  once  occupied  the  land,  and 
were  extirpated  by  the  Iroquois.  As  early  as  1754,  the  French  had  built  set- 
tlements. In  1764,  the  county  was  besieged.  Pontiac  came  here  with  warlike 
demonstrations,  but  made  peace  with  the  whites.  Erie  was  included  in  the 
“fire  lands”  of  the  Western  Reserve. 

Sandusky  City  is  the  county  seat,  and  was  laid  out  in  1817,  then  termed 
Portland.  At  that  time  it  contained  two  log  huts.  The  town  is  finely  situated, 
and  is  based  upon  an  inexhaustible  quarry  of  the  finest  limestone.  In  the 
“patriot  war”  with  the  Canadians,  this  city  was  the  rendezvous  for  the 
“ patriots.” 

Franklin  County  was  formed  April  30,  1803,  from  Ross.  It  contains 
much  low  wet  land,  and  is  better  adapted  to  grazing  than  agricultural  purposes. 
It  was  in  early  times  occupied  by  the  Wyandot  Indians.  Its  first  white  set- 
tlement was  made  in  1797,  by  Robert  Armstrong  and  others.  Franklinton 
was  laid  out  in  1797,  by  Lucas  Sullivan.  Worthington  was  settled  by  the 
Scioto  Company  in  1801.  Col.  Kilbourn,  who  was  interested  in  the  work, 
constructed  the  first  map  of  Ohio  during  his  explorations,  by  uniting  sectional 
diagrams. 

Columbus,  the  capital  of  the  State  of  Ohio,  is  also  the  county  seat  of 
Franklin  County.  After  the  organization  of  a State  government,  the  capital 
was  “portable”  until  1816.  In  1810,  the  sessions  were  held  at  Chillicothe, 
in  1811  and  1812  at  Zanesville,  removing  again  to  Chillicothe,  and,  in  1816, 
being  located  at  Columbus.  The  town  was  laid  out  during  the  spring  of  1812. 
A penitentiary  was  erected  in  1813,  and  the  State  House  was  built  in  1814. 
It  was  incorporated  as  “the  borough  of  Columbus,”  February  10,  1816.  The 
city  charter  was  granted  March  3,  1834. 

It  is  beautifully  located  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Scioto.  The  Columbus 
Institute  is  a classical  institution.  A female  and  a theological  seminary  also 
add  to  its  educational  advantages.  The  Ohio  Lunatic  Asylum  is  also  located 
here — also  the  Ohio  Institution  for  the  Education  of  the  Blind.  East  of  the 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


143 


State  House  is  the  Ohio  Institution  for  the  Education  of  the  Deaf  and 
Dumb. 

Fairfield  County  was  formed  by  proclamation  of  Gov.  St.  Clair,  December 
9,  1800. 

The  soil  is  varied,  being  in  some  parts  exceedingly  rich,  and  in  others  very 
sterile.  It  produces  principally  wheat,  corn,  rye,  oats,  buckwheat,  barley, 
potatoes  and  tobacco. 

Lancaster  is  the  county  seat,  laid  out  by  Ebenezer  Zane  in  1800.  In  1797, 
he  opened  the  road  known  as  “Zane’s  Trace,”  from  Wheeling  to  Limestone — - 
now  Maysville.  It  passed  through  Lancaster,  at  a fording  about  three  hundred 
yards  below  the  present  turnpike  bridge.  Near  the  turn  stands  an  imposing 
eminance  called  “ Standing  Stone.”  Parties  of  pleasure  frequently  visit  this  spot. 

Fayette  County  was  formed  from  Ross  and  Highland  in  1810.  Wheat, 
corn,  cattle,  hogs,  sheep  and  wool  comprise  its  main  productions.  “ The  bar- 
rens” are  situated  in  the  northeastern  part.  This  tract  is  covered  by  a growth 
of  grass. 

Washington  is  its  county  seat,  laid  out  in  1810. 

Col.  Stewart  was  active  in  the  interests  of  this  section,  and  his  memory  is 
sacredly  revered.  Jesse  Milliken  was  prominent  in  public  affairs. 

Fulton  County,  bordering  on  Michigan,  was  organized  in  1850.  It  is 
drained  by  Bean  Creek  and  other  small  affluents  of  the  Maumee  River.  Thfe 
surface  is  nearly  level,  and  a large  part  of  it  is  covered  with  forests  of  ash, 
beech,  elm,  hickory,  white  oak,  black  walnut,  etc.,  furnishing  excellent  timber. 
The  soil  is  fertile.  Wheat,  corn,  oats  and  hay  are  the  staple  products.  Wau- 
seon  is  the  county  seat. 

Guernsey  County  was  organized  in  March,  1810.  Wool  is  a staple  prod- 
uct, together  with  beef,  horses  and  swine.  It  produces  wheat,  corn  and  oats. 

Cambridge  is  the  county  seat  and  was  laid  out  in  June,  1806.  Mr. 
Graham  was  the  first  settler  on  the  site  of  the  town,  and  his  was  the  only 
dwelling  between  Lancaster  and  Wheeling. 

The  first  cannel  coal  found  in  the  county  was  discovered  near  Mill’s  Creek. 

Greene  County  was  formed  May  1,  1803,  from  Hamilton  and  Ross.  It 
produces  wheat,  corn,  rye,  grass-seed,  oats,  barley,  sheep  and  swine.  The 
streams  furnish  good  water-power.  There  are  five  limestone  quarries,  and  a 
marble  quarry  of  variegated  colors.  The  Shawnee  town  was  on  the  Little 
Miami,  and  was  visited  by  Capt.  Thomas  Bullit  in  1773.  When  Daniel  Boone 
was  captured  in  1778,  he  was  brought  to  this  town,  and  escaped  the  following 
year.  Gen.  Clarke  invaded  this  county  and  the  Indians  reduced  the  town  to  ashes. 

Xenia,  the  county  seat,  was  laid  off  in  the  forest  in  1803,  by  Joseph  C. 
Vance.  The  first  cabin  was  erected  in  April,  1804,  by  John  Marshall.  The 
Rev.  James  Fowler  built  the  first  hewed-log  cabin.  David  A.  Sanders  built 
the  fir?t  frame  house.  Nine  miles  north  of  the  town,  on  the  Little  Miami 
River,  are  the  Yellow  Springs,  which  are  impregnated  with  sulphur. 


144 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


Geauga  County  was  formed  in  1805  from  Trumbull.  It  exports  sheep, 
cattle,  butter  and  cheese.  It  is  situated  at  the  head  of  Chargrine,  Cuyahoga  and 
a part  of  Grand  Rivers,  on  high  ground,  and  is  subjected  to  snowstorms  more 
frequently  than  any  other  part  of  the  Reserve.  Its  first  settlement  was  made 
in  1798,  at  Burton.  Chardon  is  fourteen  miles  from  Lake  Erie,  and  is  600 
feet  above  it.  It  was  laid  out  as  the  county  seat  in  1808. 

Gallia  County  was  formed  April  30,  1803,  from  Washington.  Its  princi- 
pal crops  are  wheat,  corn,  oats  and  beans.  The  surface  is  generally  broken. 
Its  first  settlement  was  made  in  1791,  by  a French  colony,  at  Gallipolis.  This 
colony  was  sent  out  under  the  auspices  of  the  Scioto  Company.  This  town  is 
bow  the  county  seat. 

Hamilton  County  was  the  second  established  in  the  Northwestern  Territory 
by  proclamation  of  Gov.  St.  Clair,  January  2,  1790.  Its  surface  is  gen- 
erally rolling.  It  produces  the  ordinary  farm  products,  and  a great  variety 
of  fruits  and  vegetables  for  the  Cincinnati  market.  Vineyards  thrive  well 
within  its  limits,  and  the  manufacture  of  wine  is  carried  on  to  a considerable 
extent. 

This  county  was  the  second  settled  in  Ohio,  and  the  first  within  the  Symmes 
purchase.  Settlers  arrived  at  the  spot  now  occupied  by  Cincinnati,  and  three 
or  four  log  cabins  were  erected.  Gen.  Arthur  St.  Clair  arrived  here  in  Janu- 
ary, 1790.  The  army  of  Wayne  encamped  here  later,  at  Fort  Washington. 
Mr.  Maxwell  established  in  1793  the  Sentinel  of  the  Northwestern  Territory , 
the  first  newspaper  printed  north  of  the  Ohio  River.  In  1796,  Edward  Free- 
man became  its  proprietor,  and  changed  the  name  to  Freeman’s  Journal. 
January  11,  1794,  two  keel-boats  sailed  from  Cincinnati  to  Pittsburgh,  making 
regular  trips  every  four  weeks.  In  1801,  the  first  sea  vessel  built  at  Mari- 
etta came  down  the  Ohio. 

Cincinnati,  the  county  seat,  was  incorporated  January  2,  1802.  It  was  char- 
tered as  a city  in  1819.  The  city  is  beautifully  laid  out  and  delightfully  situ- 
ated. Its  public  buildings  are  elegant  and  substantial,  including  the  court 
house  and  many  literary  and  charitable  institutions. 

The  Cincinnati  College  was  founded  in  1819.  It  stands  in  the  center  of 
the  city.  It  is  built  in  Grecian-Doric  style,  with  pilaster  fronts  and  facade  of 
Dayton  marble.  Woodward  College  is  also  popular. 

The  Catholics  have  founded  the  St.  Xavier’s  College.  Lane  Seminary,  a 
theological  institution,  is  at  Walnut  Hills,  two  miles  from  the  center  of  the  city. 
It  has  over  10,000  volumes  in  its  libraries.  No  charge  is  made  for  tuition. 
Rooms  are  provided  and  furnished  at  $5  per  year,  and  board  ranges  from  62J 
cents  to  90  cents  a week.  The  Cincinnati  Law  School  is  connected  with  Cin- 
cinnati College.  The  Mechanics’  Institute  was  chartered  in  1828,  and  isf  in  all 
respects  well  supplied  with  apparatus.  A college  for  teachers  was  established  in 
1831,  its  object  being  to  perfect  those  contemplating  entering  that  profession  in 
their  studies  and  system. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


145 


The  Cincinnati  Orphan  Asylum  is  an  elegant  building,  and  has  a library 
and  well-organized  school  attached.  The  Catholics  of  the  city  have  one  male 
and  female  orphan  asylum.  The  Commercial  Hospital  and  Lunatic  Asylum  of 
Ohio  was  incorporated  in  1821. 

Cincinnati  is  a large  manufacturing  city,  and  possesses  fine  water-power 
facilities.  It  communicates  with  the  world  by  means  of  its  canal,  river,  turnpikes, 
and  railways.  North  Bend  is  another  prominent  town  in  this  county,  having 
been  the  residence  of  Glen.  William  H.  Harrison,  and  the  site  of  his  burial 
place.  The  town  was  of  considerable  importance  in  the  early  settlement  of  the 
State.  About  thirty  yards  from  Harrison’s  tomb  is  the  grave  of  Judge 
Symmes. 

Hancock  County  was  formed  April  1,  1820.  It  produces  wheat,  oats,  corn, 
pork  and  maple  sugar.  The  surface  is  level  and  its  soil  is  fertile.  Blanchard’s 
Fork  waters  the  central  and  southern  part  of  the  county.  Findlay,  the  county 
seat,  was  laid  out  by  ex-Gov.  Joseph  Vance  and  Elnathan  Corry,  in  1821.  It 
was  relaid  in  1829.  William  Vance  settled  there  in  the  fall  of  1821.  At  the 
south  end  of  the  town,  are  two  gas  wells.  In  the  eastern  part,  is  a mineral 
spring,  and  west  of  the  bridge,  is  a chalybeate  spring. 

Hardin  County  was  formed  April  1,  1820,  from  the  old  Indian  Territory. 
It  produces,  principally,  wheat,  corn  and  swine.  A portion  of  the  surface  is 
level,  and  the  remainder  undulating.  Fort  McArthur  was  built  on  the  Scioto 
River,  but  proved  a weak  stockade.  Kenton  is  the  county  seat,  situated  on  the 
Mad  River. 

Harrison  County  was  formed  from  Jefferson  and  Tuscarawas  January  1, 
1814.  The  surface  is  hilly,  abounding  in  coal  and  limestone.  Its  soil  is  clayey. 
It  is  one  of  the  important  wool-growing  counties  in  Ohio.  It  produces  large 
quantities  of  wheat,  corn,  oats  and  hay,  besides  a considerable  number  of  horses, 
cattle  and  swine. 

In  April,  1799,  Alexander  Henderson  and  family  settled  in  this  county,  and 
at  the  same  time,  Daniel  Peterson  and  his  family  resided  at  the  forks  of  Short 
Creek.  The  early  settlers  were  much  annoyed  by  Indians  and  wild  beasts. 
Cadiz  is  the  county  seat,  and  was  laid  out  in  1803  and  1804,  by  Messrs.  Briggs 
and  Beatty. 

Henry  County  was  formed  from  the  old  Indian  Territory,  April  1,  1820. 
Indian  com,  oats,  potatoes,  and  maple  sugar  constitute  the  main  products. 
The  county  is  well  supplied  with  running  streams,  and  the  soil  is  unusually  rich. 

The  greater  portion  of  this  county  is  covered  by  the  “ Black  Swamp.” 
Throughout  this  swamp  are  ridges  of  limestone,  covered  with  black  walnut,  red 
elm,  butternut  and  maple.  The  soil  is  superior  for  grain.  Fruit  thrives  and 
all  varieties  of  vegetables  are  produced  in  large  quantities.  Simon  Girty,  noto- 
rious for  his  wicked  career,  resided  in  this  county.  Girty  led  the  attack  on 
Fort  Henry,  in  September,  1777.  He  demanded  the  surrender  of  the  fort, 
and  menaced  its  inmates  with  an  Indian  massacre,  in  case  of  refusal.  The 


146 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


action  began,  but  the  fort  gained  the  victory.  He  led  a ferocious  band  of  Indi- 
ans, and  committed  the  most  fiendish  atrocities. 

Napoleon,  the  county  seat,  is  situated  on  the  Maumee  River. 

Highland  County  was  formed  in  May,  1805,  from  Ross,  Adams  and  Cler- 
mont. It  is  a wealthy,  productive  county.  Its  wheat  commands  a high  mar- 
ket price.  The  crops  consist  of  wheat,  corn,  oats,  maple  sugar,  wool,  swine 
and  cattle.  Its  first  settlement  began  in  1801,  at  New  Market,  by  Oliver  Ross, 
Robert  Keeston,  George  W.  Barrere,  Bernard  Weyer  and  others.  Simon  Ken- 
ton made  a trace  through  this  county  in  early  times.  Hillsboro  is  the 
county  seat,  and  was  laid  out  in  1807,  by  David  Hays,  on  the  land  of  Benja- 
min Ellicott.  It  is  situated  on  the  dividing  ridge,  between  the  Miami  and  Sci- 
oto. The  Hillsboro  Academy  was  founded  in  1827. 

Hocking  County  was  formed  March  1,  1818,  from  Ross,  Athens  and  Fair- 
field.  Its  principal  products  are  corn,  wheat,  tobacco  and  maple  sugar.  Its 
surface  is  broken  and  hilly,  but  is  level  and  fertile  beside  the  streams. 

The  Wyandots  once  occupied  this  tract,  and  built  a large  town  herein.  In 
1798,  a few  white  families  ventured  to  settle.  Logan  is  its  county  seat,  and  is 
situated  on  the  Hocking  River. 

Holmes  County  was  formed  from  Coshocton,  Tuscarawas  and  Wayne,  Janu- 
ary 20,  1824.  It  produces  wheat,  corn,  oats,  potatoes,  maple  sugar,  swine, 
sheep  and  cattle.  The  southwestern  portion  is  broken.  Thomas  Butler  was 
the  first  settler,  in  1810.  Millersburg  is  the  county  seat,  and  was  laid  out  in 
1830. 

Huron  County  was  organized  in  1815.  It  produces  hay,  wheat,  corn,  oats, 
barley,  buckwheat,  flaxseed,  potatoes,  butter,  cheese,  wool  and  swine.  Nor- 
walk is  the  county  seat. 

Jackson  County  was  organized  March,  1816.  The  country  is  rich  in  min- 
erals and  abounds  in  coal  and  iron  ore.  The  exports  are  cattle,  wool,  swine, 
horses,  lumber,  millstones,  tobacco  and  iron.  Jackson,  the  county  seat,  was 
laid  out  in  1817.  The  old  Scioto  salt-works  were  among  the  first  worked  in 
Ohio  by  the  whites.  Prior  to  this  period,  the  Indians  came  some  distance  to 
this  section  to  make  salt.  When  Daniel  Boone  was  a prisoner,  he  spent  some 
time  at  these  Avorks. 

Jefferson  County  was  proclaimed  by  Gov.  St.  Clair  July  29,  1797,  and 
was  the  fifth  county  established  in  Ohio.  It  is  one  of  the  most  important 
manufacturing  counties  in  the  State.  Its  resources  in  coal  are  also  extended. 
The  surface  is  hilly  and  the  soil  fertile,  producing  Avheat,  corn  and  oats.  The 
old  “Mingo”  tOAvn  Avas  on  the  present  farms  of  Jeremiah  Hallock  and  Mi'. 
Daniel  Potter.  The  troops  of  Col.  Williamson  rendezvoused  at  this  point, 
when  they  set  out  in  their  cruel  Moravian  campaign,  and  also  the  troops  of 
Col.  Crawford,  when  they  started  on  the  campaign  against  the  Sandusky 
Indians.  Here  Logan,  the  powerful  and  manly  chief  of  the  Mingo  nation, 
once  resided.  He  took  no  active  part  in  the  old  French  war,  which  closed  in 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


147 


1760,  except  that  of  a peacemaker.  He  was  a stanch  friend  of  the  whites 
until  the  abominable  and  unprovoked  murder  of  his  father,  brother  and  sister, 
which  occurred  in  1774,  near  the  Yellow  Creek.  He  then  raised  the  battle 
cry  and  sought  revenge. 

However,  Logan  was  remarkably  magnanimous  toward  prisoners  who  fell 
into  his  hands.  The  year  1793  was  the  last  spent  in  Indian  warfare  in  Jeffer- 
son County. 

Fort  Steuben  was  erected  on  the  present  site  of  Steubenville,  the  county  seat, 
in  1789.  It  was  constructed  of  block-houses,  with  palisade  fences,  and  was  dis- 
mantled during  Wayne’s  campaign.  Bezaleel  Wells  and  Hon.  James  Ross  laid 
the  town  out  in  1798.  It  was  incorporated  February  14,  1805.  It  is  situated 
upon  an  elevated  plain.  In  1814,  Messrs.  Wells  and  Dickerson  built  a woolen 
manufactory,  and  introduced  merino  sheep  to  the  county. 

Knox  County  was  formed  March  1,  1808,  from  Fairfield.  It  is  drained  by 
the  Vernon  River.  It  produces  wheat,  corn,  oats,  tobacco,  maple  sugar,  pota- 
toes and  wool.  Mount  Vernon  was  laid  out  in  1805.  The  early  settlers  found 
two  wells  on  the  Vernon  River,  built  of  hammered  stone,  neatly  laid,  and  near 
by  was  a salt-lick.  Their  direct  origin  remains  a mystery.  Gilman  Bryant, 
in  1807,  opened  the  first  store  in  Mount  Vernon.  The  court  house  was  built 
in  1810.  The  Indians  came  to  Mount  Vernon  in  large  numbers  for  the  pur- 
pose of  trading  in  furs  and  cranberries.  Each  Saturday,  the  settlers  worked 
on  the  streets,  extracting  stumps  and  improving  the  highway.  The  first  settler 
north  of  the  place  Avas  N.  M.  Young,  who  built  his  cabin  in  1803.  Mount 
Vernon  is  now  the  county  seat,  beautifully  situated  on  Vernon  River.  Kenyon 
College  is  located  at  Gambier.  It  is  richly  endowed  with  8,000  acres,  and  is 
valued  at  $100,000.  This  institution  was  established  under  the  auspices  of 
Bishop  Chase,  in  July,  1826,  in  the  center  of  a $4, 000-acre  tract  belonging  to 
Kenyon  College.  It  was  chartered  as  a theological  seminary. 

Lucas  County  is  of  comparatively  recent  origin.  A large  portion  is  covered 
by  the  “Black  Swamp.”  It  produces  corn,  wheat,  potatoes  and  oats.  This 
county  is  situated  in  the  Maumee  Valley,  which  Avas  the  great  arena  of  histori- 
cal events.  The  frightful  battle  of  Wayne’s  campaign,  where  the  Indians  found 
the  British  to  be  traitors,  was  fought  at  Fort  Meigs,  in  this  county.  Maumee 
City,  the  county  seat,  was  laid  out  in  1817,  as  Maumee,  by  Maj.  William  Oliver 
and  others.  It  is  situated  on  the  Maumee,  at  the  head  of  navigation.  The 
surface  is  100  feet  above  the  water  level.  This  town,  Avith  Perrysburg,  its  neighbor, 
is  exceedingly  picturesque,  and  was  in  early  times  frequented  by  the  Indians. 
The  French  had  a trading  station  at  this  point,  in  1680,  and  in  1794,  the  Brit- 
ish Fort — Miami — Avas  built.  Toledo  is  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Maumee,  and 
covers  the  site  of  a stockade  fort,  known  as  Fort  Industry,  erected  in  1800. 
An  Indian  treaty  was  held  here  July  4,  1805,  by  which  the  Indians  relinquished 
all  rights  to  the  “ fire  lands.”  In  1832,  Capt.  Samuel  Allen  gave  an  impetus 
to  the  place,  and  Maj.  Stickney  also  became  interested  in  its  advancement. 


148 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


Speculation  in  lots  began  in  1834.  The  Wabash  & Brie  Canal  interest  arose  in 
1836.  Mr.  Mason  and  Edward  Bissel  added  their  energies  to  assist  the  growth 
of  the  town.  It  was  incorporated  as  a city  in  1836.  It  was  the  center  of  the 
military  operations  in  the  “ Ohio  and  Michigan  war,”  known  as  the  “boundary 
conflict.” 

The  Ordinance  of  1787  provided  for  the  division  of  the  Northwestern  Terri- 
tory into  three  or  five  States.  The  three  southern  were  to  be  divided  from  the 
two  northern  by  a line  drawn  east  and  west  through  the  southern  point  of  Lake 
Michigan,  extending  eastward  to  the  Territorial  line  in  Lake  Erie.  The  consti- 
tution of  Ohio  adds  a provision  that  if  the  line  should  not  go  so  far  north  as  the 
north  cape  of  Maumee  Bay,  then  the  northern  boundary  of  Ohio  should  be  a 
line  drawn  from  the  southerly  part  of  Lake  Michigan  to  the  north  cape  of  the 
Maumee  Bay. 

The  line  of  the  ordinance  was  impossible,  according  to  its  instructions  and 
the  geography  of  the  country. 

When  Michigan  became  a Territory,  the  people  living  between  the  “ Eulton  ” 
and  “ Harris  ” lines  found  it  more  to  their  wishes  to  be  attached  to  Michigan. 
They  occupied  disputed  ground,  and  were  thus  beyond  the  limits  of  absolute 
law.  In  1835,  the  subject  was  greatly  agitated,  and  J.  Q.  Adams  made  a warm 
speech  before  Congress  against  the  Ohio  claim.  The  Legislature  of  Ohio  dis- 
cussed the  matter,  and  an  act  was  passed  to  attach  the  disputed  section  to  Ohio, 
according  to  the  constitutional  decree.  An  active  campaign  opened  between 
Michigan  and  Ohio.  Gov.  Lucas  came  out  with  the  Ohio  troops,  in  the  spring 
of  1835,  and  Gov.  Mason,  of  Michigan,  followed  the  example.  He  marched 
into  Toledo,  robbed  melon-patches  and  chicken-houses,  crushed  in  the  front 
door  of  Maj.  Stickney’s  house,  and  carried  him  away  prisoner  of  war.  Embas- 
sadors were  sent  from  Washington  to  negotiate  matters — Richard  Rush,  of  Penn- 
sylvania and  Col.  Howard,  of  Maryland.  At  the  next  session  of  Congress,  the 
matter  was  settled.  Samuel  Vinton  argued  for  Ohio,  in  the  House,  and  Thomas 
Ewing  in  the  Senate.  Michigan  received  an  equivalent  of  the  large  peninsula 
between  Lakes  Huron,  Michigan  and  Superior.  Ohio  received  the  disputed 


strip,  averaging  eight  miles  in  width.  Manhattan,  Water ville  and  Providence 
are  all  flourishing  towns. 

Lorain  County  was  formed  from  Huron,  Cuyahoga  and  Medina,  on  Decem- 
ber 26,  1822.  The  soil  is  generally  fertile,  and  the  surface  level.  Wheat, 
grass,  oats,  corn,  rye  and  potatoes  constitute  the  principal  crops.  Bog-iron  ore 
is  found  in  large  quantities.  A curious  relic  has  been  found  in  this  county,  bear- 
ing the  date  of  1533.  Elyria  is  the  county  seat,  and  was  laid  out  in  1817. 
The  first  settler  was  Mr.  Heman  Ely.  Oberlin  is  situated  about  eight  miles 
southwest  of  Elyria.  The  Oberlin  Collegiate  Institute  has  attained  a wide 


celebrity. 

Logan  County  was  formed  March  1,  1817. 
near  the  Mad  River,  but  is  generally  level. 


The  surface  is  broken  and  hilly 
The  soil  is  fertile,  producing 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO 


149 


wheat,  corn,  rye,  oats,  clover,  flax  and  timothy  seed.  The  Shawnee  Indians 
were  located  here,  and  built  several  villages  on  the  Mad  River.  These  towns 
were  destroyed  in  1786,  by  a body  of  Kentuckians,  under  Gen.  Benjamin 
Logan.  The  whites  surprised  the  towns.  However,  they  returned  after  the 
work  of  destruction  had  been  completed,  and  for  many  years  frequented  the 
section.  On  the  site  of  Zanesville  was  a Wyandot  village.  By  the  treaty  of 
September  29,  1817,  the  Senecas  and  Shawnees  held  a reservation  around 
Lewistown.  April  6,  1832,  they  vacated  this  right  and  removed  west.  Isaac 
Zane  was  born  about  the  year  1753,  and  was,  while  a boy,  captured  and  after- 
ward adopted  by  the  Wyandots.  Attaining  the  age  of  manhood,  he  had  no 
desire  to  return  to  his  people.  He  married  a Wyandot  woman,  who  was  half 
French.  After  the  treaty  of  Greenville,  he  bought  1,800  acres  on  the  site  of 
Zanesville,  where  he  lived  until  the  year  1816,  when  he  died,  lamented  by  all 
his  friends. 

Logan  County  was  settled  about  the  year  1806.  During  the  war  of  1812, 
it  was  a rendezvous  for  friendly  Indians.  Bellefontaine,  the  county  seat,  was 
laid  out  March  18,  1820,  on  land  owned  by  John  Tulles  and  William  Powell. 
Joseph  Gordon  built  a cabin,  and  Anthony  Ballard  erected  the  first  frame 
dwelling. 

Gen.  Simon  Kenton  is  buried  at  the  head  of  Mad  River,  five  miles  from 
Bellefontaine.  He  died  April  29,  1836,  aged  eighty-one  years  and  twenty-six 
days.  This  remarkable  man  came  West,  to  Kentucky,  in  1771.  He  probably 
encountered  more  thrilling  escapes  than  any  other  man  of  his  time.  In  1778, 
he  was  captured  and  suffered  extreme  cruelties,  and  was  ransomed  by  the  British. 
He  soon  recovered  his  robust  health,  and  escaped  from  Detroit  the  following 
spring.  He  settled  in  Urbana  in  1802.  He  was  elected  Brigadier  General  of 
the  militia,  and  in  the  war  of  1812,  joined  Gen.  Harrison’s  army.  In  the  year 
1820,  he  removed  to  Mad  River.  Gen.  Vance  and  Judge  Burnet  secured  him 
a pension,  of  $20  per  month 

Licking  County  was  formed  from  Fairfield  March  1,  1808.  The  surface  is 
generally  level,  diversified  by  slight  hills  in  the  eastern  portion.  The  soil  is 
fertile,  producing  wheat,  corn,  oats  and  grass.  Coal  and  iron  ore  of  good 
quality  add  to  the  wealth  of  the  county.  Wool  and  dairy  productions  are  also 
staples.  Newark  is  the  county  seat,  and  is  situated  at  the  confluence  of  the 
three  principal  branches  of  the  Licking.  It  was  laid  out  by  Gen.  William  C. 
Schenk,  George  W.  Burnet  and  John  M.  Cummings,  who  owned  this  military 
section  of  4,000  acres,  in  1801.  In  1802,  Samuel  Elliott  and  Samuel  Parr 
built  hewed-log  houses.  The  picturesque  “Narrows  of  the  Licking”  are  in 
the  eastern  part  of  the  county,  which  have  elicited  general  praise  from  scenic 
hunters. 

Lawrence  County  was  organized  March  1,  1816.  There  are  many  high 
and  abrupt  hills  in  this  section,  which  abound  in  sand  or  freestone.  It  is  rich 
in  minerals,  and  the  most  important  section  of  Ohio  for  iron  manufacture. 


150 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


Coal  is  abundant,  and  white  clay  exists  in  the  western  part  suitable  for  pot- 
tery purposes.  Agricultural  productions  are  not  extensive. 

The  county  was  settled  in  1797  by  the  Dutch  and  Irish.  The  iron  region 
extends  through  the  west  part  of  this  county.  Lawrence  County  produces  a 
superior  quality  of  iron,  highly  esteemed  for  castings,  and  is  equal  to  Scotch 
pig  for  furnace  purposes.  Burlington  is  the  county  seat. 

Lake  County  was  formed  from  Geauga  and  Cuyahoga  March  6,  1840.  The 
soil  is  good  and  the  surface  rolling.  It  produces  wheat,  corn,  oats,  buckwheat, 
barley,  hay  and  potatoes.  Dairy  products,  cattle  and  wool  are  also  staples. 
Its  fruits — apples,  peaches,  pears,  plums  and  grapes  are  highly  prized.  As 
early  as  1799,  a settlement  was  formed  at  Mentor.  Painesville,  the  county 
seat,  is  situated  on  Grand  River,  in  a beautiful  valley.  The  Painesville  Acad- 
emy is  a classical  institution  for  the  education  of  both  sexes.  Near  the  town 
is  the  Geauga  furnace.  Painesville  was  laid  out  by  Henry  Champion  in  1805. 
At  Fairport,  the  first  warehouse  in  this  section,  and  probably  the  first  on  the 
lake,  was  built  by  Abraham  Skinner  in  1803.  This  town  has  a fine  harbor, 
and  has  a light-house  and  beacon.  -Kirtland,  southwest  from  Painesville,  was, 
in  1834,  the  headquarters  of  the  Mormons.  At  that  time,  they  numbered 
about  three  thousand.  The  old  Mormon  temple  is  of  rough  stone,  plastered 
over,  colored  blue,  and  marked  to  imitate  regular  courses  of  masonry.  As  is 
well  known,  the  Mormons  derive  their  name  from  the  book  of  Mormon,  said  to 
have  been  translated  from  gold  plates  found  in  a hill  in  Palmyra,  N.  Y. 

Madison  County  was  organized  in  March,  1810.  The  surface  is  generally 
level.  It  produces  grass,  corn,  oats  and  cattle — the  latter  forming  a chief 
staple,  while  wool  and  pork  add  to  the  general  wealth. 

Jonathan  Alder  was  much  interested  in  the  settlement  of  the  county.  He, 
like  some  other  whites,  had  lived  with  the  Indians  many  years,  and  had  formed 
a lasting  affection  for  them,  and  had  married  a squaw,  with  whom  he  became 
dissatisfied,  which  caused  him  to  desire  finding  his  own  family.  He  suc- 
ceeded in  this  through  the  assistance  of  John  Moore.  He  left  his  wife  and 
joined  his  people. 

This  county  was  first  settled  in  1795.  Benjamin  Springer  made  a clearing 
and  built  a cabin.  He  settled  near  Alder,  and  taught  him  the  English  lan- 
guage. Mr.  Joshua  Ewing  brought  four  sheep  to  this  place,  and  the  Indians 
exhibited  great  astonishment  over  these  strange  animals.  When  the  hostilities 
of  1812  began,  the  British  offered  inducements  to  the  Indians  to  join  them,  and 
they  consulted  Alder  regarding  the  best  policy  to  adopt.  He  advised  them  to 
preserve  neutrality  until  a later  period,  which  they  did,  and  eventually  became 
firm  friends  of  the  Americans. 

London  is  the  county  seat,  and  was  laid  out  in  1810-11,  by  Patrick  McLene. 

Marion  County  was  organized  March  1,  1824.  The  soil  is  fertile,  and  pro- 
duces extensive  farm  crops.  The  Delaware  Indians  once  held  a reservation 
here,  and  conceded  their  claims  in  1829,  August  3,  and  removed  west  of  the 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


153 


Mississippi.  Marion,  the  county  seat,  was  laid  out  in  1821,  by  Eber  Baker 
and  Alexander  Holmes.  Gen.  Harrison  marched  through  this  section  during 
his  campaign. 

Mahoning  County  was  formed  in  1846,  from  Trumbull  and  Columbiana. 
The  surface  is  rolling  and  the  soil  generally  fertile.  The  finer  qualities  of  wood 
are  produced  here.  Bituminous  coal  and  iron  are  found  in  large  quantities. 
Col.  James  Hillman  came  to  the  Western  Reserve  in  1786.  The  settlement 
of  the  county  went  forward.  Canfield  is  the  county  seat. 

Medina  County  was  formed  from  the  Western  Reserve  February  12,  1812. 
The  surface  is  rolling  and  the  soil  is  fertile,  producing  fine  agricultural  prod- 
ucts. The  first  trail  made  through  the  county  was  made  by  George  Poe, 
Joseph  H.  Larwell  and  Roswell  M.  Mason.  The  first  settlement  was  made 
by  Joseph  Harris  in  1811.  He  was  soon  joined  by  the  Burr  brothers.  Me- 
dina is  the  county  seat. 

Meigs  County  was  formed  from  Gallia  and  Athens  April  1,  1819.  The 
general  character  of  the  soil  is  clayey,  producing  large  quantities  of  wheat,  oats, 
corn,  hay  and  potatoes.  Vast  quantities  of  salt  are  made  and  exported.  Pom- 
eroy, the  county  seat,  is  situated  under  a lofty  hill,  surrounded  by  picturesque 
scenery.  Mr.  Nathaniel  Clark  was  the  first  settler  of  the  county.  He  arrived  in 
1816.  The  first  coal  mine  opened  in  Pomeroy  was  in  1819,  by  David  Bradshaw. 

Mercer  County  was  formed  from  the  Indian  Territory  in  1820.  The  sur- 
face is  generally  flat,  and  while  covered  with  forests,  inclined  to  be  wet ; but, 
being  cleared,  it  is  very  fertile,  and  adapted  to  producing  farm  crops.  St. 
Clair’s  Battle  was  fought  on  the  boundary  line  between  this  and  Darke  County. 
The  Hon.  Lewis  Cass  and  Duncan  McArthur  made  a treaty  at  St.  Mary’s  with 
the  Wyandots,  Shawnees  and  Ottawas,  in  1818.  The  odious  Simon  Girty  lived 
at  one  time  at  St.  Mary’s.  Wayne  built  St.  Mary’s  Fort,  on  the  west  bank  of 
the  river.  John  Whistler  was  the  last  commander  of  the  fort.  The  largest 
artificial  lake  in  the  world,  so  it  is  asserted,  is  formed  by  the  reservoir  sup- 
plying  the  St.  Mary’s  feeder  of  the  Miami  Extension  Canal.  It  is  about  nine 
miles  long,  and  from  two  to  four  broad.  Celina  is  the  county  seat. 

Miami  County  was  formed  January  16,  1807,  from  Montgomery.  It  abounds 
in  excellent  limestone,  and  possesses  remarkable  water-power  facilities.  Its  agri- 
cultural products  rank  highly  in  quality  and  quantity.  John  Knoop  came  into  this 
section  about  the  year  1797,  and  its  first  settlement  began  about  this  time.  Troy, 
the  county  seat,  is  situated  upon  the  Great  Miami.  Piqua  is  another  lovely 
town.  The  Miami  River  affords  delightful  scenery  at  this  point. 

Monroe  County  was  formed  January  29,  1813,  from  Belmont,  Washington, 
and  Guernsey.  A portion  of  its  surface  is  abrupt  and  hilly.  Large  quantities 
of  tobacco  are  raised,  and  much  pork  is  exported.  Wheat  and  corn  grow  well 
in  the  western  portion.  Iron  ore  and  coal  abound.  The  valleys  of  the  streams 
are  very  narrow,  bounded  by  rough  hills.  In  some  places  are  natural  rock 
grottoes.  The  first  settlement  was  made  in  1799,  near  the  mouth  of  the  Sunfish. 


154 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


At  this  time,  wolves  were  numerous,  and  caused  much  alarm.  Volney  entered 
this  county,  but  was  not  prepossessed  in  its  favor.  One  township  is  settled  by 
the  Swiss,  who  are  educated  and  refined.  Woodsfield  is  the  county  seat. 

Montgomery  County  was  formed  from  Ross  and  Hamilton  May  1,  1803. 
The  soil  is  fertile,  and  its  agricultural  products  are  most  excellent.  Quarries  of 
grayish-white  limestone  are  found  east  of  the  Miami. 

Dayton  is  the  county  seat,  situated  on  the  Great  Miami,  at  the  mouth  of  Mad 
River.  A company  was  formed  in  1788,  but  Indian  wars  prevented  settlement. 
After  Wayne’s  treaty,  in  1795,  a new  company  was  formed.  It  advanced 
rapidly  between  the  years  1812  and  1820.  The  beginning  of  the  Miami  Canal 
renewed  its  prosperity,  in  1827.  The  first  canal-boat  from  Cincinnati  arrived 
at  Dayton  on  the  25th  of  January,  1829.  The  first  one  arrived  from  Lake 
Erie  in  June,  1845.  Col.  Robert  Patterson  came  to  Dayton  in  1804.  At  one 
time,  he  owned  Lexington,  Ky.,  and  about  one  third  of  Cincinnati. 

Morgan  County  was  organized  in  1818,  March  1.  The  surface  is  hilly  and 
the  soil  strong  and  fertile,  producing  wheat,  corn,  oats  and  tobacco.  Pork  is  a 
prolific  product,  and  considerable  salt  is  made.  The  first  settlement  was  made 
in  1790,  on  the  Muskingum.  McConnelsville  is  the  county  seat.  Mr.  Ayres 
made  the  first  attempt  to  produce  salt,  in  1817.  This  has  developed  into  a 
large  industry. 

Morrow  County  was  organized  in  1848.  It  is  drained  by  the  Vernon 
River,  which  rises  in  it,  by  the  East  Branch  of  the  Olontangy  or  Whetstone 
River,  and  by  Walnut  Creek.  The  surface  is  undulating,  the  soil  fertile. 
The  staple  products  are  corn,  wheat,  oats,  hay,  wool  and  butter.  The  sugar 
maple  abounds  in  the  forests,  and  sandstone  or  freestone  in  the  quarries. 
Mount  Gilead,  the  county  seat,  is  situated  on  the  East  Branch  of  the  Olen- 
tangy  River. 

Muskingum  County  was  formed  from  Washington  and  Fairfield.  The  sur- 
face is  rolling  or  hilly.  It  produces  wheat,  corn,  oats,  potatoes,  tobacco,  wool 
and  pork.  Large  quantities  of  bituminous  coal  are  found.  Pipe  clay,  buhi’- 
stone  or  cellular  quartz  are  also  in  some  portions  of  the  State.  Salt  is  made  in 
large  quantities — the  fine  being  obtained  from  a stratum  of  whitish  sandstone. 
The  Wyandots,  Delawares,  Senecas  and  Shawanoese  Indians  once  inhabited  this 
section.  An  Indian  town  occupied  the  site  of  Duncan’s  Falls.  A large  Shawan- 
oese town  was  located  near  Dresden. 

Zanesville  is  the  county  seat,  situated  opposite  the  mouth  of  the  Licking. 
It  was  laid  out  in  1799,  by  Mr.  Zane  and  Mr.  Mclntire.  This  is  one  of  the 
principal  towns  in  the  State,  and  is  surrounded  by  charming  scenery. 

Noble  County,  organized  in  1851,  is  drained  by  Seneca,  Duck  and  Wills 
Creeks.  The  surface  is  undulating,  and  a large  part  of  it  is  covered  with  for- 
ests. The  soil  is  fertile.  Its  staples  are  corn,  tobacco,  wheat,  hay.  oats  and 
wool.  Among  its  mineral  resources  are  limestone,  coal  and  petroleum.  Near 
Caldwell,  the  county  seat,  are  found  iron  ore,  coal  and  salt. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


155 


Ottawa  County  was  formed  from  Erie,  Sandusky  and  Lucas,  March  6, 1840, 
It  is  mostly  within  the  Black  Swamp,  and  considerable  of  its  land  is  prairie  and 
marsh.  It  was  very  thinly  settled  befere  1830.  Extensive  plaster  beds  exist 
on  the  peninsula,  which  extends  into  Lake  Erie.  It  has  also  large  limestone 
quarries,  which  are  extensively  worked.  The  very  first  trial  at  arms  upon  the 
soil  of  Ohio,  during  the  war  of  1812,  occurred  upon  this  peninsula.  Port  Clin- 
ton, the  county  seat,  was  laid  out  in  1827. 

Perry  County  was  formed  from  Washington,  Fairfield  and  Muskingum, 
March  1,  1817.  Fine  tobacco  is  raised  in  large  quantities.  Wheat,  corn,  oats, 
hay,  cattle,  pork  and  wool  add  to  the  general  wealth.  This  county  was  first  set- 
tled in  1802.  In  1807,  John  Finck  erected  the  first  cabin  near  the  site  of 
Somerset,  formerly  the  county  seat.  New  Livingston  is  now  the  county  seat. 

Paulding  County  was  formed  from  old  Indian  territory  August  1,  1820. 
It  produces  corn,  wheat  and  oats.  Paulding  is  the  county  seat. 

Pickaway  County  was  formed  from  Fairfield,  Ross  and  Franklin,  January 
12,  1810.  The  county  has  woodland,  barren,  plain  and  prairie.  The  barrens 
were  covered  by  shrub  oaks,  and  when  cleared  are  adapted  to  the  raising  of  corn 
and  oats.  The  Pickaway  plains  are  three  and  a half  miles  west  of  Circleville, 
and  this  tract  is  said  to  contain  the  richest  land  in  Ohio.  Here,  in  the  olden 
times,  burned  the  great  council  fires  of  the  red  man.  Here  the  allied  tribes  met 
Gen.  Lewis,  and  fought  the  battle  of  Mount  Pleasant.  Hunmore’s  campaign 
was  terminated  on  these  plains.  It  was  at  the  Chillicothe  towns,  after  Hun- 
more’s treaty,  that  Logan  delivered  his  famous  speech.  Circleville,  the  county 
seat,  is  situated  on  the  Scioto  River  and  the  Ohio  Canal.  It  was  laid  out  in 
1810,  by  Daniel  Dresbach.  It  is  situated  on  the  site  of  ancient  fortifications. 

Portage  County  was  formed  June  7,  1807,  from  Trumbull.  It  is  a wealthy, 
thriving  section.  Over  a thousand  tons  of  cheese  are  annually  produced.  It 
also  produces  wheat,  corn,  oats,  barley,  buckwheat,  rye,  butter  and  wool. 
Ravenna  is  the  county  seat,  and  was  originally  settled  by  the  Hon.  Benjamin 
Tappen  in  June,  1799.  In  1806,  an  unpleasant  difficulty  arose  between  the 
settlers  and  a camp  of  Indians  in  Deerfield,  caused  by  a horse  trade  between  a 
white  man  and  an  Indian.  David  Daniels  settled  on  the  site  of  Palmyra  in  1799. 

Pike  County  was  organized  in  1815.  The  surface  is  generally  hilly,  which 
abound  with  freestone,  which  is  exported  in  large  quantities  for  building  pur- 
poses. Rich  bottom  lands  extend  along  the  Scioto  and  its  tributaries.  John 
Noland  and  the  three  Chenoweth  brothers  settled  on  the  Pee  Pee  prairie  about 
1796.  Piketown,  the  former  county  seat,  was  laid  out  about  1814.  Waverly, 
the  present  county  seat,  is  situated  on  the  Scioto  River. 

Preble  County  was  formed  March  1,  1808,  from  Montgomery  and  Butler. 
The  soil  is  varied.  Excellent  water-power  facilities  are  furnished. 

Eaton,  the  county  seat,  was  laid  out  in  1806,  by  William  Bruce,  who  owned 
the  land.  An  overflowing  well  of  strong  sulphur  water  is  near  the  town,  while 
directly  beside  it  is  a limestone  quarry.  Holderman’s  quarry  is  about  two 


156 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


miles  distant,  from  which  is  obtained  a beautifully  clouded  gray  stone.  Fort  St. 
Clair  was  built  near  Eaton,  in  the  winter  of  1791-92.  Gen.  Harrison  was  an  En- 
sign at  the  time,  and  commanded  a guard  every  other  night  for  three  weeks,  during 
the  building.  The  severe  battle  of  November  6,  1792,  was  fought  under  its  very 
guns.  Little  Turtle,  a distinguished  chief  of  the  Miamis,  roamed  over  this  county 
for  a time.  He  was  witty,  brave  and  earnest,  and,  although  engaged  in  several 
severe  contests  with  the  whites,  he  was  inclined  toward  peace.  But  when  his 
warriors  cried  for  war  he  led  them  bravely. 

Putnam  County  was  formed  April  1,  1820,  from  old  Indian  territory.  The 
soil  is  fertile,  its  principal  productions  being  wheat,  corn,  potatoes  and  oats. 
Large  quantities  of  pork  are  exported.  Ivalida,  once  the  county  seat,  was  laid 
out  in  1834.  Ottawa  is  the  county  seat. 

Ross  County  was  formed  August  20,  1798,  by  the  proclamation  of  Gov.  St. 
Clair,  and  was  the  sixth  county  formed  in  the  Northwestern  Territory.  The 
Scioto  River  and  Paint  Creek  run  through  it,  bordered  with  fertile  lands. 
Much  water-power  is  obtained  from  the  many  streams  watering  it.  The  main 
crops  are  wheat,  corn  and  oats.  It  exports  cattle  and  hogs. 

The  Rev.  Robert  W.  Finley,  in  1794,  addressed  a letter  of  inquiry  to  Col. 
Nathaniel  Massie,  as  many  of  his  associates  had  designed  settling  in  the  new 
State.  This  resulted  in  packing  their  several  effects  and  setting  out.  A triv- 
ial Indian  encounter  was  the  only  interruption  they  met  with  on  their  way. 
After  Wayne’s  treaty,  Col.  Massie  and  many  of  these  early  explorers  met 
again  and  formed  a settlement — in  1796 — at  the  mouth  of  Paint  Creek.  In 
August  of  this  year,  Chillicothe  was  laid  out  by  Col.  Massie,  in  a dense  forest. 
He  donated  lots  to  the  early  settlers.  A ferry  was  established  over  the  Scioto, 
and  the  opening  of  Zane’s  trace  assisted  the  progress  of  settlement. 

Chillicothe,  the  county  seat,  is  situated  on  the  Scioto.  Its  site  is  thirty 
feet  above  the  river.  In  1800,  it  was  the  seat  of  the  Northwestern  Territorial 
Government.  It  was  incorporated  as  a city  in  January,  1802.  During  the  war 
of  1812,  the  city  was  a rendezvous  for  the  United  States  troops.  A large  num- 
ber of  British  were  at  one  time  guarded  here.  Adena  is  a beautiful  place,  and 
the  seat  of  Gov.  Worthington’s  mansion,  which  was  built  in  1806.  Near  this 
is  Fruit  Hill,  the  residence  of  the  late  Gen.  McArthur,  and  latterly  the  home 
of  his  son-in-law,  the  Hon.  William  Allen.  Eleven  miles  from  Chillicothe,  on 
the  road  to  Portsmouth,  is  the  home  of  the  hermit  of  the  Scioto. 

Richland  was  organized  March  1,  1813.  It  produces  wheat,  corn,  oats,  hay, 
potatoes,  rye,  hemp  and  barley.  It  was  settled  about  1809,  on  branches  of  the 
Mohican.  Two  block-houses  were  built  in  1812.  Mansfield,  the  county  seat, 
is  charmingly  situated,  and  was  laid  out  in  1808,  by  Jacob  Newman,  James 
Hedges  and  Joseph  H.  Larwell.  The  county  was  at  that  period  a vast  wilder- 
ness, destitute  of  roads.  From  this  year,  the  settlement  progressed  rapidly. 

Sandusky  County  was  formed  April  1,  1820,  from  the  old  Indian  Territory. 
The  soil  is  fertile,  and  country  generally  level.  It  mainly  produces  corn,  wheat, 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


157 


oats,  potatoes  and  pork.  The  Indians  were  especially  delighted  with  this  tract. 
Near  Lower  Sandusky  lived  a band  of  Wyandots,  called  the  Neutral  Nation. 
These  two  cities  never  failed  to  render  refuge  to  any  who  sought  their  protec- 
tion. They  preserved  their  peacemaking  attributes:  through  the  Iroquois 
conflicts.  Fremont,  formerly  called  Lower  Sandusky,  the  county  seat,  is 
situated  at  the  head  of  navigation,  on  the  Sandusky,  on  the  site  of  the  old 
reservation  grant  to  the  Indians,  at  the  Greenville  treaty  council.  Fort 
Stephenson  was  erected  in  August,  1813,  and  was  gallantly  defended  by  Col. 
Croghan. 

Summit  County  was  formed  March  3,  1840,  from  Medina,  Portage  and 
Stark.  The  soil  is  fertile  and  produces  excellent  fruit,  besides  large  crops  of 
corn,  wheat,  hay,  oats  and  potatoes.  Cheese  and  butter  may  be  added  as 
products. 

The  first  settlement  made  in  the  county  was  at  Hudson,  in  1800.  The  old 
Indian  portage-path,  extending  through  this  county,  between  the  Cuyahoga'  and 
Tuscarawas  Branch  of  the  Muskingum.  This  was  a part  of  the  ancient  boundary 
between  the  Six  Nations  and  the  Western  Indians.  Akron,  the  county  seat,  is 
situated  on  the  portage  summit.  It  was  laid  out  in  1825.  In  1811,  Paul 
Williams  and  Amos  and  Minor  Spicer  settled  in  this  vicinity.  Middlebury  was 
laid  out  in  1818,  by  Norton  & Hart. 

Stark  County  was  formed  February  13,  1808.  It  is  a rich  agricultural 
county.  It  has  large  quantities  of  mineral  coal,  iron  ore,  flocks  of  the  finest 
sheep  and  great  water  power.  Limestone  and  extensive  beds  of  lime-marl  exist. 
The  manufacture  of  silk  has  been  extensively  carried  on.  Frederick  Post,  the 
first  Moravian  missionary  in  Ohio,  settled  here  in  1761. 

Canton  is  the  county  seat,  situated  in  the  forks  of  the  Nimishillen,  a tribu- 
tary of  the  Muskingum.  It  was  laid  out  in  1806,  by  Bezaleel  Wells,  who 
owned  the  land.  Massillon  was  laid  out  in  March,  1826,  by  John  Duncan. 

Shelby  County  was  formed  in  1819,  from  Miami.  The  southern  portion  is 
undulating,  arising  in  some  places  to  hills.  Through  the  north,  it  is  a flat  table- 
land. It  produces  wheat,  corn,  oats  and  grass.  The  first  point  of  English  set- 
tlement in  Ohio  was  at  the  mouth  of  Laramie’s  Creek,  in  this  county,  as  early 
as  1752.  Fort  Laramie  was  built  in  1794,  by  Wayne.  The  first  white  family 
that  settled  in  this  county  was  that  of  James  Thatcher,  in  1804.  Sidney,  the 
county  seat,  was  laid  out  in  1819,  on  the  farm  of  Charles  Starrett. 

Seneca  County  was  formed  April  1,  1820,  from  the  old  Indian  territory. 
Its  principal  products  are  corn,  wheat,  grass,  oats,  potatoes  and  pork. 

Fort  Seneca  was  built  during  the  war  of  1812.  The  Senecas  owned 
40,000  acres  of  land  on  the  Sandusky  River,  mostly  in  Seneca  County. 
Thirty  thousand  acres  of  this  land  was  granted  to  them  in  1817,  at  the  treaty 
held  at  the  foot  of  the  Maumee  Rapids.  The  remaining  10,000  was  granted 
the  following  year.  These  Indians  ceded  this  tract,  however,  to  the  Govern- 
ment in  1831.  It  was  asserted  by  an  old  chief,  that  this  band  was  the  remnant 


158 


HISTORY  OF  TIIE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


of  Logan’s  tribe.  Tiffin,  the  county  seat,  was  laid  out  by  Josiah  Hedges  in 
the  year  1821. 

Scioto  County  was  formed  May  1,  1808.  It  is  a good  agricultural  section, 
besides  producing  iron  ore,  coal  and  freestone.  It  is  said  that  a French  fort 
stood  at  the  mouth  of  the  old  Scioto,  as  early  as  1740.  In  1785,  four  families 
settled  where  Portsmouth  now  stands.  Thomas  McDonald  built  the  first  cabin  in 
the  county.  The  “French  grant”  was  located  in  this  section — a tract  com- 
prising 24,000  acres.  The  grant  was  made  in  March,  1795.  Portsmouth,  the 
county  seat,  is  located  upon  the  Ohio. 

Trumbull  County  was  formed  in  1800.  The  original  Connecticut  Western 
Reserve  was  within  its  limits.  The  county  is  well  cultivated  and  very  wealthy. 
Coal  is  found  in  its  northern  portion.  We  have,  in  our  previous  outline,  given 
a history  of  this  section,  and  it  is  not,  therefore,  necessary  to  repeat  its  details. 
Warren,  the  county  seat,  is  situated  on  the  Mahoning  River.  It  was  laid  out 
by  Ephraim  Quinby  in  1801.  Mr.  Quinby  owned  the  soil.  His  cabin  was  built 
here  in  1799.  In  August,  1800,  while  Mr.  McMahon  was  away  from  home, 
a party  of  drunken  Indians  called  at  the  house,  abused  the  family,  struck  a 
child  a severe  blow  with  a tomahawk  and  threatened  to  kill  the  family.  Mrs. 
McMahon  could  not  send  tidings  which  could  reach  her  husband  before  noon 
the  following  day.  The  following  Sunday  morning,  fourteen  men  and  two 
boys  armed  themselves  and  went  to  the  Indian  camp  to  settle  the  difficulty. 
Quinby  advanced  alone,  leaving  the  remainder  in  concealment,  as  he  was  better 
acquainted  with  these  people,  to  make  inquiries  and  ascertain  their  intentions. 
He  did  not  return  at  once,  and  the  party  set  out,  marched  into  camp,  and  found  j 
Quinby  arguing  with  Capt.  George,  the  chief.  Capt.  George  snatched  his 
tomahawk  and  declared  war,  rushing  forward  to  kill  McMahon.  But  a bullet 
from  the  frontierman’s  gun  killed  him  instantly,  while  Storey  shot  “ Spotted 
John”  at  the  same  time.  The  Indians  then  fled.  They  joined  the  council  at 
Sandusky.  Quinby  garrisoned  his  house.  Fourteen  days  thereafter,  the 
Indians  returned  with  overtures  of  peace,  which  were,  that  McMahon  and 
Storey  be  taken  to  Sandusky,  tried  by  Indian  laws,  and  if  found  guilty,  pun- 
ished by  them.  This  could  not  be  done.  McMahon  was  tried  by  Gen.  St. 
Clair,  and  the  matter  was  settled.  The  first  missionary  on  the  Reserve  was  the 
Rev.  Joseph  Badger. 

Tuscarawas  County  was  formed  February  15,  1808,  from  Muskingum.  It  , 
is  well  cultivated  with  abundant  supplies  of  coal  and  iron. 

The  first  white  settlers  were  Moravian  missionaries,  their  first  visits  dating 
back  to  1761.  The  fii’st  permanent  settlement  was  made  in  1803.  Miss  Mary 
Heckewelder,  the  daughter  of  a missionary,  was  born  in  this  county  April  16, 
1781.  Fort  Laurens  was  built  during  the  Revolution.  It  was  the  scene  of  a 
’ fearful  carnage.  It  was  established  in  the  fall  of  1778,  and  placed  under  the  i 
command  of  Gen.  McIntosh.  New  Philadelphia  is  the  county  seat,  situated  on 
the  Tuscarawas.  It  was  laid  out  in  1804  by  John  Knisely.  A German 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


159 


colony  settled  in  this  county  in  1817,  driven  from  their  native  land  by  religious 
dictation  they  could  not  espouse.  They  called  themselves  Separatists.  They 
are  a simple-minded  people,  strictly  moral  and  honest. 

Union  County  was  formed  from  Franklin,  Delaware,  Logan  and  Madison  in 
1820.  It  produces  corn,  grass,  wheat,  oats,  potatoes,  butter  and  cheese. 
Extensive  limestone  quarries  are  also  valuable.  The  Ewing  brothers  made  the 
first  white  settlement  in  1798.  Col.  James  Curry,  a member  of  the  State  Leg- 
islature, was  the  chief  instigator  in  the  progress  of  this  section.  He  located 
within  its  limits  and  remained  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1834.  Marys- 
ville is  the  county  seat. 

Van  Wert  County  was  formed  from  the  old  Indian  territory  April  1,  1820. 
A great  deal  of  timber  is  within  the  limits  of  this  county,  but  the  soil  is  so 
tenacious  that  water  will  not  sink  through  it,  and  crops  are  poor  during  wet 
seasons.  The  main  product  is  corn.  Van  Wert,  the  county  seat,  was  founded 
by  James  W.  Riley  in  1837.  An  Indian  town  had  formerly  occupied  its  site. 
Capt.  Riley  was  the  first  white  man  who  settled  in  the  county,  arriving  in  1821. 
He  founded  Wiltshire  in  1822. 

Vinton  County  was  organized  in  1850.  It  is  drained  by  Raccoon  and  Salt 
Creeks.  The  surface  is  undulating  or  hilly,  and  is  extensively  covered  with 
forests  in  which  the  oak,  buckeye  and  sugar  maple  are  found.  Corn,  hay,  but- 
ter and  wool  are  staple  products.  Bituminous  coal  and  iron  ore  are  found. 
McArthur  is  the  county  seat. 

Washington  County  was  formed  by  proclamation  of  Gov.  St.  Clair  July  27, 
1788,  and  was  the  first  county  founded  within  the  limits  of  Ohio.  The  surface 
is  broken  with  extensive  tracts  of  level,  fertile  land.  It  was  the  first  county 
settled  in  the  State  under  the  auspices  of  the  Ohio  Company.  A detachment 
of  United  States  troops,  under  command  of  Maj.  John  Doughty,  built  Fort 
Harmar  in  1785,  and  it  was  the  first  military  post  established  in  Ohio  by 
Americans,  with  the  exception  of  Fort  Laurens,  which  was  erected  in  1778. 
It  was  occupied  by  United  States  troops  until  1790,  when  they  were  ordered 
to  Connecticut.  A company  under  Capt.  Haskell  remained.  In  1785,  the 
Directors  of  the  Ohio  Company  began  practical  operations,  and  settlement 
went  forward  rapidly.  Campus  Martius,  a stockade  fort,  was  completed  in 
1791.  This  formed  a sturdy  stronghold  during  the  war.  During  the  Indian 
war  there  was  much  suffering  in  the  county.  Many  settlers  were  killed  and 
captured. 

Marietta  is  the  county  seat,  and  the  oldest  town  in  Ohio.  Marietta  College 
was  chartered  in  1835.  Herman  Blannerhassett,  whose  unfortunate  association 
with  Aaron  Burr  proved  fatal  to  himself,  was  a resident  of  Marietta  in  1796. 
About  the  year  1798,  he  began  to  beautify  and  improve  his  island. 

Warren  County  was  formed  May  1,  1803,  from  Hamilton.  The  soil  is 
very  fertile,  and  considerable  water-power  is  furnished  by  its  streams.  Mr. 
Bedell  made  the  first  settlement  in  1795.  Lebanon  is  the  county  seat.  Henry 


160 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


Village 


is  a settlement  of 


Taylor  settled  in  this  vicinity  in  1796.  Union 
Shakers.  They  came  here  about  1805. 

Wayne  County  was  proclaimed  by  Gov.  St.  Clair  August  15,  1796,  and 
was  the  third  county  in  the  Northwest  Territory.  The  settlement  of  this  sec- 
tion has  already  been  briefly  delineated.  Wooster  is  the  county  seat.  It  was 
laid  out  during  the  fall  of  1808,  by  John  Beaver,  William  Henry  and  Joseph 
H.  Larwell,  owners  of  the  land.  Its  site  is  337  feet  above  Lake  Erie.  The 
first  mill  was  built  by  Joseph  Stibbs  in  1809,  on  Apple  Creek.  In  1812,  a 
block-house  was  erected  in  Wooster. 

Wood  County  was  formed  from  the  old  Indian  territory  in  1820.  The  soil 
is  rich,  and  large  crops  are  produced.  The  county  is  situated  within  the  Mau- 
mee Valley.  It  was  the  arena  of  brilliant  military  exploits  during  early  times. 

Bowling  Green  is  the  county  seat. 

Williams  County  was  formed  April  1,  1820,  from  the  old  Indian  territory. 
Bryan  is  the  county  seat.  It  was  laid  out  in  1840. 

Wyandot  County  was  formed  February  3,  1845,  from  Marion,  Harden, 
Hancock  and  Crawford.  The  surface  is  level  and  the  soil  is  fertile.  The 
Wyandot  Indians  frequented  this  section.  It  was  the  scene  of  Crawford’s 
defeat,  in  June,  1782,  and  his  fearful  death.  The  treaty  of  1817,  Hon.  Lewis 
Cass  and  Hon.  Duncan  McArther,  United  States  Commissioners,  granted  to 
the  Indians  a reservation  ten  miles  square,  the  central  point  being  Fort  Ferree. 
This  reservation  was  ceded  to  the  United  States  in  1829.  The  Wyandots 
ceded  theirs  March  17,  1842.  The  United  States  Commissioner  was  Col. 
John  Johnson,  who  thus  made  the  last  Indian  treaty  in  Ohio.  Every  foot  of 
this  State  was  fairly  purchased  by  treaties.  The  Wyandots  were  exceedingly 
brave,  and  several  of  their  chiefs  were  men  of  exalted  moral  principles. 

Upper  Sandusky  is  the  county  seat,  and  was  laid  out  in  1843.  Gen.  Har- 
rison had  built  Ferree  on  this  spot  during  the  war  of  1812.  Gov.  Meigs,  in 
1813,  encamped  near  the  river,  with  several  thousand  of  the  Ohio  militia. 

The  Indian  town  of  Upper  Sandusky  was  originally  Crane  Town.  The 
Indians  transferred  their  town,  after  the  death  of  Tarke,  to  Upper  Sandusky. 


GOVERNORS  OF  OHIO. 

The  Territorial  Governors  we  have  already  mentioned  in  the  course  of  our 
brief  review  of  the  prominent  events  of  the  State  of  Ohio.  After  the  Terri- 
tory was  admitted  as  a State,  in  1802,  Edward  Tiffin  was  elected  to  that  position, 
and  again  received  the  same  honor,  in  1804  and  1806.  In  1807,  circumstances 
led  him  to  resign,  and  Thomas  Kirker,  Speaker  of  the  House,  acted  as  Gover- 
nor, until  the  close  of  the  term. 

Edward  Tiffin  was  born  in  Carlisle,  England,  coming  to  this  country  in 
1784,  at  the  age  of  eighteen.  He  entered  the  University  of  Pennsylvania,  and 
applied  himself  to  the  study  of  medicine,  graduating  and  beginning  his  practice 
at  the  age  of  twenty,  in  the  State  of  Virginia.  In  1789,  he  married  Mary, 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


161 


daughter  of  Col.  Worthington,  and  sister  of  Thomas  Worthington,  who  subse- 
quently became  Governor  of  Ohio.  In  his  profession,  Gov.  Tiffin  was  highly 
esteemed,  and  his  public  labors  were  carried  forward  with  a zealous  earnestness 
which  marked  his  career  as  one  of  usefulness.  He  settled  in  Chillicothe,  Ohio, 
in  1796,  where  he  died,  in  1829. 

Samuel  Huntington,  the  recipient  of  the  honor  of  second  Governor,  was 
inaugurated  in  1808.  He  was  an  American  by  birth,  Norwich,  Conn.^ 
being  his  native  place.  He  was  a diligent  student  in  Yale  College,  graduating 
in  1785.  He  removed  to  Cleveland,  Ohio,  in  1801.  He  attained  a reputation 
for  integrity,  ability  and  rare  discretion.  As  a scholar,  he  was  eminently  supe- 
rior. He  resided  in  Cleveland  at  the  time  of  his  death,  in  1817. 

Return  Jonathan  Meigs  followed  Gov.  Huntington.  He  was  born  in  Mid- 
dletown, Conn.,  in  1765.  He  was  also  a student  in  Yale  College,  graduating 
in  1785,  with  the  highest  honors.  He  immediately  entered  the  study  of  law, 
and  was  admitted  to  practice  in  his  twenty-third  year.  He  married  Miss  Sophia 
Wright,  and  settled  in  Marietta,  Ohio,  in  1788.  He  took  his  seat  as  Gover- 
nor in  1810,  and  was  re-elected  in  1812.  In  1813,  President  Madison  appointed 
him  to  the  position  of  Postmaster  General,  which  occasioned  his  resignation  as 
Governor.  Othniel  Looker,  Speaker  of  the  House,  acted  as  Governor  during 
the  remainder  of  the  term.  Mr.  Meigs  died  in  1825,  leaving  as  a memento  of 
his  usefulness,  a revered  memory. 

Thomas  Worthington,  the  fourth  Governor,  was  born  in  Jefferson  County, 
Va.,  in  1769.  He  gained  an  education  in  William  and  Mary’s  College. 
In  1788,  he  located  at  Chillicothe,  and  was  the  first  Senator  from  the  new 
State.  He  was  also  the  first  man  to  erect  the  first  saw-mill  in  Ohio.  He 
served  two  terms  as  Senator,  from  1803  to  1815,  resigning  in  1814,  to  take  his 
position  as  Governor.  In  1816,  he  was  re-elected.  He  was  exceedingly  active 
in  paving  the  way  for  the  future  prosperity  of  Ohio.  His  measures  were  famous 
for  practical  worth  and  honesty.  Chief  Justice  Chase  designated  him  as  “a 
gentleman  of  distinguished  ability  and  great  influence.”  He  died  in  1827. 

Ethan  Allen  Brown  followed  Mr.  Worthington.  His  birthplace  was  on  the 
shore  of  Long  Island  Sound,  in  Fairfield  County,  Conn.,  July  4,  1766.  His 
education  was  derived  under  the  most  judicious  instruction  of  a private  tutor. 
In  classics,  he  became  proficient.  Directly  he  had  reached  the  required  stand- 
ard in  general  education,  he  began  the  study  of  law,  at  home.  After  becoming 
conversant  with  preliminary  requirements,  he  entered  the  law  office  of  Alex- 
ander Hamilton,  who  at  that  time  was  a national  pride,  as  a scholar,  lawyer  and 
statesman.  Opportunities  coming  in  his  way,  which  promised  a fortune,  he 
abandoned  the  law,  and  achieved  success  and  a fortune.  He  then  decided  to 
return  to  his  study,  and  was  admitted  to  practice  in  1802.  Thereafter,  he  was 
seized  with  an  exploring  enthusiasm,  and  with  his  cousin  as  a companion,  set 
out  upon  a horseback  tour,  following  the  Indian  trails  from  east  to  west,  through 
Pennsylvania,  until  they  reached  Brownsville,  on  the  Monongahela  River.  Here 


162 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


they  purchased  two  flatboats,  and  fully  stocking  them  with  provisions  and 
obtaining  efficient  crews,  started  for  New  Orleans.  Reaching  that  city,  they 
found  they  could  not  dispose  of  their  cargoes  to  any  advantage,  and  shipped  the 
flour  to  Liverpool,  England,  taking  passage  in  the  same  vessel.  They  succeeded 
in  obtaining  good  prices  for  their  stock,  and  set  sail  for  America,  arriving  in  Bal- 
timore nine  months  after  first  leaving  “ home,”  on  this  adventure.  Mr.  Brown’s 
father  decided  to  secure  a large  and  valuable  tract  of  Western  land,  as  a per- 
manent home,  and  authorized  his  son  to  select  and  purchase  the  same  for  him. 
He  found  what  he  desired,  near  Rising  Sun,  Ind.  After  this,  he  settled  in 
Cincinnati,  and  engaged  in  the  practice  of  law,  speedily  achieving  prominency 
and  distinction.  Financially,  he  was  most  fortunate.  In  1810,  he  was  elected 
Judge  of  the  Supreme  Court,  which  position  lie  filled  with  honor,  until  he  was 
chosen  Governor,  in  1818.  He  was  re-elected  in  1820.  In  1821,  he  received 
the  honor  of  Senator,  and  served  one  term,  with  the  highest  distinction,  gain- 
ing emolument  for  himself  and  the  State  he  represented.  In  1830,  he  was 
appointed  Minister  to  Brazil.  He  remained  there  four  years,  and  returning, 
was  appointed  Commissioner  of  Public  Lands,  by  President  Jackson,  holding 
this  position  two  years.  At  this  time,  he  decided  to  retire  from  public  life. 
Since  he  never  married,  he  was  much  with  his  relatives,  at  Rising  Sun,  Ind., 
during  the  latter  part  of  his  life.  His  death  was  sudden  and  unexpected,  occur- 
ring in  February,  1852,  while  attending  a Democratic  Convention,  at  Indianap- 
olis, Ind.  He  was  interred  near  his  father,  at  Rising  Sun. 

Jeremiah  Morrow,  the  sixth  Governor  of  Ohio,  was  born  at  Gettysburg, 
Penn.,  in  October,  1771.  His  people  were  of  the  “ Scotch-Irish  ” class,  and  his 
early  life  was  one  of  manual  labor  upon  his  father’s  farm.  During  the  winter, 
he  had  the  privilege  of  a private  school.  With  a view  of  establishing  himself 
and  securing  a competency,  he  hade  the  old  home  farewell,  in  1795,  and  set  out 
for  the  “ Far  West.”  A flatboat  carried  him  to  a little  cluster  of  cabins,  known 
by  the  name  of  Columbia,  six  miles  from  Fort  Washington — Cincinnati.  He 
devoted  himself  to  whatever  came  in  his  way,  that  seemed  best  and  most  worthy 
— teaching  school,  surveying  and  working  on  farms  between  times.  Having 
accumulated  a small  capital,  he  ascended  the  Little  Miami,  as  far  as  Warren 
County,  and  there  purchased  an  extensive  farm,  and  erected  an  excellent  log 
house.  In  the  spring  of  1799,  he  married  Miss  Mary  Packtrell,  of  Columbia. 
The  young  couple  set  out  upon  pioneer  farming.  Gaining  popularity  as  well  as 
a desirable  property,  he  was  deputized  to  the  Territorial  Legislature,  which  met 
at  Chillicothe,  at  which  time  measures  were  inaugurated  to  call  a Constitutional 
Convention,  during  the  following  year,  to  organize  the  State  of  Ohio.  Mr. 
Morrow  was  one  of  the  Delegates  to  this  convention,  and  steadfastly  worked  in  the 
interests  of  those  who  sent  him,  until  its  close  in  1802.  The  following  year, 
he  was  elected  to  the  Senate  of  Ohio,  and  in  June  of  the  same  year,  he  was 
appointed  the  first  Representative  to  the  United  States  Congress  from  the  new 
State. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


163 


Ohio  was  then  entitled  to  but  one  Representative  in  Congress,  and  could  not 
add  to  that  number  for  ten  years  thereafter.  During  these  years,  Mr.  Morrow 
represented  the  State.  In  1813,  he  was  sent  to  the  United  States  Senate,  and 
in  1822,  was  elected  Governor  of  Ohio,  almost  unanimously,  being  re-elected  in 
1824.  It  was  during  his  administration  that  work  was  begun  on  the  Ohio 
Canal.  Mr.  Morrow  received  the  national  guest,  La  Fayette,  with  an  earnest 
and  touching  emotion,  which  affected  the  emotions  of  the  generous  Frenchman 
more  profoundly  than  any  of  the  elaborate  receptions  which  paved  his  way 
through  America.  On  the  4th  of  July,  1839,  Gov.  Morrow  was  appointed  to 
lay  the  corner  stone  of  the  new  State  capitol,  at  Columbus,  and  to  deliver  the 
address  on  this  occasion.  Again,  in  1840,  he  was  in  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives, filling  the  vacancy  caused  by  the  resignation  of  Hon.  Thomas  Corwin. 
He  was  elected  for  the  following  term  also.  He  died  at  his  own  homestead,  in 
Warren  County,  March  22,  1853. 

Allen  Trimble  was  a native  of  Augusta  County,  Ya.  The  date  of  his  birth 
was  November  24,  1783.  His  ancestors  were  of  Scotch-Irish  origin,  and  were 
among  the  early  settlers  of  Virginia.  His  father  moved  to  Ohio  in  1804,  pur- 
chasing a tract  of  land  in  Highland  County.  His  cabin  was  remarkably  spa- 
cious, and  elicited  the  admiration  of  his  neighbors.  He  cleared  six  acres  of 
land  for  an  orchard,  and  brought  the  trees  on  horseback,  from  Kentucky.  Be- 
fore this  new  home  was  completed,  Allen,  then  a young  man  of  twenty,  took 
possession.  This  was  in  the  year  1805.  Four  years  thereafter,  he  occupied 
the  position  of  Clerk  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas  and  Recorder  of  High- 
land County.  He  was  serving  in  the  latter  capacity  at  the  breaking  out  of  the 
war  of  1812.  Naturally  enthusiastic  and  patriotic,  he  engaged  a competent 
person  to  perform  his  civil  duties,  while  he  went  into  active  service  as  Colonel 
of  a regiment  he  had  summoned  and  enlisted.  He  was  always  eager  to  be  in 
the  front,  and  led  his  men  with  such  valor  that  they  were  termed  soldiers  who 
did  not  know  the  art  of  flinching.  His  commanding  General  lavished  praises 
upon  him.  In  1816,  he  was  in  the  State  Senate,  representing  Highland 
County.  He  occupied  the  same  position  for  four  terms,  two  years  each.  In 
1818,  he  was  Speaker  of  the  Senate,  over  Gen.  Robert  Lucas.  He  remained 
in  this  office  until  elected  to  the  United  States  Senate,  to  fill  the  vacancy  caused 
by  the  death  of  his  brother,  Col.  William  A.  Trimble.  In  October,  1826,  he 
was  elected  the  seventh  Governor  of  Ohio,  by  an  astonishing  majority.  The 
united  vote  of  his  three  competitors  was  but  one-sixth  of  the  vote  polled.  Gov. 
Trimble  was  an  earnest  Henry  Clay  Whig.  In  1828,  he  was  re-elected, 
although  Jackson  carried  the  State  the  following  November.  Gov.  Trimble 
was  married  in  1806,  to  Miss  Margaret  McDowell.  Three  years  thereafter, 
she  died,  leaving  two  children.  He  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Rachel 
Woodrow,  and  they  lived  together  sixty  years,  when  he  died,  at  home,  in  Hills- 
boro, Highland  County,  February  3,  1870.  His  wife  survived  him  but  a few 
months. 


164 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


Duncan  McArthur,  the  eighth  Governor  of  Ohio,  was  born  in  Dutchess 
County,  N.  Y.,  in  1772.  While  yet  a child,  his  parents  removed  to  the  west- 
ern part  of  Pennsylvania,  where  they  entered  upon  the  hard  life  of  pioneers. 
While  there,  young  Duncan  had  the  meager  advantages  of  a backwoods  school. 
His  life  was  a general  routine  until  his  eighteenth  year,  when  he  enlisted  under 
Gen.  Harmer  for  the  Indian  campaign.  His  conduct  and  bravery  won  worthy 
laurels,  and  upon  the  death  of  the  commander  of  his  company,  he  was  elected 
to  that  position,  although  the  youngest  man  in  the  company.  When  his  days 
of  service  had  expired,  he  found  employment  at  salt-making  in  Maysville,  Ky., 
until  he  was  engaged  as  chain-bearer  in  Gen.  Massie’s  survey  of  the  Scioto 
Valley.  At  this  time,  Indian  atrocities  alarmed  the  settlers  occasionally,  and 
his  reputation  for  bravery  caused  him  to  be  appointed  one  of  the  three  patrols 
of  the  Kentucky  side  of  the  Ohio,  to  give  the  alarm  to  scattered  cabins  in  case 
of  danger.  This  was  during  the  summer  of  1793.  Gen.  Massie  again  secured 
his  services,  this  time  as  assistant  surveyor.  He  was  thus  engaged  for  several 
years,  during  which  time  he  assisted  in  platting  Chillicothe.  He  purchased  a 
large  tract  of  land  just  north  of  town,  and  under  his  vigorous  and  practical 


management  it  became  one  of  the  finest  estates  of  Ohio,  which  reputation  it 


sustains  at  the  present  time.  He  amassed  wealth  rapidly,  his  investments 
always  being  judicious.  In  1805,  he  was  elected  to  the  State  Legislature. 
He  was  a Colonel  of  an  Ohio  regiment,  and  accompanied  Gen.  Hull  to  Detroit 
in  1813.  At  Hull’s  surrender  he  was  a prisoner,  but  released  on  parole, 
returned  to  Ohio  in  a state  of  indignation  over  his  commander’s  stupidity. 
Soon  thereafter  he  was  sent  to  Congress  on  the  Democratic  ticket.  Soon  there- 
after he  was  released  from  parole  by  exchange,  and,  greatly  rejoiced,  he 
resigned  his  seat,  entered  the  army  as  a Brigadier  General  under  Gen.  Harri- 
son, and  the  following  year  succeeded  him  as  commander  of  the  Northwestern 
forces.  At  the  termination  of  the  war,  he  was  immediately  returned  to  the 
State  Legislature.  He  occupied  State  offices  until  1822,  when  he  was  again 
sent  to  Congress.  Serving  one  term,  he  declined  re-election.  In  1830,  he 
was  elected  Governor  of  Ohio.  When  his  term  expired,  he  decided  to  enjoy 
life  as  a citizen  on  his  farm,  “ Fruit  Hill,”  and  lived  there  in  contentment  until 
1840,  when  he  died. 

Robert  Lucas  was  another  Virginian,  having  been  born  in  1781,  in  Jeffer- 
son County  of  that  State.  While  a boy,  his  father  liberated  his  slaves,  moving 
to  Chillicothe  as  one  of  the  early  settlers.  He  procured  a proficient  tutor  for 
his  children.  Robert  became  an  expert  in  mathematics  and  surveying.  Before 
he  reached  his  majority,  he  was  employed  as  surveyor,  earning  liberal  compen- 
sation. At  the  age  of  twenty-three,  he  was  appointed  Surveyor  of  Scioto 
County.  At  twenty-five,  he  was  Justice  of  the  Peace  for  Union  Township, 
Scioto  County.  He  married  Miss  Elizabeth  Brown  in  1810,  who  died  two 
years  thereafter,  leaving  a young  daughter.  In  1816,  he  married  Miss  Sum- 
ner. The  same  year  he  was  elected  a member  of  the  Ohio  Legislature,  For 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


165 


nineteen  consecutive  years  he  served  in  the  House  or  Senate.  In  1820  and 
1828,  he  was  chosen  one  of  the  Presidential  electors  of  Ohio.  In  1832, 
he  was  Chairman  of  the  National  Convention  at  Baltimore,  which  nom- 
inated Gen.  Jackson  as  President  of  the  United  States.  In  1832,  he 
became  Governor  of  Ohio,  and  was  re-elected  in  1834.  He  declined  a third 
nomination,  and  was  appointed  by  President  Van  Buren  Territorial  Governor 
of  Iowa  and  Superintendent  of  Indian  Affairs.  On  the  16th  of  August, 
1838,  he  reached  Burlington,  the  seat  of  government.  He  remained  in  Iowa 
until  his  death,  in  1853. 

Joseph  Vance,  the  tenth  Governor  of  Ohio,  was  born  in  Washington 
County,  Penn.,  March  21,  1781.  He  was  of  Scotch-Irish  descent,  and  his 
father  emigrated  to  the  new  Territory  when  Joseph  was  two  years  of  age.  He 
located  on  the  southern  bank  of  the  Ohio,  building  a solid  block  house.  This 
formed  a stronghold  for  his  neighbors  in  case  of  danger.  In  1801,  this  pioneer 
decided  to  remove  north  of  the  Ohio  River,  and  eventually  settled  in  Urbana. 
Joseph  had  the  primitive  advantages  of  the  common  schools,  and  became  pro- 
ficient in  handling  those  useful  implements — the  plow,  ax  and  rifle.  The  first 
money  he  earned  he  invested  in  a yoke  of  oxen.  He  obtained  several  barrels 
of  salt,  and  set  out  on  a speculative  tour  through  the  settlements.  He  traveled 
through  a wilderness,  over  swamps,  and  surmounted  serious  difficulties.  At 
night  he  built  a huge  fire  to  terrify  the  wolves  and  panthers,  and  laid  down  to 
sleep  beside  his  oxen,  frequently  being  obliged  to  stand  guard  to  protect 
them  from  these  ferocious  creatures.  Occasionally  he  found  a stream  so  swol- 
len that  necessarily  he  waited  hours  and  even  days  in  the  tangled  forest,  before 
he  could  cross.  He  often  suffered  from  hunger,  yet  he  sturdily  persevered  and 
sold  his  salt,  though  a lad  of  only  fifteen  years.  When  he  attained  his  major- 
ity, he  married  Miss  Mary  Lemen,  of  Urbana.  At  twenty-three,  he  was 
elected  Captain  of  a rifle  company,  and  frequently  led  his  men  to  the  front  to 
fight  the  Indians  prior  to  the  war  of  1812.  During  that  year,  he  and  his 
brother  piloted  Hull’s  army  through  the  dense  forests  to  Fort  Meigs.  In  1817, 
with  Samuel  McCullough  and  Henry  Van  Meter,  he  made  a contract  to  supply 
the  Northwestern  army  with  provisions.  They  drove  their  cattle  and  hogs 
many  miles,  dead  weight  being  transported  on  sleds  and  in  wagons.  He 
engaged  in  mercantile  business  at  Urbana  and  Fort  Meigs — now  Perrysburg. 

While  thus  employed,  he  was  elected  to  the  Legislature,  and  there  remained 
four  years.  He  then  purchased  a large  tract  of  land  on  Blanchard's  Fork, 
and  laid  out  the  town  of  Findlay.  He  was  sent  to  Congress  in  1821,  and  was 
a member  of  that  body  for  fifteen  years.  In  1836,  he  was  chosen  Governor  of 
Ohio.  Again  he  was  sent  to  Congress  in  1842.  While  attending  the  Consti- 
tutional Convention  in  1850,  he  was  stricken  with  paralysis,  and  suffered 
extremely  until  1852,  when  he  died  at  his  home  in  Urbana. 

Wilson  Shannon  was  a native  of  Belmont  County,  Ohio.  He  was  born 
during  1803.  At  the  age  of  fifteen,  he  was  sent  to  the  university  at  Athens, 


166 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


where  he  remained  a year,  and  then  changed  to  the  Transylvania  University, 
at  Lexington,  Ky.  He  continued  his  studies  two  years,  then  returning  home  |j 
and  entering  upon  reading  law.  He  completed  his  course  at  St.  Clairsville,  jj 
Belmont  County,  and  was  admitted  to  practice.  He  was  engaged  in  the  courts  | 
of  the  county  for  eight  years.  In  1832,  the  Democrats  nominated  him  to  Con-  J! 
gress,  but  he  was  not  elected.  He  received  the  position  of  Prosecuting  Attor-  |j 
ney  in  1834,  in  which  position  his  abilities  were  so  marked  and  brilliant  that 
he  was  elected  Governor  by  a majority  of  3,600.  He  was  re-nominated  in  |! 
1840,  but  Tom  Corwin  won  the  ticket.  Two  years  thereafter,  he  was  again 
nominated  and  elected.  In  1843,  he  was  appointed  Minister  to  Mexico,  by 
President  Tyler,  and  resigned  the  office  of  Governor.  When  Texas  was  jj 
admitted  as  a State,  Mexico  renounced  all  diplomatic  relations  with  the  United  j 
States.  Mr.  Shannon  returned  home,  and  resumed  the  practice  of  law.  He  J; 
was  sent  to  Congress  in  1852.  President  Pierce  conferred  upon  him  the  posi-  ■ 
tion  of  Territorial  Governor  of  Kansas,  which  duty  he  did  not  perform  satis- 
factorily, and  was  superseded  after  fourteen  months  of  service.  He  settled  in 
Lecompton,  Kan.,  and  there  practiced  law  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in 
1877. 

Thomas  Corwin,  the  twelfth  Governor  of  Ohio,  was  born  in  Bourbon 
County,  Ky.,  July  29,  1794.  His  father  settled  at  Lebanon  in  1798.  The 
country  was  crude,  and  advantages  meager.  When  Thomas  was  seventeen 
years  of  age,  the  war  of  1812  was  inaugurated,  and  this  young  man  was 
engaged  to  drive  a wagon  through  the  wilderness,  loaded  with  provisions,  to  j; 
Gen.  Harrison’s  headquarters.  In  1816,  he  began  the  study  of  law,  and 
achieved  knowledge  so  rapidly  that  in  1817  he  passed  examination  and  was 
admitted  to  practice.  He  was  elected  Prosecuting  Attorney  of  his  county,  in 
1818,  which  position  he  held  until  1830.  He  was  elected  to  the  Legislature  of 
Ohio  in  1822.  Again,  in  1829,  he  was  a member  of  the  same  body.  He  was 
sent  to  Congress  in  1830,  and  continued  to  be  re-elected  for  the  space  of  ten 
years.  He  became  Governor  of  Ohio  in  1840.  In  1845,  he  was  elected  to 
the  United  States  Senate,  where  he  remained  until  called  to  the  cabinet  of  Mr. 
Fillmore,  as  Secretary  of  the  Treasury.  He  was  again  sent  to  Congress  in 
1858,  and  re-elected  in  1860.  He  was  appointed  Minister  to  Mexico,  by  Pres- 
ident Lincoln.  After  his  return,  he  practiced  law  in  Washington,  D.  C., 
where  he  died  in  1866. 

Mordecai  Bartley  was  born  in  1783,  in  Fayette  County,  Penn.  There  he 
remained,  on  his  father’s  farm,  until  he  was  twenty-one  years  of  age.  He  mar- 
ried Miss  Wells  in  1804,  and  removed  to  Jefferson  County,  Ohio,  where  he 
purchased  a farm,  near  Cross  Creek.  At  the  opening  of  the  war  of  1812,  he 
enlisted  in  a company,  and  was  elected  its  Captain.  He  entered  the  field  under 
Harrison.  At  the  close  of  the  war,  he  removed  to  Richland  County,  and  opened 
a clearing  and  set  up  a cabin,  a short  distance  from  Mansfield.  He  remained 
on  his  farm  twenty  years,  then  removing  to  Mansfield,  entered  the  mercantile 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


167 


business.  In  1817,  he  was  elected  to  the  State  Senate.  He  was  sent  to  Con- 
gress in  1823,  and  served  four  terms.  In  1844,  he  became  Governor  of  Ohio, 
on  the  Whig  ticket.  He  declined  a re-nomination,  preferring  to  retire  to  his 
home  in  Mansfield,  where  he  died  in  1870. 

William  Bebb,  the  fourteenth  Governor,  was  from  Hamilton  County,  Ohio. 
He  was  born  in  1804.  His  early  instructions  were  limited,  but  thorough.  He 
opened  a school  himself,  when  he  was  twenty  years  of  age,  at  North  Bend, 
residing  in  the  house  of  Gen.  Harrison.  Ide  remained  thus  employed  a year, 
during  which  time  he  married  Shuck.  He  very  soon  began  the  study  of  law, 
continuing  his  school.  He  was  successful  in  his  undertakings,  and  many  pupils 
were  sent  him  from  the  best  families  in  Cincinnati.  In  1831,  he  was  admitted 
to  practice,  and  opened  an  office  in  Hamilton,  Butler  County,  remaining  thus 
engaged  for  fourteen  years.  In  1845,  he  was  elected  Governor  of  Ohio.  In 
1847,  he  purchased  5,000  acres  of  land  in  the  Rock  River  country,  111.,  and 
removed  there  three  years  later.  On  the  inauguration  of  President  Lincoln,  he 
was  appointed  Pension  Examiner,  at  Washington,  and  remained  in  that  position 
until  1866,  when  he  returned  to  his  Illinois  farm.  He  died  at  Rockford,  111., 
in  1873. 

Seabury  Ford,  the  fifteenth  Governor  of  Ohio,  was  born  in  the  year  1802, 
at  Cheshire,  Conn.  His  parents  settled  in  Burton  Township.  He  attended 
the  common  schools,  prepared  for  college  at  an  academy  in  Burton,  and  entered 
Yale  College,  in  1821,  graduating  in  1825.  He  then  began  the  study  of  law, 
in  the  law  office  of  Samuel  W.  Phelps,  of  Painesville,  completing  his  course 
with  Judge  Hitchcock.  He  began  practice  in  1827,  in  Burton.  He  married 
Miss  Harriet  E.  Cook,  of  Burton,  in  1828.  He  was  elected  by  the  Whigs  to 
the  Legislature,  in  1835,  and  served  six  sessions,  during  one  of  which  he  was 
Speaker  of  the  House.  He  entered  the  State  Senate  in  1841,  and  there 
remained  until  1844,  when  he  was  again  elected  Representative.  In  1846,  he 
was  appointed  to  the  Senate,  and  in  1848,  he  became  Governor  of  Ohio.  On 
the  first  Sunday  after  his  retirement,  he  was  stricken  with  paralysis,  from  which 
he  never  recovered.  He  died  at  his  home  in  Burton  in  1855. 

Reuben  Wood,  the  sixteenth  Governor,  was  a Vermonter.  Born  in  1792, 
in  Middleton,  Rutland  County,  he  was  a sturdy  son  of  the  Green  Mountain 
State.  He  was  a thorough  scholar,  and  obtained  a classical  education  in  Upper 
Canada.  In  1812,  he  was  drafted  by  the  Canadian  authorities  to  serve  against 
the  Americans,  but  being  determined  not  to  oppose  his  own  land,  he  escaped 
one  stormy  night,  accompanied  by  Bill  Johnson,  who  was  afterward  an  Ameri- 
can spy.  In  a birchbark  canoe  they  attempted  to  cross  Lake  Ontario.  A 
heavy  storm  of  wind  and  rain  set  in.  The  night  was  intensely  dark,  and  they 
were  in  great  danger.  They  fortunately  found  refuge  on  a small  island,  where 
they  were  storm-bound  three  days,  suffering  from  hunger  and  exposure.  They 
reached  Sacket’s  Harbor  at  last,  in  a deplorable  condition.  Here  they  were 
arrested  as  spies  by  the  patrol  boats  of  the  American  fleet.  They  were  prisoners 


168 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


four  days,  when  an  uncle  of  Mr.  Wood’s,  residing  not  far  distant,  came  to 
their  rescue,  vouched  for  their  loyalty,  and  they  were  released.  Mr.  Wood 
then  went  to  Woodville,  N.  Y.,  where  he  raised  a company,  of  which  he  was 
elected  Captain.  They  marched  to  the  northern  frontier.  The  battles  of 
Plattsburg  and  Lake  Champlain  were  fought,  the  enemy  defeated,  and  the  com- 
pany returned  to  Woodville  and  was  disbanded. 

Young  Wood  then  entered  the  law  office  of  Gen.  Jonas  Clark,  at  Middle- 
bury,  Yt.  He  was  married  in  1816,  and  two  years  later,  settled  in  Cleveland, 
Ohio.  When  he  first  established  himself  in  the  village,  he  possessed  his  wife,  || 
infant  daughter  and  a silver  quarter  of  a dollar.  He  was  elected  to  the  State 
Senate  in  1825,  and  filled  the  office  three  consecutive  terms.  He  was  appointed 
Judge  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas.  He  was  promoted  to  the  Bench  of  the 
Supreme  Court,  serving  there  fourteen  years,  the  latter  portion  of  the  term  as 
Chief  Justice.  He  was  termed  the  “Cayuga  Chief,”  from  his  tall  form  and  !j 
courtly  bearing.  He  was  elected  Governor  in  1850,  by  a majority  of  11,000. 
The  new  constitution,  which  went  into  effect  in  March,  1851,  vacated  the  office  j 
of  Governor,  and  he  was  re-elected  by  a majority  of  26,000.  The  Democrats 
holding  a national  convention  in  Baltimore  in  1852,  party  division  caused  fifty 
unavailing  votes.  The  Virginia  delegation  offered  the  entire  vote  to  Gov. 
Wood,  if  Ohio  would  bring  him  forward.  The  opposition  of  one  man  pre- 
vented this.  The  offer  was  accepted  by  New  Hampshire,  and  Frank  Pierce 
became  President.  Mr.  Wood  was  appointed  Consul  to  Valparaiso,  South 
America,  and  resigned  his  office  of  Governor.  He  resigned  his  consulship  and 
returned  to  his  fine  farm  near  Cleveland,  called  “Evergreen  Place.”  He 
expected  to  address  a Union  meeting  on  the  5th  of  October,  1864,  but  on  the 
1st  he  died,  mourned  by  all  who  knew  him. 

William  Medill,  the  seventeenth  Governor,  was  born  in  New  Castle  County, 
Del.,  in  1801.  He  was  a graduate  of  Delaware  College  in  1825.  He  began 
the  study  of  law  under  Judge  Black,  of  New  Castle,  and  was  admitted  to  the 
bar  in  1832.  He  removed  to  Lancaster,  Ohio,  in  1830.  He  was  elected  Rep- 
resentative from  Fairfield  County  in  1835.  He  was  elected  to  Congress  in 
1838,  and  was  re-elected  in  1840.  He  was  appointed  Assistant  Postmaster 
General  by  President  Polk.  During  the  same  year,  he  was  appointed  Com- 
missioner of  Indian  Affairs.  In  1851,  he  was  elected  Lieutenant  Governor,  and, 
in  1853,  he  became  Governor.  He  occupied  the  position  of  First  Comptroller 
of  the  United  States  Treasury  in  1857,  under  President  Buchanan,  retaining  the 
office  until  1861,  when  he  retired  from  public  life.  His  death  occurred  in 
1865. 

Salmon  P.  Chase  was  a native  of  Cornish,  N.  II.  He  was  born  in  1803. 
He  entered  Dartmouth  College  in  1822,  graduating  in  1826.  He  wras  there- 
after successful  in  establishing  a classical  school  in  Washington,  but  finan- 
cially it  did  not  succeed.  He  continued  to  teach  the  sons  of  Henry  Clay, 
William  Wirt  and  S.  L.  Southard,  at  the  same  time  reading  law  when  not  busy 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


171 


as  tutor.  He  was  admitted  to  practice  in  1829,  and  opened  a law  office  in  Cin- 
cinnati. He  succeeded  but  moderately,  and  during  his  leisure  hours  prepared 
a new  edition  of  the  “Statutes  of  Ohio.”  He  added  annotations  and  a well- 
written  sketch  of  the  early  history  of  the  State.  This  was  a thorough  success, 
and  gave  the  earnest  worker  popularity  and  a stepping-stone  for  the  future. 
He  was  solicitor  for  the  banks  of  the  United  States  in  1834,  and  soon  there- 
after, for  the  city  banks.  He  achieved  considerable  distinction  in  1837,  in  the 
case  of  a colored  woman  brought  into  the  State  by  her  master,  and  escaping 
his  possession.  He  was  thus  brought  out  as  an  Abolitionist,  which  was  further 
sustained  by  his  defense  of  James  G.  Birney,  who  had  suffered  indictment  for 
harboring  a fugitive  slave.  In  1846,  associated  with  William  H.  Seward,  he 
defended  Yan  Zandt  before  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States.  His 
thrilling  denunciations  and  startling  conjectures  alarmed  the  slaveholding 
States,  and  subsequently  led  to  the  enactment  of  the  fugitive-slave  law  of  1850. 
Mr.  Chase  was  a member  of  the  United  States  Senate  in  1849,  through  the 
coalition  of  the  Democrats  and  Free-Soilers.  In  1855,  he  was  elected  Gover- 
nor of  Ohio  by  the  opponents  of  Pierce’s  administration.  He  was  re-elected 
in  1859.  President  Lincoln,  in  1861,  tendered  him  the  position  of  Secretary 
of  the  Treasury.  To  his  ability  and  official  management  we  are  indebted  for 
the  present  national  bank  system.  In  1864,  he  was  appointed  Chief  Justice  of 
the  United  States.  He  died  in  the  city  of  New  York  in  1873,  after  a useful 
career. 

William  Dennison  was  born  in  Cincinnati  in  1815.  He  gained  an  educa- 
tion at  Miami  University,  graduating  in  1835.  He  began  the  study  of  law  in 
the  office  of  the  father  of  George  IT.  Pendleton,  and  was  qualified  and  admitted 
to  the  bar  in  1840.  The  same  year,  he  married  a daughter  of  William  Neil, 
of  Columbus.  The  Whigs  of  the  Franklin  and  Delaware  District  sent  him  to 
the  State  Senate,  in  1848.  He  was  President  of  the  Exchange  Bank  in  Cin- 
cinnati, in  1852,  and  was  also  President  of  Columbus  & Xenia  Bailway.  He  was 
elected  the  nineteenth  Governor  of  Ohio  in  1859.  By  his  promptness  and 
activity  at  the  beginning  of  the  rebellion,  Ohio  was  placed  in  the  front  rank  of 
loyalty.  At  the  beginning  of  Lincoln’s  second  term,  he  was  appointed  Post- 
master General,  retiring  upon  the  accession  of  Johnson.  He  then  made  his 
home  at  Columbus. 

David  Tod,  the  twentieth  Governor  of  Ohio,  was  born  at  Youngstown,  Ohio, 
in  1805.  His  education  was  principally  obtained  through  his  own  exertions. 
He  set  about  the  study  of  law  most  vigorously,  and  was  admitted  to  practice  in 
1827.  He  soon  acquired  popularity  through  his  ability,  and  consequently  was 
financially  successful.  He  purchased  the  Briar  Hill  homestead.  Under  Jack- 
| son’s  administration,  he  was  Postmaster  at  Warren,  and  held  the  position  until 
1838,  when  he  was  elected  State  Senator  by  the  Whigs  of  Trumbull  District,  by 
the  Democrats.  In  1844,  he  retired  to  Briar  Hill,  and  opened  the  Briar  Hill 
Coal  Mines.  He  was  a pioneer  in  the  coal  business  of  Ohio.  In  the  Cleveland 


172 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


& Mahoning  Railroad,  he  was  largely  interested,  and  was  its  President,  after  the 
death  of  Mr.  Perkins.  He  was  nominated,  in  1844,  for  Governor,  by  the  Dem- 
ocrats, but  was  defeated.  In  1847,  he  went  to  Brazil  as  Minister,  where  he 
resided  for  four  and  a half  years.  The  Emperor  presented  him  with  a special 
commendation  to  the  President,  as  a testimonial  of  his  esteem.  He  was  also  the 
recipient  of  an  elegant  silver  tray,  as  a memorial  from  the  resident  citizens  of 
Rio  Janeiro.  He  was  a delegate  to  the  Democratic  National  Convention,  which 
met  at  Charleston  in  1860.  He  was  Vice  President  of  this  Convention.  He 
was  an  earnest  advocate  for  Stephen  A.  Douglas.  When  the  Southern  members 
withdrew,  the  President,  Caleb  Cushing,  going  with  them,  the  convention 
adjourned  to  Baltimore,  when  Mr.  Tod  assumed  the  chair  and  Douglas  was  nom- 
inated. He  was  an  earnest  worker  in  the  cause,  but  not  disheartened  by  its 
defeat.  When  Fort  Sumter  was  fired  upon,  he  was  one  of  the  most  vigorous 
prosecutors  of  the  war,  not  relaxing  his  active  earnestness  until  its  close.  He 
donated  full  uniforms  to  Company  B,  of  the  Nineteenth  Regiment,  and  contrib- 
uted largely  to  the  war  fund  of  his  township.  Fifty-five  thousand  majority 
elected  him  Governor  in  1861.  His  term  was  burdened  with  war  duties, 
and  he  carried  them  so  bravely  as  Governor  that  the  President  said  of  him : 
“ Governor  Tod  of  Ohio  aids  me  more  and  troubles  me  less  than  any  other  Gov- 
ernor.” His  death  occurred  at  Briar  Hill  during  the  year  1868. 

John  Brough  was  a native  of  Marietta,  Ohio.  He  was  born  in  1811.  The  death 
of  his  father  left  him  in  precarious  circumstances,  which  may  have  been  a discipline 
for  future  usefulness.  He  entered  a printing  office,  at  the  age  of  fourteen,  in 
Marietta,  and  after  serving  a few  months,  began  his  studies  in  the  Ohio  Uni- 
versity, setting  type  mornings  and  evenings,  to  earn  sufficient  for  support.  He 
occupied  the  leading  position  in  classes,  and'  at  the  same  time  excelled  as  a 
type-setter.  He  was  also  admired  for  his  athletic  feats  in  field  amusements. 
He  completed  his  studies  and  began  reading  law,  which  pursuit  was  interrupted 
by  an  opportunity  to  edit  a paper  in  Petersburg,  Ya.  He  returned  to  Marietta 
in  1831,  and  became  editor  and  proprietor  of  a leading  Democratic  newspaper 
— the  Washington  County  Republican.  He  achieved  distinction  rapidly, 
and  in  1833,  sold  his  interest,  for  the  purpose  of  entering  a more  extended  field 
of  journalism.  He  purchased  the  Ohio  Eagle , at  Lancaster,  and  as  its  editor, 
held  a deep  influence  over  local  and  State  politics.  He  occupied  the  position 
of  Clerk  of  the  Ohio  Senate,  between  the  years  1835  and  1838,  and  relinquished  his 
paper.  He  then  represented  the  counties  of  Fairfield  and  Hocking  in  the  Leg- 
islature. He  was  then  appointed  Auditor  of  State  by  the  General  Assembly, 
in  which  position  he  served  six  years.  He  then  purchased  the  Phoenix  news- 
paper in  Cincinnati,  changed  its  name  to  the  Enquirer , placing  it  in  the  care 
of  his  brother,  Charles,  while  he  opened  a law  office  in  the  city.  His  editorials 
in  the  Enquirer , and  his  activity  in  political  affairs,  were  brilliant  and  strong. 
He  retired  from  politics  in  1848,  sold  a half-interest  in  the  Enquirer  and  carried 
on  a prosperous  business,  but  was  brought  forward  again  by  leaders  of  both 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


173 


political  parties  in  1863,  through  the  Yallandigham  contest,  and  was  elected 
Governor  the  same  year,  by  a majority  of  101,099  votes  in  a total  of  471,643. 
He  was  three  times  married.  His  death  occurred  in  1865 — Charles  Anderson 
serving  out  his  term. 

Jacob  Dolson  Cox,  the  twenty-second  Governor,  was  born  in  1828,  in  Mon- 
treal, Canada,  where  his  parents  were  temporarily.  He  became  a student  of 
Oberlin  College,  Ohio,  in  1846,  graduating  in  1851,  and  beginning  the  practice 
of  law  in  Warren  in  1852.  He  was  a member  of  the  State  Senate  in  1859, 
from  the  Trumbull  and  Mahoning  Districts.  He  was  termed  a radical.  He 
was  a commissioned  Brigadier  General  of  Ohio  in  1861,  and,  in  1862,  was  pro- 
moted to  Major  General  for  gallantry  in  battle.  While  in  the  service  he  was 
nominated  for  Governor,  and  took  that  position  in  1865.  He  was  a member  of 
Grant’s  Cabinet  as  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  but  resigned.  He  went  to  Con- 
gress in  1875,  from  the  Toledo  District.  His  home  is  in  Cincinnati. 

Rutherford  B.  Hayes,  now  the  nineteenth  President  of  the  United  States, 
the  twenty-third  Governor  of  Ohio,  was  born  at  Delaware,  Ohio,  in  1822.  He 
was  a graduate  of  Kenyon  College  in  1842.  He  began  the  study  of  law,  and, 
in  1843,  pursued  that  course  in  the  Cambridge  University,  graduating  in  1845. 
He  began  his  practice  at  Fremont.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Lucy  Webb  in 
1852,  in  Cincinnati.  He  was  Major  of  the  Twenty-third  Ohio  Volunteer 
Infantry  in  1861,  and  in  1862,  was  promoted  to  Colonel  on  account  of  bravery 
in  the  field,  and  eventually  became  Major  General.  In  1864,  he  was  elected  to 
Congress,  and  retired  from  the  service.  He  remained  in  Congress  two  terms, 
and  was  Governor  of  Ohio  in  1867,  being  re-elected  in  1869.  He  filled  this 
office  a third  term,  being  re-elected  in  1875. 

Edward  F.  Noyes  was  born  in  Haverhill,  Mass.,  in  1832.  While  a lad  of 
fourteen,  he  entered  the  office  of  the  Morning  Star , published  at  Dover,  N.  H., 
in  order  to  learn  the  business  of  printing.  At  the  age  of  eighteen,  he  entered 
the  academy  at  Kingston,  N.  H.  He  prepared  for  college,  and  entered 
Dartmouth  in  1853,  graduating  with  high  honors  in  1857.  He  had  begun  the 
study  of  law,  and  continued  the  course  in  the  Cincinnati  Law  School,  and  began 
to  practice  in  1858.  He  was  an  enthusiast  at  the  opening  of  the  rebellion  and 
was  interested  in  raising  the  Twentieth  Regiment,  of  which  he  was  made  Major. 
He  was  promoted  to  Colonel  in  1862.  At  the  conflict  at  Ruff’s  Mills,  in 
Georgia,  in  1864,  he  was  so  unfortunate  as  to  lose  a leg.  At  the  time,  amputa- 
tion was  necessary,  but  was  unskillfully  performed.  He  was  brought  to  Cincin- 
nati, and  the  operation  was  repeated,  which  nearly  cost  him  his  life.  He  reported 
three  months  later,  to  Gen.  Hooker  for  duty,  on  crutches.  He  was  assigned  to 
command  of  Camp  Dennison.  He  was  promoted  to  the  full  rank  of  Brigadier 
General,  and  while  in  discharge  of  his  duty  at  that  place,  he  was  elected  City 
Solicitor  of  Cincinnati.  He  occupied  the  position  until  1871,  when  he  was 
elected  Governor,  by  a majority  of  20,000.  He  went  to  France  in  1877,  as 
Minister,  appointed  by  President  Hayes. 


174 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


William  Allen,  the  twenty-fifth  Governor  of  Ohio,  was  born  in  1807,  in 
Chowan  County,  N.  C.  While  an  infant,  he  was  left  an  orphan,  and  his  sister 
superintended  his  education.  He  was  placed  in  a private  school  in  Lynchburg, 
Va.,  at  the  age  of  fourteen.  Two  years  later,  he  joined  his  sister  and  family, 
in  Chillicothe,  and  attended  the  academy  a year,  when  he  entered  the  law  office 
of  Edward  King,  arid  began  a course  of  study.  In  his  seventeenth  year,  he 
began  practice,  and  through  his  talent  speedily  acquired  fame  and  popu- 
larity. Before  he  was  twenty-five,  he  was  sent  to  Congress  by  a strong  Whig 
district.  He  was  elected  United  States  Senator  in  1887,  there  remaining 
until  1849.  In  1845,  he  married  Effie  McArthur,  who  died  60on  after  the 
birth  of  their  daughter.  In  1873,  he  was  elected  Governor.  His  adminis- 
tration gave  general  satisfaction.  He  died,  at  his  home  at  “ Fruit  Hill,”  in 
1879. 

R.  M.  Bishop,  the  twenty-sixth  Governor  of  Ohio,  was  born  Novem- 
ber 4,  1812,  in  Fleming  County,  Ky.  He  began  the  vocation  of  mer- 
chant, and  for  several  years  devoted  himself  to  that  business  in  his  native 
State.  In  1848,  he  engaged  in  the  wholesale  grocery  business,  in  Cincinnati, 
Ilis  three  sons  became  partners,  under  the  firm  name  of  R.  M.  Bishop  & Sons. 
The  sales  of  this  house  frequently  exceeded  $5,000,000  per  annum.  Mr. 
Bishop  was  a member  of  the  Council  of  Cincinnati,  and  in  1859  was  its  Mayor, 
holding  that  office  until  1861.  In  1860,  the  Legislatures  of  Indiana  and  Ten- 
nessee visited  Ohio,  to  counsel  each  other  to  stand  by  the  Constitution  and  the 
flag.  At  the  reception  given  at  Pike’s  Opera  House,  Mayor  Bishop  delivered 
an  eloquent  address,  which  elicited  admiration  and  praises.  During  the  same  j 
year,  as  Mayor,  he  received  the  Prince  of  Wales  in  the  most  cordial  manner,  a 
national  credit  as  a mark  of  respect  to  a distinguished  foreign  guest.  In  1877, 
he  was  elected  Governor  of  Ohio,  by  a large  majority. 

Charles  Foster,  the  present  and  twenty-seventh  Governor  of  Ohio,  was  born 
in  Seneca  County,  Ohio,  April  12,  1828.  He  was  educated  at  the  common 
schools  and  the  academy  at  Norwalk,  Ohio.  Engaged  in  mercantile  and  bank- 
ing business,  and  never  held  any  public  office  until  he  was  elected  to  the  Forty-  , 
second  Congress;  was  re-elected  to  the  Forty-third  Congress,  and  again  to  the 
Forty-fourth  Congress,  as  a Republican.  In  1879,  he  was  nominated  by  the 
Republicans  and  elected  Governor  of  the  State. 

In  reviewing  these  slight  sketches  of  the  Governors  of  this  grand  Western 
State,  one  is  impressed  with  the  active  relationship  they  have  all  sustained,  with 
credit,  with  national  measures.  Their  services  have  been  efficient,  earnest  and 
patriotic,  like  the  State  they  have  represented  and  led. 

ANCIENT  WORKS. 

Ohio  has  furnished  a prolific  field  for  antiquarians  and  those  interested  in 
scientific  explorations,  either  for  their  own  amusement  and  knowledge,  or  for 
the  records  of  “ facts  and  formations.” 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


175 


It  is  well  known  that  the  “ Mound  Builders  ” had  a wide  sweep  through  this 
continent,  but  absolute  facts  regarding  their  era  have  been  most  difficult  to 
obtain.  Numerous  theories  and  suppositions  have  been  advanced,  yet  they  are 
emphatic  evidences  that  they  have  traced  the  origin  and  time  of  this  primeval  race. 

However,  they  have  left  their  works  behind  them,  and  no  exercise  of  faith 
is  necessary  to  have  confidence  in  that  part  of  the  story.  That  these  works  are 
of  human  origin  is  self-evident.  Temples  and  military  works  have  been  found 
which  required  a considerable  degree  of  scientific  skill  on  the  part  of  those  early 
architects  and  builders. 

Evidently  the  Indians  had  no  knowledge  of  these  works  of  predecessors, 

which  differed  in  all  respects  from  those  of  the  red  men.  An  ancient  cemetery 

has  been  found,  covering  an  area  of  four  acres,  which  had  evidently  been  laid 

out  into  lots,  from  north  to  south.  Nearly  3,000  graves  have  been  discovered, 

containing  bones  which  at  some  time  must  have  constituted  the  framework  of 
© 

veritable  giants,  while  others  are  of  no  unusual  size.  In  1815,  a jaw-bone  was 
exhumed,  containing  an  artificial  tooth  of  silver. 

Mounds  and  fortifications  are  plentiful  in  Athens  County,  some  of  them 
being  of  solid  stone.  One,  differing  in  the  quality  of  stone  from  the  others,  is 
supposed  to  be  a dam  across  the  Hocking.  Over  a thousand  pieces  of  stone 
were  used  in  its  construction.  Copper  rings,  bracelets  and  ornaments  are 
numerous.  It  is  also  evident  that  these  people  possessed  the  knowledge  of 
hardening  copper  and  giving  it  an  edge  equal  to  our  steel  of  to-day. 

In  the  branch  formed  by  a branch  of  the  Licking  River  and  Raccoon  Creek, 
in  Licking  County,  ancient  works  extend  over  an  area  of  several  miles.  Again, 
three  miles  northwest  of  this  locality,  near  the  road  between  Newark  and  Gran- 
ville, another  field  of  these  relics  may  be  found.  On  the  summit  of  a high  hill 
is  a fortification,  formed  to  represent  an  alligator.  The  head  and  neck  includes 
32  feet ; the  length  of  the  body  is  73  feet ; the  tail  was  105  feet ; from  the  termini  of 
the  fore  feet,  over  the  shoulders,  the  width  is  100  feet ; from  the  termini  of 
the  hind  feet,  over  the  hips,  is  92  feet ; its  highest  point  is  7 feet.  It  is  composed 
of  clay,  which  must  have  been  conveyed  hither,  as  it  is  not  similar  to  the  clay 
found  in  the  vicinity. 

Near  Miamisburg,  Montgomery  County,  are  other  specimens.  Near  the 
village  is  a mound,  equaled  in  size  by  very  few  of  these  antiquities.  It  meas- 
ures 800  feet  around  the  base,  and  rises  to  a height  of  sixty-seven  feet.  Others 
are  found  in  Miami  County,  while  at  Circleville,  Pickaway  County,  no  traces 
remain. 

Two  forts  have  been  discovered,  one  forming  an  exact  square,  and  the  other 
describing  a circle.  The  square  is  flanked  by  two  walls,  on  all  sides,  these 
being  divided  by  a deep  ditch.  The  circle  has  one  wall  and  no  ditch.  This  is 
sixty -nine  rods  in  diameter,  its  walls  being  twenty  feet  high.  The  square  fort 
measures  fifty-five  rods  across,  with  walls  twelve  feet  high.  Twelve  gateways 
lead  into  the  square  fort,  while  the  circle  has  but  one,  which  led  to  the  other,  at 


176 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


the  point  where  the  walls  of  the  two  came  together.  Before  each  of  these 
entrances  were  mounds  of  earth,  from  four  to  five  feet  high  and  nearly  forty 
feet  in  diameter.  Evidently  these  were  designed  for  defenses  for  the  openings, 
in  cases  of  emergency. 

A short  distance  from  Piketon,  the  turnpike  runs,  for  several  hundred  feet, 
between  two  parallel  artificial  walls  of  earth,  fifteen  feet  high,  and  six  rods 
apart.  In  Scioto  County,  on  both  sides  of  the  Ohio,  are  extensive  ancient 
works. 

“ Fort  Ancient  ” is  near  Lebanon  in  Warren  County.  Its  direct  measure- 
ment is  a mile,  but  in  tracing  its  angles,  retreating  and  salient,  its  length  would 
be  nearly  six  miles.  Its  site  is  a level  plain,  240  feet  above  the  level  of  the 
river.  The  interior  wall  varies  in  height  to  conform  with  the  nature  of  the 
ground  without — ranging  from  8 to  10  feet.  On  the  plain  it  reaches  100  feet. 
This  fort  has  58  gateways,  through  one  of  which  the  State  road  runs,  passing 
between  two  mounds  12  feet  high.  Northeast  from  these  mounds,  situated  on 
the  plain,  are  two  roads,  about  a rod  wide  each,  made  upon  an  elevation  about 
three  feet  high.  They  run  parallel  to  each  other  about  a quarter  of  a mile, 
when  they  each  form  a semicircle  around  a mound,  joining  in  the  circle.  It  is 
probable  this  was  at  some  time  a military  defense,  or,  on  the  contrary,  it  may 
have  been  a general  rendezvous  for  games  and  high  holiday  festivities. 

Near  Marietta,  are  the  celebrated  Muskingum  River  works,  being  a half- 
mile  from  its  juncture  with  the  Ohio.  They  consist  of  mounds  and  walls  of 
earth  in  circular  and  square  forms,  also  tracing  direct  lines. 

The  largest  square  fort  covers  an  area  of  40  acres,  and  is  inclosed  by  a wall 
of  earth,  6 to  10  feet  in  height,  and  from  25  to  30  feet  at  its  base.  On  each 
side  are  three  gateways.  The  center  gateways  exceed  the  others  in  size,  more 
especially  on  the  side  toward  the  Muskingum.  From  this  outlet  runs  a covered 
means  of  egress,  between  two  parallel  walls  of  earth,  231  feet  distant  from  each 
other,  measuring  from  the  centers.  The  walls  in  the  interior  are  21  feet  high 
at  the  most  elevated  points,  measuring  42  feet  at  the  base,  grading  on  the  exte- 
rior to  about  five  feet  in  heigth.  This  passage-way  is  360  feet  in  length,  lead- 
ing to  the  low  grounds,  which,  at  the  period  of  its  construction,  probably  reached 
the  river. 

At  the  northwest  corner,  within  the  inclosure,  is  a plateau  188  feet  long, 
132  feet  broad  and  9 feet  high.  Its  sides  are  perpendicular  and  its  surface 
level.  At  the  center  of  each  side  is  a graded  pathway  leading  to  the  top,  six 
feet  wide.  Another  elevated  square  is  near  the  south  wall,  150x120  feet  square, 
and  8 feet  high,  similar  to  the  other,  with  the  exception  of  the  graded  walk. 
Outside  and  next  the  wall  to  ascend  to  the  top,  it  has  central  hollow  ways,  10 
feet  wide,  leading  20  feet  toward  the  center,  then  arising  with  a gradual  slope  to 
the  top.  A third  elevated  square  is  situated  at  the  southeast  corner,  108x54 
feet  square,  with  ascents  at  the  ends.  This  is  neither  as  high  or  as  perfect  as 
the  others. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


177 


Another  ancient  work  is  found  to  the  southeast,  covering  an  area  of  20  acres 
with  a gateway  in  the  center  of  each  side,  and  others  at  the  corners — each  of 
these  having  the  mound  defense. 

On  the  outside  of  the  smaller  fort,  a mound  resembling  a sugar  loaf  was 
formed  in  the  shape  of  a circle  115  feet  in  diameter,  its  height  being  30  feet. 
A ditch  surrounds  it,  15  feet  wide  and  4 feet  deep.  These  earthworks  have 
contributed  greatly  to  the  satisfactory  results  of  scientific  researches.  Their 
builders  were  evidently  composed  of  large  bands  that  have  succumbed  to  the 
advance  of  enlightened  humanity.  The  relics  found  consists  of  ornaments, 
utensils  and  implements  of  war.  The  bones  left  in  the  numerous  graves  convey 
an  idea  of  a stalwart,  vigorous  people,  and  the  conquests  which  swept  them  away 
from  the  face  of  the  country  must  have  been  fierce  and  cruel. 

Other  mounds  and  fortifications  are  found  in  different  parts  of  the  State,  of 
which  our  limited  space  will  not  permit  a description. 

Many  sculptured  rocks  are  found,  and  others  with  plainly  discernible 
tracery  in  emblematical  designs  upon  their  surface.  The  rock  on  which  the 
inscriptions  occur  is  the  grindstone  grit  of  the  Ohio  exports — a stratum  found 
in  Northern  Ohio,  Arrow-points  of  flint  or  chert  have  been  frequently  found. 
From  all  investigations,  it  is  evident  that  an  extensive  flint  bed  existed  in  Lick- 
ing County,  near  Newark.  The  old  pits  can  now  be  recognized.  They 
extended  over  a hundred  acres.  They  are  partially  filled  with  water,  and  sur- 
rounded by  piles  of  broken  and  rejected  fragments.  The  flint  is  a grayish- 
white,  with  cavities  of  a brilliant  quartz  crystal.  Evidently  these  stones  were 
chipped  into  shape  and  the  material  sorted  on  the  ground.  Only  clear,  homo- 
genous pieces  can  be  wrought  into  arrow-heads  and  spear-points.  Flint  chips 
extend  over  many  acres  of  ground  in  this  vicinity.  Flint  beds  are  also  found 
in  Stark  and  Tuscarawas  Counties.  In  color  it  varies,  being  red,  white,  black 
and  mottled.  The  black  is  found  in  Coshocton  County. 

SOME  GENERAL  CHARACTERISTICS. 

Ohio,  as  a State,  is  renowned  as  an  agricultural  section.  Its  variety,  quality 
and  quantity  of  productions  cannot  be  surpassed  by  any  State  in  the  Union.  Its 
commercial  importance  ranks  proudly  in  the  galaxy  of  opulent  and  industrious 
States  composing  this  Union.  Her  natural  resources  are  prolific,  and  all  improve- 
ments which  could  be  instituted  by  the  ingenuity  of  mankind  have  been  added. 

From  a quarter  to  a third  of  its  area  is  hilly  and  broken.  About  the  head- 
waters of  the  Muskingum  and  Scioto,  and  between  the  Scioto  and  the  two 
Miami  Rivers,  are  wide  prairies ; some  of  them  are  elevated  and  dry,  with  fertile 
soil,  although  they  are  frequently  termed  “barrens.”  In  other  parts,  they  are 
low  and  marshy,  producing  coarse,  rank  grass,  which  grows  to  a height  of  five 
feet  in  some  places. 

The  State  is  most  fortunate  in  timber  wealth,  having  large  quantities  of 
black  walnut,  oak  of  different  varieties,  maple,  hickory,  birch,  several  kinds  of 


178 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


beech,  poplar,  sycamore,  papaw,  several  kinds  of  ash,  cherry,  whitewood  and 
buckeye. 

The  summers  are  usually  warm,  and  the  winters  are  mild,  considering  the 
latitude  of  the  State.  Near  Lake  Erie,  the  winters  are  severe,  corresponding 
with  sections  in  a line  with  that  locality.  Snow  falls  in  sufficient  quantities 
in  the  northern  part  to  afford  several  weeks  of  fine  sleighing.  In  the  southern 
portion,  the  snowstorms  are  not  frequent,  and  the  fall  rarely  remains  long  on 
the  ground. 

The  climate  is  generally  healthy,  with  the  exception  of  small  tracts  lying 
near  the  marshes  and  stagnant  waters. 

The  Ohio  River  washes  the  southern  border  of  the  State,  and  is  navigable 
for  steamboats  of  a large  size,  the  entire  length  of  its  course.  From  Pitts- 
burgh to  its  mouth,  measuring  it  meanderings,  it  is  908  miles  long.  Its  current 
is  gentle,  having  no  falls  except  at  Louisville,  Ky.,  where  the  descent  is  twenty- 
two  and  a half  feet  in  two  miles.  A canal  obviates  this  obstruction. 

The  Muskingum  is  the  largest  river  that  flows  entirely  within  the  State.  It 
is  formed  by  the  junction  of  the  Tuscarawas  and  Walhonding  Rivers,  and  enters 
the  Ohio  at  Marietta  One  hundred  miles  of  its  length  is  navigable. 

The  Scioto  is  the  second  river  in  magnitude,  is  about  200  miles  long,  and 
flows  into  the  Ohio  at  Portsmouth.  It  affords  navigation  130  miles  of  its  length. 
The  Great  Miami  is  a rapid  river,  in  the  western  part  of  the  State,  and  is  100 
miles  long.  The  Little  Miami  is  seventy  miles  in  length,  and  enters  the  Ohio 
seven  miles  from  Cincinnati. 

The  Maumee  rises  in  Indiana,  flows  through  the  northwestern  part  of  the 
State,  and  enters  Lake  Erie  at  Maumee  Bay.  It  affords  navigation  as  far  as 
Perrysburg,  eighteen  miles  from  the  lake,  and  above  the  rapids,  it  is  again  nav- 
igable. 

The  Sandusky  rises  in  the  northern  part  of  the  State,  is  eighty  miles  long, 
and  flows  into  Lake  Erie,  via  Sandusky  Bay. 

Lake  Erie  washes  150  miles  of  the  northern  boundary.  The  State  has  sev- 
eral fine  harbors,  the  Maumee  and  Sandusky  Bays  being  the  largest. 

W e have,  in  tracing  the  record  of  the  earlier  counties,  given  the  educational  inter- 
ests as  exemplified  by  different  institutions.  We  have  also  given  the  canal  system 
of  the  State,  in  previous  pages.  The  Governor  is  elected  every  two  years,  by 
the  people.  The  Senators  are  chosen  biennially,  and  are  apportioned  according 
to  the  male  population  over  twenty-one  years  of  age.  The  Judges  of  the 
Supreme  and  other  courts  are  elected  by  the  joint  ballot  of  the  Legislature,  for 
the  term  of  seven  years. 

During  the  early  settlement  of  Ohio,  perfect  social  equality  existed  among  the 
settlers.  The  line  of  demarkation  that  was  drawn  was  a separation  of  the  good 
from  the  bad.  Log-rollings  and  cabin-raisings  were  mutual  affairs.  Their 
sport  usually  consisted  of  shooting,  rowing  and  hunting.  Hunting  shirts  and 
buckskin  pants  were  in  the  fashion,  while  the  women  dressed  in  coarse  material, 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


179 


woven  by  their  own  hands.  A common  American  cotton  check  was  con- 
sidered a magnificent  addition  to  one’s  toilet.  In  those  times,  however,  the 
material  was  $1  per  yard,  instead  of  the  shilling  of  to-day.  But  five  yards 
was  then  a large  “pattern,”  instead  of  the  twenty-five  of  1880.  In  cooking 
utensils,  the  pot,  pan  and  frying-pan  constituted  an  elegant  outfit.  A few  plain 
dishes  were  added  for  table  use.  Stools  and  benches  were  the  rule,  although  a 
few  wealthy  families  indulged  in  splint-bottom  chairs.  The  cabin  floors  were 
rough,  and  in  many  cases  the  green  sward  formed  the  carpet.  Goods  were  very 
expensive,  and  flour  was  considered  a great  luxury.  Goods  were  brought  by 
horses  and  mules  from  Detroit,  or  by  wagon  from  Philadelphia  to  Pittsburgh, 
and  then  down  the  Ohio.  Coarse  calicoes  were  SI  per  yard  ; tea  $2  to  $3  per 
pound;  coffee  75  cents;  whisky,  from  $1  to  $2  per  gallon,  and  salt,  $5  to  $6 
per  barrel.  In  those  towns  where  Indian  trade  constituted  a desirable  interest, 
a bottle  was  set  at  each  end  of  the  counter — a gratuitous  offering  to  their  red 
friends. 

OUTLINE  GEOLOGY  OF  OHIO. 

Should  we  group  the  rocks  of  Ohio,  according  to  their  lithological  characters, 
we  should  give  five  distinct  divisions.  They  are  marked  by  difference  in  appear- 
ance, hardness,  color  and  composition  : 

1 —  Limestone. 

2 —  Black  shale. 

3 —  Fine-grained  sandstone. 

4—  Conglomerate. 

5 —  Coal  series. 

They  are  all  stratified  and  sedimentary.  They  are  nearly  horizontal.  The 
lowest  one  visible,  in  a physical  as  well  as  a geological  sense,  is  “blue  lime- 
stone.” 

The  bed  of  the  Ohio  River  near  Cincinnati  is  133  feet  below  the  level  of 
Lake  Erie.  The  strata  incline  in  all  directions  from  the  southwestern  angle  of 
the  State.  In  Scioto  County  may  be  seen  the  outcropping  edges  of  all  these 
rocks.  They  sink  at  this  point  in  the  direction  south  80J°  east ; easterly  at  the 
rate  of  37^-  feet  per  mile.  The  cliff'  limestone,  the  upper  stratum  of  the  lime- 
stone deposit,  is  600  feet  above  the  river  at  Cincinnati ; at  West  Union,  in 
Adams  County,  it  is  only  350  feet  above  the  same  level. 

The  finely  grained  sandstone  found  on  the  summit  of  the  hills  east  of  Brush 
Creek  and  west  of  the  Scioto  sinks  to  the  base  of  the  hills,  and  appears  beneath 
the  conglomerate,  near  the  Little  Scioto.  Although  the  rock  formations  are  the 
same  in  all  parts  of  the  State,  in  the  same  order,  their  thickness,  mass  and  dip, 
are  quite  different. 

Chillicothe,  Reynoldsburg,  Mansfield,  Newburg,  Waverly  and  Rockville,  are 
situated  near  the  western  border  of  the  “fine-grained  limestone.”  Its  outcrop 
forms  a continuous  and  crooked  line  from  the  Ohio  River  to  Lake  Erie.  In  the 
southwest  portion  of  the  State  is  the  “blue  limestone,”  occupying  a circular 


180 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


space  from  West  Union  via  Dayton,  to  the  State  line.  The  conglomerate  is  to 
the  east  of  the  given  towns,  bending  around  from  Cuyahoga  Falls  to  Burton,  in 
Geauga  County,  and  then  eastward  into  Pennsylvania.  Near  this  outcrop  are 
the  coal-bearing  rocks  which  occupy  the  east  and  southeastern  portions  of  Ohio. 
From  Rockville  to  Chillicothe,  the  course  is  north,  about  10°  east,  and  nearly 
corresponds  with  the  line  of  outcrop  of  the  fine-grained  sandstone  for  an  equal 
distance.  The  dip  at  Rockville,  given  by  Charles  Whittlesey,  is  80J°,  almost 
at  a right  angle,  and  at  the  rate  of  37  feet  per  mile. 

At  Chillicothe,  the  other  end  of  the  line,  the  general  dip  is  south  70°  east, 
30  feet  to  the  mile,  the  line  curving  eastward  and  the  dip  line  to  the  southward. 
This  is  the  universal  law. 

The  northern  boundary  of  the  great  coal  fields  passes  through  Meadville,  in 
Pennsylvania,  and  turning  south  arrives  at  Portage  Summit,  on  the  summit  of 
the  Alleghanies,  2,500  feet  above  the  ocean  level.  It  then  plunges  rapidly  to 
the  westward.  From  the  Alleghanies  to  the  southwest,  through  Pennsylvania, 
Virginia  and  Tennessee,  sweeps  this  great  coal  basin. 

Much  of  the  county  of  Medina  is  conglomerate  upon  the  surface,  but  the 
streams,  especially  the  South  Branch  of  the  Rocky  River,  set  through  this  sur- 
face stratum,  and  reach  the  fine-grained  sandstone.  This  is  the  case  with 
Rocky,  Chagrin,  Cuyahoga  and  Grand  Rivers — also  Conneaut  and  Ashtabula 
Creeks.  This  sandstone  and  the  shale  extend  up  the  narrow  valleys  of  these 
streams  and  their  tributaries.  Between  these  strata  is  a mass  of  coarse-grained 
sandstone,  without  pebbles,  which  furnishes  the  grindstones  for  which  Ohio  is 
noted.  In  Lorain  County,  the  coarse  sandstone  grit  nearly  displaces  the  fine- 
grained sandstone  and  red  shale,  thickening  at  Elyria  to  the  black  shale.  South 
of  this  point,  the  grindstone  grit,  red  shale  and  ash-colored  shale  vary  in  thick- 
ness. The  town  of  Chillicothe,  the  village  of  Newburg,  and  a point  in  the  west 
line  of  Crawford  County,  are  all  situated  on  the  “black  shale.” 

. Dr.  Locke  gives  the  dip,  at  Montgomery  and  Miami  Counties,  at  north  14°, 
east,  six  feet  to  the  mile ; at  Columbus,  Whitelesey  gives  it,  81°  52'  east,  22j% 
feet  to  the  mile.  The  fine-grained  sandstone  at  Newburg  is  not  over  eighty 
feet  in  thickness  ; at  Jacktown  and  Reynoldsburg,  500 ; at  Waverly  250  to 
300  feet,  and  at  Brush  Creek,  Adams  County,  343  feet.  The  black  shale  is 
251  feet  thick  at  Brush  Creek  ; at  Alum  Creek,  250  to  300  feet  thick  ; in  Craw- 
ford County,  about  250  feet  thick.  The  conglomerate  in  Jackson  County  is 
200  feet  thick  ; at  Cuyahoga  Falls,  100  to  120  feet ; at  Burton,  Geauga  County, 
300  feet.  The  great  limestone  formation  is  divided  into  several  numbers.  At 
Cincinnati,  at  the  bed  of  the  river,  there  is : 

1 —  A blue  limestone  and  slaty  marlite. 

2 —  Dun-colored  marl  and  layers  of  lime  rock. 

3 —  Blue  marl  and  layers  of  blue  limestone. 

4 —  Marl  and  bands  of  limestone,  with  immense  numbers  of  shells  at  the 

surface. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


181 


In  Adams  County,  the  detailed  section  is  thus : 

1 —  Blue  limestone  and  marl. 

2 —  Blue  marl. 

3 —  Flinty  limestone. 

4 —  Blue  marl. 

5 —  Cliff  limestone. 

The  coal-fields  of  Ohio  are  composed  of  alternate  beds  of  coarse-grained 
sandstone,  clay  shales,  layers  of  ironstone,  thin  beds  of  limestone  and  numer- 
ous strata  of  coal.  The  coal  region  abounds  in  iron.  From  Jacktown  to  Con- 
cord, in  Muskingum  County,  there  are  eight  beds  of  coal,  and  seven  strata  of 
limestone.  The  distance  between  these  two  points  is  forty-two  miles.  From 
Freedom,  in  Portage  County,  to  Poland,  in  Trumbull  County,  a distance  of 
thirty-five  miles,  there  are  five  distinct  strata.  Among  them  are  distributed 
thin  beds  of  limestone,  and  many  beds  of  iron  ore.  The  greater  mass  of  coal 
and  iron  measures  is  composed  of  sandstone  and  shale.  The  beds  of  sandstone 
are  from  ten  to  twenty  or  eighty  feet  thick.  Of  shale,  five  to  fifty  feet  thick. 
The  strata  of  coal  and  iron  are  comparatively  thin.  A stratum  of  coal  three 
feet  thick  can  be  worked  to  advantage.  One  four  feet  thick  is  called  a good 
mine,  few  of  them  averaging  five.  Coal  strata  are  found  from  six  to  ten  and 
eleven  feet.  There  are  four  beds  of  coal,  and  three  of  limestone,  in  Lawrence 
and  Scioto  Counties.  There  are  also  eight  beds  of  ore,  and  new  ones  are  con- 
stantly being  discovered.  The  ore  is  from  four  to  twelve  inches  thick,  occasion- 
ally being  two  feet.  The  calcareous  ore  rests  upon  the  second  bed  of  limestone, 
from  the  bottom,  and  is  very  rich. 

The  most  prominent  fossils  are  trees,  plants  and  stems  of  the  coal-bearing 
rocks,  shells  and  corals  and  crustaceae  of  the  limestone,  and  the  timber,  leaves 
and  dirt-beds  of  the  “ drift  ” — the  earthy  covering  of  the  rocks,  which  varies 
from  nothing  to  200  feet.  Bowlders,  or  “ lost  rocks,”  are  strewn  over  the  State. 
They  are  evidently  transported  from  some  remote  section,  being  fragments  of 
primitive  rock,  granite,  gneiss  and  hornblende  rock,  which  do  not  exist  in 
Ohio,  nor  within  400  miles  of  the  State,  in  any  direction.  In  the  Lake  Supe- 
rior region  we  find  similar  specimens. 

The  superficial  deposits  of  Ohio  are  arranged  into  four  geological  formations  : 

1 —  The  ancient  drift,  resting  upon  the  rocks  of  the  State. 

2 —  The  Lake  Erie  marl  and  sand  deposits. 

3 —  The  drift  occupying  the  valleys  of  large  streams,  such  as  the  Great  Miami, 

the  Ohio  and  Scioto. 

4 —  The  bowlders. 

The  ancient  drift  of  Ohio  is  meager  in  shell  deposits.  It  is  not,  therefore, 

decided  whether  it  be  of  salt-water  origin  or  fresh  water. 

© 

It  has,  at  the  bottom,  blue  clay,  with  gravel-stones  of  primitive  or  sedimen- 
tary rocks,  containing  carbonate  of  lime.  The  yellow  clay  is  found  second. 
Above  that,  sand  and  gravel,  less  stratified,  containing  more  pebbles  of  the 


182 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


sedimentary  rocks,  such  as  limestone  and  stone,  iron  ore,  coal  and  shale.  The 
lower  layer  contains  logs,  trees,  leaves,  sticks  and  vines. 

The  Lake  Erie  section,  or  “ Lake  Erie  deposits,”  may  be  classed  in  the 
following  order : 

1 —  From  the  lake  level  upward,  fine,  blue,  marly  sand — forty-five  to  sixty 

feet. 

2 —  Coarse,  gray,  water-washed  sand — ten  to  twenty  feet. 

3 —  Coarse  sand  and  gravel,  not  well  stratified,  to  surface — twenty  to  fifty  feet. 

Stratum  first  dissolves  in  water.  It  contains  carbonate  of  lime,  magnesia, 

iron,  alumina,  silex,  sulphur,  and  some  decomposed  leaves,  plants  and  sticks. 
Some  pebbles  are  found.  In  contact  with  the  water,  quicksand  is  formed. 

The  Hickory  Plains,  at  the  forks  of  the  Great  Miami  and  White  Water,  and 
also  between  Kilgore’s  Mill  and  New  Richmond,  are  the  results  of  heavy  dilu- 
vial currents. 

In  presenting  these  formations  of  the  State,  we  have  quoted  from  the  experi- 
ence and  conclusions  of  Charles  Whittlesey,  eminent  as  a geologist,  and  who 
was  a member  of  the  Ohio  Geological  Corps. 

OHIO’S  RANK  DURING  THE  WAR. 

The  patriotism  of  this  State  has  been  stanch,  unswerving  and  bold,  ever 
since  a first  settlement  laid  its  corner-stone  in  the  great  Western  wilder- 
ness. Its  decisive  measures,  its  earnest  action,  its  noble  constancy,  have  earned 
the  laurels  that  designate  it  “a  watchword  for  the  nation.”  In  the  year  1860, 
Ohio  had  a population  of  2,343,739.  Its  contribution  of  soldiers  to  the  great 
conflict  that  was  soon  to  surge  over  the  land  in  scarlet  terror,  was  apportioned 
310,000  men.  In  less  than  twenty -four  hours  after  the  President’s  proclama- 
tion and  call  for  troops,  the  Senate  had  matured  and  carried  a bill  through, 
appropriating  $1,000,000  for  the  purpose  of  placing  the  State  on  a war  footing. 
The  influences  of  party  sentiments  were  forgotten,  and  united,  the  State 
unfurled  the  flag  of  patriotism.  Before  the  bombardment  of  old  Fort  Sumter 
has  fairly  ceased  its  echoes,  twenty  companies  were  offered  the  Governor  for 
immediate  service.  When  the  surrender  was  verified,  the  excitement  was 
tumultuous.  Militia  officers  telegraphed  their  willingness  to  receive  prompt 
orders,  all  over  the  State.  The  President  of  Kenyon  College — President 
Andrews — tendered  his  services  by  enlisting  in  the  ranks.  Indeed,  three 
months  before  the  outbreak  of  the  war,  he  had  expressed  his  readiness  to  the 
Governor  to  engage  in  service  should  there  be  occasion.  He  was  the  first  citi- 
zen to  make  this  offer. 

The  Cleveland  Grays,  the  Rover  Guards,  the  State  Fencibles,  the  Dayton 
Light  Guards,  the  Governor’s  Guards,  the  Columbus  Yidettes  and  the  Guthrie 
Grays — the  best  drilled  and  celebrated  militia  in  the  State — telegraphed  to 
Columbus  for  orders.  Chillicothe,  Portsmouth  and  Circleville  offered  money 
and  troops.  Canton,  Xenia,  Lebanon,  Lancaster,  Springfield,  Cincinnati, 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


183 


Dayton,  Cleveland,  Toledo  and  other  towns  urged  their  assistance  upon  the  State. 
Columbus  began  to  look  like  a great  army  field.  The  troops  were  stationed 
wherever  they  could  find  quarters,  and  food  in  sufficient  quantities  was  hard  to 
procure.  The  Governor  soon  established  a camp  at  Miamiville,  convenient  to 
Cincinnati.  He  intended  to  appoint  Irvin  McDowell,  of  the  staff  of  Lieut. 
Gen.  Scott,  to  the  leading  command,  but  the  friends  of  Capt.  McClellan  became 
enthusiastic  and  appealed  to  the  Governor,  who  decided  to  investigate  his  case. 
Being  satisfied,  he  desired  Capt.  McClellan  to  come  up  to  Columbus.  But  that 
officer  was  busy  and  sent  Capt.  Pope,  of  the  regular  army,  in  his  stead.  This 
gentleman  did  not  suit  Gov.  Dennison.  The  friends  of  McClellan  again  set 
forth  the  high  qualities  of  this  officer,  and  Gov.  Dennison  sent  an  earnest 
request  for  an  interview,  which  was  granted,  and  resulted  in  the  appointment 
of  the  officer  as  Major  General  of  the  Ohio  militia.  Directly  thereafter,  he 
received  an  invitation  to  take  command  of  the  Pennsylvania  troops,  but  Ohio 
could  not  spare  so  valuable  a leader. 

For  three-years  troops  were  soon  called  out,  and  their  Generals  were  to  be 
appointed  by  the  President.  Gov.  Dennison  advised  at  once  with  the  War 
Department  at  Washington,  and  McClellan  received  his  appointment  as  Major 
General  in  the  regular  army. 

Cincinnati  and  Louisville  became  alarmed  lest  Kentucky  should  espouse  the 
Confederate  cause,  and  those  cities  thus  be  left  insecure  against  the  inroads  of  a 
cruel  foe.  Four  hundred  and  thirty-six  miles  of  Ohio  bordered  Slave  States. 
Kentucky  and  West  Virginia  were  to  be  kept  in  check,  but  the  Governor  pro- 
claimed that  not  only  should  the  border  of  Ohio  be  protected,  but  even  beyond 
that  would  the  State  press  the  enemy.  Marietta  was  garrisoned,  and  other  river 
points  rendered  impregnable.  On  the  20th  of  May,  1861,  official  dispatches 
affirmed  that  troops  were  approaching  Wheeling  under  the  proclamation  of 
Letcher.  Their  intention  was  to  route  the  convention  at  Wheeling. 

Military  orders  were  instantly  given.  Col.  Steedman  and  his  troops  crossed 
at  Marietta  and  crushed  the  disturbance  at  Parkersburg — swept  into  the  country 
along  the  railroad,  built  bridges,  etc.  Col.  Irvine  crossed  at  Wheeling  and 
united  with  a regiment  of  loyal  Virginians.  At  the  juncture  of  the  two  tracks 
at  Grafton,  the  columns  met,  but  the  rebels  had  retreated  in  mad  haste.  The 
loyal  troops  followed,  and,  at  Philippi,  fought  the  first  little  skirmish  of  the  war. 
The  great  railway  lines  were  secured,  and  the  Wheeling  convention  protected, 
and  West  Virginia  partially  secured  for  the  Union. 

After  preliminary  arrangements,  McClellan’s  forces  moved  in  two  columns 
upon  the  enemy  at  Laurel  Hill.  One  remained  in  front,  under  Gen.  Morris, 
while  the  other,  under  his  own  command,  pushed  around  to  Huttonsville,  in 
their  rear.  Gen.  Morris  carried  his  orders  through  promptly,  but  McClellan 
was  late.  Rosecrans  was  left  with  McClellan’s  advance  to  fight  the  battle  of 
Rich  Mountain,  unaided.  Garnett  being  alarmed  at  the  defeat  of  his  outpost, 
retreated.  McClellan  was  not  in  time  to  intercept  him,  but  Morris  continued 


184 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


the  chase.  Steedman  overtook  the  rear-guard  of  Garnett’s  army  at  Carrick’s 
Ford,  where  a sharp  skirmish  ensued,  Garnett  himself  falling.  The  scattered  ! 
portions  of  the  rebel  army  escaped,  and  West  Virginia  was  again  free  from 
armed  rebels — and  was  the  gift  of  Ohio  through  her  State  militia  to  the  nation  ■ 
at  the  beginning  of  the  war. 

At  this  period,  Gen.  McClellan  was  called  to  Washington.  Gen.  Rose- 
crans  succeeded  him,  and  the  three-years  troops  left  in  the  field  after  the  dis- 
banding of  the  three-months  men,  barely  sufficed  to  hold  the  country.  He 
telegraphed  Gov.  Dennison  to  supply  him  immediately  with  re-enforcements,  the 
request  being  made  on  the  8th  of  August.  Already  had  the  Confederate  lead-  j 
ers  realized  the  loss  they  had  sustained  in  Western  Virginia,  and  had  dispatched  I 
their  most  valued  General,  Robert  E.  Lee,  to  regain  the  territory.  Rosecrans 
again  wrote:  “If  you,  Governor  of  Indiana  and  Governor  of  Michigan,  will 

lend  your  efforts  to  get  me  quickly  50,000  men,  in  addition  to  my  present 
force,  I think  a blow  can  be  struck  which  will  save  fighting  the  rifled-cannon 
batteries  at  Manassas.  Lee  is  certainly  at  Cheat  Mountain.  Send  all  troops 
you  can  to  Grafton.”  Five  days  thereafter,  all  the  available  troops  in  the 
West  were  dispatched  to  Fremont,  Mo.,  and  the  plans  of  Rosecrans  were 
foiled. 

Heavy  re-enforcements  had  been  sent  to  the  column  in  Kanawha  Valley 
under  Gen.  Cox.  He  became  alarmed,  and  telegraphed  to  Gov.  Dennison. 
Rosecrans  again  appealed  to  Gov.  Dennison,  that  he  might  be  aided  in  march- 
ing across  the  country  against  Floyd  and  Wise  to  Cox’s  relief,  “I  want  to 
catch  Floyd  while  Cox  holds  him  in  front.” 

The  response  was  immediate  and  effective.  He  was  enabled  to  employ 
twenty-three  Ohio  regiments  in  clearing  his  department  from  rebels,  securing 
the  country  and  guarding  the  exposed  railroads.  With  this  achievement,  the  t 
direct  relation  of  the  State  administrations  with  the  conduct  and  methods  of 
campaigns  terminated.  The  General  Government  had  settled  down  to  a sys- 
tem. Ohio  was  busy  organizing  and  equipping  regiments,  caring  for  the  sick 
and  wounded,  and  sustaining  her  home  strength. 

Gov.  Dennison’s  staff  officers  were  tendered  better  positions  in  the  national 
service.  Camps  Dennison  and  Chase,  one  at  Cincinnati  and  the  other  at  j 
Columbus,  were  controlled  by  the  United  States  authorities.  A laboratory  was 
established  at  Columbus  for  the  supply  of  ammunition.  During  the  fall  and 
early  winter,  the  Ohio  troops  suffered  in  Western  Virginia.  The  people  of 
their  native  State  responded  with  blankets,  clothing  and  other  supplies. 

In  January,  1862,  David  A.  Tod  entered  upon  the  duties  of  Governor. 
The  first  feature  of  his  administration  was  to  care  for  the  wounded  at  home, 
sent  from  Pittsburg  Landing.  A regular  system  was  inaugurated  to  supply 
stores  and  clothing  to  the  suffering  at  home  and  in  the  field.  Agencies  were 
established,  and  the  great  and  good  work  was  found  to  be  most  efficacious  in 
alleviating  the  wretchedness  consequent  upon  fearful  battles.  A.  B.  Lyman 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


185 


had  charge  of  affairs  in  Cincinnati,  and  Royal  Taylor  held  the  same  position 
in  Louisville.  J.  C.  Wetmore  was  stationed  at  Washington,  F.  W.  Bingham 
at  Memphis,  Weston  Flint  at  Cairo  and  St.  Louis.  Thus  the  care  which  Ohio 
extended  over  her  troops  at  home  and  in  the  battle-field,  furnished  a practical 
example  to  other  States,  and  was  the  foundation  of  that  commendable  system 
all  over  the  Union.  Stonewall  Jackson's  sudden  advent  in  the  valley  created 
the  greatest  consternation  lest  the  safety  of  the  capital  be  jeopardized,  and  the 
War  Department  called  for  more  troops.  Gov.  Tod  immediately  issued  a 
proclamation,  and  the  people,  never  shrinking,  responded  heartily.  At  Cleve- 
land a large  meeting  was  held,  and  250  men  enlisted,  including  27  out  of  32 
students  attending  the  law  school.  Fire  bells  rang  out  the  alarm  at  Zanesville, 
a meeting  was  convened  at  10  in  the  morning,  and  by  3 in  the  afternoon,  300 
men  had  enlisted.  Court  was  adjoui'ned  sine  die , and  the  Judge  announced 
that  he  and  the  lawyers  were  about  to  enter  into  military  ranks.  Only  three 
unmarried  men  between  the  ages  of  eighteen  and  twenty-three  were  left  in  the 
town  of  Putnam.  Five  thousand  volunteers  reported  at  Camp  Chase  within 
two  days  after  the  proclamation. 

Again  in  June,  the  President  called  for  troops,  followed  by  yet  another  call. 
Under  these  calls,  Ohio  was  to  raise  74,000  men.  The  draft  system  was 
advised  to  hasten  and  facilitate  filling  regiments.  It  has  always  been  a repul- 
sive measure.  To  save  sections  from  this  proceeding,  enormous  sums  were 
offered  to  induce  men  to  volunteer,  and  thus  fill  the  quota. 

Counties,  townships,  towns  and  individuals,  all  made  bids  and  urged  the 
rapid  enlistment  of  troops.  The  result  was,  that  the  regiments  were  filled  rap- 
idly, but  not  in  sufficient  numbers  to  prevent  the  draft.  Twenty  thousand  four 
hundred  and  twenty-seven  men  were  yet  lacking,  and  the  draft  was  ordered, 
September  15.  At  the  close  of  the  year,  Ohio  was  ahead  of  her  calls.  Late 
in  the  fall,  the  prospect  was  disheartening.  The  peninsula  campaign  had  failed. 
The  Army  of  Northern  Virginia  had  been  hurled  back  nearly  to  Washington. 
The  rebels  had  invaded  Maryland  ; Cincinnati  and  Louisville  were  threatened, 
and  the  President  had  declared  his  intention  to  abolish  slavery,  as  a war  meas- 
ure. During  the  first  part  of  1862,  artillery,  stores  and  supplies  were  carried 
away  mysteriously,  from  the  Ohio  border  ; then  little  squads  ventured  over  the 
river  to  plunder  more  openly,  or  to  burn  a bridge  or  two.  The  rebel  bands 
came  swooping  down  upon  isolated  supply  trains,  sending  insolent  roundabout 
messages  regarding  their  next  day’s  intentions.  Then  came  invasions  of  our 
lines  near  Nashville,  capture  of  squads  of  guards  within  sight  of  camp,  the  seizure 
of  Gallatin.  After  Mitchell  had  entered  Northern  Alabama,  all  manner  of  depre- 
dations were  committed  before  his  very  eyes.  These  were  attributed  to  John 
Morgan’s  Kentucky  cavalry.  He  and  his  men,  by  the  middle  of  1862,  were 
as  active  and  dangerous  as  Lee  or  Beauregard  and  their  troops.  Morgan  was  a 
native  of  Alabama,  but  had  lived  in  Kentucky  since  boyhood.  His  father  was 
large  slave-owner,  who  lived  in  the  center  of  the  “Blue  Grass  Country.”  His 


186 


HISTORY  OF.  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


life  had  been  one  of  wild  dissipation,  adventure  and  recklessness,  although  in 
his  own  family  he  had  the  name  of  being  most  considerate.  The  men  who  fol- 
lowed him  were  accustomed  to  a dare-devil  life.  They  formed  and  independent 
band,  and  dashed  madly  into  the  conflict,  wherever  and  whenever  inclination 
prompted.  Ohio  had  just  raised  troops  to  send  East,  to  assist  in  the  overthrow 
of  Stonewell  Jackson.  She  had  overcome  her  discouragements  over  failures, 
for  the  prospects  were  brightening.  Beauregard  had  evacuated  Corinth  ; Mem- 
phis had  fallen  ; Buell  was  moving  toward  Chattanooga ; Mitchell’s  troops  held 
Northern  Tennessee  and  Northern  Alabama  ; Kentucky  was  virtually  in  the 
keeping  of  the  home  guards  and  State  military  board.  And  now,  here  was 
Morgan,  creating  confusion  in  Kentucky  by  his  furious  raids  ! On  the  11th  of 
July,  the  little  post  of  Tompkinsville  fell.  He  issued  a call  for  the  Kentuckians 
to  rise  in  a body.  He  marched  toward  Lexington,  and  the  southern  border  of 
Ohio  was  again  in  danger.  Cincinnati  was  greatly  excited.  Aid  was  sent  to 
Lexington  and  home  guards  were  ready  for  duty.  Morgan  was  not  prominent 
for  a day  or  so,  but  he  was  not  idle.  By  the  9th  of  July,  he  held  possession  of 
Tompkinsville  and  Glasgow ; by  the  11th,  of  Lebanon.  On  the  13th,  he 
entered  Harraldsburg ; Monday  morning  he  was  within  fifteen  miles  of  Frank- 
fort. He  had  marched  nearly  400  miles  in  eight  days.  Going  on,  toward 
Lexington,  he  captured  the  telegraph  operator  at  Midway,  and  his  messages 
also  ! He  was  now  aware  of  the  plans  of  the  Union  armies  at  Lexington, 
Louisville,  Cincinnati  and  Frankfort.  In  the  name  of  the  operator,  he  sent 
word  that  Morgan  was  driving  in  the  pickets  at  Frankfort ! Now  that  he 
had  thrown  his  foes  off  guard,  he  rested  his  men  a couple  of  days.  He 
decided  to  let  Lexington  alone,  and  swept  down  on  Cynthiana,  routing  a few 
hundred  loyal  Kentucky  cavalrymen,  capturing  the  gun  and  420  prisoners,  and 
nearly  300  horses.  Then  he  was  off  to  Paris ; he  marched  through  Winchester, 
Richmond,  Crab  Orchard  and  Somerset,  and  again  crossed  the  Cumberland  River. 
He  started  with  900  men  and  returned  with  1,200,  having  captured  and  paroled 
nearly  as  many,  besides  destroying  all  the  Government  arms  and  stores  in  seven- 
teen towns.  The  excitement  continued  in  Cincinnati.  Two  regiments  were 
hastily  formed,  for  emergencies,*  known  as  Cincinnati  Reserves.  Morgan’s  raid 
did  not  reach  the  city,  but  it  demonstrated  to  the  rebel  forces  what  might  be 
accomplished  in  the  “ Blue  Grass  ” region.  July  and  August  were  passed  in 
gloom.  Bragg  and  Buell  were  both  watchful,  and  Chattanooga  had  not  been 
taken.  Lexington  wras  again  menaced,  a battle  fought,  and  was  finally  deserted 
because  it  could  not  be  held. 

Louisville  was  now  in  danger.  The  banks  sent  their  specie  away.  Railroad 
companies  added  new  guards. 

September  1,  Gen.  Kirby  Smith  entered  Lexington,  and  dispatched  Lleath 
with  about  six  thousand  men  against  Cincinnati  and  Covington.  John  Morgan 
joined  him.  The  rebels  rushed  upon  the  borders  of  Ohio.  The  failure  at  Rich- 
mond only  added  deeper  apprehension.  Soon  Kirby  Smith  and  his  regiments 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


189 


occupied  a position  where  only  a few  unmanned  siege  guns  and  the  Ohio 
prevented  his  entrance  through  Covington  into  the  Queen  City.  The  city  was 
fully  armed,  and  Lew.  Wallace’s  arrival  to  take  command  inspired  all  with 
fresh  courage.  And  before  the  people  were  hardly  aware  that  danger  was  so 
near,  the  city  was  proclaimed  under  strict  martial  law.  “ Citizens  for  labor, 
soldiers  for  battle.” 

There  was  no  panic,  because  the  leaders  were  confident.  Back  of  Newport 
and  Covington  breastworks,  riflepits  and  redoubts  had  been  hastily  thrown  up, 
and  pickets  were  thrown  out.  From  Cincinnati  to  Covington  extended  a pon- 
ton bridge.  Volunteers  marched  into  the  city  and  those  already  in  service 
were  sent  to  the  rescue.  Strict  military  law  was  now  modified,  and  the  city 
being  secured,'  some  inconsiderate  ones  expressed  themselves  as  being  outraged 
with  “ much  ado  about  nothing.”  But  Gen.  Wallace  did  not  cease  his  vigilance. 
And  Smith’s  force  began  to  move  up.  One  or  two  skirmishes  ensued.  The 
city  was  again  excited.  September  11  was  one  of  intense  suspense.  But 
Smith  did  not  attack  in  force.  Fie  was  ordered  to  join  Bragg.  On  the  Mon- 
day following,  the  citizens  of  Cincinnati  returned  to  their  avocations.  In  the 
spring  of  1863,  the  State  was  a trifle  discouraged.  Her  burdens  had  been 
heavy,  and  she  was  weary.  Vicksburg  was  yet  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy. 
Rosecrans  had  not  moved  since  his  victory  at  Stone  River.  There  had  been 
fearful  slaughter  about  Fredericksburg. 

But  during  July,  1863,  Ohio  was  aroused  again  by  Bragg’s  command  to 
Morgan,  to  raid  Kentucky  and  capture  Louisville.  On  the  3d  of  July,  he  was 
in  a position  to  invade  Ohio,  Indiana  and  Kentucky.  He  continued  his  depre- 
dations, bewildering  the  militia  with  his  movements.  His  avowed  intention 
was  to  burn  Indianapolis  and  “ take  Cincinnati  alive.”  Morgan’s  purposes 
were  never  clear.  It  was  his  audacious  and  sudden  dashes,  here  and  there, 
which  gave  him  success.  Before  Cincinnati  was  aware,  he  was  at  Harrison — 
13th  of  July.  He  expected  to  meet  the  forces  of  Burnside  and  Judah,  and  to 
cut  his  way  through.  His  plans  here,  as  everywhere,  were  indefinable,  and  he 
succeeded  in  deceiving  everybody.  While  printers  in  Cincinnati  were  setting 
up  “ reports  ” as  to  his  whereabouts,  he  was  actually  marching  through  the  sub- 
urbs, near  troops  enough  to  devour  them,  and  yet  not  encountered  by  a single 
picket ! They  fed  their  horses  within  sight  of  Camp  Dennison.  At  4 
o’clock  that  day,  they  were  within  twenty-eight  miles  of  Cincinnati — having 
marched  more  than  ninety  miles  in  thirty-five  hours. 

The  greatest  chagrin  was  expressed,  that  Morgan  had  so  easily  eluded  the 
great  military  forces.  A sudden  dash  was  made  to  follow  him.  There  was  a 
universal  bolting  of  doors,  burying  of  valuables,  hiding  of  horses,  etc.,  all  along 
the  route  of  the  mad  cavalryman  and  his  2,000  mounted  men.  They  plundered 
beyond  all  comparison.  They  made  a principle  of  it.  On  the  14th  of  July, 
he  was  feeding  his  horses  near  Dennison  ; he  reached  the  ford  at  Buffington 
Island  on  the  evening  of  the  18th  ; he  had  encountered  several  little  skirmishes, 


190 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


but  he  had  marched  through  at  his  own  will,  mostly ; all  the  troops  of  Kentucky 
had  been  outwitted.  The  Indiana  forces  had  been  laughed  to  scorn.  The 
50,000  Ohio  militia  had  been  as  straws  in  his  way.  The  intrepid  band  would 
soon  be  upon  friendly  soil,  leaving  a blackened  trail  behind.  But  Judah  was 
up  and  marching  after  him,  Hobson  followed  and  Col.  Runkle  was  north  of 
him.  The  local  militia  in  his  advance  began  to  impede  the  way.  Near  Pome- 
roy, a stand  was  made.  Morgan  found  militia  posted  everywhere,  but  he  suc- 
ceeded in  running  the  gantlet,  so  far  as  to  reach  Chester.  He  should  have 
hastened  to  cross  the  ford.  Fortunately,  he  paused  to  breathe  his  horses  and 
secure  a guide.  The  hour  and  a half  thus  lost  was  the  first  mistake  Morgan  is 
known  to  have  made  in  his  military  career.  They  reached  Portland,  and  only 
a little  earthwork,  guarded  by  about  300  men,  stood  between  him  and  safety. 
His  men  were  exhausted,  and  he  feared  to  lead  them  to  a night  attack  upon  a 
position  not  understood  perfectly ; he  would  not  abandon  his  wagon  train,  nor 
his  wounded  ; he  would  save  or  lose  all.  As  Morgan  was  preparing  next 
morning,  having  found  the  earthworks  deserted  through  the  night,  Judah  came 
up.  He  repulsed  the  attack  at  first,  capturing  Judah’s  Adjutant  General,  and 
ordering  him  to  hold  the  force  on  his  front  in  check.  He  was  not  able  to  join 
his  own  company,  until  it  was  in  full  retreat.  Here  Lieut.  O’Neil,  of  the  Fifth 
Indiana,  made  an  impulsive  charge,  the  lines  were  reformed,  and  up  the  Chester 
road  were  Hobson’s  gallant  cavalrymen,  who  had  been  galloping  over  three 
States  to  capture  this  very  Morgan  ! And  now  the  tin-clad  gunboats  steamed 
up  and  opened  fire.  The  route  was  complete,  but  Morgan  escaped  with  1,200 
men ! Seven  hundred  men  were  taken  prisoners,  among  them  Morgan’s  brother, 
Cols.  Ward,  Duke  and  Huffman.  The  prisoners  were  brought  to  Cincinnati, 
while  the  troops  went  after  the  fugitive.  He  was  surrounded  by  dangers  ; his 
men  were  exhausted,  hunted  down  ; skirmishes  and  thrilling  escapes  marked  a 
series  of  methods  to  escape— his  wonderful  sagacity  absolutely  brilliant  to  the 
very  last — which  was  his  capture,  on  the  26th,  with  346  prisoners  and 
400  horses  and  arms.  It  may  be  added,  that  after  several  months  of  con- 
finement, Morgan  and  six  prisoners  escaped,  on  the  27th  of  November.  Again 
was  he  free  to  raid  in  the  “ Blue  Grass  ” country. 

John  Brough  succeeded  Gov.  Tod  January  11,  1864.  His  first  prominent 
work  was  with  the  Sanitary  Commission.  In  February,  of  the  same  year,  the 
President  called  for  more  troops.  The  quota  of  Ohio  was  51,465  men.  The 
call  of  March  added  20,995.  And  in  July  was  a third  demand  for  50,792.  In 
December,  the  State  was  ordered  to  raise  26,027.  The  critical  period  of  the 
war  was  evidently  approaching.  Gov.  Brough  instituted  a reformation  in  the 
“promotion  system  ” of  the  Ohio  troops.  He  was,  in  many  cases,  severe  in  his 
measures.  He  ignored  “ local  great  men  ” and  refused  distinction  as  a bribe. 
The  consequence  was  that  he  had  many  friends  and  some  enemies.  The  acute- 
ness of  his  policy  was  so  strong,  and  his  policy  so  just,  that,  after  all  his  severe 
administration,  he  was  second  to  no  statesman  in  the  nation  during  the  struggle. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


191 


Ohio  during  the  war  was  most  active  in  her  relief  and  aid  societies.  The  most 
noted  and  extensive  organization  was  the  Cincinnati  Branch  of  the  United 
States  Sanitary  Commission.  The  most  efficient  organization  was  the  Soldiers’ 
Aid  Society  of  Northern  Ohio. 

When  the  happy  tidings  swept  over  the  land  that  peace  was  proclaimed,  an 
echo  of  thanksgiving  followed  the  proclamation.  The  brave  sons  of  Ohio 
returned  to  their  own  soil — those  who  escaped  the  carnage.  But  ’mid  the 
rejoicing  there  was  deepest  sadness,  for  a fragment  only  remained  of  that  brave 
army  which  had  set  out  sturdily  inspired  with  patriotism. 

A BRIEF  MENTION  OF  PROMINENT  OHIO  GENERALS. 

George  Briton  McClellan,  the  first  General  appointed  in  Ohio,  was  born 
December  3,  1826,  in  Philadelphia.  His  father  was  a physician  of  high  stand- 
ing and  Scottish  descent.  Young  George  was  in  school  in  Philadelphia,  and 
entered  West  Point  at  the  age  of  sixteen.  At  the  age  of  twenty,  he  was  a bre- 
vet Second  Lieutenant,  tracing  lines  of  investment  before  Vera  Cruz,  under  the 
supervision  of  Capt.  R.  E.  Lee,  First  Lieut.  P.  G.  T.  Beauregard,  Second  Lieut. 
G.  W.  Smith.  At  the  close  of  the  Mexican  war,  old  Col.  Totten  reported  in 
favor  of  them  all  to  Winfield  Scott.  He  had  charge  of  an  exploring  expedition 
to  the  mountains  of  Oregon  and  Washington,  beginning  with  the  Cascade  Range. 
This  was  one  of  a series  of  Pacific  Railway  explorations.  Returning  to  Wash- 
ington, he  was  detailed  to  visit  the  West  Indies  and  secretly  select  a coaling  sta- 
tion for  the  United  States  Navy.  He  was  dispatched  by  Jefferson  Davis, 
Secretary  of  War,  to  Europe,  with  instructions  to  take  full  reports  of  the  organ- 
ization of  military  forces  connected  with  the  Crimean  war.  This  work  elicited 
entire  satisfaction.  He  returned  in  January,  1857,  resigned  as  regular  army 
officer,  and  was  soon  installed  as  engineer  of  Illinois  Central  Railroad.  In  1860, 
he  was  President  of  the  Ohio  & Mississippi.  He  removed  to  Cincinnati,  where 
he  was  at  the  opening  of  the  war. 

William  Starke  Rosecrans  was  born  September  6, 1819,  in  Delaware  County, 
Ohio.  His  people  were  from  Amsterdam.  He  was  educated  at  West  Point. 
When  the  war  opened,  he  espoused  the  cause  of  the  Union  with  enthusiastic 
zeal,  and  was  appointed  by  McClellan  on  his  staff  as  Engineer.  June  9,  he 
was  Chief  Engineer  of  the  State  under  special  law.  Soon  thereafter,  he  was 
Colonel  of  the  Twenty-third  Ohio,  and  assigned  to  the  command  of  Camp 
Chase,  Columbus.  On  May  16,  his  commission  was  out  as  Brigadier  General 
in  the  United  States  Army.  This  reached  him  and  he  was  speedily  sum- 
moned to  active  service,  under  Gen.  McClellan.  After  the  battle  of  Rich  Moun- 
tain, he  was  promoted  to  the  head  of  the  department. 

In  April,  1862,  he  was  succeeded  by  Fremont,  and  ordered  to  Wash- 
ington to  engage  in  immediate  service  for  the  Secretary  of  War.  About  the 
15th  of  May,  he  was  ordered  to  Gen.  Halleck,  before  Corinth.  He  was 
relieved  from  his  command  December  9,  1864. 


192 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


Ulysses  S.  Grant,  whose  history  we  cannot  attempt  to  give  in  these  pages, 
was  born  on  the  banks  of  the  Ohio,  at  Point  Pleasant,  Clermont  Co.,  Ohio, 
April  27,  1822.  He  entered  West  Point  in  1839. 

“ That  the  son  of  a tanner,  poor  and  unpretending,  without  influential  friends 
until  his  performance  had  won  them,  ill-used  to  the  world  and  its  ways,  should 
rise — not  suddenly,  in  the  first  blind  worship  of  helpless  ignorance  which  made 
any  one  who  understood  regimental  tactics  illustrious  in  advance  for  what  he 
was  going  to  do,  not  at  all  for  what  he  had  done — but  slowly,  grade  by  grade, 
through  all  the  vicissitudes  of  constant  service  and  mingled  blunders  and  suc- 
cess, till,  at  the  end  of  four  years’  war  he  stood  at  the  head  of  our  armies, 
crowned  by  popular  acclaim  our  greatest  soldier,  is  a satisfactory  answer  to 
criticism  and  a sufficient  vindication  of  greatness.  Success  succeeds.” 

“ We  may  reason  on  the  man’s  career ; we  may  prove  that  at  few  stages  has 
he  shown  personal  evidence  of  marked  ability ; we  may  demonstrate  his  mis- 
takes ; we  may  swell  the  praises  of  his  subordinates.  But  after  all,  the  career 
stands  wonderful,  unique,  worthy  of  study  so  long  as  the  nation  honors  her 
benefactors,  or  the  State  cherishes  the  good  fame  of  the  sons  who  contributed 
most  to  her  honor.” 

Lieut.  Gen.  William  Tecumseh  Sherman  was  another  Ohio  contribution  to 
the  great  Union  war.  He  was  born  at  Lancaster  February  8,  1820.  He 
entered  West  Point  in  June,  1836.  His  “ march  to  the  sea  ” has  fully  brought 
out  the  details  of  his  life,  since  they  were  rendered  interesting  to  all,  and  we 
refrain  from  repeating  the  well-known  story. 

Philip  H.  Sheridan  was  born  on  the  6th  of  March,  1831,  in  Somerset, 
Perry  Co.,  Ohio.  He  entered  West  Point  in  1848.  During  the  war,  his 
career  was  brilliant.  His  presence  meant  victory.  Troops  fighting  under  his 
command  were  inspired.  Gen.  Rosecrans  said  of  him,  “He  fights,  he  fights.” 
A staff  officer  once  said,  “He  is  an  emphatic  human  syllable.” 

Maj.  Gen.  James  B.  McPherson  was  born  in  Sandusky  County,  town  of 
Clyde,  November  14,  1828. 

Maj.  Gen.  Q.  A.  Gillmore  was  born  February  28,  1825,  at  Black  River, 
Lorain  Co.,  Ohio. 

Maj.  Gen.  Irvin  McDowell  was  born  at  Franklinton,  Ohio,  October  15, 
1818.  ‘ 

Maj.  Gen.  Don  Carlos  Buell  was  born  near  Marietta  on  the  23d  of  March, 
1818.  His  grandfather  on  the  maternal  side  was  one  of  the  first  settlers  of 
Cincinnati. 

Maj.  Gen.  0.  M.  Mitchell  was  a native  of  Kentucky,  but  a resident  of 
Ohio  from  the  age  of  four  years. 

Maj.  Gen.  Robert  C.  Schenck  was  born  October  4,  1809,  in  Franklin, 
Warren  Co.,  Ohio. 

Mai.  Gen.  James  A.  Garfield,  was  born  in  Orange,  Cuyahoga  Co.,  Ohio, 
November  19,  1831. 


ISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


193 


Maj.  Gen.  Jacob  D.  Cox  was  born  in  Canada  in  1828,  and  removed  to 
Ohio  in  1846. 

Maj.  Gen.  James  B.  Steedman  was  born  in  Pennsylvania  July  30,  1818, 
and  removed  to  Toledo  in  1861. 

Maj.  Gen.  David  S.  Stanley  was  born  in  Wayne  County,  Ohio,  June  1, 
1828. 

Maj.  Gen.  George  Crook  was  born  in  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  Septem- 
ber 8,  1828. 

Maj.  Gen.  Mortimer  D.  Leggett  was  born  in  New  York  April  19,  1831, 
and  emigrated  to  Ohio,  in  1847. 

Brevet  Maj.  Gen.  John  C.  Tidball  was  born  in  Virginia,  but  removed  while 
a mere  lad  to  Ohio  with  his  parents. 

Brevet  Maj.  Gen.  John  W.  Fuller  was  born  in  England  in  1827.  He 
removed  to  Toledo  in  1858. 

Brevet  Maj.  Gen.  Manning  F.  Force  was  born  in  Washington,  D.  C.,  on 
the  17th  of  December,  1824.  ITe  became  a citizen  of  Cincinnati. 

Brevet  Maj.  Gen.  Henry  B.  Banning  was  born  in  Knox  County,  Ohio, 
November  10,  1834. 

We  add  the  names  of  Brevet  Maj.  Gens.  Erastus  B.  Tyler,  Thomas  H. 
Ewing,  Charles  R.  Woods,  August  V.  Kautz,  Rutherford  B.  Hayes,  Charles 
C.  Walcutt,  Kenner  Garrard,  Hugh  Ewing,  Samuel  Beatty,  James  S.  Robinson, 
Joseph  W.  Keifer,  Eli  Long,  William  B.  Woods,  John  W.  Sprague,  Benjamin 
P.  Runkle,  August  Willich,  Charles  Griffin,  Henry  J.  Hunt,  B.  W.  Brice. 

Brig.  Gens.  Robert  L.  McCook,  William  H.  Lytle,  William  Leroy 
Smith,  C.  P.  Buckingham,  Ferdinand  Van  Derveer,  George  P.  Este,  Joel  A. 
Dewey,  Benjamin  F.  Potts,  Jacob  Ammen,  Daniel  McCook,  J.  W.  Forsyth, 
Ralph  P.  Buckland,  William  H.  Powell,  John  G.  Mitchell,  Eliakim  P.  Scam- 
mon,  Charles  G Harker,  J.  W.  Reilly,  Joshua  W.  Sill,  N.  C.  McLean,  Will- 
iam T.  H.  Brooks,  George  W.  Morgan,  John  Beatty,  William  W.  Burns,  John 

S.  Mason,  S.  S.  Carroll,  Henry  B.  Carrington,  M.  S.  Wade,  John  P.  Slough, 

T.  K.  Smith. 

Brevet  Brig.  Gens.  C.  B.  Ludlow,  Andrew  Hickenlooper,  B.  D. 
Fearing,  Henry  F.  Devol,  Israel  Garrard,  Daniel  McCoy,  W.  P.  Richardson, 
G.  F.  Wiles,  Thomas  M.  Vincent,  J.  S.  Jones,  Stephen  B.  Yeoman,  F.  W. 
Moore,  Thomas  F.  Wilder,  Isaac  Sherwood,  C.  H.  Grosvenor,  Moses  E. 
Walker,  R.  N.  Adams,  E.  B.  Eggleston,  I.  M.  Kirby. 

W e find  numerous  other  names  of  Brevet  Brigadier  Generals,  mostly  of  late 
appointments,  and  not  exercising  commands  in  accordance  with  their  brevet 
rank,  which  we  omit  quoting  through  lack  of  space.  They  are  the  names  of 
men  of  rare  abilities,  and  in  many  cases  of  brilliant  achievements. 

In  looking  over  the  “War  Record  of  Ohio,”  we  find  the  State  a great 
leader  in  men  of  valor  and  heroic  deeds.  It  was  the  prolific  field  of  military 
geniuses. 


194 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


Ohio  was  draped  with  the  garb  of  mourning  at  the  close  of  the  war.  Her 
human  sacrifice  in  behalf  of  the  nation  had  been  bitter.  There  were  tears  and 
heart-aches  all  over  the  land.  Her  ranks  were  swept  by  a murderous  fire,  from 
which  they  never  flinched,  and  many  officers  fell. 

Col.  John  IT.  Patrick  will  be  remembered  as  opening  the  battle  of  Lookout 
Mountain.  He  fell  mortally  wounded,  during  the  Atlanta  campaign,  May 
15,  1862,  while  actively  engaged.  He  was  struck  by  a canister  shot,  and 
expired  half  a hour  thereafter. 

Col.  John  T.  Poland,  in  July,  1863,  was  placed  in  command  of  a mounted 
brigade,  including  his  regiment,  and  was  instructed  to  destroy  the  Virginia  k 
Tennessee  Railroad.  He  reached  Wytheville,  Va.,  on  the  afternoon  of  the 
18th  of  July.  The  rebels  were  safely  intrenched  in  the  house,  and  poured  a 
galling  fire  into  the  national  troops.  Col.  Toland  was  on  horseback,  at  the 
head  of  his  command.  A sharpshooter  sent  a bullet  with  fatal  certainty,  and 
he  fell  on  the  neck  of  his  horse,  but  was  instantly  caught  by  his  Orderly 
Sergeant,  who  heard  the  fervent  words  : a My  horse  and  my  sword  to  my 
mother.” 

Lieut.  Col.  Barton  S.  Kyle  accompanied  his  regiment  to  the  battle  of  Pitts- 
burg Landing.  The  regiment  was  forced  back,  though  resisting  bravely. 
Lieut.  Col.  Kyle  was  at  his  post  of  duty,  encouraging  his  men,  when  he  received 
a bullet  in  his  right  breast.  He  survived  five  hours. 

Col.  William  G.  Jones  was  engaged  m the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  June, 
1863.  His  regiment,  the  Thirty-sixth  Ohio,  was  included  in  Turchin’s  Brigade 
of  the  Fourteenth  Corps.  He  wrote  in  his  pocket  memoranda  : “ Off  to  the 

left ; merciful  Father,  have  mercy  on  me  and  my  regiment,  and  protect  us  from 
injury  and  death  ” — at  12  o’clock.  At  5 that  afternoon,  he  was  fatally  wounded 
and  expired  at  7 that  same  evening,  on  the  battle-field  His  remains  were 
taken  by  the  rebels,  but  in  December,  1863,  they  were  exhumed  and  interred 
in  Spring  Grove  Cemetery,  Cincinnati. 

Col.  Fred.  C.  Jones  held  command  of  the  Tenth  Brigade,  in  October,  1862, 
marching  from  Wild  Cat,  Ky.,  to  Nashville,  through  a perpetual  skirmish, 
During  the  battle  of  Stone  River,  Col.  Jones’  regiment,  the  Twenty-fourth,  was 
on  the  front  and  left  of  the  line.  During  the  afternoon,  when  the  rebel  assault 
upon  the  left  became  furious,  Col.  Jones  ordered  his  men  to  lie  down  and  hold 
fire,  which  was  obeyed.  They  rose  to  pour  a deadly  volley  into  the  rebel  ranks, 
and  rush  forward  in  a fierce  charge.  The  capture  of  an  entire  rebel  regiment  was 
thus  effected,  but  Col.  Jones  was  shot  in  the  right  side.  He  was  carried  to  the 
rear.  “ I know  it ; I am  dying  now  ; pay  no  attention  to  me,  but  look  after 
my  wounded  men.”  He  survived  about  ten  hours.  His  remains  are  buried  in 
Spring  Grove,  Cincinnati. 

Col.  Lorin  Andrews  went  with  his  command  to  Western  Virginia,  where 
he  succumbed  to  exposure  and  severe  duty.  He  was  removed  to  his  home, 
Gambier,  Ohio,  where  he  died  surrounded  by  friends  September  18,  1861. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


195 


Col.  Minor  Milliken  was  sent  to  repel  the  attacks  of  the  rebels  at  the  rear. 
He  led  a superb  cavalry  charge  against  the  enemy,  vastly  superior  in  numbers, 
and  was  cut  off  with  a small  portion  of  his  regiment.  He  disdained  to  sur- 
render, and  ordered  his  men  to  cut  their  way  out.  A hand-to-hand  conflict 
ensued.  Col.  Milliken,  being  an  expert  swordsman,  was  able  to  protect  himself 
with  his  saber.  While  parrying  the  strokes  of  his  assailant,  another  shot  him. 
The  regiment,  again  charging,  recovered  his  body,  stripped  of  sword,  purse  and 
watch. 

Col.  George  P.  Webster,  with  his  regiment,  the  Ninety-eighth,  left  Steu- 
benville for  Covington,  Ky.,  August  23,  1862,  marching  from  that  point  to  Lex- 
ington and  Louisville.  He  was  placed  at  the  command  of  the  Thirty-fourth 
Brigade,  Jackson’s  division,  Cooke’s  corps.  He  fell  in  the  battle  of  Perryville, 
and  died  on  the  field  of  battle. 

Col.  Leander  Stem  was  appointed  Colonel  of  the  One  Hundred  and  First 
Ohio  Infantry  August  30,  1862.  His  premonitions  that  he  should  fall  during 
his  first  regular  engagement  proved  too  true.  As  the  army  was  advancing  on 
Murfreesboro,  the  engagement  of  Knob  Gap  occurred,  when  Col.  Stem’s  regi- 
ment charged  and  took  a rebel  battery,  with  several  prisoners.  The  army 
closed  around  Murfreesboro,  and  on  the  evening  of  the  30th,  the  One  Hun- 
dred and  First  was  engaged  in  demonstrations  against  the  enemy.  Next 
morning,  the  battle  of  Stone  River  began  in  earnest.  When  Col.  Stem’s  regi- 
ment began  to  waver,  he  called  out:  “Stand  by  the  flag  now,  for  the  good 

old  State  of  Ohio  ! ” and  instantly  fell,  fatally  wounded. 

Lieut.  Col.  Jonas  D.  Elliott  held  his  position  in  May,  1863.  During  the 
summer  of  1864,  he  commanded  the  left  wing  of  the  regiment  at  Dodsonville, 
Ala.;  in  September,  he  was  sent  after  Wheeler,  and  was  ordered  into  camp  at 
Decatur.  On  the  23d,  he  was  dispatched  to  Athens,  to  participate  in  the  attack 
of  Gen.  Forrest,  of  the  rebels.  Col.  Elliott  was  sent  out,  with  300  men,  and 
being  surrounded  by  Gen.  Forrest,  with  vastly  superior  numbers,  a forced  resist- 
ance enabled  them  to  sustain  their  own  ground,  until  a fresh  brigade  of  rebels 
arrived,  under  Gen.  Wari'en.  This  officer  instructed  one  of  his  men  to  shoot 
Lieut.  Col.  Elliott,  and  a moment  later  he  fell.  He  lingered  nineteen  days. 

Col.  Joseph  L.  Kirby  Smith  took  command  of  the  Forty-third  Ohio  Regi- 
ment. He  fell  at  the  battle  of  Corinth,  under  Rosecrans. 

Lieut.  Col.  James  W.  Shane  fell,  June  27,  1864,  in  an  assault  upon  the 
enemy’s  works  at  Kenesaw.  He  survived  but  forty  minutes. 

Col.  Augustus  H.  Coleman  displayed  the  abilities  of  a successful  commander. 
He  was  in  the  first  charge  on  the  bridge  across  Antietam  Creek.  He  was 
fatally  wounded.  His  last  words  were  inquiries  regarding  his  men. 

Col.  J.  W.  Lowe  commanded  the  Twelfth  Ohio,  and  was  ordered  to  assist 
the  Tenth  in  the  battle  of  Carnifex  Ferry.  Cheering  his  men,  in  the  thickest 
of  the  fight,  a rifle  ball  pierced  his  forehead,  and  he  fell  dead — the  first  field 
officer  from  Ohio  killed  in  battle  in  the  war  for  the  Union. 


196 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


Lieut.  Col.  Moses  F.  Wooster  was  engaged  with  his  regiment,  the  One  Hun- 
dred and  First  Ohio,  at  Perryville.  He  was  mortally  wounded  on  the  31st 
of  December,  1862,  in  the  grand  effort  to  stem  the  tide  of  defeat  at  Stone 
River. 

The  list  of  staff  officers  we  refrain  from  giving,  through  lack  of  space. 

At  the  opening  of  the  war,  William  Dennison  was  Governor  of  Ohio.  David 
Tod  succeeded  him.  John  Brough  was  the  third  War  Governor. 

Secretary  Edwin  M.  Stanton  was  one  of  the  most  popular  war  Minister. 
He  was  born  in  Steubenville,  Ohio,  in  1815  ; he  was  engaged  in  the  United 
States  Circuit  Court,  in  1860,  in  a leading  law  suit,  at  Cincinnati,  known  as  the 
Manny  and  McCormick  reaper  trial ; on  the  20th  of  January,  1862,  he  vas 
appointed  Secretary  of  War  by  Mr.  Lincoln. 

Ex-Secretary  Salmon  P.  Chase’s  public  services  in  Ohio  have  already  been 
mentioned  in  these  pages.  In  1861,  he  was  appointed  Secretary  of  the  Treas- 
ury, in  Mr.  Lincoln’s  cabinet. 

United  States  Senator  B.  F.  Wade  made  his  reputation  in  Ohio.  This 
Senator  of  the  State  stood  at  the  head  of  the  Committee  on  the  Conduct  of  the 
War  throughout  its  duration. 

United  States  Senator  John  Sherman  was  a leading  member  of  the  Finance 
Committee,  during  the  war.  For  some  time  he  was  its  Chairman. 

Jay  Cooke  was  the  financial  agent  of  the  Government,  furnishing  money  for 
the  payment  of  the  troops.  He  was  born  in  Portland,  Huron  Co.,  Ohio. 

In  our  brief  review  of  the  war  record  of  Ohio,  we  have  omitted  a vast 
amount  of  detail  information  that  would  prove  interesting  to  our  readers.  We 
believe  we  have  been  accurate  in  whatever  we  have  given,  taking  as  our  authority, 
that  accepted  “encyclopedia”  of  Ohio  war  facts — Whitelaw  Reid,  who  has  pub- 
lished a valuable  volume  on  the  subject. 

SOME  DISCUSSED  SUBJECTS. 

It  may  be  well  in  glancing  over  the  achievements  of  Ohio,  her  momentous 
labors  and  grand  successes,  to  refer  to  the  Ordinance  of  1787,  more  minutely 
than  we  have  done,  in  relation  to  many  events,  since  its  inherent  principles  are 
not  only  perpetuated  in  the  laws  of  the  entire  Northwest,  but  have  since  been 
woven  into  the  general  Constitution  of  the  United  States.  It  made  permanent 
the  standard  and  character  of  immigration,  social  culture  and  political  and  edu- 
cational institutions.  It  was  thoroughly  antislavery  and  denounced  involuntary 
servitude,  which  was  sanctioned  in  every  other  State  at  that  time,  with  the 
exception  of  Massachusetts.  It  protected  religion  and  property.  As  late  as 
1862,  Gen.  William  Henry  Harrison,  Governor  of  Indiana,  called  a convention 
for  the  purpose  of  considering  the  slavery  question,  and  the  feasibility  of  intro- 
ducing the  system  in  the  new  States  and  Territories  being  formed.  There 
was  at  this  time  a spirited  contest,  and  Illinois,  Indiana  and  possibly  Ohio, 
barely  escaped  a decision  that  a full  support  should  be  given  its  introduction 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


197 


into  these  States.  Its  adoption  was  based  upon  certain  specifications  and 
limits  of  time,  which  upon  a deeper  consideration  was  deemed  perplexing  and 
impractical. 

An  animated  discussion  arose  not  long  since,  regarding  the  correct  author- 
ship of  this  important  ordinance,  and  its  chief  worker  in  gaining  its  sanction 
by  Congress. 

Mr.  Webster  ascribed  its  authorship  to  Mathew  Dane,  of  Massachusetts, 
which  statement  was  immediately  refuted  by  Mr.  Benton,  of  Mississippi,  who 
laid  claim  to  it  as  the  birthright  of  Thomas- Jefferson,  of  Virginia. 

It  has  been  almost  impossible  to  obtain  accurate  reports  of  the  actions  of  the 
old  Continental  Congress,  from  the  fact  that  its  meetings  were  held  in  secret, 
and  any  reports  either  narrated  or  shown  in  schedules  or  lists,  were  deemed  a 
striking  lack  of  trust  on  the  part  of  the  person  who  furnished  the  information. 
It  was  sufficient  that  its  acts  and  conclusions  be  proclaimed  without  any  prelude 
or  reasoning  process.  Hence  it  has  been  difficult  to  obtain  early  Congressional 
documents.  But  it  has  been  conclusively  proven  that  the  great  motive  power 
in  gaining  the  approbation  of  the  Ordinance  of  1787,  was  neither  Dane  nor 
Jefferson,  but  Dr.  Cutler. 

He  arrived  at  New  York,  July  5 of  that  year,  after  a journey  from  Ipswich, 
Mass.,  in  his  sulky.  He  obtained  lodgings  at  the  “Plow  and  Harrow,”  and 
saw  that  his  good  horse  was  properly  cared  for  and  fed  at  the  same  place. 
Congress  was  then  in  session,  and  he  had  come  on  a mission  for  the  Ohio  Com- 
pany,  to  negotiate  their  grant  and  its  privileges  in  the  new  Territory  of  Ohio. 
He  remained  in  New  York  three  weeks,  constantly  engaged  in  the  work  vital  to 
the  interests  of  the  future  great  State.  But  he  secured  the  installment  of  the 
principles  deemed  the  corner-stone  of  a future  powerful  State  constitution.  Mr. 
Poole,  Librarian  of  the  Chicago  Public  Library,  searched  assiduously  for  con- 
clusive proof  of  Dr.  Cutler’s  right  to  this  honor,  and  in  the  North  American 
Review , Vol.  122,  this  is  emphatically  set  forth  with  substantiating  proof  under 
his  signature. 

Other  facts  have  been  discussed  and  proven  at  a very  recent  date,  relative 
to  the  State  of  Ohio,  which  heretofore  have  been  omitted,  and  nearly  lost  from 
the  historic  thread  which  unites  the  present  with  the  past. 

The  first  settlement  of  the  lands  of  the  Northwest  is  necessarily  surrounded 
with  interest.  But  those  were  exciting,  troublesome  times,  and  a few  links 
were  passed  over  lightly.  However,  the  years  are  not  so  far  removed  in  the 
past  but  the  line  may  be  traced. 

Mr.  Francis  W.  Miller,  of  Cincinnati,  has  supplied  some  missing  chapters. 
The  earliest  documentary  trace  extant,  regarding  the  southern  settlement  at 
Cincinnati,  is  an  agreement  of  partnership  between  Denman,  Filson  and  Pat- 
terson, in  the  fractional  section  of  land  to  which  the  city  of  Cincinnati  was 
originally  limited.  It  bears  the  date  August  25,  1788.  This  was  entered  on 
the  records  of  Hamilton  County,  Ohio,  October  6,  1803. 


198 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


A letter  from  Jonathan  Dayton  to  the  Hon.  Judge  Symmes,  dated  Septem-  j 
her  26,  1789,  says:  “You  have  been  selling  your  lands,  I am  told,  for  two 

shillings  specie,  the  acre.  The  price  at  this  moment  is,  and  seems  to  be,  and  l| 
undoubtedly  is,  a good  one;  but  as  much  cannot  be  said  of  it  when  you  find 
hereafter  that  in  consequence  of  the  rise  of  certificates,  another  acre,  in  another 
payment,  may  cost  you  in  specie  two  shillings  and  sixpence.” 

A letter  from  John  C.  Symmes  to  Capt.  Dayton,  dated  April  80,  1790, 
says:  “The  land  in  the  reserved  township  is  held  at  much  too  high  a price. 

Not  a foot  of  land  beyond  the  five-acre  lots  will  sell.  Five  shillings,  specie,  | 
or  two  dollars  in  certificates,  is  the  utmost  they  will  bring,  and  they  will  rarely 
sell  at  that.” 

This  state  of  affairs  was  in  a large  degree  brought  about  by  the  breaking-up 
of  North  Bend  and  a removal  of  the  town  to  Fort  Washington,  or  Cincinnati, 
later.  A search  through  the  old  letters  and  other  preserved  documents  prove 
that  North  Bend  was  at  one  time  the  beginning  of  the  great  city  on  the  Ohio, 
rather  than  Cincinnati.  Judge  Symmes  wrote,  May  18,  1789:  “I  have  not  as 
yet  been  able  to  make  a decisive  choice  of  a plat  for  the  city,  though  I have 
found  two  pieces  of  ground,  both  eligible,  but  not  upon  the  present  plan  of  a j 
regular  square.  It  is  a question  of  no  little  moment  and  difficulty  to  deter- 
mine which  of  these  s*pots  is  preferable,  in  point  of  local  situation.  I know 
that  at  first  thought  men  will  decide  in  favor  of  that  on  the  Ohio,  from  the 
supposition  that  the  Ohio  will  command  more  trade  and  business  than  the 
Miami.  * * * But  if  it  were  built  on  the  Miami,  the  settlers 

throughout  the  purchase  would  find  it  very  convenient.” 

Another  of  the  earliest  selections  of  town  sites  was  adjacent  to  the  most 
southerly  point  of  what  is  now  Delhi  Township.  To  this  the  name  of  South 
Bend  was  given.  Judge  Symmes  reports  November  4,  1790,  of  this  place, 
over  forty  framed  and  hewed-log  two-story  houses,  since  the  preceding  spring. 
Ensign  Luce  is  said  to  have  taken  his  troops  to  North  Bend,  but  decided  to 
remove  to  Cincinnati,  on  account  of  the  object  of  his  affections  having  settled 
there — the  wife  of  a settler.  But  this  story  is  refuted  by  contradictory  evi- 
dence from  Judge  Symmes’  letters,  which  illustrate  the  fact  that  the  post  of 
North  Bend  was  abandoned  by  Ensign  Luce  and  his  men  in  consequence  of  a 
panic,  caused  by  Indian  attacks.  The  removal  of  the  troops  caused  a general 
decline  of  the  town.  Again,  history  and  letters  from  the  same  eminent  Judge, 
assert  that  Fort  Washington  was  completed  and  garrisoned  by  Maj.  Doughty 
before  the  close  of  that  same  year,  and  was  begun  by  him  during  the  summer, 
that  Ensign  Luce  must  have  still  been  at  his  post  at  the  bend  at  that  time.  It 
has  been,  therefore,  recently  accepted  that  the  traditional  “black  eyes”  and 
the  “Indian  panic,”  had  nothing  to  do  with  the  founding  of  Cincinnati,  and 
that  the  advantages  of  the  position  gained  the  victory. 

Cincinnati  has  advanced,  not  only  in  prosperity  and  culture,  but  in  national 
significance.  Our  readers  must  have  observed,  in  perusing  these  pages,  that 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


199 


from  this  city  and  the  State  which  it  represents,  have  emanated  some  of  the 
superior  intellects  which  have  used  their  wise  faculties  and  talents,  tempered  by 
a wise  judgment,  in  behalf  of  the  American  Union. 

The  originality  of  the  Senecas  and  Wyandots  have  been  debated  at  some 
length,  while  others  have  called  the  tribes  the  same,  having  two  branches.  We 
have  searched  the  earlier  records  and  have  found  an  authenticated  account  of 
these  two  tribes. 

The  Indian  tribes  of  Ohio  were  originally  bold,  fierce  and  stalwart.  The 
country  watered  by  the  Sandusky  and  its  tributaries  was  frequented  by  the 
Wyandot  tribe,  who  came  from  the  north  side  of  the  St.  Lawrence  River.  The 
Senecas  were  blood  relatives  of  this  tribe.  Both  tribes  were  numbered  by  the 
Thousands.  A war  originated  between  them,  in  this  manner:  A Wyandot 

[chief  desired  to  wed  the  object  of  his  affections,  who  laughed  him  to  scorn, 
because  he  had  taken  no  scalps,  and  was  no  warrior  “ to  speak  of.”  To  change 
her  opinion,  he  led  out  a party,  and  falling  upon  a number  of  Senecas,  slaugh- 
tered them  mercilessly,  that  he  might  hasten  to  the  side  of  his  dusky  belle,  with 
his  trophies.  This  act  inaugurated  hostilities,  which  extended  through  a century. 
The  Wyandots  began  to  fear  extermination,  and,  gathering  their  entire  effects 
The  natives  escaped  to  Green  Bay,  and  settled  in  several  villages.  But  the  Sen- 
ecas made  up  a war  party  and  followed  them,  killing  many  Wyandots  and  burn- 
ing  some  of  their  villages.  They  then  returned  to  Canada.  Soon  thereafter, 
they  secured  fire-arms  from  the  French.  Again  they  followed  the  Wyandots, 
firing  their  guns  into  Their  huts,  and  frightening  them  severely.  They  did  not 
succeed  as  well  as  they  expected.  But  the  third  party  nearly  exterminated  the 
villages,  because  the  young  warriors  were  nearly  all  gone  to  war  with  the  Foxes. 
The  few  at  home  escaping,  promised  to  return  with  the  Senecas,  but  desired 
two  days  for  preparation.  The  Wyandots  sent  word  to  the  two  villages  left 
undisturbed,  and  held  a consultation.  They  decided  to  go  as  near  the  Senecas 
as  possible,  unobserved,  and  discover  their  real  motive.  They  found  them  feast- 
ing on  two  roasted  Wyandots,  shouting  over  their  victory.  They  danced  nearly 
all  night,  and  then  fell  asleep.  A little  before  daylight,  the  Wyandots  fell  on 
them,  leaving  not  one  to  carry  back  the  news. 

The  Wyandots  then  procured  guns,  and  began  to  grow  formidable.  They 
set  out  to  return  to  their  own  country,  and  proceeded  on  their  way  as  far  as 
Detroit,  where  they  met  a party  of  Senecas,  on  the  lake.  A fierce  conflict 
ensued,  and  the  Wyandots  beheld  the  Senecas  fall,  to  the  last  man,  suffering- 
fearful  carnage  themselves.  They  soon  settled  in  this  part  of  the  world,  their 
principal  village  being  on  the  Sandusky.  Northwestern  Ohio  was  particularly 
dangerous  with  new  Indian  tribes,  and  the  Wyandots  were  cruelly  aggressive. 
The  death  of  their  chief,  and  their  total  defeat  by  Harrison,  destroyed  their 
power  forever. 

On  the  29th  of  September,  1817,  a treaty  was  held,  at  the  foot  of  the  rapids 
of  the  Miami  of  Lake  Erie,  between  Lewis  Cass  and  Duncan  McArthur, 


200 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO 


Commissioners  of  the  United  States,  and  the  sachems,  chiefs  and  warriors  of  the 
Wyandot,  Seneca,  Delaware,  Shawnee,  Potawattomie,  Ottawa  and  Chippewa 
nations.  All  their  lands  in  Ohio  were  ceded  to  the  United  States  forever. 

There  was  really  not  a Seneca  in  the  Seneca  nation.  They  were  chiefly 
Cayugas,  Mohawks,  Onondagas,  Tuscarawas,  Wyandots  and  Oneidas.  But  the 
Mingoes  were  originally  Cayugas,  and  their  chief  was  the  celebrated  Logan. 
After  the  murder  of  his  family  by  the  whites,  the  Mingoes  were  scattered  over 
the  territory  northwest  of  the  Ohio. 

The  notorious  Simon  Girty  was  adopted  by  the  Senecas.  Girty’s  name  was 
a terror  and  fiendish  horror  for  many  years.  He  not  only  led  the  Indians  in 
their  atrocities,  but  he  added  barbarism  to  their  native  wickedness. 

CONCLUSION. 

When  peace  was  proclaimed,  after  the  surrender  of  Gen.  Robert  E.  Lee  to 
Gen.  U.  S.  Grant,  the  volunteer  troops  disbanded,  and  a return  to  home  indus- 
tries instituted,  Ohio,  like  many  other  States,  gave  direct  attention  to  the  inter- 
ests of  returned  soldiers.  The  thrift  of  the  State  was  augmented  by  a spasmodic, 
and  thereafter  recognized  as  a fictitious,  demand  for  products,  commercial  and 
industrial  pursuits  redoubled  their  forces.  But  the  ‘great  wave  of  stagnation 
swept  over  this  fair  land — the  re-action  of  a war  excitement.  Laborers  were 
many,  but  wages  were  inadequate.  Deeper  and  deeper  settled  this  lethargy — 
called  by  many  “ hard  times” — until  the  wheels  of  commercial  life  revolved 
slowly,  and  from  the  workshops  and  the  factories  went  up  the  echoes  of  priva- 
tion and  distress.  There  was  no  famine,  no  fever,  no  epidemic,  it  was  simply 
exhaustion.  In  the  larger  cities  there  was  much  suffering.  Idle  people  loitered 
about,  barely  seeking  employment,  the  task  seeming  worse  than  hopeless. 

During  the  years  1870,  1871  and  1872,  the  stringent  measures  brought 
about  by  the  depressed  state  of  business  retarded  any  material  advancement  in 
general  matters.  The  years  1873-74  were  marked  by  a preceptible  improve- 
ment, and  a few  factories  were  established,  while  larger  numbers  were  employed 
in  those  already  founded.  The  year  1875  was  under  the  direction  of  a Demo- 
cratic Legislature.  It  was  marked  in  many  respects  by  a “ reverse  motion  ” in 
many  laws  and  regulations. 

The  Legislature  which  convened  in  1876,  January  3,  was  Republican  in  the 
main.  It  repealed  the  “ Geghan  Law  ” passed  by  the  preceding  body.  At 
the  time  of  its  adoption,  there  was  the  most  intense  feeling  throughout  the  State, 
the  charge  being  made  that  it  was  in  the  interests  of  the  Catholics.  Among 
the  general  enactments  were  laws  re-organizing  the  government  of  the  State  insti- 
tutions, which  the  previous  Legislature  had  ordered  according  to  their  own  belief 
to  follow  new  doctrines.  The  office  of  Comptroller  of  the  Treasury  was  abolished. 
The  powers  of  municipal  corporations  to  levy  taxes  was  limited,  and  their 
authority  to  incur  debts  was  limited.  Furthermore,  this  body  prohibited  any 
municipal  appropriations,  unless  the  actual  money  was  in  the  Treasury  to  meet 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO.  201 

the  same  in  full.  A law  was  passed  for  the  protection  of  children  under  fourteen 
years  of  age,  exhibited  in  public  shows. 

The  temperance  cause  received  more  vigorous  and  solid  support  than  was 
ever  rendered  by  the  State  previously.  A common-sense,  highly  moral  and 
exalted  platform  was  formed  and  supported  by  many  leading  men. 

This  year  witnessed  the  serious  “strikes”  among  the  miners  in  Stark  and 
Wavne  Counties.  The  consequences  were  painful — distress,  riots  and  distrac- 
tion of  property. 

The  State  Mine  Inspector  reported  300  coal  mines  in  the  State,  with  only 
twenty-five  in  operation.  Not  over  3,000,000  tons  of  coal  were  raised  during 
the  year,  owing  to  the  dullness  of  the  times. 

The  State  charities  reported  the  aggregate  number  under  public  care  to  be 
29,508.  The  taxation  for  the  maintenance  of  these  classes  was  one  and  one 
six-hundredth  of  a mill  on  each  dollar  of  taxable  property. 

The  reports  given  of  the  year  1877  indicated  a revival  of  business  interests 
and  prosperity.  The  State  produced  of  wheat,  27,306,566  bushels ; rye, 
914,106  bushels;  buckwheat,  225,822  bushels;  oats,  29,325,611;  barley, 
1,629,817  bushels ; corn,  101,884,305  bushels  ; timothy,  tons  of  hay,  2,160,334  ; 
(clover,  tons  of  hay,  286,265;  flax,  pounds  of  fiber,  7,343,294;  potatoes, 
10,504,278  bushels;  sweet  potatoes,  126,354J  bushels;  tobacco,  24,214,950 
pounds;  sorghum,  sugar,  7,507^  pounds;  syrup,  1,180,255  gallons;  maple 
sugar,  1,625,215  pounds;  maple  syrup,  324,036  gallons;  honey,  1,534,902 
pounds. 

The  year  1878  was  marked  by  a more  vigorous  and  combined  effort  of  the 
people  to  entirely  overcome  the  stagnation  of  business,  the  influence  of  the 
lethargy  yet  combating  the  awakened  interest.  This  energy  was  amply  rewarded 
in  1879,  by  a general  dawning  of  the  “good  times  ” so  ardently  desired.  New 
enterprises  were  instituted,  manufactories  erected,  improvements  carried  on,  and 
agriculture  was  successful.  Before  the  year  closed,  the  State  was  basking  in 
the  light  of  prosperity,  and  the  year  1880  was  ushered  in  when  the  confidence 
of  the  people  was  again  a permanent  incentive — confidence  in  the  nation, 
their  State,  each  in  the  other  and  themselves.  The  old-time  crown  of  power, 
influence  and  integrity,  which  Ohio  has  earned,  is  conspicuous  in  this  year  of 
1881.  The  jewels  have  been  reset,  and  we  confidently  doubt  not  that  their 
luster  will  remain  undimmed  intrusted  to  so  faithful  and  so  earnest  a people. 


202 


HISTORY  OP  THE  STATE  OP  OHIO 


POPULATION  OF  OHIO  BY  COUNTIES. 


COUNTIES 

1820 

1830 

1840 

1850 

I860 

1870 

1880 

581434 

937903 

1519467 

1980329 

2339511 

2665260 

10406 

12281 

13183 

188S3 

20309 

20750 

2*1004 

578 

9079 

12109 

19185 

23623 

31323 

23813 

22951 

21933 

23883 

7382 

14584 

23724 

28767 

31814 

32517 

37139 

6338 

9787 

19109 

18215 

■21364 

23768 

28413 

11338 

17187 

20041 

25H3 

20329 

28827 

30901 

34600 

36398 

39714 

im 

13356 

17867 

22715 

27332 

29958 

30802 

32726 

21146 

27142 

28173 

30789 

35840 

39912 

42580 

18108 

17685 

15738 

14491 

1641R 

8479 

12131 

16721 

19782 

22693 

24188 

27317  1! 

9533 

13114 

16882 

22178 

25306 

32070 

4 1 047 

15820 

20466 

23106 

30153 

33034 

34268 

36713 

8085 

11436 

15719 

18838 

21461 

21914 

2?5?9 

22033 

35*92 

40378 

33621 

32836 

38299 

38 m 

7086 

11161 

21590 

25674 

25032 

23600 

26641 

4791 

13152 

18177 

23881 

25556 

30583 

6328 

10373 

26506 

48099 

78033 

132010 

1 ‘16943 

3717 

6204 

13282 

2027G 

26009 

32278 

I049H 

6966 

11886 

15719 

22518 

7639 

11504 

22060 

21817 

2390-2 

25175 

27380 

12599 

18568 

2447; 

28188 

32640 

31924 

30264 

30538 

31138 

34283 

6316 

8182 

10984 

12726 

15935 

17170 

20364 

10292 

14741 

25049 

42909 

503C, 1 

63019 

86816 

7781 

14043 

17789 

21062 

Gallia 

7098 

9733 

13444 

17063 

22013 

25545 

28124 

7791 

15813 

16297 

17827 

15817 

14190 

14255 

10529 

14801 

17528 

21946 

26197 

28038 

31349 

9292 

18036 

27748 

30438 

24474 

23838 

27197 

31764 

52317 

80145 

156844 

216410 

260370 

313368 

813 

9986 

16751 

22886 

23847 

27788 

210 

4598 

8251 

18714 

27028 

14345 

20916 

20099 

20157 

19110 

18682 

20455 

262 

2503 

3434 

8901 

14028 

20587 

12308 

16345 

22269 

25781 

27773 

29133 

30280 

2130 

4008 

9 <41 

14119 

17925 

18177 

21126 

9135 

18088 

20452 

20589 

20775 

6675 

13341 

23933 

26203 

26616 

28532 

31609 

3746 

5941 

9744 

12719 

17941 

'21759 

23679 

18531 

22489 

25030 

29133 

26115 

29188 

&3018 

8326 

17085 

29579 

28872 

27735 

26333 

27450 

13719 

14654 

15576 

15935 

16326 

3499 

5367 

9738 

15246 

23-249 

31380 

39068 

Licking  

11861 

3181 

20869 

6440 

35096 

14015 

38846 

19162 

37011 

20996 

35756 

23028 

40451 

26268 

5696 

18467 

26086 

29744 

30308 

35525 

9382 

12363 

25831 

46722 

67388 

4799 

6190 

9025 

10015 

13015 

15633 

20*29 

23735 

25894 

31001 

42867 

14765 

12618 

15490 

16184 

20564 

3082 

7560 

18352 

24441 

22517 

20092 

21454 

4480 

6158 

11452 

17971 

26534 

31465 

32325 

1110 

8277 

7712 

14104 

17254 

21808 

8851 

12807 

19688 

24999 

29959 

32740 

36178 

4645 

8768 

18521 

28351 

25741 

25779 

26197 

78545 

Montgomery 

15999 

24362 

31938 

38218 

52230 

64006 

5297 

11800 

20S52 

28585 

22119 

20363 

20074 

20280 

20445 

18583 

19073 

17824 

29334 

38749 

45049 

44416 

44886 

49780 

20751 

19949 

81137 

2248 

3308 

7016 

13364 

19763 

161 

1034 

1766 

4945 

8544 

13490 

8429 

13970 

19344 

20  <75 

19678 

18453 

28218 

Pickaway 

13149 

4253 

16001 

6024 

19725 

7626 

21006 

10953 

23469 

13643 

24875 

15447 

27353 

17927 

10095 

18826 

22965 

24419 

24208 

24584 

2750ft 

10237 

16291 

19482 

21736 

21820 

21809 

21534 

230 

5189 

7221 

12808 

17081 

23718 

9169 

24006 

44532 

30879 

31 158 

32516 

36306 

20619 

24068 

27460 

32074 

35071 

37097 

40307 

852 

2851 

10182 

14305 

21429 

25503 

38063 

5750 

8710 

11192 

18428 

24297 

29:102 

33511 

5159 

18128 

27104 

30S68 

30827 

36955 

2106 

3671 

12154 

13958 

17493 

20748 

24136 

12406 

26588 

34603 

39818 

42978 

52508 

61027 

22560 

27485 

27344 

34674 

43788 

15546 

26153 

33107 

30490 

30656 

3S659 

44882 

8328 

1429S 

25631 

31761 

32463 

33840 

40197 

1996 

3192 

8422 

12201 

16507 

18730 

2*2374 

49 

1577 

4793 

10238 

15823 

23030 

9353 

13631 

15027 

17226 

17837 

2H68 

23141 

25560 

26902 

26689 

28392 

10425 

11731 

20823 

29540 

36268 

40609 

43244 

11933 

23333 

35808 

32981 

32483 

35116 

37452 

387 

4465 

8018 

16633 

2099 1 

23821 

733 

1102 

5357 

9157 

17886 

24.- ',96 

84026 

"Wyandot  

11194 

15596 

18553 

22401 

MISCELLANEOUS  INFORMATION. 


203 


POPULATION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


STATE8  AND 
Territories. 

Area  in 

square 

Miles. 

Population. 

Miles 

R.R. 

1872 

States  and 
Territories. 

Area  *n 
square 
Miles. 

Population. 

Miles 

R.R. 

1872 

1870 

1880 

1870 

1880 

States. 

Slates. 

50J22 

996,992 

484,471 

1,262,794 

802,564 

1,671 

25 

46,000 

1,306 

29,385 

3,521,791 

217,353 

4,282,786 

276,528 

995,622 

1,542,463 

1,592,574 

332,286 

5,113 

136 

1,201 

1,520 

865 

675 

52,198 

188,981 

104,500 

4,674 

2,120 

560,247 

864.686 

1,013 

392 

705^606 

1,258,520 

818,579 

39,864 

194,649 

537,454 

622,683 

820 

237,504 

10,212 

Delaware 

125,015 

146,654 

227 

Vermont 

330,551 

59,268 

187,748 

1,184,109 

267,351 

466 

40,904 

23,000 

1,225,163 

1,512,806 
61 8, .143| 

1,490 

485 

Georgia 

Illinois 

58,000 

1,539,048 

2,108 

West  Virginia 

'442,014 

55.410 

33,809 

55,045 

81,318 

37,600 

2,539,891 

1,680,637 

1,191,792 

364,399 

1,321,011 

, 3.078,769 
1,978,362 
1,624,620 
995,966 
1,648,708 

5,904 

3,529 

3,160 

1,760 

1,123 

Wisconsin 

53,924 

1,054,670 

1,315,480 

1,725 

Iowa 

Kansas 

Kentucky 

Total  States 

Territories. 

2,054,671 

38,154,127 

49,369,595 

59,716 

41.346 

726,915 

940,103 

539 

113,910 

9,658 

40,441 

135,180 

177,638 

31,716 

626,915 

648,  '945 

871 

147,490 

CO 

14,181 

131,700 

Maryland 

11,184 

780,804 

934, (32 

820 

Dist.  of  Columbia. 

1,457,351 

1,783,012 

1,606 

Idaho 

90,932 

1 1,999 

32,611 

39,157 

118,430 

143,906 

75,120 

56,451 

1,184,059 

1,636,331 

2,235 

143,776 

-<0,595 

91,874 

86,786 

23,955 

9,118 

83,531 

439,706 

780,806 

1,612 

121,201 

80,056 

69,914 

93,107 

47,156 

827,922 

1,131  592 

9 0 

Utah 

375 

1,721,295 

2,168,804 

2,5,80 

Nebraska 

75,995 

112,090 

9,980 

8,320 

47,000 

50,704 

123,993 
42  491 

452,433 
62,265 
346  084 
1,130, 9^3 
5,083,810 
1,400,047 

828 

593 

790 

1,265 

4,470 

1,190 

Wyoming 

20,788 

498 

New  Hampshire. . 

3 fs’.UOO 
906,0% 
4,382,759 
1,071,361 

Total  Territories 

860,482 

402,866 

783,271 

873 

New  York 

North  Carolina... . 

Aggregate  of  U.  S . . 

2,915,203 

38,555,983 

60,852 

Ohio 

Oregon 

39,964 

95,244 

2,665,260 

90,923 

3,198,239 

174,767 

3,740 

179 

•Included  in  the  Railroad  Mileage  of  Maryland 

PRINCIPAL  COUNTRIES  OF  THE  WORLD; 

Population  and  Area. 


Countries. 


Population. 


China 

British  Empire 

Russia 

United  States  with  Alaska 

France 

Austria  and  Hungary 

Japan 

Great  Britain  and  Ireland 

German  Empire 

Italy  

Spain 

Brazil 

Turkey 

Mexico 

Sweden  and  Norway 

Persia 

Belgium 

Bavaria 

Portugal 

Holland 

New  Grenada 

Chili 

Switzerland 

Peru 

Bolivia 

Argentine  Republic 

Wurtemburg 

Denmark 

Venezuela 

Baden 

Greece 

Guatemala 

Ecuador 

Paraguay 

Hesse 

Liberia 

San  Salvador 

Ilayti 

Nicaragua. 

Uruguay 

Honduras 1" 

San  Domingo 

Costa  Rica 

Hawaii. 


446,500.000 

226.817,108 

81.925.400 
38,925,600 
36,469.800 

35.904.400 
34,785,300 
31,817,100 
29,906.092 
27,439,921 

16.642.000 

10.000.000 

16.463.000 

9.173.000 

5.921.500 

5.000. 000 

5.021.300 

4.861.400 
3,995.200 

3.688.300 

3.000. 000 

2.000. 000 

2,669.100 

2.500.000 

2,000,000 

1.812.000 

1.818. 500 
1,784.700 

1.500.000 

1.461.400 
1,457.900 

1.180.000 
1,300.000 
1,000,000 

823,138 

718.000 

600.000 

572.000 

350.000 

300.000 

350.000 

136.000 
165  000 

62.950 


Date  of 
Census. 

Area  in 
Square 
Miles. 

Inhabitants 
to  Square 
Mile. 

Capitals. 

1871 

3,741,846 

119.3 

Pekin 

1871 

4,677,432 

48.6 

London 

1871 

8.003,778 

10.2 

SC.  Petersburg 

1870 

2,603,884 

7.78 

Washington 

I860 

204.091 

178.7 

Paris 

1859 

240.348 

149.4 

Vienna 

1871 

149,399 

232.8 

Yedclo 

1871 

121,315 

262.3 

London 

1871 

160,207 

187. 

Berlin 

1871 

118,847 

230.9 

Rome 

1867 

195,775 

85. 

Madrid 

3 253  029 

3.07 

672,621 

24.4 

Constantinople 

1800 

761.526 

1870 

292.871 

20. 

Stockholm 

1 870 

635.964 

7-8 

Teheran 

1869 

11.373 

441.5 

Brussels 

1871 

29.292 

165.9 

Munich 

1868 

34,494 

115.8 

Lisbon 

1870 

12,680 

290.9 

Hague 

1870 

357,157 

8.4 

Bogota 

1869 

132.616 

15.1 

Santiago 

1870 

15.992 

166.9 

Berne 

1871 

471.838 

5.3 

Lima 

4M7  321 

4. 

1869 

871.848 

2.1 

Buenos  Ayres 

1871 

7,533 

241.4 

Stuttgart  

1870 

14,753 

120.9 

Copenhagen 

36S.  23ft 

4.2 

1871 

5,912 

247. 

Carlsrulie 

1870 

19,353 

75.3 

Athens 

1871 

40,879 

28.9 

Guatemala 

218,928 

5-9 

1871 

63,787 

15.6 

Asuncion 

2,969 

277. 

1871 

9,576 

74.9 

Monrovia 

1871 

7,335 

81.8 

Sal  Salvador 

10,205 

56. 

Port  au  Prince 

1871 

58,171 

6. 

Managua 

1871 

66,722 

6.5 

Monte  Video. . . % 

1871 

17.092 

7.4 

Comavagua 

17,827 

7.6 

1870 

21,505 

7.7 

San  Jose... 7 

1 

7.633 

80. 

Honolulu 

Population. 


1.648.800 

3.251.800 

667.000 
109,199 

1,825,300 

833.900 
1,554,900 
3,251,800 

825.400 
244,484 

332.000 

420.000 
1,075,000 

210.300 

136.900 

120.000 

314.100 
169,500 
224,063 

90,100 

45.000 

115.400 

36.000 

160.100 

25.000 
177,800 

91.600 
162,042 

47.000 

36.600 
43,400 

40.000 

70.000 

48.000 

30.000 

3.000 

15.000 

20.000 
10,000 
44.500 
12,000 
20,000 

2.000 

7,633 


204 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


COMMENTS  UPON  THE  ORDINANCE  OF  1787,  FROM  THE  STATUTES 
OF  OHIO,  EDITED  BY  SALMON  P.  CHASE,  AND  PUB- 
LISHED IN  THE  YEAR  1833. 

[It  would  be  difficult  to  find  a more  comprehensive  review  of  the  founda- 
tions of  our  system  of  laws  than  is  given  in  the  “ Preliminary  Sketch  of  the 
History  of  Ohio,”  by  this  distinguished  representative  of  the  bench  and  the 
bar  of  America.  The  work  is  now  out  of  print,  and  is  not  easily  obtained; 
besides,  its  great  author  has  passed  away;  so  these  extracts  are  made  more 
with  a view  of  preserving  old  historical  literature,  than  of  introducing  new; 
furthermore,  the  masses  of  the  people  have  never  had  convenient  access  to  the 
volumes,  which,  for  the  most  part,  have  been  in  the  hands  of  professional  men 
only.  The  publication  of  the  work  first  brought  its  compiler  before  the  public, 
and  marked  the  beginning  of  that  career  which,  during  its  course,  shaped  the 
financial  system  of  our  country,  and  ended  upon  the  Supreme  Bench  of  the 
nation.] 

By  the  ordinance  of  1785,  Congress  had  executed  in  part  the  great  national 
trust  confided  to  it,  by  providing  for  the  disposal  of  the  public  lands  for  the 
common  good,  and  by  prescribing  the  manner  and  terms  of  sale.  By  that  of 
1787,  provision  was  made  for  successive  forms  of  Territorial  government, 
adapted  to  successive  steps  of  advancement  in  the  settlement  of  the  Western 
country.  It  comprehended  an  intelligible  system  of  law  on  the  descent  and 
conveyance  of  real  property,  and  the  transfer  of  personal  goods.  It  also  con- 
tained five  articles  of  compact  between  the  original  States,  and  the  people  and 
States  of  the  Territory,  establishing  certain  great  fundamental  principles  of 
governmental  duty  and  private  right,  as  the  basis  of  all  future  constitutions  and 
legislation,  unalterable  and  indestructible,  except  by  that  final  and  common 
ruin,  which,  as  it  has  overtaken  all  former  systems  of  human  polity,  may  yet 
overwhelm  our  American  union.  Never,  probably,  in  the  history  of  the  world, 
did  a measure  of  legislation  so  accurately  fulfill,  and  yet  so  mightily  exceed 
the  anticipations  of  the  legislators.  The  ordinance  has  been  well  described,  as 
having  been  a pillar  of  cloud  by  day  and  of  fire  by  night,  in  the  settlement  and 
government  of  the  Northwestern  States.  When  the  settlers  went  into  the 
wilderness,  they  found  the  law  already  there.  It  was  impressed  upon  the  soil 
itself,  while  it  yet  bore  up  nothing  but  the  forest.  The  purchaser  of  land 
became,  by  that  act,  a party  to  the  compact,  and  bound  by  its  perpetual  cove- 
nants, so  far  as  its  conditions  did  not  conflict  with  the  terms  of  the  cessions  of 
the  States. 

********* 

This  remarkable  instrument  was  the  last  gift  of  the  Congress  of  the  old 
confederation  to  the  country,  and  it  was  a fit  consummation  of  their  glorious 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


207 


labors.  At  the  time  of  its  promulgation,  the  Federal  Constitution  was  under 
discussion  in  the  convention ; and  in  a few  months,  upon  the  organization  of 
the  new  national  government,  that  Congress  was  dissolved,  never  again  to  re-as- 
semble.  Some,  and  indeed  most  of  the  principles  established  by  the  articles  of 
compact  are  to  be  found  in  the  plan  of  1784,  and  in  the  various  English  and 
American  bills  of  rights.  Others,  however,  and  these  not  the  least  important, 
are  original.  Of  this  number  are  the  clauses  in  relation  to  contracts,  to  slavery 
and  to  Indians.  On  the  whole,  these  articles  contain  what  they  profess  to  con- 
tain, the  true  theory  of  American  liberty.  The  great  principles  promulgated 
by  it  are  wholly  and  purely  American.  They  are  indeed  the  genuine  princi- 
ples of  freedom,  unadulterated  by  that  compromise  with  circumstances,  the 
effects  of  which  are  visible  in  the  constitution  and  history  of  the  Union. 

The  first  form  of  civil  government,  provided  by  the  ordinance,  was  now 
formally  established  within  the  Territory.  Under  this  form,  the  people  had  no 
concern  in  the  business  of  government.  The  Governor  and  Judges  derived 
their  appointments  at  first  from  Congress,  and  after  the  adoption  of  the  Fed- 
eral Constitution,  from  the  President.  The  commission  of  the  former  officer 
was  for  the  term  of  three  years,  unless  sooner  revoked ; those  of  the  latter 
were  during  good  behavior.  It  was  required  that  the  Governor  should  reside 
within  the  Territory,  and  possess  a freehold  estate  there,  in  one  thousand  acres 
of  land.  He  had  authority  to  appoint  all  officers  of  militia,  below  the  rank  of 
Generals,  and  all  magistrates  and  civil  officers,  except  the  Judges  and  the 
Secretary  of  the  Territory ; to  establish  convenient  divisions  of  the  whole  dis- 
trict for  the  execution  of  progress,  to  lay  out  those  parts  to  which  the  Indian 
titles  might  be  extinguished  into  counties  and  townships.  The  Judges,  or  any 
two  of  them,  constituted  a court  with  common  law  jurisdiction.  It  was  neces- 
sary that  each  Judge  should  possess  a freehold  estate  in  the  territory  of  five 
hundred  acres.  The  whole  legislative  power  which,  however,  extended  only  to 
the  adoption  of  such  laws  of  the  original  States  as  might  be  suited  to  the  cir- 
cumstances of  the  country,  was  vested  in  the  Governor  and  Judges.  The  laws 
adopted  were  to  continue  in  force,  unless  disapproved  by  Congress,  until  re- 
pealed by  the  Legislature,  which  was  afterward  to  be  organized.  It  was  the 
duty  of  the  Secretary  to  preserve  all  acts  and  laws,  public  records  and  executive 
proceedings,  and  to  transmit  authentic  copies  to  the  Secretary  of  Congress 
every  six  months. 

Such  was  the  first  government  devised  for  the  Northwestern  Territory.  It 
is  obvious  that  its  character,  as  beneficent  or  oppressive,  depended  entirely  upon 
the  temper  and  disposition  of  those  who  administrated  it.  All  power,  legisla- 
tive, judicial  and  executive,  was  concentrated  in  the  Governor  and  Judges,  and 
in  its  exercise  they  were  responsible  only  to  the  distant  Federal  head.  The 
expenses  of  the  Government  were  defrayed  in  part  by  the  United  States,  but 
were  principally  drawn  from  the  pockets  of  the  people  in  the  shape  of  fees. 


208 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


This  temporary  system,  however  unfriendly  as  it  seems  to  liberty,  was, 
perhaps,  so  established  upon  sufficient  reasons.  The  Federal  Constitution  had 
not  then  been  adopted,  and  there  were  strong  apprehensions  that  the  people  of  I! 
the  Territory  might  not  be  disposed  to  organize  States  and  apply  for  admission 
into  the  Union.  It  was,  therefore,  a matter  of  policy  so  to  frame  the  Territorial 
system  as  to  create  some  strong  motives  to  draw  them  into  the  Union,  as  States,  j| 
in  due  time.  Jj 

The  first  acts  of  Territorial  legislation  wei’e  passed  at  Marietta,  then  the 
only  American  settlement  northwest  of  the  Ohio.  The  Governor  and  Judges  | 
did  not  strictly  confine  themselves  within  the  limits  of  their  legislative  author- 
ity, as  prescribed  by  the  ordinance.  When  they  could  not  find  laws  of  the 
original  States  suited  to  the  condition  of  the  country,  they  supplied  the  want 
by  enactments  of  their  own.  The  earliest  laws,  from  1788  to  1795,  were  all 
thus  enacted.  The  laws  of  1788  provided  for  the  organization  of  the  militia; 
for  the  establishment  of  inferior  courts ; for  the  punishment  of  crimes,  and  for 
the  limitations  of  actions ; prescribed  the  duties  of  ministerial  officers;  regu- 
lated marriages,  and  appointed  oaths  of  office.  That  the  Governor  and  Judges 
in  the  enactment  of  these  laws,  exceeded  their  authority,  without  the  slightest 
disposition  to  abuse  it,  may  be  inferred  from  the  fact  that  except  two,  which 
had  been  previously  repealed,  they  were  all  confirmed  by  the  first  Territorial 
Legislature. 

At  this  period  there  was  no  seat  of  government,  properly  called.  The 
Governor  resided  at  Cincinnati,  but  laws  were  passed  whenever  they  seemed  to 
be  needed,  and  promulgated  at  any  place  where  the  Territorial  legislators  hap- 
pened to  be  assembled.  Before  the  year  of  1795,  no  laws  were,  strictly  speak- 
ing, adopted.  Most  of  them  were  framed  by  the  Governor  and  Judges  to 
answer  particular  public  ends;  while  in  the  enactmant  of  others,  including  all 
the  laws  of  1792,  the  Secretary  of  the  Territory  discharged,  under  the  author- 
ity of  an  act  of  Congress,  the  functions  of  the  Governor.  The  earliest  laws, 
as  has  been  already  stated,  were  published  at  Marietta.  Of  the  remainder,  a 
few  were  published  at  Vincennes,  and  the  rest  at  Cincinnati. 

In  the  year  1789,  the  first  Congress  passed  an  act  recognizing  the  binding 
force  of  the  ordinance  of  1787,  and  adapting  its  provisions  to  the  Federal  Con- 
stitution. This  act  provided  that  the  communications  dii’ected  in  the  ordinance 
to  be  made  to  Congress  or  its  officers,  by  the  Governor,  should  thenceforth  be 
made  to  the  President,  and  that  the  authority  to  appoint  with  the  consent  of 
the  Senate,  and  commission  officers,  before  that  time  appointed  and  commis- 
sioned by  Congress,  should  likewise  be  vested  in  that  officer.  It  also  gave  the 
Territorial  Secretary  the  power  already  mentioned,  of  acting  in  certain  cases, 
in  the  place  of  the  Governor.  In  1792,  Congress  passed  another  act  giving  to 
the  Governor  and  Judges  authority  to  repeal,  at  their  discretion,  the  laws  by 


/ 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


209 


them  made;  and  enabling  a single  Judge  of  the  general  court,  in  the  absence 
of  his  brethren,  to  hold  the  terms. 

At  this  time  the  Judges  appointed  by  the  national  Executive  constituted  the 
Supreme  Court  of  the  Territory.  They  were  commissioned  during  good 
behavior;  and  their  judicial  jurisdiction  extended  over  the  whole  region  north- 
west of  the  Ohio.  The  court,  thus  constituted,  was  fixed  at  no  certain  place, 
and  its  process,  civil  and  criminal,  was  returnable  wheresoever  it  might  be  in 
the  Territory.  Inferior  to  this  court  were  the  County  Courts  of  Common  Pleas, 
and  the  General  Quarter  Sessions  of  the  Peace.  The  former  consisted  of  any 
number  of  Judges,  not  less  than  three  nor  more  than  seven,  and  had  a general 
common-law  jurisdiction,  concurrent,  in  the  respective  counties,  with  that  of 
the  Supreme  Court;  the  latter  consisted  of  a number  of  Justices  for  each 
county,  to  be  determined  by  the  Governor,  who  were  required  to  hold  three 
terms  in  every  year,  and  had  a limited  criminal  jurisdiction.  Single  Judges  of 
the  Common  Pleas,  and  single  Justices  of  the  Quarter  Sessions,  were  also 
clothed  with  certain  civil  and  criminal  powers  to  be  exercised  out  of  court. 
Besides  these  courts,  each  county  had  a Judge  of  Probate,  clothed  with  the 
ordinary  jurisdiction  of  a Probate  Court. 

Such  was  the  original  constitution  of  courts  and  distribution  of  judicial 
power  in  the  Northwestern  Territory.  The  expenses  of  the  system  were  de- 
frayed in  part  by  the  National  Government,  and  in  part  by  assessments  upon 
the  counties,  but  principally  by  fees,  which  were  payable  to  every  officer  con- 
cerned in  the  administration  of  justice,  from  the  Judges  of  the  General  Court 
downward. 

In  1795,  the  Governor  and  Judges  undertook  to  revise  the  Territorial  laws, 
and  to  establish  a complete  system  of  statutory  jurisprudence,  by  adoptions 
from  the  laws  of  the  original  States,  in  strict  conformity  to  the  provisions  of 
the  ordinance.  For  this  purpose  they  assembled  at  Cincinnati,  in  June,  and 
continued  in  session  until  the  latter  part  of  August.  The  judiciary  system  un- 
derwent some  changes.  The  General  Court  was  fixed  at  Cincinnati  and  Marietta, 
and  a Circuit  Court  was  established  with  power  to  try,  in  the  several  counties, 
issues  in  fact  depending  before  the  superior  tribunal,  where  alone  causes  could 
be  finally  decided.  Orphans’  Courts,  too,  were  established,  with  jurisdiction 
analogous  to  but  more  extensive  than  that  of  a Judge  of  Probate.  Laws  were 
also  adopted  to  regulate  judgments  and  executions,  for  limitation  of  actions, 
for  the  distribution  of  intestate  estates,  and  for  many  other  general  purposes. 
Finally,  as  if  with  a view  to  create  some  great  reservoir,  from  which,  whatever 
principles  and  powers  had  been  omitted  in  the  particular  acts,  might  be  drawn 
according  to  the  exigency  of  circumstances,  the  Governor  and  Judges  adopted 
a law,  providing  that  the  common  law  of  England  and  all  general  statutes  in 
aid  of  the  common  law,  prior  to  the  fourth  year  of  James  I,  should  be  in  full 
force  within  the  Territory.  The  law  thus  adopted  was  an  act  of  the  Virginia 
Legislature,  passed  before  the  Declaration  of  Independence,  when  Virginia  was 


210 


HISTORY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  OHIO. 


yet  a British  colony,  and  at  the  time  of  its  adoption  had  been  repealed  so  far 
as  it  related  to  the  English  statutes. 

The  other  laws  of  1795  Avere  principally  derived  from  the  statute  hook  ol 
Pennsylvania.  The  system  thus  adopted,  was  not  without  many  imperfections 
and  blemishes,  but  it  may  be  doubted  whether  any  colony,  at  so  early  a period  f 
after  its  first  establishment,  ever  had  one  so  good. 

And  how  gratifying  is  the  retrospect,  how  cheering  the  prospect  which  even 
this  sketch,  brief  and  partial  as  it  is,  presents!  On  a surface,  covered  less 
than  half  a century  ago  by  the  trees  of  the  primeval  forest,  a State  has  grown 
up  from  colonial  infancy  to  freedom,  independence  and  strength.  But  thirty 
years  have  elapsed  since  that  State,  with  hardly  sixty  thousand  inhabitants,  was 
admitted  into  the  American  Union.  Of  the  twenty-four  States  which  form 
that  Union,  she  is  now  the  fourth  in  respect  to  population.  In  other  respects, 
her  rank  is  even  higher.  Already  her  resources  have  been  adequate,  not  only 
to  the  expense  of  government  and  instruction,  but  to  the  construction  of  long 
lines  of  canals.  Her  enterprise  has  realized  the  startling  prediction  of  the 
poet,  who,  in  1787,  when  Ohio  was  yet  a wilderness,  foretold  the  future  con- 
nection of  the  Hudson  with  the  Ohio. 

And  these  results  are  attributable  mainly  to  her  institutions.  The  spirit  of 
the  oi’dinance  of  1787  prevades  them  all.  Who  can  estimate  the  benefits 
which  have  flowdd  from  the  interdiction  by  that  instrument  of  slavery  and  of 
legislative  interference  with  private  contracts?  One  consequence  is,  that  the 
soil  of  Ohio  bears  up  none  but  freemen ; another,  that  a stern  and  honorable  t 
regard  to  private  rights  and  public  morals  characterizes  her  legislation.  There 
is  hardly  a page  in  the  statute  book  of  which  her  sons  need  be  ashamed.  The 
great  doctrine  of  equal  rights  is  everywhere  recognized  in  her  constitution  and  j, 
her  laws.  Almost  every  father  of  a family  in  this  State  has  a freehold  interest 
in  the  soil,  but  this  interest  is  not  necessary  to  entitle  him  to  a voice  in  the 
concerns  of  government.  Every  man  may  vote;  every  man  is  eligible  to  any 
office.  And  this  unlimited  extension  of  the  elective  franchise,  so  far  from  pro-  (J 
during  any  evil,  has  ever  constituted  a safe  and  sufficient  check  upon  injurious 
legislation.  Other  causes  of  her  prosperity  may  be  found  in  her  fertile  soil,  in 
her  felicitous  position,  and  especially  in  her  connection  with  the  union  of  the  J: 
States.  All  these  springs  of  growth  and  advancement  are  permanent,  and 
upon  a most  gratifying  prospect  of  the  future.  They  pi’omise  an  advance  in  ; 
population,  wealth,  intelligence  and  moral  worth  as  permanent  as  the  existence 
of  the  State  itself.  They  promise  to  the  future  citizens  of  Ohio  the  blessings 
of  good  government,  wise  legislation  and  universal  instruction.  More  than  all, 
they  are  pledges  that  in  all  future,  as  in  all  past  circumstances,  Ohio  will  cleave 
fast  to  the  national  constitution  and  the  national  Union,  and  that  her  growing 
energies  will  on  no  occasion,  be  more  willingly  or  powerfully  put  forth,  than  in 
the  support  and  maintenance  of  both  in  unimpaired  vigor  and  strength. 


PART  FIRST. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Chapters  I to  XII  inclusive,  and  the  article  on  the  Mexican  war  in  Chapter 
XIII  of  the  general  history  of  Montgomery  County,  and  Chapters  I to  V inclu- 
sive, on  the  city  of  Dayton,  are  from  the  pen  of  Ashley  Brown,  of  Dayton. 

THE  PUBLISHERS. 


DR  JOHN  TREON 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


CHAPTER  I . 

The  Mound-Builders — Earthworks  and  Evidences  of  Antiquity — Location 
of  Mounds  in  Montgomery  County — Title  to  Lands  of  the  Northwest — 
Indian  Title  to  Ohio  Valley  and  Lower  Lake  Region — The  French 
Title — The  English  Title — French -English  War  for  Possession — 
English  Acquire  Possession — Expeditions  into  the  Indian  Country — 
Northwest  Territory  in  Control  of  the  British  in  1775- -But  Indians 
had  not  Ceded  Any  of  Their  Rights — George  Rogers  Clark’s  Expedi- 
tion to  Illinois — Fort  McIntosh  and  Laurens — Great  Britain’s  Quit- 
Claim  to  Lands  Northwest  of  the  Ohio. 

IN  writing  the  history  of  Montgomery  County,  it  may  not  be  necessary  to  go 
back  of  the  time  when  the  whites  began  to  maneuver  for  possession  of  lands 
west  of  the  Alleghany  Mountains;  yet  it  may  be  interesting  to  begin  the  work 
by  appropriating  information  collected  through  the  intelligent  research  of  our 
best  historians. 

Although  there  is  the  greatest  latitude  for  theories,  the  ages  that  must 
have  elapsed  between  the  time  that  this  Great  West  was  peopled  by  the  Mound- 
Builders,  and  the  advent  of  the  pre-historic  tribes  of  Indians,  the  predecessors 
of  the  earliest  tribes  of  whom  history  gives  us  knowledge,  have  prevented  most 
writers  from  yielding  to  the  temptation  to  speculate  as  to  the  character,  condi- 
tion and  surroundings  of  that  mysterious  race,  or  as  to  the  time  they  occupied 
these  Western  lands.  It  was  in  that  long,  long  ago,  whose  history  may  never 
be  written.  There  is  nothing  as  yet  developed  to  justify  a hope  that  memorials 
may  yet  be  found  to  enlighten  us  as  to  the  events  of  their  origin,  customs,  num- 
bers, mode  of  life,  and  disappearance.  They  came  here,  lived  for  many  genera- 
tions, flourished,  and  have  passed  away,  leaving  mounds,  earthworks  and  forti- 
fications, as  monuments  of  their  existence. 

These  Mound-Builders  occupied  the  whole  territory  of  the  present  State  of 
Ohio;  their  earthworks  still  remain  in  good  condition,  and  may  be  found  in 
every  valley  of  the  State,  and  crowning  the  hilltops  in  every  direction.  Some 
of  them  are  very  large;  large  and  small,  there  are  about  ten  thousand  of  them 
still  to  be  found  in  Ohio. 

Whether  some  were  constructed  as  works  of  defense ; others  by  the  warriors 
of  an  invading  army;  some  as  memorial  mounds  or  sepulchers;  and  others  for 
religious  celebrations,  we  can  only  surmise.  To  us  they  are  only  the  relics  and 
ruins  of  an  extinct  race. 

The  chief  evidences  of  their  antiquity  lie  in  the  fact  that  the  Indians  of 
the  last  century  had  no  knowledge,  traditions  or  legends,  of  the  existence  of 


216 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


those  nations;  trees  that  are  600  years  old  are  still  growing  upon  some  of  the 
earthworks.  In  the  mounds  are  found  articles  of  pottery,  ornaments,  silver,  gold, 
and  implements  of  war.  Archgeologists  agree  that  these  works  and  mounds  were 
built  ages  ago,  by  a powerful  nation,  who  were  either  invading  or  occupying 
these  Western  lands;  therefore,  so  far  as  the  title  to  the  Ohio  lands  is  concerned, 
we  may  say  that  in  the  beginning  were  the  Mound-Builders. 

How  the  title  passed  from  them  to  those  who  came  after  is  not  known;  it 
is  all  surmise  as  to  whether  greater  nations  came  in  and  conquered  the  country, 
or  whether  they,  after  centuries  of  possession,  became  demoralized,  degener- 
ated, and  divided  into  tribes,  who  sunk  lower  into  savage  life  and  barbarism. 
Certain  it  is  that  many,  many  years  elapsed  after  the  Mound- Builders  had  dis- 
appeared until  the  ancestors  of  the  earliest  Indian  tribes  known  to  history  came 
to  inhabit  the  forests  of  the  Northwest. 

We  cannot  devote  space  to  a description  of  important  works  and  mounds 
throughout  the  State,  but  will  as  briefly  as  possible  refer  to  those  still  in  exist- 
ence in  this  county. 

In  the  Twin  Creek  Valley,  German  Township,  about  two  miles  south  of 
Germantown,  on  a commanding  bluff,  is  an  earthwork  or  fortification  inclosing 
about  twenty-five  acres  of  land.  Near  the  fort  are  small  mounds,  as  though  for 
signal  stations  or  lookouts. 

At  Miamisburg,  on  the  east  side  of  the  Miami  Kiver,  is  one  of  the  largest 
mounds  in  the  West;  it  is  symmetrical  in  form,  sixty-eight  feet  high,  and  800 
feet  around  the  base.  In  the  early  days  of  the  settlement  at  Hole’s  Station,  the 
mound  was  covered  with  forest  trees,  a big  maple  growing  from  the  top.  By 
archgeologists  it  is  supposed  to  be  the  sepulcher  of  a chief  or  ruler  of  the 
Mound-Builders.  Two  miles  north  of  the  mound  is  an  earthwork,  doubtless  a 
military  work,  circular  in  form,  inclosing  a large  tract  of  nearly  level  ground; 
formerly  a covered  way,  or  parallel  embankments,  connected  the  main  work 
with  the  river,  showing  that  the  inclosure  was  constructed  for  military 
defense. 

In  Van  Bm’en  Township,  two  miles  southwest  of  Dayton,  on  top  of  the 
hill  west  of  Calvary  Cemetery,  at  the  corner  where  the  canal  running  west  turns 
south,  are  earthworks  evidently  erected  for  the  defense  of  that  as  a point  of 
observation.  From  it  there  is  a commanding  view  for  miles  up  and  down  the 
valley,  and  of  the  range  of  hills  to  the  west  of  the  river. 

In  the  Wolf  Creek  Valley,  in  Madison  Township,  there  are  a number  of 
mounds,  none  of  them  now  over  fifteen  feet  high.  Human  skeletons  have  been 
found  in  any  of  the  mounds  that  were  opened,  and  beneath  the  bones  were  beds 
of  charcoal. 

THE  INDIAN  TITLE  TO  THE  OHIO  VALLEY  AND  LOWER  LAKE  REGION. 

The  wigwams  and  villages  of  the  once  powerful  Eries  lined  the  southern 
shore  of  Lake  Erie,  and  we  learn  from  Indian  traditions  that  their  merciless 
enemies,  the  Six  Nations,  at  the  foot  of  the  lake,  crossed  in  great  fleets  of 
canoes,  with  such  a host  of  fierce  warriors,  as  to  conquer  the  country  and  utterly 
destroy  the  nation  of  Eries. 

The  Twightwees  (afterward  known  as  the  Miamis),  the  Wyandots  (called 
Hurons  by  the  French)  and  the  Delawares  then  became  the  powerful  tribes ; the 
Shawnee  nation  emigrated  in  a body  from  the  Southeast;  these,  with  the  other 
Ohio  tribes,  were  in  peaceful  possession  of  the  soil  about  the  year  1700,  from  which 
time  we  have  more  reliable  record  of  events. 

Whether  by  conquest  or  succession,  or  whether  they  came  to  this  as  an  un- 
inhabited wilderness,  or  whatever  may  have  been  results  of  wars  among  the  In- 
dian tribes  and  nations  of  this  country,  and  whatever  way  have  been  their  loca- 


/ 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY.  217 

tion  and  tribal  relations,  we  are  bound  to  concede  that  their  titles  to  this  continent 
were  clear  and  perfect.  This,  also,  was  the  situation  exactly  in  the  territory 
north  of  the  Ohio  River,  and  between  the  Mississippi  River  and  the  Alleghany 
Mountains,  when,  in  1740,  the  French  began  to  more  completely  occupy  the 
country  within  those  bounds.  Neither  the  French  nor  English  contemplated 
settlement  or  improvement  of  that  territory,  except  to  control  the  Indian  trade 
in  pelts. 

The  powerful  confederacy  of  tribes  in  Western  New  York,  known  as  the 
Six  Nations,  called  Iroquois  by  the  French,  by  the  English,  Mingoes,  consisted 
of  the  following-named  tribes:  Mohawks,  Oneidas,  Onondagas,  Cayugas,  Sene- 
cas and  the  Tuscaroras.  One  or  two  other  tribes  were  afterward  united  with 
the  confederacy,  but  it  was  always  known  as  the  Six  Nations.  As  opposed  to 
the  Six  Nations,  the  Miami  Confederacy  was  a union  of  tribes  that  could  be 
readily  concentrated  on  the  Maumee,  or  at  the  head-waters  of  the  Great  Miami 
River.  This  Miami  Confederacy  was  composed  of  the  following-named  tribes: 
Miamis,  Wyandots,  Pottawatomies,  Ottawas  and  Shawnees.  The  Delaware 
and  Chippewa  tribes  at  times  made  common  cause  with  the  Miamis  against  the 
incursions  of  the  Six  Nations,  as  did  also  the  Weas  and  Eel  River  Indians,  the 
Kickapoos,  Munsees,  and  other  Wabash  tribes;  to  these  in  the  wars  against  the 
whites  in  later  years  were  united  the  Seven  Nations  of  Canada,  the  Indians  of 
the  Upper  Lake  tribes,  and  the  Illinois  Indians. 

During  the  war  between  the  French  and  the  English,  or  after  that,  but 
before  1792,  the  Senecas,  a powerful  tribe,  composed  mostly  of  Senecas,  but  in 
which  there  were  many  Indians  from  the  other  tribes  of  the  Six  Nations  of  New 
York,  came  West  and  located  on  the  Sandusky  River,  near  where  the  city  of 
Sandusky  now  is. 

The  Sac  Indians  seem  to  have  been  included  as  a tribe  of  the  Miami  Con- 
federacy in  a treaty  made  at  Fort  Harmar  in  1789,  by  Gov.  St.  Clair,  with  the 
Six  Miami  Nations,  but  they  never  appear  again  in  negotiations  or  wars  until 
in  1804,  we  find  them  west  of  the  Mississippi  River,  where  the  tribe  was  granted 
a reservation  by  the  Government. 

The  claim  of  the  Six  Nations  of  New  York  to  the  country  along  the  south 
shore  of  Lake  Erie  to  the  Detroit  River,  was  based  upon  an  invasion  of  that 
region  by  them  some  time  between  the  years  1673  and  1680.  There  can  be  no 
doubt  that  'they  did  meet  and  conquer  all  of  the  tribes  as  far  west  as  the  Wa- 
bash, and  possibly  to  the  Mississippi  River;  and  that  they  did  plant  one  or  two 
colonies  in  the  lands  between  Lake  Erie  and  the  Ohio  River;  yet  they  had  no 
just  claim  to  the  territory,  from  the  fact  that,  after  their  return  to  their  lands  in 
New  York,  the  Ohio  tribes  had  undisputed  possession  and  rule. 

Their  claim  to  the  Ohio  Yalley  may  have  been  based  upon  a similar  victo- 
rious expedition,  but  there  is  no  evidence  to  show  this,  except  the  fact,  that,  for 
some  reason,  at  the  time  the  whites  began  coming  into  the  valley,  there  were 
but  one  or  two  Indian  villages  on  or  near  the  banks  of  the  Ohio,  the  tribes  being 
generally  located  from  sixty  to  eighty  miles  back  in  the  interior.  The  claim  of 
the  Six  Nations  to  the  Western  lands  was  never  recognized  by  any  authorities, 
except  by  the  English,  who  needed  some  basis  for  a claim  of  their  own. 

After  the  Revolution,  when  the  United  States  desired  control  of  this  terri- 
tory, they  treated  with  the  Ohio  tribes  alone. 

The  title  to  the  Ohio  lands  rested  in  the  following-named  tribes:  Shawr- 
nees,  Wyandots,  Miamis,  Pottawatomies,  Ottawas,  Sacs,  Delawares,  Chippewas, 
Senecas,  of  Sandusky,  and  Munsees;  the  Weas  and  Eel  River  Indians  also  had 
some  interest  that  was  recognized. 

With  all  of  them,  as  w’ell  as  all  other  of  the  Western  and  Northern  tribes, 
the  French  were  upon  the  most  friendly  terms. 


218 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


THE  FRENCH  TITLE. 

All  of  the  vast  territory  west  of  the  Alleghanies  and  north  of  the  Ohio  River, 
together  with  the  Canadian  country,  was,  by  reason  of  the  explorations  of  Mar-  '' 
quette  and  Joliet,  in  1678,  and  of  the  subsequent  military  expeditions  of  La 
Salle,  claimed  as  French  territory,  and  placed  under  the  government  of  Fron- 
tenac,  the  Governor  General  of  Canada,  or  New  France. 

French  Jesuit  missionaries  closely  followed  these  movements,  and,  by  their  || 
mild,  conciliatory  course,  obtained  great  influence  over  most  of  the  stronger  jj 
tribes  of  Western  Indians.  Thus  to  the  French  Government  in  Canada  was 
thrown  open  the  valuable  extent  of  country  now  included  within  the  States  of 
Ohio,  Indiana,  Illinois,  Michigan,  Wisconsin,  and  so  much  of  Minnesota  lying 
east  of  the  Mississippi  River.  In  1701,  De  la  Motte  Cadillac,  with  a force  of 
a hundred  men,  built  Fort  Pontchartrain,  on  the  Detroit  River,  and  within  the 
next  twenty  years  a chain  of  forts  and  trading  stations  were  built  by  the  French 
from  the  upper  lakes  across  to  the  Mississippi,  and  on  down  to  their  settlements  1 
in  Louisiana;  most  of  them  were  garrisoned  by  small  detachments  of  troops;  ! 
and  at  some  of  them  Catholic  schools  were  established.  Afterward,  a chain  of 
similar  posts  was  constructed  to  protect  a line  of  communication  up  the  Ohio  to 
the  Wabash,  thence  up  that  valley  and  via  the  Maumee  Valley  to  Fort  Pont- 
chartrain. 

There  is  some  authority,  yet  not  much  of  detail,  tending  to  fix  the  year 
1735  as  the  time  that  the  post  at  Vincennes  was  established;  but  there  is  very 
little  to  show  that  that  line  was  ever  very  much  used  as  a channel  of  communi- 
cation between  the  French  possessions  in  the  Northwest  and  their  Lower 
Mississippi  stations. 

About  1740,  the  French  located  a military  post  at  Presque  Isle  (now  Erie, 
Penn.),  to  control  trading  stations  along  the  southern  shore  of  Lake  Erie,  and 
as  a base  for  operations  down  through  the  Ohio  Valley;  although  it  was  not  a 
point  of  much  importance  until  six  or  eight  years  after  it  was  built. 

English  traders  from  Pennsylvania  and  Virginia  crossed  the  mountains  in 
1740  to  trade  with  the  tribes  on  the  Ohio  River  and  adjacent  territory;  in  1744, 
the  treaty  of  Lancaster  was  made;  in  1748,  the  Ohio  Company  was  organized  to 
settle  land  on  the  south  side  of  the  Ohio  River,  above  the  mouth  of  the  Kanaw- 
ha. Appreciating  that  the  result  of  these  movements  would  be  a loss  to  France 
of  all  the  Ohio  Valley  lands,  the  Governor  of  Canada  at  once  determined  to  per- 
fect the  French  title  by  placing  along  the  Ohio  River  evidences  of  their  claim. 
To  this  end,  in  the  summer  of  1749,  Capt.  Celeron,  with  300  soldiers,  was  ordered 
to  march  from  Presque  Isle  across  the  portage  to  French  Creek,  and  on  down 
to  the  Alleghany  and  Ohio,  then  down  that  valley  to  the  Mississippi,  to  plant  in 
the  river  banks,  near  the  mouths  of  streams,  and  in  other  prominent  places, 
plates  of  lead,  on  which  were  engraved,  in  plain  letters  the  claims  of  France 
to  all  the  lands  of  the  Ohio  Valley  and  its  tributaries. 

These  plates  were  about  a foot  long,  nearly  eight  inches  wide,  and  a qnar 
ter  of  an  inch  thick.  They  were  buried  at  the  various  points,  and  a wooden 
cross  erected  over  each;  and  thus  did  the  French,  for  Louis  XV,  take  formal 
possession  of  the  Ohio  Valley,  and  of  all  the  streams  emptying  into  it. 

While  engaged  on  this  expedition,  Celeron,  the  commander  of  the  detach- 
ment, officially  notified  Gov.  Hamilton,  of  Pennsylvania,  to  prevent  further  tres- 
passing on  French  territory. 

One  of  these  plates  of  lead,  that  had  been  planted  probably  at  the  mouth 
of  French  Creek,  and  shortly  afterward  dug  up  by  the  Indians,  bore  the  date 
July  29,  1749.  In  the  summer  of  1798,  another  was  found  at  the  mouth  of  the 
Muskingum  River,  by  some  boys  in  swimming;  a similar  plate  was  found,  in 
March,  1846,  on  the  south  bank  of  the  Ohio  River,  just  above  the  mouth  of  the 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


219 


Kanawha.  After  accomplishing  the  object  of  the  expedition,  the  detachment 
marched  up  the  Wabash  Biver,  and  across  to  Detroit. 

The  next  year,  1750,  the  French  strengthened  the  works  at  Presque  Isle; 
built  Fort  Le  Beouf  at  the  little  lake  at  the  head  of  French  Creek;  then  at  the 
old  Indian  town  Venango,  at  the  mouth  of  the  creek,  they  began  the  construc- 
tion of  Fort  Venango.  Strong  garrisons  were  stationed  at  each  of  them,  and 
trading  stations  were  established;  and  a force  was  kept  at  the  junction  of  the 
Monongahela  and  Alleghany  Bivers  to  keep  English  traders  out  of  the  Ohio 
Valley. 

For  four  years,  the  French  were  at  work  upon  fortifications  along  the  line 
from  Fort  Venango  down  the  Alleghany  and  Ohio  to  the  Mississippi,  so  that, 
when  the  war  broke  out  between  them  and  the  English,  they  had  strong  forts, 
well  garrisoned,  as  follows: 

Presque  Isle,  Le  Beouf,  Venango,  Du  Quesne,  Mouth  of  the  Wabash,  Mouth 
of  the  Ohio,  Vincennes,  Pontchartrain,  Miami  on  the  Maumee,  Sandusky,  and 
on  the  upper  lakes,  in  Illinois  and  on  the  Mississippi.  They  had  complete  pos- 
session of  the  whole  Northwest;  the  Indian  tribes  were  either  friendly  or  neu- 
tral; there  could  be  no  fairer  claim  than  the  French  had  to  the  Ohio  Valley. 

THE  ENGLISH  TITLE. 

Great  Britain  regarded  her  title  to  all  of  the  lands  west  of  the  colonies  to 
the  Pacific  Ocean  as  good,  by  right  of  original  discovery  and  settlement  along 
the  Atlantic  coast,  where,  with  little  respect  for  the  rights  of  Indians,  colo- 
nies had  been  located  and  governments  organized  for  them. 

The  home  government  was  deficient  in  knowledge  as  to  the  geography  of 
the  new  continent,  but  made  grants  of  large  tracts  of  lands  west  of  the  colonies, 
through  by  parallel  lines  to  the  South  Sea,  or  to  the  Pacific  Ocean. 

Gov.  Spotswood,  of  Virginia,  had,  in  1710,  caused  some  observations  to  be 
made  through  the  mountain  passes  of  the  Alleghanies,  with  a view  to  more 
complete  exploration  and  occupation  of  the  country  beyond  by  the  English. 

Gov.  Keith,  of  Pennsylvania,  had  at  various  times  from  1719  to  1731,  tried 
to  impress  upon  the  home  government  the  necessity  of  strengthening  the  claim 
to  these  Western  lands;  very  little  was  done,  however,  and  the  fates  were  left  to 
take  of  the  future  for  the  Western  wilds. 

Prior  to  1740,  therefore,  the  English  Government  and  people  were  almost 
entirely  ignorant  of  the  value  of  the  region  west  of  the  mountains  and  north  of 
the  Ohio  Biver;  the  colonists,  however,  were  not  so  indifferent.  Vague  infor- 
mation had  come  in  through  English  traders,  who  had  crossed  the  mountains  to 
the  Ohio  in  1740,  and  learned  from  Indians  of  the  operations  of  the  French 
around  Presque  Isle. 

John  Howard,  a Virginian,  descended  the  Ohio  in  1742,  in  a canoe,  and 
was  captured  on  the  Mississippi  by  the  French;  he  was  the  first  Englishman  to 
explore  the  Western  country,  but  this  could  give  Great  Britain  no  claim  to  the 
territory,  for  he  made  no  settlement,  and  the  Freneh  were  then  practically  in 
possession  of  the  West,  and,  as  we  have  shown,  were  pushing  to  fully  occupy 
the  country,  to  the  exclusion  of  all  others.  With  this  situation,  then,  Great 
Britain’s  claim  by  right  of  discovery  could  not  alone  be  relied  on. 

Lord  Howard,  Governor  of  Virginia,  had,  in  1684,  induced  the  Six  Nations 
to  place  themselves  under  the  protection  of  England;  this  treaty  was  renewed 
in  1701.  In  1726,  a deed  was  executed  by  the  chiefs  of  the  Six  Nations,  con- 
veying  to  England  all  their  lands  in  trust,  “ to  be  protected  and  defended  by 
His  Majesty,  to  and  for  the  use  of  the  grantors,  and  their  heirs.” 

At  Lancaster,  Penn.,  in  1744,  were  assembled  Commissioners  from  Mary- 
land and  Virginia,  the  Governor  of  Pennsylvania  also  being  present,  and  250 


220 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Indians  of  the  Six  Nations,  with  their  squaws  and  children,  to  renew  former 
treaties.  After  liberally  supplying  the  Indians  with  whisky  and  wine  for  six 
days,  the  Maryland  Commissioners  opened  the  goods  with  which  they  desired 
to  buy  the  Indian  claims  to  the  lands  on  which  settlements  had  been  made;  an- 
other spree  of  two  days  was  necessary  before  the  Indians  were  in  condition  to  i 
execute  the  deed.  The  part  the  Virginia  Commissioners  were  to  play  was  to 
induce  the  Indians  to  acknowledge  “ the  King’s  right  to  all  the  lands  that  then 
were,  or  by  His  Majesty’s  appointment  shall  be,  within  the  colony  of  Virginia.” 
Sufficient  “fire-water”  was  again  issued  to  induce  the  Indians  to  release  all 
claim  to  the  lands. 

For  the  sale  to  the  Marylanders,  the  savages  received,  as  consideration, 
goods  valued  at  £220.  For  the  quit-claim  to  the  Virginians,  they  were  paid 
£200  in  gold,  and  a like  sum  in  goods,  with  the  promise  that,  as  the  settlements 
were  extended,  more  money  should  be  paid. 

Under  this  treaty  and  purchase,  the  English  supported  their  claim  to  an 
unlimited  extent  of  country  in  the  West;  but  at  a subsequent  treaty,  held  in 
1752,  at  Logstown,  an  Indian  village  on  the  Ohio  side  of  the  Ohio  River,  seven- 
teen miles  below  Fort  Du  Quesne,  the  Indians  declared  that  “ the  Lancaster 
treaty  did  not  cede  any  lands  west  of  the  first  range  of  hills  on  the  east  side  of 
the  Alleghany  Mountains;  ” they  agreed,  however,  not  to  disturb  any  settlements 
that  might  be  made  on  the  southeast  side  of  the  Ohio  River;  and  that  was  sat- 
isfactory to  the  Virginians,  as  confirming  the  Lancaster  treaty  in  its  fullest 
extent. 


WAR  BETWEEN  FRENCH  AND  ENGLISH  FOR  POSSESSION  OF  THE  NORTHWEST. 


The  occupation  of  the  Northwest  by  the  French;  opening  of  trading  sta- 
tions and  construction  of  forts  to  protect  them;  the  perfect  lines  of  communica- 
tion by  water;  and  all  the  attending  advantages  of  monopoly  of  trade,  and  con- 
trol of  this  vast  fertile  country  of  the  West,  alarmed  the  English,  lest  the  French 


should  gain  a foothold  of  which  they  could  not  easily  be  dispossessed. 


Preparations  for  the  contest,  and  dispositions  for  advantage,  were  made  by 
both  nations;  Presque  Isle  was  to  be  the  base  of  operations  for  the  French,  for 
the  lake  regions  and  down  the  Ohio  Valley. 

The  Ohio  Land  Company  was  chartered  in  1748,  as  a check  to  French  ag- 


gressions and  settlements;  the  next  year,  a small  party  of  English  traders,  with 


a stock  of  goods,  descended  the  Ohio  to  the  mouth  of  the  Great  Miami  River, 
and  proceeded  up  that  stream  to  the  portage  at  the  head-waters  of  the  Miami 
and  St.  Mary’s  Rivers,  and  there  established  a trading  post,  building  a stockade 
or  block-house  for  defense,  sixteen  miles  northwest  of  Sidney.  The  passage  up 
the  Miami  of  these  traders  is  the  first  record  there  is  of  the  presence  of  white 
men  anywhere  in  the  Miami  Valley.  As  the  Indian  hunting  and  war  parties 
traveled  mostly  in  canoes,  the  early  trading  stations  W9re  located  at  the  portages, 
as  the  thoroughfares  over  which  such  parties  must  pass,  and  where  pelts  and 
grain  could  conveniently  be  brought  for  exchange. 

This  trading  post  was  afterward  known  as  Loramie’s  store.  Loramie  was 
a Frenchman,  who  came  there  after  the  English  were  driven  out.  It  was  an 
important  point  for  three-quarters  of  a century  afterward — first  as  a trading 
station,  then  as  the  location  of  large  Indian  villages  and  farms,  where  large 
quantities  of  grain,  tobacco,  &c.,  were  raised  and  stored.  It  was  the  scene  of 
many  fierce  battles;  was  several  times  destroyed  by  the  whites  and  rebuilt  by 
the  Indians.  It  was  at  the  head  of  navigation  on  the  Miami  River,  and,  in  the 
war  of  1812,  was  the  point  at  which  supplies  were  unloaded  to  be  hauled  across 
the  portage  to  St.  Mary’s;  and,  from  1809  to  the  time  of  the  completion  of  the 
canal,  was  on  the  line  of  communication  by  water  between  the  Ohio  River  and 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


221 


Lake  Erie;  the  unloading  of  the  little  fleets  of  batteaux  made  that  a point  of 
considerable  activity  and  business  importance. 

The  Ohio  Company  sent  out  Christopher  Gist  as  an  explorer  in  the  fall  of 
1750;  Sunday,  February  17,  1751,  he,  with  George  Croghan,  Andrew  Montour 
and  Bobert  Kallender,  reached  the  Great  Miami  Biver  and  remained  at  the 
trading  post  for  some  time,  studying  the  character  of  the  country  and  forming 
friendly  relations  with  the  Indian  tribes. 

The  next  year,  a French  force  was  stationed  at  the  forks  of  the  Ohio  to 
keep  the  valley  clear  of  traders  and  settlers ; learning  of  the  trading  post  on  the 
Miami,  they  crossed  the  country  and  demanded  of  the  Miami  Indians  the  sur- 
render of  the  traders  as  intruders  upon  French  lands.  The  Indians  refused  to 
deliver  up  their  friends,  and  prepared  for  battle  with  the  invaders. 

The  French,  with  a number  of  Indian  allies  from  the  Ottawa  and  Chippewa 
tribes,  attacked  the  trading  house  and  stockade;  a fierce,  bloody  fight  ensued; 
fourteen  savages  were  killed,  and  many  wounded;  the  English  traders  were  capt- 
ured and  taken  as  prisoners  to  Canada.  The  stockade  and  buildings  were  de- 
[ stroyed;  the  goods  and  other  plunder  were  carried  off.  For  thirty  years  after 
this,  the  Miami  Yalley  remained  undisturbed,  except  by  hunting  parties  from 
tribes  to  the  North  and  West,  for  winter  supplies  of  meat. 

Pennsylvania  afterward  made  a donation  of  £200  to  the  Miamis,  for  the  brave 
defense  of  the  traders  from  that  colony. 

From  Presque  Isle,  the  French  troops  marched  south  to  the  Alleghany  in 
the  spring  of  1754,  and,  on  the  17th  of  April,  surprised  the  Virginians,  who 
were  building  a fort  at  the  forks  of  the  Ohio,  taking  all  prisoners,  but  releas- 
ing them  shortly  afterward.  The  captors  at  once  finished  building  the  fort,  and 
called  it  Du  Quesne,  in  honor  of  the  then  Governor  General  of  Canada.  The 
bloody  history  of  Fort  Du  Quesne,  as  the  key  to  the  Western  situation,  is  made 
up  by  criminal  mistakes  of  the  English,  and  the  awkward  campaigns  of  the 
French.  The  results  of  Braddock’s  disastrous  expedition  are  well  known;  being 
absolutely  ignorant  of  Indian  warfare,  he  rejected  the  advice  of  Washington  and 
other  Virginians  who  had  been  fighting  the  savages  all  their  lives.  Braddock 

O O O O 

was  led  into  an  ambush,  his  army  totally  routed  and  he  killed. 

In  1756,  a garrison  of  French  troops  was  stationed  at  a small  fort  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Scioto  Biver;  above  and  below  it  were  the  Shawnee  towns. 

Early  in  the  year  1758,  the  Indians  were  not  so  zealous  in  the  cause  of  the 
French;  their  friendship  began  to  waver;  the  tide  of  success  was  changing  in 
favor  of  the  English.  In  the  last  week  of  November,  Fort  Du  Quesne  was 
abandoned  and  burned  by  the  French;  the  English  troops  at  once  occupied  the 
place  and  began  rebuilding  it.  It  had  been  a mere  stockade,  unfit  to  resist  a 
siege  or  attachs  of  artillery.  In  the  following  year,  a substantial  fort  was  built, 
costing  the  British  Government  £60,000  sterling.  The  name  was  changed  to 
that  of  Fort  Pitt. 

From  the  fall  of  Fort  Du  Quesne,  active  hostilities  in  the  West  ceased;  the 
French  troops  retreated  down  the  Ohio  Biver;  peace  was  made  with  most  of  the 
Western  tribes;  and  the  forts  and  trading  posts  were  garrisoned  by  the  English. 

The  treaty  of  Paris  was  concluded  February  10,  1763,  by  which  the  French 
relinquished  her  possessions  in  the  Canadas,  and  the  territory  lying  east  of  the 
Mississippi  down  to  the  thirty  first  degree  of  latitude.  As  the  Indians  had  not 
released  their  right  to  any  of  the  lands  south  of  the  lakes,  this  treaty  was  in  fact 
but  a quit  claim  to  the  English.  The  feelings  of  the  tribes  on  this  subject  can 
be  fully  given  in  the  following  speech,  made  by  one  of  the  most  prominent  chiefs 
in  the  lake  region: 

“Englishmen!  Although  you  have  conquered  the  French,  you  have  not 
yet  conquered  us!  AVe  are  not  your  slaves!  These  lakes,  these  woods,  these 


222 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


mountains,  were  left  to  us  by  our  ancestors.  They  are  our  inheritance,  and  we 
will  part  with  them  to  none.  Your  nation  supposes  that  we,  like  the  white  peo- 
ple, cannot  live  without  bread  and  pork  and  beef.  But  you  ought  to  know  that 
He,  the  Great  Spirit  and  Master  of  Life,  has  provided  food  for  us  upon  these 
broad  lakes  and  in  these  mountains.” 

English  traders  began  at  once  to  push  through  the  forests  to  the  Indian 
villages,  and  the  savages  realized  they  were  coming  to  possess  the  country. 

Under  the  great  Ottawa  chieftain,  Pontiac,  the  tribes  of  the  West  combined 
to  drive  out  the  invaders;  the  warriors,  at  a designated  time,  surrounded  the 
forts,  and  all  but  Detroit  were  surrendered  to  the  savages,  who  murdered  the 
prisoners,  soldiers  and  citizens  alike.  Forts  Pitt  and  Niagara  were  saved;  but 
the  savages  pushed  into  the  settlements  along  the  frontier,  killing  the  inhabit- 
ants, burning  the  buildings,  and  destroying  everything  they  could  not  carry  off. 
Their  failure  to  take  the  three  most  important  forts  discouraged  the  Indians, 
and  in  the  fall  the  tribes  separated.  The  next  spring,  an  expedition  under 
Col.  Bouquet  was  sent  in  the  Ohio  country,  and  one  under  Gen.  Bradstreet  in 
the  north  along  Lake  Erie;  all  of  the  tribes  again  sued  for  peace,  and  quiet 
was  restored.  Two  years  later,  settlers  again  crossed  the  mountains  for  the 
West.  In  1768,  the  treaty  of  Fort  Stanwix  -was  made,  by  which  the  Six  Na- 
tions of  New  York  released  their  title  to  lands  south  of  the  Ohio,  and  quiet  pre- 
vailed until  the  year  1774,  when  the  whites  in  the  settlements  aronnd  Fort  Pitt 
committed  many  cruel  acts  against  the  Indians,  murdering  many  warriors,  squaws 
and  children,  and  preparations  for  war  were  made  by  savages  and  whites. 

Because  of  hostilities  growing  out  of  these  acts,  two  expeditions  were  or- 
ganized in  Virginia  to  march  into  .the  Ohio  country;  the  one  under  Gov.  Dun- 
more,  from  Fort  Pitt ; the  other  under  Gen.  Andrew  Lewis,  from  the  Greenbrier 
Valley.  At  the  mouth  of  the  Kanawha  River,  Gen.  Lewis  was  attacked  by  the 
celebrated  chief,  Cornstalk,  of  the  Shawnees,  with  a thousand  of  his  warriors; 
the  savages  were  repulsed  with  great  slaughter,  the  loss  on  both  sides  being 
about  equal. 

The  two  armies  united  and  camped  on  the  Pickaway  Plains,  where  Gov. 
Dunmore  made  peace  with  the  Indians,  and  negotiated  for  the  return  of  white 
prisoners  that  were  held  by  the  savages,  the  Shawnees  further  agreeing  not  to 
hunt  south  of  the  Ghio,  nor  molest  travelers  on  the  river. 

When  the  war  of  the  Revolution  began,  the  French  settlements  in  the  Illi- 
nois country  were  in  a flourishing  condition. 

Detroit  was  the  British  post  in  the  North,  and  had  a population  of  about 
three  hundred,  besides  the  garrison;  all  of  the  northwest  country  was  in  control 
of  the  British;  although  the  territory  now  included  within  the  States  of  Ohio 
and  Indiana  was  substantially  in  possession  of  the  Indians,  who  had  steadily 
refused  ho  cede  to  the  whites  any  of  the  lands  northwest  of  the  Ohio;  and,  id 
the  preparations  for  the  struggle  between  the  colonies  and  old  England,  gener- 
ally inclined  to  the  British.  The  efforts  of  the  colonial  authorities  were  to  keep 
the  savages  from  forming  an  alliance  with  the  British,  thus  averting  horrible 
savage  warfare  and  butchery  along  the  frontiers,  the  Indians  themselves  only 
remaining  neutral  until  partial  results  should  develop  which  was  the  stronger 
side.  Warriors  from  all  of  the  tribes  removed  toward  the  head  of  Lake  Erie, 
to  be  near  the  British,  with  whom  they  intended  to  operate;  most  of  the  In- 
dians, however,  remained  to  hold  their  lands — a country  so  dear  to  them  that  it 
is  no  wonder  they  defended  it  with  such  obstinacy  against  the  incursions  of  the 
whites.  For  this  they  need  no  excuses. 

In  1778,  George  Rogers  Clark’s  first  expedition  down  the  Ohio  into  the 
Illinois  country  was  made  to  get  possession  of  the  British  posts  in  that  section. 
In  the  summer,  Fort  McIntosh  was  built  on  the  north  side  of  the  Ohio,  just  be- 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


223 


low  Fort  Pitt.  It  was  the  first  fort  built  by  the  whites  north  of  the  Ohio,  and 
was  intended  as  a base  of  operations  against  the  Lake  Erie  Indians.  The  same 
year,  Fort  Laurens  was  built,  at  the  Tuscarawas  portage.  This  expedition, 
and  the  building  of  these  two  forts,  was  part  of  a plan  for  a campaign  against 
hostile  Indians  on  the  Sandusky  Plains;  the  disastrous  result  caused  uneasiness 
and  anxiety  among  all  of  the  Ohio  tribes  and  white  settlements  of  the  West. 

By  the  treaty  of  peace,  proclaimed  in  1783,  Great  Britain  acknowledged 
the  sovereignty  of  this  country,  and  whatever  title  she  had  in  the  Northwestern 
Territory  passed  to  the  United  States ; but  we  have  already  shown  how  flimsy 
her  title  was.  It  was  not  even  that  of  conquest,  for  the  Indians  had  never  been 
conquered,  nor  had  they  in  any  way  surrendered  a foot  of  the  lands  north  of  the 
Ohio.  England  simply  had  a quit-claim  of  jurisdiction  from  the  French,  and 
that  was  the  chararter  of  the  title  that  the  United  States  acquired. 

Virginia’s  claim  to  these  Western  lands  was  no  more  tenable;  the  Indian 

o 

rowners  of  the  soil  always  protested  and  fought  against  it.  It  was  not  by  ag- 
gressions of  the  whites,  not  by  planting  of  settlements  in  the  territory,  that  a 
'clear  title  was  to  be  acquired,  as  the  history  of  subsequent  events  will  show. 

The  record  of  such  events,  and  of  the  Indian  treaties  made  by  the  Govern- 
ment in  the  earlier  years  of  the  settlement  of  the  Northwest  Territory  and  State 
of  Ohio,  will  be  given  further  along,  in  the  order  of  accomplishment.  By  them, 
good  and  clear  titles  were  fairly  acquired  by  the  United  States. 


224 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


CHAPTER  II. 

The  Miami  Valley — Military  Events  that  Influenced  Its  Settlement — The 
Common  Hunting-Grounds  for  the  Tribes — Description  of  Streams, 
Hills  and  Bottoms — Colonists  Pushing  Through  to  the  West — Capt. 
Bullit— Indian  Alarm  and  Hostilities — Col.  Bowman’s  Expedition  to 
Old  Chillicothe — Speedy  Retaliation — Hard  Winter  of  1780' — Location 
of  Ohio  Tribes — Their  Strength — Noted  Chieftains — Indian  Village 
Life — Manners,  Customs  and  Conditions — Hunting,  Trapping,  Fishing — 
War  Parties — Cruelties. 

IT  is  ] iroper,  iu  writing  the  history  of  Montgomery  County,  to  give  the  mili 
tary  necessities  and  events  that  influenced  the  settlement  of  the  Miami 
Valley.  The  territory  lying  between  the  Miami  Rivers,  with  the  Ohio  on  the  south 
and  Mad  River  at  the  north,  has  not  been  occupied  by  Indian  villages  or  wig- 
wams since  the  year  1700.  The  valley  seems  to  have  been  reserved  by  common 
consent  of  the  tribes  as  hunting  grounds  from  which  to  supply  their  war  parties 
and  villages  with  meat.  Over  hill  and  dale  stretched  a dense,  undisturbed  for- 
est; scattered  through  it  were  little  patches  of  prairie  and  areas  of  wet  land. 
Arrow  heads,  implements  and  other  Indian  relics,  formerly  so  often  found  on 
the  hills  and  in  the  fields,  and  even  now  occasionally  picked  up,  must  have  been 
left  here  years  before  that. 

Bands  of  warriors,  in  passing  up  and  down,  used  one  of  the  two  trails;  the 
one  west  of  the  Big  Miami,  the  other  east  of  the  Little  Miami  River,  running 
north  from  the  Ohio  River  to  the  Shawnee  towns,  at  Old  Chillicothe  (three 
miles  north  of  Xenia),  the  Piqua  towns  on  the  Mad  River  seventeen  miles  above 
Dayton,  and  on  up  to  the  Mackacheek  towns  at  the  head-waters  of  Mad 
River;  the  trail  to  the  west  from  the  Ohio  below  the  mouth  of  the  Big  Miami  lead- 
ing on  up,  passing  west  of  Hamilton,  just  east  of  Eaton,  through  Fort  Jefferson 
and  Greenville,  to  the  portage  at  Loramie,  and  branching  from  there  to  the  vil- 
lages north  and  west.  The  head-waters  of  the  two  .vliamis,  Scioto,  Mad  River, 
Stillwater,  the  Wabash,  Maumee  and  Sandusky  Rivers,  drain  the  same  level 
lands  of  Central  Ohio  and  Indiana.  In  the  early  days,  they  were  the  black 
swamp  lands,  the  storage  ponds,  the  sources  of  supply,  that  kept  the  rivers  at  a 
tolerably  even  stage  of  water  through  the  summer  seasons.  After  continued 
rains,  the  whole  Miami  Valley  would  be  inundated,  sometimes  for  weeks. 
Drifting  sand  and  gravel,  forming  bars,  often  changed  the  channel.  The  prin- 
ripal  feeders  of  the  Big  Miami  on  the  west  were  Loramie’s  Creek,  Stillwater 
(formerly  known  as  the  Southwest  Branch),  Twin  Creek  and  Whitewater;  all  of 
them  navigable  for  batteaux  and  flat  boats. 

Beautiful,  clear  running  Mad  River  is  the  only  stream  of  any  consequence 
that  drains  from  the  east;  originating  in  a little  crystal  lake,  it  is  fed  all  the 
way  by  springs  and  rapid  little  branches.  The  broad  Miami  Valley  was  a con- 
tinuation of  rolling,  heavily  wooded  lands,  the  forest  opening  here  and  there 
into  moist  levels  of  waving  wild  grasses.  The  rich  bottoms  were  not  so  heavily 
timbered,  were  quite  free  of  undergrowth,  yet  covered  with  a tangled  mass  ol 
vines,  bushes  and  weeds.  A wild  region  in  its  natural  state  was  this  valley  at 
the  time  of  the  French  movements  for  control  of  the  territory  and  its  Indian 
trade;  and  subsequently,  during  the  English  campaigns  against  the  French, 


Robert  Bradford 

(deceased) 

WASHINGTON , TP. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


227 


-the  movement  of  troops  was  to  the  eastward,  and  the  Miami  country  still  remained 
undisturbed,  excepting  by  the  English  traders  who  located  at  the  Loramie  port- 
ae in  1749,  and  the  capture  of  that  post  by  the  French  three  years  later. 

The  war  furnished  the  opportunity  to  the  colonists  to  learn  more  of  the 
Western  country,  and  the  information  acquired  increased  the  desire  to  go  West. 

As  early  as  1771,  the  glowing  descriptions  of  the  beauty  and  fertility  of 
Kentucky  lands  determined  many  of  the  more  venturesome  to  seek  there  for 
homes.  In  the  year  1773,  a company  of  Virginians  accompanied  a surveying 
party  down  the  Kanawha  and  Ohio  to  Limestone  Creek,  where  Maysville  now 
stands.  At  that  point,  Capt.  Thomas  Bullit  left  the  party,  and  alone  crossed 
,into  Ohio,  and  on  up  through  the  woods  to  the  Shawnee  town,  Old  Chillicothe, 
to  get  consent  of  the  Indians  for  his  intended  settlement  at  the  falls  of  the  Ohio. 
He  was  not  seen  by  the  Indians  until  he  arrived  in  the  town,  waving  a white 
handkerchief  as  a flag  of  truce.  The  savages,  although  thoroughly  surprised, 

; crowded  around  him  to  ascertain  his  business;  and  from  the  novelty  of  his  com- 
ing, the  courage  displayed,  and  the  pleasant  address  of  the  Captain,  they  quickly 
ibecam9  friendly,  consenting  to  his  proposed  settlement  south  of  the  Ohio.  , 

Thus  fully  successful,  he  returned  to  his  party  and  descended  with  them  to 
the  falls.  As  other  settlers  began  to  arrive  in  the  West,  and  it  was  demon- 
strated to  the  Indians  that  their  hunting-grounds  would  be  interfered  with,  and 
that,  unless  emigration  were  checked,  settlements  would  be  made  north  of  the 
Ohio,  they  commenced  hostilities  against  the  whites.  Boats  along  the  Ohio 
River  were  constantly  being  attacked,  and  the  emigrants  murdered;  explorers 
'and  other  small  parties  were  killed  and  scalped  wherever  found.  Retaliation 
quickly  followed,  attended  by  all  the  horrors  of  savage  border  warfare. 

A history  of  these  thrilling  events,  occurring  as  the  tide  of  emigration  to 
Kentucky  lands  increased,  gradually,  from  the  year  1775  until  the  treaty  at  Fort 
Harrnar  in  .1789,  would  require  more  space  than  is  deemed  proper  to  devote  in 
giving  the  record  of  events  that  influenced  the  settlement  of  this  county. 

Whatever  may  have  led  to  the  unfriendly  situation  between  the  whites  and 
the  savages  of  the  West,  certain  it  is  that,  after  the  cold  blooded  murder  at  Point 
Pleasant,  in  the  summer  of  1777,  of  Cornstalk,  the  great  chieftain  of  the  Scioto 
Shawn ees,  the  young  warrior,  Red  Hawk,  and  Ellinipsico,  the  son  of  Cornstalk, 
;there  could  be  no  hope  of  peace. 

The  settlements  in  Kentucky  suffered  terribly  from  incursions  of  war  parties 
from  the  savage  tribes  of  the  North,  creating  a malignant  spirit  of  revenge 
among  the  whites  that  led  to  acts  of  brutality  scarcely  less  atrocious  than  the 
'cruelties  of  the  savages.  The  British  commander  at  Fort  Detroit  encouraged 
the  formation  of  war  parties  for  attacks  upon  emigrants  along  the  Upper  Ohio, 
and  for  murderous  expeditions  against  the  feeble  stations  in  Kentucky. 

The  trails  leading  south  on  the  east  side  of  the  Little  Miami  and  on  the 
west  side  of  the  Big  Miami  were  constantly  used  by  the  warriors,  while  they 
.were  supplied  with  meat  by  parties  in  the  valleys.  They  would  cross  the  Ohio, 
attack  small  stations  in  Kentucky,  carry  off  prisoners  and  plunder,  retreat 
rapidly,  and  thus  escape  punishment.  In  1778,  Daniel  Boone  was  captured  in 
Kentucky  by  one  of  these  parties  and  taken  to  the  Shawnee  town  at  Old  Chil 
licothe,  near  Xenia.  In  the  summer  of  the  same  year,  these  Indians  formed  an 
| expedition  of  450  warriors  to  attack  Boonesboro,  in  Kentucky.  Boone  escaped 
from  them  and  notified  the  inhabitants  of  their  coming. 

His  escape  caused  a delay  of  the  expedition  for  several  weeks.  On  the  8th 
of  August,  about  five  hundred  warriors,  armed  and  painted,  appeared  before  the 
fort  at  Boonesboro  and  demanded  its  immediate  surrender;  Capt.  Du  Quesne,  a 
British  officer,  was  in  command  of  the  invaders,  and  a British  flag  was  their 
I standard.  Good  treatment  was  guaranteed  if  the  post  was  surrendered,  but,  if 

B 


228 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


resistance  were  offered,  no  quarter  could  be  expected.  After  two  days’  parley, 
Boone  notified  Du  Quesne  that  he  and  his  comrades  were  prepared  to  defend 
the  fort  to  the  last.  The  attack  was  commenced  at  once,  and  lasted  ten  days, 
resulting  in  a final  repulse  of  the  enemy  with  a loss  of  thirty  seven  killed  and 
many  wounded.  The  loss  to  the  garrison  was  two  men  killed  and  four  wounded. 

During  the  spring  of  the  next  year  (1779),  the  woods  were  filled  with  small 
bands  of  Indians;  the  Kentucky  settlements  were  kept  in  constant  excitement. 
Large  war  parties  came  from  the  north  in  canoes  down  the  Great  Miami  River. 
Gamps  were  formed  at  the  mouth  of  Hole’s  Greek,  and  at  the  “ big  prairie”  be- 
low Middletown.  Then  the  savages  divided  into  smaller  bands  to  annoy  emi- 
grant boats  along  the  Ohio,  and  the  stations  over  about  Lexington,  Ky. 

The  Indians  seemed  to  have  grown  desperate  in  their  efforts  to  regain  con- 
trol of  the  Ohio  Valley,  and  their  devilish  ingenuity  was  constantly  devoloping 
fresh  outrages  and  barbarous  ways  of  torture.  In  July,  these  scalping  parlies 
were  so  numerous,  and  had  grown  so  bold  in  their  operations,  that  it  became 
necessary  to  organize  a force  for  protection.  Col.  John  Bowman  was  given  the 
command,  and  it  was  decided  to  march  to  the  Shawnee  town,  Old  Chillicothe,  J 
on  the  Little  Miami  River.  Crossing  the  Ohio  at  the  mouth  of  the  Licking  j1 
River,  the  force  of  160  men  made  a rapid  march,  arriving  near  the  Indian  town  i 
the  second  night,  without  being  discovered.  At  daylight,  the  attack  was  made, 
but,  from  mismanagement,  ended  in  a repulse.  A number  of  ponies  were  capt- 
ured, sufficient  to  mount  the  entire  command,  and  the  retreat  was  at  once 
ordered. 

They  were  closely  pursued  by  the  Indians  until  they  had  recrossed  the  Ohio 
River,  having  lost  nine  men. 

This,  the  first  expedition  into  the  Miami  Valley  by  the  frontiersmen,  was 
unsuccessful,  and,  as  it  turned  out,  was  extremely  unfortunate.  The  warriors  1 
remained  along  the  Ohio  between  the  two  Miamis  for  some  time,  and  were  there 
in  October,  when  Col.  David  Rogers  and  Capt.  Robert  Benham,  with  a hundred 
men,  were  passing  up  the  river  in  two  keel  boats.  A few  of  the  savages  were 
seen,  and  one  half  the  command  was  landed  to  attempt  their  capture;  Col. 
Rogers  soon  found  his  mistake,  and  that  he  had  been  led  into  an  ambush  of  four 
or  five  hundred  Indians.  A desperate  fight  ensued,  but  the  gallant  commander 
and  nearly  all  bis  men  were  tomahawked  and  scalped.  Capt.  Robert  Benham, 
who,  with  a few  of  his  men,  cut  their  way  through  the  lines,  was  shot  through 
both  hips,  but  was  able  to  crawl  into  the  top  of  a fallen  tree  and  lie  concealed. 
The  Indians  were  passing  back  and  forth  over  the  battle-ground  all  night  and 
for  nearly  two  days.  The  evening  of  the  second  day,  Benham  shot  a coon  that 
was  on  a tree  near  him,  hoping  in  some  way  to  get  to  it,  make  a fire  and  cook 
it.  As  soon  as  he  had  fired,  he  heard  some  one  call,  very  near  him;  supposing 
it  to  be  an  Indian,  he  hastily  reloaded  his  gun  and  kept  quiet;  soon  the  same 
call  was  heard  again,  but  much  nearer;  still  Benham  did  not  reply,  but  sat  ready 
to  fire  as  soon  as  the  party  should  appear.  The  call  was  made  the  third  time, 
followed  by  expressions  of  distress  that  convinced  Benham  that  it  must  be  a 
Kentuckian;  he  then  replied,  and  the  parties  were  soon  together.  There  sat 
Benham,  shot  through  both  hips,  and  unable  to  move ! The  man  proved  to  be 
John  Watson,  a soldier’,  who  had  both  arms  broken  by  a bullet  in  the  same 
battle.  Benham,  having  the  use  of  his  arms,  could  easily  kill  all  the  game 
they  wanted,  while  Watson,  with  two  good  legs,  could  kick  the  dead  game  to 
where  Benham  sat,  who  would  clean  and  cook  it. 

When  their  wounds  had  somewhat  healed,  they  built  a small  hut  near  the 
river,  to  watch  for  a passing  boat. 

November  27,  a flat-boat  was  seen  slowly  floating  down  the  river.  The 
wounded  men  hoisted  a signal;  but  the  crew,  supposing  it  to  be  an  Indian  de- 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


229 


coy,  put  over  to  the  opposite  side  of  the  river  and  passed  down  as  rapidly  as 
possible.  At  length,  when  the  boat  was  about  half  a mile  below,  a canoe  was 
sent  ashore  to  reconnoiter,  which,  after  a lengthy  parley,  landed  and  took  the 
two  sufferers  aboard.  At  Louisville,  receiving  proper  treatment,  they  soon  re- 
covered the  use  of  their  limbs. 

But  for  the  successful  operations  of  Col.  George  Rogers  Clark  in  the  Illi- 
nois country,  the  year  1779  would  have  left  the  Western  people  in  an  uncomfort- 
able situation;  as  it  was,  however,  emigration  greatly  increased,  reviving  the 
spirits  of  the  settlers,  giving  them  a confidence  in  their  ability  to  resist  the  in- 
vasions of  the  savages. 

From  the  crops  harvested,  there  was  but  1 ittle  surplus  with  which  to  supply 
the  new-comers.  The  winter  of  1779-80  was  long  known  as  the  “hard  winter;  ” 
everything  was  frozen  up,  and  the  ground  was  covered  with  snow  for  many 
weeks;  many  emigrant  families  suffered  from  hunger  and  exposure,  and  arrived 
at  the  Kentucky  stations  in  almost  destitute  condition.  Bears,  buffalo,  deer, 
wolves,  beavers,  otter  and  wild  turkeys  were  frozen  to  death;  wild  animals  would 
come  up  to  the  camps  in  a famishing  condition,  with  the  perishing  cattle.  The 
three  months  of  severe  winter  ended;  a delightful  spring,  and  the  rapid  growth  of 
vegetation,  promised  speedy  relief  from  hardships,  and  the  settlers  might  look 
forward  to  a season  of  plenty  and  happiness. 

LOCATION  OF  OHIO  INDIAN  TBIBES. 

The  tribes  that  occupied  and  owned  the  territory  now  within  the  State 
of  Ohio  were  the  Eries,  Mingoes  (of  Ohio),  Delawares,  Munsees,  Shaw- 
nees,  Wyandots,  Miamis,  Senecas  (of  Sandusky);  the  Piankeshaws,  Potta- 
watomies  and  Ottawas  were  along  the  Maumee  and  around  Detroit;  the  Weas, 
Eel  River  Indians  and  Kickapoos  were  the  Wabash  tribes  that  so  often  united 
with  the  Miami  tribes  in  their  expeditions  down  the  Miami  and  across  into  Ken- 
tucky. The  Eries,  a strong  nation,  whose  towns  were  located  along  the  south- 
ern shore  of  Lake  Erie,  were  entirely  exterminated  by  the  Six  Nations  of  New 
York  at  some  time  before  the  year  1680.  The  Delaware  nation  were  the  tribes 
who  had  ceded  to  William  Penn  the  lands  along  the  Delaware  River  and  around 
the  Delaware  Bay,  and  afterward  removed  to  the  West,  locating  in  the  Musk- 
ingum Valley,  and  to  the  east  of  that.  The  Munsees  were  one  of  the  tribes  of 
Delawares.  The  Shawnee  Indians  were  natives  of  the  South,  but,  'being  con- 
quered by  the  Cherokees,  they  left  the  shores  of  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  and  came 
to  the  Ohio  Valley  about  the  year  1740,  locating  in  the  Scioto  Valley — a warlike 
and  brave  people,  cruel  in  the  extreme,  proud,  and  most  successful  hunters. 
Their  principal  towns  were  at  first  located  on  the  north  bank  of  the  Ohio,  above 
and  below  the  mouth  of  the  Scioto  River,  but,  after  the  Ohio  began  to  be  used 
so  much  as  a highway  for  emigrant  boats,  they  moved  further  up  the  Scioto,  and 
afterward  built  their  principal  towns,  the  one  at  Old  Chillicothe  on  the  Little 
Miami  River,  and  the  other,  Old  Piqua,  on  the  north  side  of  Mad  River,  seven- 
teen miles  above  Dayton;  they  at  the  same  time  located  the  Mackacheek  towns 
around  the  head-waters  of  Mad  River.  These  tribes  were  among  the  first  and 
most  vicious  in  harassing  parties  along  the  river,  and  in  the  settlements  of  Ken- 
tucky, and  were  the  last  to  make  peace  with  the  whites.  The  grand  forests  of 
the  Miami  Valley  were  their  game  preserves,  and  jealously  did  they  guard  them 
against  the  encroachments  of  their  hated  neighbors,  the  pioneers  of  Kentucky. 

The  powerful  Wyandots  lived  around  Sandusky  Bay  and  up  the  valley  to  the 
head- waters  of  Sandusky  River;  they  were  one  of  the  leading  nations  of  the  North- 
west, the  beautiful  traditions  of  the  tribes  running  back  for  more  than  a century. 
They  made  common  cause  with  the  Shawnees  and  Vi  am  is  against  the  whites, 
their  warriors  always  joining  in  the  expeditions  to  the  Ohio;  the  young  bucks 


230 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


of  these  tribes  would  form  small  hunting  parties  to  roam  through  the  woods  of 
Southwestern  Ohio,  remaining  away  from  their  towns  for  a year  at  a time;  oc- 
casionally as  scalping  parties,  ranging  along  the  banks  of  the  Ohio,  and  over 
among  the  settlements  of  Central  Kentucky,  retreating  to  the  Miami  Yalley  to 
escape  the  vengeance  of  the  pursuing  settlers. 

The  Miami  nation  of  Indians  was  the  Western  Confederacy  of  tribes,  as 
opposed  to  the  Six  Nations  (Iroquois)  of  New  York;  the  Twightwees,  Tawas 
and  Miami  tribes,  of  the  Miamis,  occupied  the  level  lands  drained  by  the  streams 
that  formed  the  sources  of  the  Great  Miami,  the  Maumee  and  the  W abash  Rivers 
—a  stretch  of  country  from  the  Loramie  portage  across  to  Fort  Wayne  and  down 
the  Maumee  Yalley.  The  Miamis  were  conspicuous  in  their  hostilities  to  the 
whites,  making  long  expeditions  to  engage  in  the  border  attacks,  and,  with  the 
Wyandots  and  Ottawas,  were  the  steady  allies  of  the  English  in  all  campaigns 
against  the  Western  settlements. 

The  Chippewas  were  the  Michigan  Indians  in  the  Saginaw  country,  many 
large  tribes. 

The  Mingoes  (of  Ohio)  were  located  along  the  eastern  border  of  Ohio;  then 
east  and  north  of  them  were  the  Six  Nations  of  New  York. 

The  Weas,  Piankeshaws  and  Kickapoos,  as  has  already  been  stated,  were  in 
the  Wabash  Valley. 

STRENGTH  OF  THE  TEIBES. 

The  following  list  shows  the  number  of  warriors  in  the  several  tribes  who 
could,  upon  short  notice,  be  assembled  for  war  against  the  settlements: 


Shawnees 400 

Wyandots 300 

Delawares  and  Munsees 600 

Miamis 300 

Pottawatomies 400 

Ottawas 600 

Mingoes  (of  Ohio) 600 

Weas,  Piankeshaws  and  Kickapoos 800 

Total 4,000 

Six  Nations  of  New  York — 

Mohawks 100 

Oneidas  and  Tuscaroras 400 

Cayugas 220 

Onondagas 230 

Senecas 650 

Total 1.600 


The  Chippewas  of  the  upper  lakes  were  estimated  to  be  as  strong  as  all  of 
the  above  named  tribes  together. 

The  main  object  of  all  the  treaties  with  the  Indians  by  the  United  States 
during  the  Revolutionary  war  was  to  keep  them  quiet,  and  persuade  them  not 
to  molest  the  settlements. 

Cornstalk,  the  great  war  chieftain  of  the  Shawnees;  Pontiac,  of  the  Otta- 
was; and  Logan,  of  the  Cayugas,  were  dead;  they  had  been  the  sachems,  the 
great  leaders,  of  the  united  Indian  nations;  although  savages,  yet  possessed  of 
great  natural  intelligence  and  experience,  gifted  with  eloquence,  brave  in  every 
situation  and  emergency,  they  acquired  unbounded  influence  among  the  tribes, 
and,  from  their  high  sense  of  justice,  the  respect  of  the  Western  settlers.  After 
them,  there  was  no  great  leader  to  unite  the  savages  against  the  colonists  until, 
in  1805,  Tecumseh,  and  his  brother,  Laulewasikaw  — the  Prophet  — rose  to 
prominence  among  the  Shawnees,  and  Anally  uniting  warriors  of  all  Western 
and  Northern  tribes  as  allies  of  the  British  against  the  United  States.  During 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


231 


the  colonial  war,  and  until  the  organization  of  the  Northwestern  Territory,  there 
were  chiefs  and  braves  among  the  tribes  who  inclined  to  peace,  and  held  at  least 
one  half  of  the  warriors  from  alliance  with  the  British.  Of  the  chiefs  who  dis- 
tinguished themselves  in  the  campaigns  between  the  years  1780  and  1795,  we 
give  the  list  from  the  tribes  that  operated  in  border  attacks  along  the  Ohio 
River,  and  in  the  territory  between  that  river  and  Lake  Erie. 

Shawnees — White  Gap  (the  principal  chief),  Red  Pole,  Long  Shanks,  Capt. 
Reed,  Black  Hoof,  Blue  Jacket,  Civil  Man,  Black  Wolf,  Snake,  Turkey,  Corn- 
stalk, Kakiapilathy  (the  Tame  Hawk),  Capt.  Johnny. 

Wyandots — Tarhe,  the  Crane,  a tall  chief,  handsome,  and  of  splendid 
physique,  attained  some  reputation  as  a warrior,  and,  in  his  policy  after  the  treaty 
at  Greenville,  generally  favored  the  United  States.  Other  influential  chiefs  of 
this  tribe  were:  The  Half  King,  and  his  son,  Cherokee  Boy;  Leather  Lips, 
Black  Chief,  Walk  in  the  Water,  Big  Arm. 

Delawares — Capt.  Pipe,  the  war  chief;  Three  Chiefs,  Wicocalind,  or  "White 
Eyes;  Kelelamand,  or  Col.  Henry;  and  Hengue  Pushees,  or  the  Big  Cat,  who 
were  always  friendly  to  the  Western  settlers;  Grand  Glaize  King,  Killbuck, 
Capt.  Buffalo,  Capt.  Crow,  Red  Feather,  Bohongehelas,  Black  King,  Billy  Sis- 
comb. 

Munsees — Hawkinpumiska,  Reyutueco,  Peyainawksey,  Puckconsittond. 

Senecas — Coffee  Houn,  Wiping  Stick,  Big  Turtle,  Civil  John. 

Miamis — Meshekenoghqua,  the  Little  Turtle,  the  celebrated  chief,  the  most 
famous  forest  warrior  and  distinguished  leader  of  his  time  He  had  command 
of  all  Indian  allies  of  the  British  against  Harmar  in  1790,  St.  Clair  in  1791, 
Wilkinson  in  1792,  Wayne  in  1793,  1794  and  1795.  Nagohquangogh,  or  Le 
Gris,  was  the  village  chief  of  the  Miamis,  a sensible  old  Indian  of  great  influ- 
ence in  his  own  tribe  and  among  the  neighboring  tribes.  In  their  hostilities  to 
the  whites,  the  Miamis  devoloped  a number  of  skilled  chieftains,  the  most  noted 
of  which  were:  The  White  Loon,  Long  Legs,  Richeville,  The  Owl,  ’White  Skin, 
Silver  Heels,  Big  Man,  Double  Tooth,  Crooked,  Porcupine,  Sunrise,  King  Bird, 
Big  Body,  Stone  Eater,  Poor  Raccoon,  Open  Hand,  Young  Wolf,  Butterfly, 
Tiger’s  Face,  Flat  Belly. 

Pottawatomies — Windigo,  Nawac,  WThite  Pigeon,  Winnemac,  Five  Medals, 
Thupenebue,  Run,  Le  Blanc,  No  Name,  Mogawgo.  The  Black  Bird  was  also 
one  of  the  leading  warriors  of  the  tribe. 

Ottawas — Wewiskia,  Augooshaway,  Little  Otter,  Dog,  Bear’s  Legs,  Stump- 
tail  Bear,  Neagey,  Machiwetah,  Big  Bowl,  Sawgamaw,  White  Fisher,  Bear 
King. 

Piankeshaws — Big  Com,  Black  Dog,  Three  Thighs,  Lightning. 

Weas — Little  Beaver,  Painted  Pole,  Negro  Legs,  Little  Fox,  Little  Eyes, 
Long  Body. 

Eel  River — Ploughman,  Night  Stander,  Charley,  Gun,  Earth,  Swallow. 

Kickapoos — Keeawhah,  Cat,  Otter,  Duck,  Persuader,  Brave,  Josey  Renard, 
Standing,  Black  Tree,  "White  Blanket,  Bear,  Dirty  Face. 

Chippewas — Mesass,  one  of  the  chief  counselors  and  leading  warriors  of 
the  many  tribes  of  Chippewas;  Bad  Bird,  Young  Ox,  Little  Bear,  Young  Boy, 
Bad  Legs,  Little  Thunder,  Cat  Fish,  Big  Cloud,  Spark  of  Fire,  Ball. 

Sacs — Tepakee,  Kesheyiva. 

INDIAN  VILLAGE  LIFE. 

The  towns  and  villages  of  the  Indians  inhabiting  the  valleys  of  the  Miami, 
Maumee  and  WT abash  Rivers,  were  located  immediately  upon  the  banks  of  the 
streams,  on  ground  high  enough  to  be  out  of  the  reach  of  floods.  But  little  at- 
tention was  paid  to  the  locations,  as  positions  for  defense,  except  that  a spot 


232 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


free  from  timber  was  generally  selected,  and  a place  where  the  canoes  could  be 
easily  landed,  and  the  squaws  have  easy  access  to  water.  The  strength  of  a vil- 
lage could  be  easily  estimated,  as  lodges,  wigwams  and  cabins  were  invariably  j 
placed  in  one  line  along  the  stream;  some  of  the  towns  extended  thus  for  two 
or  three  miles  along  the  river. 

The  wigwams  were  constructed  in  a substantial  way  to  resist  wind  and  storm,  |j 
and  to  keep  the  occupants  comfortable  through  the  winter  season;  some  were  || 
large  and  roomy,  twenty  feet  in  diameter;  others  were  smaller;  circular  or  oval 
shaped,  made  of  bark  or  matting  laid  over  a frame  work  of  poles  that  were  stuck  j 
in  the  ground  and  leaning  to  the  top,  where  an  opening  was  left  for  the  escape 
of  smoke  from  the  fire  beneath.  In  the  winter,  these  wigwams  were  also  lined 
with  matting,  tastily  made  of  rushes,  grasses  and  reeds;  bunks  were  made  of 
poles,  with  skins  and  furs  for  bedding,  the  interior  of  the  wigwam  being  cozily 
arranged  and  kept  tidy  and  clean  by  the  squaws;  two  openings  were  left  on  op- 
posite sides,  either  to  be  used,  according  to  the  direction  of  the  wind. 

Cabins  were  arranged  on  the  inside  like  the  wigwams  just  described;  the 
roofs  were  of  bark  or  matting;  a hole  was  left  in  the  center  for  smoke  to  escape;  j; 
a mat  or  skin  was  hung  in  the  doorway.  “ Lodges  ” were  not  often  found  in  the 
villages,  being  mostly  used  for  temporary  habitation  in  hunting  camps,  sugar 
camps,  and  in  the  war  camps  that  were  sometimes  formed  as  a base  for  opera- 
tions at  any  great  distance  from  the  towns.  Lodges  were  built  in  this  way:  A 
frame  was  formed  by  planting  the  ends  of  half  hoops  in  the  ground,  the  hoops 
one  behind  the  other,  about  two  feet  apart;  a ridge  pole,  or  thong  of  hide,  was 
fastened  on  top  from  bow  to  bow;  over  the  whole  of  it,  matting  or  skins  of  wild 
animals  were  spread;  the  occupants  slept  on  the  ground,  the  cooking  being  done 
in  the  open  air. 

Corn,  beans,  pumpkins  and  tobacco  were  the  crops  raised  by  the  Indians; 
the  tilled  ground  was  not  fenced;  the  animals  were  pastured  at  some  distance 
from  the  villages  to  prevent  injury  to  growing  crops.  By  some  of  the  tribes, 
fruit  was  also  grown;  the  trees  were  seedlings  grown  from  seed  purchased  of 
the  traders.  After  the  trading  stations  had  been  established  in  the  West,  the 
rude  implements  and  tools  used  by  the  Indians  were  replaced  with  those  better 
adapted  to  the  cultivation  of  the  soil,  and  for  other  domestic  purposes.  Steel 
traps  took  the  place  of  “dead  falls”  and  “pits;”  awls  and  needles  made  of  the 
bones  of  birds  were  no  longer  used  in  sewing  garments  and  fitting  the  matting 
to  the  wigwams;  cultivation  was  accomplished  with  the  iron  hoe,  and  better 
cooking  utensils  were  supplied. 

MANNERS,  CUSTOMS  AND  CONDITIONS. 

The  burdens  and  toil  of  Indian  life  were  the  duties  of  the  squaws;  they 
built  the  wigwams  and  cabins,  performed  all  the  village  drudgery  and  home 
work,  cared  for  the  dogs  and  ponies,  gathered  the  fuel,  planted  the  seed,  culti- 
vated the  soil  and  harvested  the  crops,  cut  up  and  jerked  the  game  brought  in 
by  the  hunters,  cooked,  made  the  clothing,  and,  when  on  journeys,  carried  great 
bundles  of  the  camp  equipage;  the  responsibility  of  the  care  of  the  families  and 
wigwams  was  upon  them;  they  were  neat  and  tidy  in  their  habits,  and  kept 
everything  clean  about  the  villages;  they  were  uncomplaining,  and  not  quarrel- 
some. (The  reader  must  remember  that  we  are  now  writing  of  the  Indians  as 
they  were  and  lived  during  the  last  half  of  last  century.)  A squaw  who  would 
utter  a groan,  or  cry,  in  childbed,  would  be  forever  disgraced,  as  unworthy  to  be 
a mother,  and  it  was  believed  that  her  offspring  could  not  fail  of  being  cowards. 
The  squaws  were  not  demonstrative,  as  a rule,  but  were  thoroughly  loyal  to  the 
family  relations;  separations  were  of  rare  occurrence,  though  for  cause  an  In- 
dian might  send  his  squaw  away. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


233 


The  wigwam  government  was  adapted  to  their  modes  of  life;  of  course  the 
warrior  was  boss  of  all;  his  wishes  were  obeyed  without  question,  his  word  was 
law;  the  papooses  were  not  noisy;  they  were  allowed  to  roll  around  the  floor 
of  the  wigwam  in  cold  or  stormy  weather,  and  in  the  open  air  during  the 
milder  seasons;  to  carry  them  about,  they  were  slung  to  the  squaw’s  back;  to 
leave  them  alone  in  the  wigwams,  they  were  bound  to  a board  longer  than  them- 
selves, and  stood  away  in  the  corner.  The  younger  Indians  were  never  whipped, 
and  were  scarcely  ever  scolded;  constant  attention  was  given  to  their  training, 
that  they  might  grow  in  experience  to  meet  the  necessities  and  ways  of  Indian 
life;  they  were  taught  to  observe  what  they  believed  to  be  right;  were  pointed 
to  examples  of  bad  Indians,  and  that  such  were  despised  by  everybody;  they 
were  shown  examples  of  braves,  and  honest  Indians  whom  all  respected,  as 
worthy  of  imitation. 

After  boys  were  at  the  hunting  age,  they  were  no  longer  under  the  govern- 
ment of  the  squaws,  but  were  kept  hunting  all  the  time;  from  early  spring  until 
winter  set  in,  they  lived  along  the  streams,  learning  to  swim,  to  paddle  canoes, 
to  build  canoes,  to  fish  and  trap;  they  roamed  through  the  woods,  learning  to  shoot 
and  hunt,  acquiring  the  knowledge  of  woodcraft  and  the  hardships  of  out  door 
life.  The  young  of  both  sexes  developed  early;  at  the  age  of  fifteen,  the  boys 
were  free  to  come  and  go  without  restraint;  two  years  younger  than  that,  the 
girls  were  budding  into  squawhood,  and  it  was  a rare  thing  for  a young  squaw 
to  reach  the  age  of  fifteen  before  being  appropriated  by  some  young  buck  lover 
Courtship  and  marriage  among  the  Indians  were  not  attended  with  any  very 
great  delays  or  ceremony;  when  a brave  was  attracted  by  the  good  features  and 
figure  of  a handsome  and  tidy  young  squaw,  greased,  painted  and  full  feathered^ 
in  all  the  pomp  and  pride  of  a warrior,  he  would  walk  down  the  village  street 
until,  arriving  before  the  wigwam  of  his  inamorata,  he  stopped;  then,  if  his  ad- 
vances were  at  all  encouraged,  it  was  considerd  as  an  acceptance,  and  they  were 
quickly  paired;  they  were  mated  without  being  required  to  ask  consent  of  any 
one,  and  without  interference  from  any  source.  If  the  weather  was  favorable 
for  out-door  enjoyment,  a feast  and  dance  would  sometimes  be  arranged,  in  which 
old  and  young  would  participate,  keeping  up  the  merry-making  until  all  were 
tired  out. 

In  moving  from  one  village  to  another,  as  families  often  did,  the  squaws, 
as  under  all  other  circumstances,  had  all  the  work  to  do.  The  wigwam  goods 
were  tied  in  great  bundles  and  fastened  on  the  backs  of  the  ponies,  or  carried  on 
the  backs  of  the  squaws,  if  there  were  not  ponies  enough.  Riding  or  walking, 
the  squaws  carried  the  papooses  on  their  backs.  Pelts  were  used  in  lieu  of  sad- 
dles, and  buck  and  squaw  rode  alike — straddle.  A halt  was  made  for  dinner, 
but  the  ponies  were  not  unloaded  except  at  night.  There  was  but  little  trouble 
with  the  youngsters,  or  papooses ; they  were  trained  to  be  quiet,  and  scarcely  ever 
cried.  It  was  a funny  sight  to  see  the  little  papooses,  lashed  to  forked  sticks, 
leaning  against  the  stumps  or  trees  at  these  midday  halts. 

Upon  arrival  at  the  new  location,  it  was  the  squaw’s  duty  to  cut  the  poles 
and  erect  the  wigwam,  and  arrange  all  for  the  comfort  of  her  warrior;  and,  as 
we  have  said  before,  the  interior  of  these  wigwams  were  kept  neat  and  clean, 
the  sides  lined  with  furs  or  matting  for  warmth;  a cheerful  fire  blazing  in  the 
center  made  an  attractive  picture,  as  a place  of  shelter  from  any  storm — an  abode 
of  comfort.  In  going  to  bed,  the  bucks  pulled  off  all  clothing  but  their  breech- 
clouts,  and  the  squaws  all  but  the  skirt;  the  clothing  thus  taken  off  was  used 
for  pillows. 

Indian  dress  in  the  earlier  times  was  exclusively  made  of  furs  and  skins. 
Great  taste  was  shown  in  making  the  garments,  and  in  the  arrangement  of  the 

©O'  © 

ornaments  used,  such  as  shells,  beads  (made  of  fish  scales),  and  beautifully  col- 


234 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


ored  grasses  and  feathers.  Indian  tanned  skins  have  always  commanded  the 
highest  prices.  After  the  French  occupation  of  the  Western  country  (1750), 
cloth  began  to  be  used  by  the  squaws  in  making  clothing  for  themselves  and  the 
youngsters;  the  brighter  colors  were  the  most  popular — anything  so  it  was  red.  j| 
suited  the  savage  taste.  Warriors,  old  and  young,  were  the  most  particular  as  || 
to  their  personal  appearance.  The  hair  was  pulled  out  by  the  roots  all  over  I 
their  heads,  except  a tuft  on  top,  left  as  the  scalp-lock;  to  this  was  fastened  the  || 
plume  of  feathers;  nose  and  ears  were  pierced  for  rings  of  lead  or  copper;  || 
their  bodies  were  left  bare  to  the  waist,  and  profusely  painted;  many  wore  hand-  j! 
some  belts  of  wampum  across  the  shoulder.  The  breech-clout  was  a piece  of 
linen,  cloth  or  pelt,  nearly  a yard  long,  and  eight  or  nine  inches  wide;  this 
passed  under  the  belt  before  and  behind,  leaving  the  ends  to  hang  loosely  over 
the  belt;  leggins  were  made  long  to  be  fastened  to  the  belt;  the  hips  were  thus 
left  exposed.  Moccasins  covered  the  feet,  and  the  ankles  were  closely  wrapped. 
When  expeditions  to  distant  points  were  to  be  made,  a fringed  and  ornamented  ' 
shirt  was  worn  to  protect  the  body  from  the  bushes.  Thus  dressed  in  the  gor- 
geously colored  deer-skin  suit,  wearing  the  wampum,  with  rifle,  bullet -pouch 
and  powder-horn,  a glistening  tomahawk  and  scalping-knife  hanging  in  his  belt, 
the  brave  was  ready  for  the  war-path.  Hunters,  like  the  warriors,  were  dressed 
in  full  suits  of  deer-skin,  but  the  decorations  were  not  so  profuse. 

The  squaws  dressed  in  the  gayest  costumes  their  tastes  could  suggest; 
beautifully  worked  moccasins,  soft  deer-skin  leggins,  richly  fringed  and  decor- 
ated in  the  brightest  colors,  with  beads,  shells  and  spangles;  pendants  and  neck- 
laces were  worn,  strings  pf  ornaments  of  bear’s  tusks  and  claws,  stone  medals  || 
and  ear-rings;  plump  arms  and  busts  exposed,  except  as  partially  hidden  by  the  J! 
bands  of  beads  and  ornaments;  beautifully  developed,  tall  and  graceful  dusk1/  , 
belles.  In  the  every-day  village  life,  they  wore  an  under-garment  and  skirt;  j 
in  winter,  furs  were  almost  universally  worn. 

Whether  buck?  squaw  or  papoose,  one  act  of  cowardice  or  dishonesty  was  a 
life-long  disgrace  to  an  Indian.  Reverence  and  honor  were  paid  to  the  aged,  | 
especially  to  parents.  They  were  not  quarrelsome  or  covetous.  The  sick  were  j! 
tenderly  nursed,  and  the  disabled  properly  cared  for. 

There  was  general  pride  in  the  skill  of  the  hunters  and  achievements  of  the 
warriors  The  taking  of  the  first  scalp  by  a young  warrior  was  an  occasion  of 
special  excitement  and  rejoicing.  The  return  of  a party  from  the  war-path,  or 
from  a hunting  expedition,  was  always  attended  with  public  reception  in  the 
villages;  but,  after  the  rejoicings  were  ended,  the  lazy  life  of  the  heroes  began, 
and  if  winter  had  set  in,  they  had  nothing  to  do  but  to  lie  around  until  the 
spring  should  come;  smoke  their  pipes  in  peace  while  telling  of  the  adventures 
of  the  past;  there  was  very  little  else  to  interest  them.  On  bright  days,  they 
sometimes  got  up  a little  excitement  over  a game  of  foot-ball,  or  a foot- 
race; occasionally  there  was  a dance  or  a feast,  but,  as  a rule,  the  winters  were 
passed  in  idleness.  Smoking  was  their  comfort;  pipes  and  tobacco  were  en- 
joyed under  all  conditions,  whether  half-snoozing  in  the  bunks,  or  lolling  in  the 
sunshine  outside;  the  pipes  were  made  of  corn-cobs,  clay,  stone  and  wood. 

In  the  wigwams  and  villages,  with  the  warriors  and  hunters,  between  the 
old  and  young,  in  all  situations  of  life  among  the  Indians,  there  was  perfect 
equality.  In  their  character  and  conduct  were  seen  a strong  sense  of  independ-  | 
ence,  a great  aversion  to  anything  that  looked  like  caste  or  subjugation.  They 
gloried  in  their  native  liberty,  and  for  one  of  them  to  show  a feeling  of  super-  j 
iority  was  an  effective  barrier  to  all  further  success.  A chief,  being  asked  if  his 
tribe  were  free,  replied:  “ Why  not,  since  I myself  am  free,  although  their 
chief?  ” The  chief  of  a tribe  was  not  a ruler;  he  could  neither  make  peace  or 
war,  and,  except  as  others  were  guided  by  his  example,  he  had  no  control  of 


Samuel  Wells 

BUTLER, TP. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


237 


affairs.  A brave  was  chosen  war  chief  upon  his  own  merit  as  a warrior,  as  one 
of  exceptional  bravery  and  ski  11 ; the  village  chief  was  selected  as  one  possessing 
administrative  ability,  of  commanding  address  and  great  eloquence,  well  versed 
in  the  tradtions  of  the  tribe,  and  their  relations  to  neighboring  tribes.  Possess- 
ing these  distinguishing  traits  of  character  and  influence,  by  reason  of  which 
they  were  the  chosen  leaders  of  the  tribes,  it  was  equally  necessary  for  each  to 
maintain  his  standing  as  warrior  and  hunter.  For  purposes  of  consultation, 
and  as  a place  to  assemble  the  chiefs  and  braves,  a council-house  was  usually 
built  near  the  center  of  the  village.  There  all  met  on  an  equality  to  determine 
questions  of  common  interest;  the  calumet  of  peace  and  war  were  placed  side 
by  side,  the  choice  to  be  made  by  the  signal  taps  of  the  war  clubs.  There  the 
Indian  orators  gave  vent  to  bursts  of  native  eloquence,  for  which  they  were  so 
justly  famous.  It  was  at  these  councils  that  opportunity  was  afforded  to  acquire 
popularity  and  influence  that  would  promote  the  speaker  to  position  and  author- 
ity. Graceful  form,  with  proud  demeanor,  were  great  elements  of  popularity, 
for  pride  was  one  of  the  controlling  influences  of  their  religion.  They  believed 
that  the  Great  Spirit  was  Ruler  over  all,  and  that  He  was  an  Indian.  Manitou 
was  the  name  most  generally  given  to  the  Great  Spirit.  The  Indians  believed 
that  they  were  the  flrst  of  the  human  race  created;  that  they  sprang  from  the 
brain  of  the  Great  Spirit;  that  they  possessed  all  knowledge,  and  were  under 
the  special  care  of  their  Creator.  Their  traditions  were  vague,  but  their  relig- 
ious sentiments  were  clear.  They  had  no  fixed  days  or  manners  of  worship. 
They  believed  in  a future  state  of  reward  and  punishment  in  the  “happy  hunt- 
ing-grounds” beyond  the  grave;  that  “all  who  do  well  will  be  happy, but  those 
who  do  bad  will  be  miserable;  ” they  justified  the  barbarous  outrages  of  their 
savage  warfare,  their  cruel  torture  of  men,  women  and  children,  upon  the  pre- 
cept of  blood  for  blood;  and  among  themselves,  as  one  of  their  chieftains  said, 
they  let  each  individual  “ paddle  his  own  canoe.”  What  principles  of  religion 
they  had,  they  followed  closely.  They  believed  in  a -good  spirit  and  an  evil 
spirit,  and  a number  of  inferior  deities  that  were  active  in  managing  the  affairs 
of  the  universe.  To  these  they  made  sacrifices  to  avert  calamity,  to  secure  bless- 
ings and  success,  and  in  the  way  of  thanksgiving  for  benefits  received.  They 
believed  firmly  in  punishment  and  reward  in  this  life. 

The  medicine  men,  who  had  care  of  the  sick,  and  were  in  charge  of  all  re- 
ligious feasts  and  observances,  were  held  in  great  respect,  as  possessors  of  super- 
natural power.  By  the  practice  of  then.’  magic  art,  they  were  supposed  to  have 
close  relations  with  the  Great  Spirit.  Their  medicines,  made  from  roots  and 
herbs,  were,  in  their  use,  surrounded  with  all  mystery  possible;  all  the  arts  of 
the  conjurer  were  solemnly  practiced. 

Indian  burials  were  conducted  with  as  much  form  as  any  of  their  cere- 
monies. In  the  grave  with  the  corpse  were  biuied  the  rifle  and  trappings  of  the 
warrior,  or  hunter,  his  pipe  and  tobacco,  and  a sufficient  quantity  of  parched 
corn  or  other  provisions  to  last  him  on  his  journey  to  the  happy  hunting-grounds 
of  the  future  life.  There  was  no  common  place  for-the  burial  of  the  dead,  each 
grave  being  located  in  the  forests  or  on  the  hills,  to  suit  the  wishes  of  the  sur- 
viving friends.  When  an  Indian  or  his  squaw  died,  the  widower  or  widow  would 
remain  in  mourning  for  about  a year,  after  which  being  at  liberty  to  mate  again. 

The  regular  times  for  feasts  were  when  the  green  corn  could  first  be  used; 
in  the  hunting-camps,  when  the  first  game  was  killed;  the  war  feast  was  cele- 
brated after  a victory,  and  there  were  great  festivities  in  the  villages  upon  the 
return  of  the  warriors,  or  of  a hunting  party.  Notice  of  a feast  was  given  by 
sending  a runner  to  the  wigwams  with  small  pieces  of  decorated  wood;  the 
bearer  would  verbally  give  all  particulars  as  to  time  and  preparations.  Bucks, 
squaws  and  the  young  Indians  would  be  seated  on  the  ground  around  the  fires, 


238 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


on  which  were  boiling  the  kettles  of  green  corn,  juicy  venison  and  bear  meat,  ' 
pots  of  fat  coon  and  hominy.  Warriors  dressed  for  the  trail,  with  waving  j 
plumes,  military  trappings  and  dangling  decorations;  squaws  wearing  bright- 
colored  skirts  and  strings  of  Hashing  ornaments,  their  black  hair  hanging  in 
long  braids;  papooses  rolling  on  the  green  sward,  waiting  for  bowls  of  the  rich 
mess.  Each  with  wooden  bowl  and  spoon  would  help  themselves  from  the  ves-  j 
sels;  then,  with  sugar  or  molasses  as  dressing,  the  abundant  feast  was  enjoyed.  ; 
None  but  the  warriors  participated  in  the  wild  excitement  of  the  war-dance,  but 
the  young  Indians  were  allowed  to  look  on,  as  a preparation  for  participation  ! 
in  the  strategems,  horrid  deeds,  cruelties  and  bloody  tragedies  of  savage  war- 
fare. There  were  other  dances  that  young  and  old  joined  with  loud  shoutings, 
and  the  clangor  of  tomtoms  and  other  rude  instruments;  winding  dances,  with 
intricate  figures,  like  the  popular  “ German  ” of  to-day;  wild-like  square  dances, 
in  which  the  coy  squaw  maiden  might  show  her  preference  for  some  handsome 
warrior  or  hunter.  These  dances  were  continued  into  the  night,  lighted  by  the 
blazing  big  fires. 

The  sports  and  pastimes  of  the  savages  were  in  character  more  in  the  way 
of  preparation  and  incentive  to  the  objects  and  pursuits  of  savage  life;  such  as 
running  races,  jumping,  wrestling,  shooting,  canoe  races,  throwing  the  toma- 
hawk, practice  with  the  bow  and  arrows ; foot-ball  was  a very  popular  game,  the  j 
excitemeut  sometimes  lasting  for  several  days,  and  involving  the  whole  village 
in  the  sport. 

Whisky  drinking  was  one  of  the  first  of  habits,  peculiar  to  the  whites, 
adopted  by  the  Indians,  and  has  done  more  to  take  away  from  them  that  noble  na- 
ture and  independent  character  with  which  they  were  so  marked  at  the  begin- 
ning of  the  present  century.  The  leading  chieftains  of  most  of  the  tribes 
recognized  and  fought  the  habit  as  the  most  dangerous  foe  to  their  followers;  yet, 
whether  in  hunting-camp  or  on  the  war  trail,  the  Indians  were  ever  ready  for  a 
carouse.  They  entered  upon  a spree  deliberately.  Guns,  ammunition,  war- 
clubs,  tomahawks  and  scalping- knives  were  laid  aside,  and  two  of  the  Indians 
selected  by  lot  to  stay  sober  and  keep  the  rest  from  injuring  one  another. 

The  Miami  Rivers,  and  streams  flowing  into  them,  were  favorite  spawning 
and  feeding  waters  for  the  choice  varieties  of  the  larger  kinds  of  fishes,  and,  jj 
during  the  months  of  cool  weather,  many  were  taken  by  the  Indians,  in  wicker  |' 
traps  and  baskets,  and  by  spearing.  The  young  Indians  had  great  sport  in  fol- 
lowing the  larger  fish  on  the  shoals  and  rapids,  killing  numbers  with  spears  and 
arrows,  and  in  the  winter,  through  the  ice,  would  spear  many  in  the  same  way. 

Trapping  was  the  most  profitable  pursuit  followed ; besides  being  a good  J 
school  for  the  young  Indians,  it  furnished  employment  for  the  villagers  who 
were  old,  or  who  by  accident  or  the  fortunes  of  war  were  incapacitated  for  more 
active  duty.  It  sometimes  happened,  when  the  season  was  favorable  and  game 
unusually  plenty,  that  the  whole  tribe  would  devote  the  winter  to  the  traps  that 
were  located  at  all  favorable  points  along  the  streams,  or  occupy  a stretch  of 
country  for  thirty  miles  across  the  valleys. 

The  skins  of  muskrats,  mink,  and  the  smaller  animals,  were  sought;  beaver, 
otter,  coon  and  bear  skins  were  more  valuable,  and  all  were  in  great  demand  at 
the  trading  stations  North  and  East.  The  great  abundance  of  game  in  the  woods, 
the  rich  soil  of  the  valleys  of  the  Northwest,  in  which  were  located  the  villages 
and  cultivated  lands  of  the  savages,  were  unfailing  sources  of  supply.  Knowl- 
edge in  woodcraft,  ways  of  life  in  the  forests,  were  the  first  necessities  of  sav- 
age life;  a single  individual,  or  a small  band  of  hunters,  would  leave  the  vil- 
lages, to  be  gone  several  months,  or  even  for  a year;  rifle,  ammunition,  toma- 
hawk, pipe,  tobacco  and  scalping-knife,  were  the  only  requirements.  Selecting 
some  point  as  a center  in  the  territory  to  be  hunted,  some  slight  shelter  of  poles 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


239 


or  brush  would  be  set  up,  and  without  delay  traps  would  be  set  and  hunting  be- 
o-in,  to  be  followed  with  energy  and  the  closest  attention.  If  the  season  proved 
profitable,  of  course  there  were  more  pelts  and  meat  secured  than  could  be  car- 
ried in  one  load  back  to  the  village,  or  to  a trading  post;  but  the  hunter  who 
had  started  alone,  would,  without  help,  bring  his  game  in;  he  would  arrange  a 
load  and  carry  it  one  day’s  journey,  where  he  would  secure  it  on  an  elevated  plat- 
form of  poles,  or  hang  it  in  a tree  secure  from  the  wolves,  while  he  returned  for 
another  load;  in  this  way,  the  bear  meat  and  venison,  smaller  game,  furs  and 
pelts  were  transported. 

Hunting  expeditions  that  were  organized  in  the  early  spring,  in  the  fall, 
and  sometimes  in  midwinter,  afforded  an  exciting  change  for  numbers  of  the  In- 
dians, their  squaws,  youngsters  and  papooses;  the  transportation  might  be  in 
aanoes,  or  the  camp  equipage  be  carried  across  the  country  by  the  squaws  or  on 
ponies.  All  work  and  care  of  the  camp  would  be  done  by  the  squaws ; they 
would  build  the  lodges  and  huts;  being  located  near  a stream,  they  would  not 
have  far  to  fetch  water  or  wood;  they  cured  the  meat,  tanned  the  skins,  cooked, 
pastured  the  ponies,  gathered  eggs  from  nests  of  the  forests,  pounded  the  hominy, 
tapped  the  sugar  trees,  collected  the  water  and  boiled  it  down;  and,  when  the 
hunters  were  unusually  successful,  or  a large  number  of  animals  were  taken  in 
the  traps,  the  squaws  would  be  sent  out  along  the  line  to  bring  in  on  their  backs 
heavy  burdens  of  venison  and  bear  meat  and  pelts,  from  the  scaffolds  on  which 
the  game  had  been  placed  out  of  the  reach  of  wolves  and  other  wild  animals. 

Having  the  benefit  of  association  with  experienced,  skillful  hunters,  on  ex- 
peditions of  this  kind,  the  Indian  boys  learned  the  mysteries  of  woodcraft  and 
the  application  of  expedients  in  almost  every  emergency.  One  great  accomplish- 
ment acquired  was  to  be  able  to  imitate  notes  and  calls  of  the  game  birds,  and 
the  noise  of  the  beasts  of  the  forests;  the  possession  of  this  imitative  faculty  was 
considered  the  highest  stamp  of  a good  hunter  and  gallant  brave.  The  turkey 
call,  and  harsher  notes  of  wild  duck  and  goose,  would  serve  as  a perfect  decoy; 
imitation  of  the  bleating  of  a fawn  would  bring  a doe  within  rifle  range ; the 
fcoo-hoot  of  the  owl  would  bring  response  from  the  wolves,  if  they  were  around. 
Warriors  on  the  war-path  used  these  calls  as  signals,  in  an  open  attack  on  an 
enemy  by  day,  or  when  gathered  around  a cabin  or  settlement  for  massacre  at 
aight;  so  much  so  that  the  settlers  were  always  suspicious  when  they  heard  the 
notes  or  call  of  any  of  the  birds  or  beasts  of  the  woods. 

A war  party  was  the  most  carefully -organized  band  that  left  the  villages; 
the  numbers  of  which  it  was  composed  depended,  of  course,  upon  the  character 
of  the  duty  to  be  performed.  One  or  two  braves  might  start  on  a bushwhack- 
ing, scalping  expedition  of  their  own;  a band  of  five  or  six  might  go  to  destroy 
one  or  two  isolated  cabins  and  massacre  the  inmates;  and  larger  parties  formed 
to  attack  the  settlements,  or  divide  at  a supply  camp,  for  attacks  on  emigrant 
boats  descending  the  Ohio.  In  starting  from  a village,  the  warriors  were  deco- 
rated with  paint  and  plumes,  wearing  full  military  trappings;  marching  down 
the  street  thus  thoroughly  armed,  they  set  off  in  single  file  on  some  trail  leading 
through  the  woods  to  the  Ohio  River,  and  the  Kentucky  settlements  beyond. 
When  fairly  in  the  forest,  out  of  sight  of  the  village,  it  was  customary  to  fire  a 
farewell  salute;  then,  fully  impressed  with  the  dangers  around  them,  perfect 
silence  prevailed  through  day  and  night,  on  the  march  or  at  the  bivouac,  or 
whatever  might  be  their  surroundings. 

When  parties  of  this  kind  were  sent  out  by  the  Shawnees,  the  Wyandots 
or  the  Miamis,  or  any  of  the  tribes  to  the  north  of  the  Maumee,  it  was  their  cus- 
tom, within  a few  days  after  their  departure,  to  send  as  a re- enforcement,  or 
rather  support  in  case  of  reverses  and  pursuit,  a band  of  hunters,  with  squaws 
and  camp  equipage,  to  locate  an  advanced  supply  camp  somewhere  in  the  Miami 


240 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


or  Scioto  Valley;  the  party  would  come  down  the  river  in  canoes  to  the  mouth!' 
of  the  Mad  River,  Hole’s  Creek,  Twin  Creek,  or  lower  down  at  the  head  of  Mill1 
Creek,  or  at  the  mouth  of  either  of  the  Miamis,  where  the  lodges  would  be  built, |j 
the  hunters  go  out  for  supplies  to  be  ready  for  the  return  of  the  warriors.  The 
return  of  a war  party  to  the  villages  was  always  the  time  for  the  greatest  ex-j| 
citement  and  rejoicing;  fleet-footed  runners  were  sent  ahead  to  notify  the  vil- 
lagers that  the  warriors  were  approaching.  All  would  turn  out  to  join  in  the] 
noisy  reception;  when  in  sight  of  the  village,  if  they  brought  prisoners  with] 
them,  the  warriors  would  fire  their  rifles,  while  the  woods  resounded  with  peal  ] 
after  peal  of  the  shrill,  piercing  scalp  halloo;  the  Indians  in  the  village  would 
immediately  respond  with  a similar  shriek,  as  they  rushed  out  to  jneet  the  party 
returning  in  triumph,  with  shouts  of  victory,  some  waving  the  bloody  scalps, 
torn  from  dying  victims,  while  others  led  the  prisoners,  who  were  stripped  naked, ; 
their  hands  tied  behind  them,  faces  and  bodies  blackened  as  a mark  that  they 
were  to  be  burned  at  the  stake.  But  they  were  first  to  run  the  gantlet.  In- 
dians of  all  ages,  bucks  and  squaws,  standing  at  intervals  of  six  or  eight  feet 
apart,  armed  with  sticks,  clubs  and  switches,  formed  two  parallel  lines  about  six] 
feet  apart,  between  which  lines  the  victims  were  to  run  singly,  receiving  a blow] 
from  each  of  the  Indians  as  he  passed;  blows  that  were  struck  fierce  and  fast, 
in  the  face,  on  the  head,  or  wherever  it  could  be  inflicted;  sometimes,  to  impede] 
progress,  handfuls  of  sand  were  dashed  in  their  eyes.  Thus  blinded,  in  the 
most  acute  pain,  the  suffering  creature  would  often  be  struck  down  and  clubbed  ; 
near  to  death,  only  to  revive  for  the  more  terrible  torture  of  burning  at  the  jj 
stake. 

Indian  military  tactics,  in  all  of  their  movements  in  the  West  up  to  the] 
time  of  the  advance  of  St.  Clair’s  army,  consisted  simply  in  cunning,  stealthy  , 
dashes  at  the  unprotected  settlements,  massacre  of  all  who  fell  into  their  hands, 
and  rapid  retreat  to  their  own  country.  They  would  ambush  an  advancing  foe, 
and  withdraw  as  soon  as  the  enemy  would  show  fight.  In  a fight,  their  whole 
force  would  be  formed  in  irregular  line,  every  one  behind  a log,  or  stump,  or 
tree;  there  never  was  fair,  stand-up  fight  in  them;  but  they  were  the  best  of; 
flankers,  and  fought  and  ran  away,  to  live  to  fight  another  day;  yet  there  was  not 
a drop  of  cowardice  in  their  composition.  One  of  the  rules  among  all  of  the 
tribes  was  that,  when  on  the  war-path,  if  a brave  did  not  promptly  obey  the 
command  of  his  chief,  he  was  killed  on  the  spot.  The  cruel  massacre  of  non- 
combatants,  the  horrible  torture  of  prisoners,  and  savage  butchery,  stamped  their 
savage  warfare  as  fiendish.  The  hardy  pioneers,  used  as  they  were  to  scenes 
of  bloodshed  and  the  misery  left  in  the  wake  of  a band  of  savages,  were  often 
brought  to  experiences  and  events  more  devilish  than  any  that  had  preceded. 
An  Indian  would  not  hesitate  to  crush  out  the  brains  of  a family  of  little  chil- 
dren with  his  tomahawk,  in  the  presence  of  the  pioneer  father  and  mother,  then, 
with  equal  cruelty,  kill  them,  and  carry  off  the  scalps  of  the  whole  family,  j 
Thousands  of  such  devilish  deeds  were  perpetrated,  and  it  is  no  wonder  that,  in 
the  progress  of  border  warfare,  no  quarter  was  given  nor  mercy  asked. 

It  would  be  almost  impossible  to  overdraw  the  horrible  pictures  of  torture  j 
and  death  that  were  the  experience  of  thousands  of  the  emigrants  to  the.  West. 
Not  many  prisoners  were  taken  by  the  Indians,  and  none  by  the  whites.  The 
result  of  a battle  was  shown  on  the  spot,  by  the  numbers  of  killed  and  wounded.  ] 
Chapter  after  chapter  could  be  filled  with  the  record  of  shocking  cruelties,  but 
the  terrible  stories  of  these  wrongs  committed  are  familiar  to  all,  and,  for  the 
purposes  of  this  book,  it  is  not  necessary  to  reproduce  them.  From  the  time  of 
the  beginning  of  emigration  to  the  West,  the  whole  attention  of  the  tribes  was 
devoted  to  jealously  guarding  their  lands  north  of  the  Ohio  from  encroachment 
by  the  whites.  All  interests  were  united,  and  gradually  developed  into  openi 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


241 


resistance,  then  to  aggressive  war  against  a hated  enemy.  The  tribes  were  no 
longer  wasted  by  war  among  themselves.  All  energy,  all  strength  of  the  united 
Nations  was  required  in  a common  cause  against  a common  enemy. 

It  sometimes  happened  that,  when  the  prisoners  were  not  immediately  mur- 
lered,  circumstances  influenced  the  Indians  to  spare  their  lives  and  adopt  them 
in  their  families.  Carefully  guarded  against  escape,  they  were  marched  to  the 
villages,  and  duly  initiated  into  the  simplicity  of  Indian  life  and  habits.  The 
men  were  made  hunters,  but  were  carefully  watched  against  temptation  to  es- 
cape. Some  of  them  married  squaws,  and  being  satisfied  with  the  situation, 
remained  the  rest  of  their  lives.  The  most  of  them,  however,  escaped,  while 
others  were  taken  to  Detroit  and  exchanged  or  ransomed.  Captured  women 
were  assigned  to  the  wigwams  of  the  elder  Indians  to  assist  in  work,  and  gener- 
illy  accepted  the  first  opportunity  for  exchange.  Boys  and  girls  who  were 
among  the  prisoners  were  cared  for  tenderly,  and  became  greatly  attached  to 
:heir  new  friends.  Their  associates  were  the  young  Indians,  with  whom  they 
"an  wild  in  the  woods,  hunted  with  and  fished,  paddled  in  the  canoes,  and 
crapped  along  the  streams.  With  them  they  grew  up,  and  enjoyed  the  fascina- 
tion of  roaming  through  the  woods  as  hunters  for  months  at  a time.  Such  as 
these,  who  had  learned  to  love  the  free  life  in  the  forests,  it  was  hard  to  reclaim, 
if  ter  peace  was  declared,  when  many  of  them  were  given  up  under  treaty  stip- 
ulations that  required  the  surrender  of  all  white  captives,  many  having  forgot- 
ten relationships  of  their  infant  years,  and  who  had  formed  strong  attachments 
among  the  Indians,  refused  to  return  to  civilized  life.  A Shawnee  chief,  in 
surrendering  several  of  these  child  captives,  addressed  the  officer  as  follows: 
‘Father,  we  have  brought  your  flesh  and  blood  to  you.  They  have  all  been 
united  to  us  by  adoption,  and  though  we  now  deliver  them,  we  shall  always 
look  upon  them  as  our  relations  whenever  the  Great  Spirit  is  pleased  that  we 
may  meet  them.  We  have  taken  as  much  care  of  them  as  if  they  were  our  own 
flesh  and  blood.  They  have  now  become  unacquainted  with  your  customs  and 
manners,  and  therefore  we  request  you  to  use  them  tenderly  and  kindly,  that 
they  may  live  contentedly  with  you.” 

Interpreters  for  the  tribes  were  generally  white  men  who  had  been  boy  cap- 
tives-and  had  grown  up  with  the  Indians.  Some  of  them  were  married  to 
squaws,  reared  families  and  acquired  great  influence  over  the  tribes.  There 
were  white  men  who  voluntarily  went  to  live  with  the  Indians,  some  of  them 
becoming  the  most  inhuman  of  wretches  in  their  persecution  and  butchery  of 
the  frontiersmen.  With  the  names  of  the  Girtys  was  associated  everything 
cruel  and  fiendish:  neither  age  nor  sex  was  respected  by  them;  they  became 
skilled  in  the  ways  of  savage  life  and  reveled  in  carnage  and  bloodshed. 


242 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


CHAPTER  III. 

Kentucky  Pioneees — Col.  Byrd’s  Expedition  Against  Them — Clark  Destroys 
Indian  Villages  on  Little  Miami  and  Mad  River — Col.  Brodhead’s  |j 
Expedition — Col.  Lochry  Ambushed — Williamson — Crawford’s  Defeat  j 
and  Death — Battle  of  Blue  Licks — Skirmish  at  Mouth  of  Mad  River— 
Indian  Towns,  Crops  and  Supplies,  Destroyed  at  Piqua  and  Loramie— 
Mouth  of  Mad  River  Selected  in  1782  for  Settlement — Fort  Harkar 
and  Fort  Finney  Built — Clark  and  the  Shawnees  at  Fort  Finney— 
Logan  Destroys  Mackacheek  Towns — Virginia  Cedes  Northwest  Terri- 
tory to  United  States  — Indian  Treaties  — United  States  Title 
Perfected — Location  of  Loramie’s  Store  and  Fort  Loramie — Standing  j| 
Stone  Forks  of  Miami. 

KENTUCKY  PIONEERS. 

rp HE  early  Kentucky  settlers  had  come  to  stay;  locating  in  the  rich  blue  grass 
I lands  they  secured  plenty  of  room,  with  comfort  and  abundance  for  their  J 
families.  Building  their  cabins  near  to  each  other,  they  inclosed  all  in  one 
stockade,  or  erected  block-houses  as  a refuge  for  all.  Bold,  hardy,  self-reliant  j; 
men,  joined  in  common  interest  for  defense,  and  were  ever  ready  to  pursue  the1 
savage  foe;  hunters,  farmers,  inured  to  dangers  and  hardships;  brave  spirits, 
with  military  experience  and  skill,  obliged  to  think  for  themselves,  they  neces- 
sarily acquired  independence  and  quick  thought  and  action. 

That  country  was  settled  without  thought  of  trespassing  on  the  Indian 
lands  north  of  the  Ohio.  But  the  events  of  the  year  1779,  and  the  great  emi- 
gration to  the  West  in  the  spring  of  1780,  were  urged  upon  the  tribes,  by  the 
British  commander  at  Detroit,  as  good  grounds  for  open  hostilities  against  the 
settlers;  the  savages  became  restless,  and  small  bands  of  warriors  appeared 
before  the  settlements  and  along  the  Ohio  River,  rendering  it  unsafe  for  any': 
but  armed  bodies  of  men  to  leave  the  block-houses. 

To  plant  the  corn  and  other  crops,  a party  would  go  out,  one-half  standing! 
guard  while  the  other  half  worked;  in  this  way,  the  land  was  cleared,  the i 
cattle  were  pastured,  and  all  out-of-door  work  accomplished.  From  this  condi- . 
tion  of  uneasiness,  lest  their  lands  be  taken  from  them,  the  excitement  increased; 
among  the  Indians;  especially  was  this  the  case  in  the  Shawnee  tribes,  who| 
were  the  most  mischievous  and  blood-thirsty,  ever  ready  for  war  against  the 
whites.  They  induced  the  Wyandots  to  join  them.  Gov.  Hamilton,  of  Detroit,  f 
organized  a force  of  Canadians  and  Indians  from  these  two  tribes,  600  in  all,  j 
with  Col.  Byrd,  of  the  British  Army  in  command;  the  Indians  were  led  by  the  j 
Shawnee  chieftain,  Blackfish.  The  expedition  was  to  be  sent  against  Rudy 
dell’s  and  Martin’s  stations,  on  the  Licking  River,  Kentucky.  They  came  down 
the  Big  Miami  in  batteaux  and  canoes,  bringing  with  them  two  (or,  as  some- 
writers  state,  six)  pieces  of  artillery.  A road  was  cut  for  the  artillery  through  j, 
the  woods  from  the  Ohio  River,  and,  although  it  took  twelve  days  to  make  the  [ 
march,  they  were  undiscovered;  a shot  from  one  of  the  field-pieces  was  the  first! 
intimation  the  occupants  of  Ruddell’s  station  had  of  the  presence  of  the  enemy,  jj 
This  was  on  the  22d  of  June,  1780.  In  reply  to  the  demand  of  Col.  Byrd,  for 
the  immediate  surrender  of  the  stockade,  with  the  garrison  and  families,  Capt.  j 
Ruddell  refused,  unless  the  prisoners  were  to  be  placed  under  the  protection  of 
the  British  officers.  This  was  agreed  to,  and  the  gates  were  immediately  thrown 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


243 


open.  The  Indians  at  once  rushed  into  the  stockade,  each  one  seizing  the  first 
person  they  came  to,  and  claimed  them  as  their  own  prisoners.  Great  confusion 
ensued.  Col.  Byrd  had  no  control  of  the  savages,  husband  and  wife  were  sep- 
arated, and  children  were  taken  from  their  parents;  the  cabins  were  then  plun- 
dered, and  the  prisoners,  loaded  with  the  spoils,  marched,  with  the  force,  to  the 
attack  on  Martin’s  station,  where  the  same  scenes  were  enacted.  Small  bands 
of  savages  had  advanced  to  Byant’s  station  and  to  Lexington,  where  they  stole 
many  horses  and  returned  to  Martin’s. 

In  the  sacking  of  the  two  stations,  Col.  Byrd  had  complied  with  the  orders 
of  Gov.  Hamilton,  and,  although  he  had  force  sufficient  to  have  destroyed  all 
the  settlements  in  Central  Kentucky,  for  some  reason  he  decided  to  retreat  at 
once  to  the  forks  of  Licking,  where  he  had  left  stores  and  boats;  finding  that 
the  river  was  falling,  his  artillery  and  stores  were  at  once  put  aboard  and  the 
retreat  continued.  The  Indians,  with  the  ponies,  prisoners  and  plunder,  sep- 
arated from  the  English  and  marched  to  the  Ohio  River;  crossing  at  the  mouth 
of  the  Licking,  they  returned  to  their  villages  by  the  way  of  the  Little  Miami 
Valley.  Col.  Byrd,  with  his  artillery  and  troops  in  the  boats,  descended  the 
Licking  River  to  the  Ohio,  and  down  that  stream  to  the  mouth  of  the  Big  Miami, 
hoping  to  pole  up  that  river  to  the  point  where  the  troops  were  first  embarked. 
The  weather  by  this  time  was  very  hot,  and  the  spring  freshets  having  run  out, 
the  water  was  too  low  for  the  loaded  boats  to  get  up  much  farther  than  the 
mouth  of  Mad  River,  or,  possibly,  Honey  Creek,  from  which  point  the  troops 
marched  rapidly  to  Detroit.  The  artillery  was  at  first  left  in  the  woods,  but  it 
is  probable  that  the  guns  were  soon  taken  up  the  river,  and  on  to  Detroit  by  the 
Indians. 

Up  to  the  time  of  this  invasion,  hostilities  by  the  Kentuckians  had  been 
carried  on  without  unity  of  purpose  or  action.  The  policy  of  all  was  defense, 
and  each  family  or  settlement  managed  and  fought  upon  their  own  hook.  A 
single  backwoodsman,  armed  with  rifle  and  scalping-knife,  provided  with  a 
poke  of  parched  corn  for  rations,  would  start  on  an  expedition  of  his  own,  into 
the  Indian  country;  arriving  in  the  neighborhood  of  a village,  great  caution 
was  necessary  as  he  lay  in  the  thicket  watching  for  an  opportunity  to  shoot  an 
Indian,  or  run  off  a horse.  With  the  fullest  experience  in  the  perils  of  savage 
warfare,  they  were  as  cautious  as  they  were  brave;  apt  scholars  in  cunning  and 
sagacity,  they  were  the  equals  of  the  warriors  in  fierce  and  desperate  bravery, 
and  power  of  endurance,  energy,  perseverance  and  skill,  gave  to  the  pioneer 
an  advantage  over  the  Indian. 

The  result  of  Col.  Byrd’s  expedition  was  to  arouse  the  settlers  to  a necessity 
for  better  organization;  the  Government  was  wholly  unable  to  protect  them 
from  invasion,  and,  realizing  the  situation,  they  prepared  to  take  care  of  them- 
selves, and  from  that  time  on  the  progress  of  Western  settlement  was  never 
checked;  the  courage  of  the  pioneers  was  equal  to  all  emergencies,  and  conquered 
every  situation.  Acting  upon  the  principle  that  the  best  defense  against  the 
Indians  was  to  attack  them  in  their  villages,  and  destroy  their  crops  and  sup- 
plies, the  war  after  this  was  made  aggressive;  the  Indians  were  to  be  punished; 
they  had  forced  this  change  of  policy  that  resulted  in  the  loss  of  their  lands  in 
the  valleys  o f the  rivers  flowing  into  the  Ohio  from  its  source  to  the  mouth  of 
the  Big  Miami.  The  Kentuckians  would  organize  under  some  leader  of  repute, 
who  would  plan  an  expedition,  give  notice  of  his  intention,  and  appoint  a ren- 
dezvous where  volunteers  would  assemble;  such  calls  always  met  with  prompt 
response,  the  men  furnished  their  own  horses,  arms,  ammunition  and  rations, 
and  risked  their  lives  in  a common  cause.  The  pioneer  women  managed  the 
farms,  crops  and  cattle,  and  sometimes  defended  their  cabins  from  attacks  of  the 
savages  during  the  absence  of  the  men. 


244 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 

% 


clark’s  expedition,  august,  1780. 

The  destruction  of  Ruddell’s  and  Martin’s  stations  was  not  passed  without 
retaliation  and  full  punishment.  In  July,  Col.  George  Rogers  Clark  came  up 
from  the  fort,  at  Louisville,  to  organize  an  expedition  against  the  Shawnee  towns  ji 
on  the  Little  Miami  and  Mad  Rivers.  The  mouth  of  the  Licking  River  was  jj 
designated  as  the  point  of  rendezvous,  and  within  a few  days,  1,000  of  the 
bravest  Indian  fighters  had  assembled. 

Col.  Benjamin  Logan,  Capt.  Robert  Patterson,  Simon  Kenton,  James  Har 
rod  and  John  Floyd,  had  commands  under  Clark.  The  artillery  for  the  expe- 
dition had  been  brought  up  from  the  Ohio  Falls.  On  the  1st  day  of  August, 
Col.  Clark,  with  his  force,  crossed  the  river  and  built  two  block-houses  on  the 
present  site  of  Cincinnati.  Corn  and  some  ammunition  were  stored  there,  and  jj 
several  sick  men  were  left  as  guards.  In  this  way,  the  expedition  was  supplied  jj 
on  their  return  march.  The  next  day,  with  every  precaution  against  surprise,  |j 
they  began  the  march  up  the  Little  Miami;  on  the  6th  of  August,  they  arrived 
at  Old  Chillicothe  (Old-Town,  Greene  County),  and  found  that  the  Indians  had  jj 
abandoned  and  burned  the  town.  The  Kentuckians  camped  for  the  night,  and  jj 
the  next  day  destroyed  several  hundred  acres  of  corn  and  whatever  else  they  j 
found. 

On  the  8th,  the  expedition  reached  Old  Piqua,  on  Mad  River,  seventeen  j: 
miles  above  where  Dayton  is  located.  At  2 P.  M.,  the  Indians  attacked  the  { 
advance,  and  a general  engagement  at  once  ensued ; for  three  hours  the  contest 
was  sharp,  but  the  savages  were  put  to  flight,  the  loss  on  each  side  being  about  jj 
twenty  killed. 

The  next  day  was  spent  in  burning  the  cabins,  and  destroying  the  crops  of 
corn  and  vegetables ; it  was  estimated  that  500  acres  of  corn  had  been  destroyed  j 
at  the  two  villages. 

Two  days  after  the  fight,  the  Kentuckians  started  on  their  return  march  to 
the  Ohio  River,  where  they  were  disbanded.  The  Shawnees  did  not  rebuild 
their  towns,  but  crossed  over  to  the  Big  Miami  and  built  a town,  which  they  jj 
called  Piqua.  There  were  nearly  4,000  in  the  tribe  thus  deprived  of  their 
homes  and  provisions,  and  for  nearly  two  years  afterward,  their  hunters  and 
warriors  were  kept  hunting  and  fishing  to  supply  their  people,  and  for  that  j 
length  of  time  Kentucky  was  relieved  of  fears  of  attack  from  any  considerable 
body  of  Indians.  The  Indians  ever  afterward  had  greater  respect  for  the  ability 
of  the  whites  to  retaliate  for  injury  received. 

COL.  DANIEL  BRODHEAD’s  EXPEDITION. 

In  March,  1781,  Col.  Daniel  Brodhead,  with  300  troops,  started  from 
Wheeling  to  attack  the  Delaware  towns  on  the  Upper  Muskingum;  by  rapid 
marches  he  reached  the  forks  of  that  river  (now  Coshocton)  before  the  Indians  | 
were  aware  of  his  presence  in  the  country.  The  village  at  that  point  was  taken 
and  many  prisoners  of  other  villages  were  captured;  thirty  or  forty  warriors 
were  tomahawked  and  scalped,  the  squaws  and  younsters  were  taken  to  Wheel- 
ing and  held  for  exchange.  In  retaliation  for  the  killing  of  these  Iudians,  a 
number  of  soldiers  descending  the  Ohio  were  captured  and  killed  near  the 
mouth  of  the  Big  Miami.  Col.  Archibald  Lochry,  with  106  men,  started  from 
Fort  Henry  (Wheeling)  on  the  25th  of  July,  in  boats,  expecting  to  join  Col. 
George  Rogers  Clark  at  the  Ohio  Falls.  August  25,  they  landed  on  the  Indian 
shore,  below  the  mouth  of  the  Big  Miami,  where  suddenly,  and  without  warn- 
ing, they  were  attacked  from  the  bluffs  above,  by  a large  number  of  Indians; 
the  Colonel  and  forty- one  of  his  men  were  killed,  and  the  rest  captured,  many  of 
whom  were  afterward  killed  and  scalped.  Cruelties  of  this  kind  were  commit- 


WASHINGTON  TP. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


247 


ted  by  the  whites  and  savages  at  every  opportunity;  the  war  was  persecuted 
on  both  sides  as  a war  of  extermination;  there  was  but  little  difference  in  the 
acts  of  brutal,  malignant  revenge,  committed  by  either  side. 

MORAVIAN  MASSACRE.  * 

Greatly  exasperated  at  the  continued  attacks  on  the  settlements,  Col.  David 
Williamson  assembled  a force  of  a hundred  men  in  the  Mingo  bottom,  just 
below  the  site  of  Steubenville,  for  an  expedition  against  the  Moravian  Indians, 
in  the  Tuscarawas  Valley.  The  night  of  March  3,  1782,  Col.  Williamson  and 
his  force  bivouacked  within  a mile  of  Gnadenhutten,  and  marched  into  the  vil- 
lage the  next  day,  taking  a number  of  the  peaceable  Indians  prisoners;  on  the 
7th,  the  number  of  captives  was  increased  to  ninety-six,  and  placed  under  guard 
in  two  of  the  houses;  one-half  the  number  were  squaws  and  their  youngsters. 
On  the  8th,  all  of  them  but  two  Indian  boys,  who  escaped,  were  killed  and 
scalped.  Col.  Williamson  and  his  men  were,  even  at  that  time,  severely  cen- 
sured for  this  cold-blooded  murder  of  friendly,  Christian  Indians. 

col.  crawford’s  expedition. 

Soon  after  the  return  of  Williamson,  preparations  were  made  for  a second 
campaign  against  the  Moravian  Indians,  and  the  Wyandot  towns  in  the  same 
neighborhood.  Four  hundred  and  eighty  mounted  men  mustered  at  the  old 
Mingo  town,  on  the  west  side  of  the  Ohio,  on  the  25th  of  May,  and  elected  Col. 
William  Crawford  as  their  commander.  The  troopers  and  officers  boldly 
announced  their  battle-cry,  no  quarter  to  Indians,  buck,  squaw  or  papoose. 
The  Moravian  villages  were  found  to  be  deserted,  but  on  the  march  the  next 
day,  June  7,  at  2 o’clock  in  the  afternoon,  on  the  Sandusky  plains,  a fierce  bat- 
tle was  brought  on  by  the  Indians,  and  continued  until  night.  The  fight  not 
being  renewed  the  next  day,  Col.  Crawford  ordered  a retreat.  About  sundown, 
however,  the  Indians  fiercely  attacked  the  retreating  column,  on  all  sides, 
excepting  on  the  road  leading  farther  into  the  Indian  country.  The  troops,  by 
a circuitous  route,  got  out  and  continued  the  retreat  until  the  next  evening, 
when  they  halted  for  the  night. 

The  Indians  scattered,  in  pursuit  of  straggling  parties,  killing  all  they 
captured.  On  the  second  day  of  the  retreat,  Col.  Crawford,  with  a small  party, 
who  were  in  the  rear,  were  attacked;  the  Colonel  and  a Dr.  Knight  were  capt- 
ured. The  doctor  afterward  escaped;  but  Col.  Crawford  was  burned  at  the 
stake,  in  an  oak  grove  in  a low  bottom  west  of  the  Upper  Sandusky,  on  the  east 
-bank  of  the  Tymochtee  Creek,  eight  miles  from  its  mouth.  A post,  fifteen  feet 
long,  was  firmly  planted;  Crawford  was  stripped  naked  and  beaten  by  the 
Indians;  a rope  was  tied  to  the  foot  of  the  post,  the  Colonel’s  hands  were  tied 
behind  him,  and  the  rope  was  fastened  to  the  ligature  between  his  wrists;  the 
:.rope  was  long  enough  to  allow  him  to  walk  two  or  three  times  around  the  post, 
then  back  again. 

Capt.  Pipe,  the  war  chief  of  the  Delawares,  w'ith  about  a hundred  warriors, 
squaws  and  Indian  boys,  took  part  in  the  torture,  and  the  rascally  renegade, 
Simon  Girty,  also  participated  in  the  cruelties.  Three  large  fires  were  built  at 
intervals  around  the  post;  Crawford’s  ears  were  cut  off;  sixty  or  seventy  loads 
of  powder  were  fired  into  his  body  from  his  neck  down;  he  was  punched  with 
the  ends  of  the  burning  poles,  the  squaws  threw  coals  and  hot  ashes  on  his  body, 
so  that  he  walked  on  a bed  of  coals;  after  about  three  hours  of  suffering  from 
this  awful  torture,  he  fell  from  exhaustion,  an  Indian  then  scalped  him,  and  an 
■old  squaw  threw  coals  on  the  bleeding  wound.  After  this,  he  walked  round  a 
little  more,  but  when  they  attempted  further  torture,  he  seemed  insensible  of 
•pain,  and  soon  died.  His  body  was  then  thrown  into  the  fire  and  burned  to 

c 


248 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


aslies.  Such  terrible  scenes  as , this  justly  excited  deeper  hostility  toward  the 
Indians.  Few  of  the  prisoners  taken  by  the  savages  in  that  campaign  escaped 
similar  torture  and  death. 

The  Kentucky  settlements  were  not  exempt  from  savage  attacks;  in  May 
occurred  the  attack  on  Estill’s  station,  and  subsequent  defeat  of  Capt.  James 
Estill,  at  Little  Mountain,  by  a war  party  of  twenty-live  Wyandots. 

In  July,  the  British  officers  at  Detroit  organized  a Canadian  force,  as  part 
of  an  expedition  against  the  Kentucky  settlements;  war  parties  of  the  Shaw- 
nees,  Wyandots,  Miamis  and  Delawares,  were  assembled  at  old  Chillicotke, 
and  joining  the  expedition,  swelled  its  numbers  to  600.  Col.  McGee,  of  the 
British  Army,  was  in  command,  with  Simon  Girty  as  aid.  August  14,  Bryant’s 
station,  on  the  Elkhorn,  five  miles  northeast  of  Lexington,  was  besieged  by  this 
force.  A re-enforcement  arrived  from  Lexington  on  the  15th,  and  the  Indian 
losses  being  heavy,  the  savages  withdrew  that  night.  The  Kentuckians  receiv- 
ing re-enforcements  that  increased  their  force  to  160  or  180  men,  started  in  pur- 
suit on  the  18th,  and  were  drawn  into  ambush  at  the  Blue  Licks  on  the  19th; 
in  the  fight  that  ensued  the  whites  lost  sixty  killed  and  seven  captured. 

olark’s  second  expedition. 

As  soon  as  Col.  George  Rogers  Clark,  then  at  Louisville,  learned  of  the 
disaster,  he  determined  to  organize  a force  large  enough  to  punish  the  tribes  to  j 
the  north  so  severely  that  they  would  not  soon  be  in  condition  to  leave  their 
villages  for  aggressive  warfare.  Col.  Clark  came  up  the  Ohio  with  500  men 
and  went  into  camp  at  the  mouth  of  Licking  River,  where  he  was  soon  joined 
by  an  equal  number  from  the  settlements  around  Lexington.  The  expedition 
was  organized  with  Col.  Benjamin  Logan  in  command  of  one  wing,  and  Col 
John  Floyd  in  command  of  the  other. 

By  the  last  of  September,  Col.  Clark  crossed  the  Ohio  and  moved  up  Mill 
Creek  and  the  Big  Miami,  meeting  no  enemy  until  halted  on  the  banks  of  Mad 
River  by  a small  band  of  Indians  stationed  to  dispute  the  crossing.  A lively 
little  fight  ensued,  in  regular  Indian  bushwhacking  style,  near  the  mouth  of 
Mad  River.  The  dusky  warriors  were  greatly  outnumbered  and  forced  to  retreat 
through  the  bushes.  The  victorious  frontiersmen  bivouacked  on  the  spot.  It 
occurred  on  the  9th  of  November,  1782,  and,  although  scarcely  of  sufficient 
importance  to  be  called  a battle,  because  of  the  small  number  engaged  and  the 
short  time  it  lasted,  it  is  mentioned  here  as  a skirmish,  occurring  within  the 
present  limits  of  the  city  of  Dayton. 

The  march  from  Mad  River  was  up  the  east  side  of  the  Miami,  to  the  ford 
about  four  miles  below  the  Piqua  villages.  A short  time  after  crossing  at  that 
point,  they  met  a party  of  Indians  and  squaws  on  horseback,  on  the  trail  lead- 
ing from  Greenville  to  Piqua.  The  Indians  escaped  into  the  woods,  leaving 
their  squaws  and  a captive  woman,  Mrs.  McFall,  in  the  hands  of  the  whites, 
who  took  them  on  to  the  Piqua  towns.  Mrs.  McFall  returned  with  the  Ken- 
tuckians, and  was  safely  sent  to  her  home. 

The  Indians  were  alarmed  and  hastily  abandoned  Piqua.  A detachment 
of  troopers  was  ordered  forward  to  destroy  the  Indian  village  and  trading  post 
at  Loramie’s;  crops  were  cut  down,  and  a large  quantity  of  grain  and  the 
plunder  at  the  store,  were  burned,  the  detachment  returning  to  Piqua  the  next1 
morning. 

The  destruction  of  the  Shawnee  towns  was  completed  by  burning  every- 
thing found  about  Upper  and  Lower  Piqua.  The  Indians  had  made  no  resist-; 
ance,  except  to  fire  from  the  bushes,  upon  any  stragglers  they  could  waylay. 
In  this  way,  two  men-  who  were  out  looking  for  their  horses,  were  mortally 
wounded;  one  of  them  died,  and  was  buried  at  the  ford  just  below  Piqua;  the 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


249 


ther,  Capt.  Virgin  McCracken,  lived  until  the  expedition  returned  to  the  Ohio, 
there  he  died  and  was  buried. 

Although  but  live  Indians  had  been  killed,  the  destruction  of  the  towns, 
rops  and  supplies,  had  such  an  effect  that  the  settlers  south  of  the  Ohio  River 
j/ere  never  again  disturbed  by  a formidable  invasion.  On  the  20th  of  Novem- 
er,  the  Kentuckians  forded  Mad  River  on  the  return  march,  and  the  point  was 
(iscussed  and  marked  as  a good  site  for  a settlement,  wood,  water  and  stone  being 
bundant.  The  beauty  of  the  landscape,  the  broad,  rich  bottoms,  the  many  fine 
lill  sites,  were  all  attractive  points  to  these  frontiersmen,  and  some  of  them  lived 
j)  enjoy  the  blessings  that  day  coveted.  Some  of  the  most  noled,  the  most  dar- 
ig  of  Western  adventurers,  were  in  that  expedition — such  as  the  commander, 
■ol.  George  Rogers  Clark,  Cols.  Daniel  Boone,  Simon  Kenton,  Benjamin  Logan, 
lobert  Patterson  and  John  Floyd;  Capts.  McCracken,  Barbee,  Green  Clay  and 
ames  Galloway. 

As  the  troops  were  descending  the  hill  to  the  level  below  (where  Cincinnati 
row  stands),  Capt.  McCracken,  who,  suffering  from  the  wound  in  his  arm,  was 
sing  carried  on  a litter  stretched  between  two  horses,  suggested  that  fifty  years 
fterward  the  survivors  should  meet  and  talk  over  the  affairs  of  that  campaign, 
ad  the  dangers  and  hardships  of  their  experience.  A few  moments  afterward, 
apt.  McCracken  died,  and  was  buried  in  the  earthwork  that  had  been  thrown 
p around  the  block-house  two  years  before. 

To  carry  out  the  suggestion  of  the  dying  soldier,  Col.  Floyd  proposed  a 
^solution  that  fifty  years  from  November  4,  1782  (the  day  that  the  expedition 
as  organized  at  the  mouth  of  the  Licking),  the  survivors  should  meet  again  at 
iat  place  to  celebrate  the  anniversary.  It  was  carried  with  a hurrah,  and  the 
free  soon  afterward  recrossed  into  Kentucky  and  scattered  to  their  homes, 
ifty  years  later,  nearly  all  of  them  were  dead.  Simon  Kenton  and  James 
alloway  joined  in  an  address  to  the  survivors,  to  meet  in  Covington,  Ky.,  on 
le  3d  of  November,  1832  (the  4th  being  Sunday),  to  celebrate  the  fiftieth  anni- 
usary  of  the  organization  of  the  expedition.  The  meeting  was  held,  but  there 
ere  very  few  present,  Kenton  himself  being  sick,  and  Galloway,  for  some  rea- 
oi  being  unable  to  attend. 

THE  SITUATION  IN  THE  WEST  AFTER  1785. 

At  the  conclusion  of  peace  between  Great  Britain  and  the  American  colo- 
ns, in  1783,  quiet  prevailed  in  all  the  settlements  along  the  Ohio  River.  The 
idians  north  of  the  Miami  Valley  were  occupied  building  cabins  and  recon- 
ructing  their  villages,  cultivating  their  farms,  hunting  and  fishing,  to  supply 
)eir  people  with  meat.  This  condition  of  affairs  continued  until  in  1785,  they 
;'ain  became  restless  and  troublesome  to  the  whites. 

The  refusal  on  the  part  of  England  to  surrender  to  the  United  States  the  forts 
iug  south  of  the  great  lakes,  encouraged  the  savages  in  the  hope  that  they  might 
A have  their  old  ally,  to  aid  in  preventing  settlements  on  their  lands.  Then  in 
e Kentucky  settlements,  there  was  no  friendly  feeling  for  the  savages;  almost 
ery  family  had  suffered  from  their  terrible  cruelties.  This  situation,  however, 
d not  check  the  steady  increase  in  emigration  to  the  West.  There  were  one 
two  feeble  efforts  to  locate  at  points  along  the  Indian  shore  of  the  Ohio,  but 
e rifle  balls  of  the  savages  made  the  parties  glad  to  escape  to  the  Kentucky 
ide. 

The  treaty  made  at  Fort  McIntosh,  January  21,  1785,  gave  to  the  Govern - 
ent  control  of  all  the  lands  in  Southeastern  Ohio,  yet  every  precaution  was 
ken  to  prevent  settlements  being  located  there,  from  the  fear  that  it  would 
|°y°ke  hostilities  with  the  Indians — a state  of  affairs  that  the  Government 
paired  to  avoid. 


250 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


A detachment  of  United  States  troops,  in  command  of  Maj.  John  Doughty, 
in  the  fall  of  1785,  built  Fort  Harmar,  on  the  right  bank  of  the  Muskingum 
River  at  its  junction  with  the  Ohio.  It  was  the  first  military  post  located 
within  the  present  boundaries  of  the  State  of  Ohio,  except  Fort  Laurens,  erected 
at  the  Tuscarawas  portage  in  1778.  A battalion  of  troops  was  stationed  at  Fort 
Harmar  to  protect  boats  from  attacks  of  the  savages,  and  to  warn  settlers! 
against  locating  north  of  the  Ohio. 

During  the  following  winter  (1785-86),  a company  of  troops  from  the  fort  j 
floated  down  the  Ohio  in  Hat-boats  to  a point  just  below  the  mouth  of  the  Big 
Miami  (North  Bend),  where  they  built  Fort  Finney,  so  named  for  one  of  the! 
Captains  of  the  regiment.  The  detachment  soon  after  the  treaty  descended  to  the,: 
falls.  The  fort  was  not  regarded  as  any  position  of  special  advantage  or  strength, 
but  was  rather  intended  to  be  used  as  a station  for  detachments  passing  up 
and  down  the  river  between  Fort  Harmar  and  the  Ohio  Falls,  but  such  parties 
usually  camped  on  the  Kentucky  side,  as  being  less  liable  to  be  surprised  by |l 
the  savages.  It  was  also  constructed  as  one  of  a chain  of  stations  to  prevent! 
the  whites  attempting  settlements  on  the  Indian  side  of  the  Ohio  River.  Iff 
was  built  with  log  houses  at  the  angles,  facing  inwardly  to  an  open  space  of jj 
possibly  an  acre,  in  the  center  of  which  was  a log  block-house;  between  the  cor 
ner  log  houses,  a stockade  of  closely-planted  posts  was  set,  thus  forming  a square  || 
inclosure  for  defense.  It  was  located  near  where  the  great  war  trail  from  the ji 
north  crossed  the  Ohio  River.  Timber  was  cleared  away  within  rifle  range  of 
the  fort,  and  a few  acres  were  planted  with  corn  and  vegetables,  for  the  use  of 
the  garrison. 

By  resolution  of  Congress,  Gen.  George  Rogers  Clark,  Col.  Richard  Butler 
!and  Samuel  H.  Parsons,  as  Commissioners  for  the  Government,  were  directed  :ojj 
make  a treaty  of  peace  with  the  Indians  located  north  of  the  Mad  River,  and  also 
with  the  Wabash  tribes.  A meeting  for  this  purpose  was  held  at  Fort  Finney,! 
January  31,  1786,  where,  after  a stormy  session  of  several  days,  in  which  noth- 
ing but  the  cool  head  and  firm  determination  of  Gen.  Clark  could  control,  a 
treaty  was  made  that  gave  the  territory  in  both  the  Miami  Valleys  to  the  United 
States. 

But  it  was  an  unsatisfactory  meeting.  The  tribes  invited  did  not  attend,  ex 
cept  a reprsentation  from  the  Shawnees,  who  came  with  a war-party,  and,  as 
it  was  afterward  believed,  to  murder  the  Commissioners  and  their  escort;  at 
least,  they  came  to  dictate  terms  to  the  United  States.  The  Commissioners,)! 
without  appearing  to  notice  the  threatened  treachery,  opened  the  council  in  duej 
form,  by  lighting  the  pipe  of  peace,  and,  after  drawing  a few  whiffs,  passed  it} 
to  the  assmbled  chiefs.  Col.  Clark,  so  thoroughly  acquainted  with  the  savage! 
character,  did  not  doubt  that  their  intentions  were  to  murder  all  the  whites  at1 
the  council,  yet,  with  an  air  of  command,  he  arose  to  explain  to  them  the  pur- 
poses for  which  the  council  had  been  appointed.  In  reply  to  his  statement  tliaf! 
the  United  States  had  no  wish  for  war,  and  that,  if  the  tribes  desired  peace1 
they  could  have  it  on  liberal  terms,  an  old  chief  threw  upon  the  table  two  belt- 
of  wampum  of  different  colors,  the  one  for  war,  the  other  for  peace.  We  come,! 
he  said,  to  offer  you  two  pieces  of  wampum;  you  know  their  significance;  youlj 
can  take  which  you  like;  then,  turning  on  his  heel,  the  chief  sat  down.  Tee 
Commissoners  felt  the  crisis.  Clark,  without  changing  his  countenance,  pushed! 
the  wampums  on  the  floor;  the  savages  jumped  to  their  feet,  and  Clark,  point- 
ing to  the  door,  said:  “ Dogs,  you  may  go.”  The  Indians  rushed  madly  out, 

and  were  heard  all  night  debating  what  course  they  should  adopt ; and  in  thej 
morning  sued  for  peace.  , 

During  the  summer,  the  Indians  still  being  troublesome,  an  expedition  was] 
fitted  out  to  operate  under  Gen.  Clark  against  the  Wabash  towns,  and  one  under: 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


251 


Jol.  Ben  Logan,  to  move  against  the  Indian  villages  at  the  head- waters  of  Mad 
liver.  This  force  of  Kentuckians  marched  up  the  Ohio  to  Limestone  (Mays- 
ille),  where  they  crossed,  continuing  then’  route  across  the  country  to  the 
Iackacheek  towns,  which  were  captured  with  many  prisoners. 

The  force  was  here  divided,  the  brigade  under  Col.  Robert  Patterson  tak- 
lg  one  direction,  and  that  under  Col.  Thomas  Kennedy  another,  to  attack  and 
estroy  neighboring  villages.  The  devastation  of  that  section  was  complete, 
’he  Indians,  with  their  squaws  and  what  plunder  they  could  quickly  gather  up, 
'ere  driven  beyond  the  Scioto,  where  they  were  in  a starving  condition  for  a 
ear.  The  result  of  the  expedition  was  the  destruction  of  eight  large  towns, 
illing,  wounding  and  capturing  many  Indians,  and  the  destruction  of  crops 
nd  supplies  of  grain,  pumpkins,  beans,  meat,  and  whatever  came  in  their  way. 
'he  losses  of  oxu-  troops  were  trifling,  and  they  brought  away  many  horses  and 
uantities  of  plunder. 

One  wing  of  this  little  army  was  composed  of  pioneers  from  about  Lexing- 
m,  and  Bryant’s  Station,  Ky. — men  who  had  been  with  Clark  in  his  march 
gainst  these  same  Indian  towns  four  years  previous.  They  remembered  the 
ne  country  they  had  seen  around  the  mouth  of  the  Mad  River,  and  desired  to 
gain  examine  it  with  a view  to  locate  when  a favorable  time  should  come. 

The  march  was  down  the  Mad  River  Yalley  to  its  mouth,  where,  as  in  1782, 
ley  found  a small  body  of  Indians  in  camp,  who,  after  a skirmish,  were  driven 
p the  Miami  bottoms.  Among  them  was  Tecumseh,  then  only  seventeen  years 
id.  This  was  his  first  battle,  although  he  had  been  under  fire  six  years  before, 
rhen  Clark  destroyed  the  Shawnee  town  farther  up  Mad  River.  This  was 
le  second  battle  on  what  was  to  be  the  future  site  of  Dayton.  At  night  the 
ientuckians  stopped  the  pursuit  and  returned  to  camp,  where  they  remained 
vo  or  three  days,  being  well  supplied  with  forage  and  provisions  from  the 
applies  captured  at  Mackacheek.  They  took  advantage  of  this  nalt  to  examine 
re  rich  bottom  land  surrounding  them.  The  march  was  resumed  down  the 
treat  Miami  as  far  as  Hamilton,  thence  down  Mill  Creek  to  the  present  site  of 
incinnati,  where  they  forded  the  river  and  returned  to  their  homes.  Reports 
f the  fertile  soil  of  the  Miami  country  were  carried  back  home  by  the  troops, 
ad  projects  for  colonies  to  settle  the  new  coimtry  were  discussed  in  all  the  set- 
ements. 

THE  UNITED  STATES  TITLE. 

Representatives  of  the  Colony  of  Virginia  had  made  the  treaty  with  the  In- 
ians,  and  had  purchased  from  them  the  territory  lying  west  of  that  colony  to 
le  Mississippi  River.  The  title  of  Virginia  to  the  territory  lying  northwest  of 
le  Ohio  River  was  more  in  the  nature  of  a claim  than  a right,  and  was  not 
ased  upon  any  cession  of  the  Indian  tribes  who  owned  and  possessed  it;  how- 
ver,  the  colony  made  the  claim,  and  after  the  Declaration  of  Independence  the 
jlonial  authorities  seem  to  have  recognized  the  claim.  The  territory  now 
ithin  the  State  of  Kentucky  was  included  within  the  county  of  Fincastle,  Vir- 
inia;  the  lands  northwest  of  the  Ohio  River  were  included  within  the  bounda- 
es  of  Botetoiu’t  County,  of  the  same  State. 

December  6,  1776,  the  House  of  Burgesses,  of  Virginia,  erected  the  county 
f Kentucky,  and  to  more  effectually  established  civil  government  northwest 
i the  Ohio  River,  Illinois  County  was  formed  in  October,  1778.  The  county 
as  bounded  on  the  east  by  Pennsylvania,  on  the  southeast  and  south  by  the 
t’hio  River,  on  the  west  by  the  Mississippi  River  and  on  the  north  by  the  great 
ikes.  John  Todd  was  appointed  County  Lieutenant  and  Civil  Commander  of 
llinois  County.  He  was  killed  at  the  battle  of  Blue  Licks,  August  19,  1782, 
ad  was  succeeded  by  Timothy  de  Montbrun.  Civil  government  wras  more  in 
ame  than  in  reality,  however,  as  there  was  neither  necessity  nor  opportunity  for 


252 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


the  exercise  of  authority  by  the  officers  appointed  by  the  State  of  Virginia. 
The  General  Assembly  in  1783,  passed  an  act  authorizing  the  Virginia  dele 
gates,  in  Congress,  to  convey  to  the  United  States  all  the  right  of  that  State,  to 
the  territory  northwest  of  the  Ohio  River.  By  the  above  authority,  Thomas 
Jefferson,  Samuel  Hardy,  Arthur  Lee  and  James  Monroe,  Representatives  of 
the  State,  did  convey  to  the  United  States,  for  the  benefit  of  the  States,  all  right, 
title  and  claim  to  the  territory  above  described,  and  on  the  same  day,  March  ], 
1784,  a resolution  was  passed  formally  accepting  the  cession. 

Great  Britain  had  relinquished  her  rights  to  the  territory,  and  the  State  of 
Virginia  had  transferred  her  authority  to  the  United  States,  thus  clearing  the 
way  for  negotiation  between  the  Government  and  the  Indian  tribes  who  were'; 
in  possession  and  in  whom  rested  the  title. 

INDIAN  TREATIES. 

By  the  terms  of  the  treaty  of  Fort  Stanwix,  concluded  between  the  Six  Na- 
tions of  New  York  and  three  Commissioners  of  the  United  States,  October  22. 
1784,  the  indefinite  claim  of  that  confederacy  to  a considerable  part  of  the 
Ohio  Valley  was  extinguished. 

Three  months  later,  January  21,  1785,  at  Fort  McIntosh,  George  Rogers 
Clark,  Richard  Butler  and  Arthur  Lee,  on  behalf  of  the  United  States,  met  the  || 
chiefs  of  the  Wyandot,  Delaware,  Chippewa  and  Ottawa  tribes,  and  established 
the  following  as  the  boundary  line  between  the  United  States  and  the  Wyan 
dot  and  Delaware  Nations  (the  Ottawa  and  Chippewa  chieftains,  whose  tribes 
were  located  around  Detroit  and  along  Lake  Huron,  were  present  merely  to  give  { 
assent  to  whatever  treaty  was  made).  The  line  began  at  the  mouth  of  the  Cuy- 
ahoga River,  thence  up  that  river  to  the  portage ; thence  across  to  the  Tuscarawas  ~ 
branch  of  the  Muskingum  River ; thence  down  the  said  branch  to  the  forks  at 
the  crossing- place  above  Fort  Laurens;  thence  westwardly  in  a direct  line  to  ■ 
the  portage  of  the  Big  Miami,  which  runs  into  the  Ohio,  at  the  mouth  of  which 
branch  the  fort  stood  which  was  taken  by  the  French  from  the  English  iu  j| 
1752;  thence  along  said  portage  to  the  Miami  of  the  Lake,  or  Ome  River' 
(Maumee),  and  down  the  southeast  side  of  the  same  to  its  mouth;  thence  along 
the  south  shore  of  Lake  Erie  to  the  place  of  beginning. 

FORT  LORAMIE. 

Fort  Loramie  was  built  by  the  French,  in  1752,  on  the  ground  occupied  by 
the  English  trading-station  and  stockade,  built  by  the  English  traders  and  In- 
dians, in  1749,  and  taken  from  them  by  file  French  in  the  year  first  mentioned. 
The  fort  stood  about  two  miles  north  of  the  Indian  boundary  line,  on  the  west 
side  of  Loramie  Creek,  and  about  two  miles  north  of  the  mouth  of  that  branch 
on  which  the  fort  stood  which  was  taken  by  the  French  in  1752.  In  the  point 
formed  by  that  branch  and  Loramie  Creek,  a stone  was  planted  to  mark  the 
point  at  which  the  direction  of  the  boundary  line  running  west,,  from  a point  on 
the  Tuscarawas,  opposite  the  mouth  of  Sandy  Creek,  changed  from  west  by  south 
west,  to  north  by  northwest.  That  stone  stood  about  two  miles  south  of  old  Fort  jj 
Loramie  and  the  trading-station,  and,  for  a time,  Loramie  Creek  was  known  as 
the  Standing  Stone  Fork  of  the  Miami.  The  Indian  boundary  line  crossed 
Loramie  Creek  at  that  stone.  Fort  Loramie  stood:  North  Latitude,  40°  16  ; 
West  Longitude,  7°  15'.  From  Fort  Loramie  to  Fort  Recovery  the  distance 
was  twenty-one  miles;  from  Fort  Loramie  to  Fort  St.  Mary’s,  twelve  mi$js; 
from  Fort  Loramie  across  the  portage  to  the  Auglaize,  sixteen  miles;  from  Fort 
Loramie  southeast  to  Sidney,  sixteen  miles.  These  points  and  distances  are 
clearly  shown  in  the  early  maps  and  records,  and  the  locations  made  definite 
by  the  Indian  treaties  of  1784,  1785,  1786,  1789  and  1795,  and  in  the  early 
laws  of  the  Territory  and  State. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


253 


At  the  treaty  held  at  Fort  Finney,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Big  Miami,  the  31st 
of  January,  1786,  the  boundary  line  was  extended  from  the  Standing  Stone, 
nearly  due  west  to  the  Wabash  River;  this  extended  line  crossed  the  branch  of 
Loramie  Creek  about  five  miles  west  of  the  Standing  Stone.  .By  this  treaty 
the  claim  of  the  Shawnee  tribes  to  the  Miami  and  Scioto  Valleys  was  relin- 
quished. The  treaty  held  at  Fort  Harmar,  January  9,  1789,  gave  the  assent 
of  the  Sacs,  Chippewas,  Ottawas,  Pottowatomies,  Delawares  and  Wyandots,  to 
the  boundary  as  established  in  the  treaty  with  the  Shawnees;  the  line  north 
from  the  Standing  Stone  was  changed  to  run  a little  west  of  north  to  the  St. 
Mary’s  River,  instead  of  to  the  Auglaize,  as  described  in  the  treaty  of  Fort  Mc- 
Intosh. 

At  the  treaty  of  Greenville,  August  3, 1795,  made  by  Gen.  Anthony  Wayne 
and  the  Shawnee,  Delaware,  Wyandot,  Miami,  Ottawa,  Pottawatomie,  Chip- 
pewa, El  River,  Wea,  Piankashaw,  Ixickapoo  and  Ivaskaskia  tribes,  the  stip- 
ulations of  former  treaties  were  ratified,  and  the  boundary  line  was  extended  in 
a westerly  course  from  the  Standing  Stone  to  Fort  Recovery;  thence  southwest- 
erly in  a direct  line  to  a point  on  the  Ohio  River,  opposite  the  mouth  of  the 
Kentucky  River.  The  reservations  of  small  tracts  of  lands,  at  different  points 
within  the  Indian  lands,  were  confirmed  to  the  United  States.  One  of  these 
reservations  was  a tract  six  miles  square,  at  Fort  Loramie.  The  southern  bound- 
ary of  the  tract  was  the  Indian  boundary  line.  The  Indian  titles  to  lands  in 
Ohio  north  of  this  boundary  line  were  purchased  by  the  Government  by  subse- 
quent treaties.  The  Western  Reserve  tract  by  treaty  at  Fort  Industry  (Toledo) 
in  1805.  The  lands  west  of  Richland  and  Huron  Counties,  north  of  the  bound- 
ary line,  to  the  western  boundary  of  Ohio,  in  1818.  The  last  of  the  lands  be- 
longing to  the  Delawares  was  pm-chased  in  1829.  The  Wyandot  chiefs  sold  the 
last  of  their  lands  in  1842,  and  the  next  year  the  last  of  the  Indians  moved  from 
Ohio  to  the  West. 


254 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


CHAP  TEH  IV. 

Northwest  Territory,  July  4,  1786.  Territorial  Officers,  1787 — Gov.  St. 
Clair  at  Fort  Harmar — Washington  County — Pioneer  Thanksgiving — 
The  Symmes  Purchase — Columbia — The  Cincinnati  Settlement — North 
Bend — The  Mad  Biver  Country — Details  of  Progress — Fort  Washington 
—Hamilton  County — Indian  Troubles — Harmar’s  Expedition — Indians  at 
Dunlap’s  Station — St.  Clair’s  Defeat— Wilkinson’s  Expedition — Gen. 
Anthony  Wayne — His  Advance  in  1793 — Victory  at  Fallen  Timbers, 
1794 — Winter  Quarters,  Winter  oi  1794-95. 

BY  the  treaty  at  Fort  Finney,  in  1786,  the  title  of  the  United  States  to  the 
Ohio  Valley  lands  was  made  complete,  and  Congress  began  at  once  the 
discussion  of  the  question  of  civil  government  for  the  new  acquisition. 

THE  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 

July  13,  1787,  was  passed  “ An  ordinance  for  the  government  of  the  terri- 
tory of  the  United  States  northwest  of  the  Ohio  River,”  popularly  known  as  the 
“ Ordinance  of  ’87,”  sometimes  called  “ The  Ordinance  of  Freedom,”  the  fund- 
amental law  upon  which  is  based  the  organization  of  the  Northwestern  States. 

At  the  time  this  ordinance  was  adopted,  there  were  very  few,  if  any,  white 
people  living  anywhere  in  the  territory  now  within  the  limits  of  Ohio,  although' 
there  may  have  been  a few  French  people  in  the  Maumee  Valley;  but  of  that 
there  is  no  information.  Among  the  Indian  tribes  there  were  some  few  white 
prisoners,  and  a" still  smaller  number  of  white  men  who  were  voluntarily  living 
as  members  of  the  tribes.  At  Fort  Harmar  there  was  a battalion  of  United 
States  troops.  The  year  before  that — July  4,  1786 — Independence  Day  had 
been  celebrated  by  the  garrisons  at  both  Fort  Harmar  and  Fort  Finney,  by  fir- 
ing the  national  salute — thirteen  guns — and  issuing  extra  rations  of  liquor, 
“ allowing  the  men  to  get  drunk  as  much  as  they  pleased.”  That  certainly  was 
the  first  celebration  ever  held  by  white  people  anywhere  within  the  limits  of 
Ohio.  The  records  do  not  show  that  the  next  anniversary  was  observed  in  any 
special  way,  but  it  is  probable  that  the  garrison  at  Fort  Harmar  fired  a salute, 
as  they  were  few  in  numbers  and  had  nothing  else  to  do ; the  greater  part  of  the 
battalion  was  at  Louisville,  on  the  way  to  Fort  St.  Vincennes,  on  the  Wabash. 
Fort  Finney,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Big  Miami,  had  been  abandoned  in  conse- 
quence of  the  wet  lands  around  it. 

In  October,  1787,  Congress  appointed  Gen.  Arthur  St.  Clair  Governor  of 
the  Northwestern  Territory;  Maj.  Winthrop  Sargent,  Secretary;  and  James  M. 
Varnum,  Samuel  H.  Parsons  and  John  Armstrong,  Judges.  Mr.  Armstrong  de- 
clined the  appointment,  and,  in  February,  1788,  John  Cleves  Symmes  was  com- 
missioned in  his  stead. 

The  Governor  and  Judges,  or  a majority  of  them,  had  the  entire  legislative: 
power  in  the  Territory;  but  their  authority  was  limited  to  the  adoption  of  such; 
laws,  civil  or  criminal,  as  were  in  force  at  the  time  in  some  one  of  the  original 
States.  They  could  not  frame  original  laws. 

The  Governor  had  the  appointment  of  all  officers  of  the  militia  under  the 
rank  of  General,  and  of  all  magistrates  and  such  other  civil  officers  as  he  might 
deem  necessary  for  the  peace  and  good  order.  The  power  of  dividing  the  Ter- 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


257 


ritorv  into  counties  and  townships  was  also  given  him.  The  advance  to  a sec- 
ond grade  of  Territorial  government  was  provided  for,  and  further  progress  to 
the  establishment  of  State  governments  on  an  equality  with  the  original  thir- 
teen States. 

On  the  9th  of  July,  1788,  Gov.  St.  Clair  arrived  at  Fort  Harmar,  and  was 
received  with  military  honors — a salute  of  thirteen  guns  and  parade  of  the  troops. 
A heavy  shower  of  rain,  with  a loud  clap  of  thunder,  just  as  he  entered  the  fort, 
were  also  prominent  features  of  the  reception  ceremonies.  July  15  was  the  day 
on  which  he  formally  assumed  the  duties  of  Governor  of  the  Territory.  At  5 
o’clock  in  the  evening,  escorted  by  the  officers  of  the  garrison,  and  attended  by 
the  Secretary  of  the  Territory,  he  crossed  the  Muskingum,  and  was  received  by 
Gen.  Putnam  and  two  of  the  Judges  of  the  Territory,  and  citizens  of  Marietta. 
The  Secretary  read  the  ordinance  forming  the  Territory,  the  commissions  of  the 
Governor,  the  Judges,  and  his  own;  then,  after  congratulations  all  around,  and 
three  hearty  cheers,  the  new  Government  was  considered  duly  inaugurated. 

The  first  laws  for  the  government  of  the  Territory  were  published  at 
Marietta.  The  more  important  of  these  were  the  militia  law  and  the  laws 
establishing  the  courts. 

The  Common  Pleas  Courts  were  empowered  to  divide  counties  into  town- 
ships, to  appoint  Constables,  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  Clerks  of  Townships,  and  to 
establish  roads.  The  Governor  appointed  the  Sheriffs.  This  grade  of  govern- 
ment continued  until  September,  1799.  For  the  reason  that  there  were  no  other 
settlements,  and  as  the  population  of  Marietta  did  not  increase  very  rapidly,  the 
Government  and  court  were  not  overcrowded  with  business.  Emigrant  boats 
passing  down  the  river  generally  stopped  at  the  fort,  then  kept  on  down  to  the 
Kentucky  stations. 

WASHINGTON  COUNTY. 

July  27,  1788,  Gov.  St.  Clair  formed  the  countv  of  Washington  within  the 
following  boundaries:  “Beginning  on  the  bank  of  the  Ohio  River  where  the 
western  boundary  line  of  Pennsylvania  crosses  it,  and  running  with  that  line  to 
Lake  Erie;  thence  along  the  southern  shore  of  said  lake  to  the  mouth  of  the 
Cuyahoga  River;  thence  up  said  river  to  the  portage  between  that  river  and  the 
Tuscarawas  Branch  of  the  Muskingum;  thence  down  that  branch  to  a point  oppo- 
site the  mouth  of  Sandy  Creek,  and  along  the  Indian  boundary  line  to  the  road 
leading  from  the  Sandusky  town  to  the  Shawnee  town;  thence  south  to  the 
Scioto  River,  and  with  that  river  to  its  mouth;  and  thence  up  the  Ohio  River  to 
the  place  of  beginning.” 

PIONEER  THANKSGIVING. 

The  first  official  Thanksgiving  Day  was  that  of  the  25th  of  December,  1788, 
designated  by  proclamation  of  Gov.  St.  Clair.  There  were  then  within  the  Ter- 
ritory about  one  hundred  white  inhabitants,  equally  divided  between  the  two 
feeble  settlements,  on  the  Ohio  River — one  at  Marietta,  the  other  at  Columbia. 

Families  and  colonies  were  arriving  from  the  East.  Men  who  had  served 
in  the  wars;  veterans  of  the  Revolution  who  had  exhausted  their  fortunes  in  the 
long  struggle  for  independence,  were  to  be  the  pioneers  of  the  West;  sons  of 
dead  hero  patriots  were  bringing  to  the  rich  lands  of  the  Ohio  Valley  dependent 
mothers  and  children.  Disquiet  among  the  Indian  tribes  of  the  upper  country, 
the  frequent  appearance  of  their  war  parties  on  the  banks  of  the  Ohio,  had  kept 
the  pioneers  in  settlements  south  of  that  river.  It  became  evident,  however, 
that  the  people  could  not  be  longer  restrained  from  venturing  into  the  rich  lands 
to  the  north.  In  January,  1788,  Col.  Robert  Patterson,  of  Lexington.  Ivy. , went 
to  Limestone  to  complete  arrangements  for  a colony  to  locate  at  the  old  block- 
house on  the  Indian  shore  of  the  Ohio,  opposite  the  mouth  of  the  Licking  River. 
This  was  in  pursuance  of  the  plan  adopted  in  the  fall  of  1786,  to  establish  a 


258 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


post  there  from  which  to  operate  against  the  Indians  in  the  effort  to  secure  the 
Miami  Valley  for  the  white  settlers.  The  first  thing  to  be  done  was  to  establish 
a base  of  supplies  on  the  Ohio,  somewhere  near  the  mouth  of  the  Licking  River. 
Delays  occurred,  and  there  was  very  little  accomplished,  until  information  came 
of  the  success  of  John  Cleves  Symmes  in  securing  the  contract  with  the  Treas- 
ury officials  for  the  purchase  of  the  lands  between  the  Miami  Rivers.  This 
added  interest  to  the  enterprise  among  the  many  who  felt  the  necessity  of 
locating  to  provide  for  their  families. 

THE  SYMMES  PURCHASE. 

The  first  survey  of  lands  northwest  of  the  Ohio  was  that  of  the  seven  ranges 
of  Congress  lands  at  the  southeastern  corner  of  the  State.  The  second  survey 
was  that  of  the  Ohio  Company,  on  the  Muskingum  River.  The  next  survey  was 
that  of  the  Symmes  purchase. 

In  July,  1787,  Congress  authorized  Commissioners  of  the  Treasury  to  sell 
lands  in  the  Northwest  Territory,  in  tracts  of  not  less  than  1,000,000  acres. 
Under  this  act,  John  Cleves  Symmes  made  application,  August  29, 1787,  for  the 
purchase  of  the  lands  lying  within  the  following  limits:  “Beginning  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Big  Miami  River,  thence  running  up  the  Ohio  to  the  mouth  of  the 
Little  Miami,  thence  up  the  main  stream  of  the  Little  Miami  River,  to  the  place 
where  a line  to  be  continued  due  west  from  the  western  termination  of  the  north- 
ern boundary  line  of  the  grant  to  Messrs.  Sargeant,  Cutler  & Co.,  shall  intersect 
the  said  Little  Miami  River,  thence  due  west,  continuing  the  said  northern  line 
to  the  place  where  the  said  line  shall  intersect  the  main  branch  or  stream  of  the 
Big  Miami  River,  thence  down  the  Big  Miami  to  the  place  of  beginning.” 

Symmes  and  his  coadjutors  seem  to  have  been  satisfied  that  there  would  bo 
no  check  in  their  negotiation  for  these  lands,  for,  on  November  26,  following, 
he  issued  his  manifesto,  setting  forth  the  fact  of  his  purchase  and  plan  of  colo-  jj 
nization.  The  next  month,  the  first  land  warrant  was  issued,  thus  worded: 

No.  1.  Miami  Land  Warrant. 

[seal.]  This  entitles  Benjamin  Stites  Lis  heirs  or  assigns,  to  locate  one  section,  in 
which  the  fee  of  six  hundred  and  forty  acres  shall  pass,  subject  to  the  terms  of  settlement. 

December  17  1787.  (Signed)  John  Cleves  Symmes. 

(Countersigned)  Benjamin  Stites. 

The  land  was  located  as  appears  in  the  following  note  written  upon  the 
warrant: 

“ Speshel. — At  the  point  betwixt  the  mouth  of  the  little  miame  and  the  Ohio 
in  the  pint.” 

The  Treasury  Commissioners  denied  having  made  a contract  with  Judge! 
Symmes,  and  were  disposed  to  repudiate  his  claim.  In  the  meantime,  July,  1788, 
he  had  started  West  with  a colony  of  sixty  persons,  in  fourteen  four-horse 
wagons,  arriving  at  Pittsburgh  August  20.  After  stopping  there  two  days,  and 
a short  delay  at  Marietta,  he  reached  Limestone,  Ky. 

Mathias  Denman,  of  Springfield,  N.  J.,  had  purchased  from  Judge  Symmes  \ 
the  fractional  section  on  the  Ohio  opposite  the  mouth  of  the  Licking  River,  and 
the  section  north  of  the  fraction.  After  his  arrival  at  Limestone,  hearing  of  the 
colony  that  proposed  to  settle  in  the  Miami  Valley,  Denman  went  to  Lexington, 
and,  on  the  25th  of  August,  entered  into  an  agreement  with  Col.  Robert  Patter- 
son and  John  Filson,  by  which  a settlement  was  to  be  effected  on  the  land  above 
described.  Under  this  arrangement,  Denman  sold  to  Patterson  and  Filson  each  a 
one-third  interest  in  the  land. 

September  15,  Col.  Patterson  and  Mr.  Filson,  with  others,  started  from 
Lexington  to  mark  out  a road  north  to  the  Ohio.  On  the  22d,  they  had  crossed 
the  Ohio,  and  were  at  the  proposed  site  of  the  new  town,  Losanteville.  That 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


259 


day  their  numbers  were  increased  by  the  arrival  of  Judge  Symmes  with  a party 
from  Limestone;  Col.  Patterson  and  the  other  Kentuckians,  being  armed,  ac- 
companied Symmes  as  escort  up  the  Miami  Yalley  on  an  exploring  expedition. 
They  followed  the  trail  up  the  center  of  the  valley;  after  two  days’  march,  John 
Filson  became  uneasy  at  the  Indian  sign,  and  started  alone  to  return  to  the 
Ohio,  but  was  never  seen  or  heard  of  again.  The  point  at  which  he  left  the 
party  “ was  not  far  from  the  northern  boundary  line  of  Hamilton  County,  and 
northeast  corner  of  Colerain  Township.”  At  a point  forty  miles  in  the  interior, 
the  explorers  discovered  a party  of  Indians,  but,  upon  Symmes’  refusal  to  allow 
them  to  be  killed,  most  of  the  Kentuckians  left  him  and  returned  to  the  Ohio. 
With  the  rest  of  his  party,  Symmes  crossed  over  to  the  Big  Miami,  followed  down 
the  stream  for  several  miles,  and  returned  to  the  Ohio  via  the  Mill  Creek  Valley, 
and  met  again  the  Kentuckians  who  had  separated  from  him  in  the  interior.  It 
being  certain  that  John  Filson  had  been  killed  by  the  Indians,  some  arrange- 
ment was  made  by  which  Israel  Ludlow  became  the  owner  of  Filson’s  one-third 
interest  in  the  Losanteville  land. 

Judge  Symmes,  having  returned  to  Limestone,  at  once  began  the  organiza- 
tion of  a larger  party  to  explore  his  Miami  lands.  Two  surveyors,  Maj.  Benja- 
min Stites  and  Capt.  John  Dunlap,  were  to  accompany  the  party.  Maj.  Stites 
had  recruited  a colony  for  settlement  upon  his  land  at  the  mouth  of  the  Little 
Miami,  and  was  also  to  command  the  expedition. 

COLUMBIA. 

In  November,  they  started,  and  within  a few  days  landed  at  the  mouth  of 
the  Little  Miami  River,  erected  block- houses,  built  cabins  for  the  settlers  who 
were  with  them,  named  the  settlement  Columbia,  and,  with  but  little  delay,  two 
exploring  parties  set  our,  the  one  to  ascend  the  Little  Miami  River,  the  other 
to  ascend  the  Big  Miami. 

Maj.  Stites  with  his  party  ran  the  line  due  north  from  the  block-houses  op- 
posite the  Licking,  up  the  center  of  the  valley  to  the  north  line  of  the  9th 
range  of  townships,  a point  on  the  Big  Miami  above  the  mouth  of  Honey 
Creek. 

These  surveying  parties  were  surrounded  with  danger;  they  were  in  an 
enemy’s  country,  with  roving  war  parties  all  around  them,  and,  to  prevent  sur- 
prise and  disaster,  it  was  necessary  to  keep  flankers  out  all  the  time;  one-half 
would  stand  guard  while  the  others  cooked  the  meals;  at  night,  they  bivou- 
acked without  fires,  and  every  man  would  be  on  guard  from  3 o’clock  in  the 
morning  until  after  daylight.  Judge  Symmes,  in  writing  to  his  agent  in  New 
Jersey,  Capt.  Jonathan  Dayton,  referred  to  these  parties  as  follows:  “ Whether 
they  will  succeed  is  uncertain;  the  two  surveyors  are  both  celebrated  partisans, 
and  have  been  long  used  to  surveying  in  perilous  places.” 

December  12,  Capt.  Kearsey,  with  a company  of  forty-five  United  States 
soldiers  from  Fort  Harmar,  arrived  at  Limestone,  under  orders  to  accompany 
parties  of  settlers  as  a protection  to  the  proposed  Miami  stations.  A Sergeant 
and  eighteen  men  were  at  once  sent  down  to  Columbia  as  a re- enforcement  to  the 
surveying  parties. 

THE  CINCINNATI  SETTLEMENT. 

December  24,  Col.  Robert  Patterson,  Mathias  Denman,  Israel  Ludlow,  a Mr. 
Tuttle,  Capt.  Henry,  and  about  twelve  others,  left  Limestone  in  boats  as  a colony 
for  the  proposed  settlement  at  Losanteville.  The  river  was  running  full  of  ice, 
and  they  had  stormy  weather,  and  probably  stopped  at  Columbia  for  a day  or 
two,  and  finally  landed  at  the  high  bank  on  the  Ohio  opposite  the  mouth  of  the 
Licking  River,  December  28.  Within  a few  days,  under  the  direction  of  Mr. 
Ludlow,  who  was  a civil  engineer,  the  lines  of  the  streets  were  established  and 


260 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


the  plat  of  the  town  staked  off;  and  on  the  7th  of  January,  1789,  a distribution 
of  donation  lots  to  the  thirty  actual  settlers  there  present  was  made,  and  the 
pioneers  began  clearing  up  for  their  cabins. 

NORTH  BEND. 

Judge  Symmes  was  active  in  the  interest  of  the  settlement  which  he  pro- 
posed to  locate  at  the  mouth  of  the  Big  Miami  River. 

January  29,  he,  with  his  family,  a number  of  settlers,  and  Capt.  Kearsey, 
with  the  rest  of  his  company  of  soldiers,  started  in  boats  from  Limestone,  land- 
ing at  Columbia  for  the  detachment  that  had  been  sent  there  as  a garrison. 
February  2,  finding  that  the  low  lands  around  the  mouth  of  the  Big  Miami 
were  almost  entirely  submerged,  a landing  was  made  several  miles  above  the 
proposed  town  site.  Huts  were  erected  for  temporary  shelter,  and  in  them  the 
colony  lived  for  six  weeks.  It  was  Capt.  Kearsey’s  intention  to  occupy  old  Fort 
Finney,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Miami,  but  this  purpose  was  defeated  by  the  high 
waters  that  cut  off  communication  between  the  fort  and  the  main  land;  dis- 
pleased at  the  situation,  he  embarked  with  his  command  for  the  Ohio  Falls  early 
in  March.  Upon  application  of  Symmes,  Maj.  Wyllis  ordered  a Sergeant  and 
eighteen  men  from  the  Falls  as  a protection  to  the  North  Bend  settlement. 

the  mad  river  country. 

Maj.  Stites  and  his  party  had  thoroughly  explored  the  valley  from  Honey 
Creek  to  the  Ohio,  and,  being  so  pleased  with  the  lands  around  the  mouth  of 
Mad  River,  he  at  once  began  negotiations  for  their  purchase. 

To  satisfy  himself  of  their  value,  and  to  better  understand  the  nature  of  the 
lands,  Judge  Symmes  determined  to  make  a trip  up  the  valley  himself. 

In  February,  with  a small  party  and  an  armed  escort,  he  started  on  the  ex- 
pedition. At  Mad  River,  he  found  a small  band  of  Indians  in  camp,  but  was 
soon  on  friendly  terms  with  them,  all  eating  supper  together.  Several  days 
were  spent  in  examining  the  country  up  Miami,  Mad  River  and  Stillwater  Val- 
leys, when  the  party  returned  safely  to  the  river  settlements,  reporting  that  some 
of  the  land  they  had  seen  “ was  worth  a silver  dollar  an  acre.” 

In  April,  a party  of  six  surveyors,  under  John  Mills,  in  camp  near  Mad 
River,  were  fired  upon  by  the  Indians  early  in  the  morning;  two  of  the  party, 
Mr.  Holman  of  Kentucky,  and  Mr.  Wells,  of  Delaware,  were  killed. 

By  Maj.  Stites’  representations,  others  became  interested  in  his  project  for 
locating  a colony  at  the  mouth  of  Mad  River,  and  in  June,  1789,  he,  for  himself, 
John  Stites  Gano,  and  William  Goforth,  bargained  with  Symmes  for  the  whole  of 
the  seventh  range  of  townships,  which  included  the  lands  about  the  mouth  of  Mad 
River.  They  at  once  began  maturing  plans  for  the  settlement.  The  town  was  to 
be  called  Venice;  was  to  be  laid  off  in  squares  of  eight  half-acre  lots  in  each.  The 
two  principal  streets  were  to  cross  at  right  angles  at  the  center  of  the  plat. 
Spaces  were  to  be  reserved  in  each  of  the  four  quarters  thus  laid  off  for  market 
houses  and  public  squares.  One  whole  square  was  to  be  given  to  the  first  Bap- 
tist Church  formed  in  the  town.  To  “ each  other  denomination  of  pious  and 
well  and  religiously  disposed  people,  who  worship  the  God  of  Israel,  formed  in 
the  town  within  two  years  after  the  founding  of  the  settlement,”  was  to  be  given 
a half -acre  lot.  Three  half- acre  lots  were  to  be  given  for  “ a capitol,  a court 
house  and  a gaol.”  Out- lots  were  to  contain  five  acres,  and  to  be  sold  for  $25 
each.  Half-acre  in-lots  were  to  be  sold  at  $4  each. 

The  articles  of  agreement  for  the  purchase,  and  between  the  parties,  were 
signed  June  13,  1789,  “ at  the  block-houses  near  Columbia,  commanded  by  the 
above-named  Benjamin  Stites.”  One  stipulation  of  this  agreement  was  that  a 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


261 


road  should  be  immediately  cut  from  Columbia  to  the  city  of  Venice.  Mad 
River  was  to  have  been  named  the  Tiber. 

This  scheme  fell  through  in  consequence  of  the  Indian  hostilities,  and  by 
reason  of  the  delay  in  negotiations  between  Symmes  and  the  Government. 

DETAILS  OF  PROGRESS. 

Judge  Symmes  was  unfortunately  delayed  in  all  of  his  negotiations  with 
the  Government  for  the  purchase  of  these  lands.  He  had  started  from  the  East 
before  his  contract  was  closed;  and,  from  the  fact  that  he  had  brought  a party 
of  settlers  with  him,  he  was  forced,  although  reluctantly,  to  enter  upon  the 
lands  before  receiving  notice  of  the  favorable  termination  of  the  treaty  at  Fort 
Harmar.  He  had  faith,  however,  that  the  Government  would  issue  to  him  a 
patent  for  the  lands,  and  protect  him  in  their  possession. 

Three  colonies  were  now  successfully  located  in  the  purchase,  and  only 
needed  the  presence  of  troops  to  insure  prosperity.  He  issued  warrants  upon 
which  thousands  of  acres  of  land  were  located,  yet  he  did  not  receive  his  patent 
until  by  act  of  Congress  in  1792,  fixing  the  boundaries  of  the  purchase  to  con- 
form to  his  proposal  of  June  11,  1788,  for  1,000,000  acres  fronting  on  the  Ohio 
and  extending  inland  between  the  Big  and  Little  Miamis,  the  whole  breadth  of 
the  country  so  far  back  as  an  east  and  west  line  to  include  the  1,000,000  acres 
exclusive  of  reservations.  The  consideration  to  be  paid  by  him  was  66  cents 
per  acre. 

The  Government  was  to  furnish  a plat  of  the  purchase,  but,  by  reason  of 
Indian  hostilities,  the  surveys  could  not  be  made  at  that  time;  and  it  was  after- 
ward shown  that,  to  include  1,000,000  acres,  a tract  so  narrowed  would  extend 
northwardly  beyond  the  source  of  the  Little  Miami  River,  and  possibly  the  In- 
dian boundary  line;  and  thus  the  matter  rested  until,  in  September,  1791,  a 
patent  was  granted  for  as  much  land  as  was  paid  for  at  that  time,  amounting, 
including  reservations,  to  311,682  acres,  between  the  Miamis  from  the  Ohio 
River  front,  extending  in  the  interior  to  the  north  line  of  the  third  range  of  town- 
ships; a line  from  river  to  river  about  two  miles  north  of  Lebanon. 

Judge  Symmes,  however,  did  not  release  his  claim  to  the  residue  of  the 
1,000,000  acres  lying  north  of  this  patent. 

The  Sergeant  at  North  Bend,  in  June  or  July,  1789,  marched  his  squad  to 
the  Losanteville  settlement,  to  which  point  most  of  the  settlers  soon  afterward 
followed. 

FORT  WASHINGTON. 

In  that  summer,  Maj.  John  Doughty,  of  the  United  States  Army,  built  Fort 
Washington  in  the  center  of  the  plat  of  Losanteville.  It  was  garrisoned  with 
110  United  States  soldiers,  and  for  the  next  six  years  was  the  base  of  operations 
against  the  Indians. 

Small  stations  and  strong  block-houses  were  erected  in  favorable  places 
around  Losanteville  and  Columbia,  and  up  the  Little  Miami,  Mill  Creek  and 
the  Big  Miami  Valleys.  Cabins  were  put  up  near  them,  and  patches  of  ground 
were  cultivated  by  the  settlers,  who  would  thus  push  out  into  the  Territory. 
These  outposts  were  subject  to  the  bloody  attacks  of  Indians,  but  they  were 
always  repulsed. 

The  extreme  outposts  were  located  as  follows; 

On  the  Big  Miami,  twelve  miles  in  the  interior;  the  one  on  Mill  Creek,  live 
miles  from  Losanteville;  and  the  one  on  the  Little  Miami,  nine  miles  out  from 
Columbia. 

December  29,  Gen.  Josiah  Harmar  arrived  with  a re-enforcement  of  300  men, 
and  assumed  command  of  the  Western  Army.  The  troops  then  at  Fort  Wash- 
ington were  Kearsey’s,  Strong’s,  Pratt’s  and  Kingsbury’s  companies  of  United 
States  Infantry,  and  Ford’s  Artillery. 


262 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


HAMILTON  COUNTY. 

January  2,  1790,  Gov.  Arthur  St.  Clair,  being  then  at  Losantevelle,  by 
proclamation  of  that  date,  established  the  Symms  purchase  as  a county,  giving 
it  the  name  of  Hamilton  County,  with  the  following-described  boundaries:  Be- 
ginning on  the  Ohio  River  at  the  confluence  of  the  Little  Miami;  thence  down 
the  Ohio  to  the  mouth  of  the  Big  Miami;  thence  up  the  Big  Miami  to  the 
Standing  Stone  Forks  (Loramie  Creek) ; thence  in  a line  to  be  drawn  due  east 
to  the  Little  Miami  River,  and  down  said  Little  Miami  River  to  the  place  of  | 
beginning.  This  line  was  never  surveyed  or  located.  Gen.  Hutchings,  United 
States  Surveyor  General  and  Geographer,  appointed  Israel  Ludlow  to  survey  |j 
the  lands  lying  between  the  Miamis.  This  work  he  began  in  the  winter  of 
1791-92,  under  protection  of  a strong  military  escort;  but,  the  Indian  troubles 
coming  on,  and  for  other  reasons,  the  work  was  noLcompleted  until  1801  or 
1802.  The  Miami  tract  survey  extended  to  the  Indian  boundary  line,  and  in  |j 
the  upper  valley  was  bounded  on  the  east  by  the  Ludlow  line,  the  dividing  line 
surveyed  by  Col.  Israel  Ludlow,  between  the  Virginia  military  lands  and  the 
Symmes  purchase;  this  line  begins  at  a point  on  a branch  of  the  Little  Miami 
River,  in  the  northeast  corner  of  Madison  Township,  Clark  County,  and  runs 
north,  twenty  degrees  west,  to  the  head- waters  of  the  Scioto  River  in  Logan  i 
County,  intercepting  the  Indian  boundary  line  near  the  head  spring  of  the  Buck-  jj 
ingehelas  (Bohongehelas)  Branch  of  the  Great  Miami. 

At  the  time  of  the  organization  of  Hamilton  County,  the  proper  civil  offi- 
cers were  appointed;  a militia  company  was  organized,  and  Israel  Ludlow  was 
appointed  Captain. 

INDIAN  TROUBLES. 

The  Shawnees  declared  that  the  treaty  at  Fort  Harmar  had  been  made  by 
young  Indians  who  were  neither  chieftains  nor  delegates,  and  that  the  Indian 
shore  of  the  Ohio  must  be  kept  clear  of  settlements;  that  the  tribes  regarded  the 
new  settlements  in  the  Miami  Valley  as  encroachments  upon  their  lands,  and  as 
such  they  would  be  resisted.  To  this  end,  a large  number  of  warriors  from 
these  tribes  gathered  in  the  Scioto  Valley  and  formed  a large  camp  near  the 
Ohio;  boats  were  captured,  and  many  emigrants  tortured  and  killed.  In  April, 
an  expedition  was  organized  at  Limestone  against  them,  consisting  of  the  mili- 
tia company  of  Cincinnati,  Kentucky  troops  under  Col.  Scott,  and  a force  of 
regulars  from  the  garrison  at  Fort  Washington,  all  under  the  command  of  Gen. 
Harmar;  some  in  boats  and  some  by  land  advanced  to  the  Scioto,  but  found 
that  the  Indians  had  dispersed. 

July  15,  Gov.  St.  Clair,  by  authority  of  Congress,  called  upon  Virginia, 
Pennsylvania  and  Kentucky  for  troops  to  operate  under  Gen.  Harmar  against 
the  villages  around  the  head-waters  of  the  Miami,  Maumee  and  Wabash  Rivers,  j: 
At  the  same  time,  an  expedition  was  to  march  under  Maj.  Hamtramck  from 
Fort  St.  Vincennes. 

GEN.  HAEMAR’S  EXPEDITION. 

Gen.  Harmar  left  Fort  Washington  on  the  30th  of  September,  1790,  with 
a force  of  1,133  militia,  commanded  by  Col.  John  Hardin,  of  Kentucky,  and  320 
regulars  in  command  of  Majs.  Wyllis  and  Doughty,  with  Capt.  Ferguson’s  com- 
pany of  artillery  and  three  guns. 

Their  camp  on  the  fourth  night  was  on  Turtle  Creek,  within  the  present  j| 
bounds  of  Warren  County.'  The  next  day,  they  crossed  the  Little  Miami  and 
camped  on  Caesar’s  Creek,  three  or  four  miles  from  the  present  site  of  Waynes- 
ville;  the  trace  from  there  ran  up  to  the  Old  Chillicothe  town,  destroyed  in 
1780,  over  to  Mad  River,  thence  across  to  Honey  Creek,  and  the  burned  Piqua 
towns  on  the  Big  Miami;  on  up  Loramie’s  Creek,  and  west  to  the  St.  Mary’s, 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


263 


j,ncl  down  to  the  villages,  at  the  junction  of  the  St.  Mary’s  and  the  St.  Joseph’s 
Rivers,  at  which  point  the  mounted  militia  arrived  October  14,  and  found  the 
villages  abandoned  and  partially  burned.  Gen.  Harmar,  with  the  main  force, 
jame  up  three  days  later. 

The  army  burned  seven  villages  in  the  vicinity,  and  destroyed  20,000 
oushels  of  corn  and  a great  amount  of  other  property  belonging  to  the  Indians, 
and  to  the  French  traders  who  were  settled  there. 

On  the  19th,  the  Indians  attacked  a strong  party  of  militia  that  were  out 
icouting,  driving  them  back  to  camp  in  a panic;  on  the  21st  the  army  started 
>n  the  return  march  to  Fort  Washington;  but,  on  the  nest  day,  against  his  own 
judgment,  Gen.  Harmar  permitted  Col.  Hardin,  with  a detachment  of  360  men, 
f;o  go  back  to  the  villages  to  bring  on  a fight  with  the  savages.  This  detach- 
ment was  attacked  furiously,  and  defeated  with  a loss  of  160  killed  and  miss- 
ng,  and  20  wounded.  At  noon  the  next  day,  the  march  was  resumed.  The 
:orce,  in  a very  demoralized  condition,  arrived  at  Fort  Washington  on  the  3d  of 
November. 

The  Indian  loss  in  numbers  was  trifling,  and  they  immediately  organized 
arge  parties  to  attack  the  settlements,  and  through  the  entire  winter  of  1790-91, 
he  Miami  Valley  was  full  of  war  parties  from  the  Northern  tribes,  organized  to 
ittack  Ohio  River  settlements  and  weak  outposts  of  the  army.  These  parties 
would  come  down  the  rivers  in  canoes  as  far  as  the  mouth  of  Mad  River,  some- 
imes  as  far  as  the  mouth  of  Twin  Creek,  arrange  hunting  parties  and  a camp 
|)f  supplies,  then  begin  their  attacks  on  picket  posts  and  the  smaller  settlements. 
Ill  able-bodied  men  promptly  responded  to  every  call  for  defense,  and  those  who 
vere  able  to  travel  considered  it  their  first  duty  to  obey  a summons  to  join  a 
iarty  going  to  attach  the  Indian  villages.  Each  man  was  armed  with  his  own 
lint-lock  squirrel  rifle,  or  flint-lock  musket,  which  he  kept  constantly  loaded  at 
lis  side,  day  and  night,  at  home  or  in  the  field  at  work.  Each  wore  powder 
lorn  and  bullet-pouch,  and  had  a supply  of  patching,  and  carried  a large  knife, 
md  dressed  in  homespun  clothes.  Their  siuroundings  required  them  to  be 
•eady  for  duty  at  any  instant.  Officers  and  men  were  armed  alike. 

At  the  close  of  the  year  1790,  there  were  eight  flourishing  settlements 
>n  the  TJpper  Ohio,  and  the  three  between  the  Miamis,  with  their  advance 
itations. 

Dining  the  winter,  400  warriors  appeared  before  Dunlap's  Station,  on  the 
last  bank  of  the  Big  Miami,  and  for  twenty-six  hours  besieged  the  garrison  of 
thirty-five  regulars  and  fifteen  settlers;  two  of  the  latter  were  wounded,  and 
tbner  Hunt,  a surveyor,  was  captured  and  cruelly  murdered  within  sight  and 
rearing  of  the  block- house.  The  Indians  tied  him  to  a sapling,  and  built  a large 
ire  near  enough  to  slowly  burn  him  to  death;  then,  as  he  became  less  sensible 
’0  pain,  cuts  were  made  in  his  flesh  to  renew  the  acute  suffering;  and  finally 
he  savages  applied  burning  brands  to  his  naked  bowels. 

The  savages,  fearing  that  re- enforcements  would  arrive,  raised  the  siege, 
nit  remained  close  to  the  settlements  until  in  June  or  July,  destroying  the 
rops,  running  off  cattle  and  horses,  and  killing  whoever  might  venture  out. 
[hey  became  so  daring  that  often,  at  night,  they  would  skulk  through  the 
itreets  of  Cincinnati,  while  some  of  the  band  would  destroy  the  gardens  and 
Hitbuilding's. 

O 

By  act  of  Congress,  three  strong  expeditions  were  to  be  fitted  out  on  the 
ffiio  for  advance  against  the  Wabash  and  Maumee  tribes.  May  23,  1791,  Gen. 
Iharles  Scott,  of  Kentucky,  marched  against  the  Wabash  towns,  destroying 
nany  of  the  most  important  ones  in  the  lower  valley. 

Gov.  St.  Clair  ordered  a second  expedition  to  the  upper  Wabash  towns,  and 
joI.  James  Wilkinson,  of  the  army,  was  assigned  to  the  command. 


264 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


EXPEDITION  TO  THE  UPPER  WABASH. 


August  1,  1791,  Col.  Wilkinson  left  Fort  Washington  with  550  mounted 
men.  The  first  night,  they  camped  at  the  head  of  Mill  Creek  (near  where  Ham- 
ilton now  stands) ; the  second  day,  they  marched  thirty  miles,  and  went  into 
camp  near  the  present  site  of  Eaton,  and  continued  their  course  to  the  north  for 
two  days,  then  turned  west  toward  the  Wabash,  which  stream  they  followed  to 
the  Ohio,  destroying  villages,  growing  grain  and  crops  of  all  kinds,  and  taking 
back  as  prisoners  many  squaws  and  young  Indians. 

In  the  meantime,  Gov.  St.  Clair  had  been  busy  with  preparations  for  a 
larger  expedition,  that  he  was  to  command  in  person;  with  headquarters  at  Lud 
low  Station,  a small  stockade  six  miles  from  Cincinnati,  up  Mill  Creek,  he  or 
ganized  a force  of  2,300  soldiers  and  600  militia,  with  artillery,  cavalry,  and  all 
the  appointments  of  a complete  army.  It  was  the  most  formidable  force  ever, 
before  seen  in  the  West.  Under  instructions  from  the  Secretary  of  War,  Gen. 
St.  Clair  was  with  this  army  to  move  north  to  the  junction  of  the  St.  Joseph’s; 
and  St.  Mary’s  Rivers  and  build  a large  fort;  then  a line  of  forts  to  protect  his! 
communication  with  Fort  Washington. 


ST.  CLAIR  S EXPEDITION  AND  DEFEAT. 

September  17,  they  marched  to  a point  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Great  Miami 
River  and  built  Fort  Hamilton;  then  marched  forty- four  miles,  and,  on  October 
12,  commenced  to  construct  Fort  Jefferson,  six  miles  south  of  where  Greenville 
now  stands;  October  24,  resumed  their  march,  with  difficulty  making  seven 
miles  a day,  reaching  a branch  of  the  Wabash;  November  3,  threw  up  earth 
works;  were  attacked  by  the  Indians  at  daylight  November  4.  After  three  hoars’ 
hard  fighting,  the  Americans  were  totally  routed  and  driven  from  camp,  with! 
the  loss  of  all  their  artillery,  baggage  and  supply  trains,  and  890  men  and  16; 
officers  killed  and  wounded.  The  retreat  was  continued  thirty  miles  to  Fort 
Jefferson.  It  was  the  most  disastrous  campaign  that  had  ever  been  made  in  the; 
West. 

With  the  destruction  of  this  army,  all  frontier  settlements  were  exposed  to 
the  savages,  who  now  rushed  on,  flushed  with  victory.  The  rapid  retreat  was 
continued.  to  Fort  AVashington,  which  place  they  reached  November  8. 

Wilkinson’s  expedition. 

In  December,  Gen.  James  Wilkinson  was  placed  in  command,  and,  in  Jan 
uary,  1792,  started  an  expedition  to  the  scene  of  “ St.  Clair’s  Defeat,”  arriving 
there  February  1,  in  a deep  snow.  By  the  General’s  orders,  fatigue  parties; 
were  detailed  to  bury  the  dead  and  gather  up  Government  property  that  had 
not  been  destroyed,  On  the  3d,  the  troops  returned  to  Fort  Jefferson. 

Fort  St.  Clair,  one  mile  west  c f Eaton,  was  erected  in  the  winter  of  1791  —92 
Forts  Hamilton,  St.  Clair  and  Jefferson  were  garrisoned  with  troops  sent  iron 
Fort  AVashington,  and,  at  different  times  during  the  year  1792,  were  attacked  bj 
the  Indians,  who  kept  up  active  hostilities  against  the  whites. 

Monday  night,  November  6,  Maj.  Adair,  who  was  returning  from  Fort  Jefier 
son  with  100  Kentuckians,  repulsed  250  Indians  who  attacked  him  near  For 
St.  Clair. 


MAD  ANTHONY. 

Gen.  Anthony  W ayne,  an  officer  of  the  Revolution,  was,  in  1792,  designate! 
by  President  AVashington  to  succeed  St.  Clair  in  command  of  the  AVestern  Army 
In  June,  he  arrived  at  Pittsburgh  and  began  the  organization  of  his  troops 
through  summer  and  fall  this  preparation  continued,  and  in  the  spring  of  1793 
with  his  army,  he  came  down  the  Ohio  in  boats,  and  went  into  camp  at  tb< 
mouth  of  Mill  Creek. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


267 


Several  months  were  given  to  drill  and  organization,  while  Peace  Commis- 
sioners at  “ Grand  Glaize  ” and  the  Maumee  Rapids  were  endeavoring  to  make 
permanent  peace,  in  which  they  failed,  and  on  August  17,  the  meeting  was 
broken  up,  of  which  fact  Gen.  Wayne  was  immediately  notified.  October  7,  he, 
with  an  army  of  3,600,  marched  from  Fort  Washington  up  Mill  Creek  Valley, 
passed  Forts  Hamilton  and  St.  Clair.  On  the  morning  of  the  17th,  the  rear 
o-aard,  consisting  of  ninety-one  men,  was  attacked  and  defeated  at  a point  half 
way  between  Fort  St.  Clair  and  Fort  Jefferson.  In  December,  Gen.  Wayne 
milt  Fort  Greenville,  on  the  ground  on  which  the  town  of  Greenville  now 
stands,  and  placed  his  troops  in  winter  quarters.  Near  the  close  of  the  month, 
he  sent  a detachment  twenty-two  miles  to  the  front  to  build  Fort  Recovery  on 
the  field  of  St.  Clair’s  defeat,  which  was  immediately  strongly  garrisoned. 

The  army  worked  hard  all  winter,  drilling,  practice-firing  and  preparing 
for  the  coming  campaign.  All  outposts  were  in  constant  danger,  were  fre- 
quently attacked,  but  without  loss  to  the  Americans.  June  30,  1794,  Fort  Re- 
covery was  attacked  by  a force  of  1,500  Indians  and  British,  who,  after  a two- 
lays’  fight,  were  driven  off.  They  were  found  to  be  on  the  way  to  the  Little 
Miami  River,  expecting  to  camp  at  Old  Chillicothe.  July  26,  Gen.  Wayne  re- 
ceived a re-enforcement  of  1,600  mounted  Kentuckians,  and  on  the  28th  moved 
forward  with  his  whole  army.  August  8,  he  built  Fort  Defiance  at  the  junction 
of  the  Auglaize  and  Maumee  Rivers.  August  13,  a flag  of  truce  was  sent  to  the 
Indians,  offering  peace.  On  the  16th,  it  returned,  asking  for  delay,  to  which 
the  General  did  not  reply,  but  marched  on,  reaching  the  Maumee  at  the  rapids 
on  the  20th,  and  fought  his  celebrated  battle  of  the  Fallen  Timbers,  in  which 
he  defeated  the  Indians  in  sight  of  the  British  Fort  Miami.  The  troops  camped 
an  the  battle-field  for  three  days,  and  by  easy  mai’ches  reached  Fort  Defiance 
August  27,  where  they  remained  till  September  14,  when  they  marched  to  the 
junction  of  St.  Joseph's  and  St.  Mary’s  Rivers,  and  built  Fort  Wayne,  according 
to  the  plans  given  Gen.  St.  Clair  in  1791.  A garrison  was  left  at  the  fort.  Octo- 
ber 28,  the  army  started  on  the  return  march  to  Fort  Greenville,  and  went  into 
winter  quarters  November  2. 


D 


268 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


CHAPTER  V. 


Wayne’s  Treaty — Squatters — Purchase  of  Lands  at  Mouth  oe  Mad  River- 
Surveying  Parties — Dayton  Platted — Drawing  Lots — Formation  of  Cor, 
ony-  First  Settlers — Their  Journey  Through  the  Woods — Arrival  b: 
River — Biographical  Sketches — Topographical — Dayton  Township — Taj 
Assessment,  1798 — Township  Affairs  to  1803 — Ohio  Becomes  a State— 
The  Name — State  Boundaries — Montgomery  County — General  Richari 
Montgomery — The  Original  Townships — Enumeration. 

BRING  the  winter  of  1794-95,  constant  efforts  were  made  to  assembL 


Indian  chieftains  of  the  tribes,  in  council,  to  make  treaties  that  woul< 
insure  permanent  peace.  Gen.  Wayne  and  his  aids  were  seven  months  in  ai 
ranging  the  treaties.  July  3,  1795,  they  were  finally  agreed  to,  and  were  signet 
upon  the  3d  of  August,  thus  securing  to  the  United  States,  clear  titles  to  th 
Ohio  Valley  lands,  from  the  source  of  the  Ohio  River  to  the  mouth  of  the  Wa 
bash.  The  news  of  the  completion  of  the  treaty  assured  to  the  pioneers  perfec 
safety  in  opening  settlements. 

People  from  New  Jersey,  Maryland,  Virginia,  Pennsylvania  and  Kentuckj 
were  wild  with  impatience  at  the  delay  in  opening  the  land  offices;  hundred 
were  pushing  into  the  woods,  locating  “tomahawk  rights,”  and  “squattej 
claims.”  August  20,  the  following  named  gentlemen,  Arthur  St.  Clair,  Goi 
ernor  of  the  Territory;  Jonathan  Dayton,  then  a citizen  of  New  Jersey,  am;, 
afterward  a United  States  Senator  from  that  State;  Gen.  James  Wilkinson,  o 
Wayne’s  army;  and  Col.  Israel  Ludlow,  from  Morris  County,  New  Jersey,  coij 
tracted  with  Judge  Symmes  for  the  purchase  and  settlement  of  the  seventh  an 
eighth  ranges,  between  Mad  River  and  the  Little  Miami. 

On  Monday,  September  21,  two  parties  of  surveyors  left  Cincinnati  to  ru 
the  bounderies  of  the  purchase,  and  to  locate  a road.  Daniel  C.  Cooper,  c 
Long  Hill,  N.  J.,  had  charge  of  one  party;  John  Dunlap  had  the  other.  The 
camped  the  first  night  at  Voorhees’  Station,  about  nine  miles  out  of  Cincinnati 
The  next  morning  they  separated,  Cooper  and  his  party  to  locate  and  mark, 
road,  partially  cutting  out  the  underbrush  from  Fort  Hamilton,  up  the  east  ban 
of  the  Miami  River  to  the  mouth  of  Mad  River.  On  this  road  were  afterwaij 
built  the  towns  of  Middletown,  Franklin  and  Miamisburg.  Capt.  John  Dunk 
with  his  party  were  to  run  the  boundaries  of  the  seventh  and  eighth  ranges  b| 
tween  the  Miami  Rivers.  They  followed  Gen.  Harmar’s  old  trail  for  ten  mile 
to  Turtle  Creek,  where  they  left  a Mr.  Bedell,  who  had  come  along  to  settj, 
about  six  miles  west  of  the  present  site  of  Lebanon,  and  about  a mile  south  <j( 
where  the  Shaker  village  now  is.  He  at  once  erected  a block-house,  known  < 
Bedell’s  Station.  It  was  at  that  time  the  frontier  settlement  of  the  Mian1 
Valley. 

The  night  of  the  23d,  Capt.  Dunlap  reached  the  line  that  he  had  located 
1788,  between  the  third  and  fourth  ranges  of  townships.  The  24th  and  25t 
he  run  north  eighteen  miles,  to  the  south  line  of  the  seventh  range,  and  the 
west  to  the  Miami  River,  where  they  camped  for  the  night.  Their  pack-horsj| 
were  stolen  by  the  Indians  that  night,  and  failing  to  recover  them  the  next  dajj 
the  party  were  compelled,  on  the  27th,  to  carry  their  luggage  to  the  mouth  < 
the  Mad  River.  Here  a small  party  of  Indians  were  in  camp  about  thirty  rot 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


269 


jove  the  mouth  of  the  river.  Both  parties  were  suspicious,  but  soon  a better 
seling  prevailed,  the  whites  exchanging  flour,  salt  and  tobacco,  for  jerked  veni- 
Dn.  One  of  the  Indians  bantering  Benjamin  Yan  Cleve  for  a dicker,  he  gave 
ie  Indian  a large  knife,  scabbard  and  belt,  for  one  of  less  value  with  a worsted 
pit,  getting  a deer  skin  to  boot. 

Cooper  and  his  party  came  into  camp  before  night,  starting  back  the  next 
leaning  to  make  some  changes  along  the  road.  Dunlap’s  party  went  down  the 
ig  Miami  to  the  south  boundary  of  the  seventh  range,  then  turned  east  through 
he  timber  nine  miles,  to  Big  Beaver  Creek,  and  north,  October  1,  to  Muddy 
am,  a tributary  of  Mad  River.  Jonathan  Mercer,  the  pack-horse  man,  and 
William  Gahagan,  the  hunter,  were  sent  to  the  mouth  of  the  creek  to  make 
imp  and  cook  supper.  When  the  party  came  up  in  the  evening,  they  found 
lat  the  Indians  had  been  ahead  of  them,  stealing  nearly  all  the  provisions  and 
meatening  the  lives  of  the  cooks.  This  party,  in  which  were  Capt.  John 
iunlap,  Benjamin  Yan  Cleve,  William  Gahagan,  David  Lowry,  Jonathan  Don- 
el,  Jonathan  Mercer,  and  others,  remained  there  in  camp  for  several  days,  and 
h the  4th  of  the  month,  came  down  to  the  mouth  of  the  Mad  River,  stopping 
ily  to  eat  the  last  of  the  meat,  then  pushing  on  down  Cooper’s  road  to  Hole’s 
reek,  where  they  camped  for  the  night,  marching  next  day  thirty- four  miles, 
) Cunningham’s  Station,  where  they  ate  a hearty  supper  of  mush  and  milk  and 
lent  in  to  Cincinnati  on  the  6th. 

A party  of  Kentuckians  had  accompanied  Cooper  to  view  the  country.  On 
llonday,  the  28th,  they  were  up  near  the  mouth  of  the  Stillwater.  Thick  vines 
id  high  weeds  preventing  their  seeing  the  land,  they  gave  it  up  as  a bad  job, 
ad  returned  to  Kentucky. 

On  the  1st  of  November,  the  surveyors  came  again  to  Mad  River  to  lay  out 
lie  town,  which  was  done  by  Israel  Ludlow,  on  Wednesday,  November  4,  1795. 
he  town  was  called  Dayton,  for  Mr.  Dayton,  of  New  Jersey,  one  of  the  propri- 
;ors.  With  the  party  were  a number  who  came  to  see  the  country,  and  locate, 
it  proved  favorable.  The  next  day,  after  the  town  was  laid  out,  here  on  the 
jot,  those  present  for  themselves,  and  for  others  who  desired  to  settle  with  the 
)lony,  drew  lots  for  location,  each  man  to  have  one  in-lot  and  one  out-lot  as 
iatted,  with  the  privilege  of  purchasing  160  acres  of  land  at  the  rate  of  a 
rench  crown  per  acre. 

During  the  winter,  a colony  of  forty-six  men  was  formed  at  Cincinnati,  to 
pttli  at  Dayton  and  in  the  vicinity.  Several  of  the  more  venturesome  started  at 
ace;  some  of  them  stopped  at  the  Big  Prairie,  near  Middletown;  two  on  Clear 
'reek;  several  families  at  Hole’s  Creek,  where  the  following  spring  they  built 
ie  stockade  that  was  afterward  known  as  Hole’s  Station.  In  the  winter,  or 
arly  in  the  spring,  Daaid  Lowry  and  Jonathan  Donnel  located  on  land  that 
ley  had  selected  up  Mad  River  at  the  old  Piqua  town;  one  man  ventured  up 
j)  the  forks  of  Mad  River,  and  another  went  over  to  Honey  Creek.  Several 
ad  come  up  to  the  mouth  of  Mad  River,  prospecting,  then  returned  for  their 
unilies. 

Although  forty -six  were  on  the  list,  at  the  time  of  starting,  but  nineteen  ful- 
lled  their  engagements.  Their  names  were  Samuel  Thompson,  Benjamin  Yan 
leve,  William  Van  Cleve,  WTilliam  Gahagan,  James  McClure,  John  McClure,  Geo- 
ewcom,  William  Newcom,  Abraham  Grassmire,  John  Davis,  William  Hamer, 
oloraon  Hamer,  Thomas  Hamer,  Solomon  Goss,  Thomas  Davis,  John  Dorough, 
Glliam  Chenoweth,  James  Morris  and  Daniel  Ferrell.  They  left  Cincinnati 
i March,  1796,  in  three  parties.  William  Hamer,  with  a party,  started  first, 
jut  were  delayed  on  the  way.  George  Newcom,  with  the  largest  party  of  the 
jiree,  started  overland,  the  same  day  that  Samuel  Thompson  left  by  boat  with 
is  party. 


270 


IirSTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


With  Hamer  were  his  wife,  Mary,  two  sons,  Solomon  and  Thomas,  four 
daughters,  Nancy,  Elizabeth,  Sarah  and  Polly,  and  Jonathan  and  Edward  Mer 
cer.  Mr.  Hamer  owned  a pair  of  horses  and  a wagon,  and  in  this  way  emi- 
grated to  his  new  home.  It  was  a long,  cold  journey  through  the  woods,  up  the 
narrow  trace,  only  partially  exit  out  by  Cooper  the  preceding  fall.  With  New 
com  were  his  wife  and  his  brother,  William;  Thomas  Davis  and  family:  "Wil- 
liam Chenoweth  and  family;  William  Van  Cleve,  James  Morris,  John  Dorough 
and  family;  Daniel  Ferrell  and  family;  Solomon  Goss  and  family;  John  Davis 
and  Abraham  Grassmire. 

With  Thompson  were  his  wife,  Catharine,  their  daughter,  Sarah,  then  two 
years  old,  their  baby,  Matthew,  then  three  months  old,  and  Mrs.  Thompson’s 
daughter,  Mary  Van  Cleve,  then  nine  years  old;  Benjamin  Van  Cleve;  the 
widow  McClure,  her  two  sons,  James  and  John,  and  two  daughters,  Kate  and 
Ann,  and  William  Gahagan.  William  Van  Cleve  was  to  drive  Mr.  Thompson’s 
cow  overland,  in  the  herd  of  cattle  belonging  to  the  other  party. 

These  two  larger  parties,  with  Newcom  and  Thompson  as  leaders,  started! 
from  Cincinnati  on  Monday,  March  21,  1796.  Thompson’s  party  came  in  ai 
large  pirogue,  down  the  Ohio  River  to  the  Miami,  and  up  that  stream  to  Day  | 
ton.  The  pirogue  was  a long  narrow  boat,  sharp  at  bow  and  stern,  and  of  light 
draft;  running  boards  extended  the  length  of  the  boat  on  each  side  for  the  man 
who  poled  the  boat  to  walk  on.  She  was  decked  to  protect  the  women  and  chil- 
dren, household  goods,  clothing,  provisions,  tools,  etc.  The  trip  from  Cincinnati 
to  the  Miami  was  made  in  one  day,  the  boat  landing  at  the  bend  above  the  mouth} 
of  the  Miami  to  land  the  women,  who  walked  across  the  peninsula,  boarding 
the  boat  after  she  came  into  the  Miami.  A short  distance  above  they  camped! 
for  the  night,  resuming  the  voyage  early  in  the  morning,  making  eight  or  ten 
miles  each  day. 

The  second  night  on  the  Miami,  they  stopped  seventeen  miles  from  the} 
Ohio  River,  at  Dunlap’s  Station.  One  man  would  steer  the  boat  as  she  was! 
propelled  up  stream  with  poles.  In  passing  over  rapids,  or  rounding  a point, 
where  the  current  was  swift,  a long  line  was  fastened  to  the  boat,  the  other  end! 
being  fastened  up  stream  to  a tree.  Then  the  crew  would  haul  away  on  the 
line,  thus  slowly  working  the  boat  against  the  current  to  where  the  line  wa<| 
made  fast.  This  plan  of  stemming  the  rapids  was  called  “cordelling.” 

From  Dunlap’s  they  made  Hamilton  in  one  day,  then  were  a week  on  the 
river  from  there  to  Dayton,  camping  on  the  river  bank  at  night,  landing  at  the}! 
head  of  St.  Clair  street  Friday,  April  1,  1796.  The  Right  of  wild  geese  to  the 
north  that  spring  was  enormous.  The  boat  party  had  them  to  eat  every  day. 
with  eggs  gathered  from  the  nests  of  the  forest. 

The  large  party  of  settlers,  who,  the  day  the  boat  left,  started  to  come  over 
land,  were  about  two  weeks  on  the  way.  All  their  stores  and  property  wen! 
carried  on  pack-horses,  rigged  out  with  pack-saddles,  large  creels  on  each  side, 
in  which  to  pack  the  stuff.  These  creels  or  crates  were  made  of  hickory  withes 
and  in  them  were  stored  bedding,  clothing,  pots,  skillets,  stores  and  provisions)} 
plow- irons,  and  other  tools  and  implements.  The  children,  too  small  to  walk 
were  fastened  in  the  creels  so  that  their  heads  only  appeared  above: 

Hardy  as  were  the  pioneers,  from  a long  life  in  the  wilderness,  they  fouiv 
the  journey  of  sixty  miles  over  an  unbroken  road,  long  and  weary;  while  som« 
would  lead  the  horses,  others  drove  the  cattle.  With  the  trusty  rifle,  game  it 
plenty  was  shot  in  the  forests,  and  with  the  hatchet  and  ax  they  made  camp  a 
night,  and  thus  they  followed  the  narrow  trace. 

Cows  and  younger  cattle  were  driven  along,  the  milk  was  used  morning  anc 
evening,  and  carried  in  canteens  for  use  during  the  day.  The  greatest  difficult} 
was  met  in  crossing  the  creeks,  not  only  in  getting  the  women  and  children 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


271 


zer,  but  in  keeping  the  freight  from  getting  wet.  The  road,  as  far  as  Fort 
amilton,  had  been  used  so  much  by  the  army  that  it  was  comparatively  in  a 
)0d  condition,  so  that  the  trials  of  the  journey  did  not  really  begin  until  they 
id  started  into  the  narrow  rough  trace  that  led  to  Dayton.  Small  streams  were 
ossed  by  felling  timbers  over  them  for  foot  bridges.  To  cross  the  larger 
■eeks,  such  as  Dick’s  Creek,  Clear  Creek  and  Hole’s  Creek,  it  was  necessary  to 
instruct  rafts  to  carry  over  men,  women,  children  and  the  freight,  while  horses 
id  cattle  had  to  swim.  The  nights  were  cold.  It  had  rained  hard  with  a little 
>it  of  snow.  The  hastily- constructed  camps  afforded  but  little  protection.  A 
oot  would  be  cleared  of  wet  leaves;  for  the  fire,  if  possible,  dry  leaves  and  sticks 
ere  gathered  from  under  logs  or  out  of  hollow  trees,  and  the  fire  kindled  by  rub- 
ng  together  pieces  of  punk  or  rotten  wood.  For  a bed,  blankets  were  spread 
i a lot  of  brush  and  old  bushes ; thus  through  such  hardships  did  mothers  and 
fctle  ones  bear  up  cheerfully,  sleeping  in  the  open  air,  getting  up  cold  and  un- 
freshed  for  an  early  start  into  another  day  of  fatigue.  They  were  detained 
>r  awhile  at  the  Big  Prairie,  just  below  where  Middletown  now  is,  then  halted 
Hole’s  Creek,  arriving  here  within  a week  after  the  other  parties.  Jonathan 
id  Edward  Mercer,  with  all  of  their  worldly  goods  in  the  paniers  of  a single 
ick-horse,  kept  on  up  Mad  River  eight  miles,  and  located  Mercer’s  Station  on 
nd  that  is  now  in  Bath  Township,  Greene  County.  They  were  the  first  two 
hites  to  settle  in  the  territory  now  within  the  boundaries  of  that  county, 
heir’s  was  an  exposed  position,  and  twice  within  the  next  two  years,  the 
ivages  forced  the  abandonment  of  the  station.  Others  settled  a little  higher 
|p,  at  Cribb’s  Station,  in  the  forks  of  Mad  River.  All  of  the  settlements  were 
moyed  by  the  Indians  stealing  horses  and  pilfering  generally. 

BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 

William  Hamer  was  born  in  Maryland  about  the  year  1750;  with  his  wife, 
iary,  and  children,  he  moved  West,  in  the  spring  of  1792,  coming  down  the 
hio  to  Cincinnati  in  a flat-boat,  built  by  himself  and  son  Solomon.  At  Cin- 
nnati,  they  used  the  boat  lumber  to  build  a cabin  for  the  family  to  live  in; 
tis  cabin  they  occupied  until  they  started  to  Dayton,  in  March,  1796.  Being 
local  Methodist  preacher,  and  thinking  that  in  the  Symmes  purchase,  as  in 
ie  settlement  of  the  Ohio  Company  at  Marietta,  Section  29  would  be  contrib- 
ted  by  the  proprietors,  for  religious  purposes,  he  located  on  that  section,  up 
[ad  River  about  three  miles.  He  was  mistaken,  however,  and  afterward  had 
f>  pay  $2  per  acre  like  the  rest  of  the  settlers.  With  the  help  of  his  son  Solo- 
ion,  and  William  Gahagan,  he  built  his  cabin  on  the  top  of  the  hill,  just  south 
E where  the  C.,  C.,  C.  & I.  and  the  T.,  D.  &B.  Railroads  now  cross  the  Spring- 
eld  pike.  For  fifty  years  afterward,  that  hill  was  known  far  and  wide  as 
Lamer’s  Hill.  Solomon  was,  at  that  time,  sixteen  years  old;  Nancy  afterward 
uarried  William  Gahagan;  Elizabeth  married  William  C.  Lowry;  Thomas  was 
x years  old.  Sarah  Hamer  was  married  in  November,  1801,  to  David  Lowry, 
ho  lived  up  Mad  River,  near  the  mouth  of  Donnel’s  Creek,  and  was  one  of  the 
irliest  settlers  in  Mad  River  Yalley;  she  died,  in  August,  1810.  Polly  mar- 
ed  Joseph  Culbertson,  of  Miami  County.  Dayton  Hamer  was  born  December 
, 1796,  at  his  father’s  cabin  on  Hamer’s  Hill,  and  was  the  first  child  born  in 
ae  Dayton  settlement ; he  married  Catherine  Haney,  moved  to  Illinois,  then  to 
'alifornia,  where  he  died  many  years  ago.  William  Hamer,  Jr.,  married 

[annah  Culbertson,  and  moved  to  Indiana;  Susan  Hamer  married 

.rider;  Ruth  married  Abram  Wagoner;  Ellen  died  single.  Mary,  wife  of 
William  Hamer,  died  at  their  home,  Hamer’s  Hill,  August  9,  1825,  aged  sixty - 
oree  years.  WTilliam  Hamer  met  with  an  accident  on  his  way  to  Cincinnati,  in 
ie  summer  of  1827,  and  died  from  the  effects  of  it  shortly  afterward. 


272 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Col.  George  Newcom  was  an  Irishman,  born  in  the  old  country  and  came 
to  America,  with  his  parents,  in  1775.  The  family  settled  in  Delaware,  but  af 
terward  moved  to  the  vicinity  of  Middletown,  Penn.  In  Washington  County. 
Penn.,  he  married  Mary  Henderson,  who  was  a native  of  the  State.  Their  first 
child,  Elizabeth,  was  born  at  Cincinnati,  May  13,  1794,  and  died  there  before 
the  colony  started  to  Mad  River.  The  next  child,  John  W.,  was  born  at  the 
Samuel  Dick  farm,  near  Hamilton,  September  9, 1797;  married  Martha  Grimes, 
November  21,  1820,  and  died  July  7,  1836;  his  wife  died  April  11,  1867; 
they  had  five  children,  all  of  whom  are  dead  but  the  youngest,  Martha  A.,  who 
is  the  wife  of  John  E.  Greer,  of  Dayton.  Jane,  daughter  of  Col.  George  and 
Mary  Newcom,  was  born  at  her  father’s  tavern,  at  the  corner  of  Main  and  Water  J 
streets,  in  Dayton,  April  14,  1800.  May  20,  1819,  she  married  Nathaniel  Wil- 
son, and  lived  all  of  her  life  on  Main  street,  in  Dayton;  had  nine  children 
four  of  them  yet  living — Clinton,  Mary  J.  Hunt,  a widow,  Elizabeth  Bowen,  a 
widow,  and  Susan,  the  wife  of  Josiah  Gebhart;  Mrs.  Wilson  died  at  the  resi- 
dence of  her  daughter,  Mrs.  Gebhart,  April  5,  1874.  Col.  George  Newcom  j 
was  a soldier  in  Wayne’s  army,  and  also  served  in  1812;  he  was  the  first  Sheriff  j 
of  this  county  was  afterward  State  Senator,  then  member  of  the  Lower  House, 
and  filled  many  other  positions  of  trust  in  the  county.  His  wife,  Mary,  died 
April  3,  1834;  June  22,  1836,  he  married  Elizabeth  Bowen,  who  died  October 
29,  1850.  Col.  Newcom  died,  February  25,  1853,  aged  eighty-two  years. 

Wiiliam  Newcom  was  about  twenty  years  old  when  he  came  to  the  Dayton  j 
settlement.  He  married  Miss  Charlotte  Nolan,  of  Kentucky,  who,  after  bis [| 
death,  married  John  Baker,  and,  surviving  him,  married  Henry  Row.  William 
Newcom  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  finally  died  from  the  effects  of 
hardships  and  exposure  that  he,  with  others,  experienced. 

Benjamin  Yan  Cleve  was  the  son  of  John  Van  Cleve,  who  was  the  son  of] 
Benjamin  and  Rachel  Yan  Cleve.  John  Yan  Cleve  was  born  at  New  Brunswick, j 
N.  J.,  May  16,  1749;  was  a soldier  in  the  revolution,  serving  in  his  father sjj 
company.  He  married  Catharine  Benham,  and,  in  1785,  settled  in  Washington! 
County,  Penn.  In  December,  1789,  he,  with  his  family,  started  for  the  North- 
west Territory,  and  landed  at  Losanteville,  January  3,  1790.  June  1,  1791,  he!1 
was  stabbed  in  five  places,  killed  and  scalped  by  the  Indians,  in  an  outlot  atj! 
Cincinnati.  John  aud  Catharine  Yan  Cleve  had  six  children.  Benjamin  was 
born  in  Monmouth  County,  N.  J.,  February  24,  1773;  Ann  was  born  at  the  same 
place,  July  30,  1775,  married  Col.  Jerome  Holt/at  Cincinnati,  and  in  1797,  set-' 
tied  with  him  in  Yan  Buren  Township,  in  this  county,  and  died  in  March, 
1858;  William  was  born  in  Monmouth  County,  N.  J.,  in  1777;  Margaret,  born; 
at  the  home  place,  in  Monmouth  County,  in  February,  1779,  married  — — 
Reeder,  at  Cincinnati,  and  died,  in  September,  1858;  Mary,  born  in  Washing 
ton  County,  Penn.,  February  10,  1787;  Amy,  born  in  Washington  County, 
Penn.,  in  July,  1789,  married  Isaac  Shields,  and  died  in  Preble  County,  Ohio. 
Catharine,  the  mother  of  these  children,  married  Samuel  Thompson,  at  Cincin- 
nati, by  whom  she  had  two  children,  Sarah  and  Matthew,  before  they  moved  to 
Dayton.  Benjamin  Yan  Cleve,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  an  upright  and' 
worthy  man;  when  his  father  was  killed  by  the  Indians,  in  1791,  although  but 
eighteen  years  old,  he  took  upon  himself  the  care  and  support  of  his  mother  and 
family.  He  served  in  the  campaigns  of  St.  Clair,  Wilkinson  and  Wayne — was! 
a bearer  of  important  dispatches  to  Washington,  New  York  and  return;  was  in. 
Dunlap’s  surveying  party  in  this  Mad  River  country,  immediately  after  Wayne’s 
treaty  with  the  Indians;  was  here  again,  with  Col.  Ludlow,  to  lay  out  Dayton,! 
and  came  as  a settler  with  the  first  colony,  in  the  spring  of  1796.  He  taught 
the  first  school,  in  the  Dayton  block-house,  in  1799;  he  served  as  Clerk  of  the 
Court  from  the  organization  of  the  county  until  his  death,  in  1821,  and  was 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


273 


he  first  Postmaster  appointed  in  Dayton,  serving  in  that  capacity  from  1804 
intil  the  date  of  his  death.  In  the  language  of  his  friend  and  associate,  Col. 
John  Johnson,  “ God  never  made  a better  man  than  was  Benjamin  Yan  Cleve.” 
lugust  28,  1800,  he  married  Mary  Whitten,  daughter  of  John  and  Phcebe 
vYhitten;  they  had  five  children.  John  Whitten  Yan  Cleve,  born  in  Dayton 
Time  27,  1801,  died  September  6,  1858;  William  James,  born  October  10,  1803, 
lied  October  30,  1808;  Henrietta  Maria,  born  November  16,  1805,  married 
Samuel  B.  Dover,  September  21,  1824;  surviving  him,  she  married  Joseph  Bond, 
November  4,  1858,  and  died,  May  18,  1879;  Mary  Cornelia,  born  December  2, 
1807,  married  James  Andrews,  November  20,  1827,  and  died  February  19, 
1878 ; Sarah  ^Sophia,  born  November  24,  1809,  married  David  C.  Baker,  Feb 
,-uary  11,  1830,  died  October  18,  1839.  Mary  Van  Cleve,  the  mother  of  these 
jhildren,  was  born  February  17,  1782,  and  died  December  28,  1810.  March 
10,  1812,  Benjamin  Van  Cleve  married  Mary  Tamplin,  an  English  lady,  but  at 
that  time  living  in  Champaign  County,  Ohio.  Benjamin  Yan  Cleve  died  Novem- 
ber 29,  1821;  his  second  wife,  Mary,  by  whom  he  had  no  children,  died  De- 
cember 19,  1825. 

Capt.  William  Yan  Cleve,  brother  of  Benjamin,  son  of  John  and  Catha- 
rine, was  born  near  Monmouth,  N.  J.,  in  1777,  and  was  not  quite  twenty  years 
aid  when  he  came  to  Dayton.  Although  he  lived  in  town  for  two  or  three  years, 
he  began  at  once  to  improve  his  farm,  which  was  south  of  Dayton.  His  first 
wife  was  Effie  Westfall,  by  whom  he  had  several  children.  In  1812,  Capt.  Yan 
Cleve  responded  promptly  with  his  company  of  Dayton  Riflemen,  to  the  first 
call  for  troops,  and  in  June  they  were  ordered  to  the  front.  After  the  war,  he 
kept  a tavern  just  south  of  town,  at  the  junction  of  Warren  and  Jefferson  streets, 
and  died  there  in  1828. 

Aunt  Polly,  Mary  Yan  Cleve  Swaynie,  daughter  of  John  and  Catharine  Yan 
Cleve,  was  born  in  Washington  County,  Penn.,  February  10,  1787.  Why  she 
is  called  Aunt  Polly  we  do  not  know,  but  that  is  the  name  by  which  she  is  best 
known  now.  She  was  born  five  months  before  the  Northwest  Territory  was 
formed;  she  is  nine  years  older  than  Dayton,  fifteen  years  older  than  the  State 
of  Ohio,  and  sixteen  years  older  than  Montgomery  County.  She.  with  her  par- 
ents, landed  at  Losanteville  the  day  the  name  was  changed  to  Cincinnati;  six 
years  later,  March,  1796,  she  left  there  in  the  pirogue  with  the  party  who  came 
up  the  Miami  River,  landing  at  the  head  of  St.  Clair  street,  Dayton,  April  1, 
1796,  and  has  lived  in  Dayton  ever  since.  She  attended  school  in  1799  and 
1800,  at  the  block-house  that  stood  in  Main  street  at  the  river  bank,  and  can 
tell  of  events  happening  in  every  stage  of  the  county’s  progress,  from  the  little 
cluster  of  cabins  of  the  last  century,  to  the  county’s  improved  and  substantial 
condition  of  to-day.  She  was  married,  to  John  McClain,  in  1804,  and  by  him 
had  ten. children,  four  of  whom  are  still  living;  a daughter,  Mrs.  Jane  Swaynie, 
who  lives  with  her,  and  three  sons,  who  have  moved  away  from  the  county. 
Her  husband  died,  and  on  December  12,  1826,  she  married  Robert  Swaynie; 
they  had  no  children.  Mrs.  Swaynie  has  been  a widow  for  many  years;  her  res- 
idence is  No.  247  Bainbridge  street,  Dayton,  where,  for  the  past  twenty  years 
or  more,  her  relatives  and  friends  have  assembled  to  celebrate,  with  her,  each 
recurring  anniversary  of  her  birth.  Aunt  Polly  is  in  reasonably  good  health, 
although,  of  course,  her  mind  is  not  so  active  as  formerly. 

Samuel  Thompson  came  from  Pennsylvania  to  Cincinnati,  where  he  mar- 
ried Catharine,  widow  of  John  Yan  Cleve.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Thompson  had  two 
children — Sarah,  who  was  about  two  years  old  when  they  moved  to  Dayton,  and 
Matthew,  born  in  January,  1796;  Sarah  married  John  Ensey.  Mr.  Thompson 
was  drowned  in  Mad  River,  in  1817;  his  wife  died,  August  6,  1837. 


274 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


William  Gahagan,  a brave  and  kind-hearted  Irishman,  who  came  in 
Wayne’s  Legion  from  Pittsburgh  to  Cincinnati,  in  1793,  and  served  with  that 
army  through  the  campaigns  of  1794  and  1795.  He  and  Benjamin  Van  Cleve 
were  comrades;  in  May,  1794,  they  made  a trip  down  the  Ohio  to  Fort  Massac, 
with  contractors’  supplies;  returned,  in  July,  to  the  army.  After  the  treaty  at 
Greenville,  he  at  once  engaged  with  surveyor,  Capt.  Dunlap,  who  was  then  get- 
ting  ready  for  field  work  in  the  Mad  River  district.  His  land  was  up  Mac! 
River,  and,  for  two  or  three  years,  he  made  his  home  at  William  Hamer’s  cabin, 
and  afterward  married  Nancy  Hamer.  About  1804,  or  1805,  they  moved  to  Mi. 
ami  County,  upon  land  that  he  owned  south  of  Troy,  known  as  Gahagan’s  prai- 
rie. He  was  closely  identified  with  the  settlement  and  progress  of  Troy.  His 
wife,  Nancy,  died,  and  he  married  Mrs.  Tennery;  he  died,  in  Troy,  about  1845.  jj 

The  McClures — The  father  of  James,  John,  Kate  and  Ann  McClure,  was  jj 
killed  at  St.  Clair’s  defeat;  and  his  widow,  their  mother,  brought  them  to  Day 
ton,  and  lived  with  them  in  the  cabin,  at  the  southwest  corner  of  Water  and 
Mill  streets,  for  four  or  five  years,  then  moved,  with  them,  to  Honey  Creek,  Mi- 
ami County. 

John  Davis  settled  at,  or  near,  the  bluffs,  and  was  accidentally  killed  at  the 
Cooper  mill,  in  1799;  his  death  was  the  first  that  had  occurred  in  the  settlement. 

Solomon  Goss,  with  his  family,  moved  farther  up  the  Miami. 

Thomas  Davis  was  a Welshman,  but  came  here,  with  his  family  from  Penn- 
sylvania, and  located  on  his  farm  at  the  bluffs  south  of  Dayton,  where  he  lived 
until  his  death. 

Abraham  Grassmire,  a German,  a single  man,  and  was  a weaver  by  trade.  He 
helped  to  make  the  first  looms  for  the  settlers,  and  was  handy  in  the  construc- 
tion of  other  household  conveniences  that  the  pioneers  so  greatly  needed. 

John  Dorough,  was  a married  man  when  he  came  here,  and  was  a miller; 
he  owned  the  mill  on  Mad  River  that  afterward  became  the  property  of  Shoup. 
and  since  known  as  the  Kneisley  Mills,  but  now  owned  by  Mr.  John  Harries,  of 
Dayton. 

Daniel  Ferrell  was  over  fifty  years  old,  and  brought  his  family  with  him; 
but  little  is  known  of  him,  except  that  he  came  from  Western  Virginia,  and 
settled  up  the  Miami,  possibly  on  lands  that  are  included  within  the  bounds  of 
Miami  County. 

William  Chenoweth  brought  his  family  with  him  from  Kentucky.  He  was 
fifty-five  years  of  age,  and  a blacksmith,  although  he  did  not  follow  that  trade 
here,  for,  up  to  September,  1799,  there  was  no  blacksmith  shop  within  twenty 
miles  of  Dayton.  His  land  was  in  the  Mad  River  Valley,  and  was  cut  off  from 
this  county,  in  the  formation  of  Greene  County. 

James  Morris  came  West,  to  Fort  Harmar,  and  was  on  the  expedition  un- 
der Gen.  Harmar,  in  1790.  He  was  a farmer,  and,  after  coming  to  this  county, 
was  twice  married,  but  died  childless. 

TOPOGRAPHICAL. 

As  these  settlers  found  it,  the  outlook  was  a waving  sea  of  green  tree-tops, 
varied  only  by  channels  of  rippling  streams,  that  spread  out  like  a fan,  from 
just  above  the  location  of  the  little  hamlet  of  log  cabins.  The  clean  gravel  bed 
of  the  Big  Miami  was  the  main  channel  from  the  north,  winding  its  way 
through  rich  bottom  lands,  from  its  source  down  through  this  beautiful  valley; 
emptying  into  it  a mile  above  Dayton,  was  the  Southwest  Branch  (Stillwater);  |j 
just  at  the  town  site,  dashing,  whirling,  beautiful  Mad  River  joined  the  more  ! 
steady-going  Miami  for  a sweep  around  the  point  selected  for  the  settlement. 
A half  mile  below,  on  the  west  side,  was  Wolf  Creek,  and  five  miles  further  jj 
down,  from  among  the  hills,  came  Possum  Run,  a stream  of  little  importance. 


PERRY  , TP. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


277 


\Jext  was  Bear  Creek;  then  Little  and  Big  Twin  Creeks;  and  on  the  east  side 
>f  the  Miami,  live  miles  below  the  settlement,  was  Hole’s  Creek;  and  just  above 
he  bluffs,  the  Rubicon.  Into  these  larger  streams,  flowing  from  springs  and 
akelets,  were  the  numberless  little  branches,  creeks  and  runs  of  clear  cool 
vaters;  from  the  marshes  and  forests,  glen  and  dale,  through  the  bright  prairies 
md  broad  bottoms,  and,  bursting  from  the  hills,  came  the  limpid  waters  to 
reshen  the  rivers. 

From  the  level  disk  of  prairie,  meadows  and  swails,  around  the  old  Macka- 
;heek  towns,  clear,  cool  Mad  River  cut  its  way,  fed  by  rapid-running  brooks 
md  bubbling  springs  of  delightful  water.  The  Southwest  Branch  (Stillwater) 
vinding  through  the  hills  from  the  northwest,  drained  an  equally  fertile  section. 

Wolf  Creek  and  Bear  Creek  and  Little  Twin  Creek,  with  their  sources  with- 
n the  county,  were  the  outlets  of  the  geater  portion  of  the  western  half  of  the 
■ounty.  Big  Twin  Creek,  crossing  the  southwestern  corner  oE  the  county,  and 
initing  with  Little  Twin,  at  the  point  where  Germantown  was  afterward  located, 
connected  with  the  Miami  a few  miles  below,  in  Warren  County. 

Hole’s  Creek  was  the  only  feeder  of  any  importance  on  the  east  side  of  the 
Vliami,  below  Dayton.  The  southeastern  part  of  the  county  was  partially 
irained  by  Little  Beaver  Creek  and  other  small  streams  running  into  the  Little 
Uiami  River.  Small  creeks  in  the  northwest  corner  of  the  county,  now  Clay 
md  Ferry  Townships,  led  to  the  upper  branches  of  Big  Twin  Creek. 

The  beauty  and  fertility  of  the  Miami  country  had  been  made  known  by 
he  earliest  adventurers  by  the  returning  soldiers  of  the  military  expeditions, 
md  by  explorers  and  surveying  parties  afterward.  There  was  nothing  monot- 
mous  in  the  topography  of  the  county,  an  ever- changing  panorama  of  hills  and 
'alleys,  sparkling  streams  gracefully  winding  through  the  green  prairies  and 
Toodlands.  The  great  rolling  ridges  of  hills  lay  north  and  south  in  chains  be- 
ween  the  streams,  and  rising  gradually  to  the  level  table-lands  in  the  northern 
)art  of  the  county,  around  to  the  county  line  on  the  west,  and  down  to  the  head- 
raters  of  Bear  Creek  and  Little  Twin.  South  of  that  and  to  the  Miami,  the 
lighest  land  of  the  county  is  found;  the  hills  there  are  about  350  feet  above 
he  river,  about  600  feet  above  low  water  mark  at  Cincinnati— an  elevation  of 
Lout  1,000  feet  above  tide  water. 

The  hills  between  Mad  River  and  the  Miami  are  not  so  high  or  rough,  and 
iway  from  the  rivers,  generally  run  back  to  the  gentle  undulations  of  the  more 
evel  country  beyond.  South  of  Mad  River,  and  down  to  the  little  branches 
md  creeks  that  lead  east  to  the  Little  Miami  and  west  to  the  Big  Miami,  the 
ay  of  the  land  was  that  of  broad  slopes  with  but  little  waste. 

The  main  stem,  the  broad,  rich  bottoms  of  the  Miami  itself,  from  one  to 
wo  miles  wide,  along  that  river,  from  north  to  south,  divided  the  territory  that 
ras  afterward  formed  into  Montgomery  County — one-fourth  on  the  east  side 
md  the  three-fourths  on  the  west  side  of  the  river.  Here  the  pioneers  could 
hoose  from  the  rich  valleys  of  either  the  Miami,  Mad  River,  Stillwater,  the 
Twin  Valleys,  Wolf  Creek,  or  Crooked  Salem  Creek  above,  or  Bear  Creek,  or 
lole’s  Creek,  and  even  the  hilly  tracts  were  dotted  with  little  green  valleys  of 
ich  loamy  soil — the  best  of  farm  lands. 

From  the  water’s  edge,  across  the  bottoms  and  up  over  the  hills  and  sweep- 
ng  slopes,  in  all  directions,  was  an  almost  unbroken,  undisturbed  dense  wood. 
1 dead  silence  pervaded  the  wilderness;  neither  wigwam  or  cabin  stood  any- 
vhere  in  this  very  perfection  of  forest;  a mass  of  tangled  vines  and  under- 
growth made  a safe  retreat  for  birds  and  wild  animals.  To  the  north  and  west 
rare  the  beach  lands,  the  hill-sides  and  plains  were  covered  with  sugar  trees, 
lickory,  elm,  ash,  walnut  and  poplars;  on  the  hilltops  were  groves  of  stately 
aks.  Timber,  water  and  stone  were  in  abundance.  Gravel  knolls  and  ridges 


278 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


were  most  numerous  to  the  south  and  east,  but  a good  supply  of  clean  gravel 
could  be  found  in  the  beds  of  most  of  the  streams.  The  uplands  were  generally 
a fertile,  clayey  soil,  well  adapted  to  raising  tobacco  or  grain.  The  rich  soils 
of  the  bottom  lands,  however,  were  to  be  the  line  farming  tracts;  there  the 
light,  warm,  dry  soil  would  prove  inexhaustible,  and  produce  fully  double  what 
could  be  raised  in  the  cold,  wet,  heavy  uplands.  The  beech  lands  held  so 
nearly  a level  position  that  the  streams  that  had  their  sources  in  them  were 
generally  of  a sluggish  flow,  and,  although  being  in  the  highest  levels,  they 
were  rated  as  the  low  lands  of  the  county.  The  soil  of  the  “ second  bottoms,” 
while  thinner  than  that  of  the  bottoms,  was  of  a loamy,  sandy  character  and 
very  productive.  Prairie  lands  were  not  a particular  feature  in  the  topography 
of  the  county,  and  were  chiefly  valuable  from  the  fact  that  they  were  ready  for 
immediate  cultivation,  but  wherever  they  were,  they  were  of  small  extent.  W9i 
lands  and  swamps  were  taken  as  so  much  bad  with  all  of  the  good 

The  choice  tracts  of  land  were  the  rich,  black  bottoms,  found  alike  in  greai 
bodies  in  the  Mad  River,  Miami  and  Stillwater  Valleys,  as  well  as  along  Woll 
Creek,  Bear  Creek  and  the  Twin  Creeks — all  equally  productive.  These  wm 
the  rich  lands,  which,  to  the  intelligent  eye  of  the  pioneer,  promised  to  blossom1 
as  the  rose;  lands  apparently  inexhaustible  in  their  resources,  and,  therefore 
to  attract  a good  class  from  the  stream  of  emigrants  then  moving  westward! 
from  the  colonies.  This  valley  was  indeed  a garden  spot.  The  Indian  deserted 
it  reluctantly,  but  God  designed  that  they  should  have  it  who  could  make  the 
most  of  it.  And  now  the  results  of  the  labor  of  our  pioneers  show  themselves!, 
Instead  of  the  gloomy  forests  and  underbrush  of  the  river,  fields  and  hill-topi, 
that  arts  now  smiling  acres  and  verdant  gardens,  and  where  the  wild  pea1- vim' 
once  clambered  up  4to  meet  the  sunlight,  the  gracefully-tasseled  corn  waves  iiji 
the  same  breezes  that  carried  the  red  man’s  canoe  from  shore  to  shore  of  th| 
rivers. 

DAYTON  TOWNSHIP. 

The  survey  of  the  Miami  tract  by  Col.  Ludlow,  definitely  located  the  north 
ern  boundary  of  Hamilton  County,  so  that,  instead  of  the  line  being  drawl 
from  the  mouth  of  the  Loramie  Creek,  it  extended  up  the  Miami  to  where  thai 
river  crossed  the  Indian  boundary-line  in  Section  18,  Township  2,  of  Range  L 
of  townships,  between  the  Miami  Rivers;  thence  along  the  Indian  boundary-liu 
to  the  “ Ludlow  line,”  thence  along  that  line  to  the  head  spring  of  the  Littl 
Miami  River,  and  down  that  river  to  the  Ohio.  The  county  embraced  the  em 
tire  Ludlow  survey,  of  fourteen  ranges  of  townships  and  the  fractional  rang;] 
between  the  north  line  of  the  fourteenth  range  and  the  Indian  boundary-lira 

January  2,  1790,  the  date  of  the  formation  of  Hamilton  County,  Gov.  Si 
Clair  appointed  Jacob  Tappan  and  William  McMillan  Justices  of  the  Peace  fo 
the  county.  Their  authority  extended,  of  course,  throughout  all  of  the  teir 
tory  included  in  the  county,  but  as  there  were  no  inhabitants  in  this  uppe1 
country,  it  is  not  necessary  to  notice  more  than  simply  the  appointment  of  thes< 
the  first  civil  officers  of  the  valley. 

At  the  time  of  the  settlement  at  Dayton,  William  McMillan,  Robert  Whee. 
an  and  Robert  Benham  were  the  County  Commissioners  of  Hamilton  County 
Tabor  Washburn  was  Clerk;  Daniel  Syrnmes,  Sheriff;  Stephen  Wood,  Treasure 
and  George  Gordon,  Coroner. 

During  the  winter  of  1796-97,  Dayton  Township  and  other  township, 
were  formed,  making  eleven  in  all  in  the  county,  viz.,  Cincinnati,  Columbi; 
Miami,  Anderson.  Iron  Ridge,  South  Bend,  Colerain,  Springfield,  Fairfiel 
Deerfield  and  Dayton.  Fairfield  Township  included  the  territory  east  of  tl 
Big  Miami,  now  in  Butler  County.  Deerfield  Township  included  the  territoi 
west  of  the  Little  Miami,  now  in  Warren  County,  and  that  part  of  Montgon 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


279 


irj  County  between  the  Miami  Rivers  south  of  the  north  line  of  the  fifth  range 
)f" townships.  Dayton  Township  was  bounded  as  follows:  Beginning  at  a point 
>n  the  east  bank  of  the  Big  Miami,  where  it  was  intersected  by  the  north  line 
)f  the  fifth  range  of  townships;  thence  up  that  river  in  all  its  meanderings  to 
he  Indian  boundary-lino,  at  a point  where  said  river  crossed  the  said  Indian 
boundary -line,  in  Section  18,  Township  2,  in  the  fom-teenth  range  of  townships, 
between  the  Miamis;  thence  along  said  line  to  Ludlow’s  line,  and  down  that 
ine  to  the  southeast  corner  of  Section  5,  Township  6,  in  the  eighth  range  of 
townships  between  the  Miamis,  where  was  a branch  of  the  Little  Miami  River; 
hence  down  the  river  to  the  north  line  of  the  fifth  range  of  townships;  thence 
(vest  with  said  line  to  the  place  of  beginning.  The  township  thus  described  in- 
fiuded  within  its  limits  territory  that  now  forms  portions  of  the  counties  of 
Montgomery,  Greene,  Miami,  Clark,  Champaign,  Logan  and  Shelby.  All  of 
Wayne,  Mad  River  and  Van  Buren,  with  parts  of  Washington,  Dayton  and  Mi- 
imi  Townships,  of  Montgomery  County,  as  at  present  formed,  were  in  Dayton 
Township. 

The  Commissioners  of  Hamilton  County,  on  the  10th  of  June,  1797,  at  a 
neeting  held  at  the  Mansion  House,  of  Seth  Cutter’s,  in  Cincinnati,  appointed 
Assessors  and  Collectors  for  the  several  townships.  James  Brady  was  made 
Issessor,  and  John  Kitchell,  Collector,  of  Dayton  Township.  John  Kitchell, 
'ailing  to  qualify,  Calvin  Morrill,  was,  on  the  25th  of  August,  appointed  in  his 
lead,  and  Cyrus  Osborn  was  appointed  Constable  of  Dayton  Township.  Con- 
stables made  returns  of  persons  and  property  to  the  Assessors,  who  made  the 
iists  and  assessments,  that  were  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Township  Collectors 
for  collection.  The  Commissioners  and  Assessors  jointly  controlled  the  disburse- 
nents,  making  regular  reports  to  the  County  Court.  The  reports  of  assessments 
ind  collections  for  Dayton  Township  for  this  year,  were  lost  in  transit,  between 
Dayton  and  Cincinnati ; the  Clerk  was  ordered  to  forward  duplicates,  and  Col- 
lector Morrill  was  directed  to  make  return  by  the  15th  of  January,  1798.  There 
vere  sixteen  delinquents  in  the  township,  and  the  Collector  made  final  return, 
fight  of  them  non  est,  seven  satisfied  and  one  lost.  After  the  lists  were  re- 
turned each  year,  the  Commissioners  and  Assessors  met  as  a Court  of  Appeals, 
to  hear  appeals  against  assessments.  The  following  orders  show  the  amount  of 
fees  paid  to  these  first  officers. 


To  Stephen  Wood,  Treasurer  oe  the  County  op  Hamilton  : 

Sir — You  will  pay  James  Brady  Five  Dollars  and  Twenty  Cents,  out  of  the  first 
monies  that  come  into  your  hands,  the  same  being  his  perquisites  in  full  as  Assessor  for  the 
Township  of  Dayton  for  the  year  1797,  and  this  shall  be  your  warrant  for  so  doing. 

(Signed)  William  McMillan,  ) Commissioners. 
Robert  Benham,  ) 

Nov.  24th,  1797. 


To  Stephen  Wood,  Treasurer  op  Hamilton  County  : 

Sir — You  will  pay  Cyrus  Osborn,  Constable  of  Dayton  Towmsliip,  One  Dollar  and 
Ninety  Cents,  which  by  law  he  is  entitled  to  for  his  trouble  and  attention  in  executing  and 
returning  the  Commissioners’  warrant  for  ascertaining  the  taxable  property  for  the  present 
vear  ; and  also  Fifty  Cents  for  one  quire  of  paper  used  in  the  aforesaid  business. 

(Signed)  William  McMillan,  ) Commissioners 

Robert  Benham,  f commissioners. 

Cincinnati,  Nov.  24th,  1797. 


The  county  expense  for  stationery  for  the  year  was  $14.34.  The  Commis- 
sioners’ fees  for  the  same  time  were  $7.50  each. 

Joseph  Price  was  appointed  County  Commissioner  in  1798,  injfiace  of  Will- 
iam McMillan,  whose  term  expired.  Jacob  Burnet  succeeded  Stephen  Wood 
as  Treasurer  ; John  Ludlow  succeeded  Daniel  Symmes  as  Sheriff;  and  John 
S.  Gano  was  appointed  Protonothary. 


280 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


James  Thompson  was  appointed  Constable  of  Dayton  Township  for  the 
year  1798,  Daniel  C.  Cooper,  Assessor,  and  George  Newcom,  Collector. 

The  following  rates  (valuation  for  taxation)  were  fixed  by  the  Commission- 
ers and  Appraisers  : 


Single  men  with  no  property $1  00 

Cleared  land,  per  acre 20  00 

Cattle,  per  head 16  00 

Horses 75  00 

Cabins 20  00 

Houses 600  00 

Grist  and  sawmills,  each 600  00 

Boats 200  00 

Ferries 1,000  00 

Stud  horses 1,000  00 

LIST  OF  TAXPAYEKS  AND  ASSESSMENTS  IN  DAYTON  TOWNSHIP  IN  1798. 

George  Allexander $1  12 

George  Adams 1 33 

Thomas  Arnett 62 

Benjamin  Archer 1 33 

John  Barnett 1 25 

Paul  Butler 80 

Loriam  Belcher 1 25 

George  Boos  (living  at  Dayton) 1 25 

John  Beatey  (living  near  Cribb’s  Station) 1 25 

Paterick  Broderick 94 

Samuel  Beck 2 20' 

John  Bailey 57 

Andrew  Bailey 1 00 

John  Childers  (living  at  Smith’s  Town) 1 07 

John  Casey 1 00 

Daniel  Cox 1 00 

Daniel  C.  Cooper  (including  Vallentine  Oyer,  his  miller) 6 25 

William  Chapman 2 25 

William  Chenorth 1 00 

James  Collier 1 33 

William  Cancannon 371 

John  Devor 82 

Thomas  Davis 1 40 

Peter  Davis  (living  at  Dayton) 1 00 

James  Drew  (living  at  Hole’s  Station) 1 00 

Jonathan  Donalds 1 37 

Owen  Davis  (including  Owen  Batman,  his  hireling).. 2 80 

Thomas  Denny  (including  James  Pachston) 4 25 

James  Demint  (including  Christopher  Kailey) 2 35 

John  Duncan 87 

Philip  Espetro 75 

Nicholas  Espetro 70 

Henry  Etcheson 1 121 

Robert  Edgar 1 33 

John  Ellis 40 

John  Ewing 3 50 

Daniel  Ferrell 57 

Daniel  Flinn 1 20 

Benjamin  Flinn 1 071 

William  Gahagen 1 12 

Henry  Garrett  (Smith’s  Town) T 071 

Smith  Gregg 1 36 

Benjamin  Guinn  (living  with  James  Miller) 1 00 

James  Galloway,  Sr 2 50 

James  Galloway,  Jr 1 32 

Benjamin  Hamlet  (Smith’s  Town) 1 071 

David  Huston . 1 371 

John  Huston 1 30 

William  Hole 1 73 

William  Hamer, 2 40 

Edward  Harlin 1 00 

Zachariah  Hole 1 87 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


281 


Daniel  Hole,  Sr 

Richard  Hudson 1 

Join  Hillyard 1 

John  Haggin - 3 

Moses  Harlin 3 

Jerome  Holt 1 

William  Holmes  (including  John  Teeds) 1 

Samuel  Holmes  (Cribb’s  Station) 1 

Simon  Hughlock  (Beaver  Creek) 1 

Boston  Hoblet 

Alexander  Huston 1 

John  Hole  (including  Arial  Coy) 2 

Thomas  John 1 

John  Jackson 1 

Soloman  Kelley 

Leonard  Leuchman 1 

William  Loe 

Jeremiah  Ludlow. 1 

John  Laelley 

William  Lamb  (including  Michael  Woods  and  John  Woods) 3 

Nathan  Lamb 3 

Andrew  Lock 1 

David  Lowrey,  Jr 1 

David  Lowrey,  Sr 

James  McDonald  (including  Jacob  Shin) 2 

Jonathan  Mercer 

James  Miller,  Esq 1 

Edward  Mercer 1 

James  Morris 1 

James  McClure 1 

Widow  McClure 

David  Morris 1 

Adam  McPersen  (Little  Miami) 1 

Richard  Mason 

John  McCabe  (including  his  son) 2 

James  Miller 

William  Maxwell  (including  his  negro) 2 

Joseph  Mooney 1 


John  McNight. . . 
John  McGrew. . . . 
Thomas  Newport 
Benjamin  Nap. . . 


George  Newcome  (including  M.  Bourget) 2 

Chisley  Nap 1 

John  Nap 1 

Daniel  Nap 1 

Usual  Osborn 

John  Penticost 

William  Peney 

John  Paul 1 

James  Paul 1 

William  Paul 

Matthias  Parsons 

John  Quick 

James  Robe 1 

Thomas  Rich 1 

Jonathan  Rollins 1 

Abraham  Richardson 1 

Patrick  Rock  (including  his  son) 2 

William  Robbins 

Benjamin  Robbins 1 


Charles  Sincks 

Jacob  Sincks 

Anthony  Shevalier. 

Henry  Stumm 

Richard  Sunderlin. . 
William  Sunderlin. 


James  .Small 1 

Alexander  Sampson  (living  with  James  Thompson) 1 

Benjamin  Furman  (including  Aslam  -jEniswirt) 3 


37* 

03 

90 

00 

50 

00 

65 

00 

07 

75 

13 

54 

50 

00 

90 

06 

70 

00 

374 

31 

20 

374 

37 

55 

30 

40 

55 

00 

30 

00 

80 

37 

80 

80 

30 

74 

12 

12 

37* 

05 

00 

50 

69 

30 

00 

00 

374 

374 

50 

12 

00 

75 

50 

63 

06 

874 

00 

80 

50 

92 

30 

75 

374 

90 

75 

75 

75 

00 

37 

75 


282 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Samuel  Thompson 

James  Thompson  (including  James  McCoy). . 

John  Vance 

Joseph  Vance 

Joseph  Vandalagh 

William  Van  Asdall 

James  Westfall 

Jobe  Westfall 

William  Westfall  (including  two  of  his  sons), 

Andrew  Westfall, 

George  Westfall 

Peter  Washington  (living  with  Daniel  Plinn) 

John  Welch 

Joseph  Layton 

Moses  Young 

George  Kirkendall 


1 75 
3 75 
1 90 
1 70 
1 00 
90 
1 30 
75 


40 

75 

12 

00 

50 

00 

37* 

56 


Total |186  66* 

D.  C.  Cooper,  Assessor  of  Dayton  Township. 


His  fees  for  this  assessment  were  $7.21. 


TOWNSHIP  AFFAIRS  TO  1803. 


James  Smith  was  appointed  Sheriff.  The  lirst  election  held  in  the  North- 
western Territory  was  that  for  members  of  the  Territorial  Legislature,  on  the 
third  Monday  of  December,  1798.  The  following-named  citizens  were  elected 
to  represent  Hamilton  County:  William  Goforth,  William  McMillan,  John 

Smith,  John  Ludlow,  Robert  Benham,  Aaron  Caldwell,  Isaac  Martin.  Two 
Cincinnatians,  Jacob  Burnet  and  James  Findlay,  were  selected,  on  the  22d  of 
March,  1799,  either  by  the  President,  the  United  States  Senate,  or  the  United 
States  House  of  Representatives  (authorities  do  not  agree  which)  as  members  of 
the  first  Legislative  Council  of  the  Territory. 

In  1799,  David  E.  Wade  received  the  appointment  of  County  Commissioner,) 
to  succeed  Robert  Wheelan.  The  following- named  officers  were  appointed  for 
Dayton  Township  for  that  year:  Constable,  Samuel  Thompson;  Assessor,1 

John  McGrew;  Collector,  John  Ewing.  D.  C.  Cooper  was  appointed  Justice  of 
the  Peace.  The  first  entry  in  his  docket  is  dated  October  4,  1799.  The  case 
was  a suit  brought  by  Abram  Richardson  against  George  Kirkendall,  for  $8. 
The  costs  in  the  case  were  as  follows:  Summons,  10  cents;  entering  judgment, 

10  cents;  subpoena,  13  cents;  total,  33  cents.  Defendant  stayed  collection  will) 
John  Casey  on  the  security  bond.  The  next  case  was  brought  by  John  Casey 
against  Mathew  Bohn,  for  $6.78.  The  Squire’s  record  reads:  “ From  the  cir- 

cumstances in  the  case,  it  appears  that  there  is  really  no  cause  of  action  andj 
plaintiff  is  taxed  with  the  costs,  viz.,  Summons,  10  cents,  entering  judgment,  20 
cents;  sattisfyed.”  Another  case  recorded  is  a suit  by  Winetowah,  a Shawnee. 
Indian,  against  Ephraim  Lawrence,  for  $7.66,  due  for  furs.  The  Indian  got 
judgment  for  the  amount  and  $1.20  costs.  The  docket  runs  to  May  1,  1803. 
the  date  of  the  formation  of  the  county,  and  covers  118  cases,  a hundred  of 
them  certified  as  “settled,"  the  rest  being  marked  “sattisfyed.” 

The  lands  around  Cincinnati  were  more  rapidly  settled  than,  this  upper 
part  of  the  valley,  because  of  the  protection  of  the  garrison  at  Fort  Wash- 
ington. Three  new  townships — Washington,  Ohio  and  St.  Clair — were  formed 
in  the  county  somewhere  south  of  Dayton  Township,  in  the  year  1799. 

Assessor  McGrew  was  tardy  in  sending  in  his  list,  and  was  ordered  by  the 
Commissioners  to  return  it  by  June  28;  by  July  1,  he  had  it  completed,  show- 
ing an  assessment  of  $233.72;  of  this  amount  $224.64  were  collected. 

Ichabod  B.  Miller  was  appointed  Commissioner  in  the  year  1800,  and 
Aaron  Goforth,  Clerk.  July  18,  Jerome  Holt  was  appointed  Constable  of  Day-, 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


283 


on  Township,  and  was  directed  to  “list”  the  free  male  inhabitants  of  twenty  - 
,ne  years  of  age  and  over;  for  which  service  he  was  paid  819.50.  The  rates 
f taxation  for  this  year  were  upon  houses,  mills  and  other  buildings — 40  cents 
>n  each  $100  valuation;  horses,  40  cents  each;  cattle,  10  cents;  young  or  single 
aen,  50  cents  to  $2;  bond  servants,  $1  each;  stud  horses,  the  rate  they  stand 
,t  the  season. 

In  1801,  William  Ruffin  was  appointed  County  Commissioner.  Benjamin 
7an  Cleve  was  County  Surveyor,  and  was  made  Lister  for  Dayton  Township; 
le  listed  382  free  males  over  twenty -one  years  of  age.  In  addition  to  this  num- 
ier,  he  found,  west  of  the  Big  Miami  River,  twenty-eight,  and  east  of  the  Little 
liami  less  than  twenty.  Mr.  Yan  Cleve  was  paid  $29.50  for  listing.  The 
ownship  paid  $576,624  taxes  that  year.  Local  officers  for  the  counties  and 
ownships  of  the  territory,  had  been  appointed  by  the  Governor  and  Courts; 
nit  as  the  population  of  the  Miami  Valley  increased  so  rapidly,  it  was  decided 
hat  other  officers  were  required  and  should  be  elected,  and  the  following  au- 
hority  was  given  for  an  election  in  Dayton  Township: 

Cerritory  of  the  United  States  North-  J Hamilton  County. 

WEST  OF  THE  RlVER  OHIO.  f 

The  United  States  to  Jerome  Holt,  of  Dayton  Township,  greeting  : You  are  hereby 
equired  to  give  notice  to  the  inhabitants  of  said  township,  in  three  of  the  most  public 
daces  thereof,  at  least  ten  days  before  the  first  Monday  in  April  next,  that  they  may  and 
hall  convene  on  said  day  at  the  house  of  George  Newcom,  in  the  township  aforesaid,  and 
hen  and  there  proceed  to  elect  by  ballot  a Chairman,  Town  Clerk,  three  or  more  Trustees 
|>r  Managers,  two  or  more  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  three  Fence  Viewers,  two  Appraisers  of 
Houses,  Lister  of  Taxable  Property,  a sufficient  number  of  Supervisors  of  Roads,  and  one 
br  more  Constables,  agreeable  to  a 'law  entitled  an  act  to  establish  and  regulate  town  meet- 
ngs.  And  of  this  warrant  make  due  return.  By  Order  of  the  Court. 

In  testimony  whereof,  I have  hereunto  affixed  the  seal  of  our  same  Court  of  General 
Juarter  Sessions  of  the  Peace,  at  Cincinnati,  this  second  day  of  March,  in  the  year  of  our 
Lora  1802. 

[seal.]  John  S.  Gano,  Cl'k. 

The  names  of  the  officers  elected  are  not  known,  as  there  was  no  record 
sept;  but  those  who  were  elected  served  until  the  organization  of  the  county, 
,ffie  next  year,  1803. 

OHIO. 

By  the  census  of  1800,  there  were  42,000  inhabitants  in  that  part  of  the 
Northwestern  Territory  now  included  within  the  boundaries  of  Ohio.  Applica- 
tion was  promptly  made  for  admission  into  the  Union,  as  a State. 

April  30,  1802,  the  Enabling  Act  of  Congress,  for  the  formation  of  the  State 
of  Ohio,  was  approved  by  the  President.  Linder  this  act,  the  first  Constitutional 
Convention  of  the  State  was  assembled  at  Chillicothe,  on  the  1st  of  Novem- 
ber, 1802;  and  on  the  29th  day  of  the  same  month,  the  Convention,  having 
completed  its  labors,  the  constitution,  as  adopted,  was  signed  by  the  members, 
and  the  Convention  adjourned. 

February  19,  1803,  the  act  of  Congress,  “To  provide  for  the  due  execution 
of  the  laws  of  the  United  States,  within  the  State  of  Ohio,”  was  approved  by 
the  President.  By  this  act,  Ohio  was  admitted  into  the  Union. 

Ohio  is  the  “Pennsylvania  Dutch”  way  of  spelling  the  Indian  name  given 
to  the  great  river  that  divided  the  Indian  lands  of  the  north  from  the  lands  in 
possession  of  the  southern  tribes.  The  language  of  the  Wyandots  was  similar 
to  that  of  all  the  Northwestern  tribes;  that  of  the  Delawares  and  Shawnees, 
who  were  carpet-baggers  in  Ohio,  differed  each  from  the  other  and  from  that  of 
the  tribes  of  the  West.  The  Shawnees  called  the  Ohio  River,  Kisilakep  Sepe, 
the  Eagle  River;  the  name  given  it  by  the  Delawares  was  Wliingwy  Sepung, 
the  Big  Stream. 

The  V yandots,  who  were  possessors  of  the  soil  north  of  the  Ohio,  and 
whose  hunting-grounds  were  in  the  Kentucky  lands,  and  who  had  control  of  the 


284 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


vast  regions  of  the  west  for  a hundred  years  before  the  Delawares  or  Sha' 
nees  came  here,  gave  the  name  to  the  river,  and  it  therefore  should  stand 
preference  to  all  other  names.  The  Ohio  State  was  named  from  the  Ohio  Rj 
er,  and  what  is  said  of  one  applies  to  the  other. 

The  Wyandots  had  named  the  river,  Ohezuh,  great,  grand  and  fair  to  loi 
upon.  The  earliest  French  explorers  called  it  fair  and  beautiful.  La  Bel 
Riviere , the  same  meaning  as  the  Indian  name  Ohezuh — the  beautiful  riv< 
After  the  French  occupation  of  the  valley,  following  the  Indian  pronunciati* 
of  the  name  of  the  river,  they  call  it  Oho , then  Oheeho. 

The  Pennsylvanians,  in  their  early  treaties  with  the  Iroquois,  got  the  narj 
Oheeo,  and  spelling  it  in  their  Dutch  way  exactly  as  it  was  pronouuced,  the  “| 
was  substituted  for  the  double  “ee,”  thus:  Oh-ee-o  .became  Oh-i-o.  It  was  n 
so  spelled  or  pronounced  until  a short  time  before  the  middle  of  the  last  ce 
tury;  after  1744,  when  attention  began  to  be  drawn  toward  the  West.  Yirgi 
ians  gave  the  accent  that  has  ever  since  prevailed. 

STATE  BOUNDARIES. 

In  no  one  of  the  many  histories  of  Ohio  has  an  accurate  description  of  tl 
State  boundary  lines  been  given ; most  of  the  writers  have  been  content  to  say  th 
Ohio  is  bounded  on  the  east  by  Pennsylvania;  on  the  south  by  the  Ohio  River;  < 
the  West  by  Indiana;  and  on  the  north  by  Michigan  and  Lake  Erie. 

From  the  best  accounts  of  surveys,  we  find  the  eastern  boundary  line 
begin  at  a point  on  the  north  bank  of  the  Ohio  River,  just  below  the  mouth 
Beaver  Creek;  thence  running  north,  in  a direct  line,  to  the  northern  boundar 
line  of  the  United  States  in  Lake  Erie.  The  Ohio  River,  from  Beaver  Cret 
to  the  mouth  of  the  Big  Miami,  forms  the  southern  boundary  line.  The  weste: 
line  begins  at  a point  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Big  Miami  River  at  its  junctk 
with  the  Ohio  River,  and  extends  north  to  a point,  from  which  a line  extend* 
due  east  would  intersect  Lake  Erie,  northwest  of  the  Maumee  Bay.  Tl, 
northern  boundary  of  Ohio,  is  a line  drawn  due  east,  from  the  point  located 
above,  to  its  intersection  with  the  northern  boundary  line  of  the  United  Stati 
in  Lake  Erie;  thence  with  said  northern  boundary  line  to  its  intersection  wi 
the  eastern  boundary  line  of  Ohio. 

There  was  serious  trouble  between  Ohio  settlers  and  the  Territorial  office 
of  Michigan,  as  to  the  location  of  the  line  between  that  Territory  and  the  Staj 
of  Ohio.  At  one  time,  the  Michigan  militia  drove  the  settlers  off  their  land 
but  the  matter  was  adjusted  by  Congress  refusing  to  admit  Michigan  into  tlj 
Union  unless  the  line  was  established  as  Ohio  claimed. 

MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 

The  first  Legislature  met  at  Chillicothe  on  Tuesday,  March  1,  1803.  Go 
St.  Clair  had  become  unpopular  in  many  ways,  and  most  of  all  because  of  jh| 
refusal,  while  Governor  of  the  Territory,  to  organize  new  counties  in  the  par 
of  the  Territory  most  thickly  settled. 

March  24,  1803,  the  Legislature  enacted  a law  for  the  division  of  Hamiltc 
and  Ross  Counties,  and  by  that  act,  Montgomery,  Warren,  Butler  and  Greei 
Counties  were  created.  Section  3 of  the  act  reads  as  follows:  “And  be  it  fu 

ther  enacted:  That  all  that  part  of  the  county  of  Hamilton,  included  within  tl 
following  boundaries,  viz.,  beginning  on  the  State  line  at  the  northwest  corn 
of  the  county  of  Butler;  thence  east  with  the  lines  of  Butler  and  Warren, 
the  east  line  of  Section  No.  16,  in  the  third  township  and  fifth  range;  then 
north  eighteen  miles;  thence  east  two  miles;  thence  north  to  the  State  lin 
thence,  with  the  same,  to  the  west  boundary  of’  the  State;  thence  south,  wit 
said  boundary,  to  the  beginning  shall  compose  a third  new  county,  called  an 


RANDOLPH  , TP. 


lff§ 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


287 


known  by  the  name  of  Montgomery.”  Section  6,  of  the  same  act,  fixed  the 
emporary  seat  of  justice,  “ Where  court  should  be  held  at  the  house  of  George 
Newcom.  in  the  town  of  Dayton.”  Section  8 fixed  May  1,  1803,  as  the  day  the 
ict  should  take  effect. 

GEN.  RICHARD  MONTGOMERY. 

The  county  was  named  in  honor  of  Gen.  Richard  Montgomery,  who  was 
rilled,  in  the  assault  on  Quebec,  December  31,  1775.  Gen.  Montgomery,  son 
)f  Thomas  Montgomery,  was  born  in  Ireland,  in  1736,  and  was  educated  at 
Trinity  College,  Dublin.  In  1754,  he  obtained  a commission  in  the  British 
irmy  and  three  years  later  came,  with  his  regiment,  to  America,  where  he  dis- 
tinguished himself  in  the  service,  and  returned  to  England,  in  1763;  remained 
here  for  nine  years,  when  he  left  the  army,  and  again  came  to  America.  He 
settled  and  married  in  New  York,  was  a delegate  to  the  provincial  convention  of 
1775,  and  soon  afterward  was  commissioned  by  Congress  as  one  of  the  Brigade 
lenerals  of  the  Colonial  army.  In  the  invasion  of  Canada  (1775),  he  was 
Raced  second  in  command  of  the  division  under  Schuyler,  and  assumed  com- 
nand  of  the  division  when  Schuyler  returned,  sick,  to  Albany.  Montgomery 
idvanced  rapidly,  and  before  December  had  successively  captured  Chambly,  St. 
Tohns  and  Montreal.  In  December,  he  effected  a junction  with  Arnold,  before 
Quebec.  The  assault  on  the  town  was  made  the  night  of  December  31.  The 
surprise  was  complete,  but,  unfortunately  for  the  Americans,  Montgomery,  who 
vas  gallantly  leading  his  division,  was,  with  two  of  his  aids,  killed  at  the  first 
ire.  His  gallant  conduct  and  noble  character  were  eulogized  in  the  British 
Parliament,  and  the  American  Congress  passed  resolutions  of  respect  and  vener- 
ation for  the  young  hero,  and  erected  a monument,  in  his  honor,  in  front  of  St. 
Paul's  Church,  Broadway,  New  York  City,  to  which  place  his  remains  were 
Transferred  with  great  ceremony,  in  1818. 

THE  ORIGINAL  TOWNSHIPS. 

Shortly  after  the  law  took  effect,  by  which  Montgomery  County  was  formed, 
the  Associate  Judges  of  the  County  Court,  established  the  four  original  townships 
of  the  county — Washington,  German,  Dayton  and  Elizabeth  Townships.  Wash- 
ington Township  included  the  territory  in  the  southeast  corner  of  the  county, 
from  the  Greene  County  line  west  to  the  Miami  River,  and  from  the  Warren 
County  line  north  about  seven  miles,  nearly  the  present  north  line  of  the  town- 
ship. German  Township  included  all  of  the  territory  west  of  the  Miami  River 
to  the  State  line,  and  from  the  Butler  County  line  north  to  a line  running  west 
from  the  Miami  River  to  the  State  line,  parallel  to  and  two  or  three  miles  south 
of  the  present  south  line  of  Miami  County.  Dayton  Township  was  all  of  the 
territory  east  of  the  Miami  River  to  the  Greene  County  line,  and  north  of 
Washington  Township  to  a line  near  to  and  parallel  to  the  north  line  of  the 
eighth  range  of  townships.  Elizabeth  Township  was  all  of  that  part  of  the 
county  north  of  German  and  Dayton  Townships. 

At  the  time  Montgomery  County  was  formed,  the  enumeration  showed  526 
white  male  inhabitants,  over  twenty-one  years  of  age,  within  its  limits;  in 
Greene  County,  446;  in  Warren,  854;  in  Butler,  836;  in  the  State,  15,314. 


E 


288 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

First  Settlements — Emigrant  Settlers — In  the  Clearings — Cabins  an 
Cabin  Life — The  Squatter  Settlements — Tomahawk  Eights — Discout 
aged  Squatters — Order  of  Township  Settlements — Farming — Food- 
Cabin  Affairs — Stock — Sugar  Camps — Mills — Log  Eollings — Wedding! 

THE  settlements  then  on  the  Miami,  at  the  mouth  of  Mad  Eiver  and  below  an 
those  up  the  Mad  Eiver  Valley,  on  lands  that  are  now  in  Montgomen 
Greene  and  Clark  Counties,  were  made  late  in  the  winter  of  1795-96,  an 
early  in  the  spring  following.  The  men  who  had,  fortunately,  been  connects 
with  the  surveying  parties  the  summer  before,  had  the  choice  of  lands — nota 
bly,  D.  C.  Cooper.  Capt.  John  Dunlap,  Benjamin  Van  Cleve,  Jonathan  Mercei 
David  Lowry,  Jonathan  Donnel  and  William  Gahagan.  These  choice  tracts  o 
lands  were  secured  by  the  surveyors  for  themselves,  or  for  some  member  of  th 
party,  by  establishing  lines  and  corners  of  the  desired  tracts,  then  incorporatin 
the  field  notes  of  such  special  surveys,  with  the  notes  of  the  general  survey,  tliij 
giving  correct  description  of  the  chosen  tract,  for  proper  entry  at  the  Goveri 
ment  Land  Office. 

THE  EMIGRANT  SETTLERS. 

Later  in  the  year,  yet  closely  crowding  in  the  wake  of  the  pioneer  colon} 
came  the  steady  stream  of  emigrant  settlers  as  re- enforcements  to  the  little  ban 
of  brave  sprits  who  first  ventured  into  the  task  of  clearing  the  dense  woods  c 
the  hills  and  valleys  of  the  Miami.  Some  located  in  the  bottom  lands  aroun 
Hole’s  Creek,  others  below,  at  Hole’s  Station;  several  selected  their  lands  a sno: 
distance  up  Mad  Eiver,  near  the  Hamer  tract,  and  two  or  three  families  vent 
ured  up  the  Miami  just  above  Dayton.  Eoving  bands  of  Indians  forced  thei 
all  to  keep  within  rallying  distance  of  the  larger  settlement,  at  the  mouth  t 
Mad  Eiver. 

Temporary  protection  was  first  to  be  provided.  The  men  were  all  exper: 
enced  woodsmen.  Surrounded  by  the  dangers  of  frontier  life,  they  could  rel 
upon  their  own  skill,  experience  and  resources,  for  safety  and  a maintenance  1 
their  new  forest  homes;  with  poles,  against  a bank  or  log,  they  built  half-facecj 
or  three-sided  huts,  open  in  front  to  face  the  fire,  and  roofed  with  bark  or  skim 
as  shelter  for  the  families,  while  the  men  were  clearing  away  for  the  cabin  sites 
Their  situation  was  not  specially  uncomfortable;  and,  although  wearied  wit 
the  anxieties  and  dangers  of  border  warfare,  and  their  means  of  subsistance  ei 
hausted  by  the  delay  at  Cincinnati ; they  hoped  now  to  be  able  to  settle  dowj 
and  provide  for  their  families. 

IN  THE  CLEARINGS. 

The  men  were  on  guard  night  and  day.  By  night  and  by  day,  at  the  cabin 
or  in  the  clearings,  the  trusty  rifle  was  ready  for  instant  use.  When  the  cabi 
site  was  selected,  all  timber  within  rifle  range  was  cut  down,  to  deprive  prow 
ing  Indians  of  shelter  and  temptation  for  a shot  at  the  settler  or  his  famib 
While  the  men  were  thus  at  work,  felling  the  timber,  the  women,  too,  were  buej 
with  axes,  grubbing  out  thickets  and  digging  holes,  here  and  there,  wherevij 
possible  between  the  roots  and  stumps,  to  plant  corn  and  potatoes.  The  me 
were  in  the  clearings  before  day,  and,  by  the  light  of  the  blazing  brush-fire 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


289 


•irked  until  late  at  night.  The  ax  was  the  important  implement;  with  it  the 
ckwoodsmen  built  the  cabins,  cleared  the  land,  grubbed  out  the  roots  and 
; imps,  cut  the  wood,  blazed  and  opened  the  roads,  marked  his  corners,  split 
e rails  and  built  bridges. 

CABINS  AND  CABIN  LIFE. 

After  the  huts  were  made  as  comfortable  as  possible,  logs  were  gotten  out 
;r  the  cabins,  that  were  generally  put  up  one  and  a half  stories  high.  When 
i is  much  had  been  accomplished,  neighbors  would  join  in  hauling  logs,  poles, 
ncheons  and  clapboards,  on  bobs  and  drags,  to  the  cabin  sites,  and  in  “ rais- 
g.”  Puncheons  were  split  for  the  floors;  doors  were  cut  out  of  the  logs  on 
■ e side  of  the  cabins,  and  clapboard  doors  were  hung  upon  wooden  hinges, 
Atenedwith  a wmoden  latch.  “ The  latchstring  always  hung  out.  ” The  roof 
-is  of  clapboards,  held  down  by  weight-poles.  The  chimney  was  built  of 
i cks  and  mud.  The  upper  floor  was  laid  with  loose  clapboards,  and  a short 
Ider  was  used  to  go  up  and  down.  Wooden  pins  were  used  to  fasten  the- 
nbers — nails  or  spikes  were  not  to  be  had.  The  beds  were  constructed  by 
i iving  two  stakes  between  the  floor  puncheons,  poles  were  placed  in  the  forks 
: d one  end  between  the  cracks  of  the  logs;  across  these  poles  clapboards  were 
' id  for  the  bottom  of  the  bed.  and  dried  grass  and  pelts  spread  oxer  it.  Tables 
lire  made  of  a split  slab,  with  four  legs  set  in  auger-holes;  three-legged 
1 >ols  and  benches  were  made  in  the  same  manner;  pins  were  driven  in  the 
ills,  on  which  clapboards  rested  for  shelves  or  mantels.  Clothing  was  hung 
pegs  around  the  cabin,  and  the  rifle,  powder-horn  and  shot  pouch  hung 
>on  buck-horns  over  the  chimney-piece.  This,  the  primitive  log  cabin, 
:omy  and  comfortable,  the  home  of  the  pioneers  of  the  Miami  Yalley- — the 
st  buildings  erected  by  the  whites  anywhere  in  this  region.  Windows  were 
ft  needed  until  winter.  As  the  cabins  were  not  chinked  and  daubed,  plenty 
light  came  in  betwTeen  the  logs  and  by  the  open  door.  Feed  for  the  horses 
d cattle  was  scarce,  but  they  could  find  good  pickings  in  the  grassy  patches 
:.d  the  young  sprouts  in  the  thickets.  The  settlers  had  no  great  variety  of 
ovisions,  and  were  often  reduced  to  a single  dish  of  broiled  venison  or  wild 
;rkey.  This,  however,  arose,  not  from  the  scarcity  of  game,  but  from  the  fact, 
at  they  could  not  spare  the  time  to  go  into  the  woods  hunting  until  the  sup- 
y of  meat  was  fully  exhausted.  Their  determination  to  establish  themselves 
their  new  homes  never  wavered,  and  they,  in  good  heart,  met  and  conquered 
ery  hardship.  Corn,  turnips,  potatoes  and  tobacco  were  harvested  the  first 
ason ; nuts  were  gathered  for  winter  use : wild  grass  and  fodder  was  stacked 
r the  stock;  so  that  the  little  settlement  was  well  supplied  with  the  necessar- 
3 and  some  luxuries  for  the  first  winter  in  the  woods  around  the  mouth  of 
ad  River. 

Y illiam  Hamer  and  his  family,  and  William  Gahagan,  built  a comforta- 
»e  cabin  on  the  hill  at  the  Hamer  tract,  and  jointly  cultivated  a small  patch 
corn  and  garden  truck.  In  the  fall,  the  cabins  were  chinked  and  daubed, 
d made  snug  for  the  winter.  Windows  were  made  by  cutting  out  about 
ree  feet  of  one  of  the  logs  and  putting  in  a few  upright  pieces,  pasting  on 
em  (instead  of  glass)  pieces  of  paper  greased  with  bear’s  oil,  which  afforded 
me  light  and  kept  out  the  rain.  The  wooden  fire-place  and  chimney  were 
otected  from  fire  by  a liberal  lining  of  clay  mud. 

The  cabins  were  scantily  supplied  with  table-ware  and  cooking  utensils, 
dps  of  any  kind  were  a great  rarity:  pewter  and  wooden  plates  and  bowls 
pre  used;  spoons  were  made  of  horn:  if  knives  and  forks  were  scarce,  wooden 
tes  were  made.  A covered  skillet  or  spider,  a pot  or  kettle,  comprised  the 
jtchen-ware.  These  were  kept  scrupulously  clean,  and  usually  hung  about  the 
antel. 

; 


290 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


The  pioneers  were  thus  kept  busy,  clearing  and  building,  through  the 
summer  of  1796.  The  little  tract  of  land  cultivated  yielded  an  abundant  sup 
ply  for  the  following  winter.  The  woods  were  full  of  game,  such  as  bear,  deer 
wild  turkey,  pheasants,  rabbits,  raccoons,  opossum  and  squirrels.  Wolves,  wild 
cats,  foxes  and  rattlesnakes  were  also  uncomfortably  numerous.  The  riven 
were  full  of  hsh,  and  in  season  wild  ducks  and  geese  were  plenty.  Each  mai 
and  boy  was  the  owner  of  a flint-lock  rifle  or  army  musket,  and,  from  practice 
all  were  good  marksmen. 

Corn  was  first  pounded  in  a hominy-block,  then  shaken  through  a sieve 
taking  the  finer  portion  for  meal  to  make  bread,  hoe-cake  and  mush,  and  usin: 
the  coarser  for  hominy.  Walnuts  gathered  by  the  boys  were  the  only  luxuriei 
enjoyed — except  the  cob  pipe.  Having  no  candles,  the  only  light  thev  ha< 
was  from  the  huge  log  fires  that  so  comfortably  warmed  the  cabins.  In  thi 
long  winter  evenings,  additional  light  was  had  by  throwing  on  the  fires  sea 
soned  fagots  and  the  bark  of  shelly  hickory. 

The  women  attended  to  all  household  affairs,  milked  the  cows,  cooked 
spun,  wove,  made  all  the  clothing,  tended  the  garden  and  cared  for  the  winte: 
truck.  Fur  skins  were  used  for  moccasins,  clothing  and  harness;  bear-skim 
and  other  pelts  were  used  on  the  floor  and  beds.  The  men  hunted  and  brougk 
in  the  meat,  planted,  plowed  and  gathered  the  crops,  cleared  the  land  am 
cared  for  the  stock.  Coon-skin  caps  were  generally  worn.  The  hunting- shir 
was  made  of  linsey  or  deer-skins;  it  was  long,  covering  the  hips.  Legging; 
were  worn  over  the  breeches,  wrapped  with  thongs  tied  to  the  moccasins  ti 
keep  out  mud  and  water. 

The  weather  of  that  first  winter  in  these  backwoods  proved  favorable  fo 
out-door  work;  all  were  busy  clearing  more  ground  for  the  next  spring’s  plant 
ing,  the  women  working  with  their  husbands  in  the  clearings,  rolling  logs  ami 
burning  brush,  thus  providing  for  the  support  of  their  families  by  extending 
the  tract  of  ground  for  cultivation.  In  addition  to  the  little  patch  cleared  fo 
garden  truck,  it  was  necessary  also  to  prepare  a piece  of  ground  for  flax  and  hern}, 
for.  while  the  men  and  boys  could  be  clothed  with  garments  made  of  buck-skin,  i 
was  not  so  with  the  women.  They  had  to  spin  and  weave  cloth  for  their  owl 
clothing. 

THE  SQUATTER  SETTLEMENTS. 

In  1797,  large  numbers  of  settlers  came  in,  who,  like  those  of  the  yea 
before,  fully  intended  to  locate  permanently  upon  the  lands  selected,  and  ha 
no  idea  of  difficulty  in  securing  good  titles;  nevertheless,  as  the  situation  de 
veloped,  they  were  all  squatters,  with  no  other  than  squatters’  rights,  either  i 
the  town  lots  or  farming  lands.  The  whole  of  this  county  up  to  the  openin| 
of  the  land  offices,  in  1801,  was  simply  a large  squatter  settlement. 

Men  would  come  alone,  with  nothing  but  the  rifle  and  hatchet  to  providj! 
themselves  with  food  from  the  forests;  two  or  three  would  sometimes  journe 
together;  others  brought  their  families,  and  sometimes  strong  colonies  of  se\ 
eral  families  would  come  to  the  frontier  to  locate  together.  Such  parties,  largi 
and  small,  were  often  months  on  the  way,  some  bringing  provisions  andplunde 
on  pack-horses  or  in  wagons,  while  others  had  no  more  than  the  men  and  woine 
conveniently  packed  on  their  backs.  Other  parties  would  load  their  few  houstj 
hold  goods  in  a dug-out,  and  pole  up  the  river  to  Hole’s  Station,  or  Daytoi 
or  higher  up  the  rivers  to  a near  point  from  which  to  pack  their  stuff  tkrougj 
the  woods  to  their  lands. 

TOMAHAWK  RIGHTS. 

Before  the  surveys,  the  title  fully  respected  by  the  settlers  of  the  count;) 
was  known  as  the  ‘‘tomahawk  right.”  It  was  made  by  deadening  a few  treej 
near  a spring,  or  at  some  other  prominent  point  on  the  tract;  and  by  blazing  tret) 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNT!. 


291 


at  the  corners,  or  along  the  lines.  A “ settlement  right  ” was  even  stronger,  as  the 
pioneer  was  on  hand  to  defend  his  property.  Either  of  these  rights,  however, 
were  recognized  as  establishing  a priority  of  claim,  and  were  often  bought  and 
sold,  as  it  was  better  to  buy  the  improvements,  rather  than  quarrel  with  parties 
who  held  them. 

Except  at  the  few  open  spaces  of  prairie  and  wet  lands,  the  county  was 
densely  wooded;  cabins  were  to  be  built,  the  forests  cut  down  and  cleared  up, 
panthers,  bears  and  wolves  were  to  be  exterminated.  The  brave  pioneers,  in- 
stead of  looking  at  the  immensity  of  their  tasks,  went  to  work  to  clear  the  land, 
little  by  little,  and  to  till  what  they  could  the  first  year.  Good  crops  of  corn, 
tobacco,  hemp,  flax,  beans,  turnips,  pumpkins,  cabbage  and  potatoes,  were  har- 
vested in  1797;  wild  grass  and  fodder  were  stacked  for  winter  feed;  and  since 
that  crop,  the  surplus  product  of  the  valley  has  increased  steadily  from  year  to 
year. 

So  many  came  without  horses  or  oxen  that  neighborhoods  would  join  in 
clearing;  and  log-rollings  were  kept  up  for  half  the  winter;  when  it  came 
time  to  burn,  the  men  would  fire  the  heaps,  and  the  women  tend  the  fires, 
working  late  at  night  in  favorable  weather.  For  the  winter,  the  children  gath- 
ered walnuts,  hickorynuts,  hazelnuts,  butternuts,  chincopins,  haws  and  wild 
grapes;  honey  was  found  in  great  plenty  in  hollow  trees,  and  often  in  the 
ground,  under  the  roots  of  dead  trees. 

SQUATTERS  DISCOURAGED. 

The  fine  settlements  on  Twin  Creek;  over  in  the  broad  bottoms  of  the  Mi- 
ami, at  Hole’s  Station,  and  at  the  mouth  of  Hole’s  Creek;  in  the  rich  lands  up 
Wolf  Creek,  Mad  River,  Miami  and  Stillwater  Valleys,  were  greatly  disturbed 
at  Government  delay.  Settlers  could  not  afford  to  waste  time  in  improving  land 
to  which  they  could  get  no  title.  Many  who  had  built  cabins  and  cleared  land, 
in  1797,  1798,  1799  and  1800,  became  discouraged,  and  sold  out,  or  abandoned 
their  claims,  and  pushed  farther  into  the  wilderness.  So  that  others  who 
came  in,  from  1801  to  1804,  found  corn  patches  already  cleared  and  cabins, 
that  could  be  bought  cheaply,  or  had  for  nothing.  Former  occupants  had  gone 
up  to  the  headwaters  of  the  Miami,  or  Mad  River,  or  had  returned  to  the  set- 
tlements nearer  Cincinnati. 

ORDER  OF  TOWNSHIP  SETTLEMENTS. 

Without  reference  to  date  or  order  of  organization  of  the  townships,  we 
give  the  list  of  the  townships  of  the  county  in  the  order  of  their  permanent  set- 
tlement. The  first  settlement  was  made  in  the  town  of  Dayton,  then  Mad  River 
Township,  Van  Buren,  Miami,  Washington,  German,  Jackson,  Jefferson,  Harri- 
son, Madison,  Wayne,  Randolph,  Butler,  Clay,  Perry.  Shortly  after  the  arrival 
of  the  first  settlers,  at  the  mouth  of  Mad  River,  a few  followed  William  Hamer 
to  his  settlement,  farther  up,  while  others  settled  in  the  bottoms  below  Thomas 
Davis,  in  what  is  nowVan  Buren  Township.  Then  -Jerome  Holt,  with  his  fam- 
ily, were  among  the  next  arrivals;  then  D.  C.  Cooper,  Robert  Edgar,  Gen.  Jacob 
Brown,  Thomas  Arnett,  George  Adams  and  Paul  D.  Butler. 

In  1797,  others  followed,  locating  along  Hole’s  Creek,  in  Washington 
Township,  and  at  the  mouth  of  the  creek;  then  below,  where,  shortly  afterward, 
the  block-house  and  stockade,  known  as  Hole’s  Station,  were  built  by  William 
Hole.  For  a time,  that  station  was  a point  from  which  squatter  adventurers 
would  prospect  for  location,  up  Hole’s  Creek,  across  the  river  and  up  Bear 
Creek,  and  in  the  Twin  Creek  Valleys.  Choice  spots,  little  prairies,  the  rich 
loamy  lands  of  Washington,  Miami,  German,  Jefferson  and  Jackson  Townships 
were  thus  appropriated.  The  squatter  people  erected  their  cabins,  cleared  little 


292 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


patches  of  land,  and  tilled  the  soil;  and  thus  had  occupied  almost  the  entire 
half  of  the  county  when  the  land  offices  were  opened.  There  were  Indian  camps 
at  different  points  west  of  the  Miami,  and  small  bands  of  savage  hunters  were 
constantly  roving  through  the  woods,  but  the  squatters  were  made  compara- 
tively safe  by  the  outposts  of  Dayton,  Greenville,  Piqua  and  Urban  a.  The 
township  historians  will  show  that,  after  the  survey  of  the  lands,  and  the  oppor- 
tunity for  purchase  was  given,  that  most  of  the  squatters  had  abandoned  their 
claims,  or  soon  sold  out  and  left. 

William  Mason,  the  first  squatter  in  Harrison  Township,  went  up  Wolf 
Creek  and  built  his  cabin,  on  Section  30,  as  early  as  the  year  1800 — cleared  a | 
little  patch  along  the  creek,  and  lived  there  in  seclusion  for  several  years.  John  Jj 
Miller  and  family,  in  the  spring  of  1799,  settled  a short  distance  up  Wolf  Creek, 
where  they  lived  for  several  years;  then  entered  land  north  of  Dayton. 

William  King  came  from  Kentucky,  with  his  family,  about  1801,  cut  a S 
road  two  miles  through  the  woods  to  his  cabin  site  west  of  Dayton.  John  Neff  | 
entered  a very  large  tract  of  land  in  the  bend  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Miami, 
in  the  northeast  corner  of  Harrison  Township.  That  part  of  the  river  is  now 
known  as  Peach  Tree  Bend. 

The  first  squatter  in  Madison  Township  was  John  Williams,  the  farmer,  | 
who,  in  1799,  lived,  with  his  family,  in  the  cabins  at  the  southeast  corner  of 
Water  and  Wilkinson  streets,  in  Dayton.  In  1800,  he  moved,  with  his  family 
and  stock  on  to  lands  up  Wolf  Creek,  at  the  mouth  of  Salem  Creek — lands  j! 
that  he  afterward  entered  and  farmed.  He  became  one  of  the-  most  prominent 
and  influential  men  of  the  county.  David  Ward  and  family  settled  on  the  rich 
lands  at  the  mouth  of  Salem  Creek,  in  the  year  1800,  and  the  next  year  entered 
the  lands.  Peter  Dietrick,  with  his  family,  in  1802,  and  Samuel  Isaac  and 
John  Cilery,  with  their  families,  settled  in  the  township  in  1803. 

Most  of  the  more  thrifty  of  the  first  settlers  of  Mad  River  and  Dayton,  and 
a few  up  at  Honey  Creek  and  Staunton,  held  “tomahawk  rights  ” to  choice  spots 
of  Wayne  Township  lands,  but  sold  out  to  actual  settlers  as  they  came  in.  The 
Indian  trail  to  the  north  afterward  became  the  pioneer  road  to  Livingston  and 
Staunton;  it  was  the  route  used  by  Hull’s  army,  in  1812,  then  by  Gov.  Meigs 
and  Gen.  Harrison;  afterward  became  the  State  road,  and  now  known  as  the 
Old  Troy  pike;  was  the  line  of  first  settlement  in  Wayne  Township.  Benjamin 
Van  Cleve  lived,  for  a short  time,  on  his  farm  on  that  road,  and,  in  1801,  the 
Rev.  Joseph  Tatman,  one  of  the  early  itinerant  preachers  of  the  Methodist 
Church,  came  to  the  township. 

In  1798,  several  prospectors,  who  afterward  became  pioneers  of  Randolph  jj 
Township,  came,  horseback,  across  the.  country,  from  their  homes  in  Randolph  jl 
County,  N.  C.,  in  search  of  new  lands,  and  to  this  end  explored  the  Stillwater  j 
Valley  as  far  as  the  falls,  selecting  lands,  which  they  entered  in  1801,  and,  with  jj 
their  families,  settled  upon  in  1802.  These  first  settlers  in  Randolph  Township 
were  David  Mast,  wife  and  son;  Daniel  Hoover  and  family,  and  his  nephew, 
Daniel  Hoover,  with  his  family,  and  David  Hoover  and  family.  They  cut  the  j 
road  through  the  woods  to  their  lands,  on  the  banks  of  Stillwater,  in  the  north-  jj 
east  corner  of  the  township. 

The  bottoms  along  Stillwater  were  the  choice  lands  of  Butler  Township,  j! 
and  therefore  were  the  first  taken  up  by  settlers.  When  the  land  office,  at  jl 
Cincinnati  was  opened,  in  1801,  most  of  the  rich  lowlands  along  the  river,  had 
been  “ blazed”  for  entry;  and  j the  southwest  corner  of  the  township  soon  be-  Jj 
came  a bustling  little  settlement.  A few  years  later,  flat-boats  were  regularly  jj 
loaded  there  for  the  Ohio  River  and  Mississippi  markets.  Henry  Yount, 
Thomas  Newman,  George  Sinks  and  John  Quillan  were  the  first  settlers  to  im- 
prove their  lands. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


293 


Clay  was  not  one  of  the  earlier  settled  townships;  certainly  there  were  no 
squatters  in  that  part  of  the  county,  and  the  cold  clay  lands  were  not  in  de- 
nand  until  in  1803.  In  1804,  John  Rohrer,  with  his  family,  settled  a little 
lortheast  of  the  center  of  the  township.  Then  came  John  Spitler,  and  in  1805 
lie  township  began  to  till  up. 

If  there  were  any  settlers  in  Perry  Township  prior  to  1805,  they  became 
lissatistied  and  sought  elsewhere  for  richer,  better- drained  lands.  But  in  1806, 
ts  the  more  desirable  locations  on  Twin  Creek,  to  the  west,  and  on  Stillwater, 
,o  the  east,  were  taken  up,  then  settlers  began  to  locate  on  the  flat,  beach  lands 
if  Perry  Township. 

In  1799,  the  whole  valley,  as  far  north  as  the  Indian  Line,  was  dotted  with 
iiabins,  and  at  Loramie's  Station  there  was  quite  a busy  little  trading-post. 
The  progress  of  the  settlement  of  Miami  Yalley  was  never  checked;  settlements 
increased  steadily  in  numbers,  and  gradually  spread  over  the  hilly  lands,  yet 
here  was  always  an  uneasiness  about  the  Indians,  that  caused  precaution 
against  outbreaks.  Stockades  were  built,  in  1799,  in  different  parts  of  this 
bounty,  and  many  times  the  people  were  assembled  for  mutual  protection.  In 
1806,  and  in  1810,  there  was  great  alarm;  then,  during  the  exciting  war  times 
—1811  to  1814 — special  guard  was  necessary. 

FARMING. 

The  yield  of  crops  in  the  bottom  lands  soon  developed  the  good  judgment 
shown  in  their  selection,  although  at  first  they  were  very  wet.  The  implements 
used  in  farming  were  few  and  simple.  Plows  were  made  of  jack-oak  sticks, 
shaped  and  sharpened  somewhat  like  a shovel-plow,  and  the  first  improvement 
was  a curved  branch  of  a tree  pointed  with  a piece  of  iron.  Axes  were  often 
used  to  cut  out  the  sod,  and  between  roots  and  stumps,  to  make  holes  in  which 
to  drop  the  grain,  or  to  plant  potatoes;  planting  was  all  done  by  hand,  the  big 
weeds  were  pulled  out  by  hand  or  clubbed  down.  Seed  was  covered  by  drag- 
ging a tree- top  behind  a pair  of  bullocks.  Sickles  were  first  used,  then  the 
handles  were  lengthened,  then  the  blades,  then  fingers  were  added,  and  that 
made  the  cradle  that  was  used  until  modern  machinery  came  in.  In  handling 
hay  and  other  crops,  wooden  forks,  made  from  forked  brush- wood,  were  used; 
there  were  no  barns  for  storing  unthrashed  grain,  and  the  newly-cut  crops  were 
therefore  stacked.  Grain  was  thrashed  with,  flails,  or  tramped  out  with  horses; 
com  was  gathered  and  shelled  by  hand;  potato-digging  was  accomplished  with 
pointed  sticks  or  paddles. 

FOOD. 

The  truck-patch  supplied  vegetables  in  plenty  for  the  table.  Mush,  corn- 
pone  and  hominy  were,  for  the  first  few  years,  the  only  bread  used  in  the  cab- 
ins. Mush  and  milk  was  a standard  dish,  Milk  was  a great  item  in  the  sup- 
port of  the  families;  and  one  of  the  first  things  a settler  did  was  to  buy,  trade 
or  work,  to  own  a cow;  where  there  was  a herd,  one  cow  would  wear  a bell 
which  could  be  heard  a great  distance  through  the  woods.  One  of  the  first  du- 
ties in  the  morning,  was  to  listen  for  the  bell,  the  tone  of  which  was  as  famil- 
iar as  the  voice  of  any  of  the  family.  When,  for  want  of  pasture,  the  milk 
supply  was  short,  hominy  and  mush  were  cooked  in  sweetened  water,  bear’s  oil, 
or  the  grease  from  fried  meat.  Eggs  were  in  fair  supply  from  the  nests  of 
wild  turkeys,  geese  and  ducks;  and  the  tables  could  be  provided  with  venison 
and  bear  meat.  The  desirable  locations  for  the  cabins  were  near  springs, 
branches  and  never-failing  streams;  wells  were  hot  dug  until  the  farms  were 
fairly  started,  then  the  old  familiar  well-sweep  was  to  be  found  in  some  shady 
spot  near  the  improvement. 


294 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


CABIN  AFFAIRS. 

All  were  on  a social  equality;  rich  and  poor  dressed  alike — the  men  wear 
iug  hunting-shirt,  buckskin  pants,  moccasins  and  fur  caps;  and  the  women 
dressed  in  coarse  garments,  made  with  their  own  hands.  Almost  every  house 
contained  a loom,  and  almost  every  woman  was  a weaver.  Almost  every  family 
tanned  their  own  leather.  The  tan- vat  was  a large  trough,  sunk  in  the  ground; 
bark  was  easily  obtained  and  pounded  up.  The  leather  was  coarse  but  durable. 
Bosy-oheeked  lassies,  in  linsey-woolsey  dresses,  were  wooed  and  wedded  by  the  I 
hardy  pioneers  clad  in  these  buckskin  garments. 

There  were  no  roads  through  the  woods,  but  the  trees  were  blazed  to  show  jj 
the  route  to  the  cabins;  soon  bridle-paths  were  worn  that  were  finally  cut  out 
for  roads.  In  this  way,  the  roads  to  Springfield,  Xenia,  Waynesville,  German- 
town, Eaton  and  Greenville  were  located.  Without  calenders,  time  was  reck- 
oned accurately  enough  for  all  pioneer  purposes;  years  were  remembered  by 
events  that  had  occurred,  such  as  floods,  tires,  continued  snow  or  rain,  hot  spells, 
weddings,  sickness  and  deaths.  The  seasons  were  reckoned  by  the  routine  of 
farm  life — corn-planting,  corn-plowing,  harvest,  corn-husking,  seeding-time 
and  frost.  Time  of  day  was  designated  by  the  hours,  from  sunup,  midday,  and 
the  hours  until  sundown.  Signs  and  traditions  had  very  great  influence  over 
the  people. 

STOCK. 

Horses  and  cattle  were  brought  to  the  county  by  many  of  the  pioneer  par- 
ties that  came;  but  both  cattle  and  horses  were  small,  and  were  not  much  im-|! 
proved  until  after  1820.  In  February,  of  1799,  there  were  continued  deep 
snows  and  very  cold  weather,  causing  great  suffering  among  the  live  stock 
through  the  valley,  as  there  were  no  barns  and  but  little  other  protection  for 
them. 

I).  C.  Cooper  raised  the  first  hogs  in  the  county,  in  1799,  on  his  farm,  in 
Van  Buren  Township,  a mile  south  of  Dayton.  They  were  the  old-time,  long- 
legged,  slab-sided,  ugly,  savage  “elm-peelers.”  It  was  said,  if  an  “elm-peeler  ” 
heard,  a hundred  yards  away,  an  acorn  rattling,  as  it  dropped  through  the 
leaves,  he  could  run  and  catch  it  on  the  first  bounce  every  time.  They  increased; 
wonderfully  in  numbers,  were  marked  by  iheir  owners  and  turned  loose  to  feed1 
and  fatten;  then,  in  the  fall,  when  butchering  time  came,  the  settlers  would!' 
hunt  them  up  in  the  forest  and  shoot  them  with  the  rifle.  The  mast  of  180b 
and  1802  brought  in  wild  turkeys  in  such  numbers  that  they  became  a nuisance 
to  the  settlement,  as  well  as  destructive  to  the  growing  corn,  and  to  save  the 
crop  it  was  gathered  early.  The  hogs  fattened  on  the  great  crops  of  acorns  and| 
beachnuts,  and  did  not  suffer  much  from  the  attacks  of  wolves,  as  they  cad 
learned  as  a matter  of  defense  to  go  in  droves,  and  when  threatened,  would 
form  a circle  around  the  young  pigs,  and  when  a wolf  approached  too  near,  they 
became  aggressive,  and  would  tear  him  to  pieces  with  their  tusks.  Sheep  were; 
brought  to  the  colony  in  the  spring  of  the  year  1800,  but  for  many  years  after 
ward,  wolves  were  a great  drawback  to  sheep  raising.  It  was  not  safe,  at  any[ 
time,  to  allow  them  to  graze  on  the  hills  without  the  most  careful  watching, 
and  it  was  necessary  to  keep  them  in  strong  pens  at  night.  Wool  was  carded 
by  hand,  spun  in  the  cabins,  dyed,  woven  and  made  into  clothing  by  the  women.  | 
In  later  years,  horses  and  cattle  were  branded;  hogs  and  sheep  were  marked  by 
slitting,  cropping,  or  cutting  the  ears,  so  that  each  farmer  could  tell  his  own 
stock,  and  each  peculiar  mark  was  registered  with  the  Township  Clerk. 

SUGAR-MAKING. 

The  spring  of  1797  was  favorable  for  sugar-making,  and  each  year,  as  the 
number  of  settlers  increased,  greater  quantities  of  “tree-sugar”  were  made.  Al- 


James  H.  Monger. 

WASHINGTON  TP. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


297 


though  kettles  were  scarce,  camps  were  rigged  up,  and  the  boiling  continued  as 
loner  as  the  sap  would  run.  Troughs  were  made  of  bark  sewed  together  at  the 
ends  with  elm-bark  strings;  a stick  across  the  center  held  the  bulge.  Split 
strips  or  elder  quills  were  driven  into  a split  m the  tree  to  run  the  sap  into 
the  troughs. 

The  old  camp,  with  its  primitive  appliances,  is  no  more;  the  kettle  has 
been  superseded  by  the  pan,  and  the  trough  has  become  a mass  of  crumbling- 
decay.  The  women  and  children  are  kept  at  home,  and  no  longer  know  the  old- 
time  delights  of  “ sugaring- off,”  though  in  the  past  their  services  were  not  de- 
spised, and  the  whole  household  set  up  its  abode  in  the  woods.  In  that  way 
sugar  was  made,  and  when  the  sap  flowed  profusely  the  operations  were  contin- 
ued through  the  night,  and  the  fires  cast  strange  shadows  in  the  woods.  But, 
instead  of  a hut  of  logs,  a permanent  sugar-house  is  now  built,  and  furnished 
with  many  elaborate  devices  to  prevent  waste  and  deterioration.  One  change 
has  certainly  not  been  for  the  better,  and  that  is  the  abandonment  of  the  social 
life  of  the  old  camps,  which  made  sugar-time  a grand  frolic. 

MILLS. 

Every  expedient  was  resorted  to  to  get  corn  cracked  into  meal.  The  “hominy- 
block”  was  unsatisfactory,  and  grating  by  hand  was  worse.  The  stump-mortar 
was  made  by  burning  a round  hole  in  the  top  of  a stump;  a spring  pole  was 
rigged  over  it,  with  a stone  pestle  attached.  Hominy  was  first  made  by  hulling 
born,  soaking  the  grains  in  weak  lye,  then  cracking  in  the  “hominy-block,”  or  in 
the  improved  “stump-mortar.”  The  hand-mill,  although  hard,  slow  work,  was  a 
welcome  improvement,  and  soon  one  stood  in  the  chimney-corner  of  every  cabin. 
The  stones  were  about  four  inches  thick,  and  were  broken  down  as  nearly  round 
as  possible  to  about  twenty  inches  in  diameter.  On  top  of  the  upper  stone, 
near  the  edge,  one  end  of  a pole  was  fixed,  the  other  end  working  in  a socket  in 
a piece  of  timber  on  the  floor  overhead.  One  person  turned  the  stone  by  hand, 
while  another  fed  the  corn  into  the  eye.  It  took  two  hours  to  grind  enough 
meal  to  supply  one  person  for  a day,  the  operators  often  changing  places  in  the 
work.  Before  the  cabins  were  all  supplied  with  these  hand-mills,  neighbors 
sometimes  shouldered  a peck  or  half  bushel  of  corn,  and  carried  it  five  miles  to 
the  cabin  of  a settler  who  had  one,  grind  his  corn,  and  return  with  the  meal. 

Flour  was  very  scarce,  and,  at  this  time,  was  all  brought  from  Cincinnati, 
and,  as  we  'have  said,  was  very  expensive.  Most  of  the  settlers  kept  a small 
quantity  laid  by  for  use  only  in  case  of  sickness.  Those  who  could  afford  it 
had  biscuit  for  breakfast  on  Sunday  morning,  baked  in  a spider  before  the  fire. 
Corn-pone,  dodgers  and  flap- jacks,  supplied  them  for  the  rest  of  the  week.  Those 
who  could  not  afford  to  buy  flour  would  run  the  wheat  three  or  four  times 
through  these  hand-mills. 

The  next  advance  made  was  when  these  little  mills  were  rigged  to  run  by 
horse  power,  by  fastening  a pole  across  the  stone,  hitching  the  horse  to  the 
end  of  the  pole,  and  driving  him  round  and  round  a circle.  The  next  im- 
provement was  made  in  running  a single  pair  of  stones  by  water-power.  The 
wheel  was  a simple  paddle  wheel,  run  by  the  natural  current  of  the  stream, 
and,  although  not  reliable,  was  good  enouo-h  to  grind  all  the  wheat  and  corn 
tnat  the  settlement  needed. 

The  first  mill  built  anywhere  in  the  Miami  Valley,  north  of  the  fourth 
range  of  townships,  was  a small  tub-mill,  built  by  William  Hamer,  to  grind 
corn.  It  stood  where  Water  street  is  now  located  in  Dayton,  just  east  of,  and 
near  to,  the  canal  bridge.  The  water  was  brought  across  from  the  mouth  of 
Mad  River  by  a small  race,  and  the  tail  race  ran  down  the  present  course  of 
the  canal. 


298 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


In  the  fall  of  the  year  1799,  D.  C.  Cooper  started  a small  distillery  on  his 
farm,  two  miles  south  of  Dayton,  on  Rubicon  Creek,  Van  Buren  Township,  and 
between  the  pike  and  canal  as  now  located;  and  shortly  afterward  he  built  a 
saw-mill  and  “corn-cracker,”  each  run  by  water-power.  The  saw-mill  power  was 
a paddle-wheel;  the  “corn-cracker”  was  a tub-mill.  He  had  four  posts  set  in  the  || 
ground,  about  four  feet  apart,  two  on  each  side  of  the  creek,  forming  a square; 
the  posts  stood  four  feet  above  ground,  and  on  top  of  them  was  a puncheon  [ 
floor,  and  on  that  a small  pair  of  buhrs  were  set.  To  the  perpendicular  shaft 
the  “runner”  was  attached,  the  shaft  passed  through  the  bed-stone,  and  at  the 
lower  end  was  the  horizontal  tub-wheel.  Four  forks  were  planted  to  hold  the 
poles,  on  which  were  laid  the  clapboard  roof,  to  keep  the  rain  out  of  the  hop 
per.  The  sides  of  the  mill  were  not  inclosed.  This  little  mill  had  most  of  the 
trade  from  the  upper  Miami  country,  and  from  up  Mad  River  as  far  as  Spring 
field.  Soon  after  that,  possibly  in  the  year  1800,  a small  overshot  mill  was 
built  on  McConnell  Creek,  just  south  of  where  the  C.,  C.,  C.  & I.  R.  R.  now 
crosses  the  Springfield  pike,  in  Mad  River  Townhsip. 

Settlers,  in  coming  to  the  Cooper  mill,  would  sometimes  bring  pack-horses  || 
loaded  with  sacks  of  corn,  following  the  narrow  trails  through  the  forest.  || 
They  came  equipped  to  camp  along  the  way.  Rifle,  ammunition,  an  ax,  com- 
pass, blankets  and  bells,  were  necessary.  Halting  to  camp  at  night,  the  horses 
were  unloaded,  bells  fastened  around  their  necks,  and  they  were  turned  loose  j 
to  graze.  The  fire  being  built,  supper  was  cooked  and  eaten,  after  which  the jj 
lonely  traveler  spread  his  bear-skin  for  a comfortable  sleep;  then  breakfast  and! 
an  early  start  next  morning  for  the  mill.  After  such  a journey,  the  pioneer! 
would  often  have  to  wait  a day  or  two  for  his  turn. 

With  the  increase  in  population,  water-wheels  and  mill  machinery  were  rap- 
idly improved  after  the  year  1800.  The  mill-dams  were  usually  made  of  brush,! 
and  were  often  washed  away  by  spring  freshets.  Millers  made  their  own  buhrsj! 
out  of  limestone  or  granite  bowlders;  “raccoon  buhrs”  were  a later  improvement. 

WINTER  WORK  AND  RECREATIONS. 

Log-rolling,  house-raising,  quilting-parties,  eorn-huskings  and  shooting  ' 
matches  brought  the  men,  women  and  children  together  for  a frolic.  Frequent- 
ly they  came  twenty  miles  distance  to  participate.  All  hands,  after  performing! 
their  share  of  the  work,  enjoyed  a big  dinner;  the  younger  people  dancing  all; 
night  till  broad  daylight,  to  go  home  for  breakfast  in  the  morning. 

Early  to  bed  and  early  to  rise,  was  the  motto  and  practice  of  the  pioneerB. ;! 
Winter  evenings  in  the  cabins  would  have  been  too  long  and  tedious;  there, 
was,  however,  always  some  little  work  to  be  done,  in  which  all  of  the  family 
could  engage,  as  they  sat  in  the  fire-light  around  the  big  comfortable  log-fire. 
Some  would  shell  corn,  scrape  turnips,  grate  pumpkins  for  bread,  stem  and, 
twist  tobacco,  plait  straw  for  hats  and  break  llax,  all  to  the  music  of  the  spin 
ning- wheel.  But  little  time  was  given  to  sports  and  indulgence  in  luxury, 
rich  and  poor  alike  being  compelled  to  labor.  Young  folks  would  gather  in 
the  winter  at  some  of  the  larger  cabins  for  a dance.  The  music  would  begin'; 
early,  and,  as  most  of  the  boys  could  fiddle,  they  kept  it  up  until  daylight,  mak- 
ing it  merry  on  the  puncheon  floors,  the  dancers  often  having  to  stop  to  pull  big 
splinters  out  of  the  heels  and  soles  of  their  shoes.  The  dances  were  jigs,  four 
handed  reels,  double- shuffle,  break-downs,  scamper-downs  and  Western-swingj 
It  was  customary  for  the  men  folks  to  make  a “stew”  for  all  hands.  After  tRe 
dancing  was  in  full  glee,  a big  fire  would  be  built  out  in  the  road;  a big  kettl^j 
was  placed  on  the  fire,  in  which  to  boil  the  stew  that  was  made  as  follows:  Sev 
eral  gallons  each  of  water  and  whisky,  sweetened  with  tree-sugar;  allspice  and 
butter  were  also  used.  Men  and  women  would  drink  of  it  as  they  liked  through 
the  night,  always,  however,  in  decency  and  moderation. 


HISTORY  OP  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


299 


WEDDINGS. 

It  was  the  custom  among  the  pioneers  tu  many  young.  All  were  on  a so- 
ial  equality.  Very  little  time  was  given  to  “keeping  company;”  the  first  im- 
ressions  of  love  generally  resulted  in  a wedding.  The  law  permitted  the 
carriage  of  “male  persons  of  the  age  of  eighteen  years,  female  persons  of  the 
o-e  of  fourteen  years,  and  not  nearer  of  kin  than  first  cousins;”  and  required 
that  notice  should  be  given  either  in  writing,  posted  at  some  conspicuous 
dace  within  the  township  where  the  female  resided;  or  publicly  declared  on 
wo  different  days  of  public  worship.”  Weddings  were  the  grand  occasions 
f the  early  times.  The  frolic  was  anticipated  with  the  brightest  expectations, 
'he  ceremony  usually  took  place  before  noon,  immediately  upon  the  arrival  of 
he  groom  and  his  friends.  The  gentlemen  were  dressed  in  linsey  hunting- 
liirts,  far  caps,  leather  breeches,  leggings  and  moccasins;  the  ladies  in  linsey 
etticoats,  heavy  shoes,  stockings,  handkerchiefs  and  buckskin  gloves.  Any 
rnaments  they  had  were  relics  of  old  times.  Jokes  were  practiced  on  such  oc- 
asions  by  the  young  bloods  of  the  neighborhood.  Grapevines  were  tied  across 
he  road  to  trip  the  horses,  and  an  ambush  was  formed  to  frighten  the  girls 
nd  the  horses ; trees  were  felled  in  the  road  and  other  tricks  were  played  to 
xcite  and  annoy.  The  dinner  after  the  ceremony  was  always  generous.  Bear 
neat  and  venison,  potatoes,  cabbage  and  turnips  were  served  in  wooden  and 
iewter  plates,  on  a split  slab  table.  Dancing  began  immediately  after  dinner, 
nd  lasted  till  the  next  morning.  Reels,  square  dances  and  jigs,  were  in  order. 
|iome  of  the  jigs  were  called  “cut  out.”  When  either  of  the  couple  got  tired, 
he  place  was  at  once  supplied  from  the  company,  and  in  this  way  the  musi- 
ians  were  the  first  to  be  worried  out.  If  any  of  the  crowd  hid  away  during 
he  night  for  rest  or  a nap,  they  were  hunted  up  and  put  on  the  floor.  It  was 
he  custom  for  the  young  ladies  to  steal  the  bride  away  and  put  her  to  bed. 
'hey  had  to  climb  the  ladder  from  the  lower  floor  to  the  loft.  The  guests 
rould  never  let  on  that  they  were  noticed.  The  young  men,  in  the  same  way, 
onducted  the  groom  to  the  bed  of  his  bride,  while  the  dance  went  on.  Seats 
/ere  always  scarce,  and  after 'every  dance  each  young  man  would  hold  a girl  in 
iis  lap  (a  kneesy  position).  Toward  morning,  some  one  would  suggest  refresh- 
ments for  the  new  couple,  when  as  many  of  the  party  as  there  was  room  for, 
rould  go  up  the  ladder  with  the  bottle  and  lunch.  The  bride  and  groom  were 
Compelled  to  eat  and  drink. 

To  give  the  young  people  a start  in  life,  it  was  customary  for  all  hands  to 
urn  out  and  put  them  up  a cabin.  A day  would  be  designated  soon  after  the 
redding  for  the  neighbors  to  assemble.  The  party  was  divided  into  squads  as 
hoppers,  haulers  and  carpenters — a division  to  get  out  the  puncheons,  and  an- 
other to  split  the  clapboards ; four-corner  men  to  place  the  logs  and  carry  up 
he  corners,  and  a squad  to  split  the  chimney  sticks  out  of  oak  hearts.  The 
:abin  was  built  of  round  logs;  a hole,  six  or  eight  feet  wide,  was  left  in  one 
*nd,  in  which  to  build  the  fire-place  of  bowlders  or  flat  stones,  laid  in  mud  mor- 
;ar,  and  kept  in  place  by  a pen  of  split  logs  built  on  the  outside;  the  chimney 
vas  built  on  top  of  this,  laid  up  in  clay  mud,  and  lined  with  mud.  There 
vere  jolly  times  at  these  raisings,  sometimes  taking  three  or  four  days  to  finish 
he  cabin,  and  the  whole  affair  would  wind  up  with  a house-warming  and  an- 
ther all-night  dance.  Then  the  cabin  was  considered  ready  for  the  newly- 
narried  couple. 

The  first  wedding  in  the  Dayton  settlement,  of  which  there  is  a record,  was 
■he  marriage  of  Benjamin  Van  Cleve  to  Mary  Whitten,  August  28,  1800,  at  her 
other’s  house,  near  Dayton.  The  bride  was  described  as  a likely  girl,  young, 
ively,  industrious  and  ingenuous.  Her  marriage  portion  was  a few  household 


300 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


and  kitchen  utensils  a bed,  a cow  and  a heifer,  a ewe  and  two  lambs,  a sovs  |j 
and  pigs,  a saddle  and  spinning-wheel. 

Another  groom,  with  his  bride,  brought  with  them,  on  the  wedding-day  ! 
to  their  new  home  in  the  village,  all  of  their  worldly  goods.  He  had  gone  on: 
for  her  on  horseback,  and,  after  the  ceremony,  she  was  placed  behind  him  or 
the  horse,  and  thus  they  rode  home.  She  carried  two  pewter  plates,  two  cups, 
a knife  and  fork,  and  a small  sack  of  meal;  these,  with  the  horse  crittter,  were 
all  they  had  in  the  world. 

Cotton  check  cost  a buckskin  per  yard,  and,  as  it  took  five  yards  for  j|j 
dress  pattern,  the  bride  who  could  have  one  in  her  wedding  outfit  was  counted 
one  of  the  belles. 

One  of  the  pioueer  fathers,  when  his  daughter  was  married,  gave  her  a loai 
of  bread,  a piece  of  pork,  some  potatoes,  and  loaned  her  a frying-pan.  Tim 
was  all  the  young  couple  had  to  begin  the  world  with  the  day  they  moved  jnto! 
their  log  cabin,  twelve  feet  square.  The  groom  made  two  wooden  knives  and)1 
forks  to  use  at  their  first  meal.  When,  in  the  spring,  necessity  required  thaij 
he  come  to  the  village  to  trade  pelts  for  a yard  and  a half  of  calico,  in  which  tc) 
dress  the  baby,  there  was  none  to  be  had.  In  the  emergency,  his  wife  cut  up  a 
pair  of  his  pants  to  make  the  first  frock  for  the  baby;  and  for  a cradle,  the  baby 
was  rocked  in  a buckeye  trough. 

This  notice,  copied  from  the  Magistrate’s  docket,  was  displayed  on  a tree 
up  near  Staunton: 

To  all  whom  it  may  concern: — Know  ye  that  Michael  Carrer  and  Miss  Lennon,  (laugh  : 
ter  of  the  widow  Lennon,  both  of  Staunton,  will  be  joined  in  the  holy  banns  of  matrimony 
on  Wednesday,  the  7th  day  of  October,  1801,  agreeably  to  a law  of  the  Territory  of  thf 
Northwest,  providing  for  marriages.  Given  under  my  hand  this  11th  day  of  September, 
1801. 

D.  C.  Cooper,  J.  P.  for  the  Territory. 


'W 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


301 


CHAPTER  VII. 

'he  County  Seat — County  Court — The  Log  Jail — Elections  of  1803 — First 
Commissioners — Tax  Duplicate  1804 — 1804-05 — Randolph  Township — 
Jefferson  Township — The  Brick  Court  House — Schools — Division  of 
Montgomery  County — -Roads — Fruits — Whisky — Indian  Summer— Hunting 
and  Trapping — 1808 — Madison  Township — Militia — First  County  Con- 
vention— Wayne  Township — 1810-11 — First  Stone  Jail — Earthquakes — 
Influential  Men  of  the  County — War  Times. 

the  county- seat. 

DAYTON  had  been  designated  as  the  temporary  seat  of  justice  of  Montgomery 
County,  until  the  county  seat  should  be  located  by  Commissioners,  to  be  ap- 
ointed  by  the  Legislature  for  that  purpose.  April  5,  1803,  Ichabod  B.  Halsey, 
•laden  Ashby,  and  William  McClelland,  were  appointed,  by  joint  resolution,  as 
Jommissioners,  to  select  and  locate  the  county  seats,  in  the  counties  of  Mont- 
omery  and  Greene.  By  such  authority,  Dayton  was  designated  as  the  coun- 
y seat  of  Montgomery  County,  and  Xenia  as  the  county  seat  of  Greene  County. 

COUNTY  COURT. 

The  first  court  was  held  in  the  upper  room  of  Newcom’s  Tavern,  on  July 
17,  1803.  Hon.  Francis  Dunlevy,  President  of  the  First  Judicial  District, 
pened  the  court  with  the  following  as  Associate  Judges:  Benjamin  Archer,  of 
lenterville;  Isaac  Spinning,  a farmer  living  four  miles  up  Mad  River;  and 
Tohn  Ewing,  of  Washington  Township.  Benjamin  Yan  Cleve  was  Clerk  pro 
em. ; Daniel  Symmes,  of  Cincinnati,  was  Prosecutor;  George  Newcom,  Sheriff; 
nd  James  Miller,  Coroner. 

The  ceremony  of  opening  court  was  conducted  in  all  dignity  and  form. 
Yhen  the  Judges  and  other  officers  had  taken  their  positions  in  the  room,  and 
he  crowd  had  become  somewhat  quiet,  the  Sheriff,  with  a rap,  commanded  or- 
ter,  and  proclaimed:  “Oh,  yes,  this  court  is  declared  open  for  the  administra- 

ion  of  even-handed  justice,  without  respect  of  persons;  none  to  be  punished 
vithout  a trial  by  their  peers,  and  in  pursuance  of  the  laws  and  evidence  in  the 
;ase.” 

The  Presiding  Judge  and  State’s  Attorney  instructed  the  Associate  Judges, 
Sheriff,  Clerk  and  Coroner,  as  to  their  duties;  there  being  no  other  business  to 
ransact,  court  adjourned  the  same  day.  Nearly  the  entire  male  population  of 
he  county  were  gathered  for  a frolic  and  to  enjoy  the  opening  of  the  court. 
Lawyers  and  Judges  slept  together  in  one  room  in  the  old  log  tavern.  The 
lext  morning,  J udge  Dunlevy.  with  the  State’s  Attorney  and  lawyers,  mounted 
'heir  horses  and  rode  to  Xenia  to  open  court  in  that  county. 

J udge  and  lawyers  rode  on  horseback  from  court  to  court,  through  the  for- 
ests, taking  with  them  their  papers  and  law  books,  and  provisions  for  the  trip, 
pften  being  compelled  to  camp  out  by  the  roadside.  The  roads  were  few  and 
rough.  Sometimes  it  was  preferable  to  follow  the  compass  rather  than  the  nar- 
row, winding  roads.  Often  when  the  waters  were  high,  travelers  were  compelled 
to  swim  all  streams  on  their  route. 

The  second  session  of  court  was  held  here  on  the  22d  of  November,  of  the 
oame  year.  The  Grand  Jury  held  their  session  under  a tree  back  in  the  bushes; 


I 


302 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


the  crowd  gathered  around  them  so  that  the  aid  of  the  Sheriff  was  called  to 
keep  them  from  hearing  the  testimony  of  witnesses  and  the  deliberations  of  the ; 
jury.  The  first  indictment  was  against  one  Peter  Sunderland,  for  an  assault 
and  battery  on  Benjamin  Scott,  “ then  being  in  the  peace  of  God  and  of  out 
State.”  Sunderland  pleaded  guilty  and  was  fined  $6  and  costs.  Two  othei 
criminal  cases  and  four  civil  cases  were  also  tried,  and  court  adjourned  next 
day. 

For  the  first  few  months  of  Col.  George  Newcom’s  administration  as 
Sheriff  of  the  county,  there  being  no  jail,  it  was  his  custom  to  put  the  white, 
prisoners  in  an  old,  unwalled,  dry  well  that  was  on  his  lot;  and  when  it  was 
necessary  to  arrest  Indians,  they  were  “ bucked,”  and  fastened  in  his  corn  crib. 

As  there  was  but  little  money  in  circulation,  penalties  were  often  imposed 
by  fining  the  parties  five  deer  skins,  a bale  of  pelts,  or  from  100  to  300  bushels 
of  corn;  one  man  was  fined  a barrow  pig,  another  200  pounds  of  pork.  Secur  I 
ity  was  required  in  so  much  corn  or  other  produce.  The  punishment  for  nearly 
all  minor  criminal  offenses  was  a sentence  of  from  one  to  thirty-nine  lashes  onli 
the  bare  back  of  the  offender;  the  sentence  was  usually  immediately  carried 
into  effect  by  the  Sheriff.  The  court  sometimes,  to  emphasize  the  sentence, 
would  add,  “ and  well  laid  on.”  Owing  to  the  trouble  of  caring  for  the  pris- 
oners who  were  sentenced  to  confinement,  it  was  always  a source  of  gratification 
to  officers  and  citizens  to  know  that  such  had  escaped  from  prison,  and  left) 
the  community. 

THE  JAIL. 

The  Sheriff  held  prisoners  as  best  he  could  until  the  first  log  jail  was  built 
in  the  fall  of  1804.  On  the  9th  of  August,  the  Commissioners  ordered  the 
Clerk  to  advertise  for  the  building  of  a round-log  jail.  September  28,  the 
Board  sold  the  contract  for  the  building  at  auction  to  the  lowest  bidder,  David 
Squiers,  for  $299.  The  agreement  was  that  it  should  be  done  in  a good,  work 
manlike  manner.  The  building  was  soon  completed,  and  was  accepted  by  the1 
Commissioners  the  following  December.  It  stood  on  Third  street,  at  the  weal 
end  of  the  court  house  lot.  The  building  was  thirty  feet  long,  sixteen  feet  wide' 
and  twelve  feet  high.  A log  partition  divided  the  jail  into  two  apartments;  the, 
floors  were  of  hewed  logs,  closely  laid  and  covered  with  heavy  plank,  secured  with 
wooden  pins;  the  ceilings  were  also  of  heavy  planks.  There  was  no  communica- 
tion between  the  two  cells,  but  each  had  an  outside  door  of  two-inch  plank,  spiked 
and  hung  on  iron  hinges.  One  cell  was  lighted  by  a single  window  of  four 
lights;  the  other  cell  had  two  windows,  of  twelve  lights  each,  all  eight-by-ten 
glass.  The  windows  were  secured  with  iron  bars  and  shutters  of  two  thick- 
nesses of  two-inch  plank.  In  one  of  the  cells  a stone  fire-place  was  built, | 
with  a back  wall  four  feet  thick.  The  doors  and  shutters  were  secured  by 
locks  on  the  outside,  the  keys  to  which  were  kept  by  the  Sheriff  at  his  tavern,! 
at  the  upper  end  of  Main  street.  During  court  sessions,  it  was  customary  tc 
appoint  a door-keeper,  whose  duty  it  was  to  take  prisoners  into  court  and  return 
them  to  jail.  This  first  jail  was  a strong  box,  answering  every  purpose  of  ai 
prison  until  after  the  war  of  1812,  and  was  not  torn  down  until  it  became 
desirable  that  the  Sheriff  should  live  at  the  jail. 

ELECTIONS  OF  1803. 

The  first  election  held  in  the  county  after  its  organization  was  for  Member 
of  Congress,  June  21,  1803.  The  following  shows  the  vote  cast: 

Dayton  Township — Jeremiah  Morrow,  43;  William  McMillan,  61;  Wil- 
liam Goforth,  0. 

Washington  Township — Jeremiah  Morrow,  67;  William  McMillan.  27; 
William  Goforth,  1. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


303 


German  Township — Jeremiah  Morrow,  3;  William  McMillan,  51;  William 
Goforth.  2. 

Elizabeth  Township — Jeremiah  Morrow,  62.  Total — Morrow,  175;  McMil- 
an  ,139;  Goforth,  3;  total,  317. 

The  returns  were  signed,  Isaac  Spinning,  John  Ewing,  Associate  Judges; 
Benjamin  Van  Cleve,  Clerk. 

The  election  held  the  second  Tuesday  in  October,  was  for  Sheriff  and 
Boroner,  with  the  following  result: 

For  Sheriff — 

Dayton  Township — George  Newcom,  69;  John  Gullion.  1. 

Washington  Township — George  Newcom,  39. 

Elizabeth  Township — George  Newcom,  33. 

German  Township — George  Newcom,  7.  Total — Newcom,  148;  Gullion.  1. 
For  Coroner — 

Dayton  Township — James  Miller,  69;  D.  C.  Cooper,  1. 

Washington  Township — James  Miller,  40. 

Elizabeth  Township — James  Miller,  33.  Total — Miller,  142;  Cooper,  1. 
No  votes  were  cast  for  Coroner  in  German  Township. 


ELECTION  APRIL  2,  1804. 

Monday,  April  2,  1804,  an  election  was  held  for  County  Commissioners 
There  were  twelve  candidates;  only  five  of  them,  however,  received  any  consid- 
rable  number  of  votes-  Edmund  Munger,  John  Devor  and  William  Browne 
vere  elected.  The  first  session  of  this  first  Board  of  County  Commissioners 
vas  held  at  Newcom’s  Tavern,  June  11,  1804.  They  decided  by  lot  the  length 
>f  time  that  each  should  serve,  resulting  as  follows:  William  Browne,  three 
rears;  Edmund  Munger,  two  years;  and  John  Devor  drew  the  short  term, 
vhich  was  until  the  next  annual  October  election. 

At  a meeting  of  the  Commissioners,  August  4,  it  was  ordered  that  a tax  be 
laid  on  all  the  items  of  taxation  in  Dayton,  Washington  and  German  Town- 
ships, as  high  as  the  law  allowed,  amounting  to  $458.40,  and,  in  Elizabeth 
Township,  two-thirds  of  what  the  law  allowed,  amounting  to  $48,824.  It  must 
ie  remembered  that  the  county,  at  that  time,  included  the  territory  now  in 
Preble,  Montgomery  and  a portion  of  Clark,  and  extending  north  to  the  State 
boundary  line. 

TAX  DUPLICATE 1804. 


A list  of  names  of  resident  proprietors  of  lands  in  Montgomery  County,  in 
1804,  and  the  land  tax  by  each: 


Adams,  George $2  80 

archer,  Benjamin 2 40 

Aiken,  James 80 

Archer,  James 50 

Archer,  Samuel 50 

Broadaway,  Samuel 80 

Bigger,  Abigail 2 40 

Baltimore,  Philip 30 

Blair,  William 50 

Beck,  Samuel 75 

Bailey,  John 80 

Beck,  John 30 

Banta,  Abraham 3 72.6 

Byers,  James 2 20 

Bowman,  John,  Sr .....'  68 

Bowman,  David 52 

Bowman,  John,  Jr 70 

Bennet,  Benjamin 53 

Brower,  Christian 50 


Brower,  David 35 

Bowser,  Daniel,  Sr 5 25 

Bowser,  Philip 70 

Bowser,  Daniel,  Jr 1 05 

Bowser,  Henry 70 

Bradford,  John 80 

Barnett,  John - 60 

Bolton,  Samuel 50 

Bigger,  Jonathan,  and  S.  White. . . 3 20 

Banta,  Albert 47 

Buckles,  John 1 85 

Bowser,  Daniel,  Sr 1 12.5 

Cooper,  Daniel  C 6 65.7 

Clark,  Joseph  L 1 10 

Clawson,  Thomas 60 

Clawson,  Josiah 50 

Clawson,  Peter 80 

Craig,  John 98 

Chevalier,  Anthony 28 


304 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Crane,  Joseph  H. . 
Crothers,  James.. . 
Clark,  William. . . . 
Davenport,  Jesse.. 

Devor,  John 

Davis,  Thomas. . . . 

Duncan,  John 

Day,  John 

Day,  Robert 

Davis,  Hannah. . . . 
Demott,  Abraham. 
Donnel,  Jonathan. 

Ewing,  John 

Eastwood,  John. . . 

Ewing.  James 

Ellis,  William 

Edgar,  Robert 

Ewing,  Robert 

Eadings,  Benjamin 
Ellis,  Rowland. . . . 

Ferrel,  Daniel 

Fouts,  Henry 

Fincher,  William.. 

Fout,  David 

Fout,  William 

Fout,  Jacob,  Sr. . . . 
Gillespie,  James. . . 

Gregg,  Smith 

Gillespie,  George. . 

Gerard,  Abner 

Gilchrist,  Robert. . 
Grilling,  Daniel . . . 

Gerard,  Jacob 

Hatfield,  Thomas. . 
Hatfield,  William. 

Hole,  John 

Hole,  William 

Hole,  Zachariah. . . 
Horner,  Nicholas. . 

Haggin,  John 

Harding,  John. 
Harding,  Robert. . . 

Heck,  Jacob 

Hawkins,  Samuel. . 

Hatfield,  Jonas 

Hartsel,  Abraham. 
Howard,  Samuel. . 
Holmes,  William.. 
Huston,  Edward. . . 

Huston,  John 

Hoover,  John 

Hoover,  David. 
Hoover,  Daniel. . . 
Hamer,  William. . . . 
Hosier,  Abraham. . 
Huston,  Alexander. 
Hole,  Zachariah. . . , 

John,  Thomas 

Isley,  Conrad 

Janny,  Abel 

Knotts,  Nathaniel. . 

Kripe,  John 

Kripe,  Daniel 

Kripe,  Samuel 

Keen,  Philip 

King,  William 

Lock,  Andrew 

Lary,  Daniel 

Lyon,  Nathaniel.... 
Long,  Jacob 


80 

Luce,  John 

1 60 

Luce,  William 

2 10 

Lamme,  William 

78.5 

Ludlow,  Jeremiah 

1 60 

Maltbie,  Benjamin 

1 00 

1 00 

Munger,  Jonathan 

go 

80 

Hunger,  Edmund 

50 

Mitchell,  Edward,  Sr 

80 

30.5 

McCabe,  John 

70 

50 

McGrew,  John 

I 05 

80 

Mason,  Richard 

4 80 

1 14.5 

Miller,  David 

50 

2 75 

Miles,  James 

42 

Mikesell,  John 

00 

40 

Moyer,  Michael 

3 07  jj 

50 

Miller,  Daniel 

1 05 

40 

Mikesell.  Joseph 

25 

80 

Miller,  John  Brower 

25 

1 60 

Moyers,  Henry 

12  05.1 

30 

Mollenton,  Jacob 

72.5 

Mikesell,  Peter 

25 

80 

Miller,  John 

60 

50 

Mason,  William 

2 13 

McClure,  James 

80 

1 00 

Mast,  David 

3 20 

84 

Miller,  James,  Sr 

2 40 

80 

McGrew,  John 

1 35 

50 

Miller,  Jacob 

1 43 

1 00 

Millegan,  James 

80 

1 20 

Miller,  James,  Jr 

80 

1 64 

Matthews,  James 

1 60 

50 

Mendenhall,  Caleb 

50 

75 

Mote,  Jeremiah 

1 60 

1 00 

Newcorn,  Matthew 

50 

40 

Newcom,  George 

1 60 

7 20 

Newcorn,  Thomas 

1 35 

50 

Neff,  John 

8 98 

1 12 

Nisbet,  James  I 

3 20 

1 22.5 

Neagely,  Philip 

3 20 

4 27 

Naffsinger,  John 

2 85 

60 

Nutt,  Aaron 

1 10 

77 

Nutz,  Frederic 

1 40 

07 

Nutt,  Aaron 

50 

80 

Pauley,  John 

2 24 

77 

Porter,  James 

1 05 

42 

Pettigrew,  James 

1 60 

50 

Pettigrew,  James 

1 83.2 

2 85 

Parson,  Matthias 

SO 

25 

Patterson,  John,  Sr 

1 60 

90 

Patterson,  Robert 

2 24 

4 00 

Patterson,  James 

80 

80 

Patterson,  George 

80 

80 

Patterson,  John,  Jr 

50 

1 00 

Pursley,  James 

80 

80 

Price,  John 

50  II 

75 

Rogers,  John 

. . 1 45 

1 20 

Robinson,  William 

80 

80 

Riffle,  David 

40 

3 20 

Reyburn,  Joseph 

80 

25 

Reeder,  Joseph 

80 

40 

Reeder,  Daniel  H 

80 

35 

Robbins,  Benjamin 

80 

4 55 

Russel,  James 

80 

25 

Rour,  Joseph 

1 05 

70 

Robbins,  Daniel 

1 09.9 

2 73.5 

Richmond,  Jacob 

2 72  : 

3 20 

Scott,  Alexander 

....  2 80 

1 45.5 

Smith,  Benjamin 

70 

70 

Swineheart,  Gabriel 

1 09.4 

1 60 

Stansel,  Henry 

1 00 

f 


I 


HARRISON  Tp 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


307 


thanks,  Joseph 20 

iunderland,  Richard 80 

iunderland,  John 80 

■Sunderland,  Peter 80 

Scott,  Robert 80 

(Scott,  James 50 

Iquier,  David 50 

Sinks,  George,  Sr 1 60 

(Snodgrass,  William 75 

Snodgrass,  Alexander 60 

.Spinning,  Isaac 4 80 

Stuart,  William 80 

Scott,  James  G.  T 1 40 

Jchidler,  George 4 48 

Short,  Payton 71  80 

hennery,  George  F 15 

irhomson,  Samuel 39.2 

Ihomson,  James 1 95 

Tibbols,  Noah 2 80 


Tibbols,  Samuel 17  14 

Yan  Cleve,  Benjamin 80 

Yan  Cleve,  William 21 

Wade,  John 50 

Wilson,  Robert 6 40 

Westfall,  William 45 

Westfall,  George 30 

Willis,  William 1 10 

Wead,  Ebenezer 50 

Whitesell,  Tobias 50 

Whitesell,  Henry 30 

Wallingsford,  Benjamin.. 80 

Waugh,  William 1 30 

Waggoner,  John 1 51 

Weaver,  Peter 4 80 

William,  Willis 50 

Worthington,  George 30 

Wilson,  James 4 56.5 

Williams,  Michael 1 60 


Total $373  96.9 

In  September  of  that  year  William  Browne  resigned,  and  December  13, 
he  County  Judge  appointed  Samuel  Hawkins  to  fill  the  vacancy. 


1804  and  1805. 

Before  the  post  office  was  established  at  Dayton,  in  the  spring  of  1804, 
he  only  post  office  for  all  of  the  Miami  Valley,  and  as  far  north  as  the  lake, 
jvas  at  Cincinnati,  and,  for  a year  or  two  after  the  Dayton  office  was  opened, 
ettiers  in  the  territory  to  the  north,  and  as  far  west  as  Fort  Wayne,  were 
>bliged  to  come  to  Dayton  for  their  mail. 


RANDOLPH  TOWNSHIP. 

It  was  formed  from  Elizabeth  Township,  by  the  County  Commissioners, 
November  6,  1804,  and  elections  were  ordered  to  be  held  at  the  house  of  David 
loover.  The  town  of  Salem  was  laid  out,  in  seventy-five  lots,  by  John  Leath- 
■rman,  January  15,  1816.  Harrisburg  was  platted,  forty-nine  lots,  May  6, 1841, 
)j  Samuel  Harr,  David  Baser,  Daniel  Baser,  Mathias  Gish,  Thomas  Kearns 
tnd  David  Langnecker. 

With  the  opening  of  the  spring  of  1805,  settlers  were  constantly  coming 
n;  the  new-comers  were  directed  to  the  rich  farming  lands  that  had  not  yet 
ieen  improved.  A very  large  colony  came  to  Mad  Biver,  and  many  went  in 

0 the  woods  to  the  northwest  of  Wolf  Creek,  locating,  as  they  fancied,  a spring, 

1 running  stream,  a hill,  a patch  of  prairie,  or  a wide  range  for  cattle  and 
lorses.  The  rich  little  valleys  were  acquiring  commercial  value,  new  settle- 
nents  were  being  made,  and  the  faint  blue  smoke  from  cabin  chimneys  could  be 
seen  in  all  directions,  curling  above  the  waves  of  green  tree-tops.  The  hospi- 
tality of  the  pioneers  was  limited  only  by  their  means  to  indulge  it;  the  new- 
comers were  welcomed  and  given  all  possible  aid. 

JEFFERSON  TOWNSHIP. 

It  was  formed  from  German,  June  10,  1805.  Harding  Township  was 
formed  at  the  same  time,  and  included  about  all  of  the  territory  now  within 
Preble  County. 

It  was  the  custom  for  twenty  years  after  the  organization  of  the  county, 
ind  even  to  later  years  than  that,  to  take  care  of  orphans  or  poor  children  by 
’binding  them  out”  until  they  should  become  of  age.  The  first  record  of  in- 
denture is  that  of  Seni  Culbertson,  an  orphan  girl  five  years  of  age.  Squire 

Joseph  Rayburn,  with  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  of  Dayton  Township, , 

A illiam  Hamer  and  Joseph  Miller — on  the  30th  of  August,  1805,  bound  her  to 

F 


308 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


faithfully  and  cheerfully  obey  all  lawful  commands  of  her  master,  and  to  be- 
have herself  in  a becoming  manner.  She  was  to  be  instructed  in  all  necessary 
housework,  cooking,  washing,  sewing  and  spinning;  to  be  taught  reading  and 
writing,  if  capable  of  taking  them  up.  She  was  to  be  found  in  boarding,  lodg- 
ing and  suitable  clothing.  When  she  became  eighteen  years  old,  she  was  to  re- 
ceive a feather  bed.  and  covering,  a small  spinning-wheel,  a half  dozen  each  of 
plates,  knives  and  forks,  and  a set  of  tea  ware. 

Henry  Culbertson,  a brother  of  Seni,  was  the  same  summer  apprenticed  to 
a saddler  of  the  town  until  he  should  be  twenty -one  years  of  age;  was  to  be 
taught  saddlery,  and,  if  he  be  capable  of  taking  them  up,  was  to  be  taught; 
reading,  writing  and  ciphering,  and,  at  the  end  of  his  time,  receive  a new  suit !; 
of  clothes. 

A colored  girl  brought  here  as  a servant  to  live  with  the  family  of  D.  C. 
Cooper,  on  his  farm  south  of  town,  is  the  first  colored  person  known  to  have 
come  to  the  Dayton  settlement.  She  came  here  in  1803,  and  shortly  after  gavej 
birth  to  a boy  child,  which  she  named  Harry  Cooper.  When  the  boy  was  twoj 
and  a half  years  old,  he  was  indentured  to  D.  C.  Cooper  until  he  should  arrive  J 
at  the  age  of  twenty-one  year’s,  Cooper  agreeing  to  teach  the  boy  the  trade  of 
tanning  and  milling,  and,  if  he  prove  capable,  he  is  to  be  taught  reading  and 
writing.  He  was  to  behave  himself  in  a becoming  manner,  to  have  boarding,  j 
lodging  and  clothing  free,  and  at  the  age  of  twenty-one  was  to  receive  two  new 
suits  of  clothes,  a saddle  and  a second  rate  horse. 

In  December  of  the  year  1805,  the  colored  woman  gave  birth  to  a girl  baby! 
— Poll — who,  when  she  was  nine  months  old,  was  bound  to  Christopher  Curiner 
until  she  should  be  eighteen  years  old.  She  was  to  be  taught  to  read,  and  all 
duties  of  housekeeping;  was  to  have  every-day  clothes  and  a suit  for  Sunday, 
with  board  and  lodging  free.  At  the  end  of  her  time,  she  was  to  have  a feather 
bed  and  bedding,  plates,  cups  and  saucers,  and  knives  and  forks  for  a common  j 
table. 

In  June,  1805,  ferry  rates  were  fixed  by  the  County  Commissioners  as  fol- 
lows: 

For  each  loaded  wagon  and  team,  75  cents;  for  each  empty  wagon  and | 
team,  50  cents;  for  each  two-wheeled  carriage,  37 \ cents;  for  each  man  and 
horse,  1 2 1 cents;  for  each  foot  person,  64  cents. 

Licenses  were  fixed  as  follows: 

Lawyers  and  doctors,  each,  $3;  taverns,  in  Dayton,  $9;  taverns  on  the 
road  between  Dayton  and  Franklin,  $6;  taverns  at  all  other  places,  $5. 

In  the  next  year  licenses  were  increased  $1  each,  and  the  ferry  rates  were 
also  advanced.  The  Commissioners  in  June,  1805,  advertised  in  the  Cincin 
nati  and  Lexington  (Ky.)  papers  for  proposals  for  building  a brick  court  house 
in  Dayton.  The  place  of  holding  courts  was  changed  from  Newcom’s  Tavern 
to  McCollum’s  brick  tavern  for  the  fall  term  of  1805,  and  the  courts  were  held 
there  until  the  new  court  house  was  completed.  The  Commissioners  paid  $25 
per  annum  rent. 

THE  BRICK  COURT  HOUSE. 

The  contract  for  building  the  brick  court  house  was  let  February  3,  1806. 
The  building  was  forty-two  by  thirty-eight  feet;  two  stories  high;  jury-roomi 
above  and  court- room  below;  and,  although  not  finished,  was  occupied  the  fol- 
lowing winter.  There  were  no  locks  on  any  of  the  doors  for  four  years  after 
ward.  The  only  furniture  in  the  court  and  jury  rooms  were  a few  three-legged 
stools  and  a bench.  At  first  the  juries  were  not  furnished  with  seats,  and  ii 
was  not  until  the  year  1811  that  tables  were  placed  in  the  building;  ther 
benches  were  provided  for  spectators.  In  1815,  a cupola  was  built  on  the  courl, 
house,  and  in  the  fall  of  the  next  year  a bell  was  hung. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


309 


SCHOOLS. 

It  is  difficult  to  fix  the  time  that  schools  in  the  townships  were  first  opened, 
a there  is  very  little  of  record  in  reference  to  it.  In  Dayton,  the  first  school 
held  in  September,  1799,  in  the  block-house  at  the  head  of  Main  street. 
I the  winter  of  1804-05,  cabin  schools  were  in  operation  in  Mad  River,  Wash- 
j;-ton  and  German  Townships,  and  in  Dayton.  As  the  neighborhoods  in  other 
ts  of  the  county  grew  stronger  each  winter,  log  schoolhouses  were  built, 
a l it  is  probable  that,  in  1810,  there  were  ten  such  country  schools  in  existence. 
- alts,  as  well  as  children,  attended  them,  but  the  aggregate  of  attendance 
m not  very  large.  These  first  log-cabin  schoolhouses  in  the  townships  were 
p up  in  a few  hours  by  the  settlers  of  a neighborhood.  The  schools  were  all 
kit  up  by  subscription;  children  whose  parents  were  unable  to  pay,  were  ad- 
j ted  free ; schoolmasters  boarded  around  among  the  patrons  of  the  school, 
a 1 their  pay  was  small.  The  master  was  not  always  master;  as  a rule  the 
o's  were  unruly;  and  by  reason  of  the  large  reserve  of  “big  brothers;”  com- 
; ations  were  often  made  to  “bar  out”  the  master,  and  sometimes  even  drive 
i l from  the  neighborhood.  The  good-natured  master  -who  would  begin  his 
m by  standing  treat  to  cider  or  apples  for  the  school  was  the  popular  kind, 
a: l was  less  liable  to  be  “ smoked  ” or  “barred  out.”  Children  usually  sup- 
>d  themselves  with  books  by  trading  produce  of  their  own  raising,  furs  of 
mals  that  they  had  trapped  or  shot,  or  rags  that  they  had  saved.  Two  or 
flee  winters  of  schoolin’  was  considered  enough,  and  even  to  secure  that  most 
he  children  had  long,  lonely  walks  through  the  woods,  in  cold,  and  wet  and 
aw.  However,  school  children  were  reasonably  happy,  and  had  good  times, 
.most  of  school  children  do. 


DIVISION  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY.  . 

By  act  of  Legislature,  passed  January  16,  1807,  to  take  effect  March  1, 
1 *7,  Miami  County  was  erected,  thus  reducing  the  boundaries  of  Montgomery 
inty  to  the  territory  now  within  Montgomery  and  Preble  Coimties.  Town- 
Ip  lines  were  adjusted  to  suit  the  new  county  lines.  Washington  Township 
(os  were  not  changed.  The  territory  now  in  Harrison  Township,  south  and 
vitof  Stillwater,  had  been  added  to  Dayton  Township,  January  2.  June  1, 
tl  west  line  of  the  township  was  continued  on  up  to  the  Miami  County  line, 
;hat  at  that  time  Dayton  Township  included  all  of  what  is  now  Van  Buren, 
Errison,  Dayton,  Mad  River  and  Wayne  Townships,  and  Butler,  to  the  west 
3 of  the  sixth  range  of  townships,  and  in  the  southwest  corner  of  the  town- 
“ P,  west  of  the  Miami  River,  fractional  Sections  19,  20,  29  and  30,  in  Town- 
si?  1,  Range  6;  these  sections  were,  in  1831,  attached  to  Miami  Township. 

ndolph  Township  included  what  is  now  in  Clay  and  Randolph,  and  east  of 
5 11  water  to  the  sixth  range  of  townships.  German  Township  was  what  is  now 
nthat  township  and  east  to  the  Miami  River,  and  two  tiers  of  sections  that  are 
av  in  Jackson  Township.  Jefferson  Township  included  all  of  Jefferson, 
kson  (except  the  two  tiers  of  sections  in  German),  Madison  and  Perry  Town- 
8 ps.  Harding  Township  was  the  whole  of  Preble  County. 

September  8,  1807,  Eaton  Township  was  formed  from  Harding  Township, 
1' include  all  of  the  first  and  second  ranges  of  townships  between  Butler  and 
Mmi  Counties.  March  1,  1808,  Preble  County  was  erected. 


ROADS. 


w 

tl 


Winding  little  paths,  lines  of  communication  between  neighborhoods,  had 
lened  out  to  shady  roads.  At  first  the  pioneers,  without  compass,  had  picked 
u"  way  to  the  nearest  settlements  around,  wading  through  the  rank  weeds 


310 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


and  tangled  vines,  swamps  and  long  grass  of  the  prairies.  In  this  way  wer 
the  county  roads  located  along  the  ridges,  across  the  streams  and  through  th 
woods,  flanked  by  jungles  of  weeds  and  underbrush,  thickets  of  vines  and  scru 
growth.  In  1807,  these  roads  were  open  in  all  directions  through  the  count) 
From  Dayton  to  Piqua,  on  both  sides  of  the  Miami ; up  Stillwater  to  Greenvill< 
up  AVolf  Creek  seven  miles.  A column  of  Gen.  Wayne’s  army  had,  in  179i 
cut  a trace  through  from  below  Eaton,  to  New  Lexington,  Preble  County,  an 
along  on  what  has  since  been  known  as  the  the  Old  Sled  Road,  to  Salem,  Rai 
dolph  Township,  in  this  county;  thence  straight  to  Fort  Greenville.  From  Dayto 
there  were  roads  to  Springfield,  Xenia,  Gunckel’s  mill,  Lebanon  and  Franklii 
The  river  road  had  that  year  been  opened  from  the  ford,  at  the  foot  of  Fourt 
street,  in  Dayton,  down  through  the  bottoms,  to  intersect  the  Franklin  road  ; 
Hole’s  Creek;  a road  had  also  been  located  from  Hole’s  Creek,  across  the  hill 
through  the  Shaker  settlement  to  the  Greene  County  line.  From  Hole’s  Statioi 
roads  led  to  the  mills  up  Bear  Creek,  and  across  to  Gunckel’s  mill.  From  oj 
posite  Franklin,  a road  followed  up  Twin  Creek  to  Gunckel’s  mill,  and  on  up 
New  Lexington,  in  Preble  County.  The  surplus  products  of  the  county  wei 
hauled  over  these  roads  to  the  mills,  or  to  the  more  central  points,  to  be  freigb 
ed  to  Cincinnati.  The  roads  were  narrow,  but  a single  track,  marked  by  tl 
deep  ruts  cut  by  loaded  wagons,  and  were  not  much  improved  until  1839. 

FRUITS. 

The  wild  strawberry  was  found  on  the  uplands,  and  there  were  servic 
berries,  May  apples,  blackberries,  wild  raspberries,  prickly  gooseberries,  de\ 
berries,  wild  plums,  wild  grapes,  haws,  hackberries,  wild  cherries,  papaws  ai 
crab  apples;  hickorynuts,  chincopins,  walnuts,  hazelnuts  and  butternuts.  A 
pies,  peaches,  pears,  plums  and  cherries  were  brought  to  the  county  about  i 
the  order  named.  Apples  were  grown  in  the  county  as  early  as  1803,  but  n 
in  great  quantity  until  in  1808,  at  which  time  there  were  good  orchards  |j 
every  part  of  the  county,  except  in  Clay  and  Perry  Townships.  The  best 
suits  were  found  in  budding  on  wild  crab  stocks.  Silas  Wharton  had  an  ext-e 
sive  nursery  two  and  a half  miles  west  of  Waynesville,  in  1818;  he  had  apple 
pears,  plums  and  cherries,  and  it  was  the  first  nursery  in  this  part  of  the  Stai' 
In  the  winter  of  1823-24,  Solomon,  Hoover  & Co.  began  selling  apple- tre 
from  their  nurseries,  two  miles  south  of  Milton,  Union  Township,  Miami  Count 

WHISKY  AND  WHISKY-MAKING. 

At  one  time,  nearly  every  well-to-do  farmer  in  the  county  had  a little  coj 
per  still  of  his  own,  in  which  he  made  his  “old  rye,”  “apple-jack”  and  co:! 
whisky;  many  of  them  made  from  one  to  ten  barrels  each  year  for  shipmei 
They  kept  whisky  in  their  cabins  for  their  own  use,  and  to  bid  neighbors  ai 
friends  good  cheer.  Whenever  they  came  along,  the  bottle  and  cup  were  ; 
ways  handed  around,  the  host  drinking  first.  Morning  bitters  were  popu 
then,  as  now,  and  the  men  usually  took  a dram  before  meals.  Women  treat . 
their  visitors  to  whisky  and  sugar.  Milk  punch  was  a favorite  with  all.  Whis 
was  used  with  roots  and  herbs  in  making  medicines,  and  was  used  as  a preve 
ive  as  well  as  a cure.  About  all  the  facilities  the  county  offered  for  advert  j 
ing,  was  by  telling  all  the  neighbors,  and  requesting  them  to  tell  all  of  th 
neighbors,  and  everybody  else. 

INDIAN  SUMMER. 

The  first  few  days  of  disagreeable,  cold  weather  in  the  fall,  was  known 
Squaw  winter;  after  that  the  pleasant  weather  that  came  was  known  to  Westej 
pioneers  as  Indian  Summer — so  called  from  the  fact  that  the  renewal  of  pier 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


311 


; t days  afforded  the  Indians  further  opportunity  for  depredations  in  the  set- 
tments.  The  whites  enjoyed  perfect  peace  and  freedom  from  such  incursions 
though  the  winter.  After  the  Indian  Summer  had  passed,  the  hunting  season 
i can,  provisions  were  laid  up  for  the  next  summer,  so  that  the  whole  time 
i ght  be  given  to  farming. 

HUNTING  ANU  TEAPPING. 

The  forests  were  full  of  game — wolves,  wild-cats,  foxes,  panthers,  bears, 
c?r,  wild  turkeys,  ducks,  geese,  rabbits,  coons,  possums  and  squirrels,  and  the 
r ers  were  stocked  with  fish.  At  the  time  Daniel  Boone  came  to  the  Kentucky 
i ids,  and  when  the  white  settlers  began  coming  through  the  mountains  to  the 
( do  Valley,  herds  of  buffalo  and  elk  roamed  the  forests  and  prairies  of  Ten 
issee,  Kentucky  and  all  north  of  the  Ohio  Kiver  to  the  Mississippi.  In  1780, 
Hen  Gen.  Clark’s  expedition  against  the  the  Indian  village  on  Mad  River, 
f ’enteen  miles  above  Dayton,  had  recrossed  the  Ohio  River,  being  scarce  of 
i jvisions,  a buffalo  was  killed  on  Licking  River.  November  4,  1787,  two  were 
1 led  as  they  were  swimming  the  Ohio  River  at  the  mouth  of  the  Big  Miami, 
bvember  18,  several  were  killed  above  the  Big  Kanawha;  a great  many  were 
i the  Wabash  Valley  that  same  year  and  over  in  Kentucky.  In  1788,  in  a let 
b written  at  Marietta,  to  a friend  in  Massachusetts,  the  writer  says:  “We 

3 ve  seen  twenty  buffalo  in  a drove,  and  deer  are  as  plenty  as  sheep  with  you ; 
aver  and  otter  are  abundant.” 

Capt.  Imlay,  who  came  West  previous  to  the  year  1793,  in  writing  of  the 
\ Id  animals  and  game  of  the  West,  says:  “The  buffalo  are  mostly  driven 

( t of  Kentucky.  Some  are  still  found  on  the  Licking  River,  Big  Sandy  and 
1 'een  River.  Deer  abound  in  the  extensive  forests,  but  the  elk  confines  itelf 
lastly  to  the  hilly  and  uninhabited  places.  In  the  broken  country,  great  num- 
! r of  grouse  are  found ; and  the  quail  have  followed  the  trail  of  the  scattered 
i ain  from  the  old  settlements  on  the  other  side  of  the  mountains,  to  the  new 
ttlements  in  the  West.” 

Buffalo  and  elk  had  entirely  disappeared  from  the  country  east  of  the  Wa- 
sh, in  1795.  Wolves,  panthers  and  wild-cats  were  especially  annoying  to  the 
i Hers.  A reward  was  paid  for  every  wolf  scalp  brought  in,  and  in  the  sea- 
us  when  these  mischievous  beasts  were  unusually  numerous,  additional  bounty 
is  offered  to  induce  hunters  to  devote  their  whole  time  to  the  killing  of  the 
oesky  varmints.”  They  would  attack  and  drive  unarmed  men  into  the  trees; 
ten  coming  into  the  settlements  in  packs,  driving  women  and  children  into 
e cabins,  howling  in  great  numbers  through  the  Woods  at  night,  prowling 
ound  the  cabins  to  eat  vegetables  growing  in  the  gardens  and  destroying  pigs 
id  poultry.  It  was  so  annoying  that  the  men  would  nightly  shoot  them  through 
e cracks  of  the  log  cabins.  After  pigs  were  brought  here,  the  pens  were  cov- 
ed with  heavy  logs  to  keep  out  the  wolves.  Wild-cats  were  also  numerous, 
d as  daring  as  the  wolves  in  their  visits  to  the  settlement,  by  night  or  day. 
anthers  were  more  shy,  but  were  very  dangerous  and  of  great  strength,  al- 
tough  there  were  not  so  many  of  them.  One  that  had  killed  a hog,  and  car- 
ad  it  through  a deep  snow  into  the  woods,  was  pursued  and  killed.  A settler 
ho  had  some  land  across  the  river  from  the  head  of  Ludlow  street,  in  Dayton, 
jarmg  some  disturbance  among  his  hogs,  crossed  the  river  in  a canoe.  He 
und  the  hogs  frightened  and  scattered,  and,  while  searching  for  the  cause, 
‘ard  something  fall,  and  found  one  of  his  hogs  dead  on  the  ground  under  a 
■auiug  tree,  from  which  it  had  been  dropped  by  a large  panther.  The  man 
id  no  gun,  but  stood  eyeing  the  panther  as  it  slowly  descended  the  tree  and 
leaked  off  into  the  woods. 

Dressed  in  hunting-shirt,  buckskin  breeches,  moccasins  and  coonskin  cap; 
pupped  with  powder-horn,  bullet-pouch  and  scalping- knife;  armed  with  the 


312 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


long-barreled  Hint-lock  squirrel  rifle,  the  hunter  always  found  and  killed  abum 
ance  of  game.  Deer  were  as  plenty  in  the  woods  of  the  hills  and  valleys  j 
those  days  as  are  the  cattle  in  the  fields  of  Montgomery  County  at  this  time. 

Courage  and  daring  were  characteristic  of  the  pioneer  hunters,  and  th< 
took  all  risks  incident  to  bear-hunting,  never  hesitating  in  the  pursuit  or  v 
push  the  attack  in  any  situation.  And  there  was  real  sport,  says  the  pionee 
to  see  clumsy  bruin  doggedly  move  off,  or,  when  urged  by  the  dogs,  into 
lumbering  gallop,  suddenly  face  his  enemy,  erect  himself  in  defense,  thus  co 
ering  his  own  retreat  to  a favorite  tree.  If  the  tree  was  hollow,  the  bear  cor 
be  smoked  out,  or  the  hunter  felled  the  tree,  and  killed  him  after  the  tumb! 
Sometimes  to  get  at  him,  a smaller  tree  was  felled  against  the  larger  one,  whji 
the  hunter,  with  gun  slung  to  his  shoulder,  muzzle  down,  and  knife  between  h 
teeth,  would  climb  to  the  attack.  A she  bear  with  cubs  was  the  most  dangerou; 
Bears  showed  but  little  sagacity  in  avoiding  traps,  and  could  be  taken  in  ai 
simply- arranged  trap  that  was  strong  enough  to  hold  them.  In  trapping  then 
the  pioneers  built  log  pens,  in  shape  like  a roof,  shelving  inwardly  from  tl 
ground  on  the  four  sides;  a carcass  for  bait  was  placed  inside.  The  bear  easi'i 
climbed  the  outside  and  entered  through  the  hole  left  at  the  top  for  him.  Oik 
inside  he  could  neither  get  out  or  throw  down  the  pen.  Wolves  and  catamonn 
were  caught  in  the  same  way. 

A favorite  method  of  hunting  deer  in  the  early  days,  was  by  canoe  atnigl 
known  then  as  “ fire-hunting.”  A bright  fire  or  torch  was  lighted  at  the  be 
of  the  boat,  the  shooter  would  sit  just  .behind  it,  while  the  steersman  slow] 


poled  up  stream  along  the  shore,  the  deer  in  the  evening  would  come  to  tip 


river  to  drink,  and  shelter  themselves  for  the  night  under  the  bushes  along  tl 
bank;  as  the  boat  passed,  the  bright  eyes  of  the  deer  would  glisten  in  the  bush 
from  the  light  of  the  burning  hickory  bark,  affording  a good  mark  for  the  hunt 
man.  When  either  deer  or  bear  were  killed,  the  carcass  was  gutted  at  once  ai 
hung  to  a tree,  to  be  taken  to  the  settlement  on  a sled  after  the  hunt. 

Bear  and  deer  drives  were  organized  by  stationing  the  hunters  at  short  i 
tervals  around  a circle.  A large  tract  of  land  could  thus  be  surrounded.  At 
signal  from  the  Captain,  the  word  was  passed  from  man  to  man  to  begin  the  a 
vance  to  a common  center.  Tin  horns  and  trumpets  were  sounded  along  tl 
line;  often  inclosing  in  the  circle  to  the  center  a herd  of  deer,  bears,  tuike; 
and  small  game.  An  incessant  fire  from  the  line  of  hunters  rapidly  broug. 
down  the  flying  deer,  the  bears  as  they  dashed  from  side  to  side,  skulkii 
wolves  and  wild-cats  and  turkeys  from  the  tree-tops. 

The  tender,  juicy  flesh  of  the  wild  turkey,  the  skill  and  tact  needed  to  6u 
cessfully  hunt  them,  was  a temptation  that  the  hunters  would  not  resist.  T! 
“call”  was  made  from  the  small  bone  of  a turkey’s  wing,  and  most  huntc 
were  experts  in  its  use.  After  having  a shot  or  two  at  a pack  and  scatterii 
them,  the  “ call  ” was  used  to  draw  them  to  an  ambush,  shooting  them  as  tin 
came  within  range.  Turkeys  being  followed  in  the  snow  soon  tire.  The  ku 
ter  followed  the  tracks  of  a single  turkey  that  would  turn  off  to  hide  or  re;1 
After  having  killed  his  turkey  the  hunter  took  up  the  track  of  the  flock  aga 
until  he  saw  that  another  had  turned  out  to  hide  and  squat.  They  were  ofti1 
shot  from  their  roosts  in  the  tree-tops  in  the  early  morning. 

Turkey  traps  were  square  pens  of  light  timber,  a door  at  the  side  with 
spring  catch;  the  string  was  stretched  across  the  floor,  covered  with  chaff  ai; 
corn.  In  scratching,  the  string  would  be  struck,  and  the  door  dropped  belli] 
the  turkeys.  Other  and  smaller  game  were  shot  or  trapped  in  any  quanta 
One  way  of  shooting  wild  ducks,  geese  and  turtles,  was  to  float  down  stream 
a canoe,  or  on  a slab  covered  with  brush.  Roast  coon,  opossum  and  rabbit  p 
were  favorite  dishes,  the  game  for  which  was  usually  supplied  by  the  boys,  wl 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


313 


showed  great  ingenuity  in  making  traps  and  snares  for  small  game,  and  soon 
acquired  skill  in  woodcraft  and  shooting. 

Bass,  catfish,  pickerel,  pike,  eels,  perch,  suckers  and  sunfish,  were  caught 
abundantly  from  the  rivers,  by  gigging,  and  in  fish-boxes,  traps,  Bnares  and 
nets.  Great  seines  were  used  that  would  sweep  the  river  from  shore  to  shore. 

1808. 

Settlers,  worthy  men  from  the  Eastern  States,  were  constantly  coming  in 
vith  their  families,  to  locate  on  the  farming  lands.  Cabins  were  put  up  in  all 
lirections  from  the  settlement,  and  the  women,  children  and  goods  were  tum- 
bled into  them.  Good  crops  were  produced  throughout  the  valley;  wheat  was 
selling  at  50  cents  per  bushel,  and  whisky  at  37  J cents  a gallon.  There  were 
aut  few  fences  in  kthe  county,  and,  as  a consequence,  horses  and  cattle  run  at 
arge  and  often  strayed  away.  Under  the  law,  “ strays  ” could  be  taken  up,  but 
immediately  appraised,  and  notice,  with  description,  filed  with  the  Squire. 

At  the  election  that  fall  there  were  564  votes  cast  in  the  county.  Dayton 
Township,  at  the  court  house,  196;  Washington  Township,  at  the  house  of 
Richard  Mason,  112;  German  Township,  at  Philip  Gunckel’s,  125;  Randolph 
Township,  at  David  Hoover’s,  47;  Jefferson  Township,  at  John  Yenimons,  84. 
Montgomery,  Miami  and  Preble  Counties  comprised  the  Senatorial  District. 
Montgomery  and  Preble,  jointly,  had  two  Representatives  in  the  Lower  House 
of  the  Legislature. 

MADISON  TOWNSHIP. 

March  6,  1809,  Madison  Township  was  'formed,  and  at  the  first  election, 
held  at  the  house  of  Martin  Wybrichts,  Andrew  Hood  was  elected  Justice  of 
the  Peace.  He  received  10  votes;  Benjamin  Lehman,  5;  Robert  Wilson,  2; 
total,  17.  The  town  of  Trotwood  has  not  been  platted. 

THE  MILITIA. 

All  free,  able-bodied,  white  male  citizens,  between  the  ages  of  eighteen 
and  forty-five  years,  were  enrolled  in  the  militia  by  company  commandants, 
within  whose  company  bounds  such  citizens  resided.  Each  man  was  required 
to  provide  himself  with  a good  musket,  fusee,  or  rifle,  bayonet,  belt,  knapsack, 
two  spare  flints,  a pouch  for  twenty-four  cartridges,  or  a powder-horn,  a fourth- 
pound  of  powder  and  twenty-four  balls.  Officers  wore  a sword  or  hanger.  Ex- 
emptions from  enrollment  were  preachers,  Judges  of  courts,  jail-keepers,  cus- 
toms and  post  officers,  stage-drivers  and  ferry-men  on  mail  routes.  The  State 
was  divided  into  four  divisions,  with  a Major  General  in  command  of  each 
division.  The  First  Division  included  the  counties  of  Hamilton,  Clermont, 
Warren,  Butler,  Greene,  Montgomery,  Miami  and  Champaign,  formed  in  bri- 
gades as  follows:  Regiments,  battalions  and  companies,  of  Hamilton  and  Cler- 
mont Counties  formed  the  First  Brigade ; Warren  and  Butler  the  Second  Brigade ; 
Greene,  Montgomery,  Miami  and  Champaign  the  Third  Brigade.  A brigade  con- 
sisted of  from  two  to  six  regiments ; a regiment  of  two  battalions;  a battalion  of 
from  four  to  eight  companies;  a company  of  from  forty  to  eighty  men.  Brigades 
were  in  command  of  Brigadier  Generals;  the  regiments  by  Lieutenant  Colonels; 
battalions  by  Majors;  and  companies  by  Captains.  Company  officers  were  elected 
by  the  enrolled  men;  Brigadier  Generals,  Lieutenant  Colonels  and  Majors,  were 
elected  by  company  officers;  Division  Commanders  were  appointed  by  the  Governor 
and  Legislature.  One  company  of  artillery,  or  a troop  of  horse,  was  attached 
to  each  regiment.  The  grenadiers,  or  the  rifle  companies,  were  the  flankers. 
Four  company  musters  were  required  each  year:  battalion  musters  in  April  or 
May;  and  regimental  musters  in  October.  When  in  active  service,  the  militia 
were  subject  to  the  rules  and  regulations  of  the  United  States  Army.  As  the 


314 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


State  became  more  thickly  settled,  the  number  of  regiments  and  brigades 
were  increased.  In  1809,  the  militia  of  Ohio  was  15,000  strong,  assigned  to 
four  divisions.  Gen.  John  S.  Gano,  of  Cincinnati,  was  in  command  of  the 
First  Division;  Gen.  Edmund  Hunger,  of  Washington  Township,  this  county 
was  Brigadier  General  in  command  of  the  Fifth  Brigade,  First  Division. 

The  United  States  was  organizing  the  army  as  a precautionary  measure  in 
case  of  war  with  Great  Britain.  In  all  of  the  States  militia  laws  were  being 
adopted  to  meet  the  emergency,  and  State  troops  were  offered  to  the  Govern- 
ment. 

The  Governor  of  Ohio  held  2,834  militia  in  readiness  to  move  upon  requi- 
sition of  the  National  authorities,  but  a better  understanding  prevailed  between 
the  United  States  and  Great  Britain,  and  their  services  were  not,  at  that  tune, 
required. 

Training  days  and  the  4th  of  July  were  the  big  days  for  the  militia;  she 
only  other  times  that  they  mustered  was  at  the  death  of  some  revolutionary  sol 
dier,  or  one  of  their  comrades,  to  bury  them  with  the  honors  of  war. 

Just  before  the  war  of  1812,  regiments  of  Greene  and  Champaign  Coun- 
ties were  formed  into  a brigade,  with  Gen.  Benjamin  Whiteman,  of  Greene 
County,  in  command.  After  the  war,  the  number  of  divisions  were  increased; 
Montgomery,  Preble,  Greene,  Clark,  Miami,  Darke  and  Champaign,  formed  the 
Fifth  Division,  Maj.  Gen.  Benjamin  Whiteman  commanding. 

At  the  militia  trainings  in  the  townships,  sometimes  anvils  wordd  be  used 
in  firing  a National  salute;  at  other  times,  the  proper  number  of  large  trees, 
each  representing  a State,  were  cut  so  that  a few  strokes  of  the  ax  would  fell 
them,  and  thus,  at  intervals,  the  crash  of  the  trees  would  form  part  of  this 
novel  National  salute. 

FIRST  COUNTY  CONVENTION. 

The  first  political  County  Convention  was  held  at  the  court  house  in  the 
evening  of  September  6,  1809.  David  Reed  was  chosen  Moderator,  and  Benja- 
min Van  Cleve,  Clerk,  of  the  convention.  The  following  ticket  was  nominated: 
For  Representatives,  Joseph  H.  Crane,  of  Montgomery;  David  Purviance,  of 
Preble;  for  Sheriff,  Jerome  Holt;  for  Coroner,  David  Squire;  for  Commis 
sioner,  John  Folkerth. 

Opposition  candidates  for  Sheriff  and  Commissioner  were  nominated  by  a 
convention  held  on  the  9th.  At  the  election  there  were  600  votes  cast,  and  this 
entire  ticket  was  elected. 

WAYNE  TOWNSHIP. 

The  County  Commissioners,  on  the  1st  of  January,  1810,  formed  Wayne 
Township,  to  include  the  four  northern  tiers  of  sections  in  the  eighth  range  east 
of  the  Miami  River,  within  this  county,  and  the  third  tier  of  sections  in  the 
fifth  range  west  of  the  Miami,  excepting  two  western  tiers  of  sections  of 
the  sam9  township.  The  first  election  for  two  Justices  was  ordered  to  be  held 
at  the  house  of  Benjamin  Van  Cleve,  on  the  Staunton  road,  Saturday,  January^ 
20.  Twenty-one  votes  were  cast  at  the  election.  James  Miller  and  William 
Snodgrass  were  elected. 

1810  anb  1811. 

The  county  tax  levy  for  1810  was  made  as  follows: 

Dayton  Township,  $865.78.2;  Washington  Township,  $480.95.4;  Wayne 
Township,  $93.77;  Randolph  Township,  $1 77.08. 8|;  Madison  Township,  $76.- 
78.94;  Jefferson  Township,  $416.76.24;  German  Township,  $303.15.74;  total, 
$2,414.30.44. 

The  census  returns  for  1810  showed,  in  Montgomery  County,  7,722  inhab- 
itants; Butler  County,  11,150;  Greene,  5,870;  Miami,  3,941;  Preble,  3,304; 
Warren,  9,925;  total  for  the  State,  230,849. 


£4^ 


HARRISON  , TP 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


317 


The  number  of  mills  in  the  county  had  increased  in  numbers,  every  avail- 
; le  mill  site  was  occupied;  flour,  whisky,  pork  and  grain,  were  shipped  down 
lie  river  in  flat-boats.  Fish  baskets  and  brush-dams  so  interfered  with  naviga- 
bn,  that  an  efiort  was  made  to  have  the  channels  of  the  Miami.  Mad  River 
i d Stillwater  declared  public  highways.  In  1811,  mills,  barns,  still- houses 
id  all  outbuildings,  other  than  dwellings,  were  exempted  from  taxation.  A. 
tndard  half  bushel  was  ordered  by  the  Commissioners,  and,  on  the  28th  of 
-me,  James  Wilson  was  appointed  keeper  of  the  measure,  and  was  advertised 
be  at  his  house,  at  Dayton,  every  Saturday,  to  measure  and  seal  half-bushels. 

THE  FIRST  STONE  JAIL. 

The  contract  for  building  a new  jail  was  sold  at  public  auction  at  the  court 
rase,  July  27,  to  James  Thompson,  at  $2,147.91;  the  building  to  be  18x32 
et,  and  built  of  rubble  stone.  The  contractor  was  two  years  and  a half  in 
hiding  it.  In  the  meantime  the  county  used  a rented  building  for  a jail.  In 
icember,  1813,  the  jail  was  finished  and,  shortly  afterward,  was  accepted.  It 
as  two  stories  high,  of  rubble  stone,  gable  shingle  roof  running  parallel  with 
e street,  the  building  standing  at  the  edge  of  the  sidewalk,  in  the  rear  of  tkn 
urt  house,  on  Third  street;  the  entrance  was  from  Third  street  into  a hall 
at  ran  through  the  center  of  the  building;  the  Sheriff’s  residence  was  the 
ist  half  of  the  building;  the  prison  part  was  the  east  half.  There  were  three 
11s  opening  into  the  hall  on  the  first  floor,  and  three  cells,  or  strong  rooms,  on 
e second  floor;  the  rooms  on  the  second  floor  were  more  comfortably  fur- 
shed  and  less  like  prisons  than  those  below;  were  used  for  women  and  others 
nfined  for  minor  offenses;  one  of  them  was  the  debtor’s  cell,  for,  in  early 
iys,  men  were  imprisoned  for  debt;  but  where  there  was  no  special  danger  of 
9 debtor  running  away,  he  might,  upon  giving  bonds  double  the  amount  of  the- 
>bt,  be  released  by  the  court,  on  “prison  bounds”  or  “ limits;”  that  is,  he  could 
re  at  home,  being  allowed  only  to  go  to  and  come  from  work,  to  enable  him 
support  his  family,  and  endeavor  to  pay  the  debt. 

A person  standing  on  the  sidewalk  could  look  through  the  barred  window 
to  the  front  cell  below,  and  converse  freely  with  the  prisoners;  the  window 
as  about  two  feet  square;  small  articles  could  be  easily  passed  through  the- 
irs. Back  of  this  cell  was  the  dungeon,  and  back  of  that  was  another  cell, 
he  walls  and  floors  of  the  six  cells  were  lined  with  a course  of  heavy  oak-plank, 
•iven  full  of  nails,  then  covered  with  a second  course  of  heavy  plank — a strong 
)x  from  which  no  prisoner  escaped  until  they  tried.  One  morning  the  Sheriff 
oke  up  to  find  that  four  of  his  prisoners  had  escaped  during  the  night,  by  cut- 
ng  through  the  floor  and  tunneling  under  the  wall  and  up  through  the  side- 
alk.  There  was  at  once  a great  clamor  for  a new  jail.  About  1834  or  1835. 
one-story  building,  of  heavy  cut  stone,  was  erected  in  the  yard  to  the  rear  of 
le  jail.  In  it  were  four  cells  with  stone  floors  and  arched  brick  ceilings, 
his  was  used  as  the  county  jail  for  ten  years,  until  the  fall  of  the  year  1845,. 
hen  the  stone  jail,  at  the  northwest  corner  of  Main  and  Sixth  street,  was  built. 

EARTHQUAKES. 

The  series  of  earthquakes  which  affected  the  whole  of  the  Ohio  V alley,  and 
estroyed  the  town  of  New  Madrid,  thoroughly  shook  up  Montgomery  County 
9ople  and  all  of  the  Miami  Yalley.  The  first  shock  was  felt  here  between  2 
ad  3 o’clock  Monday  morning,  December  16,  waking  up  all  the  people,  many 
taving  their  houses  in  fright;  horses  and  cattle  were  badly  frightened,  and 
lickens  flew  in  alarm  from  their  roosts  in  the  trees.  These  shocks,  although 
,ot  so  severely,  continued  for  two  days.  Then  again,  on  Thursday,  January 
3,  1812,  another  shock,  more  severe  than  those  of  the  month  previous.  Sev- 


318 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


•eral  slight  shocks  were  felt  within  the  next  few  days,  the  most  severe  of  whicl 
was  on  the  morning  of  the  27th;  it  shook  the  houses;  articles  hanging  in  thi 
stores  were  kept  in  motion  for  a minute.  Just  before  4 o’clock,  Friday  morn 
ing,  February  7,  two  severe  shocks  in  quick  succession  were  heard  and  felt;  thi 
usual  rumbling  noise  was  distinctly  heard  to  precede  and  accompany  both  shocks 
The  last  shock  was  by  far  the  most  awful  in  duration  and  severity  of  any  of  thi 
previous  ones.  People,  cattle  and  fowls,  were  again  greatly  alarmed.  In  thi 
•evening,  two  other  shocks  were  felt. 

INFLUENTIAL  MEN  OF  THE  COUNTY. 

Boone,  Kenton,  Logan  and  other  brave,  strong  spirits,  such  as  they,  wen 
the  men  of  influence  in  the  earliest  days  of  Western  settlement.  After  ths  ter 
ritory  had  been  erected,  Clark,  St.  Clair  and  Wayne,  controlled  affairs  an({| 
brought  peace  and  stability  to  the  Government. 

Van  Cleve,  Hamer,  Newcom,  Cooper,  Hole,  Gunckel,  Edgar,  Adame 
and  Spinning  were  the  leading  men  in  the  pioneer  settlements  and  at  thi! 
time  of  the  organization  of  Montgomery  County;  and  they  were  followed  ii 
the  control  of  affairs  by  Col.  Robert  Patterson,  Judge  Joseph  H.  Crane,  Aaroi 
Baker,  Henry  Brown,  Jonathan  Harshman,  Judge  James  Steele  and  H.  G.  Phil 
lips;  and  in  later  years,  Rev.  Thomas  Winters,  William  Huffman,  Judge  Georg< 
B.  Holt,  John  W.  Van  Cleve,  John  Turner,  John  Neff,  Gen.  R.  C.  Schenck,  C 
L.  Vallandigham,  John  Harries,  William  P.  Huffman,  Maj.  W.  D.  Bickharo 
Valentine  Winters,  E.  E.  Barney  and  Judge  D.  A.  Haynes. 

WAR  TIMES. 

The  thrilling  events  of  the  war  of  1812  so  fully  occupied  the  attention  ant 
efforts  of  the  community  that  it  is  difficult  to  separate  military  movements  an< 
affairs  of  the  county  from  the  purely  local  history  of  the  times.  The  ex 
posed  positions  of  Preble,  Darke  and  Miami  Counties  made  Montgomery  ai 
asylum  for  refugees.  Prices  for  all  farm  products  advanced,  yet  so  many  of  thi 
farmers  were  called  into  the  army  that  the  bulk  of  surplus  product  was  great! 
reduced.  Lands  sold  very  low;  good  farms  up  Stillwater  were  sold  as  low  a 
$3  per  acre;  one  tract  of  6,500  acres,  near  Dayton,  was  offered  at  very  lot 
rates.  But,  of  course,  after  the  war  all  real  estate  rapidly  advanced  in  value 

Very  few  improvements  were  made  in  the  townships;  roads  were  neglected 
except  the  military  roads  from  Franklin  to  Staunton,  through  Dayton,  the  roa< 
south,  to  Lebanon,  and  the  river  road,  from  the  foot  of  Fourth  street,  Dsytor 
to  Alexandersville.  These  roads  were  kept  in  tolerable  repair  by  the  Quarter 
master’s  Department  of  the  army.  The  County  Treasurer’s  report  for  that  yea 
shows  $2,368.82§  collected  in  tax,  and  all  paid  out. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


319 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

WAR  OF  1812. 

WHEN,  in  1811,  it  became  evident  that  there  was  to  be  another  war  between 
the  United  States  and  Great  Britain,  agents  of  the  latter  government  be- 
came active  in  their  intrigues  with  the  Indians  to  unite  the  tribes  of  the  North- 
west against  the  United  States.  British  officers  promised  Tecumseh  that,  in 
the  event  of  war  between  the  two  governments,  if  he  would  bring  to  their  aid 
in  the  Northwest  a large  force  of  Indians,  the  King  of  Great  Britain  would  not 
make  peace  with  the  United  States  until  the  Indians  had  recovered  their  old 
boundary  of  the  Ohio  River  by  driving  the  whites  from  all  the  territory  north  of  it. 

Tecumseh,  without  delay,  held  councils  with  all  of  the  tribes.  Large  bodies 
of  Indians  were  gathered  at  different  points,  to  meet  which  the  United  States 
found  it  necessary  to  bring  into  the  field  a large  force.  The  battle  of  Tippeca- 
noe, on  Tippecanoe  Creek,  Indiana,  was  fought  by  the  army  under  Gen.  Harri- 
son on  November  7,  1811. 

During  the  winter,  Congress  was  engaged  in  the  discussion  of  the  question 
of  an  early  invasion  of  Canada,  and  the  administration  was  maturing  plans  for 
the  organization  and  operation  of  the  army  and  navy.  It  was  decided  that 
the  Northwestern  frontier  should  be  well  protected.  Ohio,  Indiana  and  Ken- 
tucky, were  called  upon  for  a strong  force  of  militia  to  co-operate  with  the 
troops.  The  citizens  of  the  three  States  named  were  practically  solid  in  their 
support  of  the  administration  of  President  Madison,  although  in  the  Eastern 
States  there  existed  a decided  opposition  to  the  war. 

Early  in  April,  1812,  the  President  made  a requisition  for  1,200  of  Ohio 
militia  for  one  year’s  service.  In  obedience  to  this  call,  Gov.  Return  J. 
Meigs  issued  orders  to  the  Major  Generals  of  the  Western  and  Middle  Divi- 
sions, to  furnish  their  respective  quotas  of  men,  and  designated  Dayton  as  the 
point  for  such  troops  to  report  to,  on  April  29. 

Besides  the  militia  called  for,  Congress  had  authorized  six  companies  of 
mounted  rangers,  to  be  organized  for  one  year’s  service  on  the  frontier,  and  a 
special  appropriation  was  made  for  their  pay  and  subsistence.  Capt.  William 
Perry  was  appointed  to  enlist  and  command  the  Second  company  of  these  ran- 
gers. The  company  was  to  consist  of  Captain,  Lieutenant,  Ensign,  four  Ser- 
geants, four  Corporals  and  sixty  privates,  to  be  held  at  all  times  ready  to  march 
at  short  notice,  each  man  to  furnish  himself  with  a good  rifle  or  musket,  side 
arms,  or  tomahawk,  and  a horse. 

Gen.  Edmund  Munger  commanding  the  Second  Brigade,  First  Division, 
Ohio  Militia,  received  the  order  for  raising  this  company,  and  published  it  to 
the  First  Battalion  of  the  First  Regiment,  at  their  muster,  in  Dayton,  on  Tues- 
day, April  14;  he  called  for  volunteers,  and  twenty  stepped  out  of  the  line  and 
enlisted. 

By  law,  the  power  was  conferred  on  every  officer  to  call  out  the  whole  or  a 
part  of  all  the  militia  under  his  command;  then,, as  in  this  case,  if  service  was  re- 
quired for  any  length  of  time,  and  there  was  not  enough  volunteers,  it  became 
the  duty  of  such  officer  to  draft  from  the  remainder  enough  men  to  fill  the 
quota;  that  explains  why  drafted  troops  reported  as  promptly  to  camp  as  the 
volunteers.  The  militia  were  thus  kept  in  comparatively  good  discipline,  and 
ever  ready  for  prompt,  active  service  during  the  war. 


-320 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


A sufficient  number  not  having  volunteered  to  fill  the  company  of  rangers 
the  battalion  was  ordered  to  assemble  on  the  16th,  at  Adam’s  Prairie,  near  the 
mouth  of  Hole’s  Creek,  five  miles  down  the  river  from  Dayton.  Maj.  George 
Adams  was  ordered  to  report  with  his  battalion  at  the  same  time  and  place,  to 
have  a draft,  if  necessary,  to  fill  up  Capt.  Perry’s  company,  deeming  it  not  ad- 
visible  to  draft  men  from  Preble,  Darke  or  Miami  Counties,  because  of  the  In- 
dian alarm  in  those  quarters. 

April  23,  Capt.  Perry  received  orders  to  march  immediately  to  Fort  Lora 
mie,  and  on  Monday,  the  27th,  the  rangers  passed  through  town. 

April  29,  the  Indians  killed  and  scalped  a man  near  Greenville;  three  men  [! 
were  found  murdered  in  the  woods  near  Fort  Defiance. 

April  30  had  been  appointed  by  the  Governor  as  a day  of  fasting  and 
prayer;  public  service  was  held  at  the  court  house  in  Dayton. 

May  1,  Maj.  Charles  Wolverton,  of  Miami  County,  with  Capt.  Reuben  West- 
fall’s  company  of  that  county,  marched  from  Piqua  over  to  Greenville  with  in 
structions  to  kill  every  Indian  they  saw.  They  killed  two  Pottawatomies,  -j 
wounded  a third  and  captured  two  squaws  and  a boy  Indian. 

No  preparation  had  been  made,  either  by  the  State  authorities  or  by  the 
citizens  of  the  town,  for  the  reception  of  the  State  troops  that  were  to  rendez- 
vous at  Dayton.  May  1,  companies  began  to  arrive  at  Dayton,  and  bivouac  on 
the  commonage  (now  the  City  park,  on  the  canal,  between  Second  and  Third 
streets),  where  they  remained  without  tents  and  other  equipage  until  the  middle 
of  the  month.  Gov.  Meigs  came  to  Dayton  on  Wednesday,  May  6,  to  superin- 
tend the  organization  of  the  militia,  twelve  companies  of  which  had  reported  in  |l 
obedience  to  his  orders.  Some  of  them  were  encamped  just  south  of  town,  as 
there  was  not  room  enough  for  them  ail  in  the  town.  The  citizens  welcomed 
the  Governor  with  a salute  of  eighteen  guns,  and  in  the  afternoon  he  reviewed 
the  troops.  The  next  day,  from  his  headquarters  at  McCollom’s  tavern,  he  is- 
sued this  appeal: 

A CALL  ON  THE  PATRIOTISM  OF  THE  CITIZENS  OF  OHIO. 

The  situation  of  our  country  has  compelled  the  Government  to  resort  to  precautionary 
measures  of  defense.  In  obedience  to  this  call,  eight  hundred  men  have  abandoned  the 
comforts  of  domestic  life,  and  are  here  assembled  in  camp  at  the  distance  of  some  hundred 
miles  from  home,  prepared  to  protect  our  frontier  from  the  awful  effects  of  savage  and 
of  civilized  warfare.  But  the  unprecedented  celerity  with  which  they  have  moved 
precluded  the  possibility  of  properly  equipping  them.  Many,  very  many  of  them,  are 
destitute  of  blankets  ; and,  without  these  indispensable  articles,  it  will  be  impossible  for 
them  to  move  to  their  point  of  destination. 

Citizens  of  Ohio  ! This  appeal  is  made  to  You — let  each  family  furnish  one  or  more 
BLANKETS,  and  the  requisite  number  will  be  completed.  It  is  not  requested  as  a boon  , 
the  moment  your  blankets  are  delivered,  you  shall  receive  their  full  value,  in  money — they 
are  not  to  be  had  at  the  stores.  The  season  of  the  year  is  approaching,  when  each  family 
may,  without  inconvenience,  part  with  one. 

Mothers  ! Sisters  ! Wives  ! — Recollect  that  the  men  in  whose  favor  this  appeal  is  made 
have  connections  as  near  and  dear  as  any  which  can  bind  you  to  life.  These  they  have 
voluntarily  abandoned,  trusting  that  the  integrity  and  patriotism  of  their  fellow-citizens 
will  supply  every  requisite  for  themselves  and  their  families  ; and,  trusting  that  the  same 
Spirit  which  enabled  their  Fathers  to  achieve  their  Independence,  will  enable  their  Sons  to 
defend  it. 

R.  J.  Meigs,  Governor  of  Ohio. 

Headquarters,  Dayton,  May  7,  1812. 

The  Indians  were  growing  quite  uneasy  along  the  frontier  and  annoying  to 
the  little  settlements  at  the  front.  There  were  still  1,970  of  them  in  the  north- 
west corner  of  the  State.  Five  tribes: 


Shawnees 700. 

Ottawas 550. 

Wyandots 300. 

Senecas 220. 

Delawares  and  Muncies 200. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


321 


The  Shawnee  lands  were  around  the  head-waters  of  the  Great  Miami 
md  the  Auglaize  Rivers;  the  Ottawas  principally  along  Lake  Erie;  the  Wyan- 
lots  on  the  Sandusky  River;  the  Senecas,  Delawares  and  Muncies  on  the  same 
"iver  and  its  tributary  streams.  Preble,  Darke  and  Miami  Counties  were  threat- 
ened; many  of  the  settlers,  with  their  families,  lied  from  the  frontier,  spread- 
ng  the  alarm.  Indian  parties  were  so  annoying  that  it  was  necessary  to 
seep  the  Miami  County  militia  constantly  scouting  to  the  north  and  west  of 
Piqua.  In  the  northern  part  of  this  county,  from  the  Miami  River  west  to 
Preble  County,  two  or  three  block-houses  were  built  as  rallying  points  for  the 
settlers. 

Gen.  Munger,  with  the  Dayton  Troop  of  Horse,  was  ordered  from  camp,  at 
Sole’s  Creek,  on  a scout  to  the  front,  beyond  Greenville.  May  10,  he  returned 
vith  the  information  that  friendly  Indians  were  advising  the  whites  to  move 
nto  the  settlements;  that  the  Prophet,  with  a large  body  of  Indians,  was  in 
•amp  seventy  miles  from  Greenville,  expecting  to  advance  against  the  settle- 
nents  in  about  six  weeks.  Gov.  Meigs  at  once  ordered  a company  of  riflemen, 
horn  Col.  McArthur’s  regiment,  to  march  to  Greenville,  and  another  to  Piqua, 
do  protect  the  settlers  and  the  public  property.  Gov.  Meigs  left  for  Cincinnati, 
Expecting  to  meet  Gen.  Hull,  but  returned  on  the  15th,  without  him. 

Gen.  John  S.  Gano  and  Col.  Lewis  Cass,  on  Wednesday,  the  13th,  arrived 
Erom  Cincinnati,  with  600  men,  and  went  into  camp  on  the  common,  swelling 
-.he  number  of  troops  in  camp  to  about  1,400. 

The  Shawnee  chiefs,  from  the  Wapakonetta  towns,  were  at  Piqua  in 
conference  with  Col.  John  Johnston,  the  United  States  Indian  Agent,  and  there 
was  great  anxiety  to  know  whether  their  decision  would  be  for  peace  or  war. 
On  the  14th,  reports  came  of  the  capture  of  six  buck  Indians  and  a squaw  by 
the  militia,  near  Troy.  The  next  day,  near  Greenville,  the  Indians  attacked  a 
party  of  five  or  six  whites,  who  were  planting,  wounding  one  man.  The  Indians 
were  pursued  and  one  of  them  killed  and  one  wounded. 

The  Indians,  in  council,  at  Piqua,  gave  assurances  that  friendly  relations 
with  the  whites  would  be  continued;  but  the  people  placed  no  confidence  in 
their  professions. 

May  20,  Capt.  Mansfield  arrived  in  camp  from  Cincinnati,  with  his  com- 
pany of  light  infantry.  The  troops  had  become  used  to  camp  life  and  their  du- 
ties as  soldiers,  and  had  acquired  some  practice  in  the  manual  of  arms  and  com- 
pany evolutions.  The  Governor  had  assembled  these  1,500  recruits,  hastily 
organized  into  companies,  officered  by  men  of  their  own  choice.  The  time  had 
now  arrived  for  the  organization  of  these  companies  into  regiments. 

May  21,  three  regiments  of  infantry  were  formed — the  First,  Second  and 
Third  Ohio  Militia — the  first  troops  ever  organized  by  the  State  authorities.  For 
the  First  Regiment,  Duncan  McArthur  was  elected  Colonel,  and  J ames  Denny 
and  William  A.  Trimble,  Majors.  For  the  Second  Regiment,  James  Findlay 
was  elected  Colonel,  and  Thomas  Moore  and  Thomas  B.  Yan  Horn,  Majors. 
For  the  Third  Regiment,  Lewis  Cass  was  elected  Colonel,  and  Robert  Morrison 
and  Jeremiah  R.  Munson,  Majors. 

After  the  assignment  of  companies  and  election  of  officers,  the  First  Regi- 
ment returned  to  their  camp  south  of  the  town,  the  other  two  regiments  remain- 
ing in  camp  on  the  common.  A better  state  of  discipline  was  maintained  and 
everything  placed  in  military  trim.  Capt.  Yan  Cleve’s  company  of  Dayton  rifle- 
men volunteered  their  services  for  the  protection  of  the  frontier;  there  being 
already  more  than  the  State’s  quota  of  troops  mustered  into  the  service,  this 
company,  with  many  others,  were  organized  into  battalions  and  regiments,  for 
| outpost  duty,  to  guard  supply  trains  and  to  keep  open  the  line  of  communica- 
tions with  the  army. 


322 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Gov.  Meigs  had  discharged  his  duty  well,  had  remained  in  the  Miami  Val- 
ley,  giving  personal  attention  to  the  enlistment  and  organization  of  the  Ohio 
troops,  and  now  they  were  ready  for  the  field;  he  had  only  to  transfer  the  com- 
mand to  Brig.  Gen.  William  Hull,  who  the  President  had  assigned  as  the  com- 
mander of  the  Northwestern  Army. 

The  General  and  his  staff  had  arrived  in  Dayton,  and  were  stopping  at  Mc- 
Collom’s  tavern.  The  busy  preparations  for  the  departure  of  the  troops  filled 
the  town  with  life  and  bustle;  officers  and  attaches  were  reporting  for  duty; 
supplies  of  ammunition,  Quartermaster’s  and  commissary  stores  were  hurried  up 
the  road  from  Cincinnati;  a wagon  train,  with  tents,  blankets  and  camp  equip- 
age, came  in.  Our  people  were  in  the  midst  of  the  excitement  of  army  life; 
the  narrow  roadways  were  crowded  with  army  wagons,  pack-horses,  mounted 
men  and  couriers,  squads  and  companies  dialling.  Dayton  was  a military  camp. 

The  transfer  of  the  command  of  the  army  by  Gov.  Meigs  to  Gen.  Hull  was 
made  on  the  25th,  with  all  proper  ceremony.  In  the  morning  the  Governor  and 
staff  with  the  General  and  staff  rode  to  the  camp  of  the  First  Ohio,  the  regiment 
being  in  line  to  receive  them.  After  review,  addresses  were  delivered,  and  the 
officers  returned  to  the  tavern  for  dinner ; after  which  they  mounted  and  rode  down 
to  the  camp  on  the  commons,  making  a careful  inspection  of  arms,  accouterments 
and  equipments.  The  two  regiments  passed  in  review  and  were  then  formed  in 
close  column  and  addressed  by  Gov.  Meigs  as  follows: 

Officers  and  Soldiers  of  the  First  Army  of  Ohio  : 

Collected  suddenly  and  rapidly  from  the  various  parts  of  the  State,  you  have  manifested 
a zeal  worthy  the  character  of  a free  people.  You  will  soon  be  completely  organized,  and 
1 trust  that  harmony  will  forever  continue.  Already  you  have  made  considerable  advances 
in  discipline  ; you  will  improve  ; it  will  soon  become  easy,  familiar  and  agreeable.  Subor 
dination  is  the  soul  of  discipline  ; order,  safety  and  victory  are  its  results.  Honor  consists 
in  an  honorable  discharge  of  duty,  whatever  may  be  the  rank.  Respect  each  other 
according  to  your  stations  ; officers,  be  to  your  men  as  parents  to  children  ; men,  regard 
your  officers  as  fathers.  You  will  soon  march.  My  heart  will  always  be  with  you.  The 
prayers  of  all  good  citizens  will  attend  you.  By  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United 
States,  I have  so  far  organized  and  marched  you  ; in  his  name,  I thank  you. 

I feel  a satisfaction  in  knowing  that  you  are  to  be  placed  under  the  command  and 
guidance  of  Brigadier  General  Hull,  a distinguished  officer  of  Revolutionary  experience, 
who,  being  Superintendent  of  Indian  Affairs  and  Chief  Magistrate  of  the  Territory  to  which 
you  are  destined,  was  happily  selected  for  the  service.  His  influence  and  authority  there 
will  enable  him  to  provide  for  your  convenience. 

I pray  that  each  may  conduct  himself  so  that  when  you  return  to  the  embrace  of  your 
friends  and  relations,  they  may  be  proud  to  salute  you  as  one  who  had  honorably  belonged 
to  the  First  Army  of  Ohio.  The  Second  Army  is  organizing,  and  will  follow,  if  necessary. 
Our  frontiers  must  be  protected  from  savage  barbarity ; our  rights  maintained,  and  cur 
wrongs  avenged. 

Go  then  ! Fear  not ! Be  strong  ! Quit  yourselves  like  men,  and  may  the  God  of 
Armies  be  your  shield  and  buckler. 

Gen.  Hull  then  addressed  the  troops  : 

Patriotic  Officers  and  Soldiers  of  Ohio  : 

The  manner  in  which  His  Excellency,  Gov.  Meigs,  has  delivered  over  to  me  the 
command  of  this  part  of  the  army,  has  excited  sensations  which  I strongly  feel,  but  which 
it  is  difficult  for  me  to  express.  His  great  exertions,  and  the  talents  he  has  displayed  in 
assembling,  organizing,  disciplining  and  preparing  in  every  respect  for  actual  service  so 
respectable  a military  force,  are  known  to  you,  and  will  be  fully  known  to  his  country : 
this  knowledge  of  his  conduct  will  be  his  highest  eulogium.  Long  may  he  live,  and  long 
may  he  adorn  his  elevated  station. 

The  crisis  now  has  arrived  when  our  country  has  deemed  it  necessary  to  call  into  the 
field  her  patriotic  sons.  The  spirit  which  has  been  manifested  on  this  occasion  is  highly 
honorable  to  the  officers  and  soldiers  who  compose  this  army,  and  to  the  section  of  the 
Union  to  which  you  belong.  You  have  exhibited  an  example  to  the  older  part  of  the 
country  worthy  of  imitation.  Citizens  distinguished  for  talents  and  wealth  have  made  a 
voluntary  tender  of  their  services  to  defend  the  violated  rights  of  the  nation.  Such  men 
are  entitled  to  the  fair  inheritance  which  was  purchased  by  the  valor  and  blood  of  their 
fathers. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


323 


A country  with  such  a defense  has  nothing  to  fear ; in  any  possible  exigence  it  is 
e 'ironed  with  a bulwark  of  safety.  To  officers  and  soldiers,  who  have  engaged  in  the 
.-die  service  with  such  honorable  and  patriotic  motives,  it  is  unnecessary  to  urge  the 
i nortance  of  regularity  and  discipline,  or  the  necessity  of  subordination  and  obedience  to 

0 ers.  The  same  spirit  which  induced  you  voluntarily  to  engage  in  the  service  of  your 
c ntry,  will  animate  you  in  the  discharge  of  your  duties.  With  patience  you  will  submit 
t.  he  privations  and  fatigues  incident  to  a military  life,  and  if  you  should  be  called  to  meet 
d iger  in  the  field,  you  will  manifest  the  sincerity  of  your  engagements  by  the  firmness  and 
bvery  of  your  conduct.  In  marching  through  a wilderness,  memorable  for  savage 

barity,  you  will  remember  the  causes  by  which  that  barbarity  has  been  heretofore 
e ited.  In  viewing  the  ground,  stained  with  the  blood  of  your  fellow-citizens,  it  will  be 
possible  to  suppress  the  feelings  of  indignation.  Passing  by  the  ruins  of  a fortress, 
2ted  in  our  territory  by  a foreign  nation  in  times  of  profound  peace,  and  for  the  express 
pose  of  exciting  the  savages  to  hostility,  and  supplying  them  with  the  means  of 
ducting  a barbarous  war,  must  remind  you  of  that  system  of  oppression  and  injustice 
ich  the  spirit  of  an  indignant  people  can  no  longer  endure. 

If  it  is  possible  that  time  should  obliterate  the  remembrance  of  past  transactions, 
t at  will  be  the  impression  on  the  present  occasion  ? The  wrongs  of  the  same  nation  have 
b n continually  accumulating,  and  have  at  length  compelled  our  country  to  put  on  the 
a aor  of  safety,  and  be  prepared  to  avenge  the  injuries  which  have  been  inflicted. 

In  a few  days,  you  will  be  joined  by  a body  of  troops  of  the  United  States  Army. 

1 iong  them  you  will  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  the  Fourth  Regiment  of  Infantry,  the 
g lant  heroes  of  Tippecanoe.  They  will  act  by  your  side  in  the  approaching  campaign  ; 
a 1 while  they  will  be  ambitious  to  maintain,  and,  if  possible,  to  increase  the  glory  they 
ire  already  acquired,  your  conduct  will  be  stimulated  by  the  splendor  of  their  example, 
a l you  will  be  inspired  with  ambition  to  acquire  laurels  at  least  as  brilliant  as  those  they 
d ervedly  wear. 

That  harmony  and  friendship  may  pervade  this  army,  and  that  glory  and  fame  may 
a md  it  in  all  its  movements,  are  wishes  in  which  I am  confident  you  will  all  heartily  join. 

The  citizens  of  the  town  and  surrounding  country  turned  out  almost  en 
i ,sse  to  witness  the  display  and  ceremonies.  The  narrow  roadways  of  the 
t vn  were  crowded  with  a motley  mass  of  men,  women  and  children,  soldiers, 

. ;k -horses,  army  wagons  and  squads  of  militia;  all  interest  being  centered  at 
c np,  on  the  little  prairie  between  First  and  Third  streets,  just  east  of  St.  Clair 
£ eet. 

Early  the  next  morning,  May  26,  1812,  the  three  regiments  broke  camp, 
med,  with  Gen.  Hull  and  staff,  in  full  uniform,  at  the  head  of  the  column, 
rched  from  town,  crossing  Mad  River  at  the  Staunton  road  ford,  nearly  oppo- 
se the  head  of  Webster  street.  The  march  continued  up  the  west  bank  of 
i id  River  about  three  miles,  to  a prairie  in  the  east  half  of  Section  30.  The 
1 tops  were  formed  in  a hollow  square,  and,  amidst  the  cheers  of  troops  and 
] ople,  the  American  flag  was  hoisted  in  front  of  Gen.  Hull’s  tent,  and  the 
me  of  the  camp  was  announced  as  Camp  Meigs,  in  honor  of  Ohio’s  patriotic 
‘ )vernor.  The  camp  was  regularly  laid  out,  and  the  troops  were  made  more 

1 mfortable  in  the  tents  and  with  the  equipage  supplied  by  the  Government, 
more  rigid  discipline  was  maintained  and  the  regular  duties  of  camp  lire  he- 
rn Officers  and  men  were  drilled  in  outpost  and  guard  duty. 

To  relieve  the  two  companies  of  the  First  Regiment,  then  out  scouting,  the 
wernor  issued  the  following  order  to  Col.  Holt  and  Capt.  Yan  Cleve,  then  in 
mp  at  Adam’s  Prairie,  on  Hole’s  Creek: 

Headquarters,  Dayton,  May  26,  1812. 

Capt.  William  Yan  Cleve’s  company  of  riflemen  will  march  to  the  frontier  of  the 
ite,  west  of  the  Miami,  under  the  direction  and  charge  of  Col.  Jerome  Holt.  Col.  Holt 
11  assist  the  frontier  inhabitants  in  erecting  block-houses  in  suitable  places,  and  adopt 
y mode  he  may  think  best  for  the  protection  of  the  frontiers,  and  the  continuance  of 

2 settlements.  R.  J.  Meigs,  Governor  of  Ohio. 

Patrols  of  militia  kept  the  roads  on  both  sides  of  the  Miami,  from  Camp 
eigs  to  Piqua,  clear  of  Indians.  A troop  of  horse,  in  command  of  Col.  Sloan, 
Cincinnati,  reported  at  Camp  Meigs  on  the  27th,  and  within  three  or  four 
>ys  the  two  companies  of  the  First  Regiment  returned  to  camp. 

The  army  was  not  to  be  encumbered  with  artillery  in  "crossing  the  country 


324 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


but  were  to  be  supplied  at  Detroit,  where  there  were  a number  of  siege-gui 
and  batteries  of  lighter  caliber. 

At  Camp  Meigs,  everything  was  in  readiness  to  move;  the  wagon  trai; 
with  baggage  and  ammunition,  were  parked,  ready  to  load  tents  and  equipage 
pack-horse  brigades  were  all  organized  to  carry  provisions  and  forage. 

May  31,  the  order  was  issued  “to  strike  tents  early  in  the  morning.”  T1 
little  army  of  1,600  men  had  been  armed  and  equipped  for  the  campaig 
against  the  British  forces  and  their  Indian  allies.  A description  of  the  out 
for  officers  and  men,  as  they  marched  from  Camp  Meigs  on  that  bright  Jm 
morning,  seventy  years  ago,  may  be  interesting. 

The  General  and  his  staff,  the  Colonels  of  regiments  and  other  mount; 
officers,  wore  cocked  hats  with  plumes;  sabers  at  their  sides  and  a pair  of  b 
horse  pistols  in  the  holsters;  soldiers  were  dressed  in  tow-linen  hunting-shii) 
and  breeches,  low-crowned  hat,  with  cockade  or  plate  worn  on  the  side.  T 
arms  were  flint-lock  muskets,  with  bayonets,  some  mounted  companies  using 
addition  the  old,  heavy  flint-lock  horse  pistols,  that  were  about  fifteen  to  twe 
ty  inches  long.  To  the  waist-belt  in  a leather  pocket,  hung  the  tomahawk,  ai 
in  a sheath  was  a butcher -knife.  On  the  right  hip,  attached  to  a cross  be 
thrown  over  the  left  shoulder,  was  the  cartridge  box.  In  a small  sheath  on  t 
left  side  hung  the  bayonet.  They  were  also  supplied  with  canteens.  T 
knapsack  was  made  of  heavy  linen,  painted  and  varnished.  The  blanket  v 
rolled  on  top  and  the  whole  covered  with  a piece  of  oil  cloth.  Clothing,  ratic 
and  ammunition,  were  carried  in  the  knapsacks.  Companies  were  usually  di 
ded  into  messes  of  six  men  each,  rations  were  issued  to  each  mess  every  eve 
ing,  each  man  cooking,  in  the  most  primitive  manner,  his  provisions  for  the  m 
day.  The  rations  were  flour  or  corn  meal,  fat  bacon,  parched  corn  and  s; 
Cattle  were  driven  along  with  the  supply  trains,  thus  furnishing  an  occasion  1 
issue  of  fresh  beef.  Whisky  was  issued  in  bad  weather,  or  when  extra  duty  vi 
required.  The  flour  was  made  into  flapjacks,  or,  after  kneading,  was  twist  l 
around  a pole  five  or  six  feet  long,  then  this  “pole  bread”  was  baked  by  tin 
ing  before  the  fire.  j 

Thus  organized  and  equipped  for  the  field,  this,  the  first  army  of  Gh, 
designated  as  the  Northwestern  Army,  by  the  Government,  marched  from  Can 
Meigs,  Monday,  June  1,  1812.  The  whole  population  of  the  town  and  coin' 
gathered  at  the  camp  to  witness  their  departure.  The  Governor  and  his  st  l 
were  present,  with  many  strangers  from  Cincinnati  and  from  over  in  Kentuc . 

The  general  call  was  beat  at  half  past  4 o’clock  in  the  morning;  tents  w 
struck;  baggage,  tents  and  equipments  loaded  into  the  wagons;  a hasty  bre;- 
f ast  and  the  assembly  was  sounded.  The  column  was  formed  as  follows : C 

airy  on  the  right;  next  in  line  was  the  Second  Regiment;  then  the  Third  Oh 
and  on  the  extreme  left  maiched  the  First  Regiment,  followed  by  the  wap 
train  and  brigades  of  pack  mules.  For  several  miles  crowds  of  people  tram], 
through  the  fields  on  either  side  of  the  troops,  many  following  all  day,  ; 
sleeping  in  camp  the  first  night,  and  did  not  return  to  their  homes  for  a day  ) 
two.  The  road  the  troops  marched  out  on  is  now  known  as  the  old  To 
pike,  but  at  that  time  it  was  simply  a country  road  that  led  north  to  the  set; 
ments  on  the  Miami  River,  and  was  known  as  the  Staunton  road.  The  arjj 
went  into  camp  at  Staunton  the  first  evening,  a small  settlement  a mile  east, 
Troy.  It  was  the  intention  of  Gen.  Hull  to  march  the  army  up  the  east  hard 
the  Miami,  to  Fort  Loramie,  then  cross  over  to  the  Auglaize,  and  keep  on  doji 
to  the  rapids  of  the  Maumee.  A large  number  of  batteaux  and  other  keel  bp 
had  been  loaded  with  flour,  corn-meal,  pork  and  corn,  here  at  Dayton,  to  1 
taken  up  the  river,  protected  by  the  troops,  but  the  water  was  too  low,  and  1 
first  day  out  the  boats  stranded  on  the  shoals.  This  caused  a change  of  pit 


DAYTON 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


327 


ad  the  army  was  paid  oft’  and  remained  until  the  6th  in  camp  at  Staunton.  It 
ien  marched  across  to  Urbana,  where  they  arrived  on  the  7th,  and  camped  in 
lie  eastern  part  of  the  town.  Gov.  Meigs  had  left  Dayton  on  the  3d  for  Tir- 
ana, to  hold  a council  with  twelve  Indian  chiefs,  who  had  been  assembled 
aere  for  the  purpose;  sis  of  them,  Cutawepasa,  Cutawepa,  Piageha,  Pitahage, 
itekishemo  and  Nasahacothe,  were  of  the  Shawnee  tribes;  five  of  them,  Jahe, 
kanato,  Scutush,  Manaham  and  Dewesen,  of  the  Wyandots,  and  Mathame, 

; the  Mingoes.  To  impress  the  savages  with  the  strength  of  the  army,  and  of 
ie  determination  and  power  of  the  United  States  Government  to  hold  the  ter- 
tory  ceded  by  the  English  Government,  in  the  treaty  of  1783,  the  army  at 
rbana  were  paraded  on  the  afternoon  of  June  8,  and  reviewed  by  the  Gov- 
'nor,  attended  by  the  Indian  chiefs,  several  officers  of  the  State,  and  other 
ilitary  and  civil  officers. 

The  Fourth  Regiment  United  States  Infantry  and  several  militia  compa- 
es  arrived  as  re -enforcements,  increasing  the  army  to  2,500  effective  men.  A 
ospital  was  establised  at  Urbana.  and  other  arrangements  made  for  that  point 
; a base  of  supplies  for  the  army.  The  First  Regiment  was  ordered  to  cut  a 
>ad  north  through  the  woods  to  Scioto  River,  and,  in  compliance  with  this  or- 
ar,  marched  from  camp  on  the  11th,  and,  on  the  16th,  reached  the  south  bank 
‘ the  Scioto,  twenty- four  miles  from  Urbana,  and  began  building  two  block- 
rnses,  each  20x24  feet,  in  a low  fiat  piece  of  woods.  The  two  block-houses  were 
mnected  by  a strong  stockade;  another  stockade  was  put  up,  inclosing  a half 
■re  of  ground  surrounding  the  houses ; these  fortifications  were  given  the  name 
: Fort  McArthur.  On  the  15th  the  army  left  Urbana.  The  general  line  of 
arch  was  through  the  counties  of  Logan,  Hardin,  Hancock  and  Wood,  to 
ie  foot  of  the  Maumee  Rapids,  where  they  crossed  and  marched  to  Fort 
etroit. 

On  the  evening  of  the  19th,  the  army  arrived  at  Fort  McArthur,  where  they 
imped  for  three  days.  The  woods  were  full  of  hostiles,  rendering  it  neces- 
iry  to  have  a strong  rear  guard,  and  to  march  companies  of  riflemen  on  the 
mks  of  the  army. 

June  21,  the  Second  Regiment  was  detailed  to  cut  the  road  through  to 
lanchard’s  Fork  of  the  Auglaize  River.  For  several  days  it  had  been  raining 
intinuously,  and,  leaving  a company  as  a garrison,  the  army  marched  from 
ort  McArthur,  on  the  22d,  into  the  swamps,  and,  after  marching  twelve  miles, 
at  stuck  in  the  mud,  and,  as  a matter  of  precaution,  built  a block-house,  call- 
ig  it  Fort  Necessity.  These  block-house  stations  were  erected  to  store  provis- 
os not  needed  for  immediate  use,  and  which  could  afterward  be  forwarded 
uder  escort  of  the  militia. 

About  twenty  miles  farther  on  Fort  Findlay  was  built  on  the  high  ground 
a the  west  side  of  Blanchard’s  Fork,  where  Findlay  now  stands.  It  was  a 
ockade  of  fifty  yards  square,  with  block-houses  at  each  of  the  four  corners 
ad  a ditch  in  front. 

With  the  Third  Regiment  in  the  advance,  to  clear  a road,  the  army  began 
ie  march  through  the  Black  Swamp — a part  of  it  is  now  known  as  Hull’s 
‘rairie.  The  distance  from  Fort  Findlay  to  the  rapids  is  thirty-five  miles,  and 
- was  a tedious  march.  The  road  was  badly  cut  up  by  the  mounted  troops,  pack- 
orses  and  106  heavily  loaded  wagons.  Thirteen  wagons  were  abandoned  in  the 
iud.  In  many  places  the  men  marched  knee-deep  in  mud.  Gen.  Hull  arrived 
t the  Maumee,  June  30,  and  crossed,  with  his  army,  in  fine  health  and  spirits, 
ud  at  once  resumed  his  march  to  Detroit.  To  keep  open  his  line  of  communi- 
ation,  and  to  protect  stores  and  public  property  left  at  the  forts  and  stations, 
filitia  were  stationed  at  Dayton,  Piqua,  Ui'bana,  St.  Mary’s,  Fort  McArthur 
ad  Fort  Findlay,  and  a battalion  at  Fort  Greenville. 

,G 


328 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


After  the  departure  of  the  army  from  Camp  Meigs,  on  Mad  River,  Gen 
Munger  marched  his  militia  command  up  from  Hole’s  Creek  and  occupied  thi 
camp.  As  commander  of  this  post,  his  duty  was  to  guard  all  public  store 
here,  and  keep  the  roads  open  as  far  as  Piqua  and  Urbana.  Quartermastei 
commissary  and  ordinance  stores  were  forwarded  through  Dayton  to  the  front 

Capt.  Perry’s  company  of  rangers  was  constantly  scouting  through  th 
country  between  St.  Mary’s  and  Fort  Wayne,  skirmishing  with  Indian  parties 
and  killing  all  they  captured.  On  the  8th  of  July,  they  were  ordered  to  gi 
through  to  Vincennes.  The  object  of  the  Governor  in  holding  the  militia  ii 
camps,  in  Southern  and  Western  Ohio,  and  at  the  posts  along  the  line  of  com 
munications  to  the  north,  was  to  be  ready  to  organize  a second  army  in  case  o 
emergency.  Camp  Meigs  being  a favorable  point,  quite  a considerable  fore 
was  assembled  here,  or  held  ready  to  report  at  short  notice.  About  the  middl 
of  June,  Air.  Cooper  employed  the  militia  who  were  at  Camp  Meigs,  in  dig, gin 
a race  from  the  old  mill-race,  on  First  street,  to  Fifth  street.  The  race  wa 
dug  from  a point  just  north  of  First  street  and  east  of  Madison,  running  south 
west  to  Second  street,  and  crossing  that  street  about  a hundred  feet  east  of  th 
present  canal  basin,  continuing  south  and  parallel  to  the  present  course  c 
the  canal;  just  above  Fifth  street  he  built  a saw-mill  that  stood  there  unt; 
1847. 

Lieut.  Gwynne,  of  the  United  States  Army,  opened  a recruiting  office  ; 
one  of  the  Dayton  taverns,  on  the  1st  of  July,  enlisting  men  for  live  years’  sen 
ice,  offering  $16  bounty,  and  if  the  recruit  served  his  time  out,  or  was  kille; 
or  disabled  in  the  service,  he  was  to  receive  three  months  additional  pay  an 
get  160  acres  of  land.  Men  were  also  enlisted  for  eighteen  months  and  n 
ceived  the  bounty,  but  no  land.  Musicians  were  hired  by  the  month;  boyij 
with,  the  consent  of  their  parents  or  guardians,  were  enlisted  as  musicians. 

The  Dayton  riflemen,  stationed  at  Greenville, with  the  citizens  of  that  tom 
celebrated  the  4th  of  July  by  a parade  and  big  dinner.  Army  trains  and  mil 
tia  made  too  much  confusion  in  this  county  for  any  observance  of  the  day. 

July  10,  Gov.  Meigs,  who  was  then  at  Chillicothe,  ordered  Gen.  Munger ! 
disband  his  militia  brigade,  as  it  was  then  thought  their  services  would  not  1 
required. 

Farmers  sold  their  grain,  stock  and  surplus  products,  to  army  contracto 
at  advanced  prices;  some  idea  of  the  business  of  this  kind  carried  on  hei 
through  that  summer  may  be  had  from  the  advertisements  of  contractors,  one  <j! 
whom  wanted  to  buy  3,000  barrels  of  flour,  600  head  of  cattle  and  400  horse 
Everything  the  people  had  for  sale  was  bought  for  the  army.  Another  eoi 
tractor  advertised  for  flour  in  barrels,  whisky,  beef  cattle,  vinegar  and  baco| 
to  be  delivered  at  Dayton,  or  any  of  the  block-houses  that  might  be  agretj: 
upon. 

At  noon,  on  Saturday,  August  22,  the  news  of  Hull’s  disgraceful  surrend: 
reached  Dayton,  creating  consternation  and  the  greatest  alarm  among  the  peopi 
for  the  safety  of  the  frontier  settlements.  United  States  Commissioners  were  th; 
in  council  with  the  Indians  at  Piqua,  and  it  was  feared  that  the  disaster  migJ 
influence  all  neutral  tribes  to  join  the  British  force  and  spread  their  barbarot 
warfare  over  Southwestern  Ohio.  The  situation  was  gloomy.  Up  to  this  tin 
there  had  been  no  idea  of  serious  reverse.  The  surrender  occurred  on  the  16 
of  August,  at  a moment  whan  every  soldier  and  officer  in  the  American  Arm, 
except  the  General  himself,  was  ready  and  anxious  for  the  battle.  Gen.  Hull  h; 
with  him  a well-appointed  army  of  2,500  men  of  all  arms,  fully  supplied  witharn 
ammunition  and  provisions.  These,  with  thirty-eight  pieces  of  artillery,  larj 
quantities  of  ammunition,  a month’s  supply  of  provisions  at  Fort  Detroit,  ai 
a great  quantity  of  cattle,  sheep  and  horses,  and  the  stores  at  the  River  Raisi 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


329 


ere  surrendered  without  firing  a gun,  to  Maj.  Gen.  Brock,  of  the  British  Army, 
ho  had  but  330  regulars,  400  militia  and  O0O  Indians;  his  artillery  consisted 
three  six-pounders  and  two  three-pounders. 

The  Ohio  troops  were  released  on  parole,  and  landed  by  the  British  at  dif- 
rent  points  along  the  shore  of  Lake  Erie  as  far  east  as  Cleveland,  and  left  to 
id  their  way  across  the  State  to  their  homes.  Hull  was  afterward  tried  for 
eason,  cowardice  and  unofficer-like  conduct,  found  guilty  of  the  last  two 
Larges,  sentenced  to  be  shot,  but  was  subsequently  pardoned  by  the  President. 
nil's  surrender  left  the  whole  Northwestern  Territory  open  to  the  aggressions 
the  British  and  their  Indian  allies.  The  people  of  Ohio  and  Kentucky  were 
oroughly  aroused  to  the  danger,  and,  without  delay,  began  organizing  com- 
mies and  regiments.  The  news  reached  Dayton  August  22.  A call  was  im- 
mediately issued  for  every  able-bodied  man  in  the  county  who  could  procure  a 
■elock  to  meet  in  Dayton  the  next  day,  Sunday,  ready  to  march  immediately 
the  threatened  settlements  of  the  north.  By  Sunday  morning,  Capt.  J ames 
;eele  had  a company  of  seventy  men  fully  armed  and  equipped  and  marched 
Piqua  to  protect  the  government  stores  there.  Mothers, wives  and  daughters, 
irked  like  heroines  in  preparing  the  men  to  go.  Extras  were  issued  from  the 
See  of  the  Ohio  Sentinel , at  Dayton,  giving  all  information  from  the  front,  and 
ging  the  men  to  organize  for  defense.  Intense  excitement  prevailed  every- 
lere.  On  Sunday,  five  companies  of  volunteers  and  two'companies  of  drafted 
,en  assembled  in  town  from  different  parts  of  the  county.  Capt.  Caldwell, 
ith  a troop  of  horse  from  Warren  County,  rode  through  here  on  the  way  to 
qua;  and  Capt.  Johnson,  with  a rifle  company  from  the  same  county,  reported 
Camp  Meigs.  Monday  morning,  six  of  the  infantry  companies  were  organ- 
id  into  a battalion  by  the  election  of  Maj.  George  Adams  as  their  commander. 
|l  the  afternoon,  341  strong  and  fully  equipped,  the  battalion  marched  north, 
he  two  companies  of  drafted  men  remained  at  Campi  Meigs  subject  to  the  or- 
>r  of  the  Governor.  The  rallying  music  of  the  fife  and  drum  resounded 
rough  the  brushy  streets  of  Dayton.  Monday  evening  and  Tuesday  morning 
veral  companies  from  adjoining  counties  marched  through  town  on  their  way 
;>rth;  on  Tuesday,  Maj.  Jenkinson,  with  a battalion  of  350  men,  that  had  been 
ised  as  a re- enforcement  to  the  army,  before  the  news  of  the  fall  of  Detroit 
is  known,  halted  at  Camp  Meigs  on  their  way  to  the  front.  A Greene  County 
•igade  marched  under  Gen.  Benjamin  Whiteman.  Troops  were  being  organ- 
ed  and  rapidly  pushed  to  the  front  to  meet  an  expected  advance  of  the  victor - 
us  enemy. 

Capt.  Steele’s  Dayton  company,  with  others,  was  ordered  to  St.  Mary’s; 
apt.  Steele  was  placed  in  command  of  the  post,  and  Private  Joseph  H.  Crane 
as  made  Sergeant  Major. 

The  following  is  a copy  of  the  pay-roll  of  the  company,  and  from  it  it  will 
i seen  that  a detachment  must  have  been  away  on  scouting  duty,  as  there  are 
fly  fifty-two  names  here: 

Capt.  James  Steele,  Lieut.  George  Grove,  Ensign  James  McClain,  First 
ergeant  John  Folkerth,  Second,  Ralph  Wilson,  Third,  John  Strain,  Fourth, 
ames  Henderson,  First  Corporal,  Matthew  Patton,  Second,  Alexander  Grimes, 
bird,  George  Harris,  Fourth,  David  Henderson:  privates,  Joseph  H.  Crane, 
ahn  Deaver,  David  Brier,  John  McCabe,  John  Rowan,  Samuel  Walton,  Joshua 
reer,  George  Newcom,  John  Newcom,  Simpson  McCarter,  George  Ward,  Wil- 
:am  Bay,  James  Miller,  John  Lowe,  Daniel  Sunderland,  William  Vanosdarl, 
filliam  Montgomery,  James  Petticrew,  James  McClain,  John  Holderman,  Sam- 
el  King,  James  Brier,  Ira  Smith,  Abraham  Smith,  George  Wollaston,  Lewis 
lordon,  Jeremiah  Collins,  Jonathan  Mayhall,  David  Riffle,  Robert  McCleary. 
William  Van  Covk,  James  Bay,  John  Enoch,  Henry  Jennings,  William  McCor- 


330 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


mick,  Andrew  Robeson,  Moses  Hatfield,  Moses  McNair,  Alexander  Guy,  "William 
Fryback,  Caleb  Worley. 

The  military  roads  through  Montgomery  County  were  from  Cincinnati  up 
through  Lebanon  and  Centerville,  and  the  other  through  Franklin  and  Miamis- 
burg,  to  Dayton,  then  up  Main  street  to  First,  and  out  that  street  to  the  Staun 
ton  road  ford,  up  to  Camp  Meigs,  across  the  bottoms,  and  on  up  Hull’s  road  to 
Staunton,  where  the  roads  forked  to  Piqua  and  Urbana. 

The  following  order  placed  the  organization  of  troops  and  the  responsibil 
ity  of  the  defense  upon  Gen.  Munger,  who  was  in  command  of  the  Fifth  Bn 
ofade  of  the  First  Division  of  Ohio  Militia: 

Urbana,  August  5th,  1812 

General  Munger: 

Sir — You  will  take  immediate  measures  for  the  defense  of  the  frontier  within  your 
command.  You  will  cause  block-houses  to  be  created  at  suitable  places.  Advise  the  in- 
habitants to  associate  and  erect  suitable  stations  of  defense  in  such  way  as  to  accommodate 
families.  The  astonishing  fate  of  General  Hull’s  army  has  exposed  the  frontier  to  barbar- 
ians. I have  written  by  express  to  the  Secretary  of  War  on  the  subject  of  defense.  I hope 
soon  to  see  the  Kentucky  army  here,  when  a regular  system  of  operations  will  be  adopted. 
In  the  meantime,  you  will  direct  and  advise  the  most  judicious  course. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

R.  J.  Meigs 

Gen.  Munger  promptly  marched,  with  his  brigade,  to  Piqua;  directed  the 
removal  of  the  publi'c  stores  from  that  point  to  Dayton,  and  ordered  Capt, 
Steele’s  company  to  advanco  to  St.  Mary’s,  where  they  built  block-houses  foi 
the  defense  of  the  town.  It  was  then  the  most  advanced  post  along  the  frontiei 
line.  There  was  no  information  from  the  front;  the  British  had  undisputed 
possession  of  the  lakes  from  Fort  Dearborn  (Chicago)  to  the  Niagara;  there 
was  no  artillery  in  the  West;  the  Maumee  country  was  occupied  by  roving 
bands  of  Indians.  Additional  block-houses  were  built  in  the  neighborhoods  in: 
this  and  Preble  Counties. 

Gen.  W.  H.  Harrison,  then  Governor  of  Indiana  Territory,  had  beer 
appointed  by  Gov.  Scott,  of  Kentucky,  Major  General  of  Kentucky  volunteers 
The  General  immediately  started  from  Frankfort  with  an  escort  of  Kentucky 
cavalry,  to  take  command  of  the  Kentucky  militia,  then  on  the  march.  Hi 
overtook  them  in  camp  just  below  Centerville,  in  this  county.  Monday  after 
noon,  August  31,  Col.  Samuel  Wells,  of  the  United  States  Army,  with  three  oi 
four  hundred  of  the  Seventeenth  Infantry,  and  Capt.  William  Garrard,  with  i 
troop  of  horse  from  Bourbon  County,  Ky.,  passed  through  Dayton,  halting  over 
night  out  at  Camp  Meigs.  Tuesday  morning  Gen.  Harrison,  accompanied  b}| 
his  staff  and  escort,  arrived  and  halted  for  a few  hours;  the  citizens  of  the  towi 
honored  him  with  a salute  of  eighteen  guns.  The  little  iron  gun  used  in  firing 
this  salute  was  stationed  under  a big  oak  tree  that  stood  on  the  east  side  o 
Main  street,  north  of  the  alley  between  Second  and  Third  streets,  the  back  end 
of  Lot  No.  108.  While  they  were  tiring,  a brigade  of  Kentuckians,  1,800  strong 
in  command  of  Brig.  Gen.  John  Payne,  marched  up  Main  street,  halting  neai 
Second  street.  The  brigade  consisted  of  the  following  regiments:  First  Ken 

tucky  Infantry,  Lieut.  Col.  John  M.  Scott  commanding;  Fifth  Kentucky  Infan 
try,  Lieut.  Col.  William  Lewis  commanding,  and  a I'egimentof  Kentucky  Rifles; 
Lieut.  Col.  John  Allen  commanding.  In  firing  the  salute  one  of  the  citizen!; 
had  one  hand  shot  off,  and  the  other  badly  wounded.  In  the  afternoon  th< 
troops  marched  out  to  Camp  Meigs.  The  following  letter  is  evidence  that  they 
were  pleased  with  their  reception  by  the  Dayton  people: 

State  of  Ohio,  Camp  Near  Dayton,  September  1,  1872. 

The  commander  of  the  Kentucky  Volunteers  begs  leave  to  return  to  the  citizens  oj 
Dayton  the  thanks  of  himself  and  the  army  under  his  command,  for  the  tribute  of  respec 
paid  to  them  in  passing  through  the  town. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


331 


They  flatter  themselves  that  in  the  hour  of  trial  they  will  not  be  found  unworthy  of 
t;  confidence  of  their  country.  They  feelingly  commiserate  with  the  citizen,  who,  in 
jying  them  that  tribute,  was  maimed  in  the  accidental  going-off  of  the  cannon,  and  they 
l r leave  to  present  to  him  a small  sum  of  money,  a voluntary  contribution  of  the  officers, 

[ vard  defraying  the  expenses  of  his  cure. 

By  order  of  the  General. 

Asa  Payne,  Aide-de-Camp. 

Thomas  Smith,  Secretary. 

Two  regiments  of  Montgomery  County  troops  were  held  at  Piqua;  a battal- 
ii,  under  Maj.  Adams,  was  sent  to  St.  Mary’s.  Col.  Jerome  Holt  was  ordered 
■th  his  regiment,  to  Greenville  to  build  a block-house  and  strong  stockade; 
lie  station  at  Loramie’s  was  strengthened  and  re-enforced.  The^Govemor  had 
; vanced  the  militia  to  Fort  McArthur,  and  ordered  the  works  there,  and  at 
! >rfc  Manary  and  Urban  a to  be  enlarged. 

The  Indians  were  threatening  an  attack  upon  Fort  Wayne,  and  Gen.  Mun- 
< r had  ordered  Maj.  Adams  to  march  to  the  relief  of  that  post,  when  the  Gov- 
tjhor  and  Gen.  Harrison  arrived  at  Piqua  and  decided  to  send  a larger  force;  a 
urier  was  sent  to  Maj.  Adams  to  hold  his  battalion  at  St.  Mary’s  for  re-enforce- 
mts.  This  address  from  the  Governor  and  Gen.  Harrison’s  call  for  troops 
11  explain  the  situation  and  their  plans : 

Piqua,  September  2,  1812. 

;llow-Citizens  of  Ohio  : 

At  a moment  like  this,  I appeal  to  your  valor  and  patriotism.  Maj.  General  Harrison 
’ 11  rendezvous  a respectable  force  of  Kentucky  volunteers  at  Dayton  on  the  15th  instant 
: ■ a short  expedition. 

Gen.  Harrison  desires  to  add  to  his  troops  any  number  of  volunteers  from  the  State 
i Ohio,  who  will  serve  on  the  expedition,  not  exceeding  thirty  days. 

All  those  who  will  embrace  this  favorable  opportunity  of  distinguishing  themselves 
1 der  an  able  commander,  and  of  rendering  to  the  State  of  Ohio  a valuable  service,  will,  in 
•sir  equipment  and  movements,  follow  the  directions  of  Gen.  Harrison  hereto  subjoined. 

R.  J.  Mei&s,  Governor  of  Ohio. 

VOLUNTEERS  WANTED. 

Any  number  of  volunteers,  mounted,  and  prepared  for  active  service,  to  continue  for 
,‘enty-five  or  thirty  days,  will  be  accepted  to  rendezvous  at  the  town  of  Dayton,  on  the 
g Miami,  on  the  15tli  inst. 

It  is  expected  that  the  volunteers  will  provide  themselves  with  salted  provisions  and  a 
rt ion  of  biscuits;  those  who  are  unable  to  procure  them,  will  be  furnished  if  possible, 
lose  brave  men  who  may  give  their  country  their  services  on  this  occasion,  may  be  as- 
red  that  an  opportunity  of  distinguishing  themselves  will  be  offered. 

I shall  command  the  expedition  in  person,  and  the  number  of  troops  employed  wdll  be 
equate  to  the  object  proposed. 

I will  also  hire  a number  of  substantial  horses;  fifty  cents  a day  will  be  allowed  for 
ch  horse  provided  with  saddle  and  bridle. 

Those  patriotic  citizens  who  are  unable  to  afford  personal  assistance,  will  render  essen- 
il  service  to  their  country  by  furnishing  the  horses,  which  must  be  delivered  in  Dayton 
the  14th  inst.,  to  a person  wdio  will  be  authorized  to  receive  and  receipt  for  them. 

Wm.  H.  Harrison. 

Headquarters  Piqua,  Sept.  2.  1812. 

Headquarters  Piqua,  5th  September,  1812,  4 O’Clock  A.  M. 
runted  Volunteers; 

I requested  you  in  my  last  address  to  rendezvous  at  Daj'ton  on  the  loth  inst.  I have 
)\v  a more  pressing  call  for  your  services!  The  British  and  Indians  have  invaded  our 
•untry  and  are  now  besieging  (perhaps  have  taken)  Fort  Wayne.  Every  friend  to  his 
■untry,  who  is  able  to  do  so,  will  join  me,  as  soon  as  possible,  wrell  mounted,  with  a good 
ie  and  twenty  or  thirty  days’  provisions.  Ammunition  will  be  furnished  at  Cincinnati 
d Dayton,  and  the  volunteers  will  draw  provisions  (to  save  their  salted  meat)  at,  all  the 
iblic  deposits.  The  Quartermasters  and  Commissaries  will  see  that  this  order  is  executed. 

William  II.  Harrison. 

A thousand  men  were  ordered  from  Urbana  to  St.  Mary’s,  and  on  Sunday,  Sep- 
mber  6,  Gen.  Payne’s  brigade  of  Kentuckians  marched  from  Piqua  to  the 
.me  point.  Maj.  Richard  M.  Johnson  arrived  in  Dayton,  on  Sunday,  with  300 


332 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


mounted  Kentucky  infantry.  They  bivouacked  on  Main  street  for  the  night, 
and  rode  to  Piqua  the  next  day.  Gen.  Harrison  was  concentrating  his  troops 
at  St.  Mary’s  for  the  expedition  to  the  vicinity  of  Fort  Wayne,  and  issued  this 
appeal  before  starting  to  St.  Mary’s,  on  Monday,  the  7th: 

To  the  People  of  Ohio: 

Fellow  Citizens — The  situation  of  our  Northwestern  frontiers,  exposed  as  they  are  ! 
to  the  depredations  of  the  savages,  guided  and  conducted  by  their  British  allies,  requires 
decisive  and  energetic  measures.  To  carry  my  views  into  effect,  it  is  necessary  that  1 
should  mount  on  horseback  one  at  least  of  the  regiments  of  infantry  under  my  commami 
I have  therefore  authorized  Jesse  Hunt  and  Peyton  Short  to  engage  any  number  of  horses 
not  exceeding  eight  hundred  in  number,  for  an  expedition  which  is  not  expected  to  exceed 
twenty-live  or  thirty  days.  Each  horse  is  to  be  provided  with  a saddle  and  bridle.  The 
terms  are  lifty  cents  a day  for  each  horse  and  equipments,  to  be  paid  for  by  the  United 
States  should  they  be  lost,  or  should  the  horses  die  by  any  other  than  a natural  death.  Au 
appraisement  will  take  place  upon  the  delivery  of  the  horses,  and  every  pains  taken  to  pre- 
vent them  from  being  abused.  Patriots  of  the  Revolution!  you  who  are  no  longer  able  to 
give  your  assistance  in  the  field,  will  you  withhold  from  your  countrymen  the  means  of ; 
coming  in  contact  with  the  enemy,  to  retrieve  our  late  misfortunes,  and  wipe  away  the  dis  jj 
grace  which  our  army  have  sustained? 

I cannot  doubt  but  that  every  friend  to  his  country,  who  can  spare  a horse,  will  aid  us 
on  this  occasion. 

William  IT.  Harrison. 

Headquarters,  Piqua,  7th  Sept.,  1812. 

The  subscribers  will  attend  in  Dayton,  at  the  house  of  Major  David  Reid,  on  the  15th 
and  lGth  of  this  month  to  receive  and  receipt  for  horses. 

Jesse  Hunt, 

September  8,  1812.  Payton  Short. 

The  paper  here  urged  the  people  to  promptly  respond  in  every  possible; 
case  to  this  opportunity  afforded  the  real  patriots  of  the  country  to  step  forth 
in  defense  of  our  soil;  that  these  are  the  times  that  try  men’s  souls.  A lino  of 
distinction  would  be  drawn  between  the  noisy  pretender  and  the  real  lover  of 
his  country;  that  but  a few  days  before  the  citizens  of  this  and  adjoining  conn 
ties  manifested  a promptitude  and  patriotism  honorable  to  the  State,  and  hopes  i 
were  expressed  that  in  the  emergency  they  might  sustain  the  character  of  the 
community  by  offering  every  aid  called  for;  that  the  army  was  no  longer  corn 
manded  by  an  old  woman,  and  that  Gen.  Harrison  had  the  confidence  of  all  by 
showing  an  ardent  devotion  to  the  service,  which  none  would  question. 

On  the  9th,  Gen.  Harrison,  with  his  army,  4,000  strong,  marched  from  St. 
Mary’s;  the  distance  to  Fort  Wayne  was  fifty-five  miles,  and  he  was  four 
days  on  the  way.  After  destroying  the  Indian  villages  in  that  vicinity,  he! 
returned,  with  his  forces,  to  St.  Mary’s.  Maj.  Adams’  battalion,  from  Mont-jj 
gomery  County,  who  had  so  patriotically  and  promptly  responded  to  the  cal! 
for  defense  of  the  frontier,  were  discharged,  and  retuned  to  their  homes. 

There  was  no  regularly  established  army  hospital  in  this  county  at  any 
time  during  the  war,  yet  many  sick  and  wounded  soldiers  were  cared  for,  es- 
pecially in  Dayton.  Soldiers  of  Indiana,  Kentucky,  Ohio  and  Virginia,  were 
buried  in  the  little  pioneer  graveyards  along  the  roads  through  the  county 
from  Franklin  and  Centerville,  north  to  Vandalia,  Staunton  and  Milton. 

In  September,  1812,  a courier  passed  through  to  the  north,  bearing  dis 
patches  to  Gen.  Harrison;  and  his  commission  as  Major  General  in  the  United 
States  army;  his  assignment  as  commander  of  all  the  troops  in  the  Northwest, 
Territory,  with  orders  to  retake  Detroit.  , 

Sunday,  September  13,  Brig.  Gen.  James  Winchester  and  staff  stopped  foil 
dinner  in  Dayton,  on  their  way  to  the  headquarters  of  Gen.  Harrison.  Wed 
nesday,  the  16th,  Col.  Payne’s  regiment  of  Kentucky  volunteers  and  several 
companies  of  Indiana  militia  were  camped  on  the  commons  awaiting  orders 
two  other  Kentucky  regiments  were  out  at  Camp  Meigs.  September  17,  Gen 
Harrison  received  his  commission  and  dispatches,  and  began  at  once  to  organize 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


333 


f • the  campaign.  His  troops  were  new  levies,  poorly  clad,  and  hastily  pushed 
t the  front,  with  but  scanty  supplies  of  ammunition,  equipage  and  provisions. 
Is  requisitions  for  ordnance  and  commissary  supplies  were  promptly  filled  by 
b Government.  To  furnish  the  men  with  warm  clothing  and  blankets,  he  ad- 
essed  an  appeal  to  the  patriotic  people  of  Ohio,  Indiana  and  Kentucky,  ask- 
i > for  contributions  of  the  needed  articles.  To  the  ladies  of  Dayton  and 
iinity  he  sent  this  special  appeal: 

Headquarters  St.  Marys.  29th  September,  1812. 

General  Harrison  presents  his  compliments  to  the  ladies  of  Dayton  and  its  vicinity,  and 
. icits  their  assistance  in  making  shirts  for  their  brave  defenders,  who  compose  his  army; 

ny  of  whom  are  almost  destitute  of  that  article,  so  necessary  to  their  health  and  com 
it.  The  materials  will  be  furnished  by  the  Quartermaster;  and  the  General  confidently 
>ects  that  this  opportunity  for  the  display  of  female  patriotism  and  industry  will  be 
, ;erly  embraced  by  his  fair  countrywomen. 

William  H.  Harrison. 

In  compliance,  the  ladies  of  the  town  and  county  promptly,  and  -with  great 
thusiasm,  made  up  and  forwarded  to  the  army  1,800  shirts,  by  October  14. 
he  shirts  were  made  of  calico  furnished  by  the  Indian  Department  from  an- 
: ities  withheld  from  the  tribes  in  arms  against  the  Government.  Later  in  the 
nnth,  a large  quantity  of  clothing  was  taken  through  here  from  Paris,  Ky.,  for 
1 3 Kentucky  troops  with  Gen.  Winchester.  Indians  from  the  Mississinewa 
] ver  region  were  getting  very  troublesome  to  settlers  of  Preble  and  Darke 
! unties,  running  off  horses  and  cattle,  and  murdering  any  of  the  people  caught 
nay  from  the  block-houses.  Saturday,  October  2-,  two  little  girls  were  mur- 
i red  within  a half  mile  of  the  fort  at  Greenville. 

A company  of  mounted  riflemen,  for  immediate  service  at  Fort  Defiance, 
is  raised  in  Dayton;  but  in  consequence  of  these  Indian  troubles  to  the  West, 
is  company,  under  Maj.  George  Adams,  was  ordered  to  Fort  Greenville,  and 
.ere  stationed  at  a stockade  seven  miles  north  of  New  Paris,  as  an  outpost  of 
art  Greenville.  October  4,  Gen.  Winchester,  with  a force  consisting  of  three 
giments  of  Kentucky  troops,  four  companies  of  regulars,  a troop  of  horse,  and 
ipt.  Ballard’s  company  of  spies,  arrived  at  old  Fort  Defiance  from  Fort  Wayne, 
id  rebuilt  the  fort.  Notice  was  given  that  horses,  saddles  and  bridles,  taken 
at  Dayton  for  the  Government,  would  be  retained  as  Government  property, 
id  the  owners  were  paid  for  them  agreeably  to  the  valuations.  The  valley  was 
ill  of  horses  that  had  strayed  from  the  camps  and  battle-fields  to  the  north, 
n agent  was  sent  to  Dayton  to  receive  all  such  horses  that  had  been  taken  up. 

Gen.  Harrison’s  plans  for  the  campaign  had  been  carefully  considered,  and 
>ward  the  latter  part  of  October  were  rapidly  developing.  The  army  was  to 
Ivance  in  three  columns  to  the  Maumee  Rapids.  The  right  wing,  which  he 
ould  command  himself,  were  being  assembled  at  Upper  Sandusky.  The  cen- 
>r,  under  Gen.  Edward  W.  Tupper,  was  to  advance  from  Urbana,  by  Forts  Mc- 
rthur  and  Findlay.  The  left  wing,  with  Gen.  Winchester  in  command,  would 
tarch  from  Fort  St.  Mary’s  to  Fort  Defiance,  and  on  down  the  Auglaize  and 
iaumee  to  the  rapids,  where  the  army  was  to  be  concentrated  for  the  advance 
gainst  Detroit.  Leaving  Gen.  Winchester  with  his  brigade,  at  Fort  Defiance, 
;en.  Harrison  visited  St.  Mary’s,  Urbana,  Fort  McArthur  and  Upper  Sandusky. 

Heavy  rains  in  November  precluded  any  military  movements  for  the  winter ; 
ie  country  was  inundated  and  the  roads  were  impassable.  The  General  then 
rossed  to  Franklinton,  Franklin  County,  where  he  established  his  headquar- 
irs;  here  he  found  that  Brig.  Gen.  Leftwich  had  arrived,  with  a brigade  of 
irginia  troops,  and  a train  of  heavy  guns  and  lighter  artillery;  this  brigade 
ras  ordered  to  Upper  Sandusky.  The  troops  at  Upper  Sandusky  were  from 
’ennsylvania  and  Virginia.  Gen.  Tapper’s  command  consisted  of  Ohio,  Indi- 
na  and  Virginia  volunteers;  and  the  left  wing  was  composed  of  Kentuckians 


334 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


and  regulars.  Because  of  tlie  good  stage  of  water,  supplies  jvere  to  be  forward- 
ed by  boats,  up  the  Miami  River  to  St.  Mary’s,  across  the  portage,  then  down 
the  Auglaize  and  Maumee,  and  across  the  head  of  the  lake  and  up  to  Detroit 
If  colder  weather  came,  then  the  roads  up  through  Urbana  and  Fort  Findlay 
would  be  available.  Thus  it  will  be  seen  that  Dayton  was  on  the  line  of  com 
munication,  and  so  continued  through  the  war. 

The  following  notice  was  published  to  mill-owners  on  the  Great  Miami 
from  the  Ohio  River  to  Loramie’s: 

It  lias  become  necessary  to  run  boats  from  the  mouth  of  the  Great  Miami  to  Lora 
mie’s,  loaded  with  public  property,  and  it  is  expected  that  those  who  own  dams  will  imme- 
diately make  arrangements  for  letting  the  boats  pass  with  expedition  and  safety,  otherwise 
their  dams  will  be  injured.  The  public  boats  must  pass  at  all  risks. 

The  only  danger  to  the  line  of  communication  seemed  to  be  from  threaten- 
ing Indians  out  on  the  Mississinewa  River.  To  guard  against  this  danger,  re- 
serves of  Miami  Valley  militia,  were  stationed  at  Dayton,  Greenville,  St.  Mart’s 
and  Urbana.  Our  people  would  occasionally  hear  from  the  Montgomery  Coun- 
ty soldiers,  and  supplies  for  their  comfort  were  regularly  forwarded,  and  while 
there  was  no  county  organization  among  the  ladies,  as  a relief  societv,  yet  they 
gathered  supplies  for  the  hospitals,  and  made  and  forwarded  clothing,  proving 
themselves  worthy  wives  and  relatives  of  the  noble  pioneers  who  were  at  the 
front  battling  for  homes  for  them.  The  noble  deeds,  the  self-sacrifice  and  the 
untiring  efforts  of  the  pioneer  women  of  the  Miami  Valley,  if  recorded,  would 
fill  a volume  of  most  thrilling  history.  Nothing  was  grudgingly  done.  The 
actions  of  the  men  were  hopefully  seconded  in  all  efforts  that  were  made.  The 
experience  in  the  Indian  wars  enabled  the  women  to  act  intelligently  in  their 
work.  In  similar  cases,  in  war  and  peace,  the  example  of  these  pioneer  women 
has  always  been  a characteristic  of  those  who  have  followed. 

From  this  time  on  through  the  winter,  and,  until  September  of  the  next 
year  (1813),  Government  agents  were  stationed  at  Dayton  to  buy  all  that  farm 
ers  and  dealers  would  sell,  of  pickled  pork,  bacon,  whisky,  corn-meal,  flour,  tow 
linen,  cattle,  horses  and  grain;  and  recruiting  offices  were  open  all  of  the  time. 
Business  in  the  towns  was  brisk  in  every  branch.  Through  the  almost  bottom- 
less mud  roads,  supplies  were  forwarded  to  Urbana.  The  greatest  difficulties 
were  met  in  crossing  the  swollen  rivers  and  creeks  by  rope  ferries.  Later  in 
the  season,  when  the  ground  was  frozen  and  there  was  some  little  snow  and  ice, 
transportation  was  easier;  but  wagons,  sleds,  teams  and  teamsters,  pack-horses 
and  pack-horsemen  were  scarce ; wagons  and  horses,  sleds  and  oxen,  were  hired 
and  bought  from  the  farmers,  and  the  farmer  boys,  who  were  too  young  for  serv 
ice  at  the  front,  were  employed  to  drive  them.  To  induce  farmers  to  send 
their  teams,  assurances  were  given  that  they  would  not  be  pressed  into  service 
beyond  St.  Mary's  or  Urbana.  Three  dollars  a day  was  the  price  paid  for  sleds 
and  teams  that  would  haul  six  barrels  of  flour ; or  $8  a barrel  was  paid  for  flour 
delivered  at  Pipua  or  Urbana;  and  $10  if  delivered  at  St.  Mary’s;  for  whisk) 
delivered  at  that  point,  the  Government  paid  75  cents  a gallon.  The  Govern 
ment  storehouse,  in  charge  of  Foragemaster  Col.  Robert  Patterson,  was  in 
Dayton,  at  the  upper  end  of  Main  street,  near  Grimes’  tavern. 

The  Indians  in  the  Mississinewa  country  becoming  more  troublesome,  Gen. 
Harrison  ordered  an  expedition  to  be  fitted  out  to  destroy  the  villages  in  that 
section,  near  where  Muncietown,  Ind.,  now  is.  About  December  1,  the  detach 
ment  arrived  here  in  command  of  Lieut.  Col.  John  B.  Campbell,  of  the  Nine- 
teenth United  States  Infantry.  They  were  only  partially  mounted,  and  re 
mained  here  until  the  1.1th  of  the  month  to  procure  horses.  Here  at  Dayton 
they  drew  ammunition,  ten  days’  rations  and  forage;  marching  from  here  600 
strong,  composed  as  follows;  A squadron  of  Kentucky  Dragoons,  one  company 


DAYTON 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


337 


' United  States  Infantry,  a Pennsylvania  troop  of  horse,  Wo  companies  of 
ennsylvania  Infantry,  a detachment  of  Michigan  militia  and  a troop  of  horse, 
iding  from  here,  the  column  reached  Greenville  on  the  14th  and  left  there  the 
ime  day,  the  direction  being  a little  north  of  west  to  the  Mississinewa  River, 
he  duty  was  severe,  and  the  utmost  caution  was  necessary  to  prevent  surprise 
[id  massacre  by  the  savages.  On  the  way  out  one- third  of  the  command  were  on 
iard  every  night,  and  the  night  of  the  16th  they  marched  all  night  down  the 
iississinewa  River  to  a village  of  Delawares  and  Miamis,  attacking  it  at  day- 
ght  on  the  bitter  cold  morning  of  December  16.  The  ground  was  covered 
ith  snow.  They  rode  into  the  village  at  once,  driving  out  the  Indains,  suffering 
ime  loss  themselves,  but  killing,  wounding  and  capturing  many  of  the  savages, 
ollowing  up  their  advantage,  three  other  villages  were  taken  and  destroyed 
jie  same  day,  the  force  returning  to  camp  for  the  night  in  the  wigwams  of  the 
jrst  village  captured. 

Long  before  daylight  the  next  morning  the  men  were  cpiietiy  awakened 
bile  the  officers  held  a council  of  war.  Shortly  afterward,  the  savages  made  a 
irious  attack;  the  fire  was  instantly  returned,  and  the  troops  pressed  out  in  the 
trkness,  ending  the  fight  in  an  hour  by  the  total  rout  of  the  Indians.  The 
died  were  decently  buried,  and  nearly  the  whole  day  was  consumed  in  prepar- 
ig  stretchers  for  the  forty  who  were  too  badly  wounded  to  ride.  Their  total 
>ss  was  eight  killed  and  forty-eight  wounded.  The  Indian  losses  were  thirty 
died  and,  fully  twice  that  many  wounded  and  forty-three  prisoners.  So  many 
orses  had  been  killed  and  lost  in  action,  that  nearly  one-half  the  command  was 
ismounted.  Toward  evening  they  marched  three  miles  on  the  return  before 
oing  into  camp  for  the  night. 

Breaking  camp  before  daylight  the  next  morning,  they  marched  fourteen 
dies  that  day,  and  at  supper  the  supply  of  provisions  was  exhausted.  One-, 
alf  the  men  were  placed  on  guard,  while  the  other  half  was  engaged  in  throw- 
ig  up  breastworks  for  defense.  The  roads  were  in  as  bad  condition  as  snow, 
iud  and  ice  could  make  them.  The  wounded  were  particularly  uncomfortable 
id  suffering  intensely  from  cold  and  exposure,  in  addition  to  the  pains  from 
ounds  that  could  not  receive  proper  attention.  Nearly  every  man  had  either 
ands,  feet  or  ears  frost-bitte  i.  The  horses  were  in  a starving  condition.  At 
,oon  of  Tuesday,  the  22d,  Maj.  Adams,  with  a re- enforcement  of  ninety-five  men 
rom  Greenville,  met  them,  and  at  once  issued  to  the  almost  exhausted  soldiers, 
half  ration  each.  The  next  day,  Col.  Holt  met  them  with  a supply  of  provis- 
>ns  that  enabled  them  to  reach  Fort  Greenville  on  the  24th,  with  but  303  men 
t for  duty;  two  of  the  wounded  had  died  on  the  march.  In  camp,  twelve  miles 
lis  side  of  Greenville,  a resolution  of  thanks  was  voted  Col.  Holt,  Maj.  Adams 
ad  the  rest  of  their  command,  for  prompt  and  efficient  relief  afforded. 

Sunday,  December  27,  the  detachment  reached  Dayton,  on  their  way  back  to 
eadquarters  at  Franklinton,  showing,  by  their  distressed  condition,  the  hard- 
aips  they  had  endured  and  the  sharp  fights  they  had  been  engaged  in;  with  all 
ieir  sufferings  they  had  fought  gallantly  and,  were  punished  severely.  The 
nnpathies  of  this  little  community  were  immediately  aroused  for  these  wound - 
I officers  and  men ; the  command  was  literally  billeted  on  the  town ; with 
iarcely  an  exception  there  was  from  one  to  five  in  every  house;  the  men  were 
i the  army  at  the  front;  but  the  good  women  of  the  county  nobly  cared  for 
lese  worn-out.  soldiers.  Sunday  was  given  as  a day  of  relief  and  care  for  the 
'ounded.  The  following  order  will  explain  itself; 

Detachment  Order,  Dayton,  December  28,  1812. 

The  troops  will  attend  Divine  service  on  Wednesday,  the  30t.h  inst.,  in  camp,  at  12 
clock.  When  we  consider  the  wonderful  interposition  of  Divine  Providence  in  our  favor 
oring  the  last  fatiguing,  dangerous  and  distressing  expedition,  gratitude  for  these  favors. 


338 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


require  our  united  and  sincere,  thanksgiving  for  our  deliverance.  I hope  the  troops  whom 
I had  the  honor  to  command  in  times  of  peril  “that  tried  men’s  souls,”  will  attend  with 
suitable  decency  and  reverence,  and  join  in  devoutly  expressing  our  obligations  to  that  Be 
ing  whose  protection  we  have  all  felt  and  witnessed. 

John  B.  Campbell,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Commanding. 

After  resting  for  several  days,  tlie  command  resumed  the  march  to  Frank 
linton;  many  of  the  wounded  were  left  here  and  remained  for  some  time:  sev 
oral  of  the  severely  wounded  died  and  were  buried  here. 

The  result  of  this  expedition  was  to  place  the  Delawares  and  Miami  tribes  in 
a starving  condition,  so  that,  in  January,  1,000  of  them  came  in  to  Piqua  to  be  cared 
for  by  the  Government.  There  was  no  further  trouble  from  that  direction,  al- 
though in  January,  the  Montgomery  County,  militia,  stationed  at  Greenville, 
organized  an  expedition  against  the  Indian  towns,  but  it  was  abandoned  by 
orders  from  Gen.  Harrison.  Thirty  Miami  Indians  were  afterward  brought  to  j! 
Dayton,  and  held  as  hostages  for  the  good  behavior  of  the  tribe. 

Shortly  after  New  Year’s  Day,  1813,  the  weather  moderated.  Then  fol 
lowed  continuous  rain  storms,  that  again  knocked  the  bottom  out  of  the  roads. 
Troops,  artillery,  pack-horses  and  wagon  trains  that  were  moving  to  the  front 
made  but  slow  progress,  yet  they  kept  going.  Some  days  a hundred  wagons 
and  sleds,  loaded  with  supplies,  would  start  north  for  the  army  at  Fort  Defiance, 
Urbana  and  Fort  McArthur. 

In  January,  Capt.  A.  Edwards,  a physician  of  Dayton,  who  had  had  expe-  I 
rience  in  the  medical  staff  of  the  army  the  year  before,  organized  a company 
here  and  marched  to  the  front. 

Pay  of  non-commissioned  officers,  privates  and  musicians,  had  been  fixed  by  Jj 
law  of  Congress,  as  follows:  Sergeants  and  principal  musicians,  $11;  mus: 

cians,  $9;  private  soldiers,  $8. 

About  the  middle  of  the  month,  Gen.  Winchester,  with  the  left  wing,  ad 
vanced  to  the  rapids;  then  assumed  the  responsibility  of  bringing  on  an  en-  j 
gagement,  and  alone  was  responsible  for  the  butchery  of  regulars  and  Kentuck- 
ians at  the  Biver  Baisin,  the  result  of  which  was  the  loss  of  32  officers  and  474 
non-commissioned  officers  and  privates  killed,  wounded  and  missing.  Fortu- 
nately, Gen.  Harrison  soon  arrived,  checked  the  disaster  and  temporarily  with- 
drew the  army  from  the  Maumee.  The  snow  up  there  was  very  deep,  and  the  |j 
army  was  kept  moving  about  just  enough  to  make  them  uncomfortable  during  the 
winter.  In  February,  Ohio  and  Kentucky  militia,  whose  terms  of  enlistment  had 
expired,  marched  through  Dayton  on  their  way  to  their  homes.  The  companies ! 
and  regiments  would  generally  bivouac  on  Main  street  for  the  night,  keeping 
the  little  town  in  a hum  of  excitement. 

The  waters  were  at  such  a good  stage  that  large  quantities  of  stores  were ; 
forwarded  from  Cincinnati  by  boats,  small  boats  of  supplies  were  worked 
through  the  swamps  from  Loramie  Creek  to  the  Auglaize,  and  down  to  Fort 
Defiance ; and  between  Loramie  and  St.  Mary’s  there  was  but  six  miles  haul  ! 
ing  to  be  done. 

The  troops  in  the  camps  and  forts  being  greatly  in  need  of  shoes  during  the 
winter,  made  moccasins  of  green  hides  to  replace  their  worn-out  shoes.  Three 
hundred  hogs  and  a large  drove  of  cattle  were  bought  in  the  county  and  driven!; 
north  to  the  army  early  in  the  winter. 

Kentucky  and  Ohio,  with  the  Territories  of  Michigan,  Indiana,  Illinois 
and  Missouri,  formed  the  Eighth  Military  District  of  the  United  States. 
Troops  were  needed  and  the  greatest  efforts  were  made  to  increase  the  army  in 
the  Northwest.  Two  additional  Ohio  regiments  were  authorized.  Gen.  Harri 
son  visited  Urbana,  Franklinton,  Chillicothe,  Cincinnati  and  Dayton,  to  urge 
recruiting  for  the  spring  campaign.  He  was  successful  in  this  mission.  Small 
bodies  of  troops  were  continually  marching  through  here  to  the  north  during 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


339 


jirch  and  April.  The  roads  were  again  to  be  filled  with  an  ever-changing 
norarna  of  troops  and  trains;  the  comity  was  to  have  the  exciting  experience 
the  year  before. 

In  April,  Gen.  Green  Clay,  with  a brigade  of  Kentucky  troops,  halted  in 
e rain  overnight,  on  muddy  Main  street,  in  Dayton.  Although  it  was  nec- 
t sary  to  hurry  to  the  North,  the  roads  were  so  fearfully  muddy  that  progress 
i is  slow.  However,  they  pulled  through  in  time  to  advance  with  the  army  for 
i e spring  campaign. 

The  campaign  of  1813  opened  the  latter  part  of  April  by  the  British  and 
eir  Indian  allies  laying  siege  to  Fort  Meigs,  then  being  built  by  Gen.  Harri- 
a at  the  rapids  of  the  Maumee.  The  enemy,  shortly  afterward,  retreated  up 
is  Detroit  River,  and  then  to  the  Canada  side.  Lieut.  James  Flinn,  of  the 
cond  company  of  United  States  Rangers,  that  had  been  recruited  here  in 
lyton  the  year  before,  opened  an  office  here  on  the  19th  of  May,  to  enlist 
irty  or  forty  rangers  for  one  year’s  service  '(unless  sooner  disbanded)  at  $1  a 
y.  Perry’s  splendid  victoiy  on  Lake  Erie,  September  10,  and  Harrison’s 
1 rsuit  of  Procter,  ended  successfully  at  the  battle  of  the  Thames,  October  5, 
covered  to  the  United  States  control  of  the  lakes  and  possession  of  all  the  ter- 
liiory  lost  by  Hull’s  surrender.  These  grand  results  brought  rejoicing  to  the 
• ;izens  of  Ohio,  Indiana  and  Kentucky.  The  troops  were  to  come  home ; the 
litary  road  from  the  Maumee  to  the  head- waters  of  the  Big  Miami,  and  on 
wn  the  valley  through  Dayton,  seemed  alive  with  the  returning  battalions. 

: lio  Volunteers,  Kentucky  rangers  and  riflemen,  were  constantly  marching 
ck  through  Dayton. 

The  war  in  the  West  was  over,  the  boys  were  coming  home  to  family  and 
iends,  who  were  anxiously  watching  for  them.  The  town  was  crowded  every 
y with  families  from  every  part  of  the  county,  looking  for  husbands,  fathers, 
ns,  brothers  and  sweethearts.  There  were  no  telegraph  lines,  or  other  means 
know  where  the  companies  were;  the  only  way  was  to  wait  and  watch — the 
xt  one  to  march  into  town  might  be  the  one  looked  for,  or,  it  might  be  a hun- 
ed  miles  away. 

Eveiy  squad  and  battalion  was  hailed  with- — “ Hello!  What  company  is 
at?”  “Bourbon  County  Rangers.”  “Do  you  know  where  such  and  such  a 
mpanyis?”  “Oh,  yes;  we  left  them  stuck  in  the  mud  back  in  the  Black 
vamp.”  Or,  “ we  camped  with  them  last  night;  they  will  be  along  soon.” 
’ains  and  soldiers  were  again  camping  here ; the  town  was  filled  with  excite- 
ent  and  rejoicing.  One  of  the  Kentucky  regiments,  in  bivouac  on  Main  street, 
are  a little  noisy  in  their  demonstrations — in  a way  that  old  soldiers  have; 
ey  got  a barrel  of  “commissary,”  and  began  at  once  (like  old  soldiers  will)  to 
it  “ outside  of  it,”  and  to  make  things  lively  in  the  town  for  the  night.  They 
it  a cannon  out  of  Henry  Brown’s  barn,  in  Dayton,  then  supplying  themselves 
ith  powder  from  the  Government  storehouse,  added  to  the  excitement  by  dis- 
larging  the  gun  at  intervals  until  daylight.  The  history  of  the  gun  was  this: 
had  been  captured  by  the  Indians  in  one  of  the  battles  with  Gen.  Wayne, 
id,  after  that  war,  was  traded  in  by  one  of  Sutherland  & Brown’s  agents,  and 
as  finally  brought  here  from  Hamilton  and  used  by  the  citizens  for  several 
jars  in  firing  salutes  on  the  4th  of  July  and  other  occasions.  For  some  reason 
uring  the  night  the  Kentuckians  got  excited  over  the  fact  that  the  gun  had 
?en  bought  of  the  Indians,  and  they  planted  it  on  Main  street  to  fire  into  Mr. 
rown’s  house,  but  the  affair  was  readily  explained,  and  the  boys  went  on  with 
heir  hurrah. 

When  it  became  certainly  known  that  the  Dayton  soldiers  were  on  their 
'arch  home;  citizens  of  the  town  and  county  met  to  arrange  details  for  their 
‘ception.  A proposition  was  discussed  and  agreed  upon,  to  build  a foot  bridge 


340 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


across  Mad  River,  that  the  heroes  might  march  in  dry  shod:  this  part  of  the 
plan  was  afterward  abandoned.  A flag  pole  was  planted  at  the  head  of  Main 
street,  and  the  cannon  was  kept  there  in  readiness;  decorations  of  cedar  were 
liberally  indulged  in;  streets  and  houses  were  trimmed  up  as  gaily  as  could  be 
with  the  scant  resources. 

The  arrival  of  a company  or  regiment  was  announced  by  a signal  gun,  and, 
in  response,  the  people  gathered  to  give  the  boys  a hearty  welcome  and  dinner. 
Tables  were  arranged  in  the  open  air,  and  the  backwoods  veterans  were  enter 
tained  with  a square  meal;  then  in  speeches  and  rejoicings  for  the  rest  of  the 
day. 

By  the  1st  of  December,  the  companies  had  all  returned;  the  men,  who,  ! 
for  two  years,  had  been  fighting  through  swamps,  wading  the  rivers  and  march 
ing  in  the  mud  roads,  had  conquered  a lasting  peace,  and  were  at  home.  Many 
families  were  to  mourn  the  loss  of  dear,  brave  relatives,  for  the  Montgomery 
County  companies  had  been  constantly  on  active  duty  at  the  front,  and  suffered  11 
with  the  rest. 

The  excitement  continued  in  the  West,  although  military  operations  had 
been  transferred  to  the  lower  end  of  Lake  Erie.  Some  of  the  Ohio  militia  were  j 
retained  in  the  service  until  1814,  and  others  were  called  out  for  short  tours  of  ji 
duty  the  following  year,  at  St.  Mary’s,  Greenville,  Fort  Wayne,  Fort  Defiance  j 
and  Detroit. 

A company  from  German  Township,  with  one  other  company  from  this 
county,  were  called  out  for  six  months’  service  in  1814.  The  garrison  at  Fort  jj 
Detroit,  under  Col.  Butler,  had  several  sharp  skirmishes  with  the  British,  hold- 
ing them  in  check,  and  fully  protecting  Ohio  and  Michigan. 

Friday,  March  31,  1815,  was  designated  by  the  Governor  as  a day  of 
thanksgiving  for  peace  that  had  been  declared. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


341 


CHAPTER  IX. 

ebmantown  — Jackson  Township  — Fabmersville  — Alexandersville — Whisky 
Tax — Improved  Stock — Liberty — Union — Little  York — County  Building 
— Market  Rates — Butler  Township — Chambersburg — Vandalia — Miamis- 
burg — Perry  Township — New  Lebanon — Johnsville — Notes — Sunbury — 
Clay  Township — Phillipsburg — Arlington — West  Baltimore — Brookville 
— County  Infirmary  — Miami  Township  — Carrollton  — Miami  Canal  — 
Events  of  1833  to  1841 — Division  of  Dayton  Township — Harrison  Town- 
ship— Mad  River  Township — Van  Buren  Township — Beavertown — Turn- 
pikes. 

DOR  several  years  after  the  close  of  the  war,  farmers  throughout  the  county 
_ were  busy  renewing  fences,  roads,  farm  buildings  and  implements,  that,  by 
ason  of  the  pressing  war  necessities,  had  been  so  long  neglected.  Many  brave 
imen  had  been  able  to  hold  the  farms,  cultivating  just  enough  to  feed  them- 
lves  and  the  children,  while  the  men  were  off  to  war.  With  the  treaty  of 
hent  came  assurances  of  prolonged  peace,  and  all  of  the  people  could  go  to 
orh  to  rebuild  the  shattered  fortunes.  Many  of  the  soldiers  from  other  States 
ere  so  favorably  impressed  with  the  rich  lands  of  the  valley  that  they  either 
mained  here  or  shortly  came  back  to  settle.  That  part  of  the  county  now  in 
ickson,  Perry  and  Clay  Townships  was  soon  all  taken  up. 

GERMANTOWN. 

October  3,  1814,  the  following  announcement  was  made: 

The  subscriber  has  lately  laid  off  a town  near  his  mills  on  Twin  Creek,  in  Montgomery 
lunty,  and  will  expose  the  lots  for  sale,  at  public  vendue,  on  the  ground,  on  the  21st  day 
: October. 

The  town  is  laid  off  in  a dry,  healthy,  elevated  situation,  in  the  center  of  a rich  and 
ourishing  neighborhood,  with  two  good  grist  and  saw  mills  in  sight,  and  perhaps  offers  as 
any  inducements  for  industrious  tradesmen  to  settle  in  it  as  any  other  situation  in  this 
irt  of  the  country.  The  terms  will  be  liberal,  and  made  known  on  the  day  of  sale. 

Philip  Gunckel. 

This  first  plat  sold  rapidly,  and  Mr.  Gunckel  made  an  addition  to  the  town, 
ad  had  the  second  sale  on  the  15th  of  November,  1815.  The  post  office  was 
itablished  in  October,  1818,  and  Peter  Shaeffer  was  appointed  Postmaster. 

JACKSON  TOWNSHIP. 

Jackson  Township  was  formed  from  Jefferson  and  German,  December  7, 1814 
larch  6,  1815,  the  citizens  of  the  new  township  petitioned  the  Commissioners 
i change  the  name  to  that  of  Rockingham;  the  petition  was  refused. 

Joseph  Ewing,  surveyor,  for  Mr.  Dalrimple,  proprietor,  platted  Farmers- 
ille,  August  30,  1832;  forty-five  in-lots,  three  out-lots. 

February  1,  1815,  the  United  States  put  a tax  of  25  cents  a gallon  on  all 
istilled  spirits;  Thomas  Constant,  of  Xenia,  was  appointed  Collector  of  this, 
he  Second  District  March  13,  John  Taylor  laid  out  Alexandersville,  “ in  the 
eautiful  and  elegant  situation  at  the  mouth  of  Hole’s  Creek,  on  the  State  road, 
etween  Dayton  and  Franklin.” 

The  number  of  horses  in  the  county  had  been  thinned  out,  which  offered  a 
;ood  opportunity  to  improve  the  stock;  a better  and  larger  grade  of  draft  horses 


342 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


were  brought  from  the  East.  In  the  stud,  in  different  parts  of  the  county,  wore 
the  Miami  Chief,  Parmer’s  Interest,  Jack  of  Diamonds  and  Merry  Andrew.  |! 
The  next  year,  Goliah  was  the  noted  and  much  admired  horse. 

LIBERTY. 

The  town  of  Liberty  was  laid  off  by  Peter  Becher  December  4,  1815.  The 
first  sale  of  lots  occurred  January  8,  1810.  The  town  was  advertised  “as  sit- 
uated on  pleasant,  healthy  and  elevated  ground,  in  the  midst  of  a rich,  populous 
and  well-cultivated  country.  Roads  from  all  the  chief  parts  of  the  State  meet 
at  the  town. 

“ It  is  only  four  miles  from  the  Great  Miami  River,  and  one-half  mile  from 
Bear  Creek,  on  which  there  are  a number  of  saw  and  grist  mills  in  operaticu. 

“The  town  is  laid  off  at  the  place  where  William  Brown  formerly  kept j 
store.  It  is  now  a very  public  place,  as  all  the  elections  are  held  there  for  that  l! 
township;  it  is  also  the  place  for  military  rendezvous. 

“The  merchant,  the  mechanic  and  the  lover  of  social  life  will  here  find  a|j 
place  to  suit  them  all. 

“The  many  advantages  which  present  themselves  must  render  the  town  of  j 
Liberty  a place  of  great  importance.  ” 

The  post  office  at  Liberty  was  established  in  April,  1821,  with  Henry  Hip 
pie  as  Postmaster. 

On  the  1st  of  January,  1816,  there  were  2,047  white  male  inhabitants  iuj 
the  county  twenty-one  years  of  age  and  over;  in  Hamilton  County,  3,725;  But 
ler,  2,877;  Warren,  2,313;  Preble,  1,067;  Greene,  1,616;  Miami,  1,116;  Cham- 
paign, 2,097. 

UNION. 

The  town  of  Union,  Randolph  Township,  was  platted  by  Daniel  Razer  and  | 
David  Hoover,  on  the  12th  of  February,  1816,  and  the  first  sale  of  lots  was  on 
the  26th  of  the  same  month.  The  notice  of  sale  read  as  follows;  “The  town  is 
situated  on  pleasant  and  very  healthy  ground,  adjoining  Daniel  Razor’s  mill,  in 
the  midst  of  a rich,  populous  and  well-cultivated  country,  abounding  in  mills 
and  mill  seats 

“It  is  on  the  State  road  leading  from  Dayton  to  Greeneville  and  St.  Mary’s, 
twelve  miles  from  Dayton,  and  one-half-mile  from  the  Southwest  Branch  of  the  J 
Great  Miami  River,  which  is  a navigable  stream. 

“ The  proprietors  obligate  themselves  to  put  a pump  of  good  running  water 
in  the  middle  of  the  town  plat.” 

This  pump  was  fed  by  water  brought  through  wooden  pipes  from  a spiring 
half  a mile  west  of  the  town. 

LITTLE  YORK. 

In  the  same  township,  but  lower  down,  and  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river, 
were  situated  the  mill,  distillery  and  carding  machine  of  AdamWeymire,  who, 
on  the  25th  of  March,  laid  out  the  town  of  Little  York,  and  bad  the  first  sale  of 
lots  April  13.  He  advertised  the  location  “ as  pleasant,  healthy  ground,  in  the 
midst  of  a fertile,  populous  country,  on  the  Southwest  Branch  of  the  Miami, 
which  is  a navigable  stream.  The  town  lies  eight  miles  from  Dayton,  and  four 
teen  from  Troy;  flat-bottomed  boats  can  be  taken  with  their  loads  from  the  town 
plat  down  the  mill-race  to  the  river.” 

COUNTY  OFFICE  BUILDING. 

With  the  increase  in  population,  more  system  was  required  in  the  adminis- 
tration of  county  affairs;  and  in  the  summer  of  1816,  the  Commissioners  decided 
to  erect  a building  for  county  offices,  on  the  lot  upon  which  the  new  court  house 
is  now  being  built.  July  29,  the  contract  was  sold  to  James  Wilson,  at 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


343 


(Under  this  contract,  the  building  was  to  be  but  one  story;  the  plans  were 
Changed,  however,  and  it  was  built  two  stories  high;  was  completed  by  winter, 
and  occupied  in  the  spring  of  1817.  It  was  a brick  building,  forty-six  feet 
front  and  twenty  feet  wide.  In  August,  1818,  the  upper  story  was  rented  to 
the  Watchman,  “at  $50  a year,  and  free  publication  of  the  annual  report  of 
[the  Treasurer,  and  election  notices.  ” The  whole  building  was,  after  1820, 
occupied  for  county  offices.  The  first  floor  was  paved  with  brick;  the  north 
room  was  the  Clerk’s  office,  the  south  room  the  Recorder’s.  The  Treasurer’s 
office  was  in  the  north  room,  second  floor;  the  Auditor’s,  the  south  room, 
lifter  1820,  the  upper  story  was  rented  for  lawyers’  offices. 

MARKET  RATES. 

In  December,  1816,  market  prices  were  as  follows;  Flour,  $5  per  barrel; 
[wheat,  75  cents;  beef,  per  hundred  weight,  $3  to  $3.50;  pork,  per  hundred 
weight,  $4;  corn,  25  cents  to  33  cents;  oats,  20  cents  to  25  cents;  butter,  12-| 
cents;  eggs,  8 cents;  venison  hams,  pair,  50  cents  ; bacon  hams,  pound,  lO 
bents.  January  1,  flour  had  advanced  to  $6,  and  wheat  to  $3.  In  October, 
1819,  wheat  was  selling  at  62-J-  cents,  and  flax,  87-J-  cents.  After  a long,  cold 
(winter  and  late  spring,  the  conditions  were  favorable,  and  there  were  immense 
props  throughout  the  valley  in  1821:  roasting  ears  in  July;  the  large  yield  of 
[wheat  reduced  the  price  to  20  cents  a bushel,  and  in  the  fall,  flour  was  selling 
!at  $3.75  a barrel.  In  March,  1822.  the  Dayton  prices  were;  Flour,  per  bar- 
rel, $2.50;  whisky,  per  gallon,  12|-  cents;  wheat,  20;  rye,  25;  com,  12;  fresh 
beef,  per  pound,  1 to  3 cents;  bacon  hams,  per  pound,  2 to  3 cents;  butter,  5 
to  8 cents;  eggs,  3 to  5 cents;  chickens,  per  dozen,  50  to  75  cents. 

BUTLER  TOWNSHIP. 

Butler  Township  was  formed  October  7,  1817,  from  the  parts  of  Wayne 
(and  Randolph  Townships  lying  between  the  Miami  River  and  Stillwater.  The 
first  election  was  held  June  12,  1818,  at  the  house  of  Sylvanus  Swallow;  sixty - 
Isix  votes  were  cast,  and  William  Kennedy  was  elected  Justice  of  the'  Peace. 

The  township  paid  $123. 87-^  in  taxes  that  year.  Chambersburg  was  plat- 
ted by  William  Kennedy  and  Robert  Hosier,  proprietors,  January  26,  1830; 
“twenty-four  lots,  besides  the  schoolhouse.” 

Vandaiia  was  laid  out  in  thirty-three  lots,  by  Benjamin  Wilhelm,  August 
4,  1838. 

MIAMISBURG. 

In  February,  1818,  the  town  of  Miamisburg  was  platted  by  Peter  and 
John  Treon,  Jacob  Kercher  and  Emanuel  Grebhart,  and  within  a few  days,  the 
following  announcement  was  made: 

PUBLIC  VENDUE. 

On  Friday,  February  20,  will  be  offered  for  sale,  a large  number  of  lots  in  a new  town 
by  the  name  of  Miamiesburg. 

Situated  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Great  Miami  River,  on  a beautiful  and  fertile  plane, 
free  from  inundation  by  the  river,  and  through  which  the  State  road  from  Dayton  to  Gin- 
j cinuati,  and  the  county  road  from  Centerville  to  Germantown  pass,  completely  situated  for 
its  future  inhabitants. 

The  plan  itself  shows  order  and  convenience  ; in  the  whole  it  is  divided  into  squares, 
each  lot  containing  the  fifth  part  of  an  acre,  adjoining  on  alleys  sixteen  feet  wide;  and  also 
public  grounds  gratis  in  the  center. 

It  is  contemplated  to  convey  the  water  from  the  river  to  the  center  of  the  town.  Fur- 
ther description  would  be  unnecessary,  as  the  elegant  situation  and  plat  will  entice  the 
purchaser;  and  reasonable  credit  will  be  given,  with  approved  security.  Terms  made 
known  on  day  of  sale,  and  good  titles  will  be  given  to  purchasers. 

Due  attendance  by  us.  Dr.  Treons,  Jacob  Kirger,  Emanuel  Gebhart. 

N.  B. — Said  lots  being  six  miles  from  Franklin  and  eleven  miles  from  Dayton,  and 
known  by  the  name  of  Hole’s  Station. 


344 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTV. 


Friday,  May  22,  the  same  parties  had  a second  sale  of  lots. 

The  post  office  was  established  in  June,  1822,  with  Adam  Shuey  as  Post- 
master. 

PERRY  TOWNSHIP. 

Perry  Township  was  formed  March  7,  1820,  to  include  the  parts  of  Mad- 
ison and  Jefferson  Townships  in  Township  5,  Ranges  4 east.  At  the  first  elec- 
tion, held  October  2,  1820,  there  were  sixteen  votes  cast.  George  Hoerner  was 
elected  Justice  of  the  Peace. 

Pyrmont  was  surveyed  by  William  G.  George;  and  the  twenty-one  lots 
were  platted  by  Daniel  Mundhenk,  proprietor,  May  25,  1835 

New  Lebanon  was  platted  with  ten  lots,  by  Jacob  Grice,  June  3,  1848; 
and  on  the  same  day,  John  Brange  made  an  addition  of  nine  lots  to  the  vil- 
lage plat. 

Johnsville,  on  the  Eaton  pike,  twelve  miles  west  of  Dayton,  was  a flour 
ishing  village  in  the  busy  days  of  the  stage  lines,  from  1840  to  1855. 

NOTES. 

Tax  rates  on  lands  for  1820  were,  upon  first-rate  land,  $2.50  per  100 
acres;  second-rate  land,  $1.75  per  100  acres;  third-rate  land,  $1  per  100  acres; 
and  one-fourth  of  1 per  cent  upon  all  personal  property.  Taxes  were  reduced 
the  next  year,  on  first-rate  land,  to  $1.50,  second-rate  land,  to  $1.12;  and  on 
third-rate  land,  to  75  cents. 

March  29,  1822,  eighteen  hunters  of  Dayton  and  vicinity  joined  in  a 
squirrel  hunt,  which  they  kept  up  until  noon  the  next  day,  and  counted  1,000 
scalps  of  squirrels  that  they  had  killed. 

Thousands  of  coon-skins  were  brought  in  every  winter. 

In  1822,  the  Sheriff’s  salary  was  fixed  at  $50  per  annum;  Clerk,  $50; 
Auditor,  $150.  Of  course,  there  was  a schedule  of  fees  that  the  officers  were 
entitled  to,  in  addition  to  their  salaries. 

A certified  copy  of  field  notes  of  all  land  surveys  and  lands  in  Montgomery 
County,  was  obtained  from  the  United  States  Surveyor  General’s  office,  and 
placed  in  the  County  Auditor’s  office  in  December,  1823. 

In  1824,  it  was  estimated  that  there  were  fifty  flour-mills  and  one  hundred 
distilleries  on  the  Miami  River,  in  Montgomery  County  and  above. 

In  March,  1825,  in  order  to  get  equitable  valuations  and  tax  rates,  the 
power  to  appoint  County  Assessors  was  given  to  the  Common  Pleas  Courts. 
John  H.  Williams  was  appointed  for  this  county,  and  made  return,  as  here 
given,  in  November,  1825: 


Total  acres  of  land  in  the  county 257,251 

Value $1,137,817 

Value  of  improvements  in  the  townships 73,155 

Value  of  improvements  in  the  towns 179,993 

Value  of  horses ' 164,400 

Value  of  cattle 47,816 

Value  of  carriages. 350 

Mercantile  capital 132,500 

Total  valuation 1,736,031 


In  February,  1827,  the  office  of  County  Collector  was  abolished,  and  in 
March,  the  power  to  appoint  Assessors  was  transferred  to  County  Commis- 
sioners. 

SUNBURY. 

J acob  Beard  and  Daniel  Gunckel,  Sr. , as  proprietors,  laid  out  the  town  of 
Sunbury,  German  Township,  in  March,  1825,  and  had  the  first  sale  of  lots  or. 
the  15th  of  April.  It  was  at  the  “cross-roads,”  leading  to  Dayton,  Cincinnati 
and  Lebanon,  and  there  were  three  grist-mills,  six  saw-mills  and  a carding 
machine  within  a mile  and  a half  of  the  town. 


DA YTON 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY 


347 


CLAY  TOWNSHIP. 

June  8.  1825,  the  original  surveyed  Township  6,  Range  4 east,  then  in 
1 ndolph  Township,  was  set  off  as  a new  township,  and  named  Clay.  The  first 
ction  was  held  on  the  4th  of  July,  at  which  thirty-three  votes  were  cast. 

Phillipsburg,  ten  lots,  was  surveyed  January  30,  1836,  by  James  Hanks; 
nprietors,  Philip  Studybaker,  John  John,  John  Thomas  and  Nehemiah  Thomas. 

Arlington  was  platted  July  8,  1839,  by  Slingsby  L.  Barnes,  proprietor  of 
t • sixteen  lots. 

West  Baltimore,  near  the  northwest  corner  of  the  township,  one-half  lying 
i this  county  and  the  other  half  in  Preble,  was  surveyed  June  22,  1852,  by 
jfeob  Frees.  The  proprietors  of  the  land  in  this  county  were  Peter  Snyder, 
Lac  Shauff,  Rhinehard  Bens,  William  Read  and  D.  K.  Boyer  and  Fritchey. 

Brookville  was  surveyed  April  13,  1850,  by  Jacob  Frees,  for  -Jacob  Flory, 
priotor  of  the  fifteen  lots.  The  town  was  incorporated  September  9,  1874. 

COUNTY  INFIRMARY. 

December  6,  1825,  the  Commissioners  advertised  for  a ” site  for  a poor 
bhse.”  In  April,  1826,  they  bought,  of  James  B.  Olivers,  his  farm,  the  south- 
vst  quarter  of  Section  2,  Township  3,  Range  5 east,  at  $10.50  per  acre.  Gen. 
Bmund  Hunger,  Abraham  Darst,  John  Folkerth,  -John  C.  Negley,  Abraham 
ipxell,  Hemy  Oldfather  and  John  Ehrstine  were  appointed  Directors.  Gen. 
mger  was  chosen  President  of  the  Board.  The  institution  was  ready  for 
nates  in  July.  The  expenses  for  the  first  year  were  $329.81  \. 

MIAMI  TOWNSHIP. 

Miami  Township  was  formed  from  Washington  Township.  December  9, 
29;  the  division  line  to  commence  at  the  point  where  the  section  line  between 
-itions  3 and  9 intersects  the  south  county  line;  thence  with  said  section  line 
tthe  north  boundary  line  of  Washington  Township;  thence  west  to  the  Miami 
liver ; down  the  river  to  the  county  line,  and  along  the  county  line  to  the  place 
Oj  beginning.  March  7,  1831,  fractional  Sections  19,  20,  29,  30,  in  Township 
1 Range  6,  the  southwest  corner  of  Dayton  Township,  west  of  the  Miami  River, 

• re  attached  to  Miami  Township;  and  at  the  same  time,  a large  tract  west  of 
t|  Miami,  described  as  follows,  was  added  to  the  new  township:  That  part  of 
rman  Township  included  within  the  following  boundaries:  Beginning  at  the 
' ami  River,  on  the  line  between  Montgomery  and  Butler  Counties,  at  the  south - 
nt  comer  of  German  Township;  thence  along  the  county  line  to  the  southwest 
C'uer  of  Section  28,  Township  2,  Range  5;  thence  north  by  the  section  line  to 
tjp  northwest  corner  of  Section  4,  Township  2,  Range  5 ; thence  east  on  the 
he  between  Jefferson  and  German  Townships  to  the  northeast  corner  of  frac- 
tal Section  2,  Township  2,  Range  5;  thence  with  the  Miami  River  to  the 
; ice  of  beginning.  August  21,  1841,  Section  34  and  fractional  Sections  35 
i d 36  were  added  from  Jefferson  Township.  The  first  election  in  the  new 
tvnshipwas  held  April  21,  1830;  219  votes  were  cast;  William  Sawyer  was 
- icted  justice  of  the  Peace. 

Carrollton  was  platted  April  27,  1830  ; Horatio  G.  Phillips,  Alexander 
! imes  and  Moses  Smith  were  proprietors  of  the  thirty-six  lots. 


MIAMI  CANAL. 

The  demand  for  puplic  improvements  resulted  in  the  passage  of  a bill,  in 
ibruary,  1825,  authorizing  the  construction  of  the  Ohio  and  Miami  Canals. 

^ the  first  week  of  April,  1827,  the  engineers  began  the  survey,  to  locate  the 
iami  Canal  from  Mad  River  to  Middletown.  May  17,  the  Canal  Commission- 
'll in  session  at  Dayton,  opened  600  bids  for  construction  contracts,  and  then 


348 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


made  the  awards  by  sections.  The  contractors  near  Dayton,  and  along  the  lin. 
generally,  began  work  about  June  1.  Monday,  September  3,  excavation  wa 
commenced  at  the  basin  between  Second  and  Third  streets,  Dayton;  and  in  th 
evening  the  event  was  celebrated  by  an  artillery  salute,  which  attracted  a larg 
assembly  of  people  to  the  commons. 

Water  was  let  into  the  canal  from  the  mill-race  near  the  corner  of  Fift 
and  Wyandot  streets,  Dayton,  Friday  evening,  September  26,  1828.  Most  of  j 
leaked  through  the  embankment  along  the  river  at  the  bluffs  in  Van  Bure 
Township  ; and  a break  was  made  in  the  embankment  there  November  24 
Wednesday,  December  17,  the  packet  Alpha,  with  a party  of  Dayton  ladies  an 
gentlemen,  made  a trip  to  Hole’s  Creek.  With  another  Dayton  party,  she  mad 
her  next  trip  to  Miamisburg,  Monday,  the  22d,  and  returned  to  Dayton  on  Wee 
•nesday;  and  made  a second  trip  to  Miamisburg  on  Christmas  Day,  returnin 
Friday. 

The  water  at  that  time  was  making  slow  progress  toward  Franklin.  Tic 
canal  was  opened  through  to  within  four  miles  of  Cincinnati,  January 
1829. 

Work  on  the  aqueducts  over  Mad  River  and  the  Miami  commenced  in  183! 
but  construction  north  of  Dayton  was  not  pushed  with  vigor,  for  the  canal  w; 
not  opened  to  Piqua  until  in  1837,  and  to  Toledo  in  1845. 

The  openin'g  of  the  canal  from  Mad  River  south  was  the  beginning  of 
new  era  of  prosperity  and  improvement  in  the  county,  also  marked  with  an  ii 
crease  of  trade  in  all  the  branches.  The  men  who  had  lived  in  the  log  cabii 
had  won  a competence  in  the  wilderness.  Horses  and  other  stock,  so  long  on 
footing  of  social  equality  in  cabin  life,  were  to  be  shut  up  in  the  barn-yards,  < 
turned  into  the  fields  to  graze.  Squatters  had  long  before  been  crowds 
from  the  hills  and  valleys  of  the  county.  After  a few  years  in  the  deadening 
evidences  of  comfort  and  thrift  shone  through  the  log  heaps  and  corn  patehc 
The  county  was  dotted  with  comfortable  farmhouses  and  clean  little  village 
The  streams,  large  and  small,  were  taxed  to  gather  power  to  run  the  mills  th 
occupied  every  “site.”  The  aggregate  value  of  taxable  property  in  the  coun 
in  1831  was  81,894,433;  the  total  tax  assessment  for  that  year  was  813,151.2 

events — 1833  to  1841. 

Although  the  cholera  in  1833  created  a big  scare  in  the  United  States, 
did  not  prevail  to  any  considerable  extent  in  this  county. 

Schools  were  in  successful  operation  in  the  townships  after  1830,  and  wen, 
with  but  few  exceptions,  held  in  log  houses.  After  1835,  the  number  of  bud 
ings  was  increased,  and  in  1837  every  neighborhood  had  its  own  school.  Bridg 
were  built  and  the  roads  improved,  but  not  macadamized  until  after  1888. 

In  1837,  log,  frame  and  brick  taverns  were  doing  a successful  business 
different  points  along  the  Franklin  and  Staunton  roads,  and  on  the  roads 1 
Springfield,  Xenia,  Lebanon  and  Eaton.  The  brick  tavern  on  Greencastle  H 
in  Dayton  has  been  but  recently  torn  down,  to  connect  Summit  street  with  G<j 
mantown  street.  Another  brick  building,  formerly  used  as  a tavern,  stands 
the  north  side  of  West  Third  street,  west  of  Summit  street. 

Dayton  Township  was  divided  into  two  election  precincts,  by  act  of  t 
Legislature,  March  12,  1839:  all  north  of  the  Eaton  road,  Third  street  and  t 
Springfield  pike,  to  be  the  First  Precinct,  and  elections  held  at  the  court,  how 
all  south  of  that  line  to  be  the  Second  Precinct,  and  elections  held  at  Hou! 
tavern,  Market  street.  The  first  county  fair  was  held  in  the  barn-yard, 
Swaynie’s  Hotel,  in  Dayton,  October  17  and  18,  1839. 

“ The  Washington  Social  Library”  was  organized  as  a banking  concern 
Miamisburg  in  October,  1839:  President,  John  Treon;  Vice  President,  Ed 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


349 


Jues ; Directors,  John  Treon,  E.  L.  Jones,  William  Huff,  William  L.  Smith 
,j.  C.  P.  Huber,  of  Miamisburg;  Christian  Taylor,  of  Germantown;  and  John 
jjbxiey,  of  Franklin.  The  bank  ceased  business  in  January,  1841. 

The  limits  of  the  city  of  Dayton  and  Dayton  Township  were  made  one  and 
;h  same  by  act  of  the  Legislature,  granting  to  Dayton  the  new  charter  to  take 
-j  ct  March  8,  1841. 

From  the  territory  thus  taken  from  Dayton  Township,  Harrison,  Mad  River 

Van  Buren  Townships  were  formed  by  the  County  Commissioners. 

May  17,  it  was  ordered  that  all  that  part  of  Dayton  Township  lying  west 
rithe  Great  Miami  River  should  be  formed  into  a separate  township,  to  be 
own  as  Harrison  Township.  It  was  ordered  that  the  first  election  be  held  at 
T iuel  Puterbaugh’s  blacksmith-shop,  on  the  road  leading  from  Dayton  to  Union. 
Midday,  June  28,  1841,  to  elect  the  following  officers,  to  serve  until  the  next 
u ual  election:  Township  Clerk,  Treasurer,  three  Trustees,  two  Overseers  of 
1 Poor,  three  Fence  Viewers  and  two  Constables.  The  result  of  that  election 
is  Lot  given;  but  at  an  election  held  at  the  same  place  September  11  following, 
select  two  Justices  of  the  Peace,  Cyrus  Carpenter  and  David  Clark  were 
sited;  249  votes  were  cast. 

May  28,  1841,  it  was  ordered  that  all  that  part  of  Dayton  Township  lying 
a:  of  the  west  bank  of  the  Great  Miami  River,  and  without  the  limits  of  the 
•j  of  Dayton,  should  constitute  a township,  to  be  called  Mad  River  Township, 
fj)  election  was  ordered  to  be  held  at  John  Cox’s  tavern,  on  the  Xenia  road, 
He  28.  At  the  next  election,  held  September  11,  John  Snodgrass  and  Au- 
j tus  0.  Miller  were  elected  Justices  of  the  Peace;  192  votes  were  cast. 

Van  Buren  Township  was  formed  June  26,  1841.  Sections  16,  22,  28  and 

• in  Township  2,  Range  6,  and  Section  4,  Township  1 . Range  6,  between  the 
Mimi  Rivers,  were  taken  from  Washington  Township  and  attached  to  the  new 
x nship,  described  as  follows : Beginning  at  the  southeast  corner  of  Section  16, 
Ivnship  2,  Range  6,  between  the  Miami  Rivers;  thence  west  on  the  south  lines 
: i;aid  Sections  16,  22,  28,  34  and  4,  to  the  southwest  corner  of  said  Section  4; 
Luce  north  along  the  west  line  of  said  Section  4 to  the  northwest  corner  of  the 
aspion;  thence  west  on  the  south  lines  of  Sections  11  and  17  to  the  Great  Miami 
fifer  arid  across  the  river  to  the  west  bank;  thence  up  the  west  bank  of  the  river 
the  southwest  corner  of  Dayton  Township;  thence  across  the  river  and  east 
ang  the  south  boundary  line  of  Dayton  Township  to  the  southeast  corner  of 
fit  township,  and  along  the  south  lines  of  Sections  27,  21  and  15,  Township 
- lange  7,  to  the  Green  County  line;  thence  south  along  said  line  to  the  place 
ojbeginning.  The  election  was  ordered  to  be  held  at  the  schoolhouse  in  Dis- 
tiit  No.  11,  July  10.  At  the  election  held  September  11,  142  votes  were  cast, 
i.  ac  Douglass  was  elected  Justice  of  the  Peace. 

Beavertown  was  surveyed  March  18,  1873,  by  Joseph  B.  Johns,  and  platted 
i thirty- four  lots,  by  the  proprietors,  John  Gray,  J.  R.  Sourbray,  Michael  Ryan, 
I"  1 Brown,  Henry  Rike,  Hannah  Hosier,  Mary  A.  Zink,  Richard  H.  Edwards. 

* lathan  Rudisill,  James  B.  Dean,  David  Hennessey,  Patrick  Delaney  and 
f hteen  others. 

TURNPIKES. 

The  building  of  the  National  road  by  the  Government  created  active  inter- 
pl  in  the  counties  through  which  it  was  hoped  that  the  road  might  be  located; 
tj'Q  the  towns  and  townships  made  great  efforts  to  secure  favorable  location  of 
^ne-  Dayton  people  were  especially  interested;  meetings  were  held  and 
cnmittees  were  appointed,  and  every  possible  influence  was  brought  to  bear 
on  the  Locating  Board  and  engineers.  Having  failed  to  secure  a change  of 
rjite,  a special  meeting  of  Council  was  held,  at  which  the  following  resolution 
vs  adopted: 


1 


350 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Resolved,  That  the  Mayor  of  this  town,  forward  to  Joseph  H.  Crane,  Esq.,  our  Rep 
resentative  in  Congress,  whatever  statistical  information  can  be  obtained,  with  regard  ti 
the  advantages  possessed  by  this  place,  and  other  facts  which  it  may  be  thought  necessary 
to  submit  to  the  consideration  of  Congress  ; to  induce  them  to  order  a change  in  the  routi 
of  the  National  road,  so  that  it  may  pass,  from  Springfield,  through  Dayton"  and  Eaton  ti 
Richmond.  Ind. 

All  of  these  efforts  failed,  and  the  route  was  fixed  west  from  Springbok 
to  Brandt,  in  Bethel  Township,  Miami  County,  crossing  the  Miami  River  inti 
this  county  at  Tachnor,  in  Butler  Township,  thence  continuing  west  throng] 
Vandalia,  Harrisburg,  Arlington  and  Bachman,  in  Butler,  Randolph  and  Cl;*. 
'Townships.  Improvements  so  long  needed  were  now  begun  on  the  country  roads 
In  February,  1833,  three  turnpike  companies  were  chartered:  Dayton&  Covingtor 
Dayton,  Centerville  & Lebanon,  Dayton  & Springfield.  The  last-named  compan 
intended  to  locate  a road  built  through  to  Eaton  and  Richmond,  but  tho  Dayla 
,&  Western  Company  was  afterward  formed  to  build  the  pike  west  of  Daytoi 

The  roads  were  only  partly  graveled  until  after  the  McAdam  invention 
then  the  pikes  were  built  by  chartered  companies;  and  of  late  years  all  imperial 
roads  in  the  county  have  been  macadamized  by  the  County  Commissioners.  Th 
Dayton,  Centerville  & Lebanon  Company  let  the  contracts  for  building  that  pit 
at  Centerville,  April  16,  1838,  and  work  began  at  once. 

The  Dayton  & Springfield  Company  opened  books  for  stock  subscription 
January  19,  1838,  and  the  work  was  put  under  contract  May  12.  The  road  be 
was  built  to  resemble  the  National  road;  bridges,  toll-gates  and  stone  culver! 
were  constructed  on  the  same  style;  mile-stones  were  made,  similar  to  those  o 
the  National  road;  and  the  junction  with  that  road  was  built  to,  as  far  as  poi 
sible,  mislead  emigrants  coming  West.  Snug  brick  taverns  were  built  con-  ei 
lent  distances  along  the  pike. 

In  May,  1837,  a meeting  was  held  at  Dayton  in  the  interest  of  building 
pike  from  Dayton  up  the  old  military  road  through  Milton  to  Greenville,  bi 
the  project  was  abandoned;  and,  March  30,  1838,  the  Dayton  & Covingtc 
Company  began  taking  stock  subscriptions,  and  soon  after  the  contracts  wei 
let. 

The  Great  Miami  Turnpike  Company,  to  run  from  Dayton  over  the  hills 
Carrollton,  and  on  down  the  valley  through  Miamisburg,  Franklin  and  Middlj 
town  to  its  junction  with  the  Cincinnati  Pike  at  Sharon,  was  chartered  in  Marc 
1837.  Construction  was  commeneed  in  the  summer  of  1838. 

The  first  election  for  Directors  of  the  Dayton  & Western  Pike  Coinpai 
was  held  in  May,  1839.  Construction  contracts  were  let  July  8,  the  same  yes 

The  Shakertown  Pike,  from  Dayton  to  Xenia,  was  chartered  in  March  J .84; 

The  Miami  & Montgomery  Company  built  the  pike  from  Dayton  throuj 
Vandalia  to  Troy  in  1842. 

The  Valley  Pike,  up  the  north  side  of  Mad  River,  was  chartered  in  Marc 
1843,  and  the  contract  for  the  first  twelve  miles  was  let  May  29.  The  pi, 
from  Dayton  to  Germantown  was  built  in  1847.  The  Wolf  Creek  Pike  w 
chartered  in  May,  1844,  and  was  built  in  1 849.  The  Xenia  Pike  and  the  Pa 
ton  & Wilmington  Pike  were  built  in  1849.  The  next  year,  the  Salem  Pike  ;u 
the  Brandt  Pike  were  under  way.  Under  the  provisions  of  a law  recent 
passed,  the  140  miles  of  toll  pikes  in  the  county  have  been  bought  from  t 
companies  and  made  free  pikes. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


351 


CHAPTER  X. 

Jg  Cabin  Settlers — D.  C.  Cooper — Robert  Edgar — Maj.  George  Adams — 
Dr.  John  Hole — Zachariah  Hole — Aaron  Nutt — Daniel  Hoover. 

i S giving  many  interesting  points  and  events  of  the  early  settlement  and 
history  of  the  county,  we  include  as  part  of  the  general  history,  these  bio- 
ciphical  sketches  of  the  most  prominent  and  influential  men  of  their  times. 

Cooper,  Edgar,  Adams,  Hole,  Nutt  and  Hoover,  as  representatives  of  tha 
t:dy,  thrifty  class  of  pioneers,  who  led  the  advance  into  the  dense  woods, 
u de  the  clearings,  established  and  protected  the  early  settlements. 

DANIEL  C.  COOPER. 

Among  the  most  active  and  shrewd  of  the  young  men.  who  became  inter- 
(-  ed  in  Miami  Valley  lands,  was  Daniel  C.  Cooper,  of  New  Jersey,  who,  when 
b was  about  twenty  years  old,  came  West  to  look  after  the  interests  of  Jona- 
t m Dayton,  who  owned  lands,  and  was  otherwise  interested  in  the  “ Symmes 
i rchase.”  This  gave  Mr,  Cooper  employment  in  his  occupation  as  surveyor, 
a 1 was  also  a favorable  opportunity  for  observation  and  selection  of  lands  for 
1 nself. 

He  was  the  oldest,  son  of  George  Cooper,  a wealthy  farmer,  who  lived  at, 
ap  owned  Long  Hill,  Morris  County,  N.  J.,  where  his  son,  Daniel  C.  Cooper, 
ms  born,  November  20,  1773,  George  Cooper  died  in  New  Jersey,  leaving 
to  sons,  Daniel  C.  and  John. 

Of  the  early  experience  and  adventures  of  Daniel  C.  Cooper,  for  the  tirst 
}ir  or  two  after  his  arrival  in  the  West,  there  is  but  little  information.  In- 
in hostilities  kept  the  surveyors  and  all  others  close  within  protection  of  the 
Arisons  at  Fort  Washington  and  the  smaller  stations  around. 

In  1794  and  1795,  Mr.  Cooper  was  with  Col.  Israel  Ludlow,  in  his  explor- 
% and  surveying  expeditions  through  the  valley.  Such  siuveying  parties 
. nerally  consisted  of  the  surveyor  and  assistant,  two  chain  men,  a marker, 
i nter,  cook  and  spy.  In  1795,  when  peace  with  the  Indians  seemed  to  be  as- 
ired,  these,  surveying  parties  were  accompanied  by  explorers,  who  were  look- 
? for  lands  upon  which  to  settle. 

In  September,  1795,  immediately  after  Wayne’s  treaty  at  Greenville,  Coo- 
}jr  located  the  road  north  from  Fort  Hamilton  to  the  mouth  of  Mad  River,  where 
■ was  proposed  to  establish  the  Dayton  settlement.  Besides  his  surveying 
] rty  a number  of  Kentuckians  accompanied  him  to  view  the  country,  the  trip 
1 and  back  occupying  abuut  ten  days’  time. 

During  that  fall  and  the  succeeding  winter,  Cooper  located  for  himself 
out  1,000  acres  of  choice  land,  and  the  next  year  he  came  up  and  built  his 
<bin  in  Dayton,  at  the  southeast  corner  of  Water  and  Jefferson  streets,  which 
probably  occupied  for  two  years,  then  built  a cabin  on  his  land,  afterward 
!e  Patterson  farm,  south  of  the  settlement.  The  cabin  facing  the  river,  stood 
. st  south  of  Rubicon  Creek,  where  the  two  large  pear  trees  now  are,  between 
*je  Miamisburg  pike  and  the  canal,  near  which  point  the  next  year  he  built 
e “ corn-cracker  ” and  distillery. 

Mr.  Cooper  married  a young  widow,  a beautiful  woman,  whose  maiden 

■ 


352 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


name  was  Sophia  Greene.  Her  first  husband  was  a Mr.  Burnet,  a younu'  law 
yer  of  Cincinnati.  She  was  born  August  25,  1780. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cooper  had  six  children,  all  of  them  dying  in  childhood,  ex 
cept  David  Zeigler  Cooper,  who  was  born  November  8,  1812,  married  Mis 
Letitia  Smith  in  Philadelphia,  and  died  in  Dayton,  December  4,  1836. 

D.  C.  Cooper  was  a very  active  and  influential  man  in  all  matters  pertain 
ing  to  the  growth  and  improvement  of  the  town  and  county;  he  aided  in  build 
ing  the  churches,  was  constant  in  his  efforts  to  bring  new-comers  to  the  count) 
was  one  of  the  largest  resident  land-owners  in  this  part  of  the  valley,  aridowne 
and  operated  the  only  mills  that  were  here  for  ten  years  after  the  first  settlement 

The  failure  of  Symmes  to  complete  his  purchase  from  the  Government,  an. 
the  delay  in  opening  the  land  offices,  caused  Messrs.  St.  Clair,  Dayton.  Wil 
kinson  and  Ludlow  to  abandon  their  purchase  on  Mad  River,  thus  causinj 
great  confusion  and  annoyance  to  the  settlers.  To  remedy  the  evil,  so  far  as  i 
effected  titles,  to  the  town  lots,  Mr.  Cooper  by  purchase  of  pre-emption-rights 
and  agreement  with  lot-owners,  became  titular  proprietor  of  Dayton,  and  plat 
ted  it  upon  the  same  plan  as  surveyed  and  laid  out  in  1795.  From  the  van 
ous  interests  involved,  he  was  several  years  in  completing  the  arrangemen 
The  fulfillment  of  this  plan  gave  the  Presbyterians,  Methodists  and  Baptists 
church  lots  and  burying-grounds ; to  the  county,  the  court  house  lot  aDd  othe 
pieces  of  property;  to  the  town,  the  public  square  and  other  valuable  conces 
sions. 

In  1804,  Mr.  Cooper  sold  his  farm  and  mills,  south  of  town,  to  Col.  Bob 
ert  Patterson,  and  built  his  “ elegant  mansion  ” of  hewn  logs  on  the  southwes 
corner  of  Ludlow  and  First  streets,  in  Dayton,  where  he  moved  with  his  fain 
ly  and  lived  until  his  death,  July  13,  1818.  Mrs.  Cooper  married  Gen.  Fielc 
ing  Lowry,  and  died  May  17,  1826.  Mr.  Cooper  represented  the  county  in  th 
Third  General  Assembly  of  Ohio,  convened  at  Chillicothe,  the  first  Monday  i 
December,  1804. 

He  was  elected  to  the  Sixth  Assembly,  convened  at  Chillicothe  Decembf 
7.  1807;  was  elected  Senator  from  the  district  composed  of  Miami,  Montgomer 
and  Preble  Counties,  to  the  Seventh  General  Assembly,  convened  at  Chill 
cothe  December  5,  1808,  and  was  re-elected  Senator  io  the  Eighth  Assembl; 
convened  at  Chillicothe  the  first  Monday  in  December,  1809. 

In  1810,  he  was  President  of  the  Select  Council  of  Dayton. 

As  representative  of  the  county,  he  was  a member  of  the  Twelfth  Assembl; 
convened  at  Chillicothe  December  6,  1813.  He  was  Senator  in  the  Fourteent 
Assembly,  convened  at  Chillicothe  December  4,  1815,  and  was  re  elected  i 
the  Fifteenth  General  Assembly,  convened  at  Columbus — the  then  new  capit 
of  the  State — December  2,  1816. 

His  property  in  Dayton  had  not  greatly  increased  in  value,  until  the  flusj 
war  times  of  1812.  He  was  then  running  the  saw-mill  on  First  street,  opposii 
Sears,  and  the  flour  and  fulling  mills  at  the  head  of  Mill  street. 

At  the  time  of  his  death,  in  1818,  he  was  somewhat  involved,  but  his  e: 
ecutors  relieved  the  estate  from  emban assment,  and  the  large  property  inheres 
have  always  been  closely  connected  with  the  city’s  extension  and  Improvemoi) 

ROBERT  EDGAR. 

Robert  Edgar,  Sr. , came  to  this  country  from  the  North  of  Ireland  in  th) 
year  1739,  and  settled  in  Pennsylvania,  afterward  removing  to  Virginia.  H 
children  were  two  sons  and  two  daughters.  His  son  Robert,  who  was  one  < 
the  pioneer  settlers  of  this  county,  was  born  at  Staunton,  Augusta  Co.,  V: 
February  8,  1770.  Ten  years  later,  Mr.  Edgar  with  his  family  moved  | 
Wheeling,  where,  on  the  night  of  Good  Friday,  1792,  while  he  was  on  thew^ 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


353 


t wam  a neighbor  of  the  approach  of  Indians,  he  was  attacked  by  nine  of  the 
>H  rages,  who  killed  and  scalped  him. 

Robert,  the  son,  his  mother  also  being  dead,  settled  up  the  estate,  and 
, th  his  brother  and  two  sisters  came  down  the  Ohio  River  in  a flat-boat,  to 
I rt  Washington. 

In  1796,  Robert  Edgar  came  to  the  Dayton  settlement,  locating  an  eighty 
i:e  tract  of  second-rate  land  in  Section  33,  now  the  southwest  corner  of 
hd  River  Township,  a portion  of  it  being  now  within  the  corporate  limits  of 
liyton,  at  the  south  end  of  Wayne  street. 

He  married  Mrs.  Margaret  Kirkwood  (nee  Gillespie),  widow  of  David  Kirk- 
lod,  of  Cincinnati,  September  27,  1798.  She  was  born  in  Philadelphia  April 
1772. 

They  first  went  to  housekeeping  in  the  old  cabin  at  the  southwest  corner 
Water  and  Mill  streets,  in  Dayton.  He  was  a farmer,  yet  being  of  an  in- 
. nious  turn,  frequently  had  profitable  employment  at  the  Cooper  Mills,  below 
ryton,  and  at  the  Robinson  Mill,  up  Mad  River.  In  1805,  while  yet  living 
town,  he  built  for  D.  C.  Cooper  the  grist-mill  at  the  head  of  Mill  street, 
d ran  it  for  a short  time,  but  moved  back  on  his  own  farm  before  the  spring 
, .1806. 

The  first  iron  mold-board  plow  that  was  brought  to  this  county  was  owned 
him,  and  used  on  his  farm  at  that  time.  It  was  a great  curiosity  to  the 
•Tiers,  and  its  work  a marvel.  None  of  them  had  ever  before  seen  anything 
the  kind,  and  they  were  interested,  as  farmers  are  now.  in  improved  farm 
iplements,  as  this  one  certainly  was  over  the  wooden  plows  then  made  by  the 
rmers  themselves,  from  the  forks  of  hard  wood  saplings. 

Of  the  large  family  of  children  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Edgar,  but  five  of 
em  lived  through  childhood. 

Jane  Alien,  their  second  child,  was  born  November  24,  in  the  year  1800, 
ad  was  married  to  Augustus  George  December  4,  1817.  She  died  March  3, 
126. 

Robert  Andrew,  born  Octobor  10,  1803,  married  Catharine  Iddings  August 
1831,  and  died  September  7,  1833. 

Samuel  D.,  bom  March  25,  1806,  married  Minerva  A.  Jones  August  5, 
145;  died  October  1,  1874. 

Mary,  born  April  8,  1811,  married  Stephen  Johnston  May  10,  1831;  died 
illy  25,  1849. 

John  F.,  born  October  29,  1814,  married  Effie  A.  Rogers  April  20,  1843, 
id  is  still  living  with  his  wife  and  three  daughters  in  Dayton.  He  is  an 
Ider  in  the  First  Presbyterian  Church,  and ‘is  the  only  child  of  Robert  Ed- 
ar’s  now  living. 

In  the  war  of  1812,  Robert  Edgar  was  a soldier  in  one  of  the  companies 
t mounted  rangers  from  this  county,  and  among  the  interesting  relics  of  that 
loody  border  war,  is  his  sword  now  in  possession  of  his  son,  John  F.  Edgar. 

The  care  of  the  four  children  and  the  managment  of  the  farm  during  her 
usband's  service  in  the  army  devolved  upon  Mrs.  Edgar,  who,  with  the  other 
rave,  true-hearted  women  of  that  day  so  nobly  bore  their  share  of  the  dangers 
nd  trials  incident  to  frontier  life.  Her  babe,  Mary,  was  but  a year  old,  yet 
he  brave  mother  with  the  aid  of  her  three  children,  Jane  eleven  years  old; 
jlobert,  nine  years  old;  and  Samuel,  six  years  old,  took  care  of  the  cattle,  cul- 
ivated  and  harvested  the  grain,  and  kept  the  farm  in  good  shape  until  the  re- 
run of  her  husband.  The  farm  was  not  exposed  to  Indian  attacks  like  those 
u the  western  and  northern  parts  of  the  county;  yet  the  anxiety  for  the  safety 
if  her  husband,  the  common  danger  to  all  frontier  settlements,  the  care  and  re- 
sponsibility of  the  family,  and  the  burden  of  farm  work  taxed  her  heart  and 


354 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


strength  to  the  utmost.  Her  gallant  soldier  husband  returned  safely  to  his 
family  to  live  in  the  peace  won  in  the  victory  over  the  savages  and  their  British 
allies. 

Mr.  Edgar  and  his  wife  were  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  he 
having  been  active  in  its  first  organization  in  Dayton,  and  helped  to  get  out 
the  logs  and  put  up  the  little  log  cabin  meeting-house  in  the  hazel  thicket  back 
of  the  corner  at  Third  and  Main  streets,  in  the  year  1800.  He  died  December 
19,  1838.  Mrs.  Edgar  died  November  25,  1841.  The  Edgar  name  is  perpet- 
uated  through  the  son  Samuel  D.  who  was  married  in  1845.  and  succeeded  to 
the  ownership  of  the  farm,  and  died  in  1874;  and,  in  the  division  of  his  estate, 
left  the  homestead  to  his  son  Charles,  who  was  born  May  29,  1851,  married 
Caroline  L.  Bidleman  January  26,  1871,  and  died  November  23,  1877. 

Margaret,  Emma  B.  and  Robert  C.  were  bom  at  the  old  home  in  Mad 
River  Township.  The  son,  Robert  C.,  was  born  June  5,  1877,  and  is  the  repiv 
sentative  in  the  fifth  generation  of  the  descendants  of  Robert  Edgar  the  eider, 
his  great-great-grandfather,  who  emigrated  to  this  country  in  1739;  and  of  his 
great-grandfather  who  was  one  of  the  pioneers  of  Montgomery  County,  and  oi 
whose  life  this  sketch  is  written. 

MAJ.  GEOKGE  AUAMS. 

One  of  the  bravest,  most  experienced  and  daring  Indian  lighters  among 
the  earliest  settlers  of  Montgomery  County,  was  Maj.  George  Adams,  who  was 
born  in  Virginia  October  26,  1767,  served  as  a drummer  boy  in  the  Revolution- 
ary  army,  and  came  West  with  dispatches  to  Gen.  Harmar  in  the  fall  of  the 
year  1790. 

Adams,  with  a companion,  came  down  the  Ohio  River  in  a canoe  from 
Pittsburgh,  as  a bearer  of  dispatches  to  Gen.  Harmar,  at  Fort  Washington. 
Gen.  Harmar’ s expedition  had  marched  against  the  Indians,  and  Gov.  St.  Clair, 
who  was  at  the  Fort,  desiring  to  aid  in  forwarding  the  dispatches,  proposed  tc 
furnish  Adams  with  a good  horse,  saddle  and  bridle,  if  he  would  follow 
Harmar’s  trail.  Adams,  equipped  with  rifle  and  ammunition,  and  provided  with 
parched  corn,  some  flour  and  a piece  of  pork,  started  without  delay,  and  at  the 
end  of  the  fourth  day,  overtook  the  army  near  the  old  Chillicothe  town,  on  the 
Little  Miami  River,  and  delivered  his  dispatches  to  Gen.  Harmar.  He  joined  one 
of  the  companies  of  Kentucky  Mounted  Infantry,  in  Maj.  Fontaine’s  battalion, 
and  continued  with  the  expedition  to  the  junction  of  the  St.  Joseph  and  St, 
Mary’s  Rivers  (now  Fort  Wayne,  Ind.),  where  the  army,  in  detachments, 
suffered  mortifying  defeat  on  the  19th  and  22d  of  October  He  was  in  Col. 
Hardin’s  fight  of  the  19th,  and  participated  in  the  disastrous  battle  of  the 
22d.  It  was  shortly  after  sunrise  that  Maj.  Fontaine  with  his  battalion 
charged  the  Indians  on  the  west  bank  of  the  St.  Joseph  River,  and  was  killed. 
George  Adams  was  close  by  the  Major  at  the  time,  and  although  himself 
wounded,  was  still  fighting.  In  the  fight  of  October  22nd,  in  a fierce  hand  tc 
hand  contest  with  the  savages,  he  was  five  times  severely  wounded,  yet  mirac 
ulously  escaped,  but  was  pronounced  to  be  in  a dying  condition. 

From  the  failure  to  carry  out  the  plans  for  a surprise  of  the  Indian  camp, 
the  savages  escaped,  but  making  a stand,  a scattering  fire  was  kept  up  in  the 
regular  backwoods  style,  where  each  man  treed  and  fought  on  his  own  hook. 

George  Adams’  horse  was  killed  in  the  first  dash  at  the  savages,  and 
Adams  was  shot  in  the  thigh.  He  then  fought  from  tree  to  tree.  His  arm 
was  broken  by  a bullet.  He  was  shot  in  the  side,  the  ball  cutting  through  the 
flesh  and  lodging  under  his  other  arm.  He  was  shot  in  the  breast,  the  bullet 
lodging  under  his  shoulder  blade.  Yet  notwithstanding  these  severe  wounds, 
he  was  not  totally  disabled,  and  to  stop  fighting  was  death.  Seeing  an  Indian: 


DA  YTON 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


357 


ear.  who  had  just  fired  his  rilie.  he  gave  chase,  overtook  him,  tomahawked 
im,  and  while  scalping  him,  five  other  savages  came  up  and  fired  at  him. 
fi  the  effort  to  grasp  his  rifle,  he  found  that  his  arm  was  paralyzed  from  being 
roken  and  the  severe  wound  in  the  shoulder.  He  caught  his  rifle  with  his 
jther  hand,  and  escaped  into  the  thickets  before  the  Indians  could  reload.  He 
ad  killed  five  Indians  in  the  two  days’  fighting,  but  now,  from  great  loss  of 
lood,  his  strength  only  lasted  until  he  got  back  to  the  battalion,  where  he  fell 
xhausted  upon  the  ground,  and  was  one  of  the  few  wounded  who  escaped  and 
'ere  carried  on  litters  into  camp.  The  surgeons  dressed  his  wounds,  but  stated 
rat  it  was  impossible  for  him  to  live  through  the  night,  and  his  grave  was 
jug  ready  for  his  burial,  before  the  retreat  should  begin.  Contrary  to  all  expec 
it  ions,  he  was  alive  in  the  morning,  and  was  carried  on  a litter  between  two 
iorses  the  next  day’s  march;  and  in  the  evening,  there  still  being  no  hopes  of 
is  recovery,  a second  grave  was  dug  for  him.  He  was  thus  canned  in  a weak 
nd  unconscious  condition  from  day  to  day,  back  to  -Fort  Washington,  where  for 
i any  weary  weeks  his  life  hung  as  by  a thread,  but  finally  he  fully  recovered, 
et  carried  for  the  rest  of  his  life  the  two  Indian  bullets  in  his  body,  one  in  his 
roulder,  the  other  in  his  thigh.  He  again  became  a strong,  robust  man. 
bout  five  feet  eight  inches  tall.  His  hair  was  red,  and  he  wore  it  very  long, 
te  was  as  brave  as  a lion,  used  to  the  life  of  a woodsman,  quick  in  expedients, 
elf-reliant,  perfectly  acquainted  with  the  trails  through  the  forests,  and  the 
pcation  of  Indian  villages,  and  from  his  knowledge  of  their  haunts,  habits  and 
iodes  of  warfare,  his  services  were  invaluable  in  all  campaigns  against  the 
ivages  from  St.  Clair’s  defeat  in  1791,  until  the  close  of  the  war  in  1795. 
jle  was  in  St.  Clair’s  defeat  November  4,  1791,  but  escaped  without  injury,  al- 
lough  he  was  in  constant  service  through  the  campaign,  scouting  through  the 
odian  country,  frequently  having  running  fights  with  the  savages,  but  as  his 
fleet  was  only  tc  get  information,  he  avoided  observation  and  battle. 

January  26,  1792,  he  married  Elizabeth  Ellis,  probably  at  Limestone,  Ky. 
he  was  born  in  Northwest  Virginia,  or  in  Greene  or  Westmoreland  County, 
enn.,  March  31.  1773.  George  Adams  was  a Captain  of  scouts  in  Wayne’s 
rmy,  in  the  campaigns  of  1793,  1794  and  1795.  On  one  of  his  expeditions 
orth  into  the  Indian  country,  his  two  intended  graves  were  pointed  out  to  him 
;y  one  of  his  comrades,  who  had  assisted  in  digging  them  in  1790. 

He  passed  safely  through  the  perils  of  Wayne’s  active  aggressive  war. 
wider ing  conspicuous  service  in  all  important  movements;  and  when  the  In- 
ians  had  dispersed  after  the  conclusion  of  the  treaty  of  peace  at  Greenville, 
he  necessity  for  the  services  of  Capt.  Adams  and  his  brave  men  no  longer  ex- 
ited. They  could  then  locate  their  lands  and  settle  down  to  enjoy  the  peace 
nd  possession  their  valor  had  aided  in  conquering. 

In  consideration  of  his  services  as  drummer  boy  in  the  Revolutionary 
nny,  he  received  a warrant  for  100  acres  of  land,  which  he  located  south  of 
lamilton,  Ohio,  and  lived  upon  it  for  a short  time. 

Knowing  thoroughly  of  the  rich  lands  up  the  Miami,  toward  Mad  River, 
le  profusion  of  luxuriant  verdure  and  native  vegetation  to  be  found  in  its  rich, 
olendid  bottoms,  and  over  the  rolling  timber  lands;  when  it  was  found  that 
re  Indians  would  respect  the  treaty  by  leaving  this  valley  unmolested  and 
tear-  to  settlers,  Adams  ventured  into  the  forest  with  his  little  family,  and 
lany  others  came  to  settle  around  him  on  Silver  Creek  (Hole’s).  His  services 
p the  Indian  wars  entitled  him  to  a large  tract  of  Government  land.  He 
otered  400  acres  of  first-rate  land  in  Sections  21,  27  and  28,  Range  6,  Town- 
pP  1,  east  bank  of  the  Miami,  and  built  his  cabin  in  the  bend  of  the  river, 
elow  but  near  to  Silver  Creek  (Hole’s).  With  his  family  he  brought  their 
yanty  cabin  furniture  and  supplies,  his  rifle,  ax,  and  one  horse  critter,  begin- 


358 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


ning  life  in  the  backwoods  by  cultivating  that  year  (1797),  a little  garden  and 
corn  patch  at  the  edge  of  the  prairie  on  his  land. 

In  the  river  were  tish  in  abundance;  and  in  the  woods  game  and  wild 
honey,  so  that  even  in  thac  first  year  there  was  but  little  privation  for  his  fam- 
ily. With  each  year  his  farm  was  improved,  furniture  and  cabin  were  made 
more  comfortable.  In  the  fields  were  cattle  and  hogs,  and  the  fertile  soil 
yielded  abundant  crops.  The  farmer  and  his  family  had  bread  and  butter, 
milk,  meat  and  vegetables  in  plenty  for  themselves,  and  gave  freely  of  it  to 
hungry  travelers  and  wandering  Indians. 

Until  after  the  year  1800,  he  had  no  near  neighbors,  and  but  few  cabins  i 
had  been  built.  After  that  year,  land  was  more  rapidly  taken  up  and  the  road 
up  the  river  was  in  constant  use. 

That  part  of  his  farm  near  the  mouth  of  the  creek  was  known  as  Adams 
Prairie,  where  in  after  years  militia  camps  were  located  and  camp  meetings 
were  often  held.  The  New-Light  Church  people  in  the  early  days,  at  stated  times, 
held  services  in  his  cabin,  and  in  later  years  he  became  a zealous  member  of  |j 
that  church. 

At  the  Indian  alarm  in  1799,  Adams  organized  the  settlers  of  the  neighbor- 
hood as  a garrison  for  the  defense  of  Hole’s  Station,  and  the  cabins  around. 
There  were  no  whites  west  of  the  river,  and  it  was  feared  that  the  Indians 
might  come  down  the  Bear  Creek  trail,  to  destroy  the  feeble  settlements  along  ' 
the  river  from  Hole’s  Creek  down  to  Hole’s  Station.  For  a few  days,  possibly 
for  a month,  scouts  were  kept  out,  and  the  families  repaired  to  the  block-house 
each  night,  but  the  danger  passed  without  the  settlements  being  molested.  In|| 
fact,  the  settlers  of  Montgomery  County  never  were  really  distm’bed  by  Indian 
war  parties,  although  until  1811  it  was  a common  thing  for  them  to  be  herein 
small  parties  of  hunters  and  traders.  George  Adams  was  the  father  of  four 
sons — George,  Thomas,  William  and  Caleb — all  of  whom  are  dead  ; and  four 
daughters — Elizabeth,  Cynthia,  Martha  and  Nancy;  the  latter  is  dead,  but  the 
others  were  living  not  long  since. 

Under  the  militia  laws  of  Ohio,  sometime  after  the  county  was  organized.! 
Adams  was  commissioned  Major  of  one  of  the  Montgomery  County  regiments 
and  held  that  position  at  the  time  hostilities  began  against  the  British  anc 
Indians  in  1812.  By  oi'der  of  the  brigade  commander,  his  battalion  was  as 
sembled  at  the  prairie  on  his  farm  near  Alexandersville,  April  16,  of  that  year, 
and  from  it  the  ranks  of  Capt.  Perry’s  company  of  United  States  Ranger; 
were  tilled. 

Maj.  Adams  was  in  constant  service  through  the  war.  In  August,  im 
mediately  upon  receipt  of  the  news  of  Hull’s  surrender,  he  marched  with  kii 
battalion  to  the  frontier  and  was  in  command  of  the  post  at  St.  Mary’s  until  tin 
arrival  of  Gen.  Harrison  and  his  army,  the  last  of  September. 

By  reason  of  his  well-known  bravery  and  knowledge  of  Indian  warfare 
he  was  assigned  to  the  command  of  a regiment  of  scouts  for  special  service  t( 
the  front  of  Harrison’s  army,  and  in  the  country  over  toward  Fort  Wayne.  1 
trusted  officer  who  gallantly  performed  the  important  duties  assigned  him. 

When  the  road  had  been  once  more  opened  to  the  Maumee  Rapids,  t 
Ala.).  Adams  was  assigned  the  duty  of  keeping  clear  of  Indians  the  countr; 
around  Fort  Greenville  and  up  to  St.  Mary’s. 

At  the  close  of  the  war  he  was  in  command  of  Fort  Greenville,  and  wa 
not  relieved  until  after  the  Indians  had  quieted. 

It  was  while  scouting  in  that  vicinity  at  that  time  that  he  selected  th; 
land  on  Greenville  Creek.  He  entered  the  land,  about  a section,  in  1815,  an 
during  that  winter  or  early  in  the  spring  of  1816,  he  moved  out  with  his  famil) 
and  that  year  built  a grist-mill,  a small  water-power  mill  from  which  k 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


359v 

urned  out  coarse  corn  meal,  and  flour  that  customers  had  to  bolt  by  hand, 
■’bat  was  the  pioneer  mill  of  Darke  County,  and  for  a long  time  had  trade  from 
11  the  settlements  around. 

Maj.  Adams  was  a genial,  fun-loving  man,  widely  known,  respected  and 
-opular.  His  neighbors  were  people,  who,  like  him, had  come  West  in  search 
f homes,  participated  in  the  Indian  wars,  and  upon  peace  being  declared  in 
814,  had  settled  down  in  their  backwoods  homes,  a neighborhood  of  congen- 
al  spirits,  the  little  settlement  taking  the  name  of  “ Adams’  Mill” — a popu- 
lar place  for  old  time  gatherings,  shooting  matches,  horse-races  and  like  sports. 

There  are  yet  many  people  living  in  Montgomery  and  Darke  Counties  who 
ave  pleasant  recollections  of  association  with  the  battle-scarred  old  pioneer 
amor. 

His  land  was  five  miles  east  of  Greenville  in  Section  33,  Adams 
,’ownship,  named  in  honor  of  the  gallant  old  Major.  That  country  was  new 
nd  sparsely  settled.  Small  parties  of  Indians  were  constantly  passing 
long  the  trails  that  led  to  their  villages,  or  to  the  forts  at  New  Lexington,  Fort 
hack  (New  Madison),  the  stockade  near  Covington,  and  to  the  fort  at  Upper 
fiqua. 

For  the  wounds  received  in  1790,  and  for  disabilities  incurred  in  the  war 
i 1812;  he,  for  a number  of  years,  drew  pension  from  the  Government. 

He  was  elected  Associate  Judge  Common  Pleas  Court  of  Darke  County,  by 
|he  Legislature  at  the  session  of  1829-30.  and  he  held  that  position  until  his 
lleath  in  1832.  Maj.  George  Adams  died  at  his  home  five  miles  east  of  Green - 
ille,  November  20,  1832.  His  wife  Elizabeth  died  in  the  same  house  February 
2,  1847. 

They  are  buried  in  the  Martin  Cemetery,  three  miles  east  of  Greenville. 

DK.  JOHN  HOLE. 

Closely  following  the  Dayton  Colony  up  the  Miami,  in  the  spring  of 
796,  were  parties  of  settlers  who  located  at  favorable  points  along  the  east 
tank  of  the  river,  between  Hamilton  and  Dayton.  Squatters  took  possession  of 
he  rich  bottom  opposite  the  mouth  of  Bear  Creek.  Maj.  Adams  selected  his  land 
it  the  mouth  of  Silver  Creek  (Hole’s);  Col.  Jerome  Holt  took  land  that  is  now 
n Van  Buren  Township,  while  others  ventured  farther  up  Silver  Creek 
Hole’s),  on  lands  now  in  Washington  Township. 

Dr.  John  Hole  purchased  1,440  acres  of  land  in  Township  2,  Range 
;>,  and  in  the  spring  of  the  next  year  moved  up  from  Cincinnati  with  his 
’arnily. 

His  father,  Zachariah  Hole,  married  Phoebe  Clark,  in  Virginia,  about  the 
rear  1750.  Their  second  child,  John  Hole,  was  born  there  in  1754.  The  son 
was  raised  on  the  farm,  but  received  a good  education,  and,  when  quite  young, 
{studied  medicine  and  surgery  under  the  instruction  of  Dr.  Fullerton. 

In  Virginia,  the  militia  were  organized  for  defense  of  the  colony,  under 
he  resolutions  offered  by  Patrick  Henry,  in  the  Provincial  Convention  that  as- 
sembled at  Richmond.  March  20.  1775.  So  that  in  the  uprising  of  the  people 
throughout  the  colonies,  after  the  battle  at  Lexington  and  Concord,  Virgin- 
ians promptly  responded  to  the  call  for  troops  to  resist  the  threatened  advance 
,jf  the  British  from  Boston. 

Dr.  John  Hole  marched,  with  a battalion  of  Virginia  militia,  and  shortly 
after  their  arrival  at  the  American  camp,  then  encircling  Boston,  he  was  com- 
missioned Assistant  Surgeon  in  the  Continental  army,  and  continued  in  active 
'service  through  the  Revolution. 

He  was  in  the  battle  at  Bunker  Hill,  and  when  the  army  was  re-organized, 
with  Gen.  Washington  as  Commander-in-Chief.  he  was  assigned  to  the  medi- 


! 


360 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


cal  stall’,  in  the  division  of  gallant  Brig.  Gen.  Richard  Montgomery,  in 
whose  honor  Montgomery  County  is  named  ; and  it  is  very  probable  tliat  il 
was  at  the  suggestion  of  Dr.  Hole  that  the  county  was  so  named. 

During  the  assault  upon  Quebec,  before  daylight,  on  the  morning  of  Be 
cember  31,  1775,  Dr.  Hole,  with  other  Surgeons  of  the  American  Army,  estab 
lished  the  lield  hospital  near  the  walls  of  the  fort,  and  it  was  there  that  Gen. 
Montgomery’s  body  was  brought  immediately  after  he  was  shot  through 
the  heart.  The  General  was  leading  and  cheering  his  men  when  he  received  j! 
his  death  shot. 

The  army  retreated  a short  distance  down  the  river  and  went  into  cam})  jj 
for  the  winter,  but  were  forced  to  retreat  in  May  following. 

August  4,  1778,  Dr.  Hole  married  Miss  Massie  Ludlow,  of  New  Jersey, 
and  before  the  close  of  the  war  three  children  were  born  to  them. 

In  1787,  they  moved  to  Virginia,  but  after  a short  absence,  returned  to  jj 
New  Jersey,  where  they  remained  until  early  in  1796,  when  they  came  West.  I 
traveling  in  a large  covered  wagon,  arriving  in  Cincinnati  early  in  April,  where  |i 
the  family  stayed  until  the  next  spring. 

Leaving  his  family  comfortably  fixed  in  Cincinnati,  Dr.  Hole  came  up 
the  Miami,  and  after  visiting  the  several  little  settlements  around  Dayton,  de- 
termined to  locate  on  Silver  Creek,  and  bought  the  land  previously  described 
paying  for  it  in  military  land  bounty  warrants  granted  to  him  as  an  officer  in 
the  Revolutionary  army. 

He  built  his  cabin  close  to  the  creek,  on  the  spot  where  David  Gepkart’s 
new  two-story  frame  house  now  stands,  a short  distance  below  E.  Bellaman’sj 
mill.  It  was  a round-log  cabin,  puncheon  floor,  cat  and  clay  chimney.  He 
cleared  and  grubbed  several  acres  of  land,  chinked  and  daubed  his  cabin,  and 
during  the  following  winter  made  frequent  trips  to  Cincinnati,  and  moved  |! 
out  with  his  family  early  in  1797. 

The  family  then  were,  himself  and  wife,  his  son,  Jeremiah,  eighteen  j 
years  old;  Elizabeth,  eleven  years  old;  Jane,  nine;  David,  six;  Nancy,  one. 
Benches  and  bunks  had  been  put  up  by  the  Doctor,  other  cabin  furniture  and  j 
cooking  utensils  were  brought  along,  so  that,  comparatively,  the  family  were 
comfortably  provided  for. 

With  their  own  rifles,  the  Doctor  and  his  son,  Jeremiah,  kept  the  table! 
well  supplied  with  game,  and  the  two  older  daughters  could  help  very  muchj| 
in  the  corn  and  truck  patches,  and  in  burning  brush  and  tending  the  burning] 
log-heaps.  . 

A narrow,  winding  path  led  down  the  creek  to  the  road  that  ran  along  the  ! 
river. 

The  Doctor  met  with  no  serious  obstacles  in  establishing  his  family  inj 
their  new  home,  although,  with  all  other  settlers,  they  suffered  very  much 
from  fever  and  ague.  He  was  the  only  physician  in  that  part  of  the  valley,] 
and,  for  many  years,  was  in  active  practice  in  the  cabins  for  ten  or  twelve 
miles  around,  riding  night  and  day,  often,  from  the  necessities  of  the  situa-j 
tion,  having  to  bivouac  for  the  night  in  thickets  through  which  the  bridle- 
paths led. 

Money  being  so  scarce  and  of  such  little  use  on  the  frontier,  his  bills 
were  settled  at  the  convenience  of  his  patrons,  by  the  delivery  to  him  of  prod- 
uce or  cattle.  For  a year’s  attendance  as  family  physician,  a two-year  old 
heifer,  or  six  Barbary  sheep,  a mare  with  foal,  200  bushels  of  coro,  etc.  Due- 
bills  would  be  given,  such  as  these: 

“For  medical  service,  I owe  Dr.  John  Hole  one  pair  leather  shoes  for 
a boy  child. 

Benjamin  Robbins.” 


(Signed) 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


361 


“Due  to  Dv.  J. 'Holes,  fifty  pounds  of  salt. 

(Signed)  Benjamin  Aechee.  ” 

“November  1, 1801.  I agree  to  deliver  to  Dr.  J.  Hole  a winter’s  smoking 
f tobacco,  or  five  venison  hams. 

(Signed)  Gr.  Adams.  ” 

In  1799,  Dr.  Hole  built  a hewed-log  mansion  on  the  hill,  a short  distance 
.orthwest  of  his  cabin,  where  his  daughters,  Matilda  and  Phebe,  who  are  yet 
iving,  were  born.  From  his  comfortable  circumstances  and  well  known  hos- 
dtality,  his  cabin  was  a great  stopping  place  for  travelers  and  new-comers,  and 
Iso  had  many  visits  from  roving  Indian  parties. 

One  day  while  the  Doctor  and  his  son  were  in  the  clearing,  three  Indians 
ame  to  the  cabin  and  asked  for  dinner,  which  Mrs.  Hole  at  once  began  to  pre- 
>are.  Being  somewhat  uneasy,  however,  she  got  one  of  the  Indians  to  blow 
he  conch  shell,  as  a signal  to  her  husband,  who,  with  his  son,  hastened  with 
[heir  rifles  to  the  cabin,  but  the  Indians  were  peaceable,  and  after  their 
ueal,  went  to  the  woods  and  killed  a buck,  taking  to  the  cabin  the  hind  quar- 
ers,  in  return  for  the  good  treatment  they  had  received. 

The  stream  upon  which  the  Doctor  had  located  had  been  known  to  sur- 
eyors  and  explorers,  as  Silver  Creek,  but  from  his  prominence  as  a physician, 
,nd  the  fact  of  his  being  one  of  the  largest  resident  land- holders  of  the  coun- 
y,  as  a matter  of  convenience  in  giving  direction,  it  soon  got  to  be  known  as 
;Iole’s  Creek,  and  for  more  than  eighty  years  has  held  that  name  in  honor  of 
liinr  as  one  of  the  first  and  most  prominent  of  Montgomery  County  pioneers. 

Doctor  and  Mrs.  Hole,  and  their  children,  were  members  of  the  early  Bap- 
ist  Church  at  Centerville.  He  was  the  first  person  baptized  in  Hole’s  Creek; 
]?as  an  active,  influential  member  of  the  church,  and  lived  a consistent  Chris- 
ian  life. 

Of  the  eleven  children  born  to  them.  Maiy,  William  and  Polly  Ludlow 
lied  in  infancy. 

Jeremiah,  born  in  New  Jersey,  June  10;  1779,  died  in  Washington  Town- 
hip,  this  county,  July  9,  1811. 

Elizabeth,  born  in  New  J ersey,  November  27,  1786,  married  William  Dodds; 
lied  in  September,  1852. 

Jane,  born  in  New  Jersey,  October  5,  1788,  married  the  Kev.  Jacob 
Vlulford,  a pioneer  Baptist  preacher  of  this  valley,  died  August  3,  1866. 

David,  born  in  New  Jersey,  August  7,  1791;  married  Margaret  McClucas; 
lied  January  16,  1829. 

Nancy,  born  in  Cincinnati,  May  20,  1796;  remained  single;  died  January 
17,  1840. 

John  Ludlow,  born  in,  the  little  cabin  on  Hole’s  Creek,  June  3,  1798;  mar- 
led Susan  Hatfield;  died  June  3,  1849. 

Matilda,  born  in  the  hewed-log  “ mansion  house,”  on  Hole’s  Creek,  De- 
cember 4,  1799;  married  Elisha  Hopkins  December  25,  1823.  Her  husband 
lied  August  23,  1849.  They  had  no  children.  Mrs.  Hopkins,  now  nearly 
eighty- three  years  old,  is  living  on  part  of  her  father’s  estate,  near  Hole’s  Creek 
m Washington  Township,  and  is  probably  the  oldest  native  of  the  county. 

Phebe,  born  in  the  cabin  home  on  Hole's  Creek,  March  11,  1802,  was  never 
married,  and  is  yet  living  od  her  own  property,  near  where  her  father’s  first 
‘cabin  was  built,  on  part  of  the  land  that  he  entered  in  1796. 

From  exposure,  incident  to  his  service  in  the  Revolutionary  army,  the  toil 
and  anxieties  of  backwoods  life,  long  rides  and  character  of  his  experience  in 
the  practice  of  medicine  through  the  scattered  cabin  settlements  in  all  kinds  of 
weather,  Dr.  Hole’s  health  began  to  fail,  so  that  at  the  outbreak  of  the  war,  in 
1812,  he  was  obliged  to  decline  the  position  tendered  him,  in  the  medical  staff 


362 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


of  the  army.  He  died  January  6,  1813.  His  wife  died  July  25,  1842.  They, 
with  live  children,  are  buried  in  the  old  cemetery,  one-half  mile  north  of  Cen 
terville. 

ZACHARIAH  HOLE. 

Father  of  Dr.  John  Hole,  lived  in  the  colony  of  Virginia,  where  about 
the  year  1750,  he  married  Phebe  Clark.  Their  eight  children  were  born  in 
Virginia. 

Their  son,  Zachariah.  married  Hannah  Delay;  Daniel  married  Polly  Beedle 
a sketch  of  the  life  of  Dr.  John  Hole  has  already  been  given;  William  Hole  mar 
ried  Ruth  Crane;  Polly  married  David  Yazell;  Sarah  married  a Mr.  Eaton 
Phebe  also  married  a Mr.  Eaton;  Betsy  married  John  Craig. 

A year  after  his  son,  John,  moved  to  the  West,  Zachariah  Hole,  with  his 
wife  and  three  sons,  Zachariah,  Jr.,  William  and  Daniel,  and  two  daughters, 
Polly  and  Betsy,  came  to  the  Miami  Valley.  The  father  and  his  three  sons 
bought  land  on  the  east  bank  of  the  river,  opposite  the  mouth  of  Bear  Creek, 
which  they  afterward  entered  at  the  land  office  in  Cincinnati,  paying  $2  an 
acre  for  it. 

At  the  time  of  the  threatened  Indian  outbreak,  in  the  summer  of  1799,  a 
block-house  and  stockade  were  built  upon  Zachariah  Hole’s  land,  near  the  river, 
and  the  settlers  were  organized  for  defense,  with  Maj.  Adams  in  command. 
Although  there  were  several  cabins  between  that  and  Dayton,  none  could  be 
seen  from  the  narrow  road  through  the  woods. 

The  block-house  and  stockade  were  known  as  Hole’s  Station,  and  after- 
ward became  quite  a busy  little  point,  where  new  comers  would  halt  while 
prospecting  for  lands  west  of  the  river. 

Hole’s-  Station  became  Miamisburg,  and  the  town  was  platted  in  1818. 

Mr.  Hole  and  his  wife  died,  and  were  buried  in  the  vicinity  of  the  town. 

AARON  NUTT. 

Who  came  to  this  county  from  Kentucky,  was  a soldier  of  the  Revolution. 
After  that  war  he  came  west  with  his  little  family,  seeking  a home  and  land  that 
were  due  him  under  the  bounty  laws  of  the  Government. 

His  parents,  Levi  and  Ann,  lived  in  Monmouth  County  N.  J.,  where, 
July  17,  1758,  their  son  Aaron  was  born.  The  father  died  when  his  boy  was 
but  two  years  old,  who,  when  he  became  old  enough,  was  apprenticed  by  his 
mother  to  a tailor.  During  his  last  year  of  apprenticeship,  the  war  of  the  Rev 
olution  being  then  in  progress,  his  boss  was  pressed  into  the  army,  but  in 
duced  Aaron  to  go  in  his  stead  by  giving  him  the  rest  of  his  time,  and  setting 
him  free.  Inspired  with  the  patriotism  of  the  times,  and  although  not  yet 
twenty  years  of  age,  he  gladly  accepted  the  opportunity  of  entering  the  country’s 
service,  and  at  once  enlisted. 

After  the  expiration  of  his  term  of  enlistment,  he,  on  the  4th  of  May  1779. 
married  Mary,  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Sarah  Archer,  born  November  28,  1758. 
About  the  close  of  the  war,  when  so  many  soldiers  were  attracted  by  the  glowing 
accounts  of  the  rich  lands  west  of  the  mountains,  Aaron  Nutt  moved  with  lii‘ 
family  as  far  west  as  Redstone  Old  Fort,  Pennsylvania,  where  they  lived  for  a 
time,  and  when  by  reason  of  the  aggressive  movements  against  the  Indians  in 
the  Northwest,  it  became  safe,  he  moved  to  Central  Kentucky,  where  near  out 
of  the  block-houses  on  the  “ Dry  Ridge,’’  the  divide  between  the  Kentucky  and 
Licking  Rivers,  he  kept  tavern  for  several  years.  With  the  opening  of  traflk 
along  the  Ohio  River,  and  the  tide  of  emigration  setting  in  so  strongly  to  the 
lands  northwest  of  the  Ohio,  his  business  was  greatly  reduced.  He  determined! 
to  again  change  location. 

After  a visit  to  the  Miami  Valley,  he,  in  1796,  came  with  a party  of  sur- 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


368 


jyors  from  Cincinnati  as  far  as  where  Centerville  now  is,  and  selected  320  acres 
l land,  the  east  half  of  Section  25,  Town  3,  Range  6,  between  the  Miami  Rivers, 
,'is  brother-in-law  Benjamin  Robbins  taking  the  west  half.  These  two  tracts 
e separated  by  the  Dayton  & Lebanon  pike;  the  north  half  of  the  town  of  Cen- 
■rville  was  platted  upon  parts  of  them.  Joseph  Nutt,  son  of  Aaron,  owns  and 
ves  upon  pai’t  of  the  land  entered  by  his  father  nearly  one  hundred  years  ago. 

In  the  spring  of  1798,  Mr.  Nutt  moved  up  with  his  family  from  Kentucky, 
topping  at  his  brother-in-law’s  (Robbins)  cabin,  he  having  moved  up  the  year 
revious.  Robbins  wanted  Nutt  to  unload  his  plunder  and  live  with  him  until 
is  cabin  was  built,  but  Nutt  declined,  saying,  “No,  I will  unload  my  stuff  into 
iiy  own  cabin.” 

He  went  nine  miles  over  to  Franklin,  the  little  settlement  on  the  Miami  at 
ie  mouth  of  Clear  Creek,  for  help  at  the  “raising,”  which,  with  the  aid  of  six 
allons  of  whisky,  was  done  in  a day,  and  the  family  occupied  the  cabin  at  night- 
ie afterward  put  up  a tavern,  sign  of  the  “ buck  horns,”  of  jwhich  he  was 
mdlord  for  many  years. 

The  Indian  alarm  in  1799  was  an  emergency  that  the  settlers  knew  well 
ow  to  meet;  stockades  were  to  be  put  up  in  all  the  neighborhoods  large  enough 
i which  to  quarter  all  of  the  families  and  strong  enough  to  protect  against 
kvage  attack.  The  horrors  of  Indian  warfare  were  known  too  well  to  all. 

The  settlers  down  in  Mr.  Nutt’s  neighborhood  rallied  at  once  and  built  a 
,;rong  block-house,  with  stockade  to  inclose  a spring  on  Peter  Sunderland’s 
jmd  the  southwest  quarter  of  the  southeast  quarter  of  Section  26,  east  of  and 
ear  to  the  road,  and  about  a mile  north  of  Centerville.  Arrangements  were 
omplete  for  the  dozen  or  more  families  down  there  to  assemble,  but  scouts  from 
ae  more  exposed  settlements  reported  that  the  Indians  were  not  preparing  for 
rar  against  the  whites;  and  it  is  probable  that  the  block -house  was  not  occu- 
ied. 

The  Government  had  been  lenient  with  the  settlers  in  collection  of  money 
or  land,  but  the  time  coming  for  settlement,  Mr.  Nutt  went  to  Kentucky,  hop- 
agto  collect  what  had  long  been  due  him  there;  failing  to  get  it  he  determined 
p make  a trip  with  produce  to  the  New  Orleans  market. 

He,  with  others,  built  two  flat-boats  at  Cincinnati,  and.  loading  with 
prses,  pork  and  poultry,  started  in  December,  1810,  upon  a trading  and  coasting 
rip  down  the  river,  and  sold  out  at  New  Orleans.  Mr.  Nutt  within  a few  days 
fought  a cargo  of  produce  and  shipped  it  around  by  sea  to  Baltimore,  making 
. good  profit  on  the  venture. 

With  part  of  his  money  he  bought  in  Baltimore  a horse  and  cart  which 
|ie  loaded  with  dry  goods  and  brought  overland  to  his  home,  arriving  at  Cen- 
terville after  an  absence  of  five  months  ; in  his  own  language,  “ as  fat  as  a 
iouse  pig,”  and  besides  his  stock  of  goods,  with  money  enough  to  pay  his 
lebts. 

With  this  stock  of  goods  lie  opened  the  first  store  in  Centerville.  His 
license  to  sell  the  goods,  dated  May  20,  1811,  was  signed  by  Benjamin  Yan 
Ileve,  Clerk,  M.  C. 

The  children  of  Aaron  and  Mary  Nutt  wTere  born  before  the  family  moved 
rom  Kentucky — Levi,  February  5,  1780  ; Sarah,  July  7,  1781  ; Mary,  April 
28,  1783  ;^Aaron,  May  31  1787;  Abigail,  September  24,  1790;  Ann,  October 
24,  1792  ; Bathsheba,  February  2,  1795  ; Moriah,  August  22,  1797. 

Mary  his  wife  died  at  their  home  in  Centerville  September  22,  1817. 

January  11,  1818,  Aaron  Nutt  married  Widow  Martha  Craig,  daughter  of 
[saac  and  Hannah  Pedrick,  born  in  Salem  County,  N.  J.,  and  came  West 
with  her  parents  to  Warren  County,  Ohio,  in  1805  or  1806. 


364 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Their  son  Joseph  Nutt  was  born  at  Centerville  December  11,  1818  ; John 
was  born  March  3,  1823. 

Aaron  Nutt  died  June  2,  1842  ; Martha,  his  widow,  died  March  20,  1850, 
aged  nearly  seventy-six  years  ; they,  with  his  first  wife  Mary,  are  buried  in  the 
old  cemetery  a half  mile  north  of  Centerville. 

DANIEL  HOOVER. 

Daniel  Hoover,  Sr.,  and  Hannah  Mast  were  married  on  a farm  situated 
upon  the  banks  of  the  Uharri  River,  in  Randolph  County,  N.  C.,  and  came  to 
this  county  with  the  colony  of  first  settlers  of  Randolph  Township. 

Some  of  the  men  had  made  a trip  north,  seeking  land,  and  finding  at  Gin 
cinnati  that  the  land  office  was  not  yet  open,  and  that  the  splendid  lands  west 
of  the  Miami  River  were  yet  open  for  entry,  they  came  up  to  the  Dayton  set- 
tlement. and  being  satisfied  with  the  outlook,  returned  to  their  people  in  North 
Carolina. 

In  organizing  the  colony,  it  was  decided  that  the  roads  were  too  rougt 
and  the  distance  too  great  to  haul  furniture;  therefore  the  wagons  were  loaded 
with  provisions,  clothing,  cooking  utensils,  and  a few  farming  implements, 
leaving  room  for  the  women  and  children  to  ride. 

It  was  a long,  lonely  journey  over  the  mountains,  across  the  rivers,  and 
’hrongh  the  hundreds  of  miles  of  dense,  unbroken  forest,  yet  it  was  an  old  roac 
easily  followed,  although  entirely  unimproved. 

The  colony  started  in  1801,  and  did  not  sleep  under  a roof  until  theii 
arrival  at  a point  ten  miles  south  of  Dayton,  near  where  Ridgeville,  Warrei 
County,  now  is,  where  they  stopped  for  the  winter. 

The  important  thing  then  was  the  selection  of  land,  and  to  get  a tract  upoi 
which  the  families  could  locate,  neighboring.  An  exploring  party  madi| 
several  trips  up  the  Southwest  Branch  (Stillwater),  and  finally  were  agreed  ti 
locate  on  the  west  bank  of  that  river,  ten  or  twelve  miles  from  Dayton,  Mi 
Hoover  taking  the  southeast  quarter  of  Section  10.  Cabin  sites  were  selected! 
roads  were  marked  out,  and  in  some  cases  were  at  least  partially  opened  to  th ! 
Indian  trail  leading  to  Dayton.  Capt.  Mast  and  Daniel  Hoover  made  the  lam 
entries  at  the  Cincinnati  office.  In  March,  all  being  ready,  the  colony  lef 
their  winter  quarters,  and  passing  through  Dayton,  where  they  crossed  tli 
Miami,  arrived  upon  their  lands  March  20,  1802.  ji 

Three-faced  cabins  of  saplings  were  put  up  as  temporary  shelter  for  th 
families,  while  the  men  were  clearing  up  patches  to  plant  what  corn  and  pot; 
toes  they  had  left.  There  was  big  work  to  be  done,  hills  and  valleys  wer 
heavily  timbered,  slow,  hard  work  was  before  the  men  in  the  clearings,  an 
there  was  no  place  for  drones  in  that  colony.  Fortunately  for  them,  it  was  a 
early  spring,  and  a long,  dry  season,  and  what  planting  they  did  do,  turne' 
out  well. 

It  was  the  frontier  settlement  and  it  took  brave  men  to  stay  there.  Theii 
was  not  a white  man’s  cabin  beyond  them.  Indian  war  parties  and  tradinjl 
parties  were  constantly  passing  along  the  trails,  and  hunting  parties  wei 
roaming  the  woods.  Fleets  of  their  canoes  were  upon  the  rivers.  In  fact,  tb 
country  was  yet  in  control  of  the  savages,  and  the  Hoover  settlement  was  tb 
advance  post  of  civilization. 

Mrs.  Mary  Sheets,  who  is  living  in  Randolph  Township,  daughter  of  Daub 
and  Hannah  Hoover,  remembers  that  one  day  while  they  were  yet  living  in  tl 
huts,  she  and  her  younger  sister  being  alone,  an  Indian  made  his  appearanc 
frightening  them  very  much,  but  soon  went  away. 

The  road  cut  through  by  a division  of  Wayne’s  army,  east  from  Fort  S 
Clair,  along  what  has  since  been  known  as  the  “Sled  Road,”  to  Salem  Creel 


Charles  Burroughs 

DAYTON . 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


367 


* 


;,ar  Salem,  thence  north  to  Fort  Greenville,  was  at  that  time  used  exclusively 
the  Indians;  and  at  all  times,  except  winter,  camping  parties  were  located 
; the  line  springs  along  Stillwater,  Greenville  Creek,  and  at  some  of  the  Salem 
eek  springs.  These  were  favorite  hunting  and  fishing  grounds,  not  given 
1,1  bv  the  savages  until  after  1811. 

All  kinds  of  game  were  to  be  had  in  great  plenty  in  the  woods,  but  after 
te  Hoover  Mill  was  built  (the  pioneer  mill,  built  in  1803),  the  Indians 
'ouo-ht  in  to  trade  for  corn  meal  more  venison,  bear  meat  and  wild  turkeys, 

O * 

an  the  family  could  use. 

Block-houses  were  necessarily  built  in  all  neighborhoods  north  of  Dayton, 

: d those  west  of  Stillwater  were  used  every  year  until  1815.  At  times  of 
slecial  alarm,  the  families  remained  in  the  block-houses,  and  all  cattle  and 
ockwere  corraled.  The  years  1806,  1809  and  1812  were  specially  trying 
nes,  and  were  about  the  only  times  that  it  was  deemed  too  dangerous  for  the 
©n  although  strongly  guarded  to  work  in  the  fields. 

The  Indian  outrages  over  on  Greenville  Creek  in  1812  of  course  spread 
irror  through  the  frontier.  Settlers  from  all  that  section  tied  to  the  stronger 
he  of  block- houses  from  New  Lexington  across  to  the  Miami.  The  men  were 
guard  night  and  day,  and  although  the  savages  did  not  molest  neighbor - 
■ods  in  this  county,  great  excitement  prevailed  until  Fort  Greenville  was 
rri soned  by  militia. 

Daniel,  son  of  Daniel  and  Hannah  Hoover,  was  born  in  1802,  after  the 
rival  of  the  colony,  and  was  the  first  white  child  born  in  Kandolph  Town 
ip.  He  owns,  and  is  living  upon,  part  of  the  farm  that  his  father  settled 
<i,  and  upon  which  he  was  born — the  southeast  corner  of  the  section. 

Randolph  Township  was  organized  November  6,  1804,  and  by  influence  of 
e colony  from  North  Carolina,  was  named  for  the  county  from  which  they 
id  emigrated. 

Daniel  Hoover,  Jr.,  remembers  that  in  1811,  when  he  was  nine  years  old, 
party  of  800  friendly  Indians  camped  on  his  father’s  farm.  This  was  just 
fore  the  battle  of  Tippecanoe,  and  when  the  Indians  broke  camp  they  fol- 
wed  the  trail  west  to  the  Wabash.  Years  after  that,  Mr.  Hoover  saw  the  In- 
an  chief,  Shane,  at  Fort  Wayne,  Ind.,  who  told  him  that  he  had  crept  inside 
;.e  American  lines  as  a spy  the  night  before  the  battle  at  Tippecanoe,  drew  a 
sad  on  Gen.  Harrison,  'out  for  his  own  safety  did  not  fire. 

Daniel  Hoover,  Jr.,  married  Susan  Byrkett  in  1822.  Mrs.  Hoover  also 
une  from  North  Carolina. 

She  remembers  that  her  parents  filled  a large  jar  with  wild  honey,  dried 
m bushels  of  noodles,  and  put  up  other  provisions  for  the  long  journey 
irough  the  woods.  They  had  great  difficulty  in  crossing  the  Alleghanies. 
or  three  years  after  their  arrival  in  Randolph  Township,  the  family  lived 
oon  corn  bread,  potatoes,  game  and  fish. 

From  the  heavy  timber  to  be  cleared  away,  progress  at  the  Hoover  settle- 
ent  was  slow,  yet  was  never  checked,  and  at  the  time  of  the  marriage  of 
aniel  Hoover,  Jr.,  all  Government  lands  had  been  taken  up.  Roads,  however, 
ere  in  bad  condition,  and  in  wet  seasons  were  almost  impassable. 

The  children  of  Daniel  and  Susan  Hoover  were  Hannah.  Eli,  Levina, 
ndrew  Jackson.  Henry  Clay,  Abraham,  James  Elliott,  Sarah  Ann,  William, 
harles  and  Eliza  Jane.  Hannah,  James  E.  and  Sarah  Ann  are  dead.  Eli, 
/illiam  and  Charles  were  born  blind,  were  educated  at  Columbus,  Ohio,  and 
name  accomplished  both  in  vocal  and  instrumental  music.  Levina  married 
nos  Embree:  Andrew  J.  married  Charlotte  Gable;  Henry  C.  married  Ann 
arbara  Cook;  Abraham  married  Julian  Gable;  Elza  Jane  married  George  W. 
•by 


i 


368 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


The  aged  couple,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hoover,  are  living  a quiet,  comfortable  lifi 
on  the  old  farm,  with  their  children  and  grandchildren  around  them,  oftei 
entertaining  their  friends  and  descendants  with  interesting  stories  and  inci 
dents  of  the  early  days  and  settlement  of  the  Stillwater  Valley.  A happil 
couple  of  old  school  people,  retired  from  active  farm  life,  they  are  living  in  the 
memories  of  the  past,  and  contentedly  enjoying  the  blessings  with  which  ther 
are  surrounded. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


369 


CHAPTER  XI. 


Ikw  Comers — Judge  Joseph  II.  Crane — Col.  Egbert  Patterson. 


t tRANE,  Patterson,  Gunckel,  Brown,  Harslinian  and  Phillips  were  promi- 
' nent  in  that  class  of  new-comers  to  the  rich  Miami  Valley  lands  after  its  first 
element,  and  became  useful  men  in  the  community,  accumulated  large 
perty  except  Crane,  and  had  great  influence  in  the  improvement  and 
wth  of  the  county. 

JUDGE  JOSEPH  H.  CRANE. 

Was  born  in  Elizabethtown,  N.  J.,  August  31,  1782,  and  died  in  Day- 
Ohio,  November  12,  1851. 

His  father,  a Major  in  the  Continental  Army,  lost  a leg  in  one  of  the  bat- 
of  the  Revolution.  His  brother,  William,  in  later  years,  attained  the  rank 
1 Commodore  in  the  navy  ; and  another  brother,  Ichabod  B. , became  Colonel 
he  army.  Joseph  H.  Crane  was  equally  distinguished  in  his  sphere  of  life, 
nearly  a half  century,  he  was  one  of  the  most  prominent,  influential  and 
uaul  men  in  all  matters  and  events  pertaining  to  the  interest  and  advance- 
m it  of  the  Miami  country.  He  was  the  chosen  popular  leader  in  all  efforts 
public  improvements.  In  all  important  events  in  the  history  of  the  valley, 
r n the  date  of  State  organization  until  his  death,  Judge  Crane  bore  a con- 
r nous  and  useful  part,  and  the  results  of  his  work  are  indelibly  stamped 
i]  n the  histories  of  the  counties. 

He  came  to  Montgomery  County  as  a friend  of  Mr.  D.  C.  Cooper,  before 
iwWas  twenty-one  years  old,  and  entered  a quarter  section  of  land,  upon 
eh,  in  1804,  he  paid  one-half  cent  tax  per  acre. 

The  dates  cannot  be  fixed  at  which  Mr.  Crane  moved  into  the  city  of  Day- 
or  began  the  practice  of  law. 

July  16,  1809,  he  married  Julia  Ann,  daughter  of  Hr.  John  Elliott.  Dr. 
Sj-ott  was  an  old  army  Surgeon,  had  been  stationed  at  Fort  Vincennes  when 
- vas  one  of  the  frontier  posts,  was  afterward  a Surgeon  in  Wayne’s  army, 

1 a,  for  several  years  a practicing  physician  in  the  village  of  Dayton,  until 
i death,  February  26,  1809.  He  was  buried  with  great  ceremony,  in  the  vil- 
typ  burying -ground,  at  Main  and  Third  streets. 

His  daughter.  Julia  Ann,  was  born  February  18,  1790,  and  married  Jo- 
th  H.  Crane,  five  months  after  the  death  of  her  father.  She  died  in  Dayton. 
>ruary  25,  1861. 

Of  the  children  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Crane,  Ann  Elliott.  Eliza  Hunt,  Joseph 
rce  and  Eliza  King,  died  in  infancy,  and  Joseph  Steele  died  at  the  age  of 
' .Ten. 


C 

h 

1 


Their  daughter.  Maria,  was  born  April  24,  1812,  married  Dr.  Joshua 
meats,  November  20,  1834,  died  October  25,  1841. 

William  Elliott,  born  February  7,  1814,  was  given  a fine  education,  stud- 
law.  and  shortly  after  being  admitted  to  the  bar,  died  in  Dayton,  June  9, 


John  Wilber,  born  August  26,  1819,  died  January  22,  1839. 

Henrietta  Peirce,  born  August  27,  1823,  died  November  17,  1846. 

Joseph  G. , born  October  17,  1825,  married  Sarah  Schenck,  April  24, 
i'T  an<t  while  on  duty  as  military  Mayor  of  Jackson.  Miss.,  under  the 


370 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


reconstruction  acts  of  Congress,  at  the  close  of  the  rebellion,  was  brutall 
murdered,  June  8,  1869,  by  rebel  Col.  Yerger. 

Julia  Ann,  born  August  2,  1832,  died  February  25,  1861. 

Joshua  Clements,  born  July  7,  1836,  died  November  29,  1859. 

By  the  first  political  convention  held  in  Montgomery  County  (Septembe 
6,  1809),  Joseph  H.  Crane,  of  Montgomery,  and  David  Purviance,  of  Prebit 
were  nominated  by  the  Republicans,  and  in  October  were  elected  to  the  Eifiit 
General  Assembly  of  Ohio,  convened  at  Chillicothe  the  first  Monday  in  D( 
cember,  1809. 

Immediately  upon  receipt  of  the  news  of  Hull’s  surrender  at  Detroit,  i 
August,  1812,  Captain  Steele's  Company  was  organized  in  Dayton,  in  wide 
Mr.  Crane  enlisted  and  marched  with  it  the  next  day  to  the  front.  At  St.  M; 
ry’s,  he  was  promoted  to  Sergeant  Major  of  the  post,  and  continued  on  Jut 
until  the  latter  part  of  December. 

In  1813,  Mr.  Crane  was  appointed  Prosecuting  Attorney  for  the  Firs 
District  Circuit  Court,  which  position  he  held  until  his  appointment  as  Pn 
■siding  Judge  by  the  Legislature,  in  1817. 

He  was  again  Prosecuting  Attorney  for  the  county  in  the  years  1838  at 
1839. 

As  Presiding  Judge  of  the  First  Circuit,  which  included  the  counties  < 
Montgomery,  Preble,  Darke,  Miami,  Clark,  Logan,  Champaign,  Shelby  ar 
Mercer,  he  served  until  the  winter  of  1828-29. 

In  the  fall  of  1828,  he  was  elected  as  Representative  of  the  Third  I)i 
trict  to  the  Twenty-first  Congress,  and  was  re-elected  to  the  Twenty-secon 
Twenty-third  and  Twenty-fourth  Congresses,  serving,  in  all,  from  the  yei 
1829  to  1837  inclusive. 

Upon  leaving  the  bench  in  1829,  he,  on  February  9,  of  that  year,  opened' 
law  office  in  Dayton,  and,  from  his  prominence  and  general  acquamtan 
through  this  and  adjoining  countie  , acquired  a large  practice. 

In  later  years,  he  was  a leader  in  the  old  Whig  party,  and  from  his  em 
nence  as  lawyer  and  Judge,  and  from  long  and  distinguished  public  service 
was  a man  of  great  influence  and  retained  universal  respect  until  his  death. 


COL.  BOBEET  PATTEESON. 


Robert  Patterson  was  born  near  the  Big  Cove  Mountain,  Bedford  Couut 
Penn.,  9 A.  M. , March  15,  1753.  His  father  was  a native  of  Ireland. 

Elizabeth  Lindsay,  daughter  of  William  Lindsay,  was  born  on  her  fache 
farm,  one  and  one-half  miles  southeast  of  Falling  Spring,  and  four  miles  sout 
east  of  Chambersburg,  Franklin  County,  Penn. , in  September  or  Novemh 
1760.  Her  father  and  her  grandfather  Lindsay,  both  died  on  the  farm 
Franklin  County,  Penn. 

Robert  Patterson  and  Elizabeth  Lindsay,  were  married  at  the  Linda 
farm,  in  Pennsylvania,  March  29,  1780. 

In  1774,  he  served  for  six  months  in  a company  of  Rangers,  against  tj 
Indians  on  the  Pennsylvania  frontier. 

When  he  was  twenty-two  years  old,  the  spring  of  1775,  he,  with  two 
three  other  young  men  of  the  neighborhood,  started  west  to  Fort  Pitt,  win 
hearing  the  glowing  descriptions  of  the  “ cane  lands  ” of  Kain-tuck-ee,  tl 
determined  to  join  the  first  party  going  that  way.  The  opportunity  did  not 
cur  until  in  October  of  that  year,  when  John  McClelland  and  his  family,  iRcjj 
ert  Patterson.  William  McConnell,  Francis  McConnell,  Sr.,  Francis  McConne 
Jr.,  David  Perry,  Stephen  Lowry,  and  one  other  man,  whose  name  cannot  now 
given,  started  in  boats  from  Fort  Pitt  with  some  supplies,  implements,  ail 
-and  ammunition,  nine  horses  and  fourteen  head  of  cattle.  The  party  in  tW 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


871 


t,;  ions  trip  down  the  Ohio,  fortunately  escaped  any  molestation  by  the  Indians. 
A Salt  Creek,  they  landed,  and  from  there  Patterson,  William  McConnell, 
Ifvvry  and  Perry  drove  the  horses  and  cattle  across  the  country  to  some  point 
ee'd  upon  to  meet  the  rest  of  the  party,  either  on  the  Licking  River  or  Ken- 
ttjky  River.  There  is  no  positive  information  to  aid  in  locating  that  point. 

Five  or  six  miles  inland  from  the  mouth  of  Limestone  Creek,  the  Patter - 

i party  found  Simon  Kenton  and  Thomas  Williams,  who  had  come  down  the 
rjar  early  in  the  year,  and  in  May  had  cleared  the  cane  from  an  acre  of  land, 
a i planted  what  corn  they  had  with  them.  Here,  tending  the  little  corn  patch 

h their  tomahawks,  they  remained  undisturbed  until  “ roasting  ears’’  came, 
al  the  corn  ripened.  Kenton  and  Williams  stated  that  they  knew  of  no  oth 
- white  men  any  where  in  the  Kentucky  lands. 

Robert  Patterson  and  his  party  continued  on  the  trail  that  led  out  by  Mays- 

ii  to  the  Blue  Licks  and  on  to  the  point  where  they  met  the  rest  of  their 
•ty,  who  with  McClelland  had  kept  on  down  the  Ohio  in  boats.  The  party 

i hey  left  Fort  Pitt,  were  thus  re-united,  and  proceeded  to  the  Royal  Spring, 
i } of  the  finest  springs  in  all  that  region,  flowing  from  a bluff  bank  of  lime- 
sine,  where  the  town  of  Georgetown,  Scott  County,  was  afterwards  located. 

They  at  once  built  a cabin  for  McClelland,  and  the  whole  party  occupied 
until  April,  1777. 

That  month,  the  young  men  of  the  party  built  a hut  near  a big  spring,  at  a 
pmt  now  included  within  the  limits  of  the  city  of  Lexington,  Ky. ; they 
ared  up  sufficient  land  in  which  to  plant  all  the  corn  they  had,  cultivated  it 
al  stayed  there  in  camp  until  the  corn  was  “ laid  by.”  It  was  probably  at 
thtcamp,  of  which  Bancroft  writes  of  the  discussion  that  occurred  at  the  camp 
i ■ of  a party  of  hunters,  who  named  their  camp,  “ Lexington.  ” in  honor  of 
tl>  battle  of  Lexington,  Mass. 

For  the  next  year,  while  Robert  Patterson  lay  suffering  from  his  wounds, 
r Pennsylvania,  he  directed  his  half  brother,  William  Patterson,  to  that  hut 
v ich  he  had  helped  to  build,  and  to  the  blazed  trees  that  marked  the  tract  of 
d that  he  (Robert)  was  to  enter  for  his  own. 

During  the  summer  of  1776,  the  settlers  north  of  the  Kentucky  River, 
tilt  a fort  at  the  Royal  Spring,  giving  it  the  name  of  McClelland’s  Station. 
I tterson,  and  the  rest  of  the  party  at  the  Lexington  Spring,  came  up  to  assist 
i building  the  fort,  that  was  intended  as  a rallying  point  in  case  of  Indian 
rm.  A military  battalion  was  also  organized,  and  the  supply  of  powder 
1 ing  nearly  exhausted,  Robert  Patterson,  David  Perry,  Edward  Mitchell, 
mes  Templeton,  Isaac  Greer,  James  Wernock  and  John  McNutt,  started,  in 
tfcober,  to  Fort  Pitt,  for  ammunition  and  other  necessaries.  On  their  way, 
t >y  halted  several  days  at  the  Blue  Licks  to  hunt  buffalo  and  deer,  to  supply 
tmselves  with  “jerk”  for  the  journey  up  the  river.  From  Limestone,  their 
t p up  the  Ohio  was  made  in  a canoe;  the  danger  from  Indians  compelled 
Oat  caution;  sometimes,  starting  before  day,  they  journeyed  on  until  after 
crk,  and  bivouacked  for  the  night  without  fire:  other  days,  they  would  land  an 
1 ur  before  sunset  for  supper,  then  go  on  until  dark. 

They  safely  reached  the  Virginia  fort,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Great  Ka- 
iwha,  then  in  command  of  Capt.  Arbuckle;  and  with  but  little  delay,  pro- 
dded on  up  the  river. 

The  night  of  October  12,  in  bivouac  on  the  Indian  shore,  two  miles  be- 
jv  the  Hockhocking  River  ; contrary  to  their  custom,  they  had  built  a fire, 

: d in  the  night  were  attacked  by  a party  of  eleven  Indians.  The  savages 
1 3(1  a volley  at  the  sleeping  whites,  and  rushed  upon  them  with  tomahawks. 
iNutt  was  killed  and  scalped,  Wernock  was  wounded  badly  and  died  the  next 
';y  ; Templeton  and  Perrv  were  both  wounded  badly  : Greer  was  taken  «>ris- 


372 


HISTORY  OB'  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


oner,  and  Mitchell  was  unhurt.  Patterson,  with  his  rifle  in  his  ricdit  hand 
was  sleeping  by  the  tire,  and,  waking  at  the  moment  of  the  attack,  he  saw  tk 
flash  of  the  guns  and  felt  the  bullets  crush  his  arm;  in  attempting  to  get  uj 
he  found  that  he  could  not  move  his  right  arm,  and,  as  he  leaned  over  to  mak 
the  second  effort  to  raise  up,  an  Indian  sprang  across  the  Are  and  struck  hii 
with  a tomahawk,  cutting  between  the  ribs,  near  the  spinal  column,  below  tk 
kidneys,  and  penetrating  the  abdominal  cavity.  Patterson  ran  from  the  tin 
light  into  the  flushes,  not  knowing  but  that  he  was  the  only  one  to  escape  wit 
life.  He  had  been  struck  by  two  bullets,  by  which  his  right  arm  was  broke 
above  the  elbow,  and  as  he  ran,  the  wounded  arm  was  caught  between  a tre 
and  sapling  ; he  quickly  freed  himself  and  slung  the  arm  into  the  straps  ( 
his  bullet  pouch  and  went  to  the  river,  hoping  to  get  the  canoe  and  escape  t 
Point  Pleasant:  but  finding  that  the  Indians  were  there  ahead  of  him,  he  hi! 
in  the  bushes  until  the  savages  got  into  the  captured  boat  and  paddled  dow 
stream.  Then  bleeding  and  in  distress  he  went  back  to  the  fir^  to  learn  tk 
fate  of  his  comrades  The  five  survivors,  Patterson,  Mitchell,  Perry,  Templi 
ton  and  Wernock,  were  soon  together;  one  rifle  and  some  ammunition  ha 
been  saved.  At  daylight,  they  concluded  to  travel  up  the  river  by  slo 
marches ; some  provisions  were  gathered  and  divided,  the  wounds  were  dress* 
as  well  as  possible;  splinters  were  taken  from  a tree  that  had  been  struck  l 
lightning,  and  bound  around  Patterson’s  arm. 

Wernock  attempted  to  get  up,  but  fell  back  and  refused  to  try  agaii 
said  that  he  must  die,  and  desired  the  party  to  go  without  him.  They  trio 
to  carry  him,  but  he  again  fell,  and  at  his  request,  the  old  camp  kettle  wi 
filled  with  water  and  placed  at  his  side;  he  said  that  was  the  last  request! 
had  to  make,  and  urged  the  others  to  try  to  save  themselves,  assuring  the j, 
that  if  he  lived,  he  would  cast  no  reflection  upon  them  for  unkindness,  ai 
thus  the  party  were  forced  to  leave  him. 

After  going  a quarter  of  a mile  they  were  unable  to  proceed  farther,  ai 
it  was  then  agreed  that  Mitchell  should  remain  with  the  wounded,  while  rerjj| 
should  take  the  rifle  and  endeavor  to  reach  the  settlements  up  the  river,  ai 
bring  relief  ; but  in  any  event  to  return  with  or  without  assistance.  Pen 
first  went  back  to  poor  Wernock,  who  was  still  alive  and  sensible  of  his  hop 
less  condition,  replenished  his  kettle,  brought  tire  to  the  other  party,  ai 
started  for  the  settlements. 

Fortunately  for  the  wounded  men,  they  were  near  a small  stream  fro 
which  they  could  get  water,  in  an  old  woolen  hat.  In  the  evening  Mitch* 
went  back  to  see  Wernock  and  reached  him  just  as  he  was  dying,  and  stay* 
with  him  until  dark,  and  lost  his  way  in  attempting  to  return  to  the  oth 
camp.  Patterson  and  Templeton  not  knowing  what  had  become  of  Mitchell,  hi 
a sad  night  of  it,  but  at  day  light  the  next  morning  he  found  them,  aud  durii 
the  day  moved  camp  200  yards  up  a deep  ravine  and  further  from  the  rive  j 

Pattei’son  could  not  move  about,  but  was  compelled  to  lie  upon  his  left  sid 
and  in  the  rain,  until  the  next  day  Mitchell  found  that  close  by  there  was! 
rock  projecting  from  a cliff,  that  would  protect  them  from  the  storm,  to  whir 
place  he  moved  them,  then  gathered  papaws  and  grapes,  which  was  all  tk 
had  to  eat.  They  knew  from  the  howling  of  the  wolves  in  the  direction  of  jfl 
fatal  camp  that  they  were  feasting  upon  the  bodies  of  their  late  comrades 
McNutt  and  Wernock. 

The  third  day  after  the  attack,  Patterson’s  arm  became  very  painfui,  tl 
splints  and  his  shirt  were  cemented  together  with  blood,  and  stuck  so  tight 
his  arm  that  they  were  several  hours  in  loosening  it  with  applications  of  war 
water  ; his  arm  was  then  dressed  with  oak  leaves  and  was  much  more  comfoi|| 
able  ; but  little  could  be  done  for  the  terrible  tomahawk  wound  in  his  side. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


373 


Time  dragged  slowly  for  the  hungry  suffering  men,  and  when  the  four 
ys  had  passed  that  Perry  had  allowed  himself,  they  talked  over  the  dangers 
which  he  was  exposed,  the  distance  he  had  to  go,  and  the  improbability  of  his 
; um,  but  concluded  to  wait  for  him  until  the  20th  and  then  if  relief  did  not 
cm,  they  would  attempt  to  reach  the  fort  at  the  mouth  of  the  Kanawha 
; ,out  noon  of  the  20th,  Mitchell  gave  them  a lot  of  papaws  and  went  back  to 
H station  at  the  river  to  watch  for  boats,  and  in  an  hour  he  returned  with  a 
npany  of  men. 

The  brave  true  friend  Perry  had  returned  with  Capt.  John  Walls,  his 
leers  and  nearly  a company  of  troops  from  the  fort  at  Grave  Creek. 

The  wounded  men  were  taken  to  the  river,  supplied  with  food,  and  their 
unds  properly  di’essed.  The  Captain  had  the  bones  of  McNutt  and  Wernock 
ried,  then  the  whole  party  went  in  the  boats  up  the  river  to  GraveCreek. 

For  nearly  a year,  Patterson  was  unable  to  do  anything,  and  laid  all  that 
ne  under  the  surgeon’s  care. 

In  September,  1777,  having  recovered  his  health  in  Pennsylvania,  he 
mldered  his  rifle  and  returned  to  Kentucky. 

The  next  year,  he  was  with  Col.  George  Rogers  Clark  in  the  Illinois  cam- 
ign.  Returning  to  Kentucky,  in  September  he  was  enrolled  in  the  militia  at 
] irrodsburg,  and  during  the  winter  was  made  Ensign  of  his  company. 

In  March,  1779,  he  was  ordered  with  twenty-five  of  his  men  to  establish  a 
rrison  north  of  the  Kentucky  River.  April  1,  Ensign  Patterson  with  his 
■ enty-five  brave  comrades,  were  in  bivouac  near  the  big  spring,  the  beautiful 
Jpation,  that,  three  years  before,  he  and  those  with  him  had  named  Lexington, 
iiril  2,  work  upon  the  block-house  began,  and  soon  afterward  the  stockade 
us  extended  to  inclose  the  spring.  And  thus,  with  one  half  of  his  command 
guard,  the  others  cutting  out  the  logs,  was  the  first  settlement  at  Lexington, 
If.,  made,  near  what  is  now  the  corner  of  Main  and  Mill  streets. 

Robert  Patterson  afterward  entered  the  land  and  laid  out  the  city  of  Lex- 
gton. 

A crop  of  corn  was  raised  by  the  garrison  that  first  year,  but  the  settle- 
ment did  not  increase  in  numbers  until  the  following  year. 

In  July,  1779,  with  his  detachment,  he  joined  his  company,  Levi  Todd, 
iptain,  that  formed  part  of  Bowman’s  expedition  against  the  Shawnee  town 
Old  Chillicothe. 

Immigrants  were  coming  to  Kentucky  in  large  numbers,  and  upon  the  re- 
in of  the  expedition  from  north  of  the  Ohio,  the  block-house  at  Lexington 
as  strengthened,  and  a few  of  the  bolder  of  the  new-comers  built  cabins  ad- 
ing  its  protecting  walls. 

The  fort,  which  had  by  this  time  become  a place  of  some  importance,  had 
■sumed  the  shape  of  a parallelogram,  two  sides  of  which  were  formed  by  the 
posed  walls  of  two  rows  of  cabins,  the  extreme  ends  of  the  fort  being  defend- 
l by  stockades  of  sharpened  posts  fixed  securely  in  the  ground,  and  furnished 
ith  ports.  The  pickets  and  walls  were  about  ten  feet  high. 

Another  row  of  cabins  stood  in  the  center  of  the  inclosed  place,  which  was 
-rge  enough  to  shelter,  not  only  the  settlers  and  new  comers,  but  also  all  the 
Ye  stock  which  might,  at  any  time,  have  to  be  driven  in  from  the  reach  of 
leir  destroying  foe.  The  fort  had  but  one  gate,  a large  slab  one. 

Thus  was  the  permanent  settlement  at  Lexington  effected,  in  the  midst  of 
jie  thrilling  events  of  border  warfare.  It  was  the  outpost  of  pioneer  settle- 
lents,  guarded  by  a band  of  the  bravest  of  Indian  fighters,  who  with  their  flint- 
>ck  rifles,  drove  back  the  savages  and  their  allies. 

Ensign  Patterson  was  the  commander  and  leading  spirit  of  the  station  ; he 

! 


■ 


374 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


headed  the  desperate  forays  of  its  little  garrison,  and  was  ever  their  trustee 
leader.  He  with  his  comrades  were  men  born  for  pioneer  times  and  emergencies  I 

Having  selected  and  carefully  marked  his  land,  and  made  entry  under  tin 
Virginia  law,  with  full  and  accurate  description,  late  in  1779  he  built  a cabir 
for  himself  within  the  stockade  ; and  before  the  close  of  that  cold  winter  h( 
went  to  Franklin  County,  Penn.,  and  on  the  29th  of  March.  1780,  married 
Elizabeth  Lindsay  at  her  father’s  house,  and  shortly  afterward  started  for  their 
Kentucky  home,  where  they  arrived  safely. 

In  August  of  that  year,  he  served  as  Captain  in  the  expedition  organize 
by  Col.  Clark  against  the  Indian  towns.  Old  Chillicothe  on  the  Little  Miami, 
and  Old  Piqua  on  Mad  River. 

April  7,  1781,  upon  the  recommendation  of  the  court  of  the  county  of  Faj 
ette,  he  was  commissioned  Captain  of  Virginia  volunteers,  by  Thomas  Jeffer 
son.  Governor  of  Virginia.  August  19,  1782,  he,  with  his  company,  was  ii 
the  disastrous  battle  of  Blue  Licks.  During  the  retreat,  being  nearly  exhaust 
ed.  and  hard  pressed  by  the  savages,  Aar.on  Reynolds  overtook  him,  and,  see 
ing  his  desperate  situation,  dismounted  and  gave  him  his  horse,  helped  hin 
into  the  saddle,  and  took  his  own  chances  on  foot.  Patterson  escaped ; bu 
Reynolds,  after  swimming  the  river,  was  taken  prisoner  by  three  Indians.  Veri 
soon  afterward  two  of  them  started  to  capture  some  other,  whites,  and  Reynold! 
knocked  the  other  one  over  with  his  fist  and  made  good  his  escape. 

Capt.  Patterson  presented  him  with  200  acres  of  land  in  gratitude  for  hit 
timely  aid  and  generous  service. 

Joel  Collins,  a boy  v/ho  had  stayed  in  the  block-house  at  Lexington  whei 
the  men  marched  to  the  relief  of  Bryant  Station,  in  telling  of  the  terrible  ex 
perience  they  had,  said  that  he  should  never  forget  the  shouts  of  joy  that  wen 
raised,  not  only  by  Capt.  Patterson’s  young  wife,  but  by  all  the  people  of  tin 
station  when  he  entered  the  gate  of  the  fort  the  day  after  the  battle  of  Blue 
Licks.  While  they  were  crowding  around  him,  some  of  the  men  observed 
'“Why,  Captain,  there  are  bullet-holes  in  your  hunting-shirt.”  4 ‘ Likely 
enough,”  said  he,  “ for  I have  felt  a smarting  sensation  in  parts  of  my  body.’ 
He  permitted  his  clothes  to  be  removed,  when  two  or  three  black  streaks,  made 
by  rifle  balls,  were  plainly  seen  on  his  side  and  back. 

In  the  fall  of  1782,  Capt.  Patterson  was  in  command  of  his  company  if 
Col.  Benjamin  Logan’s  regiment,  in  Clark’s  expedition  against  the  Indian 
towns  at  Piqua,  on  the  Miami,  and  at  the  Loramie  portage;  and  on  the  returr 
march,  camped  two  or  three  days  at  the  mouth  of  Mad  River. 

The  next  year,  he  built  a log  house  at  the  southwest  corner  of  Hill  and 
Lower  streets,  Lexington,  and,  with  his  family,  moved  into  it.  The  log  house 
was  in  time  succeeded  by  a substantial  stone  house,  in  which  the  family  lived 
until  their  removal  to  Ohio. 

In  1783,  he  was  elected  Justice  of  the  Peace  for  Fayette  County.  Ho  par- 
ticipated in  the  early  military  conventions  of  the  State.  In  July,  1785,  he 
was  chosen  delegate  to  the  convention  that  met  at  Danville  August  8 and 
adopted  the  petition  to  the  Virginia  Legislature  for  the  separation  of  Kentucky 
and  its  formation  into  an  independent  State  of  the  Union. 

In  September,  1785,  Gov.  Patrick  Henry,  “ with  the  advice  of  the  Council 
of  State,  and  upon  the  recommendation  of  the  worshipful  court  of  the  county 
of  Fayette,”  commissioned  Robert  Patterson  as  Colonel  in  the  State  Line. 

In  the  fall  of  1786,  with  his  regiment,  he  crossed  the  Ohio  at  Limestone, 
and  marched,  under  Col.  Benjamin  Logan,  to  the  destruction  of  the  Macka- 
cheek  towns  on  Mad  River.  November  5,  being  then  in  command  of  the  left 
wing  of  the  attacking  force,  he  became  engaged  in  a hand-to-hand  contest  with 
a savage  chief;  the  Indian,  in  warding  off  a sword  thrust  by  Col.  Patterson. 


I 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


377 


s Uck  him  with  the  muzzle  of  his  rifle,  breaking  two  of  the  bones  of  his  right 
tad.  The  result  of  this  expedition  was  the  burning  of  eight  of  the  Shawnee 
time  and  the  destruction  of  great  quantities  of  corn  and  provisions.  Ool. 

■ tterson  not  receiving  proper  surgical  attention,  inflammation  ensued,  and 
used  the  old  wound  in  his  arm,  that  he  had  received  ten  years  before,  to  break 

afresh,  and  it  never  again  healed,  but  remained  open  until  his  death,  more 
1 in  forty  years  afterward. 

In  January,  1788,  Col.  Patterson  was  in  Limestone  to  arrange  for  a colony 
locate  on  the  Ohio  opposite  the  mouth  of  the  Licking  River.  This  was  in 
prsuance  of  the  plan  adopted  in  the  fall  of  1786  to  establish  a post  there  as  a 
biie  for  operations  against  the  Indians  in  the  territory  at.  the  head- waters  of 
t.]  Wabash,  Maumee  and  Miami  Rivers.  Delays  occurred,  and  but  very  little 
s accomplished  until  in  August,  when  Mathias  Denman,  who  had  bought  the 
ud  on  the  Ohio,  opposite  the  mouth  of  the  Licking,  came  West,  and,  on  the 
: h of  the  month,  at  Lexington,  entered  into  an  agreement  with  Col.  Patter- 
Mi  and  John  Filson,  by  which  a settlement  was  to  be  effected  on  the  land 
a >ve  described. 

December  28,  the  party,  after  a rough  passage  from  Limestone,  landed  at 
high  bank  opposite  the  mouth  of  the  Licking,  and,  with  but  little  delay, 

■ ’ ;an  work  upon  their  cabins. 

In  1790,  he  was  a delegate  from  Fayette  County  to  the  Virginia  Legisla- 
te. 

In  1791,  with  his  regiment,  he  was  in  Gen.  Richard  Butler’s  right  wing 
),3t.  Clair’s  army,  and,  although  his  regiment  was  not  broken  by  the  Indian 
cl rge,  they  suffered  with  the  rest  of  the  Kentucky  troops  in  that  terrible  de- 
d and  retreat. 

Ia  1792,  he  was  Representative  from  Fayette  County  in  the  first  Legisla- 
la  of  Kentucky,  held  in  Lexington,  the  first  capital  of  the  State,  under  the 
fi  t constitution. 

In  1803,  C 1.  Patterson  came  up  from  Kentucky  and  bought  land  and  mill 
perty  near  Clifton,  Greene  Co.,  Ohio;  but,  visiting  Dayton  on  his  way  home. 
1 preferring  this  location,  he  bought  the  farm  south  of  town  and  moved  here 
’ h his  family  the  next  year.  He  named  the  creek  and  farm  the  Rubicon. 
B afterward  bought  land  west  of  the  river,  so  that,  in  all,  he  had  700  acres, 
on  the  Germantown  pike  south  and  around  to  the  Miami,  across  the  river. 

I east  to  the  Waynesville  road. 

In  the  war  of  1812,  he  was  in  charge  of  transportation  of  supplies  from 
np  Meigs,  in  this  county,  north  to  the  army. 

Col.  Patterson  was  a man  of  medium  height  and  build,  a Christian  man. 
Kom  all  respected  and  spoke  well  of.  Of  an  affectionate  nature,  he  was  de- 
ed to  the  comfort  and  happiness  of  his  family.  For  the  last  few  years  of 
* life,  he  suffered  very  much  from  his  wounds,  and  died  from  the  effects  of 
dm,  at  5 A.  M. , August  5,  1827.  He  was  buried  in  the  old  graveyard  on 
th  street,  in  Dayton.  His  wife  died  October  22,  1833.  and  was  buried  be- 
8 3 her  husband.  Their  remains  were  afterward  removed  to  beautiful  Wood- 
d Cemetery,  adjoining  his  old  farm.  The  family  lot  is  on  a knoll,  from  the 
of  which  may  be  had  an  extended  view  for  miles  up  the  Stillwater,  Miami 

■ 1 Mad  River  Valleyo,  and  far  down  the  Miami. 

All  of  Col.  Patterson’s  children  were  born  at  Lexington.  Ky.  His  first 
' were  bom  and  died  in  the  log  cabin  within  the  old  stockade.  They  were 
uaed  for  Col.  Patterson’s  half-brother,  William  Patterson. 

Rebecca,  born  February  9,  1784,  married  Dr  John  Goodlet  before  Ool. 
I Person  moved  from  Kentucky.  Mrs.  Goodlet  died  at  Elizabethtown,  Ky. , 
J mary  4,  1858. 


378 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Margaret,  born  June  9,  1786,  was  married  three  times;  first,  to  Dr.  Vena 
ble,  then  to  the  Rev.  James  Welsh,  then  to  Samuel  Caldwell.  She  died  at 
Muscatine,  Iowa,  in  February,  1861. 

Elizabeth,  born  January  27,  1788;  married  James  I.  Nisbet,  February 
20,  1806;  died  December  25,  1827. 

Francis,  born  April  6,  1791,  died  September  11,  1854. 

Catherine,  born  March  7,  1793,  was  married  three  times;  first,  to  Heim 
Brown,  then  to  Andrew  Irwin,  then  to  H.  Gr.  Phillips.  She  died  August  12 
1864. 

Jane,  born  May  25,  1795,  married  John  Steele;  died  in  1876. 

Harriet,  born  March  25,  1797,  married  Henry  Stoddard  December  4, 1821 
died  October  1,  1822. 

Robert  L. , born  May  27,  1799,  died  August  30,  1833. 

Jefferson,  born  May  27,  1801,  married  Julia  Johnston  February  26,  1833 
died  March  23,  1863. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


379 


C II  APTE  11  XII. 

Tiilip  Gunckel — Henry  Brown — Jonathan  Harshman— H.  G.  Phillips. 

PHILIP  GUNCKEL. 

1HE  colony  of  Pennsylvania  Germans  who  settled  at  the  forks  of  the  Twin 

Creeks  in  this  county  about  the  1st  of  August,  1804,  was  probably  the  first 
any  considerable  number  of  Germans  to  locate  in  the  Miami  Valley.  Philip 
nckel  was  the  most  prominent  man  in  the  colony,  and  was  their  leader.  He 
,\'s  one  of  the  very  few  of  their  number  who  could  talk  or  understand  English. 

He  was  born  in  Berks  County,  Penn.,  April  7,  1766,  grew  up  to  hard  work, 
crned  the  trade  of  milling,  and,  in  1793,  married  Katarina  (Catherine) 
iSjiaeffer,  who  was  born  in  Berks  County,  Penn.,  July  12,  1766. 

Mr.  Gunckel  had  saved  some  money,  and  in  1796  they  moved  to  Centre 
Canty,  Penn.,  where  he  built  a grist-mill  and  became  proprietor  of  the  vil- 
e of  Millheim. 

Their  children — John,  Michael,  Catherine,  Philip,  Jacob  and  Sarah — were 
i n in  Pennsylvania;  Daniel  P.  and  Elizabeth,  were  bom  at  Germantown, 

! this  county. 

Catherine  married  Lewis  Shuey;  Sarah  married  Henry  Zellers;  and  Eliz- 
a)th  married  Dr.  C.  G.  Espich.  All  lived  in  German  Township,  this  county. 

In  1803,  Mr.  Gunckel,  with  two  or  three  others,  made  a trip  West  to  the 
Cio,  and  down  the  valley  in  search  of  land  for  a colony,  but,  failing  to  make 
purchase,  returned  to  Pennsylvania. 

During  the  succeeding  winter,  twenty-four  German  families  arranged  to 
• id  overland  in  wagons  from  Berks  and  Centre  Counties,  with  the  understand  - 
; that  all  were  to  meet  at  Pittsburgh,  and  from  there  journey  together  down 
1 1 Ohio. 

In  pursuance  of  this  plan,  in  several  parties,  .they  made  the  trip  over  the 
uuntains,  and  at  Pittsburgh  united,  with  Philip  Gunckel  as  their  leader. 

The  people  and  plunder,  horses,  wagons  and  cattle,  were  loaded  in  flat- 
pits  for  the  trip  down  the  river  to  Cincinnati,  where  they  arrived  safely  June 
- After  a delay  of  several  days,  they  continued  their  journey  up  the  Mill 
(jjsek  Valley  to  Hamilton,  and  on  up  the  Miami  to  Hole’s  Station,  near  where 
t|y  went  into  camp,  comfortably  living  in  huts  and  wagons  for  about  two 
veks,  while  the  men  folks  were  looking  around  for  unoccupied  land. 

Finding  desirable  .locations  along  the  Miami  and  up  Hole’s  Creek  and 
> ar  Creek,  already  occupied,  Mr.  Gunckel  and  others  crossed  over  the  hill  to 
! 'in,  where,  at  the  forks  of  the  two  creeks,  they  found  a few  scattered  cabins 
a 1 small  clearings,  occupied  by  settlers  and  squatters. 

Here  were  the  mill  sites  that  Mr.  Gunckel  was  seeking,  and  here  the  rich 
' dom  lands  that  the  colony  could  occupy. 

The  new-comers  were  men  of  means  and  nearly  all  farmers.  A dicker 
's  made  with  the  squatters  for  their  “cabin  rights.” 

The  settlers  were  bought  out,  enough  Government  land  was  taken  to  give 
t i colony  what  land  they  wanted,  and  the  entries  were  completed  at  the  land 
ice  in  Cincinnati. 

It  was  a strong  colony  of  tnrifty  people,  better  equipped  with  cabin  fur- 


380 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


niture,  cooking  utensils  and  farming  implements  than  frontier  settlements  or 
dinarily  were. 

About  the  1st  of  August,  1804,  the  new  settlers  occupied  the  few  scattered 
cabins  in  the  clearings,  others  were  built,  and  all  were  made  snug  for  the  first 
winter  in  the  wilderness.  Hunting  parties  were  kept  out,  and  among  the  fam- 
ilies it  was  share  and  share  alike  with  the  supplies. 

The  few  families  who  had  stopped  at  Cincinnati  and  along  the  wav,  with 
some  new-comers,  came  in  that  fall  and  the  next  year. 

As  soon  as  the  cabins  were  built,  the  men  were  at  work  in  the  timber  ex 
tending  the  clearings. 

Philip  Gunckel,  with  his  family,  temporarily  occupied  one  of  the  squattoi 
cabins,  and,  in  the  winter  of  1804-05,  built  a two- story  dwelling  on  the  ■ > ortl 
side  of  the  creek.  It  was  built  of  hewn  logs,  puncheon  doors,  cat  and  eiai 
chimney,  clapboard  roof  and  doors.  The  doors  were  hung  on  wooden  hinges 
and  had  wooden  latches.  When  the  buckskin  latch  strings  were  pulled  in,  tin 
house  was  locked  up.  In  this  building  he  opened  a country  store,  using  th< 
back  part  and  up-stairs  for  his  dwelling. 

The  colony  was  prosperous  from  the  lii’st,  and  Mr.  Gunckel  was  the  mos 
prominent  man  there. 

December  29,  1804,  he  was  elected  Justice  of  the  Peace  for  German  Town 
ship,  and  served  in  that  position  for  many  years.  His  influence  soon  extends 
beyond  the  limits  of  the  settlement,  and  he  became  one  of  the  most  prominen 
men  in  the  county.  He  was  a man  of  robust,  muscular  frame,  six  feet  tall 
affable  and  gentle  in  manners,  temperate  in  habits  and  conscientious  in  hi 
dealings  with  men.  He  was  exemplary  in  his  daily  life,  and  an  exceptional! 
moral  man;  was  never  known  to  use  profane  language;  was  even-tempered  am 
of  noble  bearing.  His  Christian  virtues  and  high  standard  of  morals  gav  j 
character  to  the  colony,  and  made  him  the  controlling  spirit  in  all  matters  o 
common  interest.  His  clear  foresight,  untiring  energy  and  sound  busineel 
judgment  gave  him  an  influence  throughout  the  county  second  to  that  of  n 
other  man;  so  that  in  all  matters  of  public  interest  and  improvement,  am 
county  affairs  generally,  his  aid  and  influence  were  sought,  and  he  was  read 
and  active  in  all  movements  for  the  good  and  prosperity  of  the  community. 

Mr.  Gunckel  was  a member  of  the  German  Reformed  Church;  was  one  o 
the  foremost  in  effecting  its  organization  at  Germantown,  and  with  his  farnib 
was  a regular  attendant  upon  all  church  services,  and  was  leader  of  tb 
musical  exercises.  He  was  a frequent  visitor  at  the  meetings  of  other  deuom 
inations,  contributed  liberally  to  the  support  of  all,  and  was  highly  esteems* 
for  such  liberal  sentiment  and  bearing,  and  for  his  efforts  for  the  promotion  c 
all  enterprises  of  a religious  character. 

In  March.  1805,  the  great  floods  in  the  Miami  and  its  tributaries  put 
stop  to  all  farm  work,  and  in  some  of  the  patches,  corn  could  not  be  planfei 
until  late  in  June. 

After  the  waters  had  subsided,  Mr.  Gunckel  began  building  his  saw-mi 
and  grist-mills,  and  completed  them  the  year  following.  Being  the  only  mil; 
in  that  neighborhood  for  several  years,  they  attracted  people  to  the  settlemeu 
and  were  the  source  of  great  profit  to  him. 

When,  in  1806,  there  were  fears  of  an  Indian  outbreak,  it  was  not  thougijj 
necessary  to  build  a block-house  at  Germantown.  The  settlements  west  of  tbj 
Miami  were  not  much  exposed  to  attack,  and  the  block-houses  at  New  Lexm^1 
ton  and  in  the  northern  part  of  this  county,  and  up  Mad  River  at  the  mouth  <jj 
Donnell’s  Creek,  formed  a strong  line,  through  which  the  Indian  war  parties  uevi 
ventured.  Hunting  and  trading  parties  of  Indians  were  often  in  camp  aloij 
Twin  and  Bear  Creeks,  and  down  the  Miami  even  as  far  as  Hamilton,  but  m 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


381 


,ar  1811.  At  the  time  of  this  alarm,  however,  the  whole  country  west  of  the 
r er  was  thoroughly  patrolled  until  the  danger  had  passed. 

In  November,  1806,  Mr.  Gunckel  bought  land  of  James  Hathekl  and  Rob. 
e Hardin,  on  part  of  which  he  afterward  laid  out  the  town  of  Germantown. 

At  the  general  election,  October  17,  1806,  he  was  chosen  to  represent  the 
inty  in  the  Fifth  General  Assembly  of  Ohio,  convened  at  Chillicothe  the  first 
>nday  in  December  of  that  year. 

With  Gen.  E.  Hunger,  he  represented  this  and  Preble  Counties  in  the 
'/enth  General  Assembly,  convened  at  Chillicothe  December  5,  1808. 

Business  at  his  store  and  mills  had  so  rapidly  increased,  and  the  demand 
I property  in  the  neighborhood  was  so  great,  that  he,  in  1813,  moved  the 
s re  into  a larger  building,  on  the  property  that  he  the  next  year  divided  into 
s and  platted  as  the  town  of  Germantown.  He  donated  a lot  to  each  church 
ganization,  a burying-ground  and  school  lot,  and  contributed  liberally  toward 
t i erection  of  the  churches.  The  lots  were  sold  so  rapidly  that  he  soon  made 
a additional  plat. 

By  act  of  the  General  Assembly,  February  13,  1816,  he  was  appointed  As- 
- date  Judge  of  the  Circuit  Court  for  Montgomery  County,  and  served  as  such 
til  February,  1831. 

Soon  after  his  appointment  as  Judge,  while  he  and  a neighbor,  Charles 
Walpers,  were  hunting  in  the  woods  north  of  Germantown,  he  was  acci- 
itallv  shot  by  his  companion,  who  fired  at  some  birds  rising  from  the  un- 
dlrbrush,  not  knowing  that  Judge  Gunckel  was  in  the  thicket,  and,  unfortu- 
itely,  in  range.  He  was  severely  wounded  in  the  thigh;  was  carried  home 
c a litter,  and  was  confined  to  his  room  for  several  months,  and  at  several 
flies  it  was  thought  he  could  not  live.  The  wound  was  painful  for  many 
ars. 

In  1839,  when  he  was  seventy-three  years  old,  he  was  elected  to  and  served 
County  Representative  in  the  State  Constitutional  Convention. 

His  wife,  Catherine,  mother  of  his  eight  children,  was  short  in  stature, 
kind  and  easy  manners,  quiet  and  unobtrusive.  Their  married  life  and  home 
cle  was  all  happiness;  their  home  and  surroundings  were  congenial;  and 
dge  and  Mrs.  Gunckel  contributed  largely  and  cheerfully  to  the  happiness 
ad  comfort  of  their  neighbors.  Mrs.  Gunckel  died  at  Germantown  August  2, 
36. 

His  second  wife  was  Mrs.  Loehr,  of  Warren  County,  widow  of  Fred- 
;ck  Loehr,  and  mother-in  law  of  the  Judge’s  son,  Philip  Gunckel,  Jr.  After 
■ few  years,  she  died,  and  for  some  years  he  remained  single,  then  married  the 
ird  wife,  Widow  Elizabeth  Wise,  mother-in-law  of  his  son,  Daniel  P.  Gunckel. 
he  survived  him.  All  are  biuied  in  the  Germantown  Cemetery. 

As  the  fitting  close  of  a long,  active  and  useful  life;  in  the  possession 
a large  estate,  that  had  been  accumulated  by  his  own  efforts;  enjoying  the 
spect  of  the  community  in  which  he  lived;  with  the  love  and  veneration  of 
s children  and  their  families,  the  patriai’ch,  Philip  Gunckel,  the  founder  of 
e colony  at  Germantown,  lived  to  celebrate  the  eighty-second  anniversary  of 
s birth,  and  died  a month  later.  May  24,  1848. 

HENRY  BROWN. 

His  ancestors  were  Scotch-Irish  Presbyterians,  who  emigrated  to  this 
untry  from  the  North  of  Ireland  about  the  year  1740  and  settled  in  “ Bur- 
in’s Grant.”  which  included  a half-million  acres  of  land  on  the  Shenandoah 
id  James  Rivers,  in  the  colony  of  Virginia. 

Henry  Brown  was  born  near  Lexington,  Va. , about  the  year  1770,  and 
/ed  there  until  1793,  at  which  time  he  came  to  the  Northwestern  Territory 


382  HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 

as  Military  Secretary  for  Col.  Preston,  who  was  in  command  of  a regiment  in 
Wayne’s  army,  then  organizing  at  Cincinnati  for  the  advance  against  the  In 
dian  tribes.  Mr.  Brown  was  afterward  interested  with  others  in  forwardin', 
supplies  to  the  army,  and  to  the  garrisons  at  Forts  Hamilton.  St.  Clair,  Green- 
ville, Jefferson,  Recovery.  Defiance  and  Wayne. 

From  the  nature  of  the  roads  and  the  difficulties  and  dangers  of  the  sen 
ice,  all  supplies  were  forwarded  by  pack-horse  trains.  This  department  was 
in  charge  of  an  officer  who  was  designated  as  “Pack-Horse  Master  General." 
The  trains  were  divided  into  “pack-horse  brigades, ” of  sixty  to  seventy -ffr( 
horses  each,  with  a Captain  in  charge,  and  men  to  load  and  unload,  drive  and 
care  for  the  horses.  Armed  scouts  necessarily  accompanied  these  pack-Lorst 
brigades  as  guard  against  Indian  attacks.  Mr.  Brown  was  thus  employed  wifi 
the  army  until,  in  the  spring  of  1795.  he  entered  into  partnership  with  Join 
Sutherland,  at  Hamilton,  where,  in  a double  log  cabin  that  stood  south  pf  th< 
stockade,  they  opened  their  first  stock  of  goods.  Their  business  was  trading 
with  the  Indians. 

Friendly  tribes  at  that  time  occupied  most  of  the  country  west  ofWaynei 
road  to  the  Maumee  as  hunting-grounds.  Their  camps  were  to  be  found  along 
all  of  the  streams  from  Fort  Hamilton  north  to  the  Wabash  and  Maumee 
This  firm  traded  goods  to  the  Indians  for  furs  and  peltries;  and  when  white  set 
tiers  began  to  locate  on  lands  west  <>f  the  Miami,  the  Indians  gradually  with 
drew  to  the  north,  but  Sutherland  & Brown  followed  them  up  with  agents,  wh(| 
carried  the  goods  from  point  to  point  on  pack-horses. 

In  1799,  Mr.  Brown  took  a large  stock  of  goods  to  Fort  Loramie  am 
opened  a branch  store  there,  from  which  he  sent  traders  to  the  Indian  village 
along  the  Wabash  and  Maumee  Rivers. 

In  1804.  business  had  so  increased  that  he  changed  his  branch  store  to 
Dayton,  and  opened  at  the  east  side  of  Main  street,  south  of  Water  street 
From  here,  traders  were  sent  with  goods  among  the  settlers  west  and  north  j 
and  to  the  Indian  villages  at  Greenville  and  beyond  to  the  Mississinawa,  am 
around  St.  Mary’s  and  the  Auglaize,  and  down  through  the  Maumee  Valley. 

A trader  would  start  with  two,  three  or  more  pack-horses  loaded  witlj 
goods,  and  often,  in  order  to  dispose  of  them,  took  the  extraordinary  risks  in 
cident  to  the  long,  lonely  trips  through  the  wilderness  to  distant  villages,  am 
be  gone  several  months,  trading  for  pelts  and  furs. 

At  their  stores  in  Dayton  and  Hamilton,  the  firm  exchanged  goods  fo| 
whisky,  pork,  flour  and  grain,  which  they  shipped  by  river  to  the  Cincinnat 
and  New  Orleans  markets.  Produce  was  shipped  down  the  Ohio  in  pirogues! 
where  the  cargoes  were  transferred  to  larger  flat-boats.  When  the  Miami  waj 
low,  cargoes  were  lightered  over  the  ripples  in  dug-outs.  Sometimes,  to  go! 
the  dug-outs  over,  the  crew  would  scrape  out  channels  of  sufficient  width  t<| 
float  the  boats;  then,  having  passed  the  ripple,  would  reload  and  float  down  toj 
the  next,  where  the  same  work  was  performed.  A crew  was  sometimes  d< 
tained  at  the  shallowest  ripples  for  several  days,  and  a week’s  time  was  lost  i| 
getting  a fleet  across. 

For  two  or  three  years  prior  to  the  dissolution  of  the  firm,  Messrs.  ''Slither 
land  & Brown  were  largely  engaged  in  the  purchase  of  cattle  in  the  Mian 
Valley  and  over  in  Kentucky.  The  cattle  were  driven  north  to  Fort  Loramkj 
across  the  portage  to  the  Auglaize,  down  to  the  Maumee  and  the  rapids,  thenc 
to  Detroit,  where  there  was  ready  sale  to  the  Government,  to  the  Indians  aD 
to  farmers. 

It  is  hard  to  realize  the  difficulties,  delays  and  perplexities  in  business  a 
that  early  time.  To  purchase  goods,  a merchant  would  travel  on  horsebac 
from  Dayton  to  Philadelphia.  As  far  as  the  forks  of  the  Muskingum,  the  roa 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


388 

vi  but  a single  bridle-path  through  the  dense  forest,  and  not  a single  house 
riettlement  on  the  way.  The  traveler  necessarily  packed  his  provisions  for 
part  of  his  trip,  and  camped  by  the  way,  without  shelter  and  regardless  of 
r ivor able  weather.  Three  months’  time  was  generally  required  for  the  trip, 
itphase  of  stock,  and  getting  the  goods  delivered  at  Dayton.  The  goods  were 
ded  in  wagons  over  the  rough  roads  from  Philadelphia  to  Pittsburgh,  a ton 
r a half  being  a good  load  for  a five-horse  team.  From  Pittsburgh,  the 
els  were  shipped  by  river  to  Cincinnati,  and  hauled  from  there  overland  to 
);  ton.  When  the  water  was  at  a favorable  stage,  shipments  could  be  made 
q lirogues  up  the  Miami. 

The  first  brick  residence  in  Dayton  was  built  by  Mr.  Brown  in  1808,  on  Lot 
i<  110,  west  side  of  Main  street,  north  of  the  court  house. 

The  hostile  intentions  of  the  Indians  toward  the  United  States  began  to 
clop  in  1810,  and  from  the  increased  danger  to  traders,  Messrs.  Sutherland 
Irown  withdrew  their  agents  and  dissolved  partnership.  Mr.  Brown  re- 
a ed  his  goods  to  the  north  room  of  his  residence  and  continued  business 
re.  At  that  time,  or  possibly  the  nest  year,  he  was  made  Government 
nt  in  charge  of  Indian  supplies,  that  were  distributed  under  direction  of 
man  Agent  Col.  John  Johnston. 

February  19,  1811,  Henry  Brown  and  Miss  Kitty  Patterson,  daughter  of 
- Kobert  Patterson,  were  married  at  her  father’s  house,  on  the  Rubicon 
an,  south  of  Dayton,  the  Rev.  James  Welsh  officiating.  Catherine  Patter 

0 was  born  at  Lexington,  Ky.,  March  7,  1793. 

Their  son,  R.  P.  Brown,  born  December  6,  1811,  married  Sarah  Galloway 
t|SCenia,  Ohio,  October  31,  1837;  died  in  Kansas  City,  Mo. , May  4,  1879 
cih  Brown  was  born  in  Xenia  June  10,  1816. 

Henry  L.  Brown,  born  December  3,  1814,  married  Sarah  Belle  Browning, 
Indianapolis,  Ind.,  February  7,  1837;  died  in  Dayton  November  25,  1878. 

1 wife  was  born  at  West  Union,  Ohio.  February  18,  1819;  died  in  Dayton 
ober  15,  1858. 

Eliza  J.  Brown,  born  in  Dayton  October  20,  1816,  married  Charles  Ander- 

0 September  16,  1835.  Col.  Anderson  wes  born  at  Louisville,  Ky.,  June  1, 

The  business  life  of  Henry  Brown  was  characterized  by  sound  judgment, 
n|ness  and  energy:  and,  having  faith  in  the  good  judgment  shown  in  the 

* ction  of  the  site  at  the  mouth  of  Mad  River  as  the  future  business  center 
'lie  valley,  he  invested  largely  in  Dayton  property.  When  prosperity  came 

be  little  town  during  the  war  of  1812,  he  was  one  of  the  most  prominent 

1 influential  men  of  the  community,  and  was  held  in  the  highest  esteem 
b 'Ugh  his  life.  He  urged  the  opening  of  roads  to  all  neighboring  settle - 
aits,  was  active  in  the  interest  of  public  improvements  and  all  affairs  looking 
j ae  public  good.  When,  in  1813,  the  increase  of  business  made  it  desirable 
h 1 a bank  should  be  established  in  the  town,  he  aided  in  the  organization  of 
b Dayton  Manufacturing  Company,  and  secured  for  it  a considerable  loan 
r a the  United  States  Bank. 

Mr.  Brown  was  a devoted,  loving  husband  and  father,  and  his  happiness 

* in  association  with  friends  and  family.  Knowing  that  the  home  circle  was 
b place  for  proper  training,  he  and  his  wife  were  careful  to  keep  it  cheerful 
! attractive  for  their  three  children. 

His  wife  was  an  amiable,  modest  woman,  yet  for  nearly  fifty  years  was 
oang  the  most  active,  earnest  Christian  workers  of  Dayton.  In  1815,  she  be 
a sick  in  bed,  a number  of  ladies  met  in  her  room,  and.  with  her  help,  or- 
f ized  the  Female  Bible  and  Charitable  Society  of  Dayton.  All  through  her 
i she  was  faithful  to  the  good  work  thus  begun. 


384 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


From  exposure  in  the  earlier  history  of  the  valley,  and  afterward  in  ti 
active  management  of  the  business  with  Mr.  Sutherland,  then  from  close  a 
tention  to  his  Dayton  store  and  its  extensive  trade,  his  health  was  broken- 
much  so  that,  toward  the  close  of  the  year  1822,  he  was  confined  to  his  be 
and,  after  a lingering,  painful  illness,  he  died,  in  the  afternoon  of  May  1 
1825,  and  was  buried  the  next  day  in  the  old  graveyard  on  Fifth  street 

Mrs.  Brown  married  Andrew  Irwin,  by  whom  she  had  one  son,  A.  B.  Irwi 
In  1836.  she  married  H.  G.  Phillips,  who  died  in  1859.  She  died  in  Da 
ton  August  12.  1864. 

JONATHAN  HARSHMAN,  SR. 

Jonathan  Harshman.  son  of  Christian  and  Catharine  HarshmaE,  (Ge 
mans),  was  born  in  Frederick  County,  Md. , December  21,  1781;  came  we 
to  Kentucky,  but,  being  dissatisfied  with  life  in  a Slave  State,  mo’vecl 
Ohio,  arriving  in  Montgomery  County  in  August,  1805. 

He  purchased  forty  acres  of  land  in  the  northeast  quarter  of  Section  2i 
Town  2,  Range  7 -land  that  is  now  in  Mad  River  Township.  At  that  time; 
large  colony  of  German  people  were  coming  into  that  neighborhood.  Ej 
change  of  work  was  the  rule  among  them.  Some  were  in  the  clearings,  othej 
got  out  the  logs,  while  other  sets  with  teams  and  “ lizzard  ” would  “snake 
them  in  to  the  builders.  The  land  was  heavily  timbered  and  hard  to  clear  u 
but  these  people  were  workers.  Hickory,  oak,  walnut,  cherry,  poplar,  as 
maple  and  beech  were  felled  in  great  double  windrows,  with  the  tops  inwai 
which,  when  dried  out,  and  the  wind  was  favorable,  the  fires  were  lighted  aj 
the  flames  were  driven  through,  from  end  to  end.  The  cabins,  although  hast) 
put  up,  were  occupied  for  many  years;  then,  when  better  houses  were  buij 
the  old  cabins  were  used  for  loom  rooms,  tool  houses,  granaries,  pig  pei 
sheep  pens,  stables  and  hen  houses. 

Mr.  Harshman’s  cabin  was  one  of  the  last  put  up,  and,  like  the  rest,  wj 
built  of  round  logs,  clap-board  roof,  puncheon  floor,  outside  chimney  of  stic 
and  clay.  Late  in  the  fall  he  hung  the  door,  chinked  and  daubed  the  cab] 
and  put  in  a four-light  window.  His  cabin  site  was  near  a spring,  on  one 
the  branches  of  McConnell's  Creek,  and  at  that  spring  he  put  up  a copper  stj 
that  he  had  traded  for.  Lower  down  on  the  creek  was  the  little  over-shot  mi} 
owned  and  operated  by  William  Hamer;  and  around  the  hill  at  the  spring 
the  big  road,  was  Hamer’s  still.  On  Mad  River,  a mile  north  of  Harshmai 
cabin,  was  the  Robinson  Mill.  A path  led  from  the  new  settlement  across  t 
low,  wet  land  to  the  mill,  but  afterward  a road  was  cut  around  at  the  foot 
the  hill,  west  of  the  creek,  to  the  road  that  led  from  Dayton  to  the  settlemeij 
up  Mad  River. 

As  was  usual  with  the  early  settlers,  this  colony  of  new-comers  were  bu 
through  the  next  winter,  in  grubbing  and  clearing  patches  for  spring  plantir 
Mr.  Harshman  was  busy  with  the  rest;  for  him  there  was  not  an  idle  day,  aj 
when  he  was  not  at  work  on  his  own  place,  he  was  employed  for  others.  Ej 
expenses  were  light,  for  he  was  alone,  and  all  he  made  he  saved. 

Jonathan  Harshman  married  Susanah  Rench,  daughter  of  John  a 
Elizabeth  Rench,  at  the  cabin  home  of  her  parents,  the  present  site  of  Hare 
mansville,  February  18,  1808. 

Susanah  Rench  was  born  in  Washington  County,  Md.,  November  11,  TJ 

It  is  not  known  whether  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harshman  made  their  bridal  t) 
on  horseback  or  by  wagon;  but  the  journey  was  from  Rench’ s cabin  down  t 
big  road  to  “ Hamer’ s Hill,”  and  up  McConnell’s  Creek  to  Mr.  Harshmai 
cabin,  which  he  had  made  snug  in  anticipation  of  this  event. 

In  the  pit  he  had  potatoes  and  turnips,  in  the  attic  pumpkins  and  bea; 
and  a good  supply  of  side  meat  and  jerked  venison  hung  on  the  rafters  abc 


— -T— r— 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


387 


ts  fire-place.  The  fire-place  filled  one-half  the  end  of  the  cabin,  and  was 
vy  wide  at  the  floor,  and  deep,  tapering  to  the  top.  The  hearth  was  of  fiat 
si,ne.  laid  in  creek  sand,  and  formed  a considerable  part  of  the  cabin 
for. 

It  took  big  fires  to  keep  the  unplastered  cabins  warm.  First  was  the  big 
tjk-log,  on  top  of  that  a smaller  log,  the  back-stick,  then  two  short,  green 
s jks  were  laid  on  the  hearth  endwise  against  the  back- log,  serving  instead  of 
lirons.  On  them  was  laid  the  fore  stick,  and  on  top  of  all  were  piled  smaller 
od  and  chips,  and  the  fire  applied.  In  the  corner  of  the  room  was  a big 
pe  of  wood  to  keep  the  fire  up,  and  in  the  woods  was  plenty  ready  cut  to  be 
i sled  in  on  the  sled. 

He  was  a forehanded  farmer.  Year  by  year  he  had  added  a patch  to  his 
aring,  so  that  he  had  then  seven  or  eight  acres  to  plant.  He  was  not  in 
dpt,  owned  a beast,  a cow,  some  young  cattle,  pigs  and  poultry,  an  iron  - 
3 ;ared  plow,  and  seven  iron  teeth  that  a neighbor  had  put  in  a ‘‘  drag,”  the 
t ) to  use  it  in  common.  Handy  to  the  cabin  he  had  built  a pig  pen,  and 
mr  by  an  open  log  stable,  and  near  that  was  a stack  of  wild  hay  that  he  had 
c from  the  swail  north  of  his  place. 

The  capacity  of  his  still  was  twelve  or  fifteen  bushels  a day  It  was  set 
n at  the  spring  in  a small  log  building,  the  upper  half  of  which  was  used  as 
a ora  crib.  Settlers  would  bring  rye  and  corn  to  him  to  have  whisk)  made 
the  shares. 

The  erection  of  these  little  stills  throughout  the  county  made  a market  for 
t.  corn,  and  hence  com  was  the  principal  crop  grown  in  the  rich  bottoms,  for 
n made  whisky  and  whisky  could  be  sold  for  money.  Home  trade  was  first 
? iplied,  and  the  balance  was  usually  shipped  by  river  to  Cincinnati  and  New 
Deans,  although  at  first  there  was  but  little  more  made  than  would  supply 
t ' neighborhoods. 

The  big  woods  were  full  of  game  that  seemed  but  little  disturbed  by  the 
- ttered  cabins  and  clearings.  Wolves,  panthers  and  bears  were  a great  an- 
il y’ance  for  several  years. 

The  only  ways  for  communication  between  the  cabins  were  the  paths  through 
: woods;  but  Mr.  Harshman  was  located  near  the  Creek  road,  between  the 
■ arings  on  the  hills  and  the  mills. 

While  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harshman  lived  in  that  cabin  their  three  first  chil- 
m were  born. 

Elizabeth,  born  November  17,  1809,  married  Israel  Huston;  is  living  in 
■'  d River  Township.  Mr.  Huston  died  August  11,  1816. 

Catherine,  bom  January  4,  1811,  married  Valentine  Winters  January  1, 

1 19;  died  in  April,  1882. 

Jonathan,  born  February  15,  1812,  married  Abigail  Hivling  October  4, 
1|16;  died  December  25,  1876.  His  wife  died  June  6,  1879. 

Rench  & Staley  failing  to  make  a success  in  business  at  the  mill  over  on 
v,d  River,  Mr.  Harshman  took  it,  and  in  1813  or  1814,  built  a comfortable, 
tb-story,  hewed-log  dwelling  house,  with  shingle  roof  and  board  floor,  and 
4ved  over.  The  house  was  plastered,  and  had  a good  cellar.  He  afterward 
t It  a brick  dwelling  on  the  site  of  the  present  residence  of  his  son,  Mr.  George 
\ Harshman.  The  mill  was  but  a “corn-cracker,”  and  the  settlers  were  ex- 
acted to  do  their  own  bolting  by  hand.  So  many  of  these  little  mills  had 
1 m put  up  on  streams  throughout  the  county  to  do  neighborhood  work,  that 
inch  & Staley,  finding  the  business  unprofitable,  had  let  the  mill  run  down. 
' ion  Mr.  Harshman  got  it,  there  was  but  one  pair  of  country  stones,  five  feet 
itdiameter,  and  the  machinery  generally  was  out  of  gear.  He  thoroughly 
(prhauled  the  mill,  and  shortly  afterward  put  in  two  run  of  raccoon  buhrs,  and 

j 


388 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 

made  improvements  as  he  could.  His  mills  were  known  as  the  “ Union  Mills 
He  paid  cash  for  grain,  and  that  brought  him  good  trade. 

He  opened  a store  with  John  Rench  as  his  partner,  and  traded  for  a 
country  produce,  such  as  flax  seed,  sunflower  seed,  pumpkin  seed,  mnstaj 
seed,  castor  beans,  tallow,  beeswax,  tree  sugar,  feathers,  wool,  hops,  poi 
and  pelts,  which  they  sold  at  Cincinnati  or  shipped  to  the  Mississip 
River  markets.  Harshman  & Rench  afterward  moved  their  store  to  Dayton. 

Mary,  daughter  of  Jonathan  and  Susanah  Harshman,  was  the  first  of  the 
children  born  after  their  removal  to  thehewed-log  house  at  the  mill.  She  wi 
born  January  17.  181b;  married  George  Gorman  October  29. 1833;  died  Atum 
27,  1.834. 

Joseph  Harshman,  born  October  24,  1820;  married  Caroline  Brotzmai 
They  are  living  in  Harrison  Township. 

George  W.  Harshman,  born  February  22,  1822;  married  Ann  Virgin: 
Rohrer  September  5,  1848.  His  wife  died  September  6,  1877. 

Susanah  Harshman,  born  May  22, 1823;  married  Daniel  Beckel  Septemb 
2,  1845.  Mr.  Beckel  died  February  26,  1862. 

Reuben  D.  Harshman,  born  J anuary  16,  1827 ; married  Mary  Pretsm; 
January  9,  1851. 

For  this  houseful  of  children,  Mrs.  Harshman  had  home  provided  with  g 
the  comforts  then  attainable.  As  the  children  grew  older,  they  could  he 
some  little  in  the  house  and  garden  work.  The  mother  made  the  clothing  f 
the  family. 

Flax  was  grown  in  the  summer,  rotted  and  scutched  in  the  fall;  the 
through  the  winter  was  heard  the  buzz  of  the  little  flax  wheel  that  had  so  co: 
spicuous  a place  in  every  cabin.  It  stood  in  the  corner  with  flax  wrappi 
around  the  forked  stick  ready  for  use,  a thread  running  to  the  spindle,  a goui 
filled  with  water  hanging  conveniently  at  the  bottom  of  the  flax  stick,  ai 
whenever  good  mother  Harshman  had  a little  spare  time  from  caring  for  t 
children,  milking  the  cows,  chiuming,  cooking  for  the  hands,  doing  the  hou 
work,  and  keeping  everything  snug,  clean  and  tidy  as  was  possible  with 
houseful  of  little  ones,  she  would  sit  down  to  the  wheel  and  spin  thread  upi 
thread  to  be  reeled  off  on  a wooden  wheel  that  counted  every  yard  with  a sna 
and  then  it  was  ready  for  the  loom  that  was  built  in  a small  cabin  outsic 
Spinning  was  the  light  work  to  be  caught  up  at  spare  moments;  weavi 
was  work  in  earnest. 

Day  after  day  could  be  heard  the  pounding  of  that  loom,  the  Readies  we 
up  and  down,  the  shuttles  flew  swiftly  from  one  hand  to  the  other  through  t' 
warp,  as  yard  after  yard  of  linsey-woolsey  wound  upon  the  roller.  And  tb 
this  cloth  was  to  be  cut  into  little  and  big  clothes  and  be  made  up  with  t 
needle,  spring  and  fall,  year  after  year. 

Wool  went  through  about  the  same  operation,  only  it  was  spun  on  a lard 
wheel,  colored  with  butternut  bark,  then  woven  on  the  loom  for  winter  clotkir 

There  was,  perhaps,  no  part  of  the  county  where  young  people  liked 
fix  up  more  than  did  those  about  Harshmanville.  Tall,  slender  flax  was  pull! 
by  the  girls  and  kept  to  make  finery  of.  The  stronger  growth  did  well  enou; 
for  clothing  for  the  men,  and  warp  for  linsey-woolsey  every-day  dresses  for  tjj 
women;  but  for  Sundays,  when  everybody  went  to  “meeting,”  the  girls  esp 
cially  wanted  something  nice,  just  as  girls  do  now.  The  fine  flax  was  carefu 
pulled,  rotted,  broken,  scutched,  hackled,  spun,  then  dyed  in  colors  becomii 
and  woven  in  cross  barred  figures  tastefully  arranged,  Of  such  goods  the  gi: 
made  their  Sunday  dresses.  They  knit  their  own  stockings,  made  their  oi 
sun -bonnets  or  broad  brimmed  hats  of  rye  straw. 

The  quaint  old  Kemp  Schoolkouse  that  had  been  built  in  1815  upon  su 


HISTORY  OF  'MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


389 


g iptions  paid  in  whisky,  flour,  hogs,  stone,  etc.,  had  given  place  to  a better 
i ildin°\  but  the  same  old,  primitive  modes  of  teaching  prevailed. 

About  three  months  in  a year  was  all  the  schooling  that  could  be  afforded, 
f when  the  children  were  old  enough  to  go  to  school,  they  were  old  enough 
tjdo  the  chores  and  work  at  home;  hence,  they  could  not  be  spared  for  school. 

The  branches  taught  in  the  early  schools  were  spelling,  reading,  writing 
all  arithmetic;  at  the  time  of  which  we  are  now  writing,  grammar  and  geogra- 
phy had  been  adde  l.  Parents  bought  whatever  book  they  judged  best;  that  is, 
Header  was  a reader,  a grammar  a grammar,  a geography  a geography,  regard - 
If  of  who  was  the  author.  This  made  confusion  for  the  “ master,”  but  then 
b was  hired  to  teach  out  of  whatever  books  parents  thought  best.  Scholars 
Lganat  the  beginning  of  their  books  every  winter,  and  progressed  as  far  as 
rjy  could  in  the  three  months'  term;  then,  after  nine  months  out  of  school, 
n ay  would  have  to  commence  over  again.  In  this  way  the  schools  went  on 
v r after  year,  under  different  teachers.  There  were  always  several  spelling 
esses,  and  great  competition  in  each  as  to  who  “ stood  head.”  Spelling  schools 
we  the  grand  occasions  of  the  early  school  days. 

When  the  “master”  appointed  a night  fora  spelling  match,  it  was  under  - 
mod  that  all  bad  marks,  no  matter  why  scored,  were  wiped  out.  and  all  sins 
ft  pven.  All  who  had  been  guilty  of  tricks  upon  the  “ master,”  boys  engaged 
a oarring  him  out,  even  the  big  boys  who  had  been  surly  and  growling  with 
tleats  of  “ licking  ” him  when  the  term  was  out,  were  glad  to  know  that,  a 
oellin’  had  been  apinted,”  for  that  settled  all  differences. 

A moonlight  night  was  chosen,  or  some  night  when  the  sleighing  was  good, 
al  the  entire  neighborhood  would  turn  out.  Whole  families  came  in  big 
sills,  including  the  old  ladies  and  gentlemen,  babies,  children  and  all.  Best 
spiers  from  other  schools  would  come  to  try  for  the  hono"s. 

The  old  log  schoolhouse  would  be  crowded  with  people,  and  the  big  fire- 
phe  filled  with  a blazing  log  fire.  Qandles  were  brought  by  the  scholars. 

Two  captains  were  selected  to  choose  sides;  ‘ ■ spelling  down  ” was  the  effort, 
t 1 ‘ master  ” giving  out  the  words. 

The  “sides”  stood  up,  and  whenever  a word  was  missed,  the  speller  sat 
l ai,  and  the  one  left  standing  alone  was  the  victor,  and  was  to  be  one  of  the 
; tains  in  the  next  match. 

This  was  the  school  attended  by  the  Harshman  children,  Spinnings, 

3 ners,  Kemps,  Butts,  Renches,  McConnells,  Robinsons.  Garlouglis,  Cot- 
ffrhams,  and  others  of  that  neighborhood. 

Jonathan  Harshman  was  a stanch  Federalist,  and  in  later  years  was 
u ininent  in  the  Whig  party.  He  was  one  of  the  Representatives  from  this 
Jonty  in  the  Twenty-fourth  General  Assembly  of  Ohio. 

In  1832,  he  built  a distillery  across  the  race  from  his  house.  In  1846, 

4 distillery  was  making  fifty  barrels  of  whisky  a week,  and  the  mills  400 
a:  'els  of  flour.  Eight  hundred  hogs  were  fattened  per  annum. 

May  1,  1845,  Mr.  Harshman  was  elected  President  of  the  Dayton  Bank, 
a he  held  the  position  until  his  death,  March  31,  1850.  He  left  a large  es- 
ra|  in  Mad  River  Township,  valuable  real  estate  in  Dayton,  besides  a large 
' am;  in  stocks,  bonds,  and  other  personal  property. 

His  wife  died  December  5,  1839.  Five  of  their  children — Mrs.  Huston. 
f«eph,  George  W. , Mrs.  Beckel  and  Reuben  D..  are  yet  living. 

H.  G.  PHILLIPS. 

Capt.  Jonathan  Phillips,  a worthy  old  Revolutionary  officer,  father  of 
Ratio  Gates  Phillips,  was  born  December  16.  1744,  at  Maidenhead,  N.  J. . 


390 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


a small  town  on  the  post-road,  half  way  between  Trenton  and  Princeton 
The  town  has  since  been  named  Lawrenceville. 

With  the  news  of  the  light  at  Lexington  and  Concord,  a patriotic  wav* 
swept  through  the  colonies,  and  New  Jersey  responded  to  the  necessities  o 
the  time  by  a more  thorough  organization  of  her  militia. 

Jonathan  Phillips  recruited  a company  in  the  'vicinity  of  Maidenhead 
and  was  made  Captain.  In  response  to  a call  for  troops,  in  the  summer  n 
1775,  his  company  marched  with  the  New  Jersey  re.-enforcements  to  den 
Washington,  in  front  of  Boston. 

Upon  the  organization  of  Schuyler’s  expedition  against  Canada,  the  cow 
pany  was  assigned  to  Gen.  Arnold’s  Division.  The  history  of  that  ill 
equipped  expedition  is  familiar  to  all;  its  successes  and  reverses,  final  repuls 
at  Quebec,  and  retreat  down  the  river  to  winter  quarters,  and  withdrawal  in  th 
spring,  leaving  the  British  in  undisputed  possession  of  Canada. 

In  Gen.  Horatio  Gates’  command,  C&pt.  Phillips  and  his  company  wer 
in  the  defensive  campaign  around  Lake  Champlain,  at  Crown  Point  and  Ticor 
deroga.  Later  in  the  fall  they  marched  with  re-enforcements  to  Gen.  Was! 
ington,  south  of  the  Delaware.  Christmas  night,  Washington  recrossed  the  De 
aware,  captured  Trenton,  and  on  the  3d  of  January  had  a sharp  tight  whic1 
resulted  in  the  capture  of  Princeton,  and  gave  him  possession  of  New  Jersey 

Capt.  Phillips,  with  his  company,  was  in  these  movements  that  drove  th 
British  from  the  territory  that  included  his  native  town  and 'county.  In  Junt 
he  marched  with  the  re-enforcements  sent  to  Schuyler  at  Fort  Edward,  on  th 
Hudson,  and  in  Gen.  Gates'  army  was  in  the  battle  and  victory  over  Burgoyn 
at  Behmus’  Heights,  September  19.  The  Americans  repulsed  the  tierce  an 
desperate  attack  of  the  British  October  7,  and  on  the  17th  Burgoyne  surrender 01 

The  Captain  was  in  the  battle  at  Monmouth  in  June,  1778,  and  for.tl 
next  two  years  his  division  was  on  duty  along  the  Hudson  River.  He  was  ; 
the  trial  of  Maj.  Andre,  and  saw  him  hanged  as  a spy  October  2,  1780. 

The  troops  were  in  winter  quarters  at  Morristown,  N.  J. , and  in  Augu 
following,  marched  south  under  Gen.  Washington  to  Yorktown,  and  the  su 
render  of  Cornwallis. 

The  war  was  virtually  over.  The  army  marched  back  to  New  Jersey,  ai 
during  the  following  winter  many  of  the  regiments  were  discharged. 

Capt.  Phillips,  with  the  shattered  remnant  of  his  company,  returned  to  1) 
Rome,  after  seven  years’  service  amid  the  hardships  and  dangers  of  militajjj 
life.  He  had  served  through  the  war;  he  was  a veteran  of  the  Revolution,  ai 
with  an  honorable  discharge,  returned  to  the  little  farm  that  he  had  inhorite 
near  Lawrenceville.  j 

The  officers  of  the  army,  before  final  separation,  organized  a “Society 
Friends,”  under  the  name  of  the  “ Society  of  the  Cincinnati,”  for  the  perpetu 
•tion  of  friendships  formed,  and  memories  of  the  perils  they  had  shared,  “to  ejj 
dure  as  long  as  they  shall  endure,  or  any  of  their  male  posterity.”  The  orga 
ization  was  effected  at  the  quarters  of  Baron  Steuben,  in  New  York,  and  the  co 
stitution  of  the  society  was  drawn  by  Gen.  Knox.  Capt.  Jonathan  Philli] 
certificate  of  membership  is  held  by  his  descendants  as  one  of  the  most  inte 
esting  and  valuable  family  relics,  and  as  a memento  of  the  service  of  thej 
brave  old  Revolutionary  ancestor. 

In  August,  1782,  Capt.  Phillips  married  Mary  Formen.  who  was  horn 
or  near  Lawrenceville,  and  had  lived  there  all  her  life.  Their  only  child,  Hoi; 
tio  Gates  Phillips,  named  in  honor  of  his  father’s  old  commander,  Gen.  Gatj 
was  born -December  21,  1783. 

Mrs.  Phillips  died  in  her  son’s  infancy,  and  the  care  of  the  child  devolv 
on  a faithful  old  servant  woman. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


391 


December  15,  1788,  the  Capt.  married  Elizabeth  Smith.  Their  only  child, 
mrchill  Phillips,  came  to  Clark  County,  Ohio,  and  died  at  New  Carlisle  in  1840. 

Capt.  Jonathan  Phillips  died  June  29,  1801.  His  wife.  Elizabeth,  died 
ebruary  10,  1814. 

H.  G.  Phillips  came  West  with  a party  of  friends  in  1803.  and  from  Pitts- 
rgh  descended  the  river  to  New  Orleans,  his  friends  intending  to  settle 
> ne where  in  the  South,  and  did  locate  at  Natchez,  Miss.  Mr\  Phillips,  how- 
■ 9r,  yielded  to  the  objections  of  Miss  Houston,  to  whom  he  was  to  be  married, 

; going  so  far  away  from  the  old  home  in  New  Jersey.  He  therefore  came 
ck  as  far  as  Cincinnati,  and  stopped  there  to  look  after  a tract  of  land  in 
imilton  County,  but  now  in  Butler  County,  that  his  father  had  entered  under 
jk  law  of  Congress  granting  to  officers  and  m -n  of  the  Revolutionary  army 
tffi  a certain  amount  of  land  in  the  Northwestern  Territory.  At  Cincinnati, 
•.  Phillips  met  many  New  Jerseyans  that  he  knew.  Among  them  were  D.  C. 
Coper  and  others,  who  induced  him  to  come  up  the  valley  as  far  as  Dayton 
rd  see  for  himself  what  business  prospects  there  were.  His  first  trip  to  Day- 
i i was  probably  made  in  1804,  certainly  by  the  spring  of  1805,  for,  when  he 
c ne,  there  were  but  one  or  two  cabins  on  Main  street,  south  of  First,  and  the 
i lly  crossing  Main  street  at  Third  had  not  yet  been  filled  up.  The  post  office 
us  kept  in  Mr.  Van  Cleve’s  cabin  at  the  corner  of  First  and  St.  Clair.  Mr. 
oper’s  house,  at  First  and  Ludlow,  was  about  completed.  The  principal  part 
f the  town  was  the  cluster  of  rough  log  cabins  around  Newcomb s tavern  up 
i the  river.  Sutherland  & Brown’s  store  was  the  only  one  here.  Main  street 
vs  only  cleared  of  underbrush  as  far  south  as  Third  street.  The  road  through 
t } village  was  up  Main  street  and  out  First  to  the  Mad  River  ford.  There 
vre  no  sidewalks,  and  but  little  ditching  had  been  done.  The  lot  at  Second 
lid  Main  had  been  cleared  up  for  McCollum’s  tavern.  The  court  house  was 
i be  built,  and  other  improvements  were  talked  of.  Mr.  Phillips,  finding  so 
borable  a business  opportunity,  determined  to  locate  in  Dayton.  He  remained 
1 re  through  the  year  1805,  then,  in  the  winter,  made  the  trip  overland  on 
irseback  to  buy  goods  at  Pittsburgh  and  Philadelphia,  returning  to  his  old 
1 me  in  New  Jersey  to  bring  with  him  his  bride,  who  -was  to  accompany  him  to 
t sir  log  cabin  home  in  the  wilderness  of  the  Northwest.  He  often  told  of 
1 it  long,  lonely  ride  through  the  woods  on  his  first  trip  from  Dayton.  In 

I iny  places,  the  narrow  trace  could  only  be  followed  by  the  blazed  trees,  and 
f feral  nights  he  bivouacked  by  the  way.  He  followed  the  bridle-path  over 

I I hills  to  the  Indian  trail  on  the  Little  Miami,  near  Xenia.  That  trace  led 
i the  old  Indian  towns  near  the  Pickaway  plains  on  the  Scioto.  Fi’oin  a ford- 

y on  Darby  Creek,  a trail  led  to  the  forks  of  the  Muskingum  (Coshocton),  and 
om  there  followed  the  larger  trace  to  the  forks  of  the  Ohio  River  (Pittsburgh). 

Eliza  Smith  Houston,  daughter  of  William  C.  Houston,  was  born  in  Tren- 
! i,  N.  J.,  September  19.  1783.  For  several  years,  she.  with  her  parents, 

1 ed  at  Lawrenceville.  where,  on  the  10th  of  April,  1806,  she  was  married  to 
G.  Phillips.  Their  bridal  trip  was  across  the  mountains  to  Pittsburgh, 

< wn  the  river  in  a flat-boat  to  Cincinnati,  and  from  there  by  wagon  to  their 
fckwoods  home  in  Dayton.  At  that  time,  there  was  very  pleasant  society 
Ire — the  families  of  D.  C.  Cooper,  Col.  Patterson,  Isaac  Spinning,  Squire 
llliams.  Rev.  James  Welsh,  Col.  Newcom.  Benjamin  Van  Cleve.  Maj.  Reid. 

'•  Elliott  and  Robert  Edgar. 

_ __  cD 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Phillips’  first  home  was  in  a two-story  log  house,  southwest 
•rner  of  First  and  Jefferson  streets.  He  had  his  store  in  the  same  -building, 

- d in  that  house  their  first  three  children  were  born.  The  other  children  were 
(rn  at  the  southeast  corner  of  Second  and  Main  streets.  The  children  who 
ed  to  majority  were  Elizabeth  Smith.  Jonathan  Dickinson  and  Marianna 
misa.  ’ * 

* 

1 ■ 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTV. 


892 

Elizabeth  S.,  born  June  9,  1809,  married  John  G.  Worthington,  of  Cin- 
cinnati. June  29.  1830,  and  is  now  living  in  Georgetown.  D.  C.  Mr.  Worth 
ington  died  several  years  ago. 

J.  D.  Phillips,  born  December  31,  1812,  married  Lucy  Anna  ZeiGei 
Greene  July  28, 1836;  died  February  23,  1871.  His  wife  died  June  28. 1881 

Marianna  Louisa,  born  March  30.  1814,  married  Robert  A.  Thruston  Sep 
tember  29,  1832.  Jle  died  August  16,  1839.  Col.  John  G.  Lowe  and  Mrs 
Thruston  were  married  May  9.  1843. 

Mr.  Phillips  opened  his  store  in  1806,  and  was  prosperous  from  the  start 
Several  other  firms  began  business  here  in  that  year,  and  trade  came  to  Daytoi 
from  all  parts  of  the  valley.  Merchants  would  go  East  twice  a year  for  goods 
and  on  one  of  these  trips,  in  September,  1809.  with  their  only  child,  Eliza 
beth,  then  only  three  months  old,  Mrs.  Phillips  accompanied  her  husband  tc 
New  Jersey.  The  trip  was  made  on  horseback,  and  their  baggage  was  earriec 
by  pack-horse. 

Indians  being  yet  located  in  large  numbers  at  the  head-waters  of  Mac 
River  and  over  on  the  Scioto,  and  their  hunting  parties  roaming  through  tin 
woods  of  Central  Ohio  made  such  a journey  through  the  wilderness  dangerous 
Parties  were  usually  made  up  of  merchants  and  others  who  were  going  Eas 
about  the  same  time,  and  all  would  carry  rifles.  On  this  trip,  John  Schenck 
of  Franklin,  Charles  Greene,  and  one  or  t.wo  others,  were  in  the  party. 

Taverns  were  by  this  time  located  at  convenient  distances  along  the  narrow 
roads.  They  were  generally  double  log  houses,  with  covered  way  or  porch  be 
tween.  An  important  feature  was  the  swinging  signs,  upon  which  wer> 
painted  a portrait  or  picture,  which  would  give  the  inn  a name.  Portraits  o 
Washington,  Wayne,  Wolfe  and  Marion  were  the  most  frequently  used,  wkil 
pictures  of  lions,  bears,  bucks,  tigers,  horses  and  birds  were  painted  in  tin 
brightest  colors  and  life  size.  The  signs  were  framed  and  hung  on  creakm; 
hinges  on  top  of  a large  post  at  the  road  in  front  of  the  tavern,  that  served  a 
a liitching-post  as  well. 

Coming  from  their  own  cabin  home  at  Dayton,  and  being  used  to  Westers 
life  and  ways,  Mr.  Phillips  and  his  friends  could,  as  travelers  often  did,  afte 
a hearty  supper,  spread  their  blankets  and  bearskins  on  the  puncheon  floor  an 
sleep  with  their  feet  to  the  fire.  For  these  taverns  were  popular,  profitabi 
places,  where  met.  on  common  footing,  travelers,  emigrants,  pack-horse  me: 
and  wagoners.  When  a party  was  belated,  or  at  other  times,  finding  sleeping 
apartments,  as  well  as  bar  and  barns  packed  for  the  night,  it  would  be  neces 
sarv  to  go  on  to  the  half-way  house,  or  camp  by  the  roadside. 

Mr.  Phillips,  leaving  his  wife  and  child  in  New  Jersey,  went  to  Phikj 
delphia,  bought  his  goods,  then  returned  to  Lawrenceville  for  a visit,  and  the: I 
home  with  his  family  to  Dayton. 

He  built  a two-story  brick  storeroom  at  the  southeast  corner  of  Main  an 
Eecond  streets,  and  a residence  immediately  adjoining,  on  Main  street,  anc 
in  1812  moved  his  family  and  store.  His  business  rapidly  increased.  Daytoi! 
during  the  war,  was  the  center  of  trade  for  the  valley,  and  the  town  was  fall  o 
people  all  the  time.  In  the  winter  of  1812-13,  he  sent  his  brother-in-lav 
George  S.  Houston,  to  Philadelphia  to  buy  goods.  Mr.  Houston  exceeded  hi 
instructions  and  bought  a very  large  stock,  so  much  more  than  Mr.  Phillip 
thought  advisable  that  he  feared  that  he  would  be  ruined.  He  opened  a stor 
at  Troy  and  placed  Mr.  Houston  in  charge. 

The  line  of  forts  from  New  Lexington,  Preble  County,  across  the  couatr 
to  Urbana,  had  been  strongly  garrisoned  by  militia  as  a protection  for  Gen 
Har  rison’s  line  of  communication,  as  well  as  the  safety  of  the  people  of  the  valley 
As  soon  as  contractors  and  Government  agents  came  into  the  valley  to  buy  sup 
plies  for  the  army,  Mr.  Phillips  began  the  exchange  of  goods  for  pork,  whisk' 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


393 


j ir  and  grain,  and  accumulated  large  quantities  at  Troy  and  Dayton,  which 
a found  ready  sale  for;  and  thus,  instead  of  being  embarrassed  with  the  large 
Jjgk  0f  goods,  his  management  brought  him  handsome  profit. 

In  1815,  he  sent  Eastin  Morris  with  a stock  of  goods  to  open  a store  in 
, jenville,  and,  for  a number  of  years,  was  thus  actively  engaged  in  the  man- 
a meat  of  his  business,  and,  by  energy,  industry  and  economy,  accumulated  a 
iidsome  fortune. 

Mrs.  Phillips  was  an  active  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and,  al- 
tj  ugh  of  delicate  health,  was  a leader  in  all  Christian  work,  a teacher  in  the 
jiday  school  and  prominent  in  local  charitable  work,  ever  among  the  first  in 
mistering  relief  to  the  sick  and  needy.  She,  with  other  Dayton  ladies, 
gj'e  all  possible  time  in  the  preparation  of  hospital  supplies  for  sick  and 
t raded  soldiers  at  Camp  Meigs,  and  cared  for  many  at  their  own  homes,  and, 
tor  the  close  of  the  war,  was  one  of  the  twelve  ladies,  who,  on  the  10th  of 
Akil.  1815,  organized  the  Dayton  Female  Bible  and  Chai’itable  Association. 

Active  as  she  was  in  all  home  enterprises  of  the  early  days,  giving  liber  - 
- to  the  poor  and  distressed,  and,  by  her  example,  leading  others  on  in  good 
,vks,  her  sudden  death,  December  3,  1831,  was  a severe  shock  to  the  commu- 
ojy.  In  her  death,  society  lost  one  of  its  most  hospitable  and  gifted  members, 
tij  church  an  earnest,  unselfish  worker,  a devoted  Christian  wife  and  mother. 

Mi'.  Phillips  bought  property  in  Darke,  Miami  and  Montgomery  Counties. 
h was  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  Dayton  Manufacturing  Company,  the  first 
buk  in  the  county.  He  was  interested  in  the  woolen  mills  down  on  Hole’s 
( iek  In  1830,  he  with  Alexander  Grimes  and  Moses  Smith,  platted  the 
tin  of  Alexandersville.  December  16,  1836,  he  married  Mrs.  C.  P.  Irwin, 
mo  survived  him. 

John  Kneisly,  in  1843  or  1844,  sold  to  H.  G.  Phillips,  Daniel  Beckel,  J.  D. 
i Hips.  and  S.  D.  Edgar,  under  the  firm  name  of  Phillips,  Beckel  & Co.,  the 
\ ;er-power  that  is  now  owned  by  the  Dayton  Hydraulic  Company.  This 
piper  was  taken  from  Mad  River  in  Section  23,  above  the  mouth  of  McCon- 
n i’s  Creek,  and  in  1819  Henry  Leatherman  bought  the  right  of  way  through 
ijyton  Hamer’s  land,  and  dug  the  race  around  at  the  foot  of  the  hill  to  his 
u 1 at  the  southwest  corner  of  Section  29.  In  1825,  Kneisly  bought  sixty 
a es  of  land  of  Dayton  Hamer  and  this  water-power.  He  built  a saw-mill, 
i n a “corn-cracker,”  which  he  soon  converted  into  a Hour-mill;  he  then  built 
a 'oil  mill,  and  a small  distillery.  These  mills  were  located  near  the  center  of  the 
D'theast  quarter  of  Section  29,  Mad  River  Township,  between  '‘Hamer’s  Hill” 
a l Mad  River.  A paper-mill  was  afterward  built  there.  November  3,  1841, 
t grist  and  sawmills  burned,  but  were  rebuilt  two  years  later.  Kneisly  sold 
tii;  water-power  and  right  of  way  to  Phillips,  Beckel  & Co.,  who  purchased 
r ;ht.  of  way  to  continue  the  race  from  the  old  Leatherman  Mill  to  its  present 
bisection  with  the  canal  near  East  First  street.  The  contracts  for  digging 
t race  were  let  in  the  fall  of  1844.  March  1,  1845,  the  Dayton  Hydraulic 
»-npany  was  incorporated,  H.  G.  Phillips,  D.  Beckel.  J.  D.  Phillips,  S.  D. 
Igar,  J.  G.  Lowe,  corporators.  The  water-power  now  known  as  the  Upper 
1 draulic  was  first  used  in  1846,  and  has  always  been  a source  of  great  revenue 
' :he  Phillips  estate. 

In  1850,  the  new  hotel,  the  Phillips  House,  at  the  southwest  corner  of 
i in  and  Third  streets,  was  named  in  honor  of  Mr.  Phillips. 

Mr.  Phillips  strongly  urged  the  building  of  turnpikes  through  the 
canty,  and.  in  later  years,  was  influential  in  bringing  railroads  into  Dayton. 

At  length,  after  a long,  active  and  useful  life,  fifty  years  in  business  in 
1 yton,  and  all  that  time  one  of  the  most  prominent  and  influential  citizens 
vthe  county  where  he  had  accumulated  a large  estate,  Mr.  Phillips  died  No- 
\nber  10,  1859. 


894 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

Thk  Mexican  War— 1848  to  1861— The  War  ok  the  Rebellion— Events  r 
Military  Circles  Since  1865. 

AM  A J ORTTY  of  the  people  of  Ohio,  regarding  the  probability  of  war  with  Mexbj 
as  the  result  of  schemes  of  the  pro-slavery  party  to  add  territory  to  tin 
United  States,  which  could  afterward  be  formed  into  Slave  States,  were  strongb 
opposed  to  the  war.  But  in  thorough  loyalty  to  the  Constitution,  patriotic  peopi  l 
of  Ohio  and  all  of  the  Northern  States,  promptly  responded  to  the  call  oi'  tU 
National  Government  for  troops  to  sustain  the  army  on  the  Rio  Grande,  and  fo 
aggressive  movements  against  Mexico. 

The  Hon.  Mordecai  Bartley  was  Governor  of  Ohio;  Samuel  R.  Curtis  wa 
Adjutant  General  of  the  State  ; E.  N.  Slocum,  Quarter  Master  General. 

The  militia  of  this  county,  organized  as  the  First  Brigade,  in  command  o| 
Brig.  Gen.  Adam  Spiece,  were  attached  to  the  Tenth  Division  of  Ohio  Militia}! 
Maj.  Gen.  Hiram  Bell,  of  Greenville,  commanding.  When  it  became  known  tha 
the  President  of  the  United  States  had  made  requisition  upon  the  States  fo 
troops,  and  in  response  to  a general  demand  from  all  parts  of  the  county,  a meet 
ing  of  the  citizens  of  the  county  was  called  to  be  held  in  the  City  Hall  at  Daytoi 
the  evening  of  May  21,  1846.  The  hall  was  filled  with  militiamen  of  the  differen 
companies  of  the  county  and  prominent  citizens  of  the  city  and  townships 
Gen.  Spiece  was  called  to  the  chair,  and  Maj.  Thomas  B.  Tilton,  his  Brigade 
Major,  was  made  Secretary  of  the  meeting.  Gen.  Spiece  briefly  stated  the  objec 
of  the  meeting  to  be  to  give  an  expression  of  the  sentiment  of  the  county  on  Uni 
Mexican  war  question,  and  to  adopt  measures  to  eucourage  the  enrollment  o: 
volunteers.  Capt.  Luther  Giddings,  of  the  Dayton  Dragoons,  in  response  to  : 
call  of  the  meeting,  made  a patriotic  appeal.  Short,  stirring  speeches  were  als<| 
delivered  by  Capt.  M.  B.  Walker,  of  the  Germantown  Cavalry  ; by  Maj.  Tilton 
Capt.  Lewis  Hormell,  of  the  Dayton  National  Guards  (German  Company) ; Lieut 
Atlas  Stout,  of  the  Dayton  Gun  Squad  ; and  Lieut.  John  Love,  of  the  Unitec 
States  Army,  and  others. 

May  20,  Gov.  Bartley,  in  compliance  with  a requisition,  made  by  President 
James  Iv.  Polk,  issued  General  Order  No.  1,  calling  upon  Division  Generals  bp 
muster  their  commands  at  once,  to  ascertain  how  many  men  would  enlist,  as  infanj 
try  or  riflemen,  for  twelve  months’  service,  unless  sooner  discharged.  The  order) 
reached  Gen.  Bell  at  Greenville,  on  the  23d,  and  he  at  once  ordered  the  severs 
Brigades  of  the  Tenth  Division  to  assemble  as  follows  ; First  Brigade,  at  Day 
ton.  May  26  ; Second  Brigade,  at  Troy,  May  27  ; Third  Brigade,  at  Sidney,  Mat 
28  ; Fourth  Brigade,  at  Greenville,  May  29.  Upon  receipt  of  this  order,  Gen 
Spiece  directed  the  First  Brigade  to  assemble  at  Dayton,  and  at  11  o’eloel 
the  morning  of  the  26th,  nine  companies  reported.  The  city  was  full  of  people 
drawn  together  by  the  excitement  of  the  war  news  and  military  display.  Martin 
music,  parades  of  delegations  with  banners,  songs  and  cheering  was  the  order  o 
the  day.  The  militia  were  marched  to  the  lower  part  of  the  city,  where  tin 
crowds  assembled,  and  were  addressed  by  Gen.  Bell.  The  National  Guard  begav 
recruiting  at  their  armory  on  the  north  side  of  Second  street,  between  Main  and 
Jefferson  ; the  Flying  Dragoons,  at  McCann's  store,  at  the  northeast  corner  oi 
Third  and  Jefferson  streets,  but  being  notified  that  the  Government  would  not 
accept  cavalry,  the  next  day  they  were  organized  as  the  “ Dayton  Riflemen,"  and 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


397 


( that  day,  May  27,  information  was  received  from  Columbus,  that  while  the 
iir  Department  would  hold  the  militia  of  a number  of  States  in  reserve,  three 
l aments  of  Ohio  troops,  2,331  men  were  required  for  immediate  service. 

The  people  of  the  county  united  in  the  work  of  organizing  the  companies, 
ri  of  providing  for  the  soldiers  and  their  families. 

Thursday  evening,  May  28,  a large  meeting  was  held  at  the  City  Hall  in 
1 vton  ; Thomas  Brown,  Peter  Odlin,  William  Eaker,  T.  J.  S.  Smith  and  Fred- 
e'ck  G-ebhart  were  appointed  as  a committee  to  raise  funds,  to  defray  the  inciden- 
ts expenses  of  the  volunteers  from  this  county,  before  being  mustered  into  the 
[ ited  States  service.  An  executive  committee  of  twenty  was  appointed,  to  raise 
f ds  for  the  support  of  the  families  of  volunteers  during  their  absence  ; the  com- 
rjttee  were  : Alexander  Swaynie,  Robert  W.  Steele,  IT.  G.  Phillips,  P.  P.  Lowe. 
Inry  L.  Brown  and  Samuel  Marshall,  of  Dayton;  Joseph  Barnett,  of  Harrison 
wnship  ; Jefferson  Patterson,  of  Van  Buren  Township  ; Henry  S.  Gunckel,  of 
Oman  Township  ; Jonathan  Harshman,  of  Mad  River  Township  ; John  Conley, 
i Miami  Township;  John  Burnett,  of  Jefferson  Township;  John  Sherer,  of 
1 ndolph  Township  ; James  Patterson,  of  Madison  Township  ; Henry  Shidlcr,  of 
jbkson  Township  ; William  Baggott,  of  Butler  Township  ; Amos  Irwin,  of  Wash- 
ton  Township;  Moses  Sherer,  of  Wayne  Township;  Isaac  Voorhees.  of  Clay 
I wnship ; and  Dr.  Lindsle}’,  of  Perry  Township.  H.  Gr.  Phillips  was  elected 
( airman  of  the  committee;  Robert  W.  Steele,  Secretary;  Henry  L.  Brown. 
’Dasurer.  The  committee  was  appointed  to  assure  the  faithful  performance  of  the 
polic  pledge  of  a generous  people  ; that  the  wives  and  children  of  soldiers  were 
the  cared  for,  protected  and  cherished.  Frequent  meetings  were  held  ; commit- 
tip  were  appointed  to  arrange  for  the  comfort  and  departure  of  the  troops.  The 
bt  citizens  joined  in  pledges  that  the  families  of  men  who  enlisted  should  be 
pivided  for  during  the  war,  and  in  case  the  soldier  did  not  return  the  families 
w ild  be  cared  for.  In  every  case  these  pledges  were  sacredly  kept.  The  ladies 
we  not  behind  in  their  work.  Every  hand  was  bus}’,  every  heart  responded  in 
s apathy  to  the  soldier,  with  a silent  Christian  pledge  to  do  their  whole  duty  by 
t!  wives  and  children  of  the  volunteers. 

A number  of  banks  in  different  parts  of  the  State  tendered  to  the  Governor 
a,the  money  that  he  might  need  to  provide  for  the  emergency.  The  Governor 
1 ignated  Dayton  as  one  of  the  points  of  rendezvous  for  volunteers.  Ceil.  Spiece 
eablisked  headquarters  at  the  corner  of  Third  and  Jefferson  streets,  and  detailed 
iyj.  Tilton  as  Mustering  Officer  in  command  of  volunteers.  Camp  Washington 

established  in  the  Mill  Creek  Valley  near  Cincinnati  as  a rendezvous  for  the 
Cjio  Volunteers,  and  Samuel  R.  Curtis,  Adjutant  General  of  the  State,  was  placed 
iicommand.  June  3,  the  two  companies  enlisted  in  this  county  were  ordered  to 
( jnp  Washington.  The  next  morning  they  were  paraded  in  front  of  the  National 
I tel,  when  from  the  balcony,  a beautiful  flag  was  presented  to  the  riflemen  by 
b citizens.  On  one  side  of  the  flag  the  ladies  had  embroidered  an  eagle,  with 
1 motto  “ Our  Country,”  on  the  reverse  side,  the  State  arms,  with  the  name  of 
d company,  “ The  Dayton  Riflemen.”  Lieut.  Brecount  was  presented  with  a pair 
'■•evolvers  and  a bowie  knife  by  some  young  gentlemen  friends. 

At  sunset,  the  guards,  with  ninety-six  men  and  the  following  officers  : Captain, 
■-  vis  Horraell ; First  Lieutenant,  William  Egry  ; Second  Lieutenant,  Christ 
Kecht ; First  Sergeant,  William  Spangler  ; Second  Sergeant,  Peter  Weist  ; Third 
Sigeant,  Adam  Ziller  ; Fourth  Sergeant,  Frederick  Ploch.  The  riflemen,  with 
a ety-two  men  and  the  following  officers  : Captain,  Luther  Giddings  ; First  Lieu- 
hant,  D.  Long;  Second  Lieutenant,  D.  Brecount ; First  Sergeant,  J.  P.  Spiece  : 
Sond  Sergeant,  N.  Allen;  Third  Sergeant,  G.  Coon;  Fourth  Sergeant,  C.  L. 
I rigle;  Corporals,  W.  G.  Davis,  V.  B.  Howard,  John  Smith,  James  Craig  ; were 
eibrted  to  the  public  landing  at  the  canal  between  Second  and  Third  streets,  by 
h dragoons,  a company  hastily  organized,  and  using  the  arms  and  accouterments 
0;the  disbanded  cavalry  company,  the  artillery  company  and  great  crowds  of 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


398 

citizens.  The  root's  of  tlie  liouses,  the  bridges,  the  banks  of  the  canal  and  stree 
were  tilled  with  people,  all  vying  with  each  other  in  acts  of  kindness  to  thedepai 
ing  soldiers  and  their  weeping  families.  The  excitement  was  intense.  The  crov 
were  alternately  crying  and  cheering.  The  dragoons  fired  a salute.  The  <n 
squad  with  the  “ Mad  Anthony  " (in  the  language  of  a local  of  the  day),  made  t: 
“ very  earth  tremble.  The  soldiers  embarked  on  two  canal  boats  and  prompt 
started  on  their  journey. 

While  the  assembled  crowd  cheered  and  cheered  again,  the  dragoons  wheeli 
and  trotted  to  the  Main  street  canal  bridge  and  fired  a final  salute  to  the  departii 
soldiers. 

They  arrived  at  Camp  Washington  the  night  of  June  5,  and  for  several  da 
complained  because  they  had  to  sleep  on  the  ground  and  cook  their  own  ratio: 
The  flag  of  the  Dayton  Rifles  was  taken  for  “camp  colors.”  The  next  few  wee: 
were  busy  times,  drilling  and  preparing  for  the  field.  Companies  were  dai 
arriving  from  different  parts  of  the  State,  and  it  was  soon  apparent  that  too  mafj 
were  being  enlisted.  Capts.  Claddings  and  Hormell  each  had  too  many  men,  at 
to  reduce  the  number  the  men  were  notified  that  any  who  so  desired  might  leal 
the  ranks  and  return  home.  Although  it  was  not  a popular  thing  to  do,  quite 
number  availed  themselves  of  the  privilege. 

Immediately  after  the  departure  of  the  companies,  the  Dayton  Light  Infant j 
was  recruited  for  service,  and  organized  with  A.  L.  Stout  as  Captain  ; First  Lieji 
tenant,  Daniel  Tucker  ; Second  Lieutenant,  J.  D.  M.  Foreman  ; Orderly  Sergea: 
M.  Umbaugh  ; Second  Sergeant,  Owen  Smith  ; Third  Sergeant,  Joshua  Bowefsocjl 
Fourth  Sergeant,  William  Anderson  ; Corporals,  Lewis  Motter,  Russel  Gleorgjj 
Boyer  Decker  and  Andrew  Curtner.  June  9,  the  company  started  by  boat  f 
Camp  Washington.  Too  many  companies  having  already  reported,  this  compai 
of  Dayton  Light  Infantry,  the  Hocking  County  Riflemen,  Preble  County  Rifleiue 
Xenia  Riflemen,  a company  from  Piqua,  one  from  Cleveland,  two  from  Columbij 
and  several  from  Cincinnati,  were  ordered  home. 

There  were  two  Germans  in  the  Dayton  Light  Infantry  Company,  and  tv 
Americans  in  the  Dayton  National  Guard.  And  at  Camp  Washington,  Ca.pl 
Hormell  and  Stout  made  an  even  trade,  two  “Dutchmen  ” for  two  “ Buckeyes.”  j 

June  2H,  the  three  regiments  were  organized  as  follows  : 

FIRST  OHIO  VOLUNTEER  INFANTRY. 

Colonel,  Alex.  M.  Mitchell,  of  Cincinnati. 

Lieutenant  Colonel,  John  B.  Weller,  of  Butler  County. 

Major,  Thomas  L.  Hamer,  of  Brown  County. 

Capt.  R,  A.  Moore’s  Company,  of  Cincinnati. 

Capt.  Armstrong’s  Company,  of  Cincinnati. 

Capt.  Ramsay’s  Company,  of  Cincinnati. 

Capt.  L.  Krichner’s  Company,  of  Cincinnati. 

Capt.  Lewis  Hormell’s  Company,  of  Dayton. 

Capt.  L.  Giddings’  Company,  of  Dayton. 

Capt.  Weller’s  Company,  of  Butler  County. 

Capt.  Hamilton’s  Company,  of  Portsmouth. 

Capt.  Johnson’s  Company,  of  Brown  County. 

Capt.  Bradley’s  Company,  of  Lower  Sandusky. 

The  two  companies  from  this  county  were  mustered  in,  each  with  sevenfej 
seven  men,  the  Rifles  as  Company  B,  and  the  Guards  as  Company  C,  but  not 
color  company. 

SECOND  OHIO  VOLUNTEER  INFANTRY. 

Colonel,  George  W.  Morgan,  of  Knox  County. 

Lieutenant  Colonel,  William  Irvin,  of  Fairfield  County. 

Major,  William  Wall,  of  Athens  County. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


399 


Capt.  Walcott’s  Company,  of  Columbus. 

Capt.  Latham’s  Company,  of  Columbus. 

Capt,  Morgan’s  Company,  of  Mount  Vernon. 

Capt.  Stadden’s  Company,  of  Newark. 

Capt.  McLean’s  Company,  of  Athens. 

Capt.  Worthington’s  Company,  of  Logan. 

Capt,  Irvin's  Company,  of  Lancaster. 

Capt.  Brunner’s  Company,  of  Circleville. 

Capt,  Reynold’s  Company,  of  Chillicothe. 

Capt.  Irick’s  Company,  of  Hillsboro. 

THIRD  OHIO  VOLUNTEER  INFANTRY. 

Colonel,  S.  R.  Curtis,  of  Wayne  Count}-. 

Lieutenant  Colonel.  G.  W.  McCook,  of  Jefferson  County. 

Major,  J.  S.  Love,  of  Morgan  County. 

Capt.  Allen’s  Company,  of  Massillon. 

Capt.  Moore’s  Company,  of  Wooster. 

Capt.  Woodruff’s  Company,  of  Norwalk. 

Capt.  McLaughlin’s  Company,  of  Mansfield. 

Capt.  Ford’s  Company,  of  Mansfield. 

Capt.  McCook’s  Company,  of  Steubenville. 

Capt.  Patterson’s  Company,  of  St.  Clairville. 

Capt.  Meredith's  Company,  of  Coshocton. 

Capt.  Nole’s  Company,  of  Zanesville. 

Capt.  Chapman’s  Company,  of  Seneca  County. 

A Colonel’s  pa}'  was  $75  a month  ; Lieutenant  Colonel’s,  $60  ; Major’s  $50  ; 
Yjutant’s  and  Quartermaster’s,  each,  $10  additional  to  First  Lieutenant’s  pav  : 
jJSain’s,  $40  ; First  Lieutenant’s,  $30  ; Second  Lieutenant's,  $25  ; two  principal 
M sicians  in  each  regiment,  $17  each  ; Sergeant  Major’s  and  Quartermaster  Ser- 
nt’s,  each,  $17  ; First  Sergeant’s,  $16  ; Duty  Sergeant’s,  $13  ; Corporal’s.  $9  ; 
i siciaus  and  privates,  $8. 

July  2,  the  regiments  marched  from  Camp  Washington  into  Cincinnati,  and  at 
1 foot  of  Broadway  embarked  on  the  steamers  New  World  and  North  Carolina, 
r v were  a fine  body  of  men,  and  marched  like  veterans,  with  their  knapsacks. 
- teens  and  accouterments,  with  their  guns  at  shoulder,  and  with  good  field  music. 
ffV  were  greeted  by  crowds  along  the  line  of  march  with  cheer  upon  cheer.  Just 
< r noon,  as  the  boats  started,  they  were  given  a salute  by  a three-gun  battery 
M he  wharf. 

In  August,  the  First  Regiment  was  at  Camp  Belknap,  on  the  Texas  side  of 
1 Rio  Grande.  Capt.  Giddings,  of  Company  B,  was  promoted  to  Major,  Lieut. 
Gamp  Breconnt  was  elected  Captain,  Sergeant  J.  P.  Spiece,  Second  Lieutenant, 
i Nathan  Allen  Orderly  Sergeant. 

At  Camargo,  Capt.  Brecount  resigned,  and  Lieut.  Spiece  died.  Lieut.  David 
!|g  was  promoted  to  Captain,  and  Sergeant  Nathan  Allen  was  made  Second 
■Rtenant.  Lieut.  Egry,  of  the  Guards,  resigned,  Lieut.  Knecht  was  promoted  to 
h vacancy  and  John  P.  Kline  was  elected  Second  Lieutenant.  Augustus  Rex. 
tjdat  time  Orderly  Sergeant  of  the  Guards,  died  August  26. 

At  Monterey,  Col.  Alitchell  and  Lieut.  L.  Hotter  were  wounded,  and  Corp. 
■'ham  G.  Davis  was  killed. 

During  the  winter  of  1846-47,  E.  A.  King  was  appointed  Captain  in  the  reg- 
army.  and  Thomas  B.  Tilton  was  appointed  Lieutenant.  They  recruited  a 
Pan37.  Twenty-two  of  the  men  were  from  this  county  and  thirty-eight  from 
an  County. 

Saturday,  April  24,  1847,  the  company  left  for  Cincinnati.  They  were 
es|>rted  to  the  canal  by  the  citizens.  Mayor  McKinney  made  them  a farewell 
SI  '-ch  and  Capt.  King  replied,  pledging  that  his  company — the  “ Dayton  Reg- 


400 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


ulars  ” — never  would,  by  their  action  in  the  field,  tarnish  the  fair  name  of  tlu 
Dayton  volunteers,  won  by  gallantry  at  Seralvo  and  Monterey.  This  company 
was  assigned  to  the  Fifteenth  United  States  Infantry.  In  the  regiment  were  fivt 
Ohio  companies,  three  from  Michigan  and  two  from  Wisconsin.  Col.  George  W 
Morgan,  Lieut.  Col.  John  Howard,  of  Michigan,  Maj.  Samuel  Wood. 

May  12,  in  four  canal  boats,  the  Michigan  and  Wisconsin  companies  passed 
through  Dayton. 

' News  was  received  the  same  day  that  Companies  B and  C,  of  the  First  Ohio 
were  on  their  way  home  from  war.  A meeting  of  citizens  was  called,  and  a coin 
mittee  appointed  to  arrange  reception  ceremonies. 

Saturday  afternoon,  June  26,  the  Dayton  Hi  lies  (Company  B),  with  but  forty 
men,  reached  Dayton,  in  command  of  Capt.  D.  Long.  Crowds  of  citizens  iron 
town  and  country  with  militia,  music  and  the  gun  squad,  assembled  at  the  canal 
foot  of  Main  street,  and,  as  the  boat  swung  around  the  bend  at  Phillip’s  Hill,  t 
salute  of  twenty-nine  guns  was  fired.  The  soldiers  were  escorted  up  Main  streei 
to  Third,  then  to  the  National  House,  where  Mayor  McKinney  welcomed  then 
home.  In  reply,  Maj.  Giddings,  with  much  feeling,  referred  to  their  departure 
and  to  this,  their  return,  with  but  forty  men.  Twenty-one  of  their  comrades  were 
buried  in  Mexico  ; but  they  had  brought  back  the  flag  untarnished  that  had  beer 
presented  to  them  by  the  Dayton  ladies.  Cheer  upon  cheer  was  given  to  the  sol 
diers,  and  crowds  of  friends  escorted  each  man  to  his  home. 

Tuesday  morning,  June  29,  the  German  company,  C,  of  the  First  Regimen 
arrived  home  with  forty-six  men,  Capt.  Hormell  commanding. 

In  the  rain  and  mud  they  were  escorted  by  the  citizens  to  the  National  Hous< 
and  were  welcomed  in  a brief  speech  by  J.  W.  McCorkle.  The  crowd  cheered 
the  band  played,  and  all  rejoiced  in  shaking  hands  with  this  fine  body  of  men 
The  next  evening  the  town  was  illuminated  in  honor  of  the  return  of  the  two  com 
panies.  They  had  fireworks  at  the  court  house,  the  band  was  out.  fife  and  drum, 
stirred  up  the  town,  and  the  night  was  given  up  to  bonfires,  cannon  and  cheering 

Of  these  two  companies,  the  following  are  the  only'  members  known  to  bi 
now  living  : 


Dayton  Rifles,  Company  B — Maj.  Luther  Giddings,  Capt.  David  Long,  Capt 
DeCamp  Brecount  and  Lieut.  Nathan  Allen,  Sergt.  G.  Coon,  Privates  David  Tay 
lor,  William  Howell  and  Edward  Cummins  (colored). 

Dayton  National  Guard,  Company  C — Capt.  L.  Hormell,  Lieuts.  Wiilian 
Egry,  Christ  Knecht,  Sr.,  and  Ernst  Kohlresor,  Privates  George  Egerly,  Chaiie 
Nickel,  William  Spangler,  Jacob  Jacobs Poock. 

All  of  the  volunteers  under  the  first  call  having  served  their  term  and  beei 
discharged,  the  War  Department  called  upon  Ohio  for  another  regiment.  Unde 
this  call  a company  was  raised  in  Dayton  and  named  the  *•  Dayton  German  Gvena 
diers,”  and  organized  as  follows  : 

Captain,  John  Werner;  First  Lieutenant,  John  Fries;  Second  Lieutenant 
Henry7  Toepfer,  and  one  hundred  enlisted  men — thirty-five  men  from  this  county 
twenty-five  from  Columbus,  and  the  rest  were  enlisted  in  the  vicinity  of  Bremen 
Ohio.  They  were  ordered  to  report  at  Camp  Washington,  and  on  May  31  wer 
escorted  by  the  militia  and  citizens  to  the  puli  Ik:-  landing,  where,  after  severa 
speeches  in  German  and  English  and  a salute  from  the  artillery,  they  boarded  th 
packet  for  Cincinnati,  where  they  were  assigned  to  the  Fourth  Ohio  Regiment,  am 
Capt.  Werner  was  made  Lieutenant  Colonel  ; Lieut.  Fries  was  promoted  to  th 
Captaincy,  Henry  Toepfer  received  the  First  Lieutenant’s  commission  and  Wilhan 
Graebe  was  elected  Second  Lieutenant.  The  regiment  was  organized  with  C.  B 

Brough  as  Colonel.  John  Werner,  Lieutenant  Colonel,  and Young,  of  Butle 

County,  Major.  They  were  with  Gen.  Scott  at  Contreras,  Churubusco  and  Cha 
pultepec,  and  with  him  marched  in  triumph  into  the  City'  of  Mexico. 

At  the  storming  of  the  works  before  the  City  of  Mexico,  the  Compauy  snfferet 
severely.  Lieut.  Toepfer  was  killed  and  a number  of  his  men.  Capt.  John  Fries 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


401 


wounded.  In  February,  1848,  the  regiment  was  doing  garrison  duty  at  Puebla 
I July,  1848,  the  company  returned  to  Dayton  with  but  thirty-six  men,  and  were 
o-ien  a reception  and  dinner  by  their  friends.  Upon  their  arrival,  they  were 
lotted  by  the  “ National  Guard”  and  artillery  to  the  common  just  east  of  Bain- 
I ]ge  street,  near  Third.  The  tables  were  set  on  the  ground  now  occupied  by 
3 ddard’s  Agricultural  Works.  Philip  Wegeman  is  the  only  member  of  this 
apany  now  living. 

The  Fifth  Ohio  Regiment  was  organized  in  September.  1847.  Colonel,  Will- 
: i Irvin,  Lancaster  ; Lieutenant  Colonel,  William  H.  Latham,  of  Columbus  ; 
jor, Link,  of  Circleville. 

1848  to  1861." 

After  the  close  of  the  Mexican  war,  the  organization  of  the  “ Junior  Artiller- 
iu”  was  continued.  The  members  were  uniformed  and  armed  with  flint  lock 
j'se-pistols — truly  formidable  ! That  portion  of  the  German  Company  of  “ Na- 
t Jal  Guards,”  which  remained  at  home,  kept  up  its  organization,  and  after  the 
top  consolidated  with  the  company  that  returned.  The  gun  squad,  having  been 
n continued,  re-organized  about  1852,  and  received  an  additional  gun,  making 
■i  armament  a battery  of  two  12-pound  brass  pieces.  A large  cavalry  company 
w 3 raised  about  the  same  time  under  the  militia  law,  and  a second  was  organized, 
c nposed  of  young  men,  but  neither  company  existed  over  a year. 

“From  about  1856  until  1861,  were  Dayton’s  grandest  militia  days.  The 
1 gadier  General  with  his  brilliant  Staff,  their  clanking  swords,  large  plumes  and 
brass  spurs  and  gay  steeds,  as  they  pranced  at  the  head  of  a column,  was  a 
play  of  splendor  that  drew  the  populace  in  admiring  crowds.  Every  button 
sime  as  if  of  gold  ; every  horse  and  every  officer  stood  firm  and  stern  at  his  post, 
i ther  looking  to  the  right  nor  to  the  left,  but  steady  to  the  front.” 

The  Dayton  militia  then  consisted  of  five  companies  of  infantry  and  a 2-guu 
t tery,  composed  of  grown  persons — business  men  and  mechanics.  The  term  of 
e istment  was  five  years.  Each  company  selected  its  own  uniform  ; the  arms 
vce  furnished  by  the  State  ; the  uniforms  were  handsome,  and  the  organizations 
vre  very  creditable.  On  parade  days  people  came  from  near  and  far  to  witness 
t evolutions  and  feast  their  gaze  on  the  glittering  uniforms. 

The  largest  military  demonstration  ever  held  in  Dayton  was  on  Saturday,  the 
3!  of  July,  1858,  when  the  troops  were  reviewed  by  the  Governor,  Salmon  P.  Chase, 
t r weeks  in  advance,  the  town  was  occupied  with  the  arrangements  ; flaming  post- 
e were  sent  out  for  this  “ State  military  celebration,”  under  the  “direction  of  the 
1st  Regiment  of  Ohio  Volunteers,”  announcing  that  “ several  Revolutionary  he- 
rs would  be  present ; ” that  “ there  would  be  prize  drills  ’ for  “ silver  medals,” 
A,  etc. 

Excursions  were  to  come  on  the  five  railroads.  All  possible  arrangements 
vre  made  to  provide  for  the  strangers  that  were  expected.  Citizens  were  urged 
and  did  decorate  houses  and  streets.  On  the  2d,  the  Governor  and  his  Staff  ar- 
' ed  and  were  quartered  at  the  Phillips  House.  “ They  were  furnished  with  ele- 
fvt  horse  equipments,  manufactured  for  the  occasion.'  On  the  same  day,  the 
flowing  companies  arrived  and  were  assigned  as  follows  : The  “ Rover  Guard,” 
i m Cincinnati,  with  “Mentor’s  splendid  band,”  were  the  guests  of  the  Dayton 
'ght  Guard.  The  “ Warren  Guard,”  from  Lebanon,  were  received  by  the  “ Mont- 
pnery  Guard."  The  “Sandusky  Artillery  ” were  the  guests  of  the  “Steuben  Ar- 
• ery.’  The  “Sandusky  Yagers”  were  entertained  by  the  “Lafayette  Yagers.” 
ere  was  a succession  of  heavy  showers  all  Friday  afternoon,  thus  effectually  wa- 
t ing  the  streets  for  the  morrow,  and  the  money  that  had  been  raised  to  pay  for 
5 eet  sprinkling  was  appropriated  by  the  committee  for  more  powder.  The  mili- 
l y display  was  described  as  a magnificent  affair.  The  town  was  crowded  with 
lPple.  At  10  o’clock,  the  column  was  formed  on  Main  street,  with  twenty-two 

* Prepared  principally  from  a “ Military  History  of  Dayton,’’  written  by  Ashley  Brown,  and  published  in  the 
1 ton  Democrat  in  1&78. 


402 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


companies  of  artillery,  cavalry  and  infantry,  six  brass  bands,  and  a number  t 
bands  of  field  music.  Right  resting  at  Third,  line  displaying  southwardly,  the 
marched  north  to  the  head  of  Main  street,  counter-marched,  and  then  south  to  t! 
“ grove  ” (now  used  as  the  Southern  Ohio  Fair  Grounds):  The  ceremony  at  tl 

grove  was  short. 

Music  ; prayer  by  Chap.  D.  Winters  ; music  ; Declaration  of  Independent 
read  by  Maj.  D.  A.  Haynes  ; music  ; oration  by  Gen.  H.  B.  Carrington  ; musk 
benediction.  After  which  the  column  was  reformed  and  marched  back  to  thecit 
and  reviewed  on  Main  street  by  the  Governor  as  Commander-in-chief. 

The  following  is  a list  of  the  Generals  and  their  staff  officers  who  were  prei 
eut  : Salmon  P.  Chase,  Governor  and  Commander-in-chief;  Inspector  Gen.  ii.  ] 

Carrington,  Quartermaster  Gen.  A.  E.  Glenn,  Commissary  Gen.  L.  Buttles,  Chi' 
of  Engineers  D.  L.  Wood,  Surgeon  Gen.  W.  McMillen,  Maj.  Gen.  Adam  Spier 
Lieut.  Col.  D.  G.  Fitch,  Lieut.  Col.  G.  W.  Honk,  Lieut.  Col.  F.  Loury,  Lieut;  C( 
D.  E.  Mead,  Lieut.  Col.  H.  G.  Carey,  Maj.  William  Damme,  Maj.  William  Peas 
Maj.  Gen.  J.  A.  Joues,  Assist.  Adjt.  Gen.  J.  H.  Goodman,  Assistant  Judge  Adv< 
cate  Gen.  J.  J.  Finch,  Assistant  Quartermaster  Gen.  J.  A.  Fosmer,  Aid-dc-Cam 
J.  M.  Webster,  Brig.  Gen.  C.  L.  Vallandigham,  Maj.  D.  A.  Haynes,  Maj.  Samin 
Craighead,  Maj.  James  McDaniel,  Maj.  C.  McDermont,  Brig.  Gen.  F.  N.  Bill,  Ms 
Van  Housen,  Capt.  W.  D.  Colt,  Capt.  FI.  J.  Donahue,  Capt.  0.  Davgenfelt,  Brij 
Gen.  Garrison,  Maj.  W.  Young,  Brig.  Gen.  J.  F.  Whiteman,  Maj.  Mason,  Maj,  She 
labarger,  Maj.  Snyder,  Col.  E.  A.  King,  First  Regiment  Ohio  Militia,  Lieut.  Co 
Thomas  B.  Tilton,  Adjt.  E.  A.  Parrott,  Paymaster  B.  F.  Eaker,  Quartermastt 
George  Nauerth.  There  were  in  line  twenty-two  companies  of  artillery,  cavali 
and  infantry,  as  follows  : Springfield  Artillery,  Dayton  Light  Artillery,  Steube 

Light  Artillery,  of  Dayton,  Sandusky  Light  Artillery,  Lafayette  Blues,  gun  sqrsai 
of  Troy,  Montgomery  Cavalry,  of  Dayton,  Infantry  companies  from  Cincinnat 
four.  Infantry  companies  from  Hamilton,  two.  Infantry  company  from  Spring 
field,  one.  Infantry  company  from  Fremont,  one.  Infantry  company  fror 
Arlington,  Clay  Township,  one.  Infantry  company  from  Sandusky,  one.  It 
fantry  company  from  Troy,  one.  Infantry  company  from  Lebanon,  one.  On 
Dayton  companies  were  the  Montgomery  Guard  (Irish),  Da}?ton  Light  Guar 
(American),  National  Guard  (German),  Lafayette  Yagers  (German).  Afte 
dinner  was  held  the  drill  for  the  prizes,  which  were  awarded  as  follows 
The  artillery  medal  went  to  the  Sandusky  Light  Artillery.  The  infantry  medal  t 
the  Rover  Guards,  of  Cincinnati.  The  light  infantry  medal  was  won  by  the  Da; 
ton  Light  Guard. 

In  September,  of  this  year,  another  German  infantry  company,  called  th 
Washington  Guard,  was  formed.  September  22,  the  Dayton  companies  bad 
sham  fight.  The  Mexican  side  consisted  of  the  National  Guard,  Washiugio 
Guard,  Steuben  Battery.  On  the  American  side  were  the  Light  Guard,  Montgou 
ery  Guard,  Dayton  Light  Artillery.  After  about  an  hour’s  hard  fighting,  the  Me> 
icans  were  driven  off,  “loss  on  our  side  trifling.”  For  the  next  two  years,  th 
ranks  of  the  militia  companies  were  kept  filled  to  the  maximum.  They  had  pt 
rades,  drills,  excursions,  camps,  target  practice,  entertainments,  etc.  The  Baytoi 
Zouaves  were  organized.  Their  quaint  uniform,  proficiency  in  drill  and  strict  dis 
cipline  attracted  the  attention  of  the  community.  Their  first  appearance  on  th 
streets  was  witnessed  by  thousands.  In  the  fall,  two  companies  of  cadets  wer 
formed  from  the  larger  boj^s  of  the  district  schools.  They  were  fully ’armed  an 
equipped,  wearing  a grey  uniform.  They  became  very  proficient  in  drill,  and  wel 
disciplined. 

THE  WAR  OF  THE  REBELLION. 

During  the  winter  of  1860-61,  it  became  apparent  to  the  people  of  Daytoi 
as  well  as  to  all  in  the  North,  that  civil  war  was  inevitable,  and  the  progress  o 
events  was  watched  with  feverish  anxiety  by  both  citizens  and  militia.  Th 
evacuation  of  Fort  Moultrie,  by  Maj.  Anderson,  caused  intense  excitement,  arnj 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


408 


, en  at  last  Fort  Sumter  fell,  and  the  people  of  the  North  knew  that  the  ball  was 
clsned,  they  sprang  quickly  into  line  at  the  call  of  President  Lincoln  for  75,000 
l|n-  and  the  offer  of  40,000  from  Ohio  by  Gov.  Dennison,  the  recruiting 
i ich  was  begun  by  all  of  the  Dayton  companies,  and  the  promptness  with  which 
tij  young  men  responded  to  the  call,  gave  evidence  of  the  desire  which  the 
i Lriotic  children  of  the  nation  possessed  to  advance  and  overthrow  her  enemies. 
rjfe  recruiting  office  of  the  Montgomery  Guard  was  at  the  armory,  southeast 
i -uer  First  and  St.  Clair  streets  ; that  of  the  Dayton  Light  Guard  at  its  armory, 
c?  the  north  side  of  Third  street,  midway  between  Jefferson  and  Main,  and  that 
the  Lafayette  Guard  at  its  armory,  at  the  southwest  corner  of  Jefferson  and 
ifirket  streets. 

Wednesday  evening  at  7 o'clock,  April  17,  1861,  the  Dayton  Light  Guard  and 
t ; Montgomery  Guard  marched  to  the  depot  on  Sixth  street  and  took  the  train  for 
dumbus.  Immense  crowds  lined  the  streets  and  filled  the  depot.  When  the 
. npanv  flags  were  uufurled,  cheer  upon  cheer  rent  the  air.  Men  of  all  parties 
; led  the  escort,  and  without  division  assisted  in  the  “ enthusiastic  God-speed  ” 
t the  departing  volunteers,  thus  rendering  the  occasion  one  of  extraordinary 
i erest.  At  12  o’clock  the  same  night,  the  Lafayette  Guard  departed.  The  same 
cjwd,  that  had  not  left  the  streets,  escorted  them  with  cheers  and  good  wishes  to 
to  depot.  If  there  ever  was  a time  when  the  hearts  of  the  people  beat  in  unison 
al  were  filled  with  the  same  patriotic  spirit,  it  was  then,  when  the  large  as- 
siablage  gave  expression  to  sentiments  of  approval  and  good  wishes  to  the  vol- 
ufeeefs. 

1 The  same  night  the  Dayton  Light  Artillery  concluded  to-muster  into  the  serv- 
ii|  as  riflemen.  They  offered  their  services  and  were  immediately  accepted  by 
.ti  Governor,  and  on  Saturday,  April  20,  they  took  their  departure  for  Columbus. 
Tteir  uniform  was  red  shirts  and  dark  pants  and  cap.  They  made  a very  liand- 
s ue  appearance  as  they  marched  from  their  armory.  The  affection  shown  by 
t ir  familes,  and  the  great  crowd  that  accompanied  them  to  the  depot,  exhibited 
t.j  sympathy  shown  by  all.  As  the  train  moved  out,  showers  of  blessings  and 
|)d  wishes  accompanied  them  from  the  deeply  moved  crowd.  On  the  19th,  re- 
citing lists  of  the  “Anderson  Guard”  were  opened  at  their  armory  in  Brown’s 
I'll,  on  the  south  side  of  Third  street,  half  way  between  Main  and  Jefferson 
lets.  On  the  night  of  the  20th,  sixty-four  men  had  enrolled  and  the  company 

0 anized.  The  next  day  was  Sunday.  The  armory  was  one  continuous  scene  of 
e litement.  The  day  was  given  up  to  providing  for  the  volunteers.  Lady  friends 
we  busy  making  flannnel  shirts,  havelocks  and  needle  cases.  Caps,  shoes  and 

nkets  were  provided  by  a committee  of  citizens. 

The  doctors  of  the  town  offered  their  services  free  to  families  of  the  volun 
t rs ; druggists  agreed  to  fill  all  prescriptions  without  charge;  $5,000  was 
r;ped  at  a meeting  of  citizens  to  supply  the  immediate  wants  of  families  who 
nfeht  need  it ; donations  of  all  kinds  were  sent  in  ; young  and  old,  men,  women 
41  children,  alike  did  all  in  their  power  to  aid  in  sending  off  the  troops.  A 
y mg  boy  desired  to  and  did  enlist ; the  father  hearing  of  it,  went  to  the  re 
editing  office  and  erased  his  name ; the  excited  boy  asked  his  father  what  he 
11  mt ; the  reply  was,  “ I want  you  to  stay  at  home  and  help  me  work,”  to  which 

t boy  answered,  “I’ll  just  tell  you  what  it  is.  I’ll  be  d d if  I’ll  work  for 

.Vji  or  anybody  else  till  this  war  is  over.” 

Sunday  night  the  “ Anderson  Guard”  were  quartered  in  Beckel  Hall,  waiting 
;'ers  from  Columbus.  Monday  morning  the  excitement  increased  as  the  hour 

1 w near  for  the  departure  of  the  company  ; the  streets  were  filled  with  people, 
t hall  was  crowded,  the  soldiers  and  citizens  joined  in  singing  the  “ Star  Spangled 
f mer,”  and  amid  cheers,  waving  of  handkerchiefs  and  flags,  the  company  filed 
Rj)  the  street ; every  foot  of  room  was  occupied  on  the  streets  and  sidewalks  ; 
'VP'ng  friends  were  bidding  good-bye  to  their  husbands,  fathers  and  brothers  ; 
cidren  were  crying;  the  crowds  were  shouting  farewell  to  the  gallant,  true- 
h rted  volunteers. 


404 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Scenes  at  the  depot  cannot  be  described  in  a short  space.  When  the  trai 
moved  off,  the  cheering  was  renewed,  and  another  hundred  men  had  gone,  makin 
a total  of  465  men  sent  from  Dayton  in  response  to  the  first  call  for  three  month  | 
enlistments.  Upon  the  arrival  at  Columbus,  the  first  three  Dayton  companies  wei 
assigned  to  the  First  Regiment  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  as  follows  : Lafayett 
Guards  as  Company  B (German),  Dayton  Light  Guards  as  Company  C (color  con 
pany),  Montgomery  Guards  as  Company  D (Irish). 

This  regiment  and  the  Second  Ohio  were  ordered  and  started,  by  railroad,  i 
Washington  on  Friday,  April  19.  The}7  had  the  usual  experience  of  raw  troop 
whose  first  duty  always  seems  to  be  grumbling  at  the  imaginary  poor  grub  as 
hard  beds.  They  were  detained  at  Harrisburg  for  a few’  days,  where  the  time  w: 
occupied  in  drilling  and  writing  letters  home.  They  then  moved  to  Lancaster  l 
be  armed  and  equipped,  thence  to  Washington  and  their  first  fight  at  Vienna,  i 
the  battle  of  Bull  Run  they  covered  themselves  with  glory,  and  in  the  retreat 
the  army  the  regiment  was  in  the  brigade  under  Gen.  R.  C.  Schenck.  Their  ter 
of  enlistment  having  expired,  they  were  discharged,  and  reached  Dayton  Frith' 
evening,  August  2.  They  were  received  at  the  depot  by  the  militia  companit 
fire  department  and  a vast  concourse  of  citizens,  with  shouts  of  welcome,  patriot 
speeches  and  salutes  by  the  artillery,  escorted  to  the  court  house  and  dismisse 
each  man  to  narrate  again  and  again  to  his  friends  his  three  months’  experien 
in  Uncle  Sam’s  army.  The  great  demonstration  was  enthusiastic  in  the  extreme 
a just  tribute  to  their  gallantry.  They  were  the  heroes  of  the  hour  and  the 
homes  the  center  of  attraction,  and  the  petted  soldiers  felt  their  importance, 
good  story  was  told  on  one  of  them,  living  in  a prominent  corner  house  up  tow 
He  asked  his  mother  and  insisted  that  his  bed  should  be  placed  in  the  yard  und 
the  trees,  as  lie  had  been  so  used  to  sleeping  out  doors  that  he  could  not  rest 
the  house.  He  soon  got  over  that  after  his  comrades  heard  of  it. 

The  “Dayton  Riflemen  ” and  the  “Anderson  Guard  ” were  ordered  to  Camp  -Jac 
son,  within  the  limits  of  the  city  of  Columbus,  and  on  the  formation  of  the  Eieveni 
Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry  were  assigned  to  that  regiment,  the  riflemen  as  Company 
and  the  Guards  as  Company  G,  and  commenced  drill,  and  complain  of  the  territ 
grub — no  soft  bread,  no  butter  ; it  was  awful.  Then  they  expected  to  be  in  bat1 
within  a da}7  or  two  after  leaving  home,  and  were  disappointed.  Washington  w 
safe  and  the  first  danger  had  passed.  The  Government  determined  to  hold  the 
troops  in  Ohio  as  a reserve,  and  for  more  perfect  organization  the  regiment,  wi 
others,  was  ordered  to  a point  on  Little  Miami  River,  distant  fifteen  miles  fro 
Cincinnati,  where  they  assisted  in  the  arranging  and  construction  of  Camp  Deni 
son.  All  of  the  thirteen  Ohio  regiments  (except  the  First  and  Second)  that  we 
organized  under  the  President’s  first  call  for  troops  were  stationed  here,  and 
kept  constantly  drilling  for  the  next  six  or  seven  weeks,  when  they  were  re-orga 
ized  for  the  three  years’  service.  June  20,  the  Eleventh  Regiment  was  re-organiz< 
Company  A re-enlisting  for  the  three  years’  service.  A portion  of  Company 
returned  to  Dayton,  the  rest  enlisting  in  other  companies  and  regiments. 

With  the  necessity  for  soldiers  came  the  need  of  furnishing  them  with  vane 
articles  of  clothing,  and  the  little  conveniences  which  fair  and  willing  hands  kin 
so  well  how  to  bring  into  existence  from  the  storehouses  devoted  to  the  cau 
Meetings  were  held  at  all  available  places  ; churches  and  ladies’  societies  took  t 
work  in  hand,  and  the  manufacture  of  shirts,  socks,  clothing,  blankets,  etc.,  w 
entered  into  with  spirit.  The  departing  soldiers  were  well  supplied,  and  espec. 
care  was  taken  also  to  look  after  the  needs  of  their  families.  Large  sums  of  mon 
were  raised  by  private  subscription  ; the  City  Council  and  the  Board  of  Four 
Commissioners  appropriated  $10,000  each,  for  the  relief  of  soldiers  families; 
cieties  and  incorporated  companiesof  all  kinds,  also  the  fire  department,  contribuf 
liberally  from  their  resources,  and  certainly  neither  the  volunteers  nor  their  famil  i 
had  cause  to  complain  that  they  were  not  comfortably  provided  for.  Not  oi 
was  this  the  case  in  the  beginning,  but  thi'oughout  the  entire  term  of  strife.  De 


I 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


409 


j J§d  the  noble  county  around  her,  won  the  lasting  gratitude  of  the  soldier  boys 
1 their  families,  and  there  is  to-day  a feeling  of  pride  at  the  recollection  of 
lies  performed  when  the  war-cloud  hung  darkly  over  the  land. 

On  the  evening  of  Tuesday,  April  16,  1861,  the  “ Zouave  Rangers,”  a 
roughly  armed  and  equipped  organization,  passed  a resolution  as  follows  : 
!| esolved , That  the  Zouave  Rangers  of  Dayton  tender  their  services  to  the  Gover- 

of  Ohio,  as  a home-guard,  to  do  services  within  the  limits  of  the  State  only.” 
"(3  company  was  accepted  by  the  Governor,  and  departed  for  Columbus  on  the 
. ning  of  the  22d  of  April.  Remaining  at  that  point  for  some  time,  doing  garri- 

duty.  they  were  stationed  as  a guard  at  the  east  end  of  the  Marietta  Railroad, 
;,1  after  three  months  of  service,  returned  to  Dayton  on  the  25th  of  July.  The 
uckeye  Guard  ” opened  its  armory  and  recruiting  lists  at  Brown’s  Hall,  on  Third 

- let,  April  24,  in  view  of  being  ready  as  soon  as  another  company  should  be  ac- 
ted. Having  become  fully  organized,  they  tendered  their  services  on  the  29th. 

a 1 were  at  once  accepted.  They  left  for  Hamilton,  eighty-seven  strong,  on  the  2d 
) May,  and  going  into  camp  at  that  city,  remained  until  the  20th  of  the  same 
nth,  when  they  returned  to  Dayton  to  recruit  for  the  three  years'  service. 

Numerous  companies  and  regiments  from  other  points  in  Ohio,  and  from  dif- 
fdnt  States,  passed  through  Dayton  during  the  first  three  months  of  th'e  war,  over 
: railways,  and  the  Committees,  who  made  it  their  duty  to  look  after  those  mat- 
’*3,  gathered  provisions  as  speedily  as  possible,  and  taking  them  to  the  depot,  fur- 
i bed  the  men  with  good  lunches.  These  Committees  were  composed  principally 
dandies,  who  were  very  active  on  such  occasions,  looking  after  the  comfort  of 
t|  strangers  on  their  way  to  the  front,  or  to  points  of  rendezvous,  with  great  care. 
Any  pleasant  acquaintances  were  thus  formed,  which  were  continued  by  corres- 
p idence  during  the  war.  On  the  21st  of  May,  the  First  Ohio  Regimental  Band  left 
ijyton  to  join  the- regiment  at  Philadelphia.  A purse  of  $100  in  gold  was  pre- 
shed  to  it  by  friends  as  the  cars  were  on  the  point  of  starting. 

There  were  but  few  enlistments  in  the  navy  from  this  locality.  The  recruit- 
ip  for  three  years’  service  began  in  May,  1861.  Several  distinguished  officers 
v;re  from  Dayton.  At  the  outbreak  of  the  rebellion,  R.  C.  Schenck  tendered  his 
> vices  to  the  President,  and  was  at  once  appointed  Brigadier  General  and  ren- 
ed  distinguished  services,  for  which  he  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  Major 
< neral.  In  December,  1863,  he  resigned  to  take  his  seat  in  Congress. 

George  Crook,  who  was  born  near  Dayton,  graduated  at  West  Point  in  1S52, 
s’ved  in  the  Western  army  until  the  war  broke  out;  in  August,  1861,  was  ap- 
fnted  Colonel  of  the  Thirty-sixth  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  and  in  the  spring  of 
1)2  was  placed  in  command  of  a brigade  in  the  Army  of  West-  Virginia.  In  July 
cathe  same  year,  his  brigade,  as  a part  of  the  celebrated  Kanawha  Division,  was 
t nsfern  d to  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  For  distnguished  services,  he  was  com- 
missioned Brigadier  General  of  Volunteers.  July  20,  1864,  he  was  brevetted  Major 
*: neral  “ for  gallantry  and  efficient  services,  and  about  January,  1865,  was  pro- 
fed  to  full  Major  General  of  Volunteers,  in  which  capacity  he  served  through 
v war  and  was  mustered  out  on  the  15th  day  of  January,  1866,  and  ordered  to 
1 regiment  in  the  regular  army  as  Lieutenant  Colonel,  and  has  since  been  pro- 
• 'ted  to  full  Brigadier  General  in  the  United  States  Army. 

The  “ Buckeye  Guard  ” opened  recruiting  lists  for  three  years’  service,  unless 
Acer  discharged,  on  the  morning  of  the  20th  of  May,  and  ten  days  later  moved 
1 rail  to  Camp  Jackson.  Fifty  Dayton  men  were  in  this  company,  which  was 
perward  transferred  to  Camp  Chase,  four  miles  east  of  Columbus,  and  assigned  to 

- Twenty-ninth  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry.  Twenty -five  men  who  had  enlisted  to 
vve  three  years  in  Company  A.  Eleventh  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  left  to  join 
Ut  company  at  Camp  Dennison  May  29.  The  company  was  re-organized  for  the 
Yee  years’  service  on  the  15th  of'  June,  retaining  its  position  in  the  regiment.  It 
1 itained  seventy  Dayton  men.  On  the  latter  date  the  “ Union  Guard  ” estab- 
■ued  an  armory  in  the  hall  at  the  southwest  corner  of  Market  and  Jefferson 


K 


410 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


streets,  and  on  the  26th  began  recruiting  for  the  three  years’  service.  It  was  fu 
organized,  and  mustered  into  service  at  Camp  Dennison,  as  Company  I,  Twell 
Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  June  29  ; the  company  contained  twenty-five  Dayt 
men,  the  rest  were  from  the  townships  of  Montgomery  County,  and  some  from  1 
counties  of  Preble,  Greene  and  Darke. 

Twenty  men  for  the  First  Ohio  Battery  were  recruited  at  Dayton  July 
1861,  and  were  soon  taken  to  Camp  Dennison,  where  the  battery  was  organ  iz 
From  its  peculiar  service  and  equipment  during  its  first  year’s  service,  it  Vi 
always  known  as  the  “Jackass  Battery.”  A recruiting  office  for  United  Sta . 
regular  army  was  opened  at  Dayton,  July  25,  1861,  and  continued  through  b 
war.  About  one  hundred  men  were  enlisted  therein,  being  assigned  principally  i 
the  Fifteenth,  Eighteenth  and  Nineteenth  United  States  Infantry.  The  term  ' 
service  had  been  reduced  by  Congress  from  five  to  three  years. 

August  5,  recruiting  for  the  First  Ohio  Infantry  for  the  three  years’  service 
gan.  On  the  19th  the  site  for  a military  camp  was  selected  two  and  one-half  mi  i 
east  of  Dayton,  on  the  hill,  just  south  of  where  the  Cleveland,  Columbus,  Cine  • 
nati  & Indianapolis  and  Dayton  & Southeastern  Railroads  now  cross  theSpringfM 
pike.  The  camp  was  given  the  name  of  “ Camp  Corwin.”  August  20,  a comps  - 
of  sixty -five  men  marched  in  from  the  northern  part  of  the  county  and  camped  i 
the  fair  grounds.  In  the  town,  all  was  military  excitement.  There  were  twe  > 
recruiting  offices,  four  raising  companies  for  the  First  Ohio  Volunteer  Infant, 
two  for  the  regular  army,  one  for  cavalry,  one  for  the  Thirty-fifth  Ohio  Volant ' 
Infantry,  a company  of  sharpshooters  for  the  Twenty-second  Ohio  Volunteer 
fantry,  an  independent  company,  one  company  for  the  Forty-fourth  Ohio  Infan  ■ 
and  one  for  the  Second  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry.  August  23,  the  first  throe  cc- 
panics,  numbering  in  the  aggregate  200  men,  marched  to  Camp  Corwin.  Augij 
26,  General  Order  No.  1 was  issued,  and  military  duty  began.  September  ?..  • 
Dayton  Cavalry  Company  was  ordered  to  Camp  Corwin.  The  next  two  mom 
were  devoted  to  drilling  and  organization.  Saturday,  October  12,  notice  \$ 
received  that  the  Government  could  not  supply  the  regiment  with  blankets.  . 
meeting  was  Called  at  once,  and  on  Monday  1,000  blankets,  besides  shirts,  soc . 
etc.,  were  distributed  to  the  men.  Thus  nobly  did  the  patriotic  people  respond) 
the  call  for  aid.  October  31,  at  8:30  A.  M.,  the  regiment  marched  in  from  Cad 
Corwin  and  boarded  the  train  at  the  Union  depot.  They  were  a fine  body  of  my 
four  companies  were  from  Dayton — Company  B,  100  Dayton  men  ; Company  . 
80  Dayton  men  ; Company  E.  60  Dayton  men  ; Company  F,  100  Dayton  men. 

The  streets  were  crowded  with  people,  who  marched  to  the  depot  with  1 
men,  where  wives,  sisters,  children  and  friends  bade  them  a tearful  farewell.  Ca  p 
Corwin  was  discontinued.  August  7,  recruiting  commenced  for  a company  • 
the  Thirty-fifth  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry.  As  soon  as  a squad  was  accepted,  it\s 
forwarded  to  the  regimental  camp  at  Hamilton,  and  assigned  as  Company  H.  i 
the  company  there  were  forty-five  Dayton  men.  August  20,  an  office  was  opei  l 
at  the  northeast  corner  of  Ludlow  and  Third  streets,  to  recruit  a company  for  : 
Fourth  Regiment  Ohio  Cavalry.  September  20,  the  company  went  to  Camp  G- 
ley,  where  they7  were  mounted,  equipped  and  drilled.  November  23.  the  regnal 
moved  to  Camp  Dennison,  and  to  the  front  on  December  6.  The  company  ce 
tained  about  fifty  Dayton  men.  August  20,  an  office  was  opened  to  recruit  a ec- 
pany  of  sharpshooters  that  were  afterward  assigned  to  the  Second  Ohio  Voh- 
teer  Infantry.  There  was  great  delay  in  the  organization.  October  lO,  the  comps ' 
left,  forty  of  the  men  being  from  Dayton.  They  went  to  Camp  Hamilton,  thee 
to  Missouri.  August  22,  recruiting  was  began  for  a company  for  the  Second  0 -1 
Volunteer  Infantry.  About  thirty  Dayton  men  were  received,  who  were  for  wan  1 
to  the  regimental  headquarters  at  Camp  Dennison  from  whence  the  regiment,  * 
soon  as  organized  was  moved  to  Kentucky7. 

September  12,  the  Citizens’  Relief  Committee,  that  had  been  in  active  sen  ; 
since  the  commencement  of  the  war,  held  its  final  meeting,  when  the  business  vi 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


411 


a ed  over  to  the  County  Commissioners.  September  19.  an  officers’  tent  was 
,j  aed  on  the  court  house  lot  as  a recruiting  office  for  a company  to  join  the 
'l  tv-fifth  Indiana  Regiment.  Twenty  recruits  were  secured  the  first  day,  and 
. ie  latter  part  of  November  the  company  was  moved  to  the  headquarters  of  the 

nent  in  Indian^.  There  were  about  forty  Dayton  men.  September  19.  a 
waiting  office  was  opened  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  a company  for  the 
cy-fourth  Ohio  Infantry.  The  regimental  headquarters  were  at  Springfield. 

, -ast  as  recruits  were  received,  they  were  forwarded  to  that  point.  Within  thirty 
ai  the  company  was  filled,  there  being  about  twenty-five  men  from  Dayton. 

Immediately  after  the  departure  of  the  three  months’  troops  in  April,  1801 . 
-nibia  companies  were  formed.  Each  ward  had  its  own  company  of  “Home 
ird.”  Then  a company  called  the  State  Guard  was  formed  by  sixty  of  our 
ac  prominent  gentlemen  over  forty-five  years  of  age.  The  remaining  members 
flach  of  the  three  companies,  that  were  assigned  to  the  First  Regiment,  organ- 
si- what  they  called  Company  B of  each  of  their  companies.  Members  of 
^Society  of  Turners  formed  themselves  into  the  Dayton  “ Yagers.”  There 
e two  cavalry  companies  and  one  of  artillery.  The  Ohio  Guard,  Oregon  Home 
i rd,  the  Dayton  Grays  were  again  revived.  The  Franklin  In vinci bles,  a com- 
ar of  “ minute  men,  ’ the  Dayton  Forcibles,  National  Guard,  the  Union  Reserve 
drd,  Harrison  Rangers,  Slemmer  Guard,  McClellan  Guard,  and  Franklin  Zou- 
i v . The  parades,  drills,  festivals  and  picnics  of  these  companies  kept  the  people 
>u  sightseeing  as  a relief  from  the  more  exciting  news  from  the  army. 

A military  committee  for  Montgomery  County  was  appointed  by  the  Governor, 
*c|>ber  15,  1861,  and  to  it  was  giveu  charge  of  recruiting  and  organization,  and  all 
otlr  military  matters,  and  control  of  affairs  generally,  so  far  as  the  interests  of 
uGtate  and  Government  were  concerned.  The  names  of  the  gentlemen  who 
-13d  on  this  committee  are  as  follows  : E.  S.  Young,  Daniel  A.  Haynes,  James 

t ier,  T.  A.  Phillips,  Henry  Fowler,  Robert  W.  Steele,  Thomas  J.  S.  Smith.  J. 
like  Stutsman,  Thomas  B.  Tilton.  The  Seventy-fifth  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry 
a a recruiting  office  at  Froslin  Hall,  while  that  of  a company  of  sharpshooters 
f at  Walden’s  Hall,  on  East  Fifth  street.  A squad  of  twenty-seven  Dayton 
at  left  October  17,  for  Benton  Barracks,  Missouri,  where  they  were  assigned  to 
in  egiment  of  western  sharpshooters.  Twenty-three  more  men  from  Dayton  joined 
ha  in  October  and  November,  while  the  county  at  large  and  the  counties  adjoin- 
j'urnished  men  for  the  same  company.  December  12,  at  the  regimental  organ- 
3£',on,  they  were  assigned  as  Company  G ; they  were  armed  with  American  tar- 
1 e ’ifles  without  bayonets,  and  equipped  with  bear-skin  pouch,  powder  horn, 
j rrel  tail  cap,  blue  coat  and  blue  pants.  After  a time  spent  in  skirmishing  in 
l ouri,  the  regiment  was  sent  up  the  Cumberland  River,  thence  to  Pittsburg 
a iing.  By  order  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  the  name  of  the  regiment  was 
higed,  April  1,  1862,  to  the  Fourteenth  Missouri,  and  after  the  close  of  the 
aement  around  Corinth,  Miss.,  in  the  fall  of  1862,  the  Secretary  of  War  issued 
a rder  changing  its  name  to  the  Sixty-sixth  Illinois,  which  was  retained  through- 
ujthe  war.  The  command  saw  active  service,  participating  in  the  campaigns 
c i Tuscumbia  Bridge.  February  3,  1863,  to  Whiteside’s  Farm,  September  9,  1863. 

' a anuary,  1864,470  of  the  men  re-enlisted,  going  home  for  a thirty  days'  vet- 
13  furlough  on  the  28th  of  that  month.  March  3,  1864,  they  re-organized  at 
cat,  III,  and  were  sent  forward  to  the  army  in  time  to  participate  in  the  great 
vi  nta  campaign,  hav  ing  been  assigned  to  the  Second  Division  of  the  Sixteenth 
k)s,  and  afterward  to  the  Fifteenth  Corps.  The  regiment  lost  225  men  in  killed, 
wended  and  missing  in  120  days  ; subsequently  went  with  Sherman  on  his  march 
oiie  sea,  and  was  with  Hazen  at  the  storming  of  Fort  McAllister,  near  Savannah, 
wl a a line  of  supplies  from  the  boats  was  opened  up  and  the  way  of  the  victori- 
'JUjUnion  army  was  not  longer  disputed  in  that  direction.  The  time  of  several 
'Bubers  of  Company  G expired  December  18,  1864,  and  they  returned  to  Dayton 
icy.  before  Savannah,  Januar}7  7,  1865.  Those  remaining  were  reviewed  w’ith 


112 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


their  command  by  Gen.  Sherman  and  others.  Starting  on  the  homeward  mai 
from  Raleigh,  N.  C.,  April  29.  1865,  they  arrived  at  Washington  on  the  24th 
May,  and  at  that  city  participated  in  the  grand  review  of  Sherman’s  army.  ,Ji 
3,  they  started  for  Louisville,  Ky.,  where  they  arrived  on  the  7th,  were  mustei 
out,  deposited  the  regimental  colors  at  Springfield.  111.,  were  paid,  and  returned 
their  homes  with  all  the  honors  of  war  upon  them. 

During  October,  November  and  December,  1861,  the  military  commit 
•collected  by  contribution  from  the  citizens  of  Dayton  and  the  country  a large  mi 
ber  of  blankets,  shirts,  socks,  and  other  clothing  to  be  sent  to  the  soldiers  in 
field.  The  Soldiers’  Aid  Society  at  Dayton  did  their  share  of  this  good  work,  s 
continued  their  efforts  through  the  winter,  regularly  sending  supplies  to  tbe  D 
ton  boys  in  the  field.  Fairs  and  festivals  were  held  and  every  means  taken 
assure  the  comfort  of  the  volunteers  and  their  families.  About  December  i,  18 
the  company  raised  for  the  Seventy-Fifth  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry  was  sent 
Camp  John  McLean,  near  Cincinnati  ; it  contained  twenty-five  Dayton  men.  r\ 
regiment  was  organized  December  18, 1861.  and  sent  to  West  Virginia. 

The  Adjutant  General  of  Ohio  urged  the  “instant,  earnest  and  combiii 
efforts  of  officers,  committees,  and  patriotic  citizens  in  recruiting,  thus  to  ena 
Ohio  to  send  35,000  more  men  to  the  army  that  was  to  operate  against  Nashv 
and  New  Orleans.’’  Within  the  months  of  November  and  December,  1861,  i 
during  the  year  1862,  many  recruiting  offices  were  opened  in  Dayton,  and  as  ft 
as  companies  were  organized  they  were  forwarded  to  the  following  regiments 
order  given.  The  Fifty-eighth,  Sixty-ninth  and  Seventy-first  Ohio  Infantry. 
Eighth  Ohio  Battery,  Sixty-first,  Fifty-second,  Eighty -fourth,  Eighty-six 
Ninty-third,  Fiftieth,  One  Hundred  and  Sixth,  One  Hundred  and  Eighth,  f 
Hundred  and  Thirteenth  Ohio  Infantry,  Second  Ohio  Cavalry,  Sixty-third  0 
Infantry,  and  the  Seventeenth  Ohio  Battery.  The  company  for  the  Fifty-eig: 
was  recruited  as  a German  company.  In  it  were  ninety-five  Dayton  men.  T 
were  sent  to  Camp  Chase  as  fast  as  enlisted,  where  the  regiment  was  organized ; 
drilled,  and  on  February  11  sent  to  the  field.  Recruiting  began  Novembei 
1861,  for  the  Sixty-ninth  Ohio.  There  seven  Dayton  men  enlisted  for  Comp: 
•G,  and  sent  to  Camp  Hamilton,  where  the  regiment  organized  and  was  sent  to 
field  on  the  19th  of  April.  In  November  there  were  enlisted  twelve  men  in  D 
ton  for  the  Seventy-first,  then  being  organized  at  a camp  near  Troy,  where  t! 
remained  until  ordered,  February  10,  to  Paducah. 

November  1,  recruiting  began  for  the  Eighth  Ohio  Battery.  By  January 
thirty  Dayton  men  had  enlisted  and  been  taken  to  camp  at  Troy,  where  they 
mained  until  in  February,  when  they7  were  moved  to  Camp  Dennison.  The  bait 
organized  and  received  guns  and  complete  equipment.  March  22,  they7  were  mo 
to  Benton  Barracks,  Mo.,  thence  to  Pittsburg  Landing.  During  the  winter 
Sixty-first  was  organized  at  Carhp  Chase.  There  were  twenty  Dayton  men 
listed  in  the  regiment.  The  rendezvous  for  the  Fifty-second  Ohio  was  at  Caj[ 
Dennison.  Recruiting  was  slow  from  May  15  to  August  15,  the  date  of  the  orgj 
ization  of  the  regiment.  August  25,  at  sunrise,  theyT  left  for  Kentucky.  In  pi 
ing  through  Cincinnati,  they  were  presented  with  beautiful  regimental  colors 
the  citizens.  There  were  twelve  Dayton  men  in  the  regiment.  Four  Dayton  b 
at  Oxford  College  enlisted  in  the  Eighty-sixth  Ohio,  a three  months’  regini 
organized  by  Gov.  Tod  as  part  of  a re-enforcement  to  be  sent  to  Gen.  Banks] 
the  Shenandoah  Valley.  They  were  organized  at  Camp  Chase,  and  sent  to  ffla  • 
burg,  W.  Va.,  on  the  6th  of  June,  1862.  Twenty-six  men  were  enlisted  in  on) 
the  tents  on  the  court  house  lot  for  three  months’  service  in  the  Eighty-foy 
Ohio  Infantry. 

In  July,  the  State  had  been  divided  into  eleven  military  districts.  Md 
gomerv  County  was  included  in  the  Fourth  District.  One  of  the  regiments  ty 
raised  was  the  Ninety-third,  to  rendezvous  at  Camp  Dayton  (afterward  located 
•the  fair  grounds  at  the  lower  end  of  Main  street).  Meetings  were  held  in  alj» 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


413 


ii townships  and  in  Dayton  daring  July  and  August,  to  assist  in  filling  up  the 
eluent.  There  were  four  Dayton  companies — A,  I,  G and  K.  200  of  the  men 
mi1,  from  Dayton.  The  aid  societies  again  brought  their  efforts  into  requisition 
i he  benefit  of  the  volunteers  and  their  families  ; recruiting  offices  were  opened 
Ants  on  the  court  house  lot  and  in  buildings  in  all  parts  of  the  city.  The  mil- 
tay  spirit  of  the  people  was  again  aroused  in  response  to  the  call  for  troops, 
hjjens’ committees  were  appointed  in  all  the  wards,  and  nightly  meetings  were 
e to  aid  the  officers  in  filling  the  ranks.  The  streets  were  used  for  company 
tn  squad  drill.  Monday  morning,  August  11,  the  companies  began  to  assemble, 
ah  during  the  week  nine  companies  were  in  camp  and  regular  military  duty 
efin.  Citizens  from  all  over  the  district  visited  the  camp,  carrying  supplies  of 
[kinds  to  the  soldiers.  The  young  ladies  of  Dayton  presented  the  regiment 
,L  a handsome  stand  of  colors.  The  organization  left  by  rail  for  Lexington* 

. on  the  afternoon  of  Saturday,  August  23. 

The  Fiftieth  Ohio  contained  twenty  Dayton  men.  and  was  recruited  between 
•'(-ember,  1861,  and  August,  1862.  It  was  at  first  intended  to  make  it  an  Irish 
> nent.  but  the  idea  was  finally  abandoned,  and  the  muster-in  occurred  at  Camp 
Raison  on  the  27th  of  August,  1862.  Fifteen  Dayton  men  enlisted  in  the  Seven- 
All  Ohio  Battery,  which  commenced  recruiting  in  the  city  in  August,  1862* 
vie  of  the  nine  tents  on  the  court  house  lot,  and  on  Sunday,  August  24,  were 
rued  to  Camp  Dayton.  A few  days  afterward,  they  were  sent-  to  Cincinnati 
a equipped,  and  on  the  3d  of  September  were  forwarded  to  the  field.  In  .1  uly 
u August,  the  portion  of  a German  company  was  recruited  in  Dayton  for  the 

Huudred  and  Sixth  Ohio  Infantry.  In  it  there  were  fifteen  Dayton  men. 

I regiment  was  organized  at  Camp  Dennison  and  sent  to  the  field  September  4. 
"1  One  Hundred  aud  Eighth  Ohio  was  also  a German  regiment.  The  recruiting 
Ine  here  was  one  of  the  tents  on  the  court  house  lot.  where  forty-three  men 
■e  enlisted  for  Company  E.  It  was  intended  to  organize  the  regiment  at  Camp 
'tnison,  but  the  Kirby  Smith  raid  hurried  them  to  Kentucky. 

In  August,  one  of  the  tents  at  the  court  house  was  used  to  recruit  a company 
oi  he  Second  Ohio  Cavalry.  A battalion  was  organized  at  Camp  Dennison,  and 
-f  iber  14,  they  were  sent  to  Kentucky,  serving  in  that  State  until  the  latter  part 
fllarchf  1863.  when  the  four  companies  joined  the  other  eight  companies  of  the 
Ament  near  Lexington.  There  were  thirty-seven  Dayton  men  in  the  regiment. 
IfflUigust,  1862,  the  military  committee  authorized  the  organization  of  a company 
Uv,  was  afterward  assigned  to  the  Sixty-third  Ohio.  First  they  went  to  Camp 

hm.  then  back  of  Covington,  Ky.,  in  the  defense  of  Cincinnati  against  Kirby 
yh,  and  on  the  5th  of  November  joined  the  regiment  near  Grand  Junction, 
Ls.  There  were  twenty-five  Dayton  men  in  the  company.  Ten  men  were 
re-iited  on  the  court  house  lot  for  the  Eighty- fourth  Ohio,  but  afterward,  in  De- 
■•■  :>er.  1862,  were  assigned  to  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fourth  Ohio  Volun- 
v-  Infantry,  then  organizing  at  Camp  Taj' lor.  near  Cleveland.  January  1,  1863, 
■4  regiment  was  ordered  to  the  front.  In  August,  1862.  a new  company  was 
lelled  for  the  old  Eleventh  Ohio  Infantry.  In  one  of  the  tents  at  the  court  house 
Suiting  lists  were  opened,  and  a number  of  men  enlisted  for  that  splendid  regi- 
1 1.  Dayton  furnished  twenty  of  the  new  men,  and  they  were  assigned  as  Com- 
l)fy  I-  Thus  ended  recruiting  for  the  year  1862. 

Through  the  fall,  several  companies  from  this  and  other  counties  were  at 
fP  Dayton.  An  effort  was  made  to  organize  the  One  Huudred  and  Twelfth 

II  > Volunteer  Infantry,  but  failed.  City  and  county  bonds  were  issued  in  large 
r unts  to  raise  money  for  soldiers  and  their  families.  Soldiers  passing  to  the 
r<jt,  or  the  wounded  coming  from  the  field,  were  met  at  the  depot  bj'  our  ladies 
V1  provisions  and  delicacies  for  their  comfort  ancl  relief.  Additional  “ Soldiers’ 
^ Societies  ” had  been  organized  throughout  the  city,  and  in  fact  for  the  last 
'i months  scarcelj’  anything  was  done  but  to  assist  in  organizing  and  supplying 
'•b'soldiers  and  their  families.  The  citizens’  committee  had  raised  $20,077.75  by 


414 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


subscription  within  two  weeks’  time.  August  19,  the  military  committee  ben; 
arranging  for  the  first  draft.  On  the  22d,  formal  notice  was  given  that  it  wou 
occur  on  Wednesday,  September  3.  Then  began  the  fun  ; men  of  all  partit 
creeds  and  conditions  began  maneuvering  for  exemption.  By  their  own  aecoun 
our  people  of  all  ages  were  sadly  afflicted,  and  getting  no  better  fast.  The  bo 
in  the  field  were  laughing  at  their  brothers,  fathers  and  sons  at  home,  wishing  tli 
they  would  be  drafted.  Each  ward  in  the  city  had  funds  in  the  hands  of  a coi 
raittee  with  which  to  get  substitutes  and  volunteers  credited  to  their  respecti 
wards,  and  thus  free  them  from  the  dreadful  draft,  September  3.  The  time  w 
extended  to  the  16th,  then  again  to  October  1.  at  which  time  it  took  place  for; 
townships  that  had  not  furnished  their  full  share  of  volunteers.  The  city, 
believe,  was  clear. 


Kirby  Smith’s  advance  upon  Cincinnati  thoroughly  aroused  the  citizens 
Ohio  to  the  dangers  of  and  destruction  by  an  invading  enemy.  The  milii 
and  citizens  generally  turned  out  in  great  numbers,  and  marched  overland 
foot,  horseback  or  in  conveyances,  and  by  railroad,  to  the  defense  of  our  b( 
der,  and  especially  Cincinnati. 

In  the  early  fall  of  1862,  the  people  of  Ohio  were  subjected  to  a bad  sea 
The  national  arms  had  been  defeated  at  Richmond,  Ky. , and  there  was  cone! 
sive  evidence  that  the  rebels  intended  pushing  northward  as  far  as  the  01 
River,  and  would  probably  invade  Ohio  and  Indiana.  It  was  a time  for  aoti< 
and  men  of  nerve  were  not  found  wanting.  On  the  2d  of  September,  G( 
Tod  called  upon  the  citizens  of  Ohio  to  arm  and  organize  themselves  and  pi 
ceed  by  rail  to  Cincinnati  for  the  defense  of  the  State.  The  alarm  was  somi 
ed  far  and  near;  bells  were  rung,  guns  fired,  and  mounted  men  galloped  swif 
over  the  country  to  arouse  those  beyond  the  immediate  spread  of  the  tiev 
Old  guns  were  cleaned  up,  ammunition  was  purchased,  neighborhoods  eve 
where  rallied  at  given  points — at  cross-roads,  in  sclioolhouses,  churches,  blac 
smith  shops,  or  where  it  happened — and  tens  of  thousands  of  men,  known 
"the  squirrel-hunters,”  armed  with  rifle,  powder-horn  and  bullet-pouch,  wei 
ing  homespun  garments  and  having  blankets  slung  across  their  shoulders.  ; 
sponded  to  the  call  and  proceeded  as  rapidly  as  possible  to  Cincinnati,  wli 
many  anxious  hearts  at  home  beat  with  fear  of  what  the  future  might  deveh 
yet  with  pride  at  the  patriotism  of  their  loved  defenders.  The  men,  on  th 
arrival  at  Cincinnati,  were  marched  through  the  city  and  across  the  river  pi 
ponton  bridge,  finally  halting  in  the  fortifications  in  the  rear  of  Covington,  Ij 

The  citizens  of  Dayton  responded  with  great  alacrity  to  the  Govern- 
call,  and  on  the  morning  after  it  was  received  (September  3),  sent  three  cc 
panies  of  100  men  each  to  Cincinnati.  Companies  were  formed  in  each  of  ij 
wards.  The  Germans  met  in  Beckel  Hall,  and  Irishmen  were  called  togetl 
at  Hibernia  Hall.  At  each  place,  a battalion  was  organized,  making  in 
thirteen  companies  of  infantry  and  one  company  of  cavalry.  All  citizens  wl 
requested  to  bring  to  headquarters  rifles  and  shot-guns  for  the  use  of  the  ccj! 
panies.  Armories  and  halls  were  open  in  the  afternoon  and  at  night  for  dr 
The  streets  were  used  by  companies  and  squads.  Factories  and  stores  cloi 
at  4 P.  M. , so  that  all  could  drill.  The  three  companies  that  were  sent 
Cincinnati,  after  several  days’  duty  in  the  city,  were  assigned  to  the  First  R 
iment  Ohio  Militia,  and  ordered  to  North  Bond  to  guard  twenty  miles  of  ri 
front.  They  established  “ Camp  Harrison  ” above  the  mouth  of  the  Big  Miai 
Being  unused  to  camp  life  and  Government  rations,  and  having  no  cooks,  tl? 
did  not  at  fii’st  enjoy  the  service.  A company  styled  the  “ Body  Guar.' 
formed  by  thirty  Dayton  gentlemen,  who  had  armed  themselves  with  fine  ar 
rifles,  reported  at  Camp  Harrison,  where  they  remained  during  the  ; sieg 
On  the  17th  day  of  September,  after  two  weeks’  service,  all  returned  toDayt 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY, 


415 


A wood  story  is  told  on  a member  of  one  of  the  companies,  who  was  put- 
; on  the  airs  of  a veteran.  His  wife  and  children  had  prepared  a good 
, ^ it  being  the  first  meal  after  the  father  had  returned.  They  sat  down 
licken,  potatoes,  etc.,  etc.  He  got  up  from  the  table,  turned  up  his  nose, 
a ed  to  the  grocery,  bought  some  beans  and  side  meat,  took  them  home  and 
i to  his  wife.  “ Nett,  there  is  the  kind  of  dinner  a soldier  wants.” 

The  principal  aid  societies  were  the  Soldiers’  Aid  Societies  Nos.  1 and  2, 
a the  Soldiers’  Aid  Society  of  Oregon,  and  two  aid  societies  whose  members 
e little  girls.  The  churches  all  had  auxiliary  societies.  All  were  busy  day 
i niwht  providing  for  our  own  men  and  the  many  companies  passing  through, 
outimes  there  would  be  trains  carrying  1,20(3  or  1,500  men.  The  ladies 
e always  ready  to  serve  coffee  and  a good  lunch  at  the  depot,  receiving  the 
ks  of  the  soldiers  and  “God  bless  the  Dayton  people.”  September  15, 
)i  > excitement  was  occasioned  by  the  report  that  there  was  a party  of  rebel 
>’  i in  town  that  day.  A squad  of  ten  mounted  men  was  started  in  pursuit, 

. w north  on  the  Covington  pike,  thence  west  to  Euphemia,  near  which  place 
pies  were  captured  and  taken  to  Richmond.  Ind. , and  turned  over  to  the 
r 'ost  Marshal. 

Four  companies  of  infantry  were  then  at  Camp  Dayton,  which  had  been 
lited  for  the  One  Hundred  and  Twelfth  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  and  on 
rat :2th  of  September,  three  of  these  companies  were  ordered  to  Camp  Shaler, 
n miles  south  of  Covington,  Ky.,  where  they  remained  until  the  2d  of  Octo- 
On  the  latter  date,  they  returned  to  Camp  Dayton,  and  were  afterward 
*;ned  to  the  Sixty- third  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry.  On  the  1st  of  Septem- 
u 1862,  a draft  was  ordered  to  fill  the  quotas  of  the  respective  counties,  but 
is  postponed  to  the  16th.  The  number  required  from  each  township  and 
a l was  sent  to  the  Draft  Commissioners  by  the  Governor  on  the  12th  of  Sep- 
■l >er,  the  list  being  as  follows : Madison  Township,  62;  Jefferson,  64;  Jack- 

179;  Perry.  66;  Clay,  54;  Randolph,  63;  Wayne.  23;  Butler,  44;  Wash- 
i<on.  39;,  German,  69;  Miami,  94;  Harrison,  21:  Mad  River,  22;  Van  Buren 
8 First  Ward,  Dayton,  none;  Second  Ward,  none:  Third  Ward,  12;  Fourth 
■Vd,  5;  Fifth  and  Sixth  Wards,  none.  Substitutes  and  exemptions'  were 
ll  ist  frantically  sought  after.  The  townships  were  left  to  take  care  of  tliem- 
Jjis,  while  the  city  endeavored  to  free  the  two  wards.  Large  sums  were 
a to  those  who  enlisted  as  substitutes.  In  the  city.  226  persons  claimed 
xqption,  and  of  that  number,  178  were  allowed.  Everybody  was  excited; 
gts  were  at  work  with  pockets  full  of  money,  and  on  the  day  of  the  draft 
) ober  1)  it  was  found  that  Dayton  and  the  township  of  Mad  River  were 

0 The  other  townships  recruited  but  little,  and  nearly  the  full  numbers 
ini  above  were  drafted  in  them.  The  men  were  assembled  at  Camp  Day- 
4 and  taken  from  there  to  Camp  Dennison,  where  they  were  organized  into 
■ i panies  and  regiments. 

In  December,  1862,  twenty-two  men  were  recruited  here  for  the  One  Hun- 

1 and  Thirteenth  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  then  organizing  at  Camp  Den- 
i n.  December  27,  they  were  ordered  to  Louisville,  Ky. .where  they  re- 
i!  led  on  duty  for  a month,  then  were  moved  out  thirty  miles  on  the  Nash- 
r Railroad,  and,  after  three  weeks,  returned  to  Louisville  and  took  boats  for 
haville,  and  were  assigned  to  Gilbert’s  division.  The  regiment  received  a 
i dy  baptism  at  Chickamauga.  losing  138  officers  and  men.  January,  1863, 

I fficer  of  the  Tenth  Tennessee  Infantry  came  to  Dayton  to  organize  a brass 

I I for  the  regiment,  then  stationed  at  Nashville  and  known  as  Gov.  Andrew 
ason’s  “body  guard.”  Seven  men  were  recruited  for  the  band  in  Dayton 

u;  ten  from  Germantown.  They  were  stationed  at  Nashville  until  April, 
-bi,  then  sent  to  Greenville;  were  mustered  out  at  Knoxville  June  20,  1865, 
n l off  at  Nashville  and  came  home. 


i 


416 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


An  enthusiastic  demonstration  occurred  in  Dayton  on  Saturday,  April  ( 
1868,  when  142  loads  of  wood  for  soldiers’  families  were  brought  into  the  cii 
by  the  farmers  from  all  sections  of  the  county.  Large  quantities  of  provisioi 
were  also  donated,  both  by  the  farmers  and  by  citizens  of  Dayton.  May  ( 
1868,  martial  law  was  proclaimed  in  Montgomery  County,  and  a company , 
the  One  Hundred  and  Seventeenth  Ohio  Infantry  was  stationed  at  Daytoj 
May  27,  a tent  was  pitched  on  the  court  house  lot,  and  recruiting  began  ft 
Company  K,  First  Regiment  Ohio  Heavy  Artillery.  The  company,  when  o 
ganized,  consisted  of  152  men.  Fifty  Dayton  men  enlisted.  In  August,  tl 
company  joined  the  regiment  at  Covington,  Ky.,  and  assisted  in  the  constru 
tion  of  the  extensive  earthworks  in  a circle  of  eight  miles  around  Covington  ar 
Newport,  thus  making  Cincinnati  one  of  the  strongest  fortified  cities  in  tl 
land.  The  regiment  was  armed  and  drilled  as  infantry,  and  served  as  such  tl 
greater  part  of  the  time.  Company  K was  assigned  to  provost  duty  in  Co 
ington;  afterward,  was  stationed  at  Camp  Nelson,  with  Companies  H,  L ai 
M.  Ten  recruits  were  sent  from  Dayton.  In  March,  1864,  the  regime 
marched  over  the  mountains  through  the  heavy  snow  to  Knoxville,  and  fro 
that  time  until  July  14,  1865.  the  date  of  their  discharge,  they  were  in  acti 
field  service. 

Four  companies  of  Ohio  State  militia  were  organized  in  Dayton  in  Mi 
and  June,  1868.  On  the  21st  of  the  latter  month,  the  county  was  reliov 
from  martial  law,  and  a military  post  was  established  in  the  city;  and  on  tl 
26th,  recruiting  began  for  a cavalry  company  for  six  months'  service.  Hea 
quarters  were  in  a tent  at  the  court  house.  In  another  of  these  tents  a reeru: 
ing  office  was  opened,  July  2,  for  Company  C,  Second  Regiment  Ohio  Hoa 
Artillery.  Eleven  Dayton  men  enlisted,  proceeded  to  Camp  Dennison,  then 
to  Covington,  where  the  company  was  mustered  in  on  the  26th  of  August.  Ti 
battery  was  ordered  to  Fort  Smith,  at  Bowling  Green,  Ky.,  where  it  was  i 
duty  until  May  6,  1864,  when  it  moved  to  Charleston,  Tenn.  August,  1 
Wheeler’s  rebel  cavalry  attacked  the  post  and  were  repulsed.  The  battei 
with  Gen.  Steedman’s  column,  pursued.  October  9,  the  battery  moved  to  F( 
Saunders  and  Knoxville;  November  18,  moved  with  the  forces  under  Gel 
Tillson  to  open  communication  with  the  troops,  then  in  a critical  situation 
Strawberry  Plains.  In  two  days,  it  returned  to  Knoxville  ; December  | 
marched  under  Gen.  Ammen  to  Bean’s  Station,  Tenn.,  and  returned  to  Kec 
ville  on  the  29th,  thence  to  London,  Tenn..  which  place  it  secured  January 
1865,  where  it  remained  until  August  23,  when  it  was  taken  to  Nashville  a: 
mustered  out.  August  29,  the  men  arrived  at  Camp  Chase,  where  they  wt 
paid  and  discharged. 

The  4t,h  of  July,  1863.  was  celebrated  with  great  enthusiasm  at  Daytc 
and  excitement  ran  high  over  the  good  news  that  the  Pinion  arms  had  be 
successful  at  Gettysburg.  On  the  following  day  came  the  news  of  the  fall 
Vicksburg,  and  a large  meeting  for  rejoicing  was  held  at  the  court  house. 

Under  the  militia  law,  each  ward  in  the  city  was,  on  the  9th  of  July, 
vided  into  three  “ military  districts,”  and  each  district  was  required  to  org? 
ize  a company  of  militia,  and  July  15,  each  company  elected  its  office 
These  organizations  were  dubbed  “Flat  Foots.”  Early  in  July,  the  fame 
Morgan  raid  began.  On  the  8th,  the  rebel  cavalry  crossed  the  Ohio  River  a) 
were  advancing  through  Indiana.  Their  movements  were  rapid.  All  kinds 
reports  were  in  circulation,  and  telegraphed  all  over  the  country;  every  to’ 
in  Southern  Ohio  expected  to  be  laid  in  ashes.  The  militia  were  hastily  gaj 
ered.  July  12,  Gov.  Tod  ordered  out  the  militia,  and  the  companies  from  tl 
county  were  ordered  to  Camp  Dennison.  July  13,  the  Mayor  of  Dayton  issu 
a proclamation  requesting  the  suspension  of  all  business,  and  that  the  citize 


HISTORY  Of  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


421 


vuld  assemble  at  the  engine  houses  to  organize  companies  to  be  sent  to  Ham- 
ion. 

The  Military  Committee  appealed  to  the  people  to  arm  themselves  for  de- 
fise.  Silver- ware  and  valuables  were  buried  or  sent  North;  horses  were  also 
ra  North  for  security.  The  two  infantry  companies  that  were  stationed  here 
-one  of  them  mounted — were  sent  to  Hamilton.  Those  of  our  citizens  who 
id  horses  and  could  get  guns  were  organized  into  a company  of  scouts  and 
f it  to  the  front  to  patrol  the  country  roads.  They  reached  Middletown  at 
i rht,  and  scoured  the  territory  as  far  west  as  Winchester.  At  one  place  they 
i re  taken  for  Morgan  raiders.  They  returned  to  Dayton  on  the  evening  of 
IP  14th.  The  recruits  for  the  six-months  cavalry  company  organized  and 
eTted  in  the  pursuit  and  captured  fifteen  of  the  rebels,  turned  them  over  to 
on.  Burnside  and  returned  to  Dayton  on  the  15th.  On  the  17th.  the  militia 
• npanies  returned  from  Hamilton,  and  the  big  scare  was  over.  While  the 
rrlitia  were  gone,  all  remaining  able-bodied  men  were  organized  into  compa- 
re and  squads  for  defense.  Pickets  were  thrown  out  on  all  the  roads.  The 
t vn  was  thoroughly  patroled.  The  butchers  coming  to  market  were  terribly 
fghtened  at  the  challenge,  “ Who  goes  there?  ” The  ‘ ‘ outpost  ” down  the 
rer  road  was  re-enforced  and  held  in  line  of  battle  behind  the  fence  till  day- 
i ht,  only  to  find  that  its  cause  of  alarm  was  three  cows  feeding  along  the  road. 
;,e  companies  that  were  sent  to  Hamilton  were  poorly  armed  and  had  no  am- 
inition.  The  horses  for  an  artillery  company  were  being  taken  overland  from 
llndlay  to  Cincinnati,  and  halted  near  the  suburbs  of  Dayton.  One  of  the 
rim,  strolling  through  the  town,  was  picked  up  as  a rebel  spy,  but  was  soon 
; leased. 

The  six-months  cavalry  company  was  recruited  in  August  and  September, 
163,  and  assigned  to  the  Fourth  Ohio  Independent  Battalion.  In  this  com- 
jny  were  ninety  Dayton  men.  They  were  mustered  into  service  at  Cincin- 
iti,  and  left  Covington  September  16  for  the  interior  of  Kentucky.  For  the 
ixt  eight  months,  they  were  kept  continually  scouting.  After  their  time  had 
If'  two  months  expired,  they  were  returned  to  Cincinnati  and  mustered  out  of 
tp  service.  In  September,  five  men  were  recruited  in  Dayton  for  the  Twelfth 
bio  Cavalry,  which  regiment  was  organized  at  Camp  Taylor,  near  Cleveland. 

0 the  10th  of  September,  1863,  the  “ Flat  Foots  ” went  into  camp  at  Camp 
fami,  near  Piqua,  where  they  remained  two  days,  and  had  as  much  expe- 
lpnce,  to  let  them  tell  it,  as  the  veterans  of  three  years.  On  the  7th  of  No- 
'jrnber  following,  another  large  wood  procession  was  formed  in  Dayton  by  the 
rmers,  350  loads  of  wood  and  provisions  being  in  line.  The  boys  of  the  city 

1 erward  organized  themselves  into  clubs,  bearing  such  euphonious  titles  as 
Miami  City  Club,”  ‘ ‘ Oregon  Bucks,”  “ West-Enders,”  ‘‘Central  Club,”  “Cal- 
ornia  Tigers,”  ‘‘Oregon  Champions,”  “Frenchtown  Rangers.”  “ Independent 
mgers,”  “Water  Street  Bucks,’’  " Bucklot  Rangers,”  “ Buckeye  Rangers,  ” 

<P->  for  the  purpose  of  sawing  on  the  wood  brought  in  for  soldiers’  families, 
he  clubs  were  formed  into  a regiment,  and  they  marched  by  companies 
'rough  the  streets,  bearing  their  saws,  bucks  and  axes,  and  whenever  a 
le  of  wood  was  found  at  a soldier’s  door,  it  '"as  speedily  worked  up  ready 
f the  stove.  A grand  “bazar”  was  opened  in  the  Beckel  House  on  the 
‘jening  of  December  23,  1863,  and  continued  until  the  night  of  -January 
1864.  It  was  arranged  by  committees  from  the  numerous  Soldiers’  Aid  So- 
fties of  the  city,  and  donations  came  from  all  directions.  It  was  a complete 
ccess,  the  net  proceeds  amounting  to  about  $20,000. 

During  the  first  four  months  of  1864,  most  of  the  regiments  in  which  Day- 
n men  had  enlisted  were  re-enlisted  as  veterans  for  three  years  longer,  and 
pre  returned  to  their  homes  on  a thirty-days’  furlough.  Heartily  were  they 


I 


422 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


welcomed  by  friends  and  family;  the  people  all  treated  them  with  the  respect 
they  deserved,  and  the  boys  greatly  enjoyed  the  rest  and  relief  from  camp  duty 
The  members  of  the  different  companies  took  advantage  of  the  efforts  of  tht 
citizens  to  enlist  men  enough  to  free  the  city  from  the  draft,  and  tried  to  se 
cure  the  recruits  for  their  own  regiments.  In  this  way  there  were  about  eight) 
Dayton  men  enlisted  for  old  regiments  and  taken  to  the  front.  As  the  spring 
opened,  it  became  apparent  to  all  that  the  crisis  of  the  war  was  approaching 
The  great  number  of  men  in  the  field,  and  the  President's  call  for  more,  was  ; 
serious  matter  by  reason  of  the  great  financial  strain,  as  well  as  taking  an  ad 
ditional  number  of  men  from  every  community.  In  Dayton,  the  fear  of  thi 
draft  and  a desire  to  aid  the  Government  caused  the  renewal  of  the  efforts  oi 
the  previous  year  to  recruit  men  for  the  army.  Large  bounties  were  offered 
Wards  and  townships  placed  their  money  in  the  hands  of  brokers,  to  be  usee 
anywhere  to  secure  men  to  be  credited  to  them.  Many  who  were  not  liable  t( 
military  duty,  by  reason  of  old  age  or  other  physical  disability,  had  men  en 
listed  to  represent  them  in  the  war.  May  11,  the  draft  occurred.  The  who! 
county  was  clear  except  the  First  Ward  and  Mad  River  Township.  In  thi 
former  there  were  twenty-four  drafted,  and  in  the  latter  twenty-one.  Refort 
the  men  were  ordered  to  re  port,  the  ward  had  secured  men  enough  to  f ree.it 
self,  and  Dayton  had  once  more  sent  her  quota  to  the  front.  The  recruiting 
agents  were  generally  located  at  or  near  the  “ Ohio  Block.  ” on  Third  street 
just  west  of  the  canal,  where  the  Provost  Marshal  had  his  office,  and  where  thi 
terrible  draft  machine  was  kept. 

Men  from  Dayton,  by  the  1st  of  May,  .1864,  were  with  Grant  before  Kick 
mond,  Sherman  in  Georgia,  Crook  in  the  mountains  of  West  Virginia.,  Hante 
in  the  Shenandoah  Valley,  Banks  in  the  Red  River  region  at  Knoxville 
Charleston  Harbor  and  in  Florida.  Great  anxiety  was  manifested  by  all  a 
home,  for  from  the  front  came  news  of  serious  casualties  almost  every  day,  ant 
the  battle-scarred  remains  of  gallant  soldiers  were  often  sent  home  for  burial 
The  papers  were  eagerly  scanned  for  news.  With  fear  and  trembling,  the  de 
tails  of  every  battle  were  sought  for.  The  true  history  of  the  woe  in  the  lam 
can  never  be  told.  The  grief  of  a family  but  added  to  the  anxiety  of  th 
neighbors. 

The  call  for  the  100-days  men  was  a genuine  sensation.  Our  merchants 
manufacturers,  lawyers,  doctors,  preachers,  bankers  and  farmers  had  organize! 
companies  of  Home  Guards,”  that  were  assigned  to  State  regiments  of  militia 
April  25,  these  companies  and  regiments  were  ordered  out  by  Gov.  Brough  fo 
100  days’  service  in  the  Union  army.  This  call  caused  many  hardships  am 
much  suffering,  but  the  prompt  response  of  the  men  showed  that  they  ha 
learned  the  most  valuable  lesson  to  the  soldier — obedience  to  orders.  May  2 
the  Dayton  companies,  with  the  other  companies  from  the  townships  composin. 
the  Second  Regiment,  and  several  companies  of  the  Twelfth  Regiment  Oki< 
Militia,  assembled  at  “ Camp  Lowe,”  at  the  lower  end  of  Main  street.  May  4 
they  were  furloughed  until  the  10th,  when  they  ag-ain  assembled,  and  wer 
regularly  mustered  into  the  United  States  service.  When  the  companies  fror 
the  townships  came  through  the  city  on  their  way  to  camp,  they  wei’e  accom 
panied  by  their  wives  and  families,  sweethearts  and  friends,  in  carriages,  wag 
ons,  horseback  and  on  foot.  They,  with  our  townspeople,  formed  a large  ee 
eort  for  the  boys  from  the  camp  through  the  town  and  back  to  the  depot,  H 
companies  were  taken  by  rail  to  Camp  Chase,  where  the  two  battalions  wer 
consolidated,  forming  the  One  Hundred  and  Thirty-first  Regiment  Ohio  N; 
tional  Guard.  The  four  Dayton  companies  were  assigned  as  A,  B,  C and  I 
amounting  in  the  aggregate  to  365  Dayton  men.  May  15,  the  regiment  ws 
ordered  to  Baltimore  for  garrison  duty  in  the  United  States  forts  near  the  city 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


423 


vere  they  remained  until  August  19,  when  they  returned  to  Camp  Chase  and 
. re  mustered  out  August  25. 

About  twenty  of  the  colored  citizens  of  Dayton  enlisted,  but  were  scattered 
the  regiments  of  other  States.  They  served  principally  in  Charleston  Har- 
b • and  before  Petersburg  and  Richmond,  and  on  their  record  as  soldiers  there 
ao  stain.  The  First  Regiment  of  United  States  Veteran  Volunteer  Engi- 
srs  was  organized  early  in  September,  1864,  from  the  pioneer  brigade,  the 
in  of  the  latter  having  expired.  This  regiment  consisted  of  three  battalions- 
m ose  post  was  at  the  front,  where  they  were  engaged  as  pioneers  and  ponton- 
ih,  building  fortifications,  bridges,  etc.  Eighteen  Dayton  men  enlisted 
i September,  1864,  at  the  “ Ohio  Block  ” for  a term  of  one  year.  They  were 
. en  to  Camp  Chase  and  assigned  to  Company  K,  One  Hundred  and  Seventy - 
ith  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry.  Their  regiment  reached  Nashville  on  the  8th 
October,  and  was  assigned  to  the  Second  Brigade,  Fourth  Division,  Twen 
h Army  Corps,  participating  in  the  battle  at  Nashville  December  15  and  16, 
4 remaining  on  duty  at  that  point  until  discharged,  June  18,  1865. 

Means  for  escaping  a draft  were  devised  after  the  President’s  call  for  500, - 
ill)  men  in  July,  1864,  but,  after  strenuous  efforts,  four  of  the  wards  of  Day- 
...  and  four  of  the  townships  failed  to  fill,  and  the  following  draft  was  made 
louble  the  number  required,  but  so  ordered  that  a sufficient  number  of  men 
: the  front  should  be  insured:  First  Ward,  Dayton,  48  :nen;  Fourth  Ward, 

Fifth  Ward,  86;  Sixth  Ward,  76;  Miami  Township,  94;  German  Town- 
,i  p,  50;  Mad  River  Township,  52;  Harrison  Township,  54. 

Some  of  the  most  prominent  men  of  the  town  were  in  the  list.  However, 
mey  enough  was  raised  after  the  draft  to  send  agents  to  the  large  cities, 
vere  enough  substitutes  were  enlisted  to  clear  the  county.  From  the  time 
: a call  was  issued  until  the  day  of  the  draft,  it  is  estimated  that  about  ninety 
I yton  men  were  enlisted  and  sent  to  the  field. 

In  October,  $800  had  been  raised  to  buy  a small  cannon,  with  which  to 
a ist  in  the  celebration  of  Union  victories.  A committee  purchased  the  little 
s;el  gun  now  in  use,  paying  for  it  $160.  It  was  first  used  in  firing  a salute 
the  levee,  Monday  evening.  September  14,  1864,  by  the  veterans  of  the 
Bret  Ohio  (Jackass)  Battery.  At  that  time,  the  gun  was  called  “Uncle  Joe.” 
1 e different  aid  societies  were  constantly  busy  preparing  and  forwarding  sup- 
I es  to  the  army  and  to  the  Sanitary  Commission.  In  November,  a special 
1 was  made  upon  Dayton  for  lint  and  bandages.  A meeting  was  called  for 
iiday  evening,  November  18.  Soliciting  committees  were  appointed,  that 
vre  active  through  the  whole  winter  in  soliciting  such  supplies.  Immense 
‘ antities  were  sent  to  the  designated  places,  not  only  by  the  regular  societies, 
It  by  individuals  and  clubs  of  young  people.  The  Governor,  by  proclamation, 
- apart  Saturday,  November  26,  as  a day  for  contributions  to  the  fund  for  the 
' ief  of  soldiers'  families.  Dayton  responded  wfith  a subscription  of  $10,000, 
1 quantities  of  provisions  and  other  supplies.  The  townships  each  raised 
t >ney,  fuel  and  produce  as  their  share  toward  the  comfort  of  our  soldiers’ 
Indies.  Thus  again  did  our  people  nobly  fulfill  their  pledges. 

December  21,  another  call  was  issued  for  300,000  troops,  of  which  Ohio 
hs  to  furnish  ten  regiments.  The  quota  of  Montgomery  County  was  598;  of 
•jiyton,  200.  Recruiting  at  once  began  in  earnest.  People  of  all  classes  were 
■ terested,  from  patriotic  motives,  as  it  was  well  understood  that  the  rebellion 
jls  on  its  last  legs:  Sherman's  march  to  the  sea,  Thomas  at  Nashville,  Sher- 

in  in  the  Shenandoah  Valley,  Grant  at  Richmond  and  Foster  in  South  Caro- 
ia,  had  demonstrated  that  the  end  was  near.  Men  were  recruited  in  Dayton 
r five  of  the  new  one-year  regiments;  the  One  Hundred  and  Eighty-fourth, 
men;  the  One  Hundred  and  Eightv-sixth,  5 men;  the  One  Hundred  and 


424 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Eighty-seventh,  10  men;  One  Hundred' and  Eighty-eighth,  5 men;  Company 
K,  One  Hundred  and  Eightv-ninth,  25  men.  These  regiments  were  all  organ 
ized  at  Camp  Chase,  within  the  first  five  days  of  March,  1865,  and  were  sent, 
immediately  to  Nashville.  Recruiting  was  continued  in  Dayton.  Large 
bounties  were  offered.  Men  were  allowed  to  choose  their  regiments,  and  en 
list  for  either  one,  two  or  three  years.  With  these  inducements,  many  of  the 
returned  soldiers  re-enlisted,  and  it  is  estimated  that  about  one  hundred  were 
recruited  iu  this  way  and  sent  to  the  different  Ohio  regiments  in  the  field. 
Thursday,  March  30,  the  draft  came  off  in  the  wards  and  townships  that  had 
not  filled  their  quotas,  as  follows:  First  Ward,  29;  Fifth  Ward,  33;  Sixth 

Ward,  28:  Madison  Township,  1;  Miami  Township,  2;  Harrison  Town- 
ship, 1. 

The  Fourth  Ward  was  six  short,  and  Mad  River  Township  ten  short,  but! 
no  draft  occurred  until  April  11  for  those  two  districts,  as  they  had  promised  to 
fill  their  quotas;  but  on  that  day,  the  wheel  was  turned  for  the  number  stated 
above.  The  war  was  so  near  at  an  end  that  all  the  conscripts  were  good-na- 
tured about  it,  and  stood  out  in  the  rain  before  the  Provost  Marshal’s  office 
while  the  wheel  was  being  turned,  and  joked  each  man  as  his  name  was  called 
On  Sunday,  February  5,  a train  of  sixteen  empty  cars,  with  130  citizens  wkoi 
had  volunteered,  went  to  Brookville  to  load  and  bring  in  100  cords  of  wood 
that  had  been  bought  by  the  Relief  Committee  for  soldiers’  families.  A like 
trip  was  made  in  March. 

The  news  of  the  occupation  of  Charleston  by  the  Fnion  forces  arrived 
appropriately,  on  the  22d  of  February,  1865,  and  on  the  3d  of  April,  the 
watchman,  waiting  with  bated  breath,  caught  the  murmur  from  afar  that 
Richmond  had  fallen,  and  rang  the  glad  tidings  forth  upon  the  air,  even  as 
the  bellman  of  1776  announced,  through  the  brazeB  tones  of  his  bell,  that  thitjj 
was  declared  a land  of  liberty.  People  rushed  through  the  streets  like  mad. 
shaking  hands,  shouting,  singing,  and  throwing  up  their  hats;  flags  were  hung 
out.  cannons  roared  and  the  bells  were  ringing;  a processiotr  was  formed,  and. 
with  a band  at  the  head,  marched  through  the  streets  rejoicing.  Sunday  nighi. 
April  9,  the  glorious  news  of  the  surrender  of  Lee  and  the  collapse  of  the  Con- 
federacy spread  through  the  city  like  wildfire.  Citizens  dressed  hastily  and 
marched  the  streets  all  night,  singing  patriotic  songs  and  congratulating  every- 
body. Private  houses  were  thrown  open,  impromptu  serenades  were  gotten  up.j 
the  air  was  full  of  shouts  of  rejoicing,  and  above  all  was  heard  the  ringing  of 
bells  and  firing  of  cannons.  A jubilee  was  arranged  for  Friday,  April  14.  All 
business  was  suspended.  The  town  was  given  up  to  rejoicing,  and  in  the 
evening,  after  the  national  salute  by  the  artillery,  there  were  fireworks  and 
speeches  at  the  court  house.  The  city  was  gayly  illuminated,  and  the  demon- 
stration did  not  subside  till  after  midnight. 

The  morning  of  the  15th,  all  was  changed  to  mourning.  Like  a thunder- 
bolt came  the  news  of  the  assassination  of  President  Lincoln.  All  was  given:' 
up  to  grief  over  the  national  calamity;  business  was  entirely  suspended;  the 
streets  were  filled  with  anxious  groups,  who  slowly  gathered  at  the  court  house, 
as  if  for  strength  to  bear  the  blow;  private  houses  and  public  buildings  were 
clothed  with  emblems  of  mourning,  and  flags  were  hung  at  half  mast.  April 
19,  religious  services  were  held  in  all  of  the  churches,  and  business  was  en- 
tirely suspended  throughout  the  city  from  10  A.  M.  to  2 P.  M.  All  the  church 
and  fire  bells  were  tolled  at  mid-day.  A committee  of  100  citizens  was  appoint- 
ed to  meet  the  remains  of  the  President  at  Columbus,  and.  as  representatives 
of  Dayton,  participate  in  the  obsequies. 

The  following  is  a summary,  by  companies  and  regiments,  of  the  men  en- 
listed at  Dayton  in  the  United  States  service  from  1861  to  1865: 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


THREE  MONTHS’  ENLISTMENTS. 

First  Ohio  Inf au try — La  Fayette  Guard 85 

First  Ohio  Infantry — Dayton  Light  Guard 70 

First  Ohio  Infantry — Montgomery  Guard 85 

Eleventh  Ohio  Infantry — Dayton  Riflemen 100 

Eleventh  Ohio  Infantry — Anderson  Guard 55 

Twenty-fourth  Ohio  Infantry — Buckeye  Guard 87 

Eighty -fourth  Ohio  Infantry,  summer  of  1862 26 

Eighty-sixth  Ohio  Infantry,  summer  of  1862 4 

Total  three  months’  men 512 

srx  MONTHS'  ENLISTMENTS. 

Fourth  Ohio  Independent  Cavalry  Battalion 90 

ONE  YEAR  ENLISTMENTS. 

One  Hundred  and  Seventy -Ninth  Ohio  Infantry,  Company  K 18 

One  Hundred  and  Eighty -fourth  Ohio  Infantry 6 

One  Hundred  and  Eighty-sixth  Ohio  Infantry 5 

One  Hundred  and  Eighty-seventh  Ohio  Infantry 10 

One  Hundred  and  Eighty-eighth  Ohio  Infantry 5 

One  Hundred  and  Eighty-ninth  Ohio  Infantry,  Company  K 25 

Enlisted  during  excitement  prior  to  draft  of  March  30,  1865 100 

Drafted  March  30,  1885,  and  entered  service 40 

Total  one  year  men 209 


THREE  YEARS’  ENLISTMEETS. 

Twenty-fourth  Ohio  Infantry 50 

Eleventh  Ohio  Infantry,  Company  A 70 

Eleventh  Ohio  Infantry,  Company  1 20 

Twelfth  Ohio  Infantry,  Company  1 25 

Enlisted  by  United  States  recruiting  officers  for  infantry  service,  reg- 
ular army 80 

First  Ohio  Infantry,  Company  B 100 

First  Ohio  Infantry,  Company  C 80 

First  Ohio  Infantry,  Company  E 60 

First  Ohio  Infantry,  Company  F 100 

Thirty-fifth  Ohio  Infantry,  Company  II.. . 45 

Twenty-second  Ohio  Infantry 40 

Second  Ohio  Infantry 30 

Thirty-fifth  Indiana  Infantry 40 

Forty -fourth  Ohio  Infantry... 25 

Sixty-sixth  Illinois  Infantry 50 

Seventy-fifth  Ohio  Infantry 25 

Fifty-eighth  Ohio  Infantry,  Company  A 95 

Sixty-ninth  Ohio  Infantry,  Company  G 7 

Seventy-first  Ohio  Infantry 12 

Sixty-first  Ohio  Infantry.... 20 

Fifty-second  Ohio  Infantry 1 12 

Ninety-third  Ohio  Infantry,  Companies  A,  I,  G,  K 200 

Fiftieth  Ohio  Infantry 20 

One  Hundred  and  Sixth  Ohio  Infantry 15 

One  Hundred  and  Eighth  Ohio  Infantry,  Company  E 43 

Sixty -third  Ohio  Infantry 1 25 

One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fourth  Ohio  Infantry 10 

Recruited  for  various  regiments,  including  substitutes,  during  excite- 
ment of  the  draft  that  occurred  October  1,  1862 25 

One  Hundred  and  Thirteenth  Ohio  Infantry 22 

Tenth  Tennessee  Infantry 7 

First  Regiment  Ohio  Heavy  Artillery,  Company  K (served  as  infantry)  60 

Second  Ohio  Heavy  Artillery  Company  C (served  as  infantry) 11 

Recruited  from  various  regiments  during  excitement  prior  to  draft  of 

May  11,  1884 80 

One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  Regiment  Ohio  Infantry 10 

After  the  draft,  to  clear  First  Ward 5 

Colored  enlistments  at  various  times 20 

First  United  States  Veteran  Volunteer  Engineer  Corps 20 

Recruited  for  various  regiments  during  excitement  prior  to  draft  of 
May  11.  1864 90 


426 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Enlisted  in  other  Ohio  regiments  of  infantry 45 

Enlisted  in  the  United  States  Navy 45 

First  Ohio  Independent  Battery 21) 

Eighth  Ohio  Independent  Battery SO 

Seventeenth  Ohio  Independent  Battery 45 

Enlisted  in  other  Ohio  batteries 40 

Fourth  Regiment  Ohio  Cavalry 50 

Second  Regiment  Ohio  Cavalry 37 

Twelfth  Regiment  Ohio  Cavalry 5 

Enlisted  in  other  Ohio  cavalry  regiments 43 

Total  three  years’  troojjs ' 44333 

SPECIAL  CALLS  IN  EMERGENCIES. 

Zouave  Rangers,  State  Guard — 1861 50 

Squirrel  Hunters  (Kirby  Smith  raid)— 1862 830 

Morgan  raid — 1863  240 

Ohio  National  Guard  (100-days’  men) — 1864 365 

Total  militia  service 985 

RECAPITULATION . 

Three  months’  enlistments 5115 

Six  months’  enlistments 90 

One  year  enlistments 209 

Three  years’  troops. 1888 

Total  number  of  Dayton  men  enlisted  in  the  United  States  service 

during  the  war  of  the  rebellion. 2699  1 

Under  special  calls  of  the  State : 985 


EVENTS  IN  MILITARY  CIRCLES  SINCE  1865. 

Within  a year  after  the  close  of  the  war,  nearly  all  the  Dayton  soldie: 
had  been  discharged,  returned  to  their  homes,  and  had  taken  up  again  tl 
peaceful  avocations  which  they  had  relinquished  at  the  call  to  arms.  In  tl 
month  of  August,  1878,  it  was  estimated  that  about  one  thousand  honorabi 
discharged  Union  soldiers  were  residing  in  the  city  of  Dayton,  not  to  mer 
tion  those  whose  homes  were  in  various  localities  throughout  the  county 

In  October,  1866,  King  Encampment,  Post  No.  20,  Grand  Army  of  tl 
Republic,  was  organized  in  Dayton.  The  post  had  308  members.  All  wei 
eligible  who  had  served  in  the  Union  army  or  navy  during  the  rebellion,  ar 
who  had  an  honorable  discharge  therefrom.  In  February,  1867,  Allen  Ej 
campment.  Post  No.  152,  was  organized,  and  shortly  afterward  the  Germa 
Post,  No.  67,  Dister  Encampment,  was  organized.  In  1868,  there  were  1,0( 
members  of  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic  living  in  Dayton.  Active,  at 
with  the  best  interest  of  the  soldiers  at  heart,  great  good  was  accomplish! 
for  the  order  and  for  the  widows  and  orphans  of  deceased  soldiers.  Conspici 
ous  among-  the  good  works  was  the  influence  exerted  toward  the  establiahmej 
of  the  Ohio  Soldiers’  and  Soldiers’  Orphans’  Home  at  Xenia.  In  Februar 
1868,  a week’ s entertainment  was  provided,  under  the  auspices  of  the  Gran, 
Army  of  the  Republic,  at  Music  Hall,  consisting  of  military  tableaux  and  tl 
‘ ‘ Drummer  Boy  ” allegory.  The  whole  people  were  at  once  interested ; cvom 
attended  nightly.  Scenes  at  the  music  stores,  where  tickets  were  on  sale,  we 
without  a parallel.  People  crowded  in  masses  to  get  tickets;  the  rush  was 
great  as  to  overturn  counters  and  break  show-cases.  Hundreds  were  turned  aw; 
from  the  exhibitions  for  the  want  of  even  standing  room.  So  great  was  the  ja 
that  it  became  necessary  to  dismiss  the  audience  with  military  precision  j 
avoid  crushing  people  to  death.  The  piece  was  presented  with  excellent  eflei 
by  200  of  our  veterans,  who  had  been  in  real  conflict.  The  audience  was  fa 
cinated  with  the  thrilling  scenes  from  the  battle-field,  and  moved  to  tears  i 

o 1 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


427 


s apathy.  The  committee  arranged  for  a sham  battle  upon  the  streets  for  the 
1 1 day  of  the  exhibition,  Saturday,  April  30.  The  forces  were  divided  as 
f lows:  The  Union  army  being  represented  by  three  companies  of  infantry, 

aiattery  and  small  escort  of  cavalry,  the  commanding  General,  with  a brill 
,t  staff,  all  being  in  regular  United  States  uniform.  The  rebel  side  con 
ted  of  two  companies  of  infantry,  two  twelve-pounders,  a squad  of  cavalry, 
t , General  and  his  staff,  all  wearing  the  Confederate  gray.  The  general  plan 
the  battle  was  that  the  rebels  should  be  driven  in  general  retreat  through  the 
cy,  but  the  boisterous  sympathy  of  the  crowd  for  the  Union  side  so  excited 
t,  combatants  that  it  was  difficult  to  control  them  sufficiently  to  follow  the 
p ,n  as  agreed  upon.  For  instance,  when  they  reached  the  point  where  the 
b.tery  was  to  be  captured,  the  “ rebs  ” fought  desperately  and  refused  to  obey 
ir  officers  by  giving  up  the  guns. 

Early  in  the  morning  of  the  day  announced  for  the  fight  to  come  off',  the 
g sets  began  to  fill  up  with  our  own  people  and  strangers  from  the  surround- 
ir  country  and  towns.  The  streets  and  sidewalks  were  quickly  filled;  awn- 
;;s  and  sign-posts  were  covered  with  men  and  boys;  every  available  window 
1 door  was  occupied,  and  the  roofs  of  the  houses  covered  with  people.  It 
v;  the  most  captivating  entertainment  ever  provided  for  the  public.  Main 
si  set  was  a grand  sight,  as  the  mass  of  people  crowded  to  see  the  rebel  force 
a they  marched  from  the  river  bridge  to  the  tune  of  Dixie  ” down  to  attack 
til  Union  forces  in  camp  at  the  canal  bridge.  Skirmishers  were  thrown  out, 
pjkets  driven  in,  re-enforcements  arrived,  the  sharp  roll  of  musketry  and  roar 
o: fie  artillery  was  evidence  that  the  battle  was  on.  They  fought  with  vary- 
ii  success  up  Main  to  Third  street,  where,  after  a hot  little  brush,  the  “ John- 
rs”  captured  the  Union  colors.  Could  the  people  stand  that ? Not  much. 
1 3 women  screamed  and  rushed  with  the  men  to  aid  in  the  recapture;  and  it 
Wi  with  difficulty  that  they  were  convinced  that  it  was  a part  of  the  play,  and 
wild  be  retaken  at  the  canal  bridge,  and  they  followed,  determined  that  it 
si  uld  be  done.  The  Union  boys  were  cheered  to  the  echo.  The  crowd  would 
r<  )ice  and  shout  with  them  at  every  advantage  gained,  and  regret  every  re- 
J 30.  In  fact,  they  followed  the  rear  guard,  ready  to  aid  at  the  front  if  the 
si  my  pressed  the  soldiers  too  hard.  The  rebels  continued  the  retreat  out 
Tjrd  to  Wayne,  then  to  Fifth,  then  to  Main,  halting  near  the  court  house, 
wore  a truce  was  declared,  and  coffee  and  “ grub  ” served  to  both  sides,  and 
1 street  show  ended.  Then  came  the  great  rush  of  men,  women  and  children 
t(  he  hall,  where  the  matinee  was  to  be  held.  Every  seat  was  filled,  and  all 
si  lading  room  occupied.  The  doors  were  closed,  and  as  many  were  sent  away 
r die  number  that  gained  admittance.  It  was  a day  long  to  be  remembered. 

May  30  was  designated  by  the  Grand  Commander  of  the  National  En- 
•;  iprnent  of  the  Grand  Ai’my  of  the  Republic  to  be  celebrated  each  year  by 
1 decoration  and  strewing  of  flowers  on  the  graves  of  deceased  Union  sol- 
i Jrs.  Soldiers  and  citizens  all  over  the  land  promptly  responded  to  the  sen- 
i ent,  and,  by  common  consent  and  practice,  it  is  to  all  intent  a national 
triday.  Here  in  Dayton,  each  year,  all  join  in  the  patriotic  duty  of  doing 
li  or  to  the  noble  dead;  flowei's  are  gathered  by  all  classes;  friends  and  rela- 
y's of  the  dead  soldiers  unite  in  the  beautiful  cei’emony.  Surviving  comrades 
?j-rd  with  zealous  care  the  record  of  service  of  the  fallen  messmate,  and  an- 

the  appeal  of  the  widow  and  orphan. 

Of  the  organizations  in  which  were  representatives  from  the  county  of 
Mntgomery,  two  in  particular  had  large  numbers,  and  these  were  the  First 
at  the  Ninety-third  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry.  The  number  in  each  will  be 
su  by  reference  to  the  preceding  table.  The  experience  of  these  two  regi 
mats  while  in  ihe  field  was  similar  in  many  respects,  and  the  ground  over 


428 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


which  they  traveled  and  fought  was  nearly  the  same,  except  that  the  Fin 
served  its  first  term  of  enlistment  -three  months — with  the  Eastern  army, 
brief  synopsis  of  the  movements  of  the  two  commands  during  their  three-years 
service  is  here  given,  from  Reid’s  “ Ohio  in  the  War.’’ 

The  First  Regiment  was  organized  for  the  three-years’  service  betwee 
August  and  October.  1861,  at  Camp  Corwin,  near  Dayton.  On  the  31st  oi'  th 
latter  month,  it  departed  for  Cincinnati,  where,  on  the  4th  of  November, 
received  its  arms.  Proceeding  to  Louisville  on  the  5th,  it  moved  from  tiiei 
on  the  8th  to  West  Point,  at  the  mouth  of  Salt  River,  and  was  soon  after  br 
gaded  with  the  First  Kentucky,  Sixth  Indiana,  First  Battalion  Fifteen! 
United  States  Infantry,  and  battalions  of  the  Sixteenth  and  Nineteenth  Ii 
fantry,  forming  the  Fourth  Brigade,  Second  Division.  At  Munfordsville,  Ky 
the  regiment  looked  for  the  first  time  on  the  serious  side  of  war,  although  ac 
engaged.  Several  wounded  men  from  another  regiment  which  had  been  in  tl 
fight  were  brought  in,  and  the  men  realized  to  what  scenes  they  must  becom 
i n ured  before  their  term  of  service  was  over.  Not  long  after — April  7,  1862 
they  met  the  foe  in  deadly  earnest  at  Shiloh,  the  regiment  being  then  cori 
manded  by  Col.  B.  F.  Smith,  of  the  regular  army.  Later,  it  was  under  Gei 
A.  M.  McCook;  with  Buell  in  the  hot  race  to  reach  Louisville  ahead  of  Brag* 
in  September,  1862;  in  the  battle  of  Perryville,  October  11,  1862;  and,  iate  i 
the  year,  was  assigned  to  the  Second  Division,  Fourteenth  Corps,  Army  of  tl 
Cumberland,  with  (ten.  J.  W.  Sill  commanding  the  division.  The  regime] 
saw  hot  service  at  the  memorable  battle  of  Stone  River,  beginning  Decombc 
81,  1862,  and  on  the  re-organization  of  the  army,  in  January,  1868,  was  place 
in  the  Second  Division  of  the  Twentieth  Army  Corps.  It  participated  in  m 
merous  engagements,  great  and  small,  in  Tennessee,  Georgi a and  Alabama 
including  that  at  Chattanooga  in  the  fall  of  1863.  About  the  20th  of  October 
when  the  Foru’th  Corps  was  consolidated  with  the  Twentieth,  the  regiment  w; 
brigaded,  with  others,  under  Gen.  Hazen,  in  the  Third  Division  of  the  conso! 
idated  coi'ps.  It  was  engaged  at  Orchard  Knob,  Mission  Ridge  (where  it  lof 
five  color-bearers),  in  the  East  Tennessee  and  Atlanta  campaigns,  and,  soo 
after  the  Kenesaw  Mountain  fight,  in  1864,  began  to  be  mustered  out  by  con 
panies,  the  last  one  being  mustered  out  October  14,  1864.  The  regiment  ha 
been  in  twenty-four  battles  and  skirmishes,  and  had  527  officers  and  men  kille 
and  wounded.  Its  first  fight  and  its  last  were  severe  ones — Pittsburg  Bandit) 
and  Atlanta — and  it  saw  little  but  hard  service  during  its  entire  term  of  eij 
listment.  It  marched  about  2,500  miles,  and  was  transported  by  rad  an 
steamer  950  miles,  making  the  total  distance  traversed  during  the  three  yea) 
3,450  miles. 

The  Ninety-third  Regiment,  when  it  left  Dayton,  had  a numerical  strengt 
of  39  officers  and  929  men.  It  proceeded  to  Lexington,  Ky.,  thence  to  Loni. 
ville,  at  which  latter  place  it  was  assigned  to  the  Fifth  Brigade,  McCook 
division,  and,  on  arriving  at  Frankfort,  to  the  Third  Brigade,  Second  Divisioi 
of  McCook’s  command.  Moving  with  the  army  to  Nashville,  Tenn.,  it  was, ) 
December,  1862,  while  on  duty  guarding  a forage  train,  attacked  by  rebels,  an, 
in  this,  its  first  engagement,  lost  one  man  killed  and  three  wounded.  Tl] 
regiment  suffered  severely  at  Stone  River,  and  afterward  (September.  ISttfi  . 
Chickamauga,  where  it  performed  gallant  service.  In  October,  1863,  the  res 
iment  was  assigned  to  the  Second  Brigade  (TIazen’s),  Third  Division  ( Wood’s 
Fourth  Army  Corps.  It  participated  in  the  Orchard  Knob  fight  November  23 
1863,  having  six  men  shot  down  while  carrying  the  regimental  colors,  amor, 
them  Maj.  William  Birch,  who  was  commanding  the  regiment.  Its  losses  wei 
heavy  also  in  the  following  battle  of  Mission  Ridge,  which  engagement  w; 
pictured  for  the  world  in  the  masterly  language  of  Benjamin  F.  Taylor,  tha 


JEFFERSON,  TP. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


433 


JLm  none  but  Victor  Hugo  ever  wrote  of  such  scenes  more  true  to  life,  if 
e in  that  be  possible.  At  one  time  during  the  winter  of  1863-64,  the  regiment 
VI  become  so  greatly  reduced  that  it  could  only  muster  four  officers  and  ninety 
Vn  for  duty.  It  bore  a part  in  the  East  Tennessee  campaign  with  Burnside, 
gilferimg  considerably;  in  the  Atlanta  campaign,  during  which  it  met  with 
hVvy  losses  at  Resaca,  Adairsville,  Dallas,  etc.,  losing  in  the  latter  fight 
pity-eight  killed  and  wounded.  July  4,  1864,  it  was  on  the  extreme  left  of 
'Orman’s  army,  connected  on  the  flank  with  the  cavalry.  In  October,  1864, 
(moved  back  to  Tennessee,  and  was  held  in  reserve  through  the  fight  at 
F.mklin,  on  the  30th  of  November.  December  16,  in  one  of  the  engagements 
wh  the  rebel  Gen.  Hood,  near  Nashville,  the  regiment  went  in  with  ninety 
i£2,  and  lost  four  killed  and  twenty-one  wounded.  In  the  spring  of  1865,  it 
vat  again  into  East  Tennessee,  thence  over  the  mountains  near  to  Ashville, 
VO.,  and  returned  to  Nashville  about  the  1st  of  May.  The  regiment  was 
Altered  out  of  the  service  at  Camp  Hai'ker.  near  Nashville,  June  8,  1865,  and 
wceeded  to  Camp  Dennison,  near  Cincinnati,  where  the  men  were  paid  and 
lbharged  on  the  14th  of  the  same  month.  Before  its  muster-out,  8 officers 
at.  241  men  had  been  discharged  for  disability;  4 officers  and  204  men  were 
aounted  for  as  “died  of  disease,  wounds  and  killed  in  action:”  252  men 
ve  wounded  once,  30  twice,  and  8 three  times.  Upon  the  record  of  this  reg- 
ent are  tales  of  noble  exertions  at  Stone  River,  Chickamauga.  Brown’s  Ferry, 
llhard  Knob,  Mission  Ridge,  Resaca,  Kenesaw,  Atlanta,  Jonesboro.  Lovejoy's 
Vjtion,  Franklin  and  Nashville.  Soon  after  the  close  of  the  war,  the  survivors 
Vhe  regiment  organized  a re -uni  on  association,  which  has  been  continued  to 
1 present  time. 

After  the  close  of  the  war,  the  large  militia  force  of  Ohio  was  discontin- 
ue The  Dayton  companies  were  disbanded  with  the  rest.  There  were  no 
id  ones  formed  until  the  organization  of  the  Dayton  Zouaves,  in  1869.  The 
nue  of  the  company  was  afterward  changed  to  the  “Harries  Guard.”  In 
85,  the  Dayton  Light  Guard  and  the  Emmet  Guard  were  organized.  The 
ape  companies  were  sworn  into  the  State  service,  and  were  assigned  as  Corn- 
ties  A,  B and  C of  the  Fourth  Regiment  Ohio  Militia,  with  the  regimental 
jclquarters  at  Dayton.  During  the  great  railroad  strike  in  the  summer  of 
47,  the  three  companies  were  ordered  to  Columbus  and  Newark,  Ohio,  where 
ip  were  on  guard  for  several  weeks,  acquitti  ng  themselves  with  credit.  They 
a armed  by  the  State  with  the  finest  breech-loading  rifles,  and  their  uniforms 
ujhandsome  as  well  as  serviceable,  consisting  of  a dress  suit,  fatigue  suit  and 
• te  pants.  Captains  of  companies,  in  ordering  out  their  commands,  usually 
k gnate  the  clothes  to  be  worn,  and  it  does  not  sound  altogether  military  to 
-e published  at  the  end  of  an  order,  “ white  pants.”  On  one  occasion,  when 
t 'as  desired  that  the  three  companies  should  turn  out,  it  was  gravely  an- 
ipiced  that  one  of  them  could  not  do  so,  as  they  had  not  yet  received  their 
xtpons  from  New  York.  At  another  time,  an  order  that  had  been  issued  for 
pite  pants”  was  suddenly  countermanded  when  it  looked  like  rain. 

In  1877,  the  Fifth  Ohio  (four-  gun)  Batteiy  was  organized  in  Dayton,  un- 
kj  the  militia  law,  and  re-organized  in  August,  1878.  The  guns  are  Napo- 
eis — three  six  and  one  twelve  pounder. 

The  law  requires  that  the  militia  shall  go  into  camp  at  least  four  days 
" i year.  Camp  King  was  established  August  21,  in  a beautiful  grove  about 
Hjinile  from  Carrollton  Station,  on  the  west  side  of  the  river,  and  about  two 
Enas  from  Miamisburg.  The  parade  and  drill  ground  was  a clover-fieid  ad- 
lo.ing  the  woods  on  the  north  side.  There  were  100  wall  tents  pitched,  in 
a<prdance  with  army  regulations,  and  at  the  Colonel’s  tent  was  the  flag-staff^ 
**  a garrison  flag  flying. 


434  HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 

The  troops  were  the  Fifth  Ohio  Battery,  three  officers  and  forty-four  met 
and  eight  companies  of  the  Fourth  Regiment  Militia: 

Company  A,  Harries  Guard,  Dayton,  three  officers  and  thirty  men. 

Company  E,  Fay  Guard,  Xenia,  two  officers  and  twenty-six  men. 

Company  G.  Hamilton  Light  Infantry,  Hamilton,  two  officers  and  thirt 

men. 

Color  Company  C,  Emmet  Guard,  Dayton,  three  officers  and  thirty  mei 

Company  D,  Tytus  Guard,  Middletown,  two  officers  and  thirty  men, 

Company  H,  Light  Guard.  Germantown,  three  officers  and  thirty  tlirt 

men. 

Company  F,  Warren  Guard,  Lebanon,  three  officers  and  twenty-six  mei 

Company  B,  Light  Guard,  Dayton,  three  officers  and  twenty-six  men. 

The  field  and  staff,  and  a fine  drum  corps. 

For  rations,  they  had  soft  bread,  hard-tack,  beef,  pork,  beans,  tomatoa 
coffee,  sugar,  milk  and  butter.  The  following  was  the  order  of  routine  dutj 

5:30  A.  M.— Reveille. 

6:00  A.  M.  — Breakfast. 

7:00  A.  M.  -Sick  call. 

7 :30  A.  M.  —Squad  drill. 

9.00  A.  M. — Guard  mounting. 

11:00  A.  M. — Company  drill. 

12:00.  M.—  Dinner. 

2:00  P.  M.—  Officers’  school  of  instruction. 

3:00  P.  M.— Battalion  drill. 

5:00  P.  M. — Supper. 

6:30  P.  M.- -Dress  parade. 

9:30  P.  M.— Tattoo. 

10:00  P.  M.—  Taps. 

Company  C (Irish)  marched  from  Dayton  to  camp  as  escort  for  the  ba 
tery.  After  six  days  of  drill,  tents  were  struck  and  the  soldiers  returned  hom 
greatly  benefited  by  field  maneuvers,  drill  and  camp  life. 

Of  the  above  companies,  C,  D and  F are  not  now  (May,  1882)  a part  < 
the  regiment,  the  companies  composing  it  being  A,  B.  E,  G,  H,  I (located  - 
Miamisburg)  and  the  battery.  Company  A has  about  forty  men;  the  othe. 
keep  up  to  an  average  strength  of  about  sixty.  The  battery,  which  has  bee 
reduced  to  two  guns,  has  two  officers  and  thirty- eight  mpn.  The  present  rsg 
mental  officers  are  as  follows:  Colonel,  F.  B.  Mott,  of  Dayton;  Lieutenai 

Colonel,  George  H Phillips,  of  Hamilton;  Major,  M.  S.  Holden,  of  Daykw 
Adjutant,  W.  B.  Anderson,  of  Dayton;  Surgeon,  J.  R.  Weaver,  of  Daytoi 

Assistant  Surgeon, Lyons,  of  Miamisburg;  Chaplain,  J.  T.  Webster,  < 

Dayton;  Quartermaster,  H.  W.  Parrott,  of  Dayton. 

Annual  encampments  are  held  at  such  places  as  may  be  ordered.  Thi 
for  1882  will  occur  June  30,  at  Piqua.  Each  regiment  in  the  State  holds  i 
own  separate  encampmont,  as  they  are  not  brigaded.  Col.  Mott  took  commar 
of  the  Fourth  Regiment  in  February,  1882,  since  which  time  it  has  been  ulmo 
entirely  re-organized.  Changes  are  being  made  almost  constantly  in  the  rank 
yet  recruits  are  always  plenty  to  take  the  places  of  the  men  who  may  be  di 
charged.  The  regiment  is  a credit  to  itself,  its  officers  and  the  State. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


435 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


The  Soldiers  Home. 

V the  following  sketch  of  the  Soldiers’  Home,  it  is  not  our  intention  to  en- 
J ter  into  an  elaborate  description  of  that  institution,  and  the  many  bless- 
ing conferred  upon  the  heroes  of  our  country,  who  have  there  found  a fitting 
mute  to  the  sacrifices  undergone  by  them  during  the  nation’s  peril,  but  to 
ripe  briefly  its  establishment,  growth  and  present  prosperity.  The  history  of 
i home  from  its  inception  up  to  the  year  1875  has  been  written  “ By  a Vet- 
mi  of  the  Home,”  and  to  that  work  we  are  indebted  for  the  mutter  used  in 
ii:  article  up  to  that  date.  At  the  close  of  the  war,  hospitals  and  soldiers 
njies  were  established  in  most  of  the  loyal  States,  and  everything  that  med- 
e skill,  care  and  comfort  could  suggest  was  done  for  the  returned  soldier. 

T ) gradual  disappearance  of  hospitals  and  soldiers’  retreats  resulted  in  the 
■n  ttion  of  national  homes,  on  a more  substantial  basis,  the  main  object  in  view 
mg  to  enlarge  their  usefulness  and  extend  their  benefits  to  the  disabled  sol- 
lip  of  the  Union.  To  carry  this  purpose  into  effect,  an  act  of  Congress  was 
i lined  and  approved  March  31,  1865,  and  a Board  of  Managers  appointed. 
T|)  board,  at  its  first  meeting,  elected  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler  President,  and  Hon. 
off.  Gunckel  Secretary.  The  act  of  Congress  authorized  the  Board  of  Man- 
ors to  establish  one  or  more  homes,  and  under  it  the  Central  Home  came  into 
Jitence,  besides  three  others  in  different  parts  of  the  Union. 

In  the  selection  of  an  eligible  site  for  the  Central  Home,  the  attention  of  the 
i rd  of  Managers  was  directed  to  the  rich  and  fertile  valley  of  the  Miami,  and. 
u ing  it  admirably  adapted  to  the  purposes  of  a home,  they  at  once  entered  into 
lflotiations  for  the  purchase  of  540  acres  of  land,  about  three  miles  west  of  the 
•i  of  Dayton,  located  principally  in  Section  1,  Jefferson  Township,  with  a 
11  fraction  in  Section  36,  Madison  Township.  The  land,  at  the  time  of  the 
pfphase,  was  in  the  ordinary  condition  of  farm  lands  throughout  the  State, 
iCjsessing,  however,  natural  beauty  and  great  facilities  of  improvement;  but  . 
tve  all,  the  supply  of  water  was  both  abundant  and  excellent.  On  the 
p.mds  are  several  medicinal  springs,  two  of  which  have  rare  mineral  prop- 
T3s.  At  the  request  of  the  Board  of  Managers,  Chaplain  T.  B.  Van  Horn, 
i he  United  States  Army,  was  detailed  by  the  Secretary  of  War  to  lay  out  the- 
imds.  The  site  overlooks  the  city  of  Dayton  and  the  beautiful  scenery  of 
i!  Miami  Valley  for  miles  around.  The  cost  of  this  site  was  $46,800,  and 
h board  was  influenced  in  its  selection,  as  between  other  nearly  equally  eligi- 
fljsites,  by  the  munificent  donation  of  $20,000  from  the  citizens  of  Dayton, 

' , under  the  leadership  of  Hon.  Lewis  B.  Gunckel,  Secretary  of  the  Board, 
‘Vced  the  liveliest  interest  in  the  success  of  the  institution.  Most  vigorous 

I sums  were  taken  to  get  the  necessary  buildings  ready  for  the  accommoda- 

II  of  the  disabled  soldiers.  Congress  had  given  to  the  home  the  lumber 
:o  posing  the  temporary  buildings  at  Camp  Chase,  and,  with  the  aid  of  this 
iLerial,  under  the  efficient  and  enthusiastic  direction  of  Mr.  Gunckel,  build - 
m were  most  rapidly  and  economically  constructed,  which  were  filled  as  fast 
as  hey  could  be  got  ready.  The  organization  of  the  Central  Home  as  an  in- 
station  dates  from  March  26,  1867,  at  which  date  the  Hon.  L.  B.  Gunckel, 

4 ident.  Manager,  took  formal  charge  of  the  disabled  soldiers  then  at  the  Ohio 


436 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


State  Home  and  transferred  them  to  the  nation’s  care.  We  cannot  do  butte 
here  than  to  quote  from  a speech  made  by  Mr.  Gunckel  in  the  presence  of  tk 
officers,  employes  and  veterans  of  the  State  Home  upon  the  day  of  the  transfei 
there  being  also  present  Gens.  Wright,  Mitchell  and  Warner,  Gov.  Cor.  an 
Lieut.  Gov.  McBurney.  Said  he:  “Although  technically  the  national  asylum 

we  wish  you  still  to  look  upon  it  as  the  Soldiers'  Home. 

‘ 1 W e hope  soon  to  furnish  you  one  better  deserving  the  name.  Like  tb 
pioneer  who  first  builds  a log  cabin,  soon  to  be  replaced  by  a larger  and  mor 
^comfortable  mansion,  so  this,  your  first  home,  will  soon  give  way  to  one  mud 
larger  and  better.  W e hope  before  long  to  give  you  one  which,  in  beauty  am 

healthfulness  of  situation,  extent  of  grouuds,  and  size  and  character  of  building? 
shall  equal  that  of  the  richest  and  best  of  the  land.  In  addition  to  chapel  an 
school  room,  there  will  be  work-shops,  where  you  may  learn  new  and  li o-hte 
trades,  adapted  to  your  several  disabilities.  We  hope,  by  proper  surgical  car 
.and  nursing,  to  send  many  of  you  again  into  the  world,  healthy  and  able  t 
take  care  of  yourselves,  and,  by  suitable  education,  to  prepare  many  of  yo 
for  teachers,  book-keepers,  clerks,  mechanics,  etc.,  and  so  be  able  to  enter  lb 
lists  with  the  best.  Whenever  you  think  you  can  get  along  in  the  world,  w 
prefer  that  you  should  try.  If  you  succeed,  we  bid  you  Godspeed.  If  yo 
fail,  we  will  welcome  you  back.  For  here,  as  long  as  you  live,  is  your  home,  1 
which,  if  you  have  left  with  an  honorable  discharge,  you  will  be  ever  welcome. 

How  thoroughly  these  noble  promises  have  been  fulfilled  and  carried  or 
to  the  letter,  a visit  to  the  home  will  answer;  for  it  would  not  be  an  exaggeri 
tion  to  say  that  it  is  now  one  of  the  most  beautiful  spots  on  God's  green  ibo 
stool.  The  grounds  where  this  institution  now  stands  were  taken  possessic 
■of  early  in  August,  1867,  and  the  first  men  were  sheltered  here  September  ! 
1867;  but  it  was  not  until  the  latter  part  of  that  year  that  the  final  transfer  ( 
all  the  disabled  soldiers  from  the  Ohio  State  Home  took  place.  Day  by  da 
this  institution  has  grown  larger,  until  it  has  assumed  immense  proportion 
furnishing  a comfortable,  and,  in  some  respects,  luxurious  home  to  4,000  di: 
abled  veterans,  supplying  them  with  amusements,  entertainments,  literatim 
education,  moral  and  religious  instruction,  light  and  suitable  employment 
-clean  clothing  and  linen,  and  excellent  food.  To  the  casual  observer  who  sa 
this  place  in  1868,  and  did  not  again  behold  it  until  1882,  the  rapid  growth  < 
the  buildings,  and  the  vast  improvement  and  ornamentation  of  the  grouru 
seems  a grandeur  of  design  and  a miracle  of  execution.  Indeed,  to  the  coi 
stant  observer  of  this  work,  it  seemed  to  progress  with  unexampled  rapidit 

To  Lewis  B.  Gunckel,  and  to  his  zeal  and  energy  in  the  cause,  more  tbs 
to  any  other  man,  is  attributable  this  wonderf  ill  advancement.  The  work  < 
improvement  has  been  prosecuted  most  vigorously,  and  alterations  and  add 
tions  are  being  made  continually.  Although  but  a few  years  have  elapse 
since  its  commencement,  the  Central  Branch  may  be  regarded  as  the  large 
and  most  flourishing  institution  of  its  class  in  the  world. 

As  an  item  of  history,  we  append  the  following  official  statements  relaj 
ing  to  the  appointment  of  the  Board  of  Managers: 

[Public  Resolution.  No.  24.] 

Resolved  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  in  Vongr 
■assembled,  That  the  following  persons  be  and  they  are  hereby  appointed  Managers  (if t 
National  Asylum  for  Disabled  Volunteer  Soldiers,  under  the  provisions  and  condition^ 
the  third  section  of  the  act  approved  March  twenty-third,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-si 
Richard  J.  Oglesby,  of  Illinois,  Benjamin  F.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts,  and  Frederic 
Smythe,  of  New  Hampshire,  of  the  first  class,  to  serve  six  . years;  Lewis  B.  Gunckel, 
Ohio,  Jay  Cooke,  of  Pennsylvania,  and  P.  Joseph  Osterhaus,  of  Missouri,  of  the  secoi 
class,  to  serve  four  years;  John  H.  Martindale,  of  New  York,  Horatio  G.  Stebbins,  | 
■California,  and  George  H.  Walker,  of  Wisconsin,  of  the  third  class,  to  serve  two  years. 

Approved,  April  21,  1836. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


43T 


By  a joint  resolution  approved  December  7,  1866,  Erastus  B..  Wolcott  of 
dsconsin,  was  appointed  to  fill  the  vacancy  occasioned  by  the  death  of  George 
] Walker;  and  John  S.  Cavender,  of  Missouri,  was  appointed  to  fill  the  va- 
iacy  caused  by  the  resignation  of  P.  Joseph  Osterhaus. 

By  a joint  "resolution  approved  June  9,  3870,  Lewis  B.  Gunckel,  Jay  Cooke 
td  John  S.  Cavender,  whose  terms  expired  April  21,  1870,  were  re-appointed 
- managers  of  the  National  Home  for  Disabled  Volunteer  Soldiers.  At  the 
me  time  Erastus  B.  Wolcott  and  John  H.  Martindale  were  re-appointed  on 
1 3 Board  of  Managers,  and  Hugh  L.  Bond,  of  Maryland,  was  appointed  to 
. the  vacancy  caused  by  the  resignation  of  Horatio  G.  Stebbins.  Maj.  Gen. 
'nomas  0.  Osborn,  of  Chicago,  111.,  and  Maj.  Gen.  James  S.  Negley,  of  Pitts- 
Irgh,  Penn.,  became  members  of  the  Board  of  Managers,  in  place  of  Richard 
Oglesby  and  Jay  Cooke.  Thus  in  1876,  the  following  constituted  the  reg- 
i ir  Board  of  Managers : 

The  President  of  the  United  States,  ex  officio : the  Chief  Justice,  ex  officio  ; 
to  Secretary  of  War  ex  officio;  Maj.  Gen.  B.  E.  Butler.  President;  Maj.  Gen. 

H.  Martindale,  First  Vice  President;  Gov.  Frederick  Srnythe,  Second  Vice 
jesident;  Hon.  Lewis  B.  Gunckel,  Secretary;  Brig.  Gen.  John  S.  Cavender. 
Bn.  Hugh  L.  Bond,  Dr.  Erastus  B.  Wolcott.  Maj.  Gen.  Thomas  O.  Osborn, 
Aj.  Gen.  James  S.  Negley. 

Sirce  the  above  date  a complete  change  has  taken  place  in  the  Board  of 
1 magers,  on  account  of  the  change  in  the  political  complexion  of  Congress, 
pich  controls  the  appointments.  On  the  20th  of  June,  1878,  Col.  Leonard 
i:  Harris,  of  Ohio,  Gen.  Richard  Coulter,  of  Pennsylvania,  and  Col.  John  A. 
hrtin,  of  Kansas,  were  appointed  Managers  to  fill  vacancies  occasioned  by 
te  expirations  of  the  terms  of  office  April  21.  1876,  of  Hon.  Lewis  B.  Gunckel, 
In.  James  S.  Negley  and  Gen.  John  S.  Cavender.  By  an  act  approved  June 
1,  1880,  six  new  members  of  the  Board  were  appointed,  viz. : J ohn  M.  Pal- 
i|r,  of  Illinois;  William  B.  Franklin,  of  Connecticut;  and  Charles  W.  Roberts, 
< Maine,  to  fill  vacancies  which  occurred  April  21,  1878;  and  Martin  T.  Mc- 
ihon,  of  New  York;  John  Love,  of  Indiana;  and  David  C.  Fulton,  of  Wis- 
cisin,  to  fill  vacancies  which  occurred  April  21,  1880.  The  six  retiring  mem- 
1 (.’s  were;  Benjamin  F.  Butler,  J.  H.  Martindale,  Frederick  Srnythe,  Hugh  L. 
ind,  Erastus  B.  Wolcott  and  James  S.  Negley.  By  the  death  of  Gen.  John 
five,  January  29,  1881,  a vacancy  occurred  in  the  board,  and  Gen.  George  B. 
BClellan,  of  New  Jersey,  was  appointed  to  fill  said  vacancy.  The  following 
L the  gentlemen  who  now  constitute  the  Board  of  Managers ; 

The  President  of  the  United  States,  ex  officio;  Chief  Justice  ex  officio; 
tp  Secretary  of  War  ex  officio;  Gen.  William  B.  Franklin,  President;  Col. 
JonardA.  Harris,  First  Vice  President;  Gen.  Richard  Coulter,  Second  Vice 
Resident;  Gen.  Martin  T.  McMahon,  Secretary;  Col.  .John  A.  Martin,  Maj. 
Ml  C.  Fulton,  Gen  George  B.  McClellan,  Gen.  John  M.  Palmer,  Gen. 

( nrles  W.  Roberts. 

THE  ATTRACTIONS  OF  THE  HOME. 

To  attempt  a minute  description  of  this  institution,  with  its  intricate  in- 
t dor  workings,  is  foreign  to  this  article,  and  the  reader  will  bear  in  mind 
tjit  much  might  be  written  which  would  be  unimportant  from  a historical 
■-ndpoint,  and  therefore  outside  the  scope  of  this  work.  The  Home  has  two 
rlroads  running  into  its  grounds,  viz.:  The  Home  Avenue,  and  the  T.  D.  and 
Railroad,  the  former  coming  in  on  the  east  side,  and  the  latter  entering 
1 >m  the  north,  and  being  but  recently  constructed.  Both  roads  afford  ample 
ipilties  for  reaching  the  Home,  and  are  well  patronized,  paying  institutions; 
' t the  Home  Avenue  Road,  being  the  older  one,  we  will  start  from  its  depot 
i|  our  description  of  this  beautiful  tribute  to  the  Nation's  defenders.  On 


438 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY". 


reaching  the  Home,  the  visitor  alights  at  a handsome  depot,  constructed  in  tfo 
Gothic  style  of  architecture,  with  balconies  on  each  side,  supplied  with  com 
fortable  seats.  The  interior  is  fitted  up  with  counter  and  refreshment  tables 
and  attended  by  veterans  of  the  Home.  To  the  right  is  a commodious  bote] 
erected  in  1878,  and  paid  for  by  the  institution  itself;  where  visitors  will  fin< 
good,  comfortable  accommodations  at  reasonable  prices.  Passing  through  th< 
rear  entrance  of  the  depot,  we  reach,  by  means  of  rough-hewn  stone  steps,  i 
broad  and  sloping  avenue,  and  proceeding  farther  on  arrive  at  an  open  space 
from  where  a magnificent  picture  presents  itself  to  the  view.  At  the  right  i 
a beautiful  flagstaff,  with  the  starry  banner  unfurled  to  the  breezes  of  heaven 
The  siege  guns  and  mortars,  with  pyramids  of  shot  and  shell  (the  gift  of  a lov 
ing  Government),  and  a battery  in  position  as  in  battle,  fill  the  thoughtfu 
beholder  with  thrilling  memories. 

Standing  almost  directly  in  front  is  the  Headquarters  Building 
located  on  the  main  avenue,  an  imposing  brick  structure  130x41  feel 
three  stories,  the  third  being  a mansard,  surrounded  by  broad  veranda 
that  completely  embrace  the  building,  the  first  story  of  which  is  usei 
for  the  offices  of  the  Governor,  Treasurer  and  Secretary  of  the  Home.  Th 
second  and  third  stories  are  used  for  a library  and  reading  room,  is  104x4 
feet,  and  nineteen  feet  from  floor  to  ceiling,  lighted  by  ten  windows  each  oi 
the  north  and  south  sides,  making  it  light,  airy  and  cheerful,  while  at  night 
cone  reflector  sheds  its  brilliant  rays  over  all.  This  room  contains  the  notei 
“Putnam  Library,”  contributed  by  Mrs.  Mary  Lowell  Putnam,  of  Boston 
Mass.,  as  a memorial  of  her  son,  William  Lowell  Putnam,  who  fell  at  the  feat 
tie  of  Ball’s  Bluff.  This  library  now  contains  5,000  volumes  of  well-selected 
and  valuable  books.  At  the  opposite  end  of  the  room  is  the  “ Thomas  Library, 
containing  some  7,000  volumes,  contributed  by  the  old  soldiers  and  admirer 
of  the  lamented  Gen.  George  H.  Thomas,  and  named  in  his  honor.  Beside 
the  books,  there  are  regularly  received  most  of  the  leading  magazines,  reviews 
etc. , and  some  300  daily  and  weekly  newspapers.  The  formal  opening  of  thi 
library  took  place  in  April.  1871.  The  room  is  large  and  beautiful,  the  ceiling 
handsomely  frescoed,  the  walls  hung  with  several  hundred  pictures,  while  strewi 
around  the  walls  on  tables  and  in  cases  are  exhibited  many  interesting  relics  c 
the  great  battles  of  the  war. 

Upon  leaving  the  library,  and  looking  to  the  right,  the  beautifn 
“ Memorial  Hall”  and  Home  Church  is  in  full  view;  and  beyond,  on  i 
knoll,  shaded  by  forest  trees,  stands  the  Chaplain’s  residence.  Stil 
farther  to  the  right  the  magnificent  and  commodious  hospital  charms  the  be 
holder;  and  a little  farther  on  the  neat  cottage  of  the  Resident  Surgeon,  sui' 
rounded  by  a lovely  lawn,  completes  the  picture  in  that  direction.  As  we  lool 
to  the  northwestward,  we  behold  the  Soldier’s  Monument,  rising  from  a hili-to 
in  the  distance,  which  marks  the  place  where  the  heroes  sleep.  Keeping  th 
same  position,  we  now  turn  to  the  left  and  observe  a rustic  arbor,  the  springe 
the  flower  garden,  the  fountain,  the  conservatory  and  the  lakes,  upon  whici 
are  numerous  swans  and  other  water  fowl;  and  still  letting  the  eye  sweep  on 
ward,  we  behold  the  rustic  bridges,  the  beautiful  groves  of  forest  trees,  th 
deer  park,  with  more  than  fifty  deer,  elk,  antelopes,  buffaloes,  etc..;  the  \eterai 
Spring,  the  Governor’s  residence,  embowered  in  trees  and  flowers,  the  res; 
dences  of  the  Treasurer,  the  Secretary  and  the  Steward,  all  located  on  the  boi 
ders  of  the  grove.  To  the  west  is  the  long  line  of  neat  and  comfortable  bar 
racks  where  4, 000  veterans  rest  from  the  fight;  the  large  and  comfortable  dininj 
hall,  kitchen,  bakery,  laundry,  workshops,  the  Home  store -building,  the  Quar 
termaster  and  Commissary  store- building,  the  tasteful  band  pagoda,  surrounded 
by  a charming  lawn,  while  the  whole  grounds  are  interspersed  with  broad 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


439 


,vl  paved  avenues  and  shaded  paths,  combining  to  make  this  splendid  pic- 
:ne  complete.  Strolling  beyond  the  woods  and  immediate  confines  of  the 
ititution,  we  come  to  the  farmer’s  residence,  the  vegetable  garden,  the  barn, 

} stable  and  the  well-fed  stock  that  graze  upon  the  broad  acres  of  the 
9me  farm.  From  the  Headquarters  Building,  which  we  have  already  de- 
■ubed,  we  will  now  go  on  to  give  a brief  description  of  the  principal  build- 
t s of  the  Home. 

MEMORIAL  HALL. 

The  first  “ Memorial  Hall  ” was  built  without  cost  to  the  Government,  the 
they  coming  from  the  disabled  veterans  themselves,  through  what  is  called 
y “store  and  posthumous  fund."  It  was  a large,  splendid  brick  building, 
ij)x75  feet,  and  sixty-five  feet  high,  designed  for  all  classes  of  literary, 
jmatic  and  musical  entertainments,  military  drills,  etc.  It  was  erected  in 
‘8,  and  destroyed  by  fire  in  May,  18S0.  Congress  soon  afterward  made  an 
aropriation  of  $30,000  toward  replacing  it,  and  in  October,  1S81,  the  new 
isl  was  finished,  and  opened  during  the  winter  of  1881  and  1882.  It  is  a 
■gni  Scent  structure,  with  a seating  capacity  of  1,600  beautifully  painted  and 
:ncoed,  and  possessing  all  the  latest  improvements  in  hall  architecture.  We 
ii.bt  if  there  is  a hall  in  the  Union  that  surpasses  it,  in  comfort,  elegance, 
gustic  properties,  beauty  of  design  and  finish.  The  stage  is  fitted  up  with 
jJutiful  scenery  and  all  other  appliances  sufficient  to  produce  any  piece  per- 
■ fned  at  first-class  places  of  amusement. 


THE  CHURCH. 

This  is  a fine  Gothic  structure,  built  of  stone,  eighty-nine  feet  long  by  fifty- 
r wide  with  beautiful  windows  of  stained  glass.  In  the  tower  is  a large  clock 
Oh  the  dial  visible  from  all  parts  of  the  Home;  also  a large  clear-toned  bell, 
sip  from  brass  cannon,  captured  from  the  enemy  during  the  war  of  the  rebellion. 
Tp  auditorium  is  handsomely  frescoed  and  furnished,  and  will  comfortably 
sG  nearly  1,000  persons.  The  national  colors  are  draped  across  the  ceil- 
ujj,  while  back  of  the  pulpit  near  the  ceiling  is  the  seal  of  the  institution 
’■’Ought  in  stained  glass,  with  the  inscription  “ The  Nation  to  her  Defenders.” 
die  the  Rev.  William  Earhshaw,  who  is  chaplain,  holds  services  every  Sun- 
! attendance  is  entirely  voluntary,  and  the  church  is  equally  open  and  free 
ill  denominations.  The  basement  of  the  church,  now  fitted  up  for  a Oath- 
J ; chapel,  was  formerly  used  each  evening  by  one  of  the  associations  of 
Home,  among  which  are  the  “ Grand  Army  of  the  Republic,”  “ Good  Tem- 
rs,”  “ Hibernian  Society,”  “ German  Yeteran  Society,”  etc.  The  view  of 
tip  church,  as  we  saw  it  one  beautiful  summer  evening  with  the  creeping  ivy 
‘ ering  its  walls,  will  not  soon  be  forgotten,  as  it  was  one  of  the  most  charm- 
i sights  it  has  ever  been  our  good  fortune  to  behold. 


THE  HOSPITAL. 

■ This  is  the  largest  single  building  of  the  Home,  is  built  of  brick,  three 
sries  high,  with  basement  and  rear  building  for  kitchen,  dining-room,  etc. 
e main  structure  is  293  feet  long,  composed  of  a center  or  administration 
.lding  41x131,  and  two  wings  for  wards  for  the  sick,  each  of  the  six 
vrds  being  101x28,  with  two  rooms  in  the  tower,  twelve  feet  square, 
Cached  to  each  wai’d  and  fitted  up  for  bath-room,  water-closets,  etc.  The 
' rds  are  perfectly  ventilated  and  heated,  and  are  beautifully  furnished 
,uh  everything  which  could  possibly  add  to  the  comfort  of  the  patients.  The 
Elding  stands  immediately  north  of  the  church  on  an  open  ground  a little 
plining  from  the  latter.  The  position,  though  somewhat  lower,  is  conspicu- 
:s  and  convenient,  and  Mr.  Gunckel  did  not  fall  into  the  error  of  hiding  the 


440 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


hospital  in  some  obscure  place.  Approaching  from  the  main  entrance  to  thi 
grounds,  it  stands  the  first  important  edifice  of  the  Home.  It  is  the  prominen 
object.  The  building  cost  over  $200,000,  accommodates  300  patients,  and  i 
believed  to  be  one  of  the  best-constructed,  best- furnished  and  best-kept  hospital 
in  the  country. 


CEMETERY  AND  MONUMENT. 


More  than  2,100  of  the  disabled  veterans  who  were  residents  of  the  Centra 
Home  since  its  establishment,  have  died  and  been  buried  with  military  honor 
in  the  beautiful  grove,  west  of  the  Hospital,  which  has  been  tastefully  laid  ou 
for  a cemetery.  Their  comrades  desiring  to  manifest  their  respect  and  love  i'o 
these  fallen  heroes,  have  erected  to  their  memory  a beautiful  monument  of  pur 
white  marble,  fifty  feet  high,  and  surmounted  with  a splendid  figure  of  a pri 
vate  soldier.  It  was  unveiled  on  the  12th  day  of  September,  1877,  by  tin 
President  of  the  United  States,  with  grand  ceremonies  and  in  the  presence  o 
25,000  people.  On  the  pedestal  are  the  words,  “ To  our  fallen  Comrades,’ 
and  “ These  were  honorable  men  in  their  generation.  ” On  the  base  are  fon 
figures,  representing  the  four  arms  of  the  service,  viz.,  Artillery,  Infantry 
Cavalry  and  Navy.  These  figures  were  carved  in  Italy,  at  great  expense 
The  base  is  surrounded  by  tablets,  on  which  are  engraved  the  names  o 
all  the  veterans  who  are  buried  in  the  cemetery.  The  entire  cost  of  this  beau 
tiful  monument  was  $16,000,  each  veteran  voluntarily  paying  $1  toward  it 
erection,  which  was  in  charge  of  the  “ Monumental  and  Historical  Society  ” o 
the  Home.  Rev.  William  Earnshaw  has  been  President  of  this  society  si  no 
its  organization,  and  to  his  efforts  much  of  the  success  attained  is  justly  duc- 
Several  donations  helped  on  the  worthy  object,  but  it  will  ever  stand  as  th 
tribute  of  the  living  veterans  to  their  deceased  brothers. 


DINING  ROOM,  KITCHEN  AND  OTHER  BUILDINGS. 

It  is  no  small  matter  to  bake  the  bread  and  cook  and  serve  the  food  fo 
4,000  men,  and  no  ordinary  building  will  answer  for  all  these  purposes  at  tin 
Central  Home;  but  the  great  structure  immediately  west  of  the  frame  barrack 
was  specially  designed  to  meet  these  requirements.  All  the  baking,  cookin; 
and  serving  is  done  by  the  veterans,  and  although  the  food  is  all  of  the  bes 
quality,  comprising  an  abundance  of  the  best  meats,  vegetables,  fruits,  etc.,  thi 
average  daily  ration  of  each  man  for  1880  was  only  16f  cents.  This  buildin; 
is  of  brick,  97x131  feet,  three  stories  high,  and  finished  in  first-class  style,  thi 
top  story  being  a mansard  The  Central  Home  buildings  comprise  140  ii 
number,  and  altogether  make  a pleasant  looking  city.  The  most  of  them  wen 
designed  for  and  are  used  as  barracks,  the  older  ones  being  of  wood,  iargeh 
constructed  from  lumber  taken  from  “ Camp  Chase.  ’ ' They  are  large,  three 
storied  structures,  30x100  feet,  with  mansard  roofs,  and  are  uniform  in  sizi 
and  appearance.  The  new  barracks  are  of  brick,  three  stories  high,  34x141 
feet,  and  the  interiors  of  all  are  nicely  furnished  and  supplied  with  everything 
necessary  for  the  health  and  comfort  of  their  occupants.  All  these  building’ 
have  large  windows  on  four  sides,  with  no  partitions,  affording  perfect  ventij 
lation  and  making  them  admirable  for  sitting  and  sleeping  . apartments. 
Between  each  row  of  barracks  is  a wide,  well-paved  avenue,  or  a space  of  from 
fifty  to  sixty  feet,  laid  out  and  kept  as  lawns.  Many  other  large  and  substan 
tial  buildings,  some  of  fine  and  imposing  appearance,  and  all  tasteful  and  wel 
adapted  to  the  purposes  for  which  they  are  used,  are  scattered  over  the  grounds 
South  of  the  dining  hall  is  a large  brick  building  used  exclusively  for  bathing 
and  the  men  are  not  only  furnished  with  hot  or  cold  baths  without  price,  but 
every  man  in  the  institution  is  required  to  take  one  bath  each  week.  Just 
west  of  the  bath-house  is  another  large  brick  building,  devoted  wholly  to  the; 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


445 


im  laundry,  at  which  the  washing  of  all  the  men  is  done.  West  of  this  are 
h carpenter  and  cabinet  shops,  and  near  by  are  the  workshops  for  the  shoe 
l.ers,  tailors,  tinners,  saddlers,  blacksmiths,  broom-makers,  cigar-makers, 
lnbers,  stocking-knitters,  wagon-makers,  painters,  etc.  Then  there  is  a 
! e,  three-storied  brick  building  for  amusements.  Upon  the  first  floor  are 
ling  alleys;  upon  the  second,  billiard  and  bagatelle  tables,  and  the  third 
y used  as  the  armory  of  the  Brown  Guard,  a splendid  volunteer  military 
o pany,  belonging  to  the  Home,  composed  entirely  of  disabled  veterans. 
'/  understand  that  this  company  has  disbanded  on  account  of  the  many  re  - 
: •dons  thrown  in  its  way  by  the  present  unpopular  Governor  of  the  Home, 

: . no  doubt,  disliked  the  honor  paid  to  his  predecessor,  through  this  organ- 
'.;!on,  after  whom  it  was  called.  There  are  also  half  a dozen  pretty  cottages 
officers’  residences,  and  still  other  buildings  for  the  school,  restaurant,  hotel, 
<n  fire  engine,  for  quartermaster  and  commissary  stores,  for  post  office, 
o ting  office,  and  for  the  manufacture  of  gas,  with  which  all  the  buildings 
uiighted. 

SCHOOLS  AND  LABOR. 

Another  excellent  feature  of  the  Institution  is  a school,  where  veterans 
nstructed  in  useful  callings.  Here  men  who  lost  their  right  arms  are 
uht  to  write  with  the  left  hand,  while  instruction  is  given  in  book-keeping, 
cd-carving,  telegraphy,  as  well  as  all  the  common  school  branches.  Any 
■i  of  a trade  may  be  thoroughly  learned  here,  the  object  being  for  each  vet- 
to  acquire  that  calling  best  suited  to  his  disability.  Believing  that  men 
'e/where  are  more  healthy,  contented  and  happy  when  they  have  something 
) ),  it  has  been  the  steady  policy  of  the  management  to  encourage  labor  by 
u dishing  workshops  of  every  suitable  kind,  and  by  making  the  cultivation 
c t pwers,  fruits,  etc. , features  of  the  institution.  It  is  an  imperative  order  of 
itdoard  of  Managers  that  all  labor  and  service  in  and  about  the  Home,  shall, 

• far  as  possible,  be  performed  by  the  disabled  soldiers  themselves1,  for 
j h they  i-eceive  a reasonable  compensation. 


NUMBER  OF  VETERANS  CARED  FOR. 


The  Central  Home  cared  for  616  disabled  soldiers  during  the  year  1867 ; 
3)  in  1868;  1,793  in  1869;  1,954  in  1870;  2,255  in  1871;  2,426  in  1872; 
61  in  1873;  3,255  in  187.4;  3,769  in  1875;  4,184  in  1876;  4,523  in  1877; 
'din  1878;  4,596  in  1879;  5,304  in  1880;  and  5,552  in  1881,  showing  a 
4;  increase  yearly,  thereby  demonstrating  that  the  “ Nation’s  defenders  ” 
' eciate  the  Nation’s  efforts  to  provide  with  a worthy  Home  those  gallant 


boi 


in  blue  who  freely  shed  their  blood  that  freedom  and  liberty  might  live. 


COST  OF  RUNNING  THE  HOME,  ETC. 

vVe  have  heard  it  freely  asserted  that  the  Government  could  support  the 
tans  of  the  National  Homes  in  the  first-class  hotels  of  the  country  at  less 
base  than  the  same  cost  at  said  Homes.  This  is  a mistake,  as  a glance  at 
; expenses  of  the  Central  Home  will  prove.  The  total  current  or  running 
-fuses  of  this  institution,  including  subsistence,  clothing,  fuel,  lights,  med- 
1 , officers’  salaries,  employes’  pay  roll,  transportation,  and  all  other  expenses, 
u!bt  only  those  for  construction  and  repairs,  during  the  year  1880,  was 
44,791.54.  The  average  number  of  men  present  during  the  year  was  3,399, 
‘R  ng  the  average  yearly  cost  of  keeping  each  man  $117.32,  which  is  actually 
'sj-han  at  any  other  of  the  public  institutions  of  the  United  States,  although 
nreterans  of  the  Central  Home  are  better  and  more  generously  provided  for 
a those  of  any  other  public  institution. 

Any  soldier  during  the  late  war  for  the  preservation  of  the  Union,  who 


1-46 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


was  honorably  discharged  and  disabled  by  wounds  received  or  sickness  coi 
traded  in  the  service,  can  gain  free  transportation  and  admission  to  the  Horn' 
By  a recent  act  of  Congress,  soldiers  of  the  war  of  1812,  and  Mexican  war  ai 
also  included.  Thus  does  a thankful  Government  provide  for  those  war-woi 
veterans,  filling  their  last  days  with  peace,  contentment  and  happiness. 

RECENT  IMPROVEMENTS,  FLOWERS,  ETC. 

Besides  the  new  brick  barracks,  the  monument,  hotel  and  “Memorial  Hall 
many  other  improvements  have  recently  been  made,  or  are  in  process  of  coi 
struction.  A new  lake,  covering  ten  acres,  has  been  built,  large  ice  hous 
erected,  and  an  extensive  water-works  system  is  now  being  put  in  at  an  nutlf 
of  about  $30,000.  The  Board  of  Managers  have  appropriated  $3,000  for  tl 
purpose  of  constructing  an  avenue  100  feet  wide,  in  conjunction  with  certai 
citizens  of  Dayton  beginning  at  the  western  terminus  of  Fifth  street,  and  te 
minating  at  the  new  lake  on  the  Home  ground. 

It  would  be  utterly  impossible  to  attempt  in  this  brief  article  anytkii 
like  a description  of  the  magnificent  beauty  of  the  garden,  conservatories  ar 
dower  beds.  Entering  a lovely  dell  where  the  art  of  the  florist  and  botani 
has  been  brought  into  requisition,  a landscape  garden,  with  nature’s  choice 
flowers  of  beauty  and  fragrance  delights  the  eye  and  charm  the  senses,  the  co: 
servatory  and  greenhouse,  with  plants  from  the  tropics,  and  trees  bearing  the 
delicious  fruits.  Creeping  vines  adorn  the  rock  work,  and  rustic  seats  are  co 
veniently  placed  for  rest  and  pleasure.  Three  mineral  springs  are  convert 
into  drinking  fountains;  and  it  is  not  too  much  to  say  that  nature  and  art  cor 
bined  have  succeeded  in  creating  a little  paradise  of  beauty  and  grace.  To  M 
Frank  Mundt,  the  florist  and  gardner,  to  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Bohrer,  of  Genua 
town,  and  to  Mr.  Davis,  the  architect,  assisted  by  the  veterans  of  the  Horn 
the  whole  under  the  personal  supervision  of  Col.  E.  F.  Brown,  is  due  tl 
honor  of  creating  this  garden  of  Eden,  which  to-day  is  the  wonder  and  adm 
ration  of  the  100,000  persons  who  annually  come  from  all  over  the  world 
feast,  their  eyes  and  record  their  tributes  of  praise. 

OFFICERS  ANB  EX- OFFICERS  OF  THE  HOME 

In  closing  this  sketch  the  want  of  space  will  prevent  us  from  recordii 
more  than  the  names  of  those  who  have  held  official  positions  in  the  Oenti 
Home,  leaving  to  some  future  writer  the  duty  of  giving  to  each  a genera 
biography. 

Governors. — Maj.E.  E.  Tracy  was  appointed  Deputy  Governor  in  flare 
1867,  and  died  in  June,  1868.  Gen.  Timothy  Ingram  was  appointed  Govern; 
in  December,  1867,  and  served  until  January  1,  1869,  on  which  date  Col. 

F,  Brown  relieved  him.  The  latter  was  commissioned  Deputy  Governor  j 
November,  1868,  confirmed  in  July,  1869,  and  was  appointed  Governor  Se 
tember  6,  1873.  On  September  23,  1880,  Col.  Brown  was  appointed,  by  t 
Board  of  Managers,  Inspector  General  of  the  National  Homes,  and  Gen  M. 
Patrick  appointed  Governor  of  the  Central  Plome,  which  office  he  now  oeeupit 

Treasurer. — Col.  Jerome  B.  Thomas  has  served  as  Treasurer-of  the  Oen  i 
Home  since  its  establishment,  in  1867. 

Secretaries. — In  1867,  Capt.  A.  P.  Woodruff  was  appointed  Secretai 
serving  until  September,  1870,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  Capt.  Wilham 
Lough,  who  served  until  September,  1873.  Capt.  it.  E.  Fleming  then  becd 
Secretary,  and  occupied  that  position  until  May  14,  1880,  when  Maj.  Lou? 
again  became  Secretary,  and  now  occupies  that  position. 

Surgeons. — Dr.  C.  McDermont  served  as  Surgeon  of  the  Central  Hoi 
from  its  organization  until  August,  1874,  with  the  exception  of  fourteen  mont 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


447 


ei  as  the  surgeon  of  the  Southern  Home.  Dr.  S.  K.  Towle  was  transferred 
o'  the  Northwestern  Home  to  the  Central  in  April,  1872.  and  served  until 
dj  1873,  when  he  resigned.  In  November,  1874,  Dr.  James  M.  Weaver  be- 
n Surgeon,  and  was  succeeded  by  Dr.  A.  H.  Stephens  October  1 , 1880,  who 
t[)  present  Surgeon  of  the  Home.  The  following  physicians  have  served  as 
slant  Siugeons  in  the  Central  Home:  Drs.  J.  W.  Stewart,  George  G.  Hop- 
JT.  F.  Price,  J.  K.  Evans  apd  A.  S.  Dunlap. 

Chaplain. — Rev.  William  Earnshaw,  D.  D.,  has  occupied  the  position  of 
lain  since  the  organization  of  the  Central  Home,  and  his  labors  have  been 
liable  to  the  institution.  A brave  soldier,  an  earnest  student,  and  a kind- 
led, Christian  gentleman,  his  chaplaincy  has  been  a constant  blessing  to 
- iome. 

■Heimrds.  — -Capt.  A.  P.  Woodruff  served  as  Steward  in  connection  with 
j ecretaryship.  He  occupied  the  latter  position  until  September,  1870,  and 
tewardship  until  December,  4.  1872,  when  he  resigned  and  was  succeeded 
opt.  William  Thompson,  who  served  in  that  capacity  for  nearly  ten  years. 

Thompson  then  resigned,  and  on  the  1st  of  March,  1882,  Maj.  M.  F 
a on  began  his  duties  as  Steward  of  the  Central  Home. 

Matron.—  Mrs.  E.  L.  Miller  has  been  Matron  of  the  Home  since  its  incep 
c and  too  much  praise  cannot  be  accorded  her  for  the  indefatigable  energy 
a as  always  displayed  in  the  performance  of  her  arduous  duties. 


448 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

GEOLOC4Y  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 

THE  geological  structure  of  Montgomery  County  is  identical  with  that 
several  other  counties  in  Southwestern  Ohio,  and  the  geological  him 
says  Prof.  Orton,  is  substantially  the  same.  From  a report  made  by  that  g 
tleman  in  1870,  and  made  a part  of  a volume  on  the  geological  survey  of 
State,  the  facts  herewith  presented  were  taken.  Mr.  Orton’s  observations  w ? 
made  in  1869,  and  appear  to  have  been  very  thorough. 

The  surface  rocks  of  Montgomery  County  present  three  distinct  for: 
tions,  viz.,  the  Cincinnati,  or  blue  limestone  group,  belonging  to  the  Hud  i 
River  period  of  the  Lower  Silurian  age;  the  Clinton  group  and  tho  Miag : 
group,  the  latter  two  belonging  to  the  upper  division  of  the  Silurian  a 
Above  these  are  drift  beds  of  varying  thickness.  These  are  given  in  their 
der,  the  blue  limestone  being  the  lowest.  In  the  rocky  beds  here  exposed  i 
found  the  earliest  forms  of  fossil  organic  life,  of  various  characters,  i 
of  most  interesting  forms,  often  beautiful  in  the  extreme.  The  highest  L 
in  the  county  is  over  1,000  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea,  or  about  600  i 
above  low-water  mark  on  the  Ohio  River  at  Cincinnati,  which  is  482  feet  ab 
tide  water.  The  Great  Miami  River  and  its  tributaries — the  Stillwater 
Mad,  with  numerous  smaller  streams — furnish  the  drainage  for  this  coin 
receiving  the  surplus  from  nearly  its  entire  area. 

Prof.  Orton  says  in  his  report:  “ As  all  the  strata  that  are  met  with 
the  county  are  in  the  main  undisturbed,  or  very  nearly  horizontal,  it  is  evio 
that  the  different  levels  of  the  county  will  be  marked  by  different  rock  formatk  - 
or  by  different  beds  of  the  same  formation.  It  is  found,  accordingly,  that  1 
blue  limestone  occupies  all  those  portions  of  the  county  which  are  not  more  t'i 
450  to  475  feet  above  low-water  at  Cincinnati,  while  the  Clinton  and  Niag: 
formations  are  confined  to  those  limited  areas  which  are  more  than  450  to 
feet  above  this  level,  or,  in  other  words,  to  the  hilltops  and  highest  table  la; 
of  the  county.  In  many  instances,  however,  these  formations  are  themsei 
overlaid  with  heavy  beds  of  drift.  Of  the  350  feet  extreme  elevation  ab 
mentioned,  it  will  be  seen  that  the  blue  limestone  series  tills  225  feet,  wi 
the  remaining  125  feet  is  divided  among  the  Clinton,  Niagara  and  drift  in 
following  order:  The  Clinton  holds  an  average  of  twenty  feet,  its  thick! i 
diminishing  from  thirty  feet  in  the  northern  portions  of  the  county  to  n 
feet  in  the  southernmost.  The  Niagara  formation  of  the  county  has  a tuii 
mum  thickness  of  fifty  feet,  which,  however,  it  rarely  attains,  and  it  is  so: 
times  found  in  beds  the  aggregate  of  which  is  not  more  than  live  feet.  A v 
tical  section  in  the  vicinity  of  Centerville,  Washington  Township,  from  j 
surface  of  the  ground  to  the  level  of  the  river,  would  give  approximately 
following  results:  Drift,  fifteen  feet;  Niagara,  forty  feet;  Clinton,  twe 
feet;  blue  limestone,  225  feet;  total,  300  feet.  A section  at  Webber  & I 
man’s  quarry,  east  of  Dayton  two  miles,  gives  eight  to  twenty  feet  of  <h 
sands  or  clays,  ten  feet  Niagara,  twenty  feet  Clinton  and  150  feet  blue  li 1 
stone;  total,  200  feet.  A section  at  the  Soldiers'  Home,  two  miles^wes1 
Dayton,  gives, . drift,  ten  feet;  Clinton,  ten  feet;  blue  limestone,  lo0  f 
total,  180  feet.  The  last  two  sections  are  drawn  to  the  level  of  the  rivei 
Dayton.  ” 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


449 


It  is  customary  to  unite  the  Clinton  and  Niagara  groups  under  one  desig- 
napn  “ Cliff  Limestone,”  and  about  one-fourth  the  area  of  Montgomery  is 
isc’pied  by  these  formations,  the  other  three- fourths  being  taken  up  by  the 
it'  limestone.  The  blue  limestone,  which  outcrops  only  in  Southwestern 
} ),  and  the  adjacent  portions  of  Indiana,  Kentucky  and  Tennessee,  attains 
t ggregate  thickness  of  more  than  500  feet.  “It  is  the  geological  equiva- 
of  the  shales  and  sandstones  that  are  known  as  the  Hudson  River  group 
.e  State  of  New  York.  Its  name  indicates  the  color  and  composition  of 
icocks  that  belong  to  it.  The  blue  limestone  proper,  however,  is  interstrati - 
»With  beds  of  a blue  calcareous  clay  or  marl  that  constitute,  in  many  lo- 
. dies,  the  larger  portion  of  the  system.  The  solid  rock  occurs  in  eleven 
v:s  that  sometimes  reach  a thickness  of  ten  or  twelve  inches,  but  which  gen- 
r.sjy  vary  from  three  to  six  inches  in  thickness.  Both  limestone  and  marl 
i;  nd  in  admirably  preserved  relics  of  the  living  forms  that  inhabited  the 
went  seas  in  which  these  beds  were  formed.  These  fossils  belong  exclusively 
e lower  divisions  of  the  animal  and  vegetable  kingdoms.  No  remains  of 
rVertebrated  animal,  and  no  traces  of  land  vegetation  have  ever  yet  been 
sivered  in  the  strata  of  this  group.  Sea  weeds  and  sponges,  beautiful  star 
da  and  stone  lilies  of  exquisite  construction,  corals  in  great  variety  and  in- 
ri;  number,  molluscan  shells  of  the  great  classes,  so  crowded  as  frequently 
ustitufce  the  entire  substance  of  the  rock,  and  many  species  of  trilobites, 
lulated  animals  of  an  order  long  since  extinct,  are  found  in  all  portions  of 
ebedded  rock  ami  in  its  weathered  exposures.  The  general  character  of 
m fossils  would  indicate  that  the  beds  were  formed  at  the  bottom  of  deep 
a and  no  mark  of  shore  lines  or  other  indications  of  shallow  water  ever  oc- 
ifto  contradict  this  inference.” 

Wherever  the  channels  of  the  streams  in  the  county  are  worn  deep  enough, 
eilue  limestone  is  exposed,  audit  is  evident  that  this  formation  underlies 
entire  county.  To  the  northward,  it  extends  beyond  the  county  limits  a 
s nee  of  twenty  mile3  or  more,  as  shown  in  the  beds  of  the  Great  Miami  and 
S water  Rivers.  It  is  inferred  that  the  whole  surface  of  Montgomery  County 
i nice  covered  with  unbroken  strata  of  this  formation  to  the  height  of  450 
epr  more  above  low-water  mark  at  Cincinnati.  The  upper  layers  of  the 
r,s,  constituting  from  six  to  twenty  feet,  differ  in  mineral  character  from 
tiie’ower  beds,  and  are  composed  for  the  most  part  of  red  and  yellow  clays, 

, occasionally  a yellowish,  arenaceous  limestone,  which  is  quite  often  made 
Hil  as  a lire  stone  or  building  rock. 

The  Clinton  formation,  lying  next  above  the  blue  limestone,  is  identical 
: it  the  same  formation  in  the  State  of  New  York,  where  it  was  originally 
ajjified  an  1 named.  It  is  a crinoidal  limestone,  some  twenty  feet  in  thick- 
“ the  upper  layers  showing  crystalline  particles  when  fractured,  and  the 
vjr  ones  inclining  strongly  to  a sandy  character.  On  this  account,  it  has 
m frequently  called  sandstone,  and,  although  that  name  would  apply  very 
e to  portions  of  the  formation,  it  must  be  remembered  that  it  is  formed  of 
n sand,  instead  of  silica  sand,  silica  being  almost  entirely  wanting  in  the 
hjfen  rocks  of  this  region.  “ In  color,”  says  the  authority  before  quoted, 
tjrae  rocks  have  no  uniformity,  varying  not  only  in  different  localities  but 
-L  in  closely  adjacent  beds,  passing  from  a marble-like  whiteness  through 
ujus  shades  of  gray,  pink,  yellow  and  red.  The  weathered  surfaces  have 
generally  a yellowish,  rusty  appearance,  due  to  the  oxidation  of  the 
o that  the  rocks  contain.  The  crystalline  beds  take  a good  polish,  coasti- 
ng a marble  of  attractive  appearance.  The  Harrisburg  and  Ludlow  ‘ mar- 
ls ’ are  examples  of  this  quality  of  the  formation.” 

The  rate  of  growth  of  this  rock  appears  to  have  been  very  slow,  no  sedi- 


450 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


ments  having  contributed  thereto,  the  strata  being  composed  almost  wholly 
the  broken  stems  and  cups  of  crinoids  or  stone  lilies,  Sometimes,  associal 
with  them,  are  found  representatives  of  animal  groups  named  in  the  blue  lin 
stone  series,  among  them  being  chain  corals  as  distinct  characteristics.  1 
Clinton  stone  has  received  several  local  names  in  the  county,  as  “ fire  stom 
“ rotten  limestone,”  “bastard  limestone”  and,  among  quarrymen  it  is  son 
times  called  “ pink  eye.”  Above  it  and  interposing  between  it  and  the  Mag! 
limestone,  is  a layer  of  fine-grained  marl,  from  two  to  six  inches  in  tliiekne 
which  belongs  to  the  Clinton  group.  It  abounds  in  the  ‘ ‘ free,  perforate 
disc-like  joints  of  crinoidal  stems  of  very  large  species,  and  certain  shells  i 
cur  here  that  have  not  been  found  elsewhere  in  the  series.  As  a general  ru 
the  Clinton  rock  is  not  even  bedded,  but  where  raised  in  the  quarries  comas  c 
in  irregular  masses.” 

The  Niagara  formation  is  not  as  uniform  in  character  as  the  lower  grouj 
“It  consists  in  all  cases  of  even-bedded  limestones  and  marls,  it  is  true,  l 
the  limestones  have  very  different  degrees  of  purity,  while  in  hardness,  co 
pactness,  color  and  the  presence  or  absence  of  fossil  contents,  they  have  a vt 
wide  range.  The  celebrated  Dayton  stone — ‘ Dayton  marble,’  it  is  someth 
styled — may  be  assumed  as  the  standard  of  excellence  in  this  series;  but  d 
ferent  localities  exhibit  every  degree  of  gradation,  from  the  admirable  qualit 
of  this  stone,  in  compactness,  durability  and  color,  to  the  worthless,  ’yelk 
back  ’ of  the  quarrymen,  or  to  the  unconsolidated  clays  that  are  frequen 
found  as  its  equivalent.  In  Montgomery  County,  the  lower  layers  of  the  Ni; 
ara  rocks  are  always  the  firmest  and  most  valuable,  the  five  to  ten  feet  imn 
diately  overlying  the  Clinton,  constituting  in  almost  every  case  the  sources  i'r. 
which  the  Dayton  stone  is  derived.  The  varying  thickness  of  the  formati 
in  different  localities  has  already  been  noted,  the  limits  having  been  given 
five  to  fifty  feet.  From  the  fact  that  so  great  variety  in  composition  is  fon 
in  these  rocks,  we  are  warranted  in  concluding  that  the  Niagara  strata  wc 
not  originally  of  uniform  thickness,  as  the  beds  of  the  previous  groups  seem 
have  been.  It  may  be  that  the  higher  degrees  of  excellence  in  the  stone  w< 
connected  with  a slower  rate  of  growth.  It  is  at  all  events  true  that  the  mi 
valuable  deposits  of  this  series  in  the  county  are  in  every  case  shallow.  T 
lower  beds  contain  but  very  few  fossils,  some  circular  corals  and  very  rarelj 
bivalve  or  chambered  shell,  making  out  the  list,  while  in  higher  portions  of  t 
group  the  strata  are  frequently  crowded  with  fossils,  which  differ  almost  e 
tirely  in  species  from  those  that  are  found  in  the  lower  groups.  One  pee-ulia; 
ty  of  these  fossils  is  that  they  occur  almost  always  as  internal  casts,  the  out 
shell  or  investment  having  been  dissovled  and  carried  away  during  the  p; 
conditions  of  the  rock.  One  of  the  most  noticeable  of  all  these  forms  of  i 
cient  life  is  the  large  bivalve  shell,  Pentamerous  oblongus , known  sometimes 
the  ‘ deer-foot  shell  ’ and  quite  frequently  identified  as  a petrified  hickory  ui 
The  sections  of  a large  chambered  shell,  of  the  genus  Ortlioceras,  are  al 
frequently  met  with,  and  are  sometimes  mistaken  by  the  ignorant  for  the  ba( 
bones  of  fishes  or  serpents.  The  area  occupied  by  the  Niagara  rocks  is  r 
probably  more  than  one-half  of  that  which  the  Clinton  covers.  ' There  seen 
however,  no  reason  to  doubt  that  both  of  these  members  of  the  cliff  formati 
were  once  extended  over  the  whole  surface  of  the  county,  as  their  present  d 
tributiou  can  be  satisfactorily  explained  by  reference  to  erosive  agencies  tl 
are  known  to  have  been  at  work  upon  them — agencies  some  of  which  are  st 
continuing  their  destructive  tasks.  * '*  The  Clinton  and  Niagara  in  t 

eastern  portions  of  the  county  occur  altogether  in  insulated  masses  or  i slant 
on  the  ridge  between  the  two  Miamis,  and  all  the  water-courses  that  flew  fre 
these  high  grounds  have  already  worn  their  channels  deep  into  these  rocks,  n 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


451 


,nequently  through  them,  into  the  underlying  blue  limestone  series.  There 
Mowever,  a manifest  shallowing  of  the  cliff  rocks  as  we  go  southward,  the 
liton  diminishing  to  nine  feet  near  the  southern  line  of  the  county,  appar- 
ay  indicating  that  the  blue  limestone  regions  southward  were,  even  at  this 
ay  time,  raised  above  the  surface  of  the  seas,  or  in  other  words  that  they 
-ft  never  covered  by  the  limestones  of  the  succeeding  cliff  formation.” 

The  deposits  of  the  drift  period  cover  all  of  the  foregoing  formations  to 
a ing  depths,  throughout  nearly  their  entire  extent,  and  in  some  instances 
fils  intervene  between  the  exposures  of  the  rocky  beds.  These  drift  deposits 
■ a greatly  in  thickness;  nature  of  materials  of  which  they  are  composed,  and 
narder  of  arrangement  of  these  materials;  therefore,  it  is  almost  impossible 
» nd  two  sections  of  drift  beds  that  will  agree  in  every  particular.  Prof. 
r>n  speaks  of  the  drift  in  the  following  language: 

“Before  describing  the  leading  characteristics  of  these  beds,  it  will  be 
ier  to  call  attention  to  an  interesting  fact  that  must  be  referred  to  the 
ur  agencies  by  which  the  drift  itself  is  explained.  Considerable  portions  of 
u -ocky  surf  ace  of  the  county  have  been  planed,  polished,  striated  and  grooved 
y eavy  masses  of  ice — inclosing  sand,  gravel  and  bowlders — moving  over 
in.  These  phenomena  can  be  best  observed  in  the  firmer  beds  of  the 
i ;ara  limestone,  occupying  as  they  do  the  highest  table  lands  of  the  county, 
alley  are  by  no  means  confined  to  them.  The  great  belt  of  quarries  south- 
if; of  Dayton  furnish  fine  exhibitions  of  this  agency.  Indeed,  these  naturally 
laed  surfaces  are  frequently  turned  to  account  for  door-steps,  flagging  stones 
lcother  similar  uses.  It  is  altogether  probable  that  the  whole  surface  of  the 
tij.ty  has  been  exposed  to  the  abrading  agencies  of  the  glacial  sheet,  as  we 
lithe  marks  of  these  agencies  at  every  point  where  the  rocks  are  firm  enough 
tain  them.  The  unconsolidated  beds  of  the  Niagara  rocks  have  been  in 
ri  measure  removed  by  the  same  force  that  has  planed  the  harder  surfaces, 
s evident  from  an  inspection  of  those  .higher  portions  of  the  system  that 

i remain.  This  polished  surface  of  the  Niagara  rock  is  generally  covered 

ii  yellow  clays  intermingled  with  gravel  and  bowlders.  Sometimes  heavy 
: u itic  blocks  have  been  left  in  the  clay  in  almost  immediate  contact  with  the 

a<  ed  rock,  their  own  surfaces  having  been  planed  and  scored  by  the  service 
> rich  they  have  been  put.  We  see  in  them  the  implements  of  abrasion — 
hmgraving  tools — left  where  the  work  was  done.  The  thickness  of  these 
a deposits  varies  from  one  foot  to  thirty  feet,  and  the  upper  portions  are 
r 'st  always  freer  from  gravel  than  the  lower  portions.  Occasionally  a lim- 
e-; deposit  of  blue  clay  is  found  on  the  surface  of  the  rocks,  but  for  the  most 
: u these  beds  of  blue  clay,  when  they  occur,  are  found  overlying  yellow  clays 
' Ids  of  gravel,  in  pockets  of  small  extent.  Fragments  of  drifted  coniferous 
a 1 are  sometimes  found  buried  deep  in  these  deposits.  Next  in  importance 
e yellow  clays  are  the  beds  of  sand  and  gravel,  of  which  the  drift  beds 
f argelv  composed.  They  sometimes  overlie  the  clays,  are  sometimes  inter  - 
r hied  with  them,  and  sometimes  they  repose  directly  upon  the  surface  of 
k ocks.  The  gravel  contains  representatives  of  all  the  formations  that  are 
ad  to  the  northward  within  the  limits  of  the  State,  viz.,  blue  limestone, 
'-Ron,  Niagara,  water  lime,  coniferous  and  black  slates,  and  a considerable 
31  of  it  is  derived  from  the  metamorphic  rocks  of  the  Lake  Superior  region  and 
°i  ids  Canadian  highlands.  To  the  same  source  must  be  referred  the  sand, 
’ :>  silicious  formation  of  any  considerable  extent  occurs  between  these  de- 
1 W.s  and  the  line  of  the  great  lakes.  The  sand  and  gravel  have  a thickness 
- !:  least  100  feet  in  many  instances.  The  deposits  are  always  distinctly 
r died,  and  exhibit  many  alternations  of  fine  and  coarse  materials  that  be- 
l"l;i  considerable  changes  in  the  conditions  of  their  formation.  Thoy  often 


452 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


show,  especially  in  the  beds  that  occupy  the  lower  levels  of  the  county,  beat 
structure,  or  marks  of  the  action  of  water  that  could  only  be  impressed  ap< 
them  while  they  lay  at  or  near  the  surface.  The  sand  and  gravel  are  som 
times  cemented  into  massive  blocks  by  the  deposition  of  carbonate  of  lime  fre 
the  spring  water  that  Hows  over  and  through  them.  Recourse  was  former 
had  to  these  cong-lomerates  for  building  stone,  but  it  was  found  that  they  we 
worthless  for  such  purposes,  as  they  cannot  withstand  the  action  of  frost. 

“ The  lost  rocks — bowlders,  hard-heads,  gray-heads,  as  they  are  frequent 
designated — constitute  too  important  a feature  of  the  geology  of  the  county 
be  omitted  in  this  review.  They  are  irregularly  distributed  over  the  face 
the  county,  sometimes  thickly  sown  in  belts  of  sevei’al  miles  in  length  a, 
breadth,  with  tolerably  dehnite  boundaries,  and  sometimes  scattered  singly 
wide  intervals.  They  occur  through  the  whole  range  of  the  drift  beds,  but  a 
far  more  abundant  in  the  upper  portions  than  in  any  other.  As  in  the  case 
the  gravel  they  are  all  of  northern  origin,  and  by  far  the  largest  number  n 
been  brought  from  beyond  the  great  lakes.  These  bowlders  weigh  not  k 
than  160  pounds  to  the  cubic  foot,  and  the  total  weight  of  single  blocks  som 
times  exceeds  ten  tons.” 

Building  Rock. — The  thi’ee  rock  formations  exposed  in  Montgome 
County  furnish  abundant  material  for  this  use.  “ The  blue  limestone  affon 
in  numberless  exposures,  a building  stone  that  is  accessible,  easily  quarrie 
even  bedded,  of  convenient  thickness  and  very  durable.  It  possesses,  howev 
but  little  susceptibility  of  ornamentation.  The  thinness  of  its  beds,  its  bar 
ness  and  brittleness,  stand  in  the  way  of  its  impi’ovement  by  dressing,  and 
color  is  too  dark  to  please  the  eye  when  it  is  exposed  in  large  surfaces  of  m 
sonry.  The  Clinton  rock,  in  all  of  its  beds — but  especially  in  its  upper  ones 
affords  a building  stone  that  would  be  highly  valued  were  it  not  for  the  clo 
proximity,  in  most  instances,  of  the  quai'ries  of  the  Niagara  group.  A simil 
statement  can  be  made  in  regard  to  the  products  of  the  blue  limestone  quarri 
of  the  county.  When  the  Clinton  stone  is  first  raised  from  the  quarry,  it 
frequently  so  soft  as  to  be  easily  worked;  but  when  the  water  has  escaped  fre 
it,  it  becomes  a measurably  firm  and  enduring  stone.  Some  of  its  beds,  i 
deed,  are  crystalline,  or  semi-crystalline  in  structure,  and  leave  nothing  to 
desired  as  far  as  durability  is  concei'ned.  As  already  remarked,  the  Clinti 
group  exhibits  a great  variety  of  colors,  and  some  of  these  shades  are  ve 
pleasing  to  the  eye — a fact  which  makes  this  stone  susceptible  of  fine  arehitei 
ura I effects.  The  greatest  objection  to  this  series  is  that  it  is  not  genera! 
even-bedded.  The  lower  strata  are  very  seldom  so.  The  Niagara  group,  ho 
ever,  furnishes  the  best  building  stone,  not  only  of  Montgomery  County,  but 
the  whole  Miami  Yalley  as  well.  Indeed,  for  many  piu’poses  it  is  inferior 
none.  Occurring  as  it  does,  in  even-bedded  layers  of  from  four  to  twen 
inches  in  thickness,  it  is  adapted  to  the  purposes  of  both  light  and  heavy  m 
sonry.  It  is  homogeneous  in  structure,  has  a beautiful  color,  takes  ornamenl 
tion  quite  kindly  and  is  durable  to  any  required  degree.  The  value  that 
attached  to  it  can  be  judged  from  the  fact  that  in  some  of  the  quarries  nean 
to  Dayton,  the  stone  sells  in  the  ground  for  $17.50  per  rod,  or  $2,800  per  ac: 
the  title  to  the  land  not  being  alienated.  In  these  quai’ries  there  is  less  tin 
five  feet  of  workable  stone,  and  this  can  only  be  reached  by  removing  from  fi 
to  twenty  feet  of  drift  clays  and  sands.  * * The  supply  of  the  rock  even 

this,  its  best  estate,  is  inexhaustible,  but  the  expense  of  transportation  sin 
out  at  present  from  the  general  market  all  the  quarries  that  are  more  th 
three  or  four  miles  distant  from  Dayton.  The  quarries  that  lie  outside 
these  limits,  however,  are  invaluable  for  neighborhood  supplies.  The  quali 
of  the  stone,  when  perfect  in  every  other  respects,  is  sometimes  injured  by  t 


WASH / N GTON  TP. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


457 


yorrence  of  crystals  of  iron  pyrites,  which  weather  into  brownish  stains  when 
osed  to  the  air  and  disfigure  the  surface. 

“ In  addition  to  the  kind  of  rock  already  named,  there  is  in  the  county  a 
• ire  supply  of  Niagara  rock  that  falls  short  of  the  typical  excellence  in  hard- 
-,i3  and  color,  but  which  still  constitutes  a very  serviceable  and  valuable  de- 
jit. These  beds  of  inferior  quality  are  sometimes  the  precise  stratigraphical 
Avalents  of  the  true  Dayton  stones;  that  is,  they  immediately  overlie  the 
iton  formation,  but  generally  they  occur  at  a higher  level  in  the  series, 
ri  differences  in  color  and  hardness  alluded  to  seem  connected  with  differ - 
,]jea  in  chemical  composition,  the  Dayton  stone  being  a nearly  pure  carbonate 
ntime,  while  the  inferior  grades  are  composed  of  the  carbonates  of  lime  and 
Limesia.  The  color  of  these  last-named  beds  is  not  constant,  various  shades 
jllrab  and  yellow  alternating  with  shades  of  blue,  sometimes  even  in  the  same 
[{far  of  rock.  In  durability  they  seem  in  no  way  inferior  to  the  standard 
[Mon  stone.  The  bowlders  of  the  drift  are  also  available  for  building  pur- 
p|es.  They  form,  in  some  parts  of  the  county,  the  main  supply  for  founda 
-ills,  and,  when  treated  with  skill,  give  excellent  results.” 

Brick.  Draining-Tile  and  Pottery  Clays. — Outside  of  the  alluvial  bottoms, 
nrly  every  section  of  the  county  furnishes,  from  its  drift  beds,  material  from 
vch  brick  can  be  manufactured,  the  yellow  clays  overlying  the  Niagara  rock 
: lithe  higher  table  lands  being  by  far  the  best  for  the  purpose.  In  many 
’333,  the  walls  of  a building  can  be  constructed  of  bricks  of  the  best  quality 
njle  from  the  clay  taken  from  its  site.  “ Beds  of  blue  clay  are  also  abundant, 
c erally  at  lower  levels  of  the  county,  from  which  draining-tile  and  pottery 
c:  be  made.  For  these  purposes,  the  blue  and  yellow  clays  are  generally 
a:;ed,  the  blue  clay  imparting  the  necessary  strength  and  the  yellow  counter- 
ing the  tendency  of  the  former  to  shrink  and  crack  in  the  process  of  baking. 
Te  importance  of  drain-tile  in  agriculture  begins  to  be  understood.  Hun- 
1 Is  of  thousands  of  tiles  are  now  manufactured  annually,  with  a steadily  in- 
i.asing  demand.  A third  variety  of  clay  is  found  within  the  county,  in  quite 
lilted  deposits  compared  with  the  preceding.  It  also  is  called  blue  clay,  but 
differs  from  the  ordinary  blue  clay  in  containing  no  iron.  It  is  converted 
b;  burning  into  a cream-colored  brick  of  the  same  general  character  as  the 
V waukee  brick.  It  is  generally  very  fine  grained,  and  has  been  quite  largely 
u d as  mineral  paint.  In  composition,  it  consists  of  little  besides  alumina, 
-iica  and  lime.  There  is  no  doubt  that  these  deposits  will  be  regarded  with 
oreasing  interest,  as  their  advantages  for  architectural  purposes  come  to  be 
cognized.  The  heaviest  accumulation  of  this  clay  now  known  in  Southern 
C io  occurs  near  Springfield,  Clark  County,  and  it  has  already  been  turned  to 
g k!  account  in  the  manufacture  of  Milwaukee  brick. 

“ Firestone . — -A  stone  that  can  endure  the  action  of  heat,  admits  of  many 
nful  applications.  Two  of  the  bedded  rocks  of  the  county  have  considerable 
l|al  reputation  as  firestones,  viz. , the  sandy  limestones  that  make  the  upper - 
nst  beds  of  the  blue  limestone  series  and  the  Clinton  group.  This  latter 
rk  certainly  answers  a tolerable  purpose  for  chimney  jambs  and  kindred 
il  is.  It  is  not  easy  to  see  what  there  is  in  its  composition  that  enables  it  to 
f ist  unchanged  the  agency  of  fire,  as  analyses  show  it  to  be  a true  limestone 
i'  a good  degree  of  purity.  Experience,  however,  abundantly  demonstrates  its 
vue  in  this  regard.  Chimney- jambs  can  be  shown  that  have  stood  over  fifty 
) its  in  service.  Farmers  are  willing  to  transport  it  for  miles  to  lay  up  the 
aihes  of  their  sugar  camps.  It  must  be  added  that  the  different  beds  of  the 
sues  have  very  different  qualities  in  this  respect,  the  middle  and  lower  layers 
l nishing  the  best  firestone,  and  there  is  no  doubt  that  the  quality  in  its  highest 
1 -fibition  is  local. 

“ Lime . — As  lime  is  the  great  cement  employed  alike  in  nature  and  by  hu- 

M 


458 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


man  art,  the  sources  of  its  supply  are  of  more  economical  value  to  any  comm 
nity  than  are  the  supplies  of  building  stone  and  brick  clay  even.  All  the  be 
ded  rocks  of  the  Miami  Valley,  and  portions  of  the  drift  as  well,  furni 
materials  from  which  excellent  lime  can  be  made.  It  is  needful,  however 
remark  that  the  terms  limestone  and  lime  do  not  convey  any  precise  infora 
tion  as  to  the  chemical  composition  of  the  substances  to  which  they  areapplii 
Limestones  always  contain  carbonate  of  lime,  it  is  true;  but  besides  this  th 
generally  contain  various  compounds  and  various  proportions  of  ma^nes 
alumina  (clay),  silica  (sand)  and  iron.  The  limestones  of  this  region  that  c 
be  burned  into  valuable  lime  may  be  divided  into  two  classes,  according 
their  chemical  composition.  The  first  group  comprises  those  rocks  that  cons 
mainly  of  carbonate  of  lime,  or  that  contain  at  least  85  per  cent  of  this  su 
stance.  The  second  group  is  made  up  of  the  dolomites,  or  magnesian  lin 
stones,  which  have  at  least  40  per  cent,  of  carbonate  of  magnesia  in  their  co 
position.  Silica,  alumina  and  iron  are  found  in  small  and  varving  prop( 
tions  in  each  division.  The  properties  of  these  limes  are  very  difforei 
Those  of  the  first  class  require  to  be  submitted  to  a higher  temperature 
burning  than  the  second.  They  slake  promptly  and  thoroughly,  and  in  t 
operation  evolve  a great  degree  of  heat.  From  this  last  fact  they  are  term 
‘hot’  or  ‘fiery’  limes.  They  ‘set’  or  harden  so  soon  that  but  two  or  tin 
bricks  can  be  laid  with  one  spreading  of  mortar,  and  walls  that  are  made 
them  have  a tendency  to  ‘chip-crack.’  It  is  quite  likely  that,  this  last  ram 
property  can  be  attributed  in  some  degree  to  the  silica  and  alumina  which  th 
contain.  The  second  group  contains  those  limes  that  are  called  ‘cool.’  Th 
do  not  give  out  so  much  heat  in  slaking  as  the  limes  of  the  first  class,  nor 
they  ‘set’  as  soon.  From  five  to  twenty  bricks  can  be  laid  with  a sing 
spreading  of  mortar,  and  in  plastering  a corresponding  advantage  can  be  c 
tained.  On  purely  practical  grounds,  the  builders  of  Southwestern  Ohio  ha 
come  to  recognize  the  greater  desirability  of  the  limes  of  the  last-named  ola 
and  none  others  can  now  find  a market  in  the  cities  and  towns  of  this  portij 
of  the  State.  To  the  first  series  belong  the  blue  limestones,  the  Clinton  gro 
and  the  Dayton  beds  of  the  Niagara  group.  The  limes  of  the  second  sen 
are  all  obtained  from  the  upper  or  Niagara  division  of  the  cliff  limestones,  a; 
the  kinds  of  rocks  from  which  they  are  derived  constitute  almost  the  ent; 
mass  of  this  formation.  It  thus  appears  that  the  Niagara  group  in  Ohio  is 
true  magnesian  limestone,  as  all  the  members  of  this  same  great  series  throng 
out  its  wide  western  expansion — in  Michigan,  Wisconsin,  Illinois,  Iowa  a: 
Minnesota — have  uniformly  been  found  to  be.  The  only  exception  to  lh< 
statements  as  to  the  composition  of  the  Niagara  series  is  found  in  some  of  i 
lowermost  beds,  where  in  limited  and  isolated  areas  the  Dayton  stone  and  : 
equivalents  occur.  This  stone  has  already  been  referred  to  the  true  limeskms 
an  analysis  of  it  made  by  Dr.  Locke,  in  1835,  showing  that  it  contains  92  p 
cent  of  carbonate  of  lime.  While  with  this  exception  the  whole  Niagara  sorij 
consists  of  magnesian  limestones,  it  would  be  wrong  to  conclude  that  eve 
portion  of  this  series,  taken  indifferently,  can  be  burned  into  valuable  lin 
The  quarries  that  are  worked  for  lime  burning  at  Cedarville.  Yellow, Spring 
Sprin glield,  Moore’s  quarries  below  Springfield,  Wilson’s  quarries  north  i 
Dayton,  and  a few  others  less  widely  known,  furnish  the  most  valuable  lire 
of  the  Miami  Valleys  and  largely  supply  the  markets  of  Cincinnati,  Daytc 
Hamilton,  Springfield,  Xenia  and  the  remaining  towns  and  villages  of  this  sc 
tion.  These  quarries  all  lie  in  the  same  geological  horizon,  viz.,  between  1 
and  100  feet  above  the  base  of  the  Niagara  rocks.  They  begin  in  or  above  tl 
strata  that  contain  the  large  shell  Pentamerous  oblongus,  and  generally  inclui 
from  ten  to  twenty  feet  that  overlie  the  Pentamerous  beds — a series  of  thin  ai 
irregularly  bedded  strata,  valueless  for  building  stone.,  largely  filled  with 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


459 


i il  fragments.  The  strata  that  underlie  the  Pentamerous  beds  consist  of 
, ,jl  anrl  drab  magnesian  limestones,  which  cannot  be  burned  into  a good  arti- 
ibf  common  lime,  but  which  there  is  good  reason  to  believe  possess  in  greater 
rjss  degree  the  properties  of  hydraulic  cement  or  water  lime.  A sample 
r,ji  the  quarries  of  W.  Sroufe,  Esq.,  Yellow  Springs,  when  analyzed,  was 
o id  to  agree  very  closely  with  a magnesian  limestone  of  France  that  is  cited 
yificat  as  an  excellent  hydraulic  cement.  The  same  rock,  when  treated  in 
iiratory  experiments,  indicates  an  eminent  degree  of  hydraulic  energy.” 

An  analysis  of  the  Clinton  limestone  from  Centerville,  Montgomery 
onty,  showed  that  it  contained  the  following  elements: 

frbonate  of  lime 86.30  I Silica : 0.85 

(rbonate  of  magnesia 11.34  | Alumina  and  iron 0,40 

Total 98.89 

This  compares  well  with  the  analyses  of  rocks  from  the  blue  limestone 
^Niagara  beds  in  various  places,  being  about  the  average  of  all. 

“ Mineral  Paints. — The  materials  from  which  mineral  paints  have  been 
aufactured  in  this  portion  of  the  State  are  all  obtained  from  the  beds  of 
ci . The  second  variety  of  blue  clay,  already  described,  is  principally  used 
/this  purpose.”  A company  was  organized  at  Miamisburg  about  1867  or 
St , and  their  sales,  in  1869,  aggregated  over  100,000  pounds,  which  included 
ciisiderable  portion  of  lead.  “ The  bed  of  clay  which  is  turned  to  most  ac- 
n|t  is  situated  on  Hole’s  Creek,  at  no  great  elevation  above  the  Miami  River, 
h clay  is  identical  in  composition  with  the  heavy  bank  near  Springfield,  and 
tolly  resembles  the  ‘Milwaukee  brick’  clay  in  composition.”  An  analysis  of 
Hole’s  Creek  clay  is  herewith  presented: 

\ ,ter  in  sample  dried  at  212° 0.80  I Alumina  soluble 6.05 

(game matter 2.35  | Sesquioxide  of  iron j;3.00 

Sea 35.56  I Carbonate  of  lime 29.18 

.' mina  as  silicate 13.59  | Carbonate  of  magnesia 7.04 


Total 97.57 

.”  Many  of  the  gravel  beds  of  the  drift  contain  accumulations  of  ocher 
o or  less  extensive,  and  occasionally  deposits  of  the  same  substance  are 
ul  unmixed  with  gravel.  The  ocher  can  be  separated  from  the  gravel  by 
tiling,  and  proves  to  be  of  fair  quality.  A large  deposit  of  this  ocherous 
ad  is  to  be  found  on  the  north  bank  of  Twin  Creek,  one  mile  east  of  Ger- 
t.  own.  Montgomery  County.  * * A bed  of  brown  coal,  that  occurs  in 

t ame  gravel  bank,  has  been  turned  to  account  for  the  manufacture  of  black 
-i  . Mastodon  remains  and  phosphate  of  iron  are  found  also  in  this  locality. 
a]|jag  all  things  into  account,  no  more  interesting  section  of  the  drift  is  to 
und  in  this  region  than  the  ‘ Germantown  ocher  bank.  ’ 

Gravel. — It  is  not  easy  to  set  a proper  estimate  upon  the  beds  of  sand 
‘(gravel  of  the  county  until  a comparison  is  instituted  between  a region  well 
I-  iod  with  such  accumulations  and  another  which  is  destitute  of  them.  The 
a 1 knolls  and  ridges  with  which,  in  the  southern  and  eastern  portions  of 
e county,  almost  every  farm  abounds,  afford  very  desirable  building  sites. 
Are  generally  selected  for  such  purposes.  Sand  of  the  best  quality  for 
orjir,  cement  and  brick  making,  is  everywhere  within  easy  access.  An  inex- 
aijible  supply  of  excellent  materials  for  road-making — what  is  frequently  des- 
eed ‘clean  limestone  gravel,’  though  in  reality  largely  composed  of  granitic 
: kl.es — is  found  in  the  drift  deposits,  from  which  hundreds  of  miles  of  turn- 
iv  k have  been  already  constructed  in  the  county,  thus  affording  free  communi- 
1 til  between  farm  and  market  at  all  seasons  of  the  year.  The  smaller  bowl- 
Hori  of  Canadian  origin,  are  selected  from  the  gravel  banks  for  paving-stones, 
rua  ^ted  to  the  neighboring  cities.  In  regions  where  stone  suitable  for 
ai  iamized  pikes  can  be  obtained,  good  roads  can  be  had,  even  though  gravel 


460 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


is  wanting,  but  at  largely  increased  expense  above  that  of  gravel  turnpike 
The  districts  which  are  supplied  with  neither  can  certainly  never  compete  i 
desirability  with  these  gravel-strewn  regions. 

“ The  agricultural  relations  of  the  different  formations  of  Montoumei 
County  remain  to  be  briefly  discussed.  Only  those  points  will  be  touched  upc 
which  are  especially  noticeable.  From  what  has  been  already  said  of  the  dii 
tribution  of  the  drift,  it  may  b8  inferred  that  this  formation  will  conceal  or  ol 
scure  all  the  rest,  and,  to  a considerable  extent,  this  will  be  found  to  bo  tl 
case.  There  are  large  areas  in  which  the  underlying  rock  seems  to  have  i 
direct  effect  upon  the  superficial  beds,  further  than  to  control  the  general  fea 
ure  of  their  arrangement.  In  such  cases  the  soil  depends  directly  upon  tl 
composition  of  the  drift  beds,  and  will  be  found  light,  warm  and  dry, 
heavy,  cold  and  wet,  according  as  sand  or  clay  predominates  in  these  bee 
There  are,  however,  several  varieties  of  soil  that  receive  their  leading  chara 
teristics  directly  from  the  rock  with  which  they  are  associated.  The  hi', 
table  lands  of  the  Niagara  limestone,  which  are  mostly  confined  to  the  northe 
portions  of  the  county,  furnish  the  first  example.  These  limestones  are  oft 
covered  with  but  a shallow  deposit  of  clay,  yellow  originally,  but  blackened  ! 
organic  matter  for  a foot  or  two  from  the  surface.  These  table  lands  hold 
nearly  a horizontal  position  that  the  streams  that  have  their  sources  in  the 
have  but  a sluggish  flow.  Indeed,  these  districts,  until  they  are  cleared  ai 
ditched,  are  almost  always  marshy  in  their  conditions,  and,  though  occupy  in 
the  highest  level  of  the  county,  are  universally  spoken  of  as  low-lying  land  I 
They  contain  abundant  elements  of  agricultural  wealth,  but  demand  a mo| 
painstaking  and  scientific  kind  of  treatment  than  our  farmers  are  genera 
willing  to  bestow.  In  default  of  this,  they  are  largely  dependent  on  thestl 
sons — favorable  seasons  bringing  a large  reward  and  unfavorable  ones  bei 
marked  by  failures  more  or  less  complete.  The  water  supply  in  these  lot 
tions  is  generally  derived  from  drilled  wells,  which  it  is  sometimes  necesssj 
to  carry  to  a depth  of  sixty  feet,  though  one-third  of  this  depth  usually  suffia-j 
In  their  present  condition  they  constitute  the  lowest-priced  lands  of  the  coun 
unless,  as  in  a few  instances,  their  contiguity  to  markets  has  led  to  their  thij 
ough  improvement.  In  these  cases,  they  show  themselves  to  be  possessed' 
admirable  qualities  for  farming  lands,  and  also  give  examples  of  what  may  j 
hoped  for  from  the  remainder  of  this  formation.  A belt  of  still  more  p; 
nounced  character,  in  which  the  agricultural  relations  are  still  more  closj! 
connected  with  the  geological  structure,  is  furnished  in  the  line  of  junction 
the  blue  limestone  and  Clinton  formations,  or,  what  is  the  same  thing,  in  I 
line  of  junction  of  the  Lower  and  Upper  Silurian. 

“ It  will  be  remembered  that  the  uppermost  beds  of  the  blue  limesti 
series  consist,  for  the  most  part,  of  unconsolidated  clays,  while  the  lower  p 
tion  of  the  overlying  cliff  formation,  viz.,  the  Clinton  rock,  is  largely  ec 
posed  of  beds  of  a porous  sandstone  (lime  sand).  The  result  of  this  order 
sequence  is  that  the  clays  of  the  blue  limestone  series  are  the  water fijearert 
the  region  which  they  occupy,  as  was  long  ago  pointed  out  by  Dr,  Loc 
The  strongest  springs  of  Southwestern  Ohio  mark  quite  accurately7  this  liny 
junction.  The  clays  constitute  a gradual  slope — sometimes  one-fonrih  oji 
mile  in  breadth — from  the  foot  of  the  cliff.  The  springs  that  flow  oat  ahjj; 
the  line  gave,  before  the  country  was  cleared,  a marshy  character  to  this  b 
as  is  shown  in  the  black  and  fertile  loam  by  which  it  is  still  marked.  T 
also  serve  to  distribute,  to  some  degree,  the  waste  of  the  cliff  to  the  slope  be! 

“The  early  settlers  located  their  hoines  iD  the  vicinity  of  these  perenr 
springs,  and  the  prosperity  which  has  attended  che  labor  of  husbandry  u; 
these  fruitful  tracts  is  well  attested  in  the  comfortable  and  tasteful  hoi!1 
which  mark  the  lowermost  outcrop  of  the  cliff  limestones.  Perhaps  no  ot 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


46T 

a logical  boundary  of  the  State  is  so  definitely  connected  with  human  interests. 
jV)  blue  limestones  give  rise,  in  limited  areas,  to  soils  of  great  fertility.  The 
pflrq  of  this  age,  for  the  most  part,  are  covered  deep  by  beds  of  modified 
[ft,  lying  as  they  do  at  a lower  level  than  the  other  rocks  of  the  county;  but 
opsionally,  a slope  is  found  that  is  derived  directly  from  the  weathering  of 
,i  blue  limestone  bods.  The  rocks  of  this  series  are  rich  in  phosphates,  a 

which  accounts  for  their  value  in  agriculture.  An  analysis  by  Dr  Worm- 
i chemist  of  the  survey,  give  sixteen-hundredths  of  1 per  cent  of  phosphoric 
id  in  the  bedded  clays.  This  proportion  shows  that  a soil  one  foot  in  depth, 
rued  from  the  weathering  of  these  clays,  would  contain  to  the  acre  very 
prly  7,500  pounds  of  phosphoric  acid — a substance  indispensable  to  the 
rwth  of  the  higher  forms  of  vegetation.  The  celebrated  blue  grass  country 
Kentucky  is  derived  directly  from  the  rocks  of  this  formation,  without  the 
, lition  of  our  drift  clays  and  sands. 

“ A discussion  of  the  drift  in  this  connection  would  be,  under  another 
me,  a treatise  upon  the  general  agriculture  of  the  county,  and  cannot  here 
.-entered  upon.  Suffice  it  to  say  that  the  character  of  the  drift  deposits 
ahely  determines  for  each  locality  the  market  value  of.its  lands,  the  kinds  of 
cijps  that  can  be  cultivated  with  profit,  the  nature  and  amount  of  its  water 
simply,  the  quality  of  its  highways,  its  degree  of  healthfulness,  and,  in  short, 

I general  desirability  for  human  occupancy. 

“Attention  will  be  called  to  but  one  more  point  in  this  connection:  The 
ripr  valleys  of  Southwestern  Ohio  are  known  to  have  been  deeper  than  they 
a:l  at  present.  In  other  words,  they  are  now  partly  filled  with  drift,  and  the 
mams  no  longer  flow  upon  rocky  beds.  Not  only  is  the  absolute  depth  of 
I valleys  diminished  by  these  deposits,  but  the  abruptness  of  the  declivity 
greatly  modified  by  them.  Instead  of  a precipitous  descent  over  the  naked 
e|es  of  the  rocks,  a well-graded  slope,  consisting  frequently  of  the  best  road 
gjvel,  leads  from  the  highlands  to  the  river  bottoms.  The  nature  and  order 
o the  succession  of  the  formations  previously  described,  renders  it  certain 
fit  were  it  not  for  the  interposition  of  the  drift,  the  line  of  junction  of  the 
b e limestone  and  cliff  formation  would  be  an  impassable  belt  of  miry  clay  for 
op- third  of  the  year,  unless  relieved  by  expensive  artificial  roads.  A similar 
site  of  things  would  be  found  throughout  much  of  the  blue  limestone  regions. 
Is  leading  points  in  the  geology  of  the  line  of  junction  of  the  Lower  and  ITp- 
p Silurian  formations  of  Southwestern  Ohio  have  now  been  briefly  noticed. 
v * Among  the  points  of  economical  interest  may  be  mentioned  the  estab- 
Inment  of  the  limits  within  which  the  Dayton  stone  is  to  be  found,  lying  as  it 
d|s  at  the  very  base  of  the  Niagara  series;  the  recognition  of  the  fact  that  the 

0 t lime  of  this  part  of  the  State  comes  from  a horizon  about  100  feet  higher 

1 the  series  than  that  which  the  Dayton  stone  occupies,  with  the  consequent 
kpwledge  of  the  areas  within  which  it  occurs,  and  the  discovery  that  certain 
els  of  the  same  series  afford  hydraulic  lime  of  excellent  quality.  The  great 
' ue  of  the  Dayton  stone  naturally  leads  to  considerable  interest  in  the  dis- 
ci ery  of  new  deposits  of  it.  A safe  guide  for  all  future  investigations  will  be 
f ind  in  the  order  of  sequence  of  the  great  formations,  an  order  which  prac- 
t'al  men,  engaged  for  years  in  quarrying  the  stone,  hare  generally  failed  to 
rognize.” 

An  extensive  bed  of  peat  was  discovered,  some  years  since,  one  mile  east 
cj  Germantown,  Montgomery  County,  in  and  directly  above  the  channel  of 
bin  Creek,  of  which  a very  interesting  account  is  given  in  the  appendix  to. 
L reports  of  the  Ohio  geological  survey  of  1869.  This  volume  may  be  found 
8:Ong  the  books  of  reference  in  the  public  library  at  Dayton,  and  to  it  we 
' uld  refer  all  interested,  as  it  is  not  thought  best  to  extend  this  chapter  to 
{eater  length. 


462 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

County  Buildings— Ka i lko a ds 

IN  July,  1845,  the  County  Commissioners  paid  a premium  of  $501)  : 
Howard  Daniels  for  the  best  plan  of  a court  house,  to  be  built  at  the  rortt 
west  corner  of  Main  and  Third  streets,  and,  in  August  of  the  same  year,  th 
contracts  for  building  were  let.  The  old  jail  and  court  house  that  occupie 
the  ground  were  sold  at  auction  October  4,  1845,  and,  in  the  spring  of  1841 
were  torn  down  and  removed.  In  the  spring  of  1847,  the  foundations  for  th 
new  building  were  laid,  and,  in  the  spring  of  1850.  the  building  was  com 
pleted.  court  being  held  in  the  new  court-room  for  the  first  time  on  April  1- 
1850.  The  building  is  constructed  of  Dayton  limestone,  fire-proof  throughou 
and  covered  with  a stone  roof.  From  the  street,  eight  wide  stone  steps  lea 
to  the  terrace  on  which  the  building  is  erected,  and  another  flight  of  step 
leads  from  the  terrace  to  the  floor  of  the  portico,  which  is  on  a level  with  th 
second  story  windows  of  houses  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  street.  The  fror 
of  the  building  is  ornamented  with  six  massive  stone  pillar’s,  which  also  sm 
port  the  roof  of  the  portico.  The  entrance  to  the  main  hall  or  corridor  is  b 
two  massive  ornamented  iron  doors,  each  of  which  is  of  more  than  2,00 
pounds’  weight.  The  hall  leads  to  the  rotunda,  which  is  twenty  feet  in  dhui 
eter  and  forty-two  feet  high,  ornamented  with  a dome,  the  eye  of  which  light 
the  hall  below.  Around  the  rotunda,  a circular  flight  of  stone  stepis  leads  t 
the  gallery  of  the  court-room  on  one  side  and  to  public  offices  on  the  othei 
The  court- room,  which  opiens  from  the  rotunda  is  in  an  elliptical  form,  an 
occupies  the  space  of  both  stories,  being  lighted  by  a dome,  the  eye  of  which  i 
forty-three  feet  high.  The  court  house  is  sixty-two  feet,  fronting  on  Mai 
street,  by  127  feet  on  Third  street,  and  forty-four  feet  high.  The  estimate 
cost  of  the  building  was  $63,000,  but  the  actual  cost  greatly  exceeded  tha 
amount.  The  house  was  built  after  the  form  of  a Grecian  temple  and  is  to-da 
one  of  the  handsomest  and  most  classical-looking  buildings  in  the  State. 

The  County  Commissioners  authorized  the  purchase  of  the  brick,  etc  fo 
a new  jail,  on  August  5.  1844,  and,  on  the  same  day,  a p> pointed  Horace  Peas 
and  John  Mills  Special  Commissioners  to  procure  a suitable  site  for  the  build 
ing.  In  September  following,  they  purchased  Lot  No.  276,  on  the  north wes 
corner  of  Main  and  Sixth  streets,  of  Nicholas  Longworth,  for  $2,000.  On  th 
3d  of  September,  the  contract  for  building  the  jail  was  awarded  to  George  B 
Davis  and  Goodloe  Pendry  for  $8,000.  Extra  work  on  the  walls,  cells  and  othe 
parts  of  the  jail  increased  the  cost  of  the  building  to  $9,322.  It  is  sixty  fea 
wide,  fronting  on  Main  street,  by  100  feet  deep,  and  is  built  of  hammer- chessei 
limestone,  with  walls  two  feet  thick,  and  a tower  at  each  corner  of  the  front 
The  building  is  now  used  by  the  city  for  a work-house.  It  contains  a hall  am 
ten  rooms,  above  and  below,  in  the  front  of  the  building.  In  the  rear,  then 
are  thirty-two  cells  arranged  in  tiers,  one  above  the  other,  with  a hall  on  aithe 
side,  one  of  the  latter  being  used  as  a dining-hall.  On  the  31st  of  July,  1S52 
the  County  Commissioners  ordered  the  walls  of  this  jail  to  be  torn  down  anr 
the  building  rebuilt;  whether  or  not  this  was  done  cannot  be  gleaned  from  th' 
records. 

On  the  3d  of  March,  1857,  the  County  Auditor  was  authorized  by  th( 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


463 


o missioners  to  advertise  for  a vote  of  the  people  on  the  question  of  building 
iw  court  house,  on  the  north  part  of  the  court  house  lot;  the  building  to  be 
f ';ick  and  not  to  exceed  $40,000  in  cost.  On  the  13th  of  March,  1867,  an 
iras  passed  by  the  Legislature  empowering  the  Commissioners  to  build  a 
h court  house,  but  nothing  further  was  done  until  May  5,  1869,  when  the 
omissioners  paid  Kellogg  & Burrows  $800  for  their  plans  of  a new  build- 
■ _ and  it  was  agreed  that  they  should  receive  $400  for  superintending  the 
traction  of  the  same,  should  the  Commissioners  conclude  to  build.  The 
a lion  of  building  was  again  postponed  and  nothing  done  until  -July  14, 

) when  a call  for  plans  was  issued,  and,  on  July  17,  the  plans  for  three 
kS,  as  submitted  by  Peters  & Burns,  were  adopted.  This  action  was  after - 
ajl  reconsidered,  and  the  plans  submitted  by  Leon  Beaver  were  settled  upon, 

i u'they  were  not  formally  approved  until  November  21,  1879,  at  which  time 
e'er  gave  a bond  of  $10,000  and  received  a premium  of  $300  for  the  best 
ui3.  The  second  premium  for  $200  was  awarded  to  E.  E.  Myers,  of  Detroit, 
i<l, he  third  of  $100  to  Thomas  Boyd.  Pittsburgh.  Bids  were  advertised  for, 
ii  on  February  23,  1880,  contracts  for  the  work  and  materials  were  aw’arded. 
u larch  11,  1880,  these  contracts  were  all  annulled  on  account  of  the  esti- 

- a s and  bills  of  cost  not  having  been  sent  in.  On  the  28th  of  April,  1880, 
it  plans,  specifications  and  estimates  were  again  approved,  and,  on  June  2, 
V",  the  contracts  finally  awarded  as  follows:  Excavations,  H.  J.  Cair,  $874; 
nidation,  Kramer  & Poock,  $4,925;  brick  work,  J.  Clark  & Co.,  $13,600; 
Drooling,  Johnson  & Co.,  $13,500;  concreting,  Daniel  Slentz,  $599;  floor- 
lijg,  Carpenter  & Raymond,  $2,331.90;  plastering,  Hollinger  & Bro.,  $2, - 
)*  painting,  Thomas  D.  Hale.  $2,864.43;  glass,  Lowe  Bros.,  $6,324.85; 
lirpntei  work,  B.  N.  Beaver,  $14,960;  iron  work,  McHose  & Lyon,  $30,490; 
hjibing,  Gibbons  & McCormick,  $2,775;  galvanized  iron  work,  George  W. 

. E.  Buvinger,  $6,121;  cut-stone  work.  Leopold,  Cutter  & Co.,  $45,500. 
;i  architect’s  total  estimate  of  the  cost  of  the  building  was  $174,945.21. 
k excavations  for  the  building  were  commenced  in  the  summer  of  1880,  and 
-i  building  soon  thereafter  commenced;  it  will  probably  be  completed  in 
3i . The  building  is  to  be  entirely  faced  and  ornamented  with  dressed 
■ o!i.  The  ground  floor  only  slightly  elevated  above  the  street,  and  easy  of 
X;is,  is  to  be  occupied  exclusively  by  those  offices  which  are  most  frequented, 
ii  in  which  the  most  public  business  is  transacted,  viz.,  the  Treasurer’s,  the 
. u. tor’s,  the  Recorder’s,  the  Probate  Judge’s,  the  County  Commissioners’, 
u evor’s  and  Prosecuting  Attorney’s.  The  next  floor  is  to  be  occupied  by 
* court-rooms,  with  a wide  hall  between,  each  connecting  with  a Judges’ 
hi,  and  both  those,  as  well  as  the  court-rooms,  connecting  with  the  ldw  li- 
"7-  On  the  same  floor  and  in  the  front  of  the  building,  are  the  Clerk’s  and 
i(  Sheriffs  offices,  witness-rooms  and  all  necessary  accessories — everything 
M ected  with  the  courts.  The  third  floor  contains  offices  for  all  other  county 
firs,  together  with  grand  and  petit  jury  rooms,  and  a room  that  can,  if  nec- 
’■  "J,  be  used  for  the  accommodation  of  another  court. 

It  being  decided  that  a new  jail  was  needed  for  the  county,  J.  Hodson, 
architect  of  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  was  ordered,  on  the  18th  of  March,  1869, 
-epare  plans  and  specifications  for  the  proposed  edifice.  After  much  diffi- 
Lji,  it  was  finally  decided,  on  November  1,  1869,  to  locate  the  jail  on  the 
nnd  west  of  the  court  house,  belonging  to  Boyer  & Jameson.  Accordingly, 
oiewas  duly  given  of  the  location  as  above,  G.  A.  Grove,  Commissioner, 
iffinting.  On  April  6,  .1871,  the  Auditor  was  directed  to  advertise  for  bids, 
on  May  29,  1871,  the  contract  was  awarded  to  Rouzer  & Rouzer,  for  $78,- 
6— “the  entire  building  to  be  fire-proof,  the  front  or  residence  faced  with 

ii  oest  Buena  Yista  stone  of  uniform  color,  a boiler-house  for  the  heating  appa- 


464 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


ratus  to  be  built  outside  of  the  jail  proper,  and  the  prison  walls  to  be  lined  wif 
quarter-inch  plate  iron.”  This  contract  was  afterward  annulled,  and,  on  Jui 
25,  1872,  new  plans  were  adopted  and  the  contract  awarded,  July  30,  1872 
Marcus  Bossier  to  build  the  jail,  Warden’s  residence  and  boiler-room,  for  115- 
000,  he  to  allow  $306  for  the  work  already  done  on  the  boiler-house.  On  t] 
12th  of  August,  the  contract  was  ratified  and  the  contractor  put  under  bon 
The  building  was  to  have  been  completed  by  the  30th  of  June,  1873,  but  w 
not  completed  and  accepted  until  February  8,  1874.  the  cost  of  constructii 
having  been  increased  to  $190,553.  The  building  is  two  stories  high,  with 
mansard  roof,  and  consists  of  the  jailer’s  residence,  in  which  there  are  a 
dwelling- rooms  and  two  rooms  used  for  the  female  department,  and  the  prise 
proper,  in  which  there  are  twenty-six  cells,  arranged  in  two  tiers,  with  a h; 
running  between  and  a corridor  around  the  whole.  The  residence  part 
thirty-six  feet,  fronting  on  Thud  street;  is  faced  with  dressed  freestone,  ai 
has  a circular  flight  of  steps  leading  from  the  street  to  the  entrance.  The  cc 
of  construction,  including  the  price  paid  for  the  lot  and  the  Superintended 
salary,  makes  the  entire  cost  exceed  $220,000. 

THE  RAILROADS  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 

In  1841,  there  were  thirty-six  miles  of  railway  in  Ohio;  in  1880  there  we 
5,654. 62  miles,  and  still  the  work  goes  on.  In  1880,  Morgan  was  the  on 
county  in  the  State  which  had  not  a railway  within  its  limits.  The  impo 
tance  of  railway  communication  was  early  seen  by  the  inhabitants  of  Mot 
gomery  County,  and  measures  were  adopted  for  securing  the  benefits  thoreof 
themselve.?.  January  5,  1832,  the  Ohio  Legislature  passed  an  act  incorpora 
ing  the 

MAD  RIVER  & LAKE  ERIE  RAILROAU  COMPANY. 

This  road  was  “ vested  with  the  right  to  construct  a railway  from  Dayti 
via  Springfield,  ITrbana,  Bellefontaine,  to  or  near  Upper  Sandusky,  Tiffin  ai 
Lower  Sandusky,  to  Sandusky,  Huron  County.”*  Acts  furthering  the  i uteres 
of  the  corporation,  were  passed  March  14,  1836;  December  19,  1836;  Mar 
16,  1839;  February  19,  1845;  February  6,  1847;  February  8,  1847;  the  act 
February  6,  1847  authorized  the  town  of  Springfield  to  subscribe  $20,000 
the  stock  of  the  company,  to  be  applied  on  the  construction  of  the  line  betwe 
Springfield  and  Dayton.  The  contract  for  the  construction  of  this  divisi 
of  the  road  was  let  in  the  winter  of  1848-49,  and  the  last  rail  between  ti 
two  cities  was  laid  January  25,  1851.  Two  days  later,  an  excursion  passed  o\ 
the  road  from  Springfield  to  Dayton,  and  the  next  day,  January  28,  1851.  trai 
began  running  on  regular  time.  In  the  following  December  this  road,  as  w< 
as  the  C.,  H.  & D.,  the  D.  & W..  and  the  Gr.  & M.,  suffered  heavily  by  Hoods. 

“ The  Mad  River  & Lake  Erie  Railroad  Company  located  and  const™ 
ed  its  road  from  Tiffin  to  Sandusky,  by  way  of  Bellevue.  In  1851,  the  Sa 
dusky  City  & Indiana  Railroad  Company,  which  was  chartered  by  act  of  Fe 
ruary  28,  of  that  year  (49  Ohio  L..  434),  proceeded  to  build  a road  from  Tifi 
to  Sandusky,  via  Clyde,  and  this  route  being  deemed  more  favorable  than  t 
other,  December  1,  1854,  the  last  named  company  leased  the  road  for  t 
term  of  ninety-nine  years,  renewable  forever,  to  the  Mad  River  & Lake  Er 
Railroad  Company,  which  has  since  operated  the  same  as  a part  of  its  line,  h 
timately  abandoning  the  other  route.  The  organization  of  the  Sandusky  Ci 
& Indiana  Railroad  Company  is  kept  up  for  the  purpose  of  perpetuating  tj 
lease,  the  interests  of  the  companies  being  identical,  and  the  road  having  be< 
built  in  the  interests  of  and  with  means  furnished  by  the  Mad  River  & Lai 
Erie  Company,  one  person  acting  as  President  of  both  corporations.”  f 


* Report  of  the  Commissioner  of  Railroads  and  Telegraphs  of  Ohio,  June  30.  1880. 
fCommissioner’s  report,  1880. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


465 


June  1.  .1854,  the  company  leased  the  road  of  the  Springfield  & Colum- 
n-Railway, for  the  term  of  fifteen  years,  agreeing  to  certain  provisions.  Feb- 
a,y  23,  1*858,  by  decree  of  the  Common  Pleas  Court  of  Erie  County,  the  name 
fne  company  was  changed  to  the  Sandusky,  Dayton  & Cincinnati  Railroad 
c.pany.  July  2,  1866,  the  road  having  been  in  the  hands  of  a receiver,  and 

.ecial  Master  Commissioner  since  October  13,  1865,  a certificate  of  re-or- 
, alzation  was  filed  with  the  Secretary  of  State,  under  the  name  of  the  San- 
dy & Cincinnati  Railroad  Company.  October  8,  1866,  this  company  leased 
soad  to  the  Cincinnati,  Dayton  & Eastern  Railroad  Company  for  ninety-nine 
els,  but  by  mutual  agreement  the  lease  was  surrendered  January  9,  1868. 
vt  decree  of  the  Erie  County  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  filed  with  the  Secre- 
u of  State,  January  11,  1868,  the  name  was  changed  to  the  Cincinnati,  San- 
uy  & Cleveland  Railroad  Company,  and  June  28,  1870,  this  company  leased 
uroad,  property,  and  rights  of  the  Columbus,  Springfield  & Cincinnati  Rail- 
k Company  (successors  to  the  Springfield  & Columbus  Railroad  Company, 
r iously  lessors  of  the  Mad  River  & Lake  Erie  Company),  with  certain  pro- 
sms  to  be  carried  out  by  the  C.,  S.  & C.  Company.  A perpetual  lease  of  that 
. olon  of  the  road  leading  from  Dayton  to  Springfield  was  made  to  the  Cin- 
rati  & Springfield  Railway  Company,  by  whom  it  was  transferred,  togeth- 
er ith  a lease  in  perpetuity  of  its  own  railway  rights,  priveleges  and  fran- 
jfes  to  the  Cleveland,  Columbus,  Cincinnati  & Indianapolis  Railway  Oom- 
ak  “March  9,  1881,  this  company  and  the  Columbus,  Springfield  & Cin- 
i ati  Railroad  Company  leased  their  roads  to  the  Indianapolis,  Blooming- 
>ik  Western  Railway  Company  for  ninety-nine  years,  renewable  forever.” 

CINCINNATI,  HAMILTON  & DAYTON  EAILEOAD  COMPANY. 

On  the  2d  day  of  March,  1846,  a charter  was  granted  to  the  Cincinnati  & 
lailton  Railroad  Company,  its  name  being  changed  by  an  act  of  February  8. 
S ’,  and  another  of  March  15,  1849,  the  latter  being  “An  act  to  amend  the 
71  ral  acts  relating  to  the  Cincinnati,  Hamilton  & Dayton  Railroad  Compa- 
v The  Dayton  end  of  the  road  was  put  under  contract  in  August,  1850, 
in  September  13,  1851,  the  first  excursion  from  Cincinnati  and  Hamilton, 

•"  ‘ over  the  road.  Trains  began  running  regularly  between  Cincinnati  and 
hton  September  22,  1851,  distance,  sixty  miles.  The  Dayton  & Michigan 
t road  Company  was  incorporated  by  act  of  March  5,  1851,  to  extend  from 
'Eton  to  Toledo,  142  miles,  and  the  Cincinnati,  Hamilton  & Dayton  Com- 
al was  empowered  to  lend  it  money,  or  otherwise  aid  in  the  construction  of 
i road.  In  December,  1851,  contracts  for  building  this  line  were  let,  and 
Dihe  28th  of  March,  1853,  an  excursion  train  arrived  over  it,  from  Troy. 
Tular  trains  were  put  on  April  28,  1853.  May  1,  1863,  the  line  was  leased 
l erpetuity  to  the  Cincinnati,  Hamilton  & Dayton  Company  (lease  subse- 
uitly  modified),  and  February  18,  1869.  the  Cincinnati,  Hamilton  & Day- 
)i  Company  also  leased  the  road  of  the  Cincinnati,  Richmond  & Chicago 
b road  Company — Hamilton  to  the  Indiana  State  Line.  36  miles — and  the 
of  the  latter  of  the  Richmond  & Miami  Railway  extending  to  Rich- 
icd,  Ind.  November  26,  1872,  the  management  of  this  company  purchased 
i1  line  of  the  Junction  Railroad  Company,  from  Hamilton  to  Indianapolis  — 
b 0 miles,  the  purchasers  soon  after  organizing  the  Cincinnati,  Hamilton  & 
n anapolis  Railroad  Company. 

DAYTON  & WESTEKN  EAILEOAD  COMPANY. 

A charter  was  granted  to  this  company  February  14,  1846,  its  purpose 
oei-g  to  construct  a road  from  Dayton  to  a point  on  the  State  line  between 
JL  and  Indiana,  such  point  to  be  selected  by  the  directors.  The  railroad 


466 


HISTORY  or  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


commissioner’s  report  for  1880  states  that  work  was  begun  on  this  road  in  Jul 
1848,*  and  other  authority  gives  April  21,  1849,  as  the  date  on  which  the  eoi 
tracts  were  let.  From  the  junction  west,  track  laying  began  August  6,  185! 
the  road  being  consolidated  with  the  Indiana  Central  on  the  first  of  that  montl 
The  distance  from  Dayton  to  the  State  line  is  thirty-eight  miles.  In  Indian! 
the  road  was  opened  to  Richmond  February  19,  1853.  In  September  of  tl 
same  year,  trains  passed  westward  to  Indianapolis,  and  October  11,  1854.  tl 
entire  road  was  opened  for  regular  business.  January  14,  1863,  the  track  fro 
Dayton  to  Dodson,  fifteen  miles,  was  leased  in  common  to  the  Dayton  & Unic 
Railroad  Company.  “ Under  date  of  February  4,  1865,  the  company  lease 
from  the  Richmond  & Miami  Railway  Company  of  Indiana,  for  ninety-air 
years  from  January  1,  1865,  renewal  forever,  the  entire  control  of  its  roai 
right  of  way,  buildings,  etc.,  from  its  western  terminus  on  the  line  dividing  tt 
States  of  Ohio  and  Indiana,  to  the  point  of  junction  or  switch  where  its  aai 
road  diverges  and  runs  to  Eaton  and  Hamilton  ; also  the  use  of  the  remainin 
portion  to  its  western  terminus  in  the  city  of  Richmond,  three  miles  in  all,  f< 
the  semi-annual  payment  of  $2,750,  payable  each  first  of  January  and  Jul 
February  4,  1865,  the  company  entered  into  an  agreement  to  lease  to  the  Litt 
Miami  and  Columbus  & Xenia  Railroad  Companies,  for  ninety-nine  years  fro 
January  1,  1865,  renewable  forever,  its  road,  property  and  privileges,  excep 
ing  certain  leased  premises  and  other  property  in  Dayton,  the  shop,  machiner 
tools,  etc.,  and  providing  that  a contract  between  the  Dayton  & Western  ar 
Columbus  & Xenia  Companies  of  March  12,  1863,  be  surrendered  and  settle 
up  to  the  above  date.  The  lease  was  made  subject  to  a contract  lease  fcetwee 
the  Dayton  & Western  and  Dayton  & Union  Railroad  Companies  of  Jannai 
14,  1863,  by  which  the  latter  have  the  use  of  the  Dayton  & Western  track  fro. 
Dayton  to  Dodson.  Also,  of  a contract  between  the  Dayton  & Western  and  Cii 
cinnati,  Hamilton  & Dayton  Railroad  Companies,  relating  to  the  joint  use  < 
tracks  of  the  two  said  companies  in  Dayton  and  the  bridge  over  the  Great  Mi  an 
River.  The  lease  of  the  Richmond  & Miami  Railway  was  also  transferred  ar 
assigned,  the  lessees  assuming  all  the  stipulations  and  conditions  of  the  sever 
named  contracts  of  the  Dayton  & Western  Company,  and  agreeing  to  carry  oi 
the  several  provisions  thereof.  The  Dayton  & Western  Company  agreed  : 
procure  to  be  transferred  to  the  lessees  a majority  of  its  capital  stock,  not  lei 
than  $155,000  in  the  aggregate.  The  lease  was  made  subject  to  a deed  of  tru 
dated  November  1,  1864,  to  secure  the  payment  of  $738,000,  bonds  of  tl 
Dayton  & Western  Railroad  Company,  due  and  payable  January  1,  1895,  tl 
lessees  assuming  payment  of  the  semi-annual  interest  thereon  as  i-ental  for  sa 
property,  and  also  agreeing  to  indorse  and  guarantee  the  payment  of  the  pri; 
cipal  and  interest  of  said  bonds,  the  Dayton  & Western  Company  agreeing 
upon  the  full  payment  thereof  and  the  interest  thereon,  to  convey  in  fee  simp 
to  the  said  lessees  the  railroad  and  property  thereby  leased.  The  foregoir 
contract  for  lease  was  duly  approved  and  ratified  by  a,  majority  of  the  stocl 
holders  of  each  company  party  thereto.  The  Columbus  & Xenia  Company  a 
signed  its  interest  in  the  foregoing  lease  of  the  Little  Miami  Railroad  Cor 
pany,  to  take  effect  December  1,  1868,  and  it  was  transferred  by  that  conipat 
together  with  its  own  and  other  leased  lines,  to  the  Pittsburgh,  Cincinnati 
St.  Louis  Railway  Company,  to  take  effect  December  1,  1869,  and  the  road  sin< 
that  time  has  been  operated  by  that  company,  in  connection  with  its  own  ar. 
other  leased  lines.”  f 


*This  probably  has  reference  to  the  survey, 
f Commissioner’s  report , 1880. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


467 


DAYTON  & UNION  BAIL  WAY  COMPANY. 


February  26,  1846,  the  Greenville  & Maimi  Railroad  Company  was  char- 
,y,  with  authority  to  build  a railroad  from  Greenville  to  some  point  on  the 
ran  & Western  line  or  on  the  Miami  on  the  Miami  extension  canal,  to  be 
f mined  by  the  directors.  By  an  amendatory  act  passed  March  23,  1850, 

- 1 >rity  was  given  the  company  to  extend  its  road  from  Greenville  west  to  the 
In  a State  line.  Under  the  charter  and  amendments,  the  road  was  built 
n Dayton  by  way  of  Greenville  to  Union  City,  contracts  having  been  let  in 
la!  1849.  The  formal  opening  to  Greenville  was  celebrated  June  10,  1852, 
Mo  Union  on  the  22d  of  the  following  December.  The  Dayton  & Western 
r was  first  used  as  far  as  the  junction,  but  a parallel  line  was  subsequently 
c vhicli  was  finally  taken  up  and  the  Dayton  & Western  track  again  came 
ise.  Financial  troubles  came  upon  the  company,  and  January  5, 1863, 
:e pad  was  sold  to  certain  trustees,  and  on  the  8th  of  the  same  month  the 
. i, any  was  re  organized  as  the  Dayton  & Union  Railroad  Company,  and  a 
dicate  filed  with  the  Secretary  of  State  January  19.  1863.  December  23, 
7 the  road  was  transferred  to  a trustee  and  is  still  held  and  operated  under 
:rsteeship.  Its  total  length  of  track  is  48.53  miles,  including  1.79  miles  of 

"ft- 


THE  DAYTON,  XENIA  & BELPRE  RAILROAD  COMPANY. 


(This  company  was  chartered  February  19,  1851,  with  authority  to  construct 
mad  from  Dayton  to  Xenia,  and  thence  intersect  with  the  Belpre  & Cin- 
ujti  Railroad,  in  Highland  County.  Work  was  begun  in  1852;  contracts  for 
ung  the  division  from  Dayton  to  Xenia  were  let  March  15,  1853,  and  May 
854,  the  line  was  opened  between  those  two  points,  distance  sixteen 
h.  The  company  having  become  financially  embarrassed,  the  road  was 
cFebruary  4,  1865,  under  a decree  of  foreclosure,  to  the  Little  Miami  and 
lmbus  & Xenia  Companies,  for  the  sum  of  8415,000.  The  road  is  now  a 
of  the  lines  leased  to  and  operated  by  the  Pittsburgh,  Cincinnati  & St, 
u Railway  Company. 


ATLANTIC  & GREAT  WESTERN  RAILWAY. 

this  corporation  was  formed  in  the  fall  of  1865,  by  the  consolidation 
" the  above  name,  of  several  New  York,  Pennsylvania  and  Ohio  Cornpa- 
des|  The  broad-gauge  track  of  the  Cincinnati,  Hamilton  & Dayton  Company, 
h Dayton  to  Cincinnati,  sixty  miles,  was  leased  to  the  Atlantic  & Great 
mrn,  and  afterward,  with  the  balance  of  the  lines,  reduced  to  the  stand- 
i:,auge.  Work  was  begun  on  this  road  at  Dayton,  November  7, 1853,  but  it 
■ siot  finished,  nor  were  trains  run  until  after  the  war  of  the  rebellion, 
r 25,  1874,  the  stockholders  of  the  Atlantic  & Great  Western  Company  rati- 
u lease  made  May  1,  in  the  same  year,  to  the  Erie  Railway  Company,  of 
jra  road  and  leased  lines,  not  embracing  the  use  of  the  Cincinnati,  Ham- 
o & Dayton  Railroad.  After  numerous  financial  embarrassments  the  road 
s laced  in  the  hands  of  a Receiver.  January  6, 1880,  the  road  and  all  other 
| rty  of  the  company  were  sold  on  foreclosure  to  purchasing  Trustees,  on 
- m of  an  association  of  morto-ao-e  bond-holders  and  others  interested, 
-na  15,  following,  the  Trustees  conveyed  their  purchase  to  five  corporators, 
•organized  an  Ohio  corporation,  known  as  the  : ‘ New  York,  Pennsylvania 
Cio  Railroad  Company,”  (of  Ohio),  and  the  company  was  incorporated 
• a 17,  1880.  A similar  corporation  had  been  organized  at  the  same  time, 
j nnsylvania,*  and  the  two  were  consolidated  March  24,  1880,  forming  the 
3:Qt  New  York,  Pennsylvania  & Ohio  Railroad  Company. 

iown  as  the  “New  York,  Pennsylvania  & Ohio  Railroad  Company  of  Pennsylvania.” 


468 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


CINCINNATI  & SPRINGFIELD  RAILWAY  COMPANY. 

This  company  was  incorporated  September  9,  1870,  to  build  a road  frou 
Springfield  to  Cincinnati,  through  the  counties  of  Clark,  Montgomery,  Greene 
Warren,  Butler  and  Hamilton.  The  road  was  intended  to  form,  in  connee 
tion  with  other  roads  already  constructed,  a trunk  line  from  Cincinnati  to  th 
Eastern  cities.  No  new  road  was  built  except  48.80  miles  from  Ludlow  Grov 
to  Dayton,  the  Dayton  & Western  road  being  used  through  the  city  of  Daytor 
and  from  Dayton  to  Springfield  the  track  of  the  Cincinnati,  Sandusky  & Cl  eve 
land  Company,  leased  to  the  Cleveland,  Columbus,  Cincinnati  & Indianapo 
lis  Railroad  Company  in  perpetuity,  the  latter  now  operating  the  entire  lin 
from  Cincinnati,  under  lease  in  perpetuity  from  the  Cincinnati  & Spring 
field  Company,  to  Dayton,  and  the  others  as  above  stated.  This  road  is  th 
well  known  “ short  line  ” to  Cincinnati. 

Dayton  & southeastern  railroad  company. 

This  company  filed  articles  of  incorporation,  December  16,  1871  ; capita 
stock,  $1, 000, 000 ; object,  to  construct  a road  from  Dayton  through  Xenia,  •lame! 
town  and  J ackson  Court  House,  to  Gallipolis.  intersecting  Greene,  Fayette,  Rost 
Vinton,  Jackson  and  Gallia  Counties;  length,  144  miles;  gauge,  36  inohet 
Very  little  was  done  on  this  road  for  several  years,  but  by  July  1, 1877,  it  wa 
finished  as  far  as  Washington  Court  House,  48.71  miles.  Hp  to  June  3( 

1880,  114  miles  had  been  completed  and  were  in  operation,  and  March  18 

1881,  the  company  was  consolidated  with  the  Toledo,  Delphos  & Burlingto: 

Railroad  Company.  The  latter  company  was  organized  May  23,  1879,  b 
the  consolidation  of  the  following  companies  : Toledo,  Delphos  & Indianap 

olis,  incorporated  March  14,  1872  ; Toledo  & Maumee  Narrow  Gauge,  incoi 
porated  May  16,  1873;  Delphos  & Kokomo,  incorporated  July  18,  1877  (th.es 
all  under  laws  of  Ohio),  and  the  Delphos,  Bluffton  & Frankfort,  incorporate 
under  the  laws  of  Indiana,  October  17,  1877.  On  the  17th  of  May,  1880,  th 
Toledo,  Delphos  & Burlington  Company  entered  into  a contract  with  the  Daytoi 
Covington  & Toledo  Railroad  Company  for  the  consolidation  of  the  two,  the  con 
tract  being  subsequently  ratified  by  the  stockholders  of  both  companies.  Th 
new  organization  was  also  known  as  the  Toledo,  Delphos  & Burlington  Rai 
road  Company,  being  formed  June  21,  1880,  a little  over  a month  after  th 
contract  was  made  for  consolidation.  The  new  company  completed  th 
projected  line  from  Dayton  to  Delphos,  and  after  the  consolidation  with  th 
Dayton  & Southeastern  Company,  the  Toledo  & Grand  Rapids  road  was  pm 
chased  (extending  from  Toledo  via  Waterville  to  Grand  Rapids,  in  Woo 
County)  and  on  the  15th  of  April,  1881,  a certificate  was  filed  for  the  cor 
struction  of  a branch  line  from  Dayton  to  Lebanon,*  Warren  County,  t 
form  connection  with  the  Cincinnati  Northern  Railway.  May  19,  188.1,  a cei 
tificate  was  filed  for  the  construction  of  a branch  from  Wellston  to  Xrontoi 
the  northern  terminus  of  the  Ironton  & Huntington  Railway.  The  lines 
which  were  originally  the  Dayton  & Southeastern,  the  Dayton,  Cleveland  an 
Toledo,  and  the  Dayton,  Lebanon  & Cleveland,  are  now  owned  and  manage 
by  a recently  organized  corporation  known  as  the  Toledo,  Cincinnati  & S' 
Louis  Company,  with  principal  offices  at  Toledo. 

soldiers’  home  railways. 

There  are  three  lines  of  railway  to  the  Soldiers’  Home,  viz. : One  cot 

structed  by  the  Toledo,  Dayton  & Burlington  Company,  from  its  main  hm 
another  by  the  Little  Miami  Division  of  the  Pan-handle  Company;  and 
thii’d  by  the  Cincinnati,  Hamilton  & Dayton  Company,  all  extending  foot 


* This  branch  was  called  the.  Dayton,  Lebanon  & Cincinnati  Railroad. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


469 


jiyton.  The  route  over  the  Toledo,  Dayton  & Burlington  is  the  most  round - 
. out,  and,  since  the  construction  of  the  other  two  lines,  it  is  comparatively 
tie  used. 

At  the  close  of  1880,  Montgomery  County  had  within  its  limits,  75.129 
les  of  railway,  valued  at  $1,183,168.  Railroads  have  become  matter-of- 
corse  institutions,  and  the  construction  of  a new  line  is  not  viewed  with 
iat  enthusiastic  interest  which  was  manifested  in  the  early  days  of  the  work, 
he  Cincinnati,  Hamilton  & Dayton  road  was  completed  to  Miamisburg, 
.igust  18,  1851,  and  on  the  20th,  an  excursion,  filling  four  platform  cars, 
mt  down  from  Dayton  to  help  celebrate  the  event  ; tickets  25  cents  for 
l'e  round  trip ; J.  Carey,  couductor.  Dinner  was  served  at  Zimmer’s 
btel,  and  when  it  was  over,  speeches  avere  made  by  several  prominent  men. 
a Saturday  following,  the  party,  accompanied  by  pieces  of  artillery  and  a 
nd,  made  the  round  trip  to  Carlisle  Station,  stopping  for  breakfast  at  Mi- 
, lisburg  on  the  return.  When  the  Dayton  & Western  Railroad  was  being 
cated  in  Dayton  it  was  desired  to  condemn  an  acre  and  a quarter  of  land 
longing  to  N.  Longworth,  for  depot  purposes,  and  a jury  was  chosen  con- 
sting  of  S.  D.  Edgar,  Robert  Means,  and  J.  L.  Williams,  men  of  property 
id  good  standing,  who  decided  the  value  of  the  condemned  land  to  be  $600, 
id  the  benefits  accruing  to  other  property  of  Mr.  Longworth  were  placed  at 
i.,500,  making  him  really  indebted  $900  to  the  company.  The  first  railroad 
mident  in  Dayton  occurred  June  25, 1851,  when  a seven- year-old  son  of  John 
legg  fell  from  a, car  in  the  old  Miami  River  & Lake  Erie  Railroad  yard, 
>rth  of  First  street,  and  had  his  right  leg  crushed  below  the  knee  by 
is  entire  train  passing  over  it.  The  injured  limb  was  amputated  by  Dr, 
ewett. 


470 


\ 

HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

Bench  and  Bar  of  Montgomery  County. 

IN  a nation  of  freeni9n,  where  the  government  is  supposed  to  be  an  express) < 
of  the  people’s  will,  the  influence  of  such  a vast  body  of  men  as  the  log. 
profession  now  contains,  whose  study  leads  to  a correct  understanding  of  tl 
nature,  principles  and  machinery  of  the  civil  compact,  cannot  be  overrate! 
The  American  lawyer,  not  content  with  the  routine  of  courts  and  profession) 
services,  directs  his  efforts  to  a wider  field,  following  the  path  to  which  his  pi 
sition,  acquirements  and  tastes  strongly  tend,  he  eagerly  enters  the  politic) 
arena,  searching  assiduously  the  honors  of  the  legislative  hall;  with  what  sui 
cess  our  history  plainly  testifies. 

From  the  commencement  of  our  Government,  four-fifths  of  the  highei 
offices  have  been  filled  by  lawyers.  The  bar  stands  high  in  public  estimatioi 
and  the  time  has  never  been  when  political  office  or  ^influence  was  moi 
liberally  accorded  to  its  members  than  at  the  present  day.  In  tl 
most  important  trusts  they  are  to  be  found.  The  National  legislate 
halls,  and  the  executive  departments,  are  filled  with  men  whose  claims  f 
distinction,  to  a great  extent,  originated  in  legal  excellence  and  acquirement 
The  several  State  Governments  are  in  the  same  hands,  while  all  the  acknow' 
edged  party  leaders,  and  nearly  all  who  are  thought  of  as  candidates  for  hig 
political  places  have  been  educated  in  the  same  great  school.  The  lawyer  wh 
prides  himself  on  his  profession,  cannot  avoid  a feeling  of  complacency  as  h 
surveys  its  present  condition  in  the  United  States,  always  prominent  and  all 
ways  honored;  and,  as  we  believe,  more  at  the  present  time  than  ever  beforj 
it  occupies  a position  and  wields  an  influence  such  as  no  other  profession  c 
calling  can  for  a moment  aspire  to. 

It  is  the  nature  of  the  profession  of  the  law,  when  pursued  by  con 
genial  minds,  and  in  accordance  with  its  inherent  spirit,  to  elevate  an 
liberalize  the  social  principle.  Those  who  attain  eminence  in  that  prc 
fession  necessarily  take  deep  and  wide  views  of  human  conduct,  obthne 
by  living,  practical  observation  of  the  motives  of  men,  the  objects  they  pur 
sue,  and  the  uses  of  those  objects.  Hence  it  is  that  men  of  that  professio; 
are  ever  found  in  the  front  rank  of  those  who  devote  themselves  to  the  inter 
ests  of  the  age,  evidenced  by  noble  exertions  and  personal  sacrifices  in  sup 
port  ‘of  the  great  principles  upon  which  the  rights  of  liberty  and  proper! 
depend.  The  history  of  the  times  since  the  dawning  of  American  liberty  dowi 
to  the  present,  constitutes  one  line  of  successive  monuments  of  the  labors,  th 
sacrifices,  and  the  self-devotion  of  the  men  of  the  legal  profession  to  the  bes 
interests  of  their  country. 

Great  as  is  the  fame  of  many  who,  in  ages  past,  have  won  themselve: 
renown  by  their  attainments,  the  power  of  their  reason  and  their  elo 
quence  as  advocates,  we  believe  their  equals  are  now  living.  We  are  no' 
of  those  who  are  ever  deifying  the  past  and  unable  to  recognize  any  meri 
or  ability  in  the  present  age.  Though  none  are  more  willing  to  pay  tri 
bute  to  the  well-earned  fame  of  those  who  have  been  the  glory  of  the  Ameri 
can  bar  in  periods  that  are  gone,  yet  while  we  give  the  fathers  all  just  praise 
we  would  not  depreciate  their  sons;  and  because  we  honor  and  respect  thf 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


471 


eat  lawyers  of  the  past,  we  see  no  reason  to  forget  those  who  are  present  with  us. 

Many  whom  the  bar  is  still  proud  to  number  among  its  members,  will 
rind  none  the  less  surely  in  the  niche  of  fame  than  the  brightest  names  of  by- 
;ne  days.  Nearly  every  county  in  Ohio  has  had  members  of  the  legal  profes- 
On  who  have  won  well  deserved  local  honors,  while  many  can  boast  of  having 
joduced  lawyers  of  State  and  National  reputation.  To  this  latter  honor  Mont- 
mery  County  can  lay  a just  and  undisputed  claim. 


THE  BENCH. 

The  first  Judges  who  sat  upon  the  bench  in  Dayton  were:  Hon.  Francis 
linlevy,  of  Warren  County,  a resident  of  the  First  Judicial  District,  with 
aac  Spinning,  John  Ewing  and  Benjamin  Archer  as  Associates.  Court  was 
ild  July  27,  1803,  in  the  upper  room  of  Newcom’s  Tavern.  Benjamin  Van 
!eve  was  clerk  pro  tern;  Daniel  Symmes,  of  Cincinnati,  Prosecutor  pro  tern.; 
! d George  Newcom,  Sheriff.  The  officers  of  the  court  were  instructed  as  to 
tpir  duties  by  the  Presiding  Judge,  and  State’s  Attorney,  and  there  being  no 
cier  business  to  transact,  court  adjourned  the  same  day.  The  second  session 
Vs  held  here  November  22,  1803,  the  Grand  Jury  holding  their  deliberations 
1 heath  the  spreading  branches  of  a large  tree  close  at  hand.  The  first  indict- 
rnt  was  against  Peter  Sunderland,  for  an  assault  and  battery  on  Benjamin 
Sptt,  to  which  he  pleaded  guilty,  and  was  fined  $6  and  costs.  After  trying 
tree  criminal  and  four  civil  cases,  the  court  adjourned  on  the  second  day  of 
i session.  In  1805,  the  place  of  holding  the  courts  was  changed  from  New. 
cm’s  Tavern  to  McCollum’s  Tavern,  and  were  held  in  the  latter  building  until 
ts  erection  of  the  court  house,  in  1806.  The  State,  under  the  Constitution  of 
1 02,  had  been  divided  into  three  circuits,  in  each  of  which  a President  of  the 
;.urt  of  Common  Pleas  was  appointed,  while  in  every  county  were  appointed 
r:  more  than  three  and  not  less  than  two  Associate  Judges,  who  were  to  be 
r idents  therein  dining  their  continuance  in  office,  and  these,  with  the  Pre- 
sing  Judge,  constituted  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas.  All  the  legal  business 
: the  county  was  transacted  in  this  cotut,  including  all  probate  and  testamen- 
% matters.  The  Judges  held  their  offices  for  the  term  of  seven  years,  and 
tre  appointed  by  joint  ballot  of  both  houses  of  the  General  Assembly.  The 
fjord  of  proceedings  in  the  courts  of  those  days  was  very. brief  and  concise, 
ai  the  Supreme  Court  was  held  once  a year  in  each  county. 

In  the  year  1817,  Joseph  H.  Crane  was  appointed  Presiding  Judge  to  suc- 
c/jd  Hon.  Francis  Dunlevy.  He  was  born  in  Elizabethtown,  N.  J.,  August 
r;  1872,  and  his  father  was  a Major  in  the  Revolutionary  war,  and  lost  a leg 
i that  struggle  for  liberty.  He  was  a brother  of  Commodore  William  M. 
.me,  and  of  Ichabod  B.  Crane,  the  latter  a Colonel  of  the  Regular  Army. 
r grew  to  manhood  in  his  native  State,  there  studied  law  under  a celebrated 
hyer  named  Ogden,  and  was  admitted  to  practice.  In  the  spring  of  1804, 
n came  to  Dayton,  opened  an  office  and  began  that  career  which  culminated 
’•Iplacing  him  in  the  foremost  rank  among  the  members  of  the  Ohio  bar.  He 
'Jrried  Miss  Julia  A.  Elliot,  daughter  of  John  Elliot,  a Surgeon  in  the  United 
gites  Army,  then  stationed  at  Vincennes,  one  of  the  frontier  posts.  Mrs. 
bine  was  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  Female  Bible  Society,  in  1815,  as  was 
a|)  h°r  husband  of  the  Montgomery  County  Bible  Society,  organized  in  1822. 
Gy  became  the  parents  of  a large  family,  most  of  whom  died  young.  Two 
s<s>  William  and  Joseph  G.,  were  members  of  the  Montgomery  County  bar, 
?*:v  the  latter  served  throughout  the  rebellion,  on  the  staff  of  Gen.  Robert  C. 
i enck.  At  the  close  of  the  war,  he  was  commissioned  a Captain,  with  the 
Djret  of  Colonel,  in  the  regular  army,  and  while  Acting  Military  Governor 
I 'ackson,  Miss.,  was  assassinated  in  the  street  by  the  notorious  Col.  Yerger, 


1 

I 


472 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


an  ex-Confederate  officer.  William  died  in  Dayton,  while  practicing  his  pr 
fession.  -Judge  Crane  was  nominated  for  a seat  in  the  Ohio  Legislature 
the  first  political  convention  held  in  the  county,  September  6,  1809;  was  su 
sequently  elected,  and  was  author  of  what  is  known  as  the  Practice  Ac 

Ho  served  as  Prosecuting  Attorney  of  Montgomery  County  from  1813 
1816,  and,  in  1817  became  Presiding  Judge  of  this  district,  continuing  in  tk 
office  until  the  close  of  1828,  having  been  elected  to  Congress  in  the  fall 
that  year.  For  eight  years  he  ably  represented  his  constituents  in  the  nation 
legislative  halls,  where  his  profound  legal  abilities  were  soon  recognized  ai 
appreciated.  Upon  returning  from  Congress  in  1838,  he  was  appointed  Prc 
ecuting  Attorney  of  the  county,  and  served  one  year.  Some  years  after  sc 
tling  in  Dayton,  he  formed  a partnership  with  Col.  John  H.  James,  o?  t 
bana,  which  continued  until  1831,  as  Crane  & James,  when  Robert  C.  Sciren 
was  taken  into  the  firm,  and  the  name  became  Crane,  James  & Schenck.  Tk 
it  remained  for  one  yea1’,  at  the  expiration  of  which  Col.  James  withdrew,  at 
the  firm  name  was  changed  to  Crane  & Schenck.  In  1834,  this  partnersk 
was  dissolved  by  mutual  consent,  and  Judge  Crane  became  associated  with  E 
ward  W.  Davies,  and  afterward  his  son,  William  Crane,  was  taken  into  t 
firm,  where  he  remained  until  his  death.  The  law  firm  of  Crane  & Davi 
continued  until  the  death  of  Judge  Crane,  in  November,  1851. 

Judge  Crane  was  one  of  the  ablest  lawyers  who  ever  lived  in  Ohio.  P( 
sessed  of  a thorough  knowledge  of  the  law  by  extensive  reading,  historical  a: 
literary,  as  well  as  professional,  characterized  by  an  even-balanced,  clear-hea 
ed  temperament,  added  to  quick  perception,  a comprehensive  mind,  and  an  i 
stinctive  impartiality,  he  was  at  all  times  enabled  to  grasp  the  hidden  poin 
and  dispel  the  cobwebs  of  sophistry  which  crafty  counsel  often  wove  arouj. 
their  cases.  Scrupulously  honest  and  upright,  he  would  not  stoop  to  a me' 
or  dishonest  action,  while  his  generosity  and  unselfishness  kept  him  cornpai 
tively  poor  all  his  life.  Of  a retiring  disposition,  his  social  qualities  were  1 
tie  known  outside  of  his  immediate  circle  of  friends;  but  those  knew  him  aj 
kind,  genial,  whole-souled,  delightful  companion,  whose  rich  store  of  inform 
tion  on  all  subjects  seemed  to  be  inexhaustible.  He  was  loved  and  venerat 
by  the  bar  of  Montgomery  County,  and  his  death,  in  the  seventieth  year  of  li 
age,  was  deeply  regretted. 

The  next  to  don  the  judicial  ermine  on  the  Montgomery  County  ben 
was  Hon.  George  B.  Holt,  a native  of  Norfolk,  Litchfield  Co.,  Conn.,  bortn 
the  year  1790.  In  early  manhood  he  entered  tli9  law  school  of  Judges  Ren 
& Gould,  in  Litchfield,  and  in  1812  was  licensed  to  practice.  In  1819,  he 
rived  in  Dayton,  then  a small  village,  and  the  following  year  opened  an  ofb 
as  attorney  at  law.  In  1822,  Mr.  Holt  established,  and  for  three  years  cc 
ducted  the  Miami  Republican.  In  the  fall  of  1824,  he  was  elected  to  the  Li 
islature,  and  participated  in  the  passage  of  laws  which  rendered  that  sessiji 
one  of  the  most  important  ever  held  in  Ohio.  Among  the  most  import;! 
measures  adopted  was  the  ad  valorem  system  of  taxation.  The  columns  of  s 
paper  had  been  employed  by  Mr.  Holt  in  favor  of  a canal  communication 
tween  the  lakes  and  the  Ohio  River,  a measure  which  had  excited  a bitter  <- 
position.  During  this  session  the  canal  law  was  passed  under  which  the  0 ) 
and  Miami  canals  were  commenced,  and  the  policy  of  the  State  in  favor  of 
ternal  improvements  was  considered  settled.  Mr.  Holt  was  a member  of  - 
committee  to  which  the  subject  of  a school  system  was  referred,  and  the  U 
reported  by  them  passed  into  a law,  which  established  the  present  comm 
school  system  of  Ohio.  In  1825,  he  was  re-elected  to  the  Legislature,  and  ) 
1827  was  elected  to  the  State  Senate  for  a term  of  two  years,  and  was  Cki- 
man  of  the  Committee  on  Internal  Improvements.  During  the  last  session,! 


WASHINGTON,  TP. 


' 


WASHINGTON , TP. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


477 


J28,  he  was  elected  Presiding  Judge  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  and 
rved  for  the  constitutional  term  of  seven  years.  After  the  expiration  of  his 
rm  on  the  bench,  under  appointment  by  the  court,  he  served  one  year  as  Pros- 
uting  Attorney  of  Montgomery  County,  one  year  in  Mercer  County,  and  two 
nns  in  the  county  of  Yan  Wert.  At  thp  legislative  session  of  1842-43,  he 
is  again  called  to  the  bench,  and  served  out  the  constitutional  term.  Part  of 
e interval  between  his  first  and  second  terms  on  the  bench  was  spent  in  agri- 
lture  and  stock- growing,  spending  much  money  in  improving  the  breed  of 
ttle,  introducing  the  first  thoroughbred  Short-Horn  Durham  stock  into  the 
unties  of  Montgomery,  Mercer  and  Miami.  He  was  for  a time  President  of 
'e  Montgomery  County  Agricultural  Society,  and  in  1849,  at  the  time  of  the 
olera  epidemic,  was  chosen  as  President  of  the  Board  of  Health.  In  1850, 
ldge  Holt  was  elected  a member  of  the  Constitutional  Convention,  was  Chair - 
an  of  the  Committee  on  Jurisprudence,  and  took  a prominent  part  in  framing 
;e  present  Constitution  of  Ohio.  This  service  ended  his  official  career,  and 
though  he  partially  resumed  the  practice  of  his  profession,  with  advancing 
ars  spent  much  of  his  time  in  his  favorite  occupation  of  gardening.  Politi- 
lly.  Judge  Holt  was  for  many  years  a Democrat;  but  in  later  life  acted  with 
e Republican  party,  and  was  firm  and  decided  for  the  "Union.  Before  leaving 
s native  State,  he  had  united  with  the  Congregational  Church,  but  for  more 
an  twenty-five  years  previous  to  his  death  he  was  a member  of  the  Presby- 
rian  faith.  On  the  organization  of  the  Montgomery  County  Pioneer  Society, 
•ldge  Holt  was  chosen  its  President,  and  retained  that  office  until  his  death, 
rich  occurred  on  the  evening  of  October  30,  1871,  in  his  eighty-second  year, 
e was  married  in  1821  to  Miss  Mary  Blodget,  second  daughter  of  Dr.  Will- 
m Blodget,  who  with  three  daughters,  still  survive  him. 

The  next  Presiding  Judge  was  Hon.  William  L.  Helfenstein,  who  went 
. the  bench  in  1836.  Some  time  prior  to  that  date,  the  family  came  to  Day- 
n,  Ohio,  from  Pennsylvania,  where  William  L.  had  studied  law  and  been  ad- 
mitted to  the  bar.  He  served  his  full  tei’m  on  the  bench,  and  subsequently  re- 
moved to  New  York  City,  remaining  there  several  years,  finally  returning  to 
;e  State  of  his  nativity,  where  he  is  now  residing. 

Ha  was  succeeded  in  1843  by  Judge  Holt,  and  he,  in  1850,  by  Hon.  John 
eers.  The  only  other  Judge  under  the  old  regime  was  Hon.  Ralph  S.  Hart, 
jao  was  appointed  in  the  spring  of  1851.  During  his  term  the  new  consti- 
tion  was  adopted,  which  abolished  the  office  of  Associate  Judge,  and  made 
o vision  for  a new  order  of  things.  Judge  Hart,  under  this  law,  held  over, 
id  in  October,  1851,  was  elected  Judge  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas. 

The  Associate  Judges  of  Montgomery  County,  from  1803  to  1851  were: 
an  jam  in  Archer,  Isaac  Spinning,  John  Ewing,  Abner  Garrard,  William 
eorge,  Philip  Gunckel,  James  Steele,  Benjamin  Maltbie,  Henry  Hippie, 
)kn  W.  Turner,  Thomas  Winters,  George  Olinger,  John  Shelby,  Charles  G. 
vain,  Elias  Mathews,  Amos  Irvine,  Michael  Cassady,  Robert  P.  Brown  and 
erman  Gebhart. 

Under  the  new  law  the  term  of  Common  Pleas  Judges  was  changed  from 
ven  to  five  years.  The  first  occupant  of  the  bench  under  the  new  constitu- 
)n  was  the  Hon.  Ralph  S.  Hart,  a native  of  New  Jersey,  born  in  the  year 
00.  In  1811,  his  family  came  to  Troy,  Miami  Co.,  Ohio,  where  he  was  reared 
id  educated  in  the  common  schools  of  that  county.  In  1844,  he  removed  to 
,ayton,  was  appointed  Presiding  Judge  in  1851,  and  under  the  new  constitu- 
pn>  elected  J udge  of  the  Common  Pleas  Court,  serving  in  all  six  years  on  the 
mch.  He  afterward  resumed  the  practice  of  his  profession,  but  on  account 
poor  health,  abandoned  the  law,  and  is  now  residing  on  a farm  in  Butler 


N 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


47  8 

Township.  He  married  a daughter  of  Henry  Bacon,  one  of  the  promine 
pioneer  lawyers  of  Dayton. 

In  October,  1856,  Hon.  Ebenezer  Parsons,  of  Miami  County,  was  elect 
Judge  of  this  subdivision,  and  re-elected  in  October,  1861,  serving  until  fa 
ing  health  compelled  him  to  retire  from  the  bench.  Many  other  Judges 
this  district  have  occupied  the  Montgomery  County  bench,  from  time  to  tin 
who,  like  Judge  Parsons,  were  non-residents  of  this  county,  yet  the  latter  we 
known  gentleman  served  so  long  and  occupied  the  bench  so  continuously  tl 
he  deserves  mention  in  connection  with  the  judiciary  of  this  county. 

The  next  resident  Judge  was  Hon.  John  C.  McKemy,  who,  in  April,  181 
was  elected  Judge  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas.  He  removed  to  Dayton 
1869,  and  served  on  the  bench  until  October,  1872,  when  he  resigned  and  i 
sumed  the  practice  of  his  profession. 

The  present  Judge  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  Hon.  Henderson  El 
ott,  was  born  in  Perquimans  Co.,  N.  C. , August  17,  1827.  His  parents,  Jee 
and  Rachel  (Jordan)  Elliott,  came  to  Butler  County,  Ohio,  in  1831,  where  1 
father  died  in  1840.  His  mother  subsequently  removed  to  Preble  Count 
and  from  there  to  Iowa,  where  she  died  in  1863.  Henderson’ s youth  was  spe 
on  a farm,  and  he  learned  the  trade  of  a millwright.  At  the  age  of  ninete 
he  began  teaching  school  in  the  winter  seasons,  using  his  earnings  attendi 
school  the  balance  of  the  year,  and  so  continued  for  six  years,  three  of  whi 
were  passed  in  Farmers’  College,  Cincinnati.  After  completing  his  course  the: 
he  taught  for  three  years  during  which  time  he  studied  law  under  Felix  Man 
of  Eaton,  Ohio,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  by  the  Supreme  Court  at  Columbi 
in  1851.  He  practiced  three  years  in  Germantown,  removing  to  Dayton 
1855 , where  he  has  since  been  engaged  in  his  profession,  excepting  from  18 
to  1869,  when  he  was  editor  of  the  Dayton  Daily  Ledger.  In  1859,  he  wa 
candidate  for  a seat  in  the  State  Legislature,  but  was  defeated  by  a small  n 
jority.  In  1861,  he  warmly  espoused  the  Union  cause,  and  from  1861  to  18 
was  Prosecuting  Attorney  of  Montgomery  County.  In  the  fall  of  1871,  he  w 
elected  Judge  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  and  is  now  serving  his  thi 
term  in  that  office.  In  politics  he  has  always  been  a Democrat,  served  for  f 
years  as  a member  of  the  Dayton  Board  of  Education,  and  has  been  a mem): 
of  the  Methodist  Church  for  more  than  thirty  years.  In  the  year  1851, 
married  Rebecca  Snavely,  of  Montgomery  County,  who  has  borne  him  five  chj 
dren,  two  of  whom  are  living.  Judge  Elliott  possesses  a clear,  legal  mind,  go1 
judgment,  and  sound  common  sense.  He  is  cautious,  prudent,  firm  and  ccj 
scientious,  a gentleman  of  sterling  integrity  and  genial  manners.  He  is  a h 
cible,  vigorous  writer  and  a sound  reasoner,  and  his  judicial  career  has  giv 
much  satisfaction  to  the  Montgomery  County  bar. 

The  Superior  Court  of  Montgomery  County,  although  of  merely  lo< 
jurisdiction,  has  acquired  and  always  maintained  a high  reputation  in  t 
history  of  the  Judiciary  of  Ohio.  It  was  established  by  an  act  of  the  Legis.i 
ture,  passed  March  29,  1856,  and  the  first  election  held  on  the  first  Monday 
the  following  June,  at  which  time  Hon.  Daniel  A.  Haynes  was  elected  Judge 
the  Superior  Court,  his  term  beginning  on  the  1st  of  July,  1856.  •lad 
Haynes  was  born  in  Columbia  County,  N.  Y. , in  the  town  of  Chatham,  St 
tember  9,  1815,  and  was  a son  of  Daniel  and  Magdalene  Haynes.  After  c 
taining  an  ordinary  common  school  education,  he  was  sent  to  a boarding  schq 
at  Landlake,  N.  Y. , and  afterward  to  Lowville  Academy,  in  the  same  Sta 
and  from  there  he  entered  Union  College  at  Schenectady,  graduating  in  t 
class  of  1835.  He  soon  afterward  came  to  Dayton,  and  for  a year  was  assi: 
ant  teacher  in  the  old  Dayton  Academy.  In  1838,  he  entered  the  office 
Judge  Joseph  H.  Crane,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1839.  In  Januai 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


479 


i_«Q  he  commencsd  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  partnership  with  Henry 
; Idard.  Sr.,  and  afterward  formed  a partnership  with  John  Howard,  with 
;,m  he  practiced  eight  years  or  more.  He  was  Prosecuting  Attorney  of  Mont- 
-■•ciiery  County  from  1843  to  1847,  and  in  the  latter  year  was  elected  to  the 
))o  Legislature.  As  a lawyer  he  continued  in  active  and  very  successful 
r,;tice  until  the  establishment  of  the  Superior  Court,  when  he  was  elected 
Jge,  re-elected  in  1860,  and  again  in  1865.  The  learning  and  eminently 
acial  qualities  which  Judge  Haynes  brought  to  the  discharge  of  the  duties 
ome  bench,  gave  to  his  decisions  an  authority  that  was  recognized  and  re- 
puted by  both  bench  and  bar  throughout  the  State.  In  February,  1870,  he 
■ spied  the  Judgeship,  and  returned  to  the  practice  of  law  in  partnership  with 
hi..  0.  L.  Vallandigham,  in  Dayton.  A rapidly  growing  and  lucrative  prac- 
iC  attested  the  strength  of  this  firm,  which  was  dissolved  by  the  sudden 
eh.  of  Mr.  Vallandigham  in  June,  1871.  Judge  Haynes  then  formed  a part- 
sihip  with  John  Howard  & Son,  under  the  firm  name  of  Haynes,  Howard  & 
[Card.  This  continued  until  1875,  when  he  was  again  elected  Judge  of  the 
aarior  Court,  in  which  office  he  served  until  1881,  and  in  which  his  eminent 
b ity  and  unimpeachable  integrity  commanded  the  confidence  of  the  public, 

' jell  as  the  unbounded  respect  of  the  bar.  In  early  life  a Whig,  he  subse- 
Ujitly  became  a Republican,  and  was  an  ardent  supporter  of  the  Government 
ang  the  dark  days  of  civil  war.  Outside  of  his  profession,  Judge  Haynes 
rai  for  several  years,  President  of  the  Dayton  Bank,  and  also  of  the  Dayton 
airance  Company.  On  the  13th  of  June.  1848,  he  married  Miss  Emily 
Ion,  daughter  of  Gen.  Samson  Mason,  who  was  one  of  the  leading  lawyers 
pringfield,  Ohio.  Mrs.  Haynes  died  on  the  2d  of  September  following, 
ip  which  time  he  has  not  again  married. 

Upon  the  resignation  of  Judge  Haynes  in  1870,  Jackson  A.  Jordan  was 
punted  to  serve  until  the  next  annual  election,  at  which  Hon.  Thomas  O. 
lie  was  chosen  and  served  until  1876.  In  that  year,  Judge  Haynes,  again 
«3  upon  the  bench,  and  in  1881  was  succeeded  by  Hon.  Dennis  Dwyer,  the 
1 3nt  occupant.  There  is  no  more  beautiful  character  than  the  courteous, 
a mt,  honorable,  learned,  careful,  earnest,  kind  and  venerable  Judge,  whose 
' noted  legal  abilities  have  raised  him  to  the  bench.  His  integrity  no  one 
v question;  his  firmness  and  impartiality  are  proverbial;  his  decisions  are 
ab  with  care,  and  clearness;  from  every  sentence  thoughts  drop  pure  as  gold, 
eeels  strong  because  he  feels  that  he  is  just,  while  the  bar  and  public  revere 
■ and  his  works  because  they  are  known  and  appreciated  as  the  best  efforts 
toilsome  professional  life.  Who  would  exchange  such  an  honorable  posi- 

0 for  the  gold  of  Ophir?  To  the  mandates  of  the  judiciary  every  other  pur- 
>;i submits;  in  the  presence  of  that  great  power  every  other  is  silent.  It  is 

1 ice  the  ultimate  hope  and  grand  ally  of  Jihe  people  and  of  their  agents, 
ands  above  the  National  Legislatures  and  the  President;  above  the  army 

Kithenavy;  and  in  this  sublime  attitude,  as  representative  of  eternal  prin- 
f in  the  form  of  law,  is  above  reproach.  The  poet,  in  his  verses  defining 
" 'hat  Constitutes  a State,”  says: 

“ And  Sovereign  law,  the  States'  collected  will 
O’er  thrones  and  globes  elate. 

Sits  Empress,  crowning  good,  repressing  ill." 

So  will  it  ever  be  under  a free  and  enlightened  government. 

The  Probate  Court  of  Montgomery  County  was  established  under  the 
0 'th  Section  of  Act  4,  of  the  new  Constitutional  Convention,  and  the  second 
jday  of  October,  1851,  was  fixed  for  the  first  election.  The  term  of  service 
designated  as  three  years,  but  some  of  the  Probate  Judges  have  filled  the 
i°r  two  or  three  terms.  At  the  first  election.  Youngs  V.  Wood  was  chosen 


480 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


as  Probate  Judge  of  Montgomery  County,  and  began  bis  duties  in  Februi 
1852.  In  1855,  be  was  succeeded  by  Joseph  G.  Crane,  and  be,  in  1858. 
James  H.  Baggott.  In  1800,  Samuel  Boltin  was  elected,  and  re-elected 
1863,  bis  term  of  office  expiring  in  1867.  He  was  succeeded  by  Dennis  Dw' 
wbo  had  been  elected  in  the  fall  of  1866;  was  re-elected  in  1869,  and  ai 
in  1872,  filling  the  office  three  terms.  In  1875,  John  L.  H.  Frank  was  chose 
Probate  Judge,  and  re-elected  in  1878,  and  in  1882  was  succeeded  by  TV 
McKemy. 


THE  BAR. 


For  professional  courtesy,  gentlemanly  tone,  moral  rectitude  and  intell 
ual  ability,  the  association  of  men  known  as  the  Dayton  bar,  has  always  1 
jnstly  distinguished.  It  has  furnished  one  Governor  of  Ohio,  Hon.  Cha 
Anderson;  five  members  of  Congress,  viz. : Hons.  Joseph  H.  Crane,  Bober 
Schenck,  Clement  L.  Val  landigh  un,  Lewis  B.  Gunckel,  and  John  A.  McMal 
twenty-five  members  of  the  Ohio  General  Assembly;  nine  Judges  of  the  C 
mon  Pleas  and  Superior  Courts;  seven  Probate  Judges,  and  eighteen  Pi 
cuting  Attorneys,  all  of  whom  have  filled  their  positions  with  ability  and  si 
faction  to  the  people.  Of  the  members  of  the  Montgomery  County  bar 
practiced  here  previous  to  the  year  1840,  but  four  are  now  living,  viz. . H 
Robert  C.  Schenck,  Peter  P.  Lowe,  Charles  Anderson  and  Ralph  P.  Lowe, 
two  latter  of  whom  left  the  county  many  years  ago,  and  by  the  advice  of  u 
of  the  leading  attorneys  of  Dayton  they  alone  of  the  surviving  members  of 
bar,  who  have  not  been  on  the  bench,  will  have  special  mention  in  this  art 
There  is,  perhaps,  no  name  in  the  annals  of  the  Montgomery  County ! 
more  worthy  of  a prominent  place  in  this  history  than  that  of  the  Hon.  Bo : 
C.  Schenck.  He  was  born  in  Franklin,  Warren  Co.,  Ohio,  October  4,  1809,  i 
is  a son  of  Gen.  William  C.  Schenck,  a pioneer  of  the  Miami  Valley,  wbo  < 
at  Columbus,  Ohio,  in  January,  1821.  After  the  death  of  his  father,  Ro 
was  placed  under  the  guardianship  of  Gen.  James  Findlay,  of  Cincinnati, 
in  November,  1824,  when  in  his  fifteenth  year,  entered  the  sophomore  cla; 
Miami  University,  Oxford,  Ohio.  He  graduated  in  1827,  but  remained  at 
ford  until  1830,  employing  his  time  in  reading  and  as  a tutor  of  French 
Latin,  when  he  received  his  degree  of  Master  of  Arts.  In  November  of 
year  he  entered  the  law  office  of  Hon.  Thomas  Corwin,  at  Lebanon,  and 
following  January  was  admitted  to  the  bar.  He  came  to  Dayton  with  a 1 
of  introduction  from  Mr.  Corwin  to  Judge  Joseph  H.  Crane,  who  irnmedi; 
offered  him  a partnership,  which  he  accepted.  This  lasted  three  years,  aij 
the  end  of  that  period  he  formed  a partnership  with  Peter  Odlin,  which 
tinued  until  the  commencement  of  his  public  career.  From  1844  to  lS5j 
was  associated  with  Wilber  Conover  in  the  practice  of  his  profession,  the 
being  Schenck  & Conover.  In  1837,  being  but  twenty-eight  years  of  ad 
became  a candidate  for  State  Representative  on  the  Whig  ticket,  and  wal 
feated  by  a small  majority;  but  three  years  later  he  again  made  the  race,  t 
was  elected.  In  May,  1 843,  he  was  chosen  by  his  party  as  their  candidate 
Congress,  and  was  re-elected  for  each  succeeding  term  until  1850,  when  b 
dined  the  nomination,  and  at  the  close'  of  1851  was  appointed  by  Prasi'i 
Fillmore  United  States  Minister  to  Brazil.  He  returned  from  Brazil  in  : 
and  for  some  years  took  no  active  part  in  politics.  He  was  engaged  occai!> 
ally  in  important  law  suits,  and  principally  in  managing,  as  President,  a 
of  railroad  from  Fort  Wayne,  Ind.,  to  the  Mississippi  River.  In  1859,1 
political  meeting  in  Dayton,  he  made  a stirring  address  on  the  events  of 
times,  and  was  on  this  occasion  the  first  to  suggest  the  name  of  Abraham  i 
coin  for  the  next  President.  When  the  attack  was  made  on  Fort  Sumter, j 
Schenck  at  once  tendered  his  services  to  the  Government,  and  was  con 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


481 


iced  Brigadier  General  of  Volunteers.  From  that  time  up  to  August,  1862, 
1< . Schenck  took  a leading  part  in  all  the  battles  in  which  his  brigade  was 
Jlged,  but  on  the  second  day  of  the  second  battle  of  Bull  Run,  he  was 
- rely  wounded,  carried  from  the  field,  and  conveyed  to  Washington.  Gen. 
-\L  in  his  report  of  this  battle,  speaks  of  Gen.  Schenck’ s conduct  in  terms 
hilly  commendatory.  Shortly  afterward  he  received  his  appointment  as 
T or  General  of  Volunteers,  and  accompanying  it  a letter  from  Secretary 
titon  in  which  the  great  war  Secretary  wrote  as  fellows:  “No  official  act  of 
fie  was  ever  performed  with  more  pleasure  than  the  forwarding  of  the  in- 
ked appointment.”  For  some  time  Gen.  Schenck’ s wound  was  critical,  and 
recovered  very  slowly,  with  his  right  arm  permanently  injured,  and  over  six 
idths  elapsed  before  he  was  again  fit  for  field  duty.  On  the  11th  of  Deeem- 
e 1862,  he  was  assigned  as  commander  of  the  Middle  Department,  in 
jjnand  of  the  Eighth  Army  Corps,  with  headquarters  at  Baltimore,  in 
iih  capacity  he  rendered  valuable  aid  to  the  Union  cause,  receiving  flat- 
uiig  testimonials  from  the  loyal  conventions  and  leagues,  as  well  as  the 
ahest  praise  of  the  War  Department  and  President.  On  the  5th  of 
Iffimber,  1863,  he  resigned  his  commission  to  take  his  seat  in  Congress,. 
> yhich  he  had  been  elected  from  the  Third  Congressional  District  of 
b,  in  1862.  He  was  appointed  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Military 
ijirs,  and  a history  of  his  course  in  the  Thi  cty-ninth  and  Fo-tieth  Congresses 

!d  be  a complete  history  of  the  military  legislation  of  the  country  through 
inmost  eventful  years  of  the  war,  and  after  its  close.  It  is  enough  to  say  that 
in  iiilitary  matters  he  was  laborious  and  vigilant.  He  proved  himself  utterly 
u less  as  to  loss  of  popularity,  and  championed  measures  which  were  generally 
fito  be  needful,  but  from  which  many  of  his  colleagues  shrank  through  fear 
f he  prejudices  of  their  constituents.  In  civil  as  in  military  life,  he  has 
e . the  same  bold  and  fearless  fighter  for  what  he  deemed  the  right.  As  an 
ft  tive  orator  he  has  had  few  superiors  in  the  Nation,  and  as  a political  leader 
irjudgment  is  excellent  and  his  counsels  always  sagacious.  During  the  four 
ejjs  from  1867  to  1871,  Gen.  Schenck,  as  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of 
\ rs  and  Means,  held  position  as  the  acknowledged  and  active  leader  of  the 
-I<  se  of  Representatives.  In  this  capacity,  he  framed  and  carried  through  to 
iglative  enactment  the  system  and  leading  provisions  of  the  laws  relating  to 
aimal  revenue,  and  introduced  and  passed  the  first  proposition  made  for  re- 
ung  the  rate  of  interest  on  the  bonds  of  the  United  States.  Probably  at  no 
eod  of  his  busy  life  did  he  ever  devote  himself  more  effectively  and  success- 
11  to  labor  in  the  public  service  than  in  those  last  years  of  his  Con- 
rsioual  career.  In  1871,  he  was  appointed  United  States  Minister  to  Great 
•lam,  serving  in  that  capacity  until  1876.  Gen.  Schenck  is  a man  of  wide 
a!fire  and  varied  accomplishments,  a brilliant  lawyer,  well  read  in  literary, 
:.l  and  political  history,  as  well  as  a good  French  and  Spanish  scholar.  He 
3 ready  conversationalist,  free,  affable  and  courteous  at  all  times,  a gentle- 
u in  every  sense  of  the  word.  Although  never  forfeiting  his  residence  in 
liton,  he  has  not  lived  here  permanently  for  many  years,  yet  is  proud  to 
k n the  Gem  City  as  his  home. 

Cotemporary  with  Gen.  Schenck  in  the  legal  and  political  arena,  and 
i ding  a like  powerful  influence  in  State  and  National  affairs,  stood  Hon. 
laent  L.  Vallandigham.  He  was  born  in  New  Lisbon,  Columbiana  Co., 
July  29, 1820,  and  received  his  early  education  from  his  father,  a pioneer 
. 'r  cher  who  settled  at  that  point  in  1807.  After  a year  spent  in  Jefferson 
c ege,  Cannonsburg,  Penn.,  lie  served  for  two  years  as  Principal  of  Union  Acad- 
, rtj'  8now  Hill,  Maryland,  and  then  returned  to  Jefferson  College  to  complete 
hi  course  of  study.  When  within  a few  months  of  graduation,  he  fell  into  a 


482 


HISTORY  OP  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


controversy  with  the  President  of  the  College  on  constitutional  law,  which  - 
suited  in  young  Vallandigham  demanding  and  receiving  an  immediate  ;i 
honorable  dismissal.  Some  years  afterward,  President  Brown  offered  hin  a 
diploma,  but  he  declined  to  accept  it.  After  leaving  college,  he  read  law, 
admitted  to  the  bar  at  Columbus,  Ohio,  in  December,  1842,  and  began,  pi . 
rice  in  his  native  town.  In  1845,  he  was  elected  to  the  State  Legislate 
without  opposition,  and  re-elected  in  1846.  Here  he  soon  gained  a high  r . 
utation  as  a speaker  and  debater,  as  well  as  an  honorable  partisan.  On 
27th  of  August,  1846,  he  married  Louisa  A.  McMahon,  sister  of  the  Hon.  Ji  n 
V.  L.  McMahon,  of  Baltimore,  Md.  Having  imbibed  his  political  princij  * 
from  Jefferson  and  other  fathers  of  the  Republic,  he  started  in  life  as  a Dei . 
crat,  although  nearly  all  his  friends  were  Whigs.  In  1 847,  he  located  in  B 
ton,  where  he  formed  a law  partnership  with  Thomas  J.  S.  Smith,  and  also  j 
two  years  conducted  the  Western  Empire  newspaper  of  that  city.  In  1852, » 
was  the  Democratic  candidate  for  Congress,  but  failed  of  an  election  by  1 
votes,  and  again  in  1854,  but  the  Know-Nothing  fanaticism  swept  the  ik , 
In  1856,  he  was  again  placed  on  the  ticket,  and  though  defeated  at  the  pH 
by  nineteen  majority,  was  upon  contest  admitted  to  his  seat.  This  was  ond 
the  most  noted  cases  of  the  kind  in  the  annals  of  Congress.  His  opponent  i 
the  Hon.  Lewis  D.  Campbell.  He  was  re-elected  in  1858,  and  again  in  15) 
His  ability,  industry  and  sincerity  gave  him  great  prominence  in  Congrii 
He  took  a leading  part  in  opposition  to  the  war,  not  because,  as  he  claixi.  1 
that  he  did  not  love  the  Union,  but  upon  constitutional  grounds  in  its  man: 
ment.  as  well  as  from  an  honest  conviction  that  force  would  lead  to  its  dost)] 
tion.  For  these  reasons  he  advocated  compromise  as  the  only  way  to  porn, 
ate  the  Union  in  peace,  prosperity  and  liberty.  He  was  arrested  by  the  Gjr 
eminent,  tried  at  Cincinnati  by  a military  commission  in  May,  1863,  and  sji 
tenced  to  be  banished  to  the  South,  which  was  carried  into  effect.  The  C 
federate  authorities  treated  him  kindly,  and  sent  him  to  Wilmington,  N. 
from  where,  on  the  17th  of  June,  1863,  he  , ran  the  blockade,  finally  settl |< 
at  Windsor,  Ont,  opposite  Detroit.  In  the  fall  of  1863,  the  Democracy  noli 
nated  him  by  acclamation  for  Governor  of  Ohio,  he  being  then  in  exile,  j 
campaign  was  one  of  the  bitterest  in  the  history  of  the  Nation,  and  he  was  1 
feated  by  an  overwhelming  majority.  In  June,  1864,  he  left  Windsor  inn 
guise,  and  arrived  at  Hamilton,  Ohio,  on  the  morning  of  the  15th,  where] 
addressed  a Democratic  convention,  and  was  by  it  appointed  a delegate  to  I! 
Chicago  convention  that  nominated  Gen.  George  B.  McClellan  for  iPresidii 
The  Government  took  no  public  notice  of  his  return,  and  in  time  the  excitenji 
caused  by  it  died  out  and  was  apparently  forgotten.  He  settled  down  to 
practice  of  his  profession,  and  in  February,  1870,  formed  a partnership  vl 
Judge  D.  A.  Haynes,  which  continued  until  his  death.  In  May,  1871,  he  jj> 
sented  to  a Democratic  convention,  held  in  Dayton,  his  “new  departure’ 
olutions,  which  were  unanimously  accepted  and  adopted  by  the  State  ConY 
tion,  on  the  1st  of  June  following.  These  resolutions  did  much  toward  reel 
ciliug  the  Democratic  party  to  the  new  Constitutional  amendments,  and 
evening  of  their  adoption  Mr.  Vallandigham  delivered  one  of  the  abjs 
speeches  of  his  life,  and  the  last  political  speech  he  ever  made.  On  the  nil 
of  June  16,  1871,  in  full  life  and  vigor,  while  engaged  for  the  defense  i 
murder  trial  at  Lebanon,  Ohio,  he  accidently  shot  himself  in  the  demonstrat  i 
of  a theory  as  to  the  manner  in  which  the  alleged  murder  might  have  b i 
committed,  and  died  the  next  morning.  This  accidental  shot  proved  fatal  > 
only  to  Mr.  Vallandigham,  but  to  his  wife  also,  who  was  at  that  time  attends 
the  funeral  of  her  brother  at  Cumberland,  Md.  On  receiving  the  sad  news 
shock  was  so  great  that  she  never  recovered  from  it.  but  died  a few  we; 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


483 


asr,  leaving  one  son,  Charles  N. , who  is  the  present  Representative  of  Mont- 
opery  County  in  the  State  Legislature.  Mr.  Yallandigham  possessed  great 
eysical  and  mental  vitality,  a wonderful  memory  and  a towering  ambition, 
f.hino’  could  move  him  from  his  honest  convictions,  while  his  energy  and 
lity  were  such  that  he  always  rose  with  the  occasion,  and  no  degree  of  op- 
i lition  could  discourage  him.  Such  were  the  resources  of  his  mind  that  his 
8 feehes  were  always  original,  and  this  State  has  produced  few  men  that  could 
h.d  an  audience  so  completely  spell-bound  as  this  great  champion  of  consti- 
; ional  Democracy. 

Among  the  very  earliest  lawyers  of  the  Dayton  bar.  we  find  the  name  of 
imry  Stoddard,  a native  of  Woodbury,  Conn.,  born  March  18,  1788.  He  was 
m of  Asa  Stoddard,  a descendant  of  the  Rev.  Anthony  Stoddard,  of  London, 
'Rand,  who  settled  in  Boston  in  1670.  Having  received  such  education  as 
si  common  schools  afforded,  Henry  spent  the  last  five  years  of  his  minority 
eiking  in  a store.  He  then  read  law  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1812. 
t or  years  later  he  came  West  on  horseback,  and  in  1817  permanently  located 
i]  Dayton.  Of  the  early  lawyers  of  Dayton,  Mr.  Stoddard  was  one  of  the  most 
ptninent  and  successful.  He  threw  his  whole  soul  into  his  profession,  and 
b his  integrity  and  determined  character,  rapidly  obtained  a large  and  lucra- 
tip  practice,  and  won  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  all  acquainted  with  him. 
I all  matters  intrusted  to  his  care,  whether  great  or  small,  the  same  conscien- 
tiusness  and  accuracy  directed  his  actions,  and  these  best  qualified  to  judge 
hr  testimony  that  there  was  no  attorney  at  the  Dayton  bar  whose  cases  were 
mre  carefully  prepared,  or  whose  business  was  more  accurately  conducted, 
■r  was  he  less  distinguished  for  the  professional  learning  and  ability  dis- 
mWed  during  trial.  From  1840  to  1844,  he  was  in  partnership  with  Judge 
I A.  Haynes;  but  having  by  the  latter  year  acquired  a handsome  competence, 
h retired  from  regular  practice  and  devoted  himself  to  the  management  of  his 
ivate  affairs.  His  mind  was  an  encyclopedia  of  information  relative  to  the 
pints  of  three-quarters  of  a century.  He  was  one  of  the  constituent  members 
o the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Dayton,  in  which  body  he  was  for  many 
yjirs  a Ruling  Elder.  He  was  in  fullest  sympathy  with  all  moral  and  relig- 
i<  s movements,  and  toward  such  he  ever  maintained  very  marked  liberality. 
1 . Stoddard  was  married  twice,  first  to  Miss  Harriet  L.  Patterson,  who  died 

■ 1822,  leaving  one  son.  His  second  wife  was  Miss  Susan  Williams,  who 
bje  him  three  sons  and  one  daughter,  dying  in  1861.  For  many  years  pre- 

■ us  to  his  death,  which  occurred  November  1,  1869,  he  was  a confirmed  inva- 
1 Nearly  eighty-two  years  had  passed  ere  death  claimed  him;  but  in  dying 
1 had  the  satisfaction  of  knowing;  that  he  was  leaving’  behind  him  those  who 

uid  do  honor  to  his  name. 

The  oldest  living  representative  of  the  Dayton  bar  is  the  venerable  Peter 
1 Lowe,  who  was  born  in  Warren  County,  Ohio,  June  11,  1801.  His  parents 
v're  Jacob  D.  and  Martha  (Perlee)  Lowe,  natives  of  New  Jersey.  Peter  P. 

' eived  his  early  education  in  the  country  schools,  and  studied  classics  under 
airivate  tutor.  _ He  studied  law  in  the  office  of  Hon.  Thomas  Corwin,  and 
i mediately  after  his  admission  to  the  bar  in  May,  1825,  he  came  to  Dayton 
1 began  practice  in  June  of  that  year.  In  1832,  at  Washington,  D.  C. , he 
Ms  admitted  to  practice  in  the  United  States  Courts,  and  in  1834  was  elected 
Osecuting  Attorney  of  Montgomery  County.  He  took  a deep  interest  in  the 
i)wth  and  development  of  Dayton,  and  did  much  toward  that  end.  In  1849, 
i was  chosen  President  of  the  Dayton  & Western  Railroad,  and  by  his  wise 
f ancial  management,  placed  the  road  on  a substantial  footing.  In  1837,  he 
vs  elected  on  the  Democratic  ticket  to  the  State  Legislature,  and  served  as 
* airman  of  the  Judiciary  Committee  during  his  term  of  office.  Originally  a 


484 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Whig,  he  left  that  party  and  cast  his  first  Democratic  vote  for  President  Va 
Buren.  In  1856,  he  again  changed  his  political  affiliations,  joining  his  foil 
unes  with  the  Republican  party,  and  in  1860  was  chosen  as  a delegate  to  tl 
convention  that  nominated  Abraham  Lincoln  for  President,  and  during  the  \r„ 
took  a determined  stand  in  support  of  the  Union.  He  was  married  in  Mai 
1830,  to  Miss  Ann  Bomberger,  of  Dayton,  who  bore  him  four  children.  SI 
died  in  1877,  after  a married  life  of  nearly  half  a century.  Mr.  Lowe  ha 
been  an  adherent  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  all  his  life,  and  has  been  ver 
successful  in  the  accumulation  of  property.  ' He  is  a courtly,  frank  and  cult 
vated  gentleman — a member  of  the  old  regime — whose  house  was  the  resort  fc 
the  great  men  of  by-gone  days,  such  as  Stanton,  Chase,  Tod  and  Brough,  vvh 
were  his  warm  personal  friends.  For  many  years  he  has  not  been  engaged  i 
active  practice,  but  is  still  in  possession  of  much  of  his  old-timed  busjnes 
energy. 

Next  in  the  order  of  time,  but  in  the  front  rank  of  leading  lawyers,  come 
Edward  W.  Davies,  a native  of  New  York  City,  born  January  16,  1802,  an 
died  in  Dayton,  Ohio,  December  11,  1873.  In  1804,  the  family  came  to  Wil 
iamsburg,  Hamilton  Co.,  Ohio,  and,  in  1806,  removed  to  Cincinnati;  here  Ec 
ward  W.  grew  up,  studied  law  and  was  admitted  to  practice.  In  1826,  he  be 
came  a member  of  the  Dayton  bar,  where,  during  the  early  days  of  his  practici 
he  had  all  the  experiences  of  the  pioneer  lawyer.  In  1829,  he  married  Mis 
Mary  Pierce,  daughter  of  Joseph  Pierce,  an  early  merchant  of  Dayton,  wh 
bore  him  seven  children,  four  of  whom  ar©  yet  living.  In  1832,  he  was  af 
pointed  Clerk  of  the  Court,  of  Common  Pleas,  and  held  the  office  for  a numbe 
of  years.  He  was  afterward  associated  with  Judge  Joseph  H.  Crane,  and  fo 
many  years  was  the  attorney  of  the  C.,  H.  & D.  R.  R.  Mr.  Davies  was  instri 
mental  in  securing  the  passage  of  the  bill  creating  the  Board  of  Police  Con 
missioners  for  Dayton;  was  one  of  the  organizers  of  that  board  and  Presider 
of  the  same  for  some  years.  Although  for  nearly  half  a century  he  maintaine  j 
a high  position  at  the  Dayton  bar,  he  never  cqurted  popularity.  With  broa  | 
and  extensive  views,  firm  convictions  and  purity  of  motives,  he  was  unremilj 
ting  in  his  efforts  to  accomplish  an  object  which  he  believed  to  be  right.  H 
possessed  a deep  sympathy  with  the  laboring  classes,  and  was  ever  ready  upojj 
all  occasions,  and  in  every  way  in  his  power,  to  assist  them  in  their  struggle|| 
and  to  relieve  their  sufferings.  The  following  is  an  extract  from  the  testimo 
nial  of  the  Dayton  bar.  just  after  his  death:  “Mr.  Edward  W.  Davies  dt 
served  and  maintained  without  reproach,  throughout  his  long,  active  and  use 
ful  life,  the  character  of  a diligent  and  able  lawyer:  an  energetic,  public-spiritejj 
and  patriotic  citizen,  a sincere  and  upright  Christian  and  a pure  and  hones: 
man.  By  unswerving  integrity  and  force  of  character,  he  commanded  the  con 
fidence  and  respect  of  the  entire  public,  but  to  those  only  who  were  intimatelj 
associated  with  him  were  known  the  purity  and  excellence  of  his  social  quail 
ties  and  those  still  higher  and  more  sacred  attributes  that  adorn  with  grace  an 
happiness  the  domestic  circle  and  belong  to  the  cultivated  private  Christia 
gentleman.  With  a dignity  that  naturally  pertained  alike  to  his  persons, 
appearance  and  his  character,  he  blended  a generous  and  genial  kindness,  tba 
never  failed  to  respond  when  a proper  occasion  called  it  forth;  and  such  werj 
the  sterling  qualities  of  his  nature,  that  no  temptation  could  shake  his  hdelit. 
to  truth,  manhood  and  duty.” 

Another  of  the  prominent  lawyers  who  came  to  Dayton  more  than  fift.j 
years  ago  was  Thomas  J.  S.  Smith,  a native  of  Cumberland,  Md. , born  Decern 
ber  10,  1806,  and  who  died  at  Dayton  July  31,  1868.  He  graduated  at  Jeffer 
son  College,  Pennsylvania,  and,  in  1830,  came  to  Dayton,  where  he  studiei 
law  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1832.  He  then  settled  in  Troy,  Ohic 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


485 


i Tan  practice,  and  soon  rose  to  a leading  position  among  the  members  of  the 
p-  of  Miami  County.  In  1837,  he  became  Clerk  of  the  Court  of  Common 
leas  and  served  as  such  for  several  years.  He  also  at  one  time  represented 
r it  county  in  the  Ohio  Legislature.  In  1844,  he  resumed  the  practice  of  his 
1 Session  in  Dayton,  and  soon  became  engaged  in  numerous  railroad  projects, 
png  made  President  of  the  Dayton  & Michigan  Railroad  shortly  after  its  or- 
mization,  and  so  continued  until  its  completion.  His  connection  with  that 
ai  other  roads  gave  him  practice  in  railroad  cases  and  he  became  known  as 
cb  of  the  best  railroad  lawyers  in  this  part  of  the  State.  In  1856  and  1857, 
t represented  Montgomery  County  in  the  State  Legislature,  and,  in  1860,  was 
* j candidate  of  the  Democratic  party  for  Supreme  Judge  of  Ohio,  and,  upon 
fi  breaking-out  of  the  rebellion,  he  gave  his  active  support  to  the  Union 
ise.  He  was  always  recognized  as  an  able  lawyer  and  speaker,  a man  of 
( e vigor  of  mind  fully  developed  by  large  culture  and  discipline;  of  great 
finness  and  decision  of  character;  of  excellent  judgment  and  of  the  most 
s upulous  integrity.  Politically,  a Democrat,  he  was  always  distinguished 
his  conservativeness.  Moderate  in  his  opinions,  charitable  in  his  judg- 
nnts,  refined  in  his  tastes,  kind  and  gentle  in  his  manners,  he  was  greatly 
seemed  by  men  of  all  parties  and  conditions  in  life.  A Presbyterian  by  edu- 
ction, and,  for  many  years,  a member  of  that  religious  body,  his  life  was  a 
king  example  of  Christian  piety  and  truth.  On  the  28th  of  May,  1833,  he 
vs  married  to  Miss  Jane  Bacon,  daughter  of  Henry  Bacon,  a prominent  law- 
V of  Dayton,  of  which  union  five  children  were  born,  four  now  living,  one  of 
v|om,  Samuel  B.  Smith,  is  the  present  Adjutant  General  of  Ohio. 

In  the  same  rank  and  cotemporary  with  Mr.  Smith  may  safely  be  placed 
t-|  name  of  Peter  Odlin,  who  was  born  October  6,  1798,  at  Trenton,  N.  J. 
Is  parents  were  citizens  of  Philadelphia,  but,  at  the  time  of  his  birth  were 
tijiporary  residents  of  Trenton,  and  Mr.  Odlin  always  claimed  Pennsylvania 
a the  State  of  his  nativity.  The  ancestors  of  Mr.  Odlin  were  ministers  of 
Eater,  N.  H.,  where,  for  forty  years,  they  occupied  the  pulpit.  In  1802,  his 
f her  died  while  absent  on  mercantile  business,  at  Cape  Francais,  Island  of  St. 
Imingo.  Soon  afterward,  the  family  removed  to  Washington,  D.  C.,  where 
1 Odlin  was  educated  at  the  Washington  Classical  Academy,  and  where  he 
S'died  law  under  John  Law,  Esq.,  a lawyer  of  eminence,  whose  name  is  fa- 
il iar  in  the  United  States  reports.  Mr.  Odlin  was  admitted  to  the  bar  of  the 
Cited  States  Circuit  Court  at  Washington  City,  in  1819,  his  examiners  being 
m Law,  Elias  B.  Caldwell  and  Francis  Key,  the  author  of  the  “ Star-Span - 
gd  Banner,”  For  a short  time,  he  practiced  at  Washington,  but,  in  1820, 
moved  to  Somerset,  Perry  Co. , Ohio,  and,  for  ten  years,  was  Prosecuting  At- 
t<  aey  of  that  county.  He  was  elected  to  the  Legislature  for  the  session  of 
1 10—31,  during  which  he  was  a member  of  the  Judiciary  Committee  and  also 

0 the  Committee  on  Revision.  In  1832,  Mr.  Odlin  came  to  Dayton,  and,  in 

1 j>4,  formed  a partnership  with  Hon.  Robert  C.  Schenck,  and,  for  about  nine 
,v  is,  the  firm  of  Odlin  & Schenck  stood  at  the  head  of  the  Montgomery 
. mty  bar.  After  Gen.  Schenck’ s election  to  Congress,  Mr.  Odlin  entered 
ijo  partnership  with  Col.  John  G.  Lowe,  which  existed  for  about  six  years, 
a er  which  he  became  the  partner  of  William  H.  Gilman:  subsequently,  of 
Iraham  Cahill,  and,  in  his  later  years,  was  associated  with  Albert  Kern.  In 
Pities,  he  was  a Whig  and  a Republican;  was  a delegate  to  the  convention 
Mch  nominated  Gen.  Taylor  for  President,  and  was  also  on  the  electoral 
r set  for  Fremont.  In  1845,  he  was  elected  President  of  the  Dayton  Branch 
o the  State  Bank  of  Ohio,  and  was  annually  re-elected  to  the  same  position 
'ml  the  expiration  of  its  charter,  when  he  was  elected  and  served  for  many 
? •rs  as  President  of  the  Dayton  National  Bank.  At  the  first  election,  after 


486 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


the  adoption  of  the  new  constitution,  he  was  the  Whig  candidate  for  Supreun 
Judge  of  Ohio.  In  1829,  Mr.  Odlin  became  a member  of  the  Presbyteriai 
Church,  at  Somerset,  in  which  he  was  elected  an  Elder,  and,  upon  his  remova 
to  Dayton,  he  was  elected  to  the  same  office  in  the  First  Presbyterian  Church 
where  he  remained  until  1836,  when  he  became  one  of  the  founders  of  tin 
Third  Street  Presbyterian  Church,  in  which  he  remained  an  Elder  until  hii 
death.  In  1861,  he  was  elected  to  a seat  in  the  General  Assembly  of  Ohio,  an< 
remained  there  as  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Finance  until  the  close  of  th 
rebellion,  and  then  declined  further  candidacy.  He  was  the  author  of  the  bil 
giving  to  the  soldiers  in  the  field  the  right  to  vote  at  the  darkest  period  of  th 
rebellion,  when  the  State  was  defenseless.  Mr.  Odlin  introduced  a bill  makini 
an  appropriation  of  $1,000,000  for  the  defense  of  the  State,  which  passed  aru 
became  a law.  Under  this  bill,  four  parks  of  artillery  for  the  State  wen 
made  immediately,  and,  at  the  same  session,  the  military  committee  perfectei 
and  passed  the  law  organizing  the  National  Guard,  which  placed  the  State  ii 
security  and  enabled  Gov.  Brough  to  send  40,000  men  to  the  front.  Mr.  Odlii 
was  also  author  of  the  bill,  which  is  now  a law,  preventing  the  sale  of  liquo 
on  election  days,  one  of  the  best  laws  ever  enacted.  In  1869,  although  retirei 
from  public  life,  he  was  elected  by  the  Republican  party  as  Senator  from  tin 
Montgomery  and  Preble  Districts,  and  served  his  full  term.  As  a man,  Mr 
Odlin’s  place  was  among  that  class  of  Christian  gentlemen  whose  calm  an< 
vigorous  intellects  are  governed  by  a Christian  heart  and  a Christian  con 
science.  He  was  tall,  slim  and  compactly  framed,  bearing  at  all  times  the  de 
portment  of  a dignified  and  earnest,  but  kind-hearted  man,  and,  although  ; 
stem  man  when  principle  was  involved,  he  was  courteous  to  every  one,  and  hi 
long  public  life  and  extensive  acquaintance  with  the  men  and  business  of  th 
world,  failed  to  give  him  that  forbidding  sternness  so  common  with  publi 
men.  As  a Legislator,  Mr.  Odlin  ranked  among  the  very  first  of  his  day,  an 
wielded  a powerful  influence  in  both  branches  of  the  State  Legislature.  Hi 
knowledge  of  law  and  of  finance  enabled  him  to  render  the  State  iinportan 
service,  and  gave  him  an  influence  such  as  few  men  ever  attain.  In  debate,  h 
was  clear,  severely  logical  and  always  master  of  the  subject  in  hand,  revealirt; 
a cultivated  taste  and  a mind  enriched  with  the  beauties  of  literature.  H 
was  married,  at  Somerset,  Ohio,  October  14,  1821,  to  Miss  Ann  M.  Ross,  foi 
merly  of  Washington,  D.  C.,  to  whom  were  born  nine  children — five  daughter 
and  four  sons — two  of  the  former  being  dead.  Two  of  his  sons  were  in  th 
army  throughout  the  rebellion,  one  of  whom  was  a Major  in  an  Ohio  regiment 
Mr.  Odlin  died  October  18,  1877,  in  the  eightieth  year  of  his  age,  loved  an 
respected  by  his  professional  brethren  for  his  manly  attributes  and  brill ian 
legal  attainments,  as  well  as  honored  and  revered  by  the  best  citizens  of  Mont 
gomery  County,  among  whom  he  had.  lived  nearly  half  a century. 

Prominent  in  the  affairs  of  this  county,  we  find  the  name  of  Hon.  Charlej 
Anderson,  who  was  born  at  his  father’s  residence,  called  “ Soldiers’  Retreat,) 
near  the  present  city  of  Louisville,  Ky.,  June  1,  1814.  His  father,  Col.  Riel! 
ard  C.  Anderson,  a native  of  Virginia,  settled  at  that  point  in  the  year  1785 
and  was  Surveyor  General  of  the  Virginia  military  lands.  Charles  received 
thorough  education,  and,  under  the  best  of  teachers,  prosecuted  his  studies  i 
the  English  branches  and  in  the  classics.  In  1829,  he  entered  Miami  Fn 
versity,  at  Oxford,  Ohio,  graduating  in  1833.  He  soon  after  went  on  avis:, 
to  his  brother,  Robert,  who  was  then  in  command  of  the  United  States  Arsenal ; 
St.  Louis,  Mo.,  but  who  subsequently  became  the  hero  of  Fort  Sumter.  He  tker 
engaged  in  farming,  which  did  not  prove  a success,  and  he  returned  to  Louis 
ville,  where  he  entered  the  law  office  of  Pirtle  & Anderson.  In  1835,  havinj 
completed  his  law  studies,  he  came  to  Dayton,  Ohio,  and,  on  September  11 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


487 


as  married  to  Miss  Eliza  J.  Brown.  He  opened  an  office,  and,  for  ten  years, 
as  half  lawyer  and  half  farmer,  exhibiting  little  zeal  in  his  profession,  but 
Ver  displaying  a strength  of  moral  principles  and  a calm  independence  of 
raracter,  which  won  for  him  the  increasing  respect  of  the  community.  He 
as  first  elected  Town  Clerk  and  Superintendent  of  the  common  schools,  and, 

1 1842  and  1843,  was  Prosecuting  Attorney  of  Montgomery  County.  In  1844, 
[3  was  elected  to  the  State  Senate,  where  he  exhibited  the  moral  courage  of 
sing  the  first  man  in  Ohio  who  dared  to  propose  and  vote  for  the  repeal  of 
le  law  disqualifying  negroes  from  appearing  as  witnesses  in  legal  trials,  for 
hich  he  was  bitterly  denounced.  After  the  expiration  of  his  Senatorial  term, 
e went  to  Europe  for  the  purpose  of  trying  to  regain  his  health,  which  was 
[ary  poor.  His  tom’  of  Europe  completely  restored  his  wonted  vigor,  and, 
ipon  his  return,  he  removed  to  Cincinnati,  where  he  entered  into  a law  part- 
ership  with  Rufus  King,  which  lasted  eleven  years.  His  health  again  failing, 
b removed  to  Texas  and  engaged  in  stock-raising,  which  he  followed  until  the 
[hellion,  when  he  was  driven  from  the  State  on  account  of  his  Union  senti- 
ent®, barely  escaping  with  his  life.  He  then  went  to  England  for  the  pur- 
Ise  of  delivering  a series  of  lectures,  and  endeavored  to  turn  the  tide  of  En- 
glish opinion  in  favor  of  the  Union,  but,  upon  reaching  that  land,  he  soon 
scovered  that  such  a thing  would  be  impossible,  as  nearly  the  whole  English 
jition,  with  the  exception  of  Ireland,  were  secretly  assisting  the  rebels  and  re- 
doing in  the  coming  dissolution  of  the  Union.  Upon  returning  to  America, 
b was  appointed  Colonel  of  the  Ninety- third  Regiment  Ohio  Volunteer  Inf  an- 
y,  but,  after  the  battle  of  Stone  River,  wounds  and  exposure  had  so  impaired 
is  health  that  he  was  compelled  to  resign  his  commission.  He  was  soon  after - 
ard  elected  Lieutenant  Governor  of  Ohio,  and,  by  the  death  of  Gov.  Brough,  be- 
ime  Governor  of  the  State.  At  the  close  of  the  war,  Gov.  Anderson  advocated 
omediate  and  general  amnesty,  but  the  legislation  then  enacted  led  him  to 
ass  into  the  Democratic  party.  He  subsequently  removed  to  Lyon  County, 
y.,  and  settled  upon  a large  iron  estate  on  the  Cumberland  River,  where  lie 
now  living  in  the  seclusion  of  private  life.  Gov.  Anderson  was  distin- 
rished  as  a man  of  broad  national  patriotism;  a genius  of  brilliant  parts, 
ith  a great  command  of  language,  and  an  intuitive  power  of  disentangling 
atricacies.  He  was  a frank,  open-hearted  and  generous  man,  whom  every  one 
haired  and  respected. 

The  other  living  member  of  the  Dayton  bar.  who  practiced  here  previous 
1840,  is  Hon.  Ralph  P.  Lowe,  of  Washington,  D.  C.  He  was  born  in  War- 
n County,  Ohio,  November  24,  1805,  and  was  a son  of  Jacob  D.  and  Martha 
. Lowe.  He  grew  to  manhood  in  his  native  county,  and  from  there  entered 
iami  University,  where  he  graduated.  Immediately  afterward,  he  went  to 
labama,  where  he  followed  school  teaching  and  the  study  of  the  law;  was 
ibsequently  admitted  to  the  bar  and  began  the  practice  of  his  profession, 
bout  1834,  he  returned  to  Dayton  and  formed  a partnership  with  his  brother, 
per  P.,  which  lasted  until  his  removal  to  Iowa,  in  1839.  In  the  year  1838,  he 
arried  Miss  Phoebe  Carlton,  of  Cincinnati,  who  bore  him  nine  children,  all  of 
hom  are  living.  He  practiced  law  in  Iowa  many  years,  and,  in  1860,  was 
ected  Governor  of  that  State,  and  subsequently,  to  a seat  on  the  Supreme 
3nch  of  the  same  commonwealth.  About  nine  years  ago,  he  removed  to 
rashington,  D.  C. , where  he  is  at  present  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  pro- 
lusion. Judge  Lowe  possesses  a thorough  knowledge  of  the  law.  made  a good 
idge  and  is  considered  a first-class  lawyer. 

There  are  many  other  members  of  the  early  bar  who  deserve  special  men- 
pn>  hut.  of  whom  we  have  been  unable  to  obtain  necessary  data  for  a sketch; 
tt  of  those  who  acquired  especial  distinction  we  find  the  names  of  Henry 


488 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Bacon,  Sr.,  Robert  A.  Thmston  and  M.  E.  Curwen.  The  former  was  one  of 
the  very  ablest  lawyers  at  the  bar,  and,  although  a man  not  possessed  of  much 
energy,  at  times  he  would  be  “ imbued  with  a spirit  of  eloquence,  and  deliver 
speeches,  which,  for  logical  strength  and  beauty  of  composition,  were  seldom 
equaled.  He  was  a well-read  lawyer,  and,  from  1817  to  1833  inclusive,  was 
Prosecuting  Attorney  of  Montgomery  County  and  also  represented  the  county 
in  the  State  Legislature.  The  second  gentleman,  Robert  A.  Thruston,  is 
claimed  to  have  been  the  most  eloquent  member  of  the  early  bar — a man  of  un 
doubted  legal  ability  and  brilliant  attainments.  In  1836  and  1837,  he  was  a 
member  of  the  Ohio  Legislature,  and  was  considered  one  of  the  ablest  legislat- 
ors in  the  House.  Both  he  and  Bacon  died  many  years  ago,  but  are  still 
kindly  remembered  by  many  of  the  oldest  citizens.  M.  E.  Curwen  was  a man 
of  great  legal  learning,  and,  for  many  years,  a professor  in  the  Cincinnati  Law 
School.  He  was  the  compiler  of  Curwen’s  Revised  Statutes  and  author  of  sev 
eral  books,  among  which  was  a short  history  of  Dayton,  published  in  1850, 
which  preserved  many  important  facts  about  the  early  settlement  at  the  mouth  j 
of  Mad  River. 

Few  men  were  better  or  more  favorably  known  among  their  professional ! 
brethren  since  1840  than  John  Howard,  whose  death  occurred  in  Dayton  May; 
8,  1878.  He  was  born  in  Belmont  County,  Ohio,  October  5,  1813,  and,  in! 
1826,  his  father,  Horton  Howard  and  family,  moved  to  Columbus,  Ohio,  where, 
in  1833,  both  parents  and  sister  died  of  cholera.  John  graduated  at  Kenyon 
College,  Gambier,  Ohio,  in  1838,  and,  in  1839,  located  in  Dayton.  He  read:; 
law  in  the  office  of  Odlm  & Schenck;  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1840,  and 
was  engaged  in  a very  successful  practice  for  nearly  forty  years,  during  eight, 
of  which  he  was  associated  with  Judge  D.  A.  Haynes.  He  was  rather  indiffer 
ent  to  politics,  though  for  several  years  he  was  Mayor  of  Dayton  and  a member; 
of  the  City  Council.  In  1876,  he  was  made  a candidate  for  Congress  against 
his  wishes,  but  was  defeated  by  less  than  100  votes.  As  a lawyer,  he  was 
noted  for  the  care  and  thoroughness  with  which  his  cases  were  prepared,  and 
also  for  the  skill,  ingenuity  and  ability  that  characterized  his  pleadings. 
Though  not  eloquent,  the  effect  of  his  argument  on  courts  and  juries  was  ai 
ways  telling  and  emphatic.  In  religious  faith,  he  was  educated  a Friend,  his; 
father  being  a minister  of  that  church,  but,  some  eight  years  previous  to  his 
death,  he  united  with  the  Third  Street  Presbyterian  Church  of  Dayton.  On 
the  6th  of  April,  1841,  Mr.  Howard  married  Ann  E.  Loury,  daughter  of  Field- 
ing Loury,  of  Dayton,  who  became  the  mother  of  seven  children,  two  of  whom 
survive.  In  his  latter  years,  his  son,  William  C.  Howard,  was  his  partner  in 
the  law  pi'ofession.  It  was  said  of  him  that  he  never  made  an  enemy  while  at 
the  Dayton  bar,  or  that  there  was  a living  soul  who  entertained  other  than  the 
highest  respect  for  him.  He  was  considered  the  most  prompt  man  at  the  bar, 
a hard  and  cheerful  worker,  always  ready  for  business. 

Of  the  leading  members  of  the  Montgomery  County  bar  who  have  passed: 
from  this  scene  of  action  in  the  last  few  years,  none  have  been  more  deeply  re- 
gretted than  Wilbur  Conover.  He  was  born  in  Dayton,  Ohio,  May  10.  1821. 
and  died  in  his  native  city  October  3,  1881.  In  1834,  he  began  attending 
school  at  the  Dayton  Academy,  where  he  spent  three  years,  and,  in  1837,  en- 
tered the  Sophomore  class  at  Miami  University,  Oxford,  Ohio,  graduating  in 
the  same  class  with  Robert  W.  Steele,  of  Dayton,  in  1840.  He  was  distin- 
guished among  his  classmates  as  a diligent,  popular  student,  endowed  with  an' 
unusually  clear,  analytical  mind,  which,  with  his  love  of  study  and  industry, 
made  him  the  best  scholar  in  his  class.  Upon  leaving  college,  he  at  once  chose 
the  profession  of  the  law,  entered  the  office  of  Odlin  & Schenck,  and  was  ad- 
mitted to  the  bar  in  1842.  In  1844,  be  became  the  law  partner  of  Robert  C. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


489 


Schenck,  and  so  continued  until  1850.  The  following  year,  he  formed  a part- 
nership with  Samuel  Craighead,  which  firm  was  recognized  as  one  of  the  most 
reliable  and  eminent  in  this  portion  of  Ohio.  Mr.  Conover  was  married,  Sep- 
tember 1 1,  1849,  to  Miss  Elizabeth  W.  Dickson,  who  bore  him  five  children, 
three  of  whom  are  now  living.  His  associates  say  of  him  that  he  possessed  all 
the  qualifications  of  an  excellent  lawyer,  being  diligent,  painstaking  and 
strictly  conscientious,  active  and  clear  in  his  perceptive  faculties.  He  never 
concealed  his  honest  convictions  on  any  subject,  and  never  sacrificed  or  com- 
promised them  for  the  sake  of  popularity.  His  opinions  as  a lawyer  wrere  re- 
garded with  deserved  confidence,  as  well  by  the  community  as  by  the  profes- 
sion; and  his  business  life  seemed  to  illustrate  the  lofty  sense  of  duty  united 
with  a sincere  devotion  to  his  calling.  Robert  W.  Steele,  who  was  his  class- 
mate for  six  years,  says  of  him:  “ Thoroughness  was  his  distinguishing  quality 
as  a student,  and  he  never  left  a subject  until  he  reached  the  bottom  of  it. 
Truthfulness  and  purity  characterized  him  throughout  his  college  course,  and 
in  all  my  intercourse  with  him  I never  heard  him  utter  an  unworthy  or  impure 
word.  His  later  life  was  a fitting  fulfillment  of  the  bright  promise  of  his  col- 
lege days.  He  occupied  no  official  positions,  because  he  never  sought  nor 
would  accept  them.  He  devoted  himself  wholly  to  his  profession,  and  worthily 
won  the  high  position  he  attained  as  a lawyer.  While  steadily  refusing  all 
offers  of  political  preferment,  he  served  for  many  years  as  a member  of  the 
board  of  Education.  His  services  as  a member  of  the  Library  Committee  were 
specially  valuable,  and  his  excellent  judgment  of  great  use  in  the  selection  of 
books.”  As  far  back  as  1870  his  health  began  to  fail — the  result  of  a too  close 
and  diligent  application  to  business,  and  from  which  he  never  fully  recovered. 

In  closing  the  record  of  those  lawyers  who  are  recognized  as  fitting  repre- 
sentatives of  the  Montgomery  County  bar  since  the  first  court  was  held,  in 
1808,  the  history  would  be  incomplete  without  a brief  sketch  of  Col.  Hiram 
Strong,  who  was  wounded  at  the  battle  of  Chickamauga  and  died  at  Nashville, 
lenn.,  October  7,  1863.  He  was  born  October  28,  1825;  graduated  at  Miami 
University  in  1846,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  Dayton  in  1849,  where  he 
continued  in  successful  practice  until  August,  1862,  when  he  was  made  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  of  the  Ninety-third  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry.  He  was  married 
September  28,  1852,  to  Miss  Harriet  A.  Conover,  to  whom  were  born  four  chil- 
dren, all  now  living.  Immediately  after  his  admission  to  the  bar,  Col.  Strong 
formed  a partnership  with  William  C.  Bartlett,  which  continued  until  1853.  In 
that  year,  he  became  associated  with  Hon.  Lewis  B.  Gunckel,  and  this  firm,  during 
its  existence  of  ten  years,  was  recognized  as  ranking  among  the  leading  ones 
of  Dayton.  Of  the  many  noble  men  who  lost  their  lives  in  the  war,  there  was 
no  better  or  nobler  than  Col.  Strong.  Quiet  and  retiring  in  his  manners,  of  a 
warm,  generous,  impulsive  nature;  he  never  acted  without  deliberation,  he 
never  formed  an  opinion  without  reflection — in  fact,  his  character  was  a model 
one.  He  was  a just  man  and  scrupulously  honest.  Frank,  open  and  fair  him- 
self, he  despised  cunning,  deceit  and  trickery.  He  was  always  genial,  hopeful, 
companionable,  possessed  of  the  most  perfect  self  control  and  temperate  in  all 
things.  Never  a politician,  he  nevertheless  took  a lively  interest  in  public 
affairs.  As  a speaker,  he  was  forcible;  but  strove  to  convince,  rather  than  to 
please, while,  as  a lawyer,  there  was  no  safer  counsel  at  the  bar.  As  a soldier, 
he  was  ever  at  the  post  of  duty;  was  exact  in  his.  discipline,  and  paid  the 
(strictest  attention  to  all  the  minutest  details.  Having  no  military  knowledge 
when  he  entered  the  army,  he  became,  by  rigid  study,  a thorough  tactician, 
and  made  of  the  Ninety-third  one  of  the  best  disciplined  regiments  in  the 
field.  He  had  no  military  ambition,  and  accepted  the  position  of  Lieutenant 
Colonel  purely  from  a sense  of  duty  and  patriotism.  Such  was  his  attachment 


490 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


for  home  and  family  that  the  highest  command  in  the  army  would  have  beer 
no  inducement  for  him  to  leave  them.  Cautious,  apparently  timid,  he  shunned 
no  danger  when  duty  called,  and  was  as  brave  as  the  bravest.  He  ever  acted 
upon  principle,  and  duty  could  command  him  when  no  personal  interest  could 
move  him.  A kind  father,  a loving  husband,  a patriotic  citizen  and  a brave  sol 
dier,  he  gave  his  life  in  the  prime  of  manbood,  a willing  sacrifice  for  his  country, 

The  bar  of  Montgomery  County  furnished  the  Union  army  with  the  ml 
lowing  soldiers:  Gens.  Robert  C.  Schenck,  Gates  P.  Thruston  and  Moses  B. 
Walker;  Cols.  Hiram  Strong,  Edward  A.  King,  John  W.  Lowe,  Michael  P 
Nolan,  Joseph  G.  Crane,  Edward  A.  Parrott,  Charles  Anderson,  John  G.  lowt 
and  David  B.  Corwin;  Majs.  Samuel  B.  Smith,  Daniel  O Driscoll,  Luther  B. 
Bruen  and  William  H.  Sigman;  Capts.  E.  Morgan  Wood,  Samuel  B.  Jacksor 
and  George  W.  Brown;  Lieuts.  O.  M.  Gottschall  and  William  C.  Howard: 
Sergts.  Elihu  Thompson  and  William  Craighead.  Of  these,  Cols.  Strong, | 
King,  Crane,  John  W.  Lowe  and  Maj.  Bruen  gave  their  lives  as  a sacrifice  ori 
the  altar  of  their  country,  while  many  of  the  others  bear  honorable  wounds. 

From  the  organization  of  the  county  up  to  the  year  1852,  practicing  at 
torneys  had  to  pay  an  income  tax,  but  in  the  latter  year  that  law  was  abolished 

The  following  is  a complete  list  of  the  Prosecuting  Attorneys  from  1803 
to  1882 — a period  of  seventy-nine  years:  Daniel  Symmes,  pro  tern.,  1803-04: 
Arthur  St.  Clair,  1805-07:  Isaac  G,  Burnett,  1808-12;  Joseph  H.  Crane,  1813 
-16;  Henry  Bacon,  Sr.,  1817-83;  Peter  P.  Lowe,  1834-37;  Joseph  H.  Crane. 
1838-39*,  William  H.  Blodget,  1840-41;  George  C.  Holt,  1841-42;  Charles 
Anderson,  1842-43;  Daniel  A.  Haynes,  1844—47;  Samuel  Craighead,  1848—51 . 
James  H.  Baggott,  1852-55;  D.  A.  Houk,  1856-59;  Daniel  P.  Nead,  1860-01: 
Henderson  Elliott,  1862-63;  Youngs  Y.  Wood,  1864-65;  Warren  Munger 
1866-67;  George  V.  Nauerth,  1868-69;  Elihu  Thompson,  1870-73;  Jame8  C. 
Young,  1874-75;  John  M.  Sprigg,  1876-79;  James  C.  Young,  1880—81. ; John 
M.  Sprigg,  1882. 

Deceased  attorneys  who  have  lived  and  practiced  in  Montgomery  County: 
John  J.  Ackerman,  *Henry  Bacon,  Sr.,  Henry  Bacon,  Jr.,  Eli  Booth,  Robert  P. 
Brown,  William  H.  Blodget,  Lee  Brumbaugh,  George  W.  Bomberger,  David 
H.  Bruen,  Luther  B.  Bruen,  John  C.  Baggott,  Joseph  H.  Crane,  Joseph  G. 
Crane,  William  H.  Crane,  Wilbur  Conover,  W.  W.  Chipman,  M.  E.  Curwen. 
Abram  Cahill,  John  C.  Clegg,  Samuel  B.  Darst,  Edward  W.  Davies,  John  De: 
Graff,  Stephen  Fales,  Ira  Fenn,  D.  G.  Fitch,  Eli  J.  Forsythe,  W.  H.  Gilman, 

Gilbert,  Joseph  Graham,  John  Howard,  ^George  B.  Holt,  Talbert  Jcnes, 

Samuel  B.  Jackson,  Edward  A.  King,  T.  C.  Kidd, Kelsey,  James  Kelly, 

H.  Y.  R.  Lord,  O.  A.  Lyman,  Jacob  D.  Lowe,  John  W.  Lowe,  Josiah  Lovell. 
Warren  Munger,  Sr.,  William  Mount,  Fitz  Hugh  Mathews,  * William  J.  Me 
Kinney,  George  W.  Moyer,  Daniel  P.  Nead,  William  Osborn,  * Peter  Odlin, 
*Marcus  J.  Parrott,  William  H.  Piper,  Thomas  Powell,  *Thomas  J.  S.  Smith, 
Lucius  Q.  Smith,  ^William  M.  Smith,  *Henry  Stoddard,  Sr.,  James  A.  Skedd, 
Hiram  Strong,  John  Scott,  J.  W.  Shai’ts,  Philip  Shuey,  Edwin  Smith,*  W.  Shel- 
hamer,  William  H.  Sigman,  ^Robert  A.  Thruston,  T.  B.  Tilton,  C.  L.  Vallacdig- 
ham,  John  W.  Van  Cleve,  Fred  L.  Wood,  Youngs  V.  Wood,  Stephen  Whitcher. 

The  following  lawyers  have  lived  and  practiced  in  this  county,  but  are  now 
residing  elsewhere:  * Charles  Anderson,  William  C.  Bartlett,  M.  Q.  Butterfield. 
G.  S.  Byrne,  Francis  C..  Biglow,  J.  M.  Bond,  George  W.  Brown,  E.  C.  Book- 
waiter,  William  E.  Brown,  J.  J.  Clark,  Frank  Collins,  *F.  P.  Cuppy,  JohnT. 
Douglas,  W.  L.  Dechant,  John  C.  Dunlevy,  Zina  Doty,  Edward  Delaney, 
George  W.  Ells,  John  H.  Fry,  P.  H.  Gunckel,  *Luther  (i hidings,  John  V . L. 
Graham,  Michael  Garst,  William  C.  Howard,  William  L.  Helfenstein,  Jackson 
A.  Jordan,  N.  E.  Jordan,  I.  N.  Jordan.  Elza  Jeffords,  Isaac  H.  Keirstedt. 
Riley  J.  Knox,  Gilbert  Kennedy,  Ralph  P.  Lowe.  E.  O.  Lefever,  J.  Walker  Me- 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


491 


)rkle,  G.  V.  Nauertk,  B.  F.  Owen,  C.  M.  Peck,  Charles  Parrott,  Joseph  Plun 
itt,  William  Ritchie,  Isaac  Robertson,  A.  M.  Scott.  Frank  Showers,  Henry 
oddard,  Jr.,  George  W.  Starr,  Theodore  Sullivan.  E.  C.  Swallem,  H.  L. 
rohm,  W.  C.  Thompson,  Reuben  Tyler,  Julius  C.  Taylor,  Gates  P.  Thrus- 
n,  George  Walker,  W.  J.  Weaver,  Moses  B.  Walker,  Col.  Whitney,  Israel 
illiams,  H.  H.  Weakley,  D.  M.  Zeller. 

The  following  attorneys  have  retired  from  practice,  or  have  abandoned  the 
ofession  and  engaged  in  other  pursuits:  Cornelius  Boltin,  J.  B.  Dravenstedt, 
•ed  C.  Fox,  W.  S Fox,  Simon  Gebhart,  Ralph  S.  Hart.  William  P.  Huffman, 
oise  Huesman,  S.  J.  Henderson,  *Peter  P.  Lowe,  John  G.  Lowe,  John  Mc- 
aster,  *Edwin  A.  Parrott,  ^Robert  C.  Schenck,  John  W.  Stoddard,  W.  H. 
mms,  J.  *McLain  Smith,  G.  W.  Shaw,  T.  F.  Thresher,  James  R.  Young. 

The  present  bar  of  Montgomery  County  contains  ninety-four  practicing 
iifcomeys,  whose  names  will  be  found  in  the  following  list:  Jacob  Allspaugk, 
mes  H.  Baggott,  C.  L.  Bauman,  C.  H.  Baldwin,  J.  J.  Belville,  *W.  H.  Bel- 
le, Wickliff  Belville,  Samuel  Boltin,  O.  Britt  Brown,  John  T.  Brady,  S.  H. 
tor,  Adam  Clay,  Amos  Iv.  Clay,  Frank  Conover,  *David  B.  Corwin,  Quincy 
Urwin,  Thomas  Corwin,  Samuel  Craighead,  William  Craighead,  C.  A.  Craig- 
j ad,  L.  S.  Crickmore,  O.  F.  Davisson,  C.  W.  Dustin,  Dennis  Dwyer,  Hender- 
1 Elliott,  Hiram  Ellis,  C.  W.  Finch,  John  L.  H.  Frank,  Adam  Frank,  Jasper 
irst,  0.  M.  Gottschall,  John  E.  Greer,  *Lewis  B.  Gunckel,  Leo  Gates,  John 
hllanan,  *D.  A.  Haynes,  John  Hanitch,  W.  C.  Hartranft,  Francis  M.  Hosier. 
George  W.  Houk,  D.  A.  Houk,  Alfred  Humphreys,  D.  W.  Iddings,  C.  D.  Id 
mgs,  W.  B.  Iddings,  James  O.  Jefferys,  Walter  D.  Jones,  Patrick  Kelly, 
(•afton  C.  Kennedy,  Albert  Kern,  E.  H.  Kerr,  A.  W.  Kumler,  James  Linden, 
romas  0.  Lowe,  John  A.  McMahon,  W.  D.  McKemy,  C.  J.  McKee,  George 
. Malambre,  John  S.  Manning,  A.  L.  Marshall,  R.  D.  Marshal  1 . E.  P.  Math- 
as,  Warren  Munger,  A.  G.  Murrey,  James  Mumma,  R.  N.  Nevin,  M.  P. 
blan,  M.  Chris  Nolan,  E.  D.  Payne.  L.  R.  Pfoutz,  E.  L.  Rowe,  A.  H.  Rom- 
| art,  John  Schuster,  John  A.  Shauck,  W.  W.  Shuev,  Samuel  B.  Smith,  J. 
inning  Smith,  Sumner  T.  Smith,  Charles  E.  Swadener.  John  M.  Sprigg,  Stith 
. Sullivan,  W.  B.  Sullivan,  *John  F.  Sinks,  A.  A.  Thomas,  Elihu  Thompson, 
'.  N.  Vallandigham.  W7.  H.  Yan  Skaik,  G.  O.  Warrington.  T.  S.  Williamson. 
i]A.  Winters,  C.  H.  Winters,  E.  S.  Young,  J.  C.  Young,  G.  R.  Young. 

Note — Names  marked  with  an  asterisk  were  members  of  either  the  House 
c Senate  of  the  Ohio  Legislature. 

The  Dayton  Bar  Association  was  incorporated  on  the  15th  of  April,  1868, 
i E.  S.  Young,  Thomas  O.  Lowe,  Samuel  Craighead,  John  A.  McMahon, 
hn  Howard  and  Abraham  Cahill.  The  purpose  of  the  association  was  to 
oate  a law  library  by  the  subscription  of  stock  by  the  members  of  the  Mont- 
jmerv  County  Bar.  The  library  at  the  time  of  its  incorporation  consisted  of 
< rut  800  volumes.  On  the  24th  day  of  December,  1868,  the  following  officers 
si  directors  were  chosen  for  the  year  1869:  Daniel  A.  Haynes,  President; 

omas  0.  Lowe,  Treasurer;  O.  M.  Gottschall,  Secretary;  D.  A.  Haynes,  John 
. McMahon,  C.  L.  Vallandigham,  J.  A.  Jordan,  E.  S.  Young.  Thomas  O.  Lowe 

■ 1 D.  A.  Houk,  Directors.  A constitution  and  by-laws  were  adopted  March 
- 1869.  During  the  past  thirteen  years,  there  has  been  made  many  valu- 
fie  accessions  to  the  library  until  it  now  contains  2,500  volumes,  and  is  in  a 
H're  prosperous  condition  that  at  any  time  since  its  incorporation.  The 
1 unty  Commissioners  have  reserved  a room  in  the  new  court  house,  which, 
ven  finished,  will  be  used  for  the  law  library  of  the  Bar  Association.  The 
I Vent  officers  of  the  association  are:  Warren  Munger,  President;  John  A. 

■ Mahon,  Vice  President;  John  A.  Shauck,  Treasurer;  Joel  O.  Shoup,  Sec- 
tary and  Librarian;  Warren  Munger,  John  A.  McMahon,  John  A.  Shauck,  John 
i Sprigg,  A.  A.  Winters,  Quincy  Corwin  and  O.  M.  Gottschall,  Directors. 


492 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


CHAPTER  XVIII 

MED  [CAL  SOCIETIES. 

THE  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY  MEDICAL  SOCIETY. 

rHHIS  society  was  organized  September  15,  1849,  and  is  now  in  the  thirt 
J-  second  year  of  its  existence,  being  one  of  the  oldest,  if  not  the  oldest, 
the  State.  The  following  were  charter  members:  Drs.  H.  G.  Carey,  Joshi 

Clements,  Oliver  Crook,  John  B.  Craighead,  John  Davis,  Elias  Garst,  Mieha 
Garst,  Job  Haines,  Edmund  Smith,  Edwin  Smith,  H.  K.  Steele,  John  Steel 
Julius  S.  Taylor,  D.  B.  Yan  Tuyl  and  H.  Van  Tuyl. 

Nearly  all  of  the  original  members  have  passed  away,  the  oldest  survivii 
members  being  Dr.  John  Davis  and  Dr.  J.  C.  Reeve. 

The  first  officers  of  the  society  were:  Dr.  Edwin  Smith.  President;  D 

M.  Garst,  Vice  President;  Dr.  Edmund  Smith,  Secretary;  Dr.  D.  B.  Van  Tuj 
Treasurer;  Drs.  Elias  Garst,  H.  K.  Steele,  H.  G.  Carey,  H.  Yan  Tuyl  and  < 
Crook,  Board  of  Censors.  The  first  meetings  of  the  society  were  held  in  tl 
old  Dayton  Council  chamber.  Then,  for  a time,  the  doctors  met  at  their  ow 
residences,  in  turn.  Since  then,  the  meetings  have  been  held  in  the  parlors  <! 
the  various  hotels  of  the  city.  At  the  present  time,  the  society  finds  a vei 
pleasant  home  in  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  parlor. 

As  stated  in  the  constitution  of  the  Montgomery  County  Medical  Societ 
“ its  objects  shall  be  the  improvement  of  its  members  in  scientific  and  profe 
sional  knowledge,  the  association  for  purposes  of  mutual  recognition  and  ft 
lowsbip;  the  promotion  of  the  character, ' interests  and  honor  of  fraternity  1 
maintaining  union  and  harmony,  and  by  aiming  to  elevate  the  standard 
medical,  education.”  Any  regular  graduate  in  medicine  and  surgery  from  ai 
accredited  medical  college  may  become  a member  of  the  society  after  a res 
dence  of  one  year  in  this  county.  An  exception  to  this  rule  is  made  in  favor 
the  medical  officers  of  the  National  Soldiers’  Home,  and  of  the  Dayton  Asylum  f 
the  Insane.  At  present,  the  society  has  a membership  of  thirty-four,  as  follow 

P.  N.  Adams,  M.  D.,  Dayton  Asylum  of  the  Insane,  1879;  E.  R.  Bake 
M.  D.,  West  Milton,  Ohio,  1878;  J.  S.  Beck,  M.  D.,  Dayton,  Ohio,  1872;  \ 
S.  Bookwalter,  M.  D.,  Miamisburg,  Ohio,  1875;  A.  Boone,  M.  D. , Harrisbur 
Ohio,  1878;  J.  A.  Brown,  M.  D.,  Germantown,  Ohio,  1880;  W.  J.  Conkhn,  i 

D. ,  Dayton,  Ohio,  1869;  J.  M.  Carr,  M.  D. , Dayton  Asylum  for  the  Insane,  1S7. 

E.  C.  Crum,  M.  D.,  Dayton,  Ohio,  1872  ; John  Davis,  M.  D.,  Dayton,  Oki 
1850;  J.  D.  Daugherty,  M.  D.,  Dayton,  Ohio,  1877;  J.  E.  Donnellan,  M.  I 

Germantown,  Ohio, ; J.  F.  De  Bra,  M.  D.,  Miamisburg,  Ohio,  1877;  A 

Dunlap,  M.  D.,  Soldiers’  Home,  Ohio,  1872;  George  B.  Evans,  M.  D.,  Daytc 
Asylum  for  the  Insane,  1881  ; J.  S.  Harper,  M.  D.,  Trotwood,  Ohio,  1878; 
A.  Hoff,  M.  D.,  Miamisburg,  Ohio,  1878;  A.  H.  Iddings,  M.  D.,  Dayton,  Oki 
1872;  E.  Jennings,  M.  D.,  Dayton,  Ohio,  1866;  H.  S.  Jewett,  M.  D.,  Dayton,  Ohi 
1871;  John  D.  Kemp,  M.  D.,  Dayton,  Ohio,  1857;  D.  C.  Lichliter,  M.  D 
Dayton,  Ohio,  1881;  Thomas  L.  Neal,  M.  D.,  Dayton,  Ohio,  1866;  E.  Pilai 
M.  D. , Dayton,  Ohio,  1866;  J.  C.  Reeve,  M.  D. , Dayton,  Ohio,  1854;  A.  i 
Stevens,  M.  D.,  Soldiers’  Home,  1881;  A.  Sclieibenzuber,  M.  D.,  Dayton,  Ohi 
1873;  Samuel  Souders,  M.  D.,  Beavertown,  Ohio,  1873;  S.  G.  Stewart,  M.  1 
Centerville,  Ohio,  1880;  J.  B.  Shank,  M.  D.,  Dayton,  Ohio,  1878;  W.  j 
Treon,  M.  D.,  Dayton,  Ohio,  1873;  J.  Thompson,  M.  D.,  Union,  Ohio,  137 
H.  A.  Tobey,  M.  D.,  Dayton  Asylum  for  the  Insane,  1881;  J.  M.  Weaver,  1 
D.,  Dayton,  Ohio,  1875;  I.  B.  Wilson,  M.  D. , Dayton,  Ohio,  1877. 


CLAY  , TP. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


497 


The  meetings  are  held  on  the  first  Friday  of  every  month,  at  7 :30  P.  Mi, 
:cept  the  quarterly  and  annual  meetings,  which  are  held  at  10  A.  M. 

The  code  of  ethics  of  the  American  Medical  Association  govern  the  pro- 
igsional  relations  of  members  to  each  other  and  to  their  patients. 

At  regular  meetings,  the  following  is  the  order  of  business: 

1.  Reading  and  adoption  of  minutes. 

2.  Reception  of  new  members. 

3.  Reading  of  essays,  and  remarks  thereon. 

4.  Reports  of  cases. 

5.  Reports  of  committees,  and  miscellaneous  business. 

6.  Adjournment. 

At  each  meeting,  one  essayist  and  an  alternate  are  appointed  to  entertain 
lie  society  at  its  next  meeting. 

Elections  are  held  annually,  and  at  present  the  officers  are  as  follows: 

Thomas  L.  Neal,  M.  D.,  President;  -J.  M.  Weaver,  M.  D..  Vice  President; 
B.  Shank,  M.  D.,  Secretary;  J.  S.  Beck,  M.  D. , Treasurer;  J.  C.  Reeve,  M. 
..  John  Davis,  M.  D. , W.  J.  Conklin.  M.  D. , Board  of  Censors. 

THE  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY  HOMCEOPATHIC  MEDICAL  ASSOCIATION. 

The  organization  of  this  society  was  effected  at  a meeting  of  the  homceo- 
ithic  physicians  of  the  Miami  Valley,  held  at  Dayton  on  the  14th  of  June, 
160.  The  meeting  was  held  in  the  parlors  of  Dr.  W.  Webster,  in  pursuance 
a call  issued  by  Drs;  W.  Webster,  J.  Bosler  and  E.  W.  Bosler.  and  was  at- 
nded  by  the  following  physicians,  in  addition  to  those  named:  Dr.  George 

ick  and  Dr.  W.  A.  Scott,  of  Eaton,  Ohio,  and  Dr.  M.  Appleby,  of  Hamilton, 
kio.  Resolutions  favoring  the  formation  of  a society  were  passed,  and  the 
■ciety  organized,  by  adopting  the  name  of  the  Miami  Homoeopathic  Medical 
3sociation,  after  which  the  following  officers  were  elected:  W.  A.  Scott,  M. 

!.,  President;  M.  Appleby,  M.  D.,-  Vice  President;  George  Dick,  M.  D.,  Re- 
ading and  Corresponding  Secretary;  W.  Webster,  M.  D.,  Treasurer. 

On  the  13th  of  December  following,  a constitution  and  by-laws  were 
lopted,  and  the  society  permanently  organized  by  electing  J.  Bosler,  M.  D., 
resident;  M.  Appleby,  M.  D.,  Vice  President;  G.  Dick,  M.  D.,  Secretary;  W. 
/ebster,  M.  D.,  Treasurer;  W.  A.  Scott,  M.  D. , of  Eaton;  E.  W.  Bosler,  M. 
.,  of  Dayton;  and  J.  J.  Antrim,  M.  D.,  of  Germantown,  Censors. 

"Under  the  constitution,  meetings  were  held  at  times  and  places  decided 
pon  from  time  to  time  by  a majority  of  the  members.  They  were  usually 
eld  at  Dayton,  but  sometimes  at  Hamilton,  Middletown  and  Glendale.  It  is 
ow  a standing  rule  that  all  meetings  shall  be  held  at  Dayton,  on  the  first 
horsday  of  May  and  November  of  each  year. 

At  the  meeting  held  in  Dayton  on  the  5th  of  November,  1868,  the  name 
if  the  society  was  changed  to  the  Montgomery  County  Homoeopathic  Medical 
.ocietv.  This  was  done  to  enable  the  society  to  grant  diplomas  to  certain  of  its 
rembers  who  would  have  been  debarred  from  practice  by  an  act  of  the  Legisla- 
te prohibiting  physicians  from  practicing  unless  they  had  been  in  practice 
venty  years,  or  were  regular  graduates  of  a medical  college,  or  members  of  a 
lunty  medical  society. 

In  November,  1871,  the  society  had  the  necessary  steps  taken  to  enable 
lem  to  become  an  incorporated  body. 

There  are  now  about  fifty  members  of  the  society,  those  living  at  a dis- 
mce  being  entertained  by  the  resident  physicians  during  the  sessions  of  the 
ssociation. 

The  present  officers  (1881)  are:  W.  Webster,  M.  D.,  President;  J.  W. 

llemmer,  M.  D.,  Vice  President;  J.  K.  Webster,  Secretary;  W.  W.  Wolf,  M. 
).,  Treasurer;  W.  A.  Shapple,  William  Egry  and  B.  S.  Hunt,  Censors. 

o 


498 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

Montgomery  County  Bible  Society— Sabbath  School  Union. 

MONTGOMERY  COUNTY  BIBLE  SOCIETY. 

IN  the  Ohio  Republican , published  Monday,  April  10,  1815,  in  the  town  o! 

Dayton,  we  find  the  following  editorial  notice:  “ Those  ladies  of  DaHo 

and  vicinity  who  are  disposed  to  aid  in  the  establishment  of  a Bible  society  ar 
requested  to  meet  at  Mrs.  Brown’s,  on  Wednesday  next,  at  3 P.  M.  ” Ir,  re 
sponse  to  the  notice,  a few  Christian  women  met  in  the  bedroom  of  Mrs 
Catherine  Brown,  mother  of  Henry  L.  Brown,  on  the  l‘2th  of  April,  1815,  am 
organized  the  Dayton  Female  Bible  Society,  which  subsequently  became  a: 
auxiliary  of  the  present  society.  At  the  time  it  was  formed,  there  were  bu 
seven  Bible  societies  in  Ohio.  The  first  Board  of  Officers  consisted  of  the  fo] 
lowing  ladies: 

Mrs.  Col.  Robert  Patterson,  President;  Mrs.  Thomas  Cottom,  First  Yic 
President;  Mrs.  James  Welsh,  Second  Vice  President;  Mrs.  Eliza  Phillips 
Corresponding  Secretary;  Mrs.  Julia  A.  Crane,  Recording  Secretary;  Mrs 
Henrietta  Pierce,  Treasurer;  Mrs.  Mary  King,  Elizabeth  Reid,  Martha  Hari 
nah,  Hannah  Spinning,  Phoebe  Steele,  Catherine  Brown,  Mrs.  Curtner  and  Mis 
Spinning,  Managers.  Two  of  the  officers,  Mrs.  Steele  and  Crane,  continuei 
in  office  forty-six  years,  until  their  decease,  in  1861. 

On  the  20th  of  August,  1822,  the  following  notice  was  published  in  th 
Dayton  Watchman: 

“A  public  meeting  will  be  held  in  the  Presbyterian  Meeting-House  oj 
Wednesday  next,  at  2 P.  M. , to  form  a Bible  society  for  Montgomery  County 
The  Rev.  Richard  Hall,  agent  of  the  American  Bible  Society,  will  address  th 
meeting.  All  persons  respectfully  invited  to  attend.  ” Agreeably  to  the  abovi 
notice,  the  meeting  was  held,  with  Hon.  Joseph  H.  Crane  as  Chairman,  an< 
George  S.  Houston,  Secretary.  The  following  resolution  was  adopted:  “ Re 
solved,  That  this  meeting  form  a Bible  society  auxiliary  to  the  American  Bibl 
Society  of  New  York,”  after  which  a committee  was  appointed  for  eubscrip 
tions  and  donations,  to  report  at  a meeting  September  14,  1822.  After  an  ad 
dress  by  Rev.  Richard  Hall,  the  meeting  adjourned,  and  the  proceedings  wen 
ordered  to  be  published  in  the  Dayton  Watchman.  On  the  14th  of  Septem' 
ber,  1822,  the  following  officers  and  Directors  were  chosen,  to  hold  their  offices 
until  a general  meeting,  to  be  held  in  January,  1823: 

Dr.  Job  Haines,  President;  William  King,  First  Vice  President;  Aaroi 
Baker,  Second  Vice  President;  Rev.  Nathan  Worley,  Third  Vice  President 
Luther  Bruen,  Treasurer;  James  Steele,  Corresponding  Secretary;  George  Sj 
Houston,  Recording  Secretary. 

Managers — John  Miller,  John  Patterson,  James  Hanna,  O.  B.  Conover. 
Robert  Patterson,  Joseph  Kennedy,  Robert  Kennedy,  David  Reid,  Jamef 
Slaght,  David  Pierson,  Hezikiah  Robinson,  John  H.  Williams,  John  B.  Ayers 
and  Robert  McConnell. 

A committee  consisting  of  Col.  Reid,  Dr.  Job  Haines  and  Rev.  Thomas 
Sullivan,  was  appointed  to  draft  a constitution  and  by-laws  for  the  government 
of  the  society.  In  1873,  the  semi-centennial  anniversary  of  this  society  was 
held  in  Raper  Chapel,  and  we  learn  from  the  proceedings  that  only  two  de 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


499 


fbndants  of  that  first  board  were  connected  with  the  board  of  1873.  Judge 
,'mes  Steele  was  a member  until  his  death,  and  was  immediately  succeeded 
his  son,  Robert  W.,  who  served  as  a member  of  the  board  for  more  than 
i rty  years.  Robert  Patterson  was  represented  by  his  grandson,  Henry  L. 
] own,  who  was  first  elected  Manager  in  1843,  and  served  as  Director,  Secre- 
ty  or  President  until  his  death,  in  1878.  William  B.  King,  a member  of  the 
.irdup  to  the  last  annual  election,  in  1882,.  is  a son  of  the  first  First  Vice 
Resident  of  the  society.  Rev.  Nathan  Worley,  the  first  Third  Vice  President, 
vs  represented  in  1873  by  William  Worley,  President  of  the  Madison  Town- 
sip  Branch  Society;  and  Rev.  Thomas  Sullivan,  a member  of  the  Constitu- 
i nal  Committee  of  1822,  was  represented  by  his  nephew,  S.  M.  Sullivan,  as 
-iretary  from  December,  1871,  up  to  the  annual  election  of  1881.  The  fol- 
hVing  additional  names  have  been  prominently  connected  with  the  society  for 
u ny  years,  and  deserve  honorable  mention:  Thomas  Parrott,  deceased;  Dr. 

■Ian  Steele,  deceased;  J.  D.  Loomis,  deceased;  George  M.  Young,  deceased; 
Jin  Powell,  deceased;  Patterson  Mitchell,  Alexander  Gebhart;  T.  N.  Sowers, 
Leased;  and  S.  C.  Crumbaugh,  deceased.  The  Presbyterian  Meeting-House, 
were  the  Bible  society  was  organized,  stood  on  the  corner  of  Second  and 
Idlow  streets,  the  present  site  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Dayton. 
Te  Methodist  Meeting-House,  in  which  the  first  anniversary  was  held,  was 
bated  on  Third  street,  near  Main,  and  was  known  as  Wesley  Chapel  M.  E. 
Clurch;  the  same  society  is  now  known  as  Grace  M.  E Chui’ch.  At  a meet- 
ir  held  April  15,  1823,  the  following  resolution  was  adopted:  “ Resolved , 

Tat  Messrs.  Baker,  Bruen,  Steele  and  R.  Patterson  be  a committee,  and  au- 
rized  as  such  to  make  arrangements  with  the  different  Assessors  to  make  in- 
! ry  of  the  different  householders  and  ascertain  who  and  how  many  are  with- 
oi;  the  sacred  Scriptures.”  In  this  way,  a large  number  of  destitute  families 
w;e  found  and  furnished  with  Bibles.  At  an  annual  meeting  held  January 
1-  828,  the  following  resolution  was  adopted : “ Resolved,  That  this  society 

n’horize  the  Board  of  Directors  to  employ  a suitable  agent  to  visit  evex-y  fam- 
il,  as  far  as  he  may  be  able,  taking  the  county  by  townships.”  The  spirit  of 
h resolution  was  carried  out  by  the  board,  who  appointed  local  agents  in 
:k  township  to  distribute  the  Scriptures  among  those  families  not  already 
svplied  with  a copy  of  the  Word.  On  the  tenth  anniversary  of  the  society, 
tl|J  Secretary,  in  his  report,  said:  l£The  first  great  object  which  this  society 

i i in  view  on  its  formation,  viz.,  the  supplying  of  the  destitute  of  this  county 
k the  Bible,  is  now,  as  they  believe,  completed.”  On  the  29th  of  June, 
115,  the  board  resolved  to  refurnish  every  destitute  family  with  Bibles;  also, 

' ry  child  under  fifteen  years  of  age  who  could  read  was  to  be  supplied  with  a 
C tarnent  at  cost,  part  price  or  gratis,  and  for  thirteen  years  the  work  was  car- 
'i  l on  in  accordance  with  the  spirit  of  this  resolution.  The  board  passed  a reso- 
don,  January  5,  1856,  to  employ  an  agent  for  the  purpose  of  organizing 
Oijpch  societies  in  every  township,  which  was  carried  into  effect.  In  1867, 
Tj  agent  of  the  society  visited  5,734  families  of  Dayton,  and  supplied  1,099 
w i Bibles.  Since  then,  the  female  branches,  one  of  which  is  the  same  that 
w organized  in  1815,  have  annually  attended  to  this  work  in  the  city  up  to 
v fin  a few  years  ago. 

At  a meeting  of  the  board,  April  5,  1823,  a letter  was  read  from  the  Rev. 
T mas  Winters  (father  of  David  Winters),  requesting  the  privilege  of  form- 
pi  a branch  society  in  Germantown,  which  request  was  granted,  and  a supply 
>(Bibles  and  Testaments  was  furnished  them  to  form  a depository  in  that, 
0p.  Since  that  date,  the  following  branches  have  been  formed,  and  are  ac- 
ljl  co-workers  as  auxiliaries  to  the  Montgomery  County  Society,  as  is  also  the 
: ton  Female  Bible  Society,  which  antedates  it  by  seven  years: 


500 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


East  Dayton  Female  Bible  Society,  German  Township  Bible  Society,  M; 
ami  Township  Bible  Society,  Jackson  Township  Bible  Society,  Perry  Towi 
ship  Bible  Society,  Clay  Township  Bible  Society,  Washington  Township  Bibl 
Society,  Van  Bnren  Township  Bible  Society,  Mad  River  Township  Bible  Si 
ciety,  Wayne  Township  Bible  Society,  Butler  Township  Bible  Society,  Ha 
rison  Township  Bible  Society,  Randolph  Township  Bible  Society,  Madisc 
Township  Bible  Society,  Jefferson  Township  Bible  Society. 

To  show  the  value  of  these  societies  as  auxiliaries,  pi’ior  to  their  formatic 
only  $363.77  was  contributed  by  Montgomery  County  outside  of  Dayton,  ar 
since,  up  to  1873,  the  amount  realized  was  $9,830. 89,  and  in  the  past  nil 
years  has  been  steadily  increasing.  November  30,  1830,  a Mr.  Kincaid  w; 
employed  and  paid  $12  to  canvass  and  supply  German  Township  with  Bible 
At  a meeting  held  Api’il  5,  1836,  two  young  men  from  Oxford  College  we: 
employed  at  a salary  of  $15  per  month  to  explore  the  country  and  furnish  t! 
destitute  with  the  Scriptures,  while  others  were  working  without  compensatio  n 
In  the  summer  of  1848,  four  young  men  were  employed  for  the  same  purposj 
and  in  March,  1856,  Robert  Anderson  was  regularly  engaged  as  County  Age 
to  organize  branches  and  supply  Bibles.  He  began  the  work  and  had  orga 
ized  societies  in  one-third  of  the  townships,  when  he  was  taken  sick,  and  did 
after  a lingering  illness.  In  the  following  October,  Rev.  Samuel  Scott  w 
appointed  to  finish  the  work,  and,  in  the  summer  of  1867,  Charles  Roder  ca 
vassed  the  city  very  thoroughly.  There  are  now  in  the  sixteen  branch  societi 
about  one  hundred  and  forty  local  agents,  mostly  ladies,  who  are  appointed  a 
nually,  and  are  very  efficient  aids  to  the  work.  In  addition  to  private  familid 
the  society  has  furnished  a number  of  missions  with  Bibles;  also  the  Y.  M. 
A.  rooms,  jail,  infirmary,  Soldiers’  Home,  and  the  hotels  of  the  city  with 
copy  for  each  room,  free  of  charge.  During  the  war,  thousands  of  Bibles  we 
furnished  to  the  several  regiments  passing  through  the  city  for  the  seat 
war.  The  railways  passing  through  Dayton  have  also  been  supplied  wi 
Bibles  and  Testaments.  Since  its  organization,  the  Montgomery  County  Bit 
Society  has  distributed  the  following  number  of  Bibles  and  Testaments: 

From  1823  to  1833,  1,774  copies;  from  1833  to  1843,  3,450;  from  1843 
1853,  1,965;  from  1853  to  1863,  9,478;  from  1863  to  1873,  38,196;  from  18 
to  1876,  1,917. 

For  the  next  three  years  the  cost  of  the  b joks  distributed  is  given,  and  r 
the  number  of  volumes.  The  records  of  the  society  show  that  $559.53  was  p£ 
for  Bibles  and  Testaments  distributed  during  the  years  1877,  1878  and  18r 
In  the  latter  year,  the  society  sold  its  stock  of  books  on  hand  to  the  Unit 
Brethren  Publishing  House,  where  the  depository  had  been  kept  for  ma 
years,  since  which  time  they  purchase  whatever  number  of  copies  is  want 
from  time  to  time.  In  1880,  seventy -seven  families  were  found  destitute  aji 
supplied  with  Bibles  free  of  charge.  In  his  report  for  1881,  the  Secret; 
says:  “ Bibles  and  Testaments  costing  the  society  $116.06  have  been  donat: 

during  the  year,  many  being  supplied  to  the  soldiers  at  the  National  Hon 
with  very  satisfactory  results,  as  attested  by  the  Chaplain,  Rev.  William  Eai 
shaw,  and  others  by  the  Woman’s  Christian  Association,  which  very  efficient 
co-operates  in  the  work  of  our  society,  and,  although  not  an  auxiliary,  as  w* 
the  female  Bible  societies  in  years  past,  in  a great  measure  is  a worthy  suecj 
sor  in  their  work.”  The  township  of  Harrison  was  canvassed  by  Mrs.  M; 
C.  King,  and  twenty-three  copies  of  the  Scriptures  supplied  to  destitute  fan- 
lies.  This  venerable  lady  is  the  only  survivor  of  that  band  of  Christian  wom 
who  organized  the  first  Bible  society  in  Montgomery  County.  Since  its  org; 
ization,  this  society  has  contributed  to  the  American  Bible  Society  the  sum 
$15,131.31,  Every  church  in  Montgomery  County  in  harmony  with  this: 
ciety  takes  up  an  annual  collection,  which  goes  to  support  the  work  in  har 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


501 


rom  this  source  the  society  derives  its  principal  assistance,  although  many 
rivate  donations  are  received  yearly.  Judging  from  the  Secretary’s  last  re- 
nt, there  seems  to  be  a lack  of  interest  in  the  cause  throughout  the  county  at 
ie  present  time,  and  little  is  being  done  by  the  township  societies  to  forward 
ie  work  No  doubt  this  apathy  will  soon  give  place  to  vigorous  measures, 
id  the  good  work  prosecuted  with  its  old-time  energy.  The  female  branches 
ive  not  been  actively  engaged  for  the  past  few  years,  and,  although  not  liter  - 
jjly  disbanded,  have  to  a certain  extent  ceased  to  have  life,  their  work  now  be- 
ta efficiently  carried  on  by  the  Woman’s  Christian  Association. 

The  present  officers  are  as  follows:  Patterson  Mitchell,  President;  D.  L. 

ike,  First  Vice  President ; Henderson  Elliott,  Second  Vice  President:  A.  M. 
owell,  Secretary;  J.  C.  Reber,  Treasurer;  Eugene  Wuichet,  Corresponding 
pcretary;  Rev.  W.  J.  Shuey,  Depositary. 

Directors-  Alexander  Gebliart,  First  Lutheran  Church;  Henry  Dornbusch, 
erman  M.  E.  Church;  L.  D.  Reynolds,  Grace  M.  E.  Chinch;  Edward  Bren- 
eman,  Fourth  Presbyterian  Church;  C.  V.  Osborn,  Park  Presbyterian  Church; 
. Woodhull,  Memorial  Presbyterian  Church;  D.  E.  McSherry,  Raper  M.  E. 
hureh;  Frank  Mulford,  First  Presbyterian  Church;  E.  A.  Daniels,  Third 
treet  Presbyterian  Church ; Joseph  Bigger,  United  Presbyterian  Church; 
ihn  Schoenherr,  Evangelical  Church  ; E.  A.  Parrott,  First  Presbyterian 
hurch;  John  H.  Weller,  Park  Presbyterian  Church;  Rev.  G.  A.  Funkhouser, 
Inited  Brethren  Church;  Rev.  W.  T.  Maxwell,  African  M.  E.  Church. 

MONTGOMERY  COUNTY  SABBATH  SCHOOL  UNION. 

While  1882  is  the  semi-centennial  anniversary  of  the  organization  of  the 
lontgomery  County  Sabbath  School  Union,  the  good  work  had  really  begun 
early  twenty  years  before  the  society  was  organized. 

April  10.  1815,  the  Female  Bible  and  Charitable  Society  of  Dayton  was 
raed.  The  good  works  and  influence  of  that  band  of  women,  among  whom 
et'e  Presbyterians,  Methodists  and  New-Lights,  led  to  the  establishment  of 
le  Presbyterian  Sabbath  school  in  1817,  and  the  next  year  that  of  the  Meth- 
list  Sabbath  school  that  held  its  sessions  in  the  old  academy  on  St.  Clair 
Ireet,  opposite  the  park.  Shortly  after  that,  union  meetings  of  the  two  Sab- 
kth  schools  were  regularly  held.  In  1822,  the  County  Bible  Society  was  or- 
anized.  The  Montgomery  County  Sabbath  School  Union  was  organized  at  a 
meeting  held  at  the  Presbyterian  Meeting-House,  at  the  corner  of  Second  and 
udlow  streets,  Dayton,  on  AVednesday,  February  15,  1832. 

Dr.  John  Steele  was  Chairman  of  the  meeting,  and  E.  M.  Burr,  Secretary, 
ad  upon  motion  of  the  Rev.  Ethan  Allen,  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  it  was  de- 
trained to  organize  the  society. 

The  following  officers  were  chosen  for  the  year: 

President,  George  B.  Holt;  Vice  Presidents,  Hon.  Joseph  H.  Crane,  Dr. 
ohn  Steele,  AVilliam  L.  Helfenstein;  Secretary,  James  Young;  Treasurer, 
vhlliam  Davie;  Executive  Committee,  Rev.  E.  Allen,  Rev.  F.  Putnam,  Rev. 
v illiam  Yonge,  Ira  I.  Fenn. 

Board  of  Directors — Rev.  L.  H.  Belville,  Benjamin  Maltbie.  John  AVood- 
ian,  AY  Munger,  C.  Taylor,  John  McClure,  James  Guthrie,  John  Protzman, 
amuel  Kelly,  Samuel  King,  John  H.  AVilliams,  Moses  Greer,  Philip  Bilbee, 
leorge  Spinning,  Joseph  Kennedy,  George  Drill.  Luke  Fish,  Norman  Fenn, 

' illiam  Sawyer,  Elias  Matthews,  Moses  Shearer.  William  Mason,  James  En- 
|ey,  James  Steele,  G.  T.  Bostwick. 

Now,  in  the  year  1882,  there  are  about  one  hundred  Sabbath  schools  in 
Ye  county;  seventy-three  of  them  report  regularly  to  the  County  Sabbath 
chool  Union;  twenty-seven  of  them  do  not. 


i 


) 


502 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


CHAPTER  XX 


Agriculture — Horticulture — Pioneer  Association — Farmers  Club. 

SOUTHERN  OHIO  FAIR  ASSOCIATION,  SUCCESSORS  TO  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY 


N February  28,  1846,  the  Legislature  by  law  created  the  “ Ohio  State  Boar 


of  Agriculture,”  a body  corporate  of  fifty-four  members,  representing  tk 
several'counties  of  the  State,  with  perpetual  succession,  agreeable  to  laws  and  rule 
expressed  in  the  act  creating  the  Board.  Henry  Protzman,  a prominent  citizen  c 
this  county,  was  selected  as  the  representative  of  the  county.  As  to  the  time  c 
service  of  each  member,  it  was  provided  that  one-half  of  the  terms  were  to  expir 
annually,  and  the  members  to  determine  their  terms  by  lot.  The  Board  were  t 
meet  each  year  at  Columbus.  The  President  of  each  county  agricultural  associs 
tion  was  ex-officio  a member  of  the  Board. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Board,  the  several  reports  of  the  county  societies  wci 
read,  vacancies  filled,  and  a general  deliberation  and  discussion  held  as  to  th 
wants  and  necessities  of  the  agricultural  interests  of  the  State. 

The  act  passed  creating  this  Board  also  provided  “ that  when  thirty  or  mod 
persons  organized  themselves  into  a society  for  the  improvement  of  agriculturt 
and  having  adopted  rules  and  by-laws  agreeable  to  the  Ohio  State  Board,  an 
when  there  had  been  raised  by  initiation  fees  subscription  or  donation  of  a sum  c 
money  not  less  than  $ 50,  then  upon  a presentation  of  a certificate  of  the  fact  b 
the  President  of  the  Association  to  the  Auditor  of  the  county,  then  the  county  wa 
required  to  donate  an  equal  amount,  provided  the  same  did  not  exceed  §>200. 
This  was  the  first  step  on  the  part  of  the  State  of  Ohio  offering  encouragement  t 
the  formation  of  county  agricultural  societies. 

In  1853  these  associations  were  declared  “ bodies  corporate,”  with  th 
“ authority  and  power  of  holding  real  estate  in  fee  simple.  ” Counties  were  als 
further  authorized  to  contribute  to  these  respective  organizations.  From  that  dat 
and  following  that  act  the  various  agricultural  associations  began  the  purchase  c 
grounds  and  the  building  of  permanent  improvements  thereon. 

The  first,  attempts  at  the  formation  of  agricultural  societies  were  in  1849 
The  prominent  persons  in  the  undertaking,  and  those  who  gave  it  character  an 
devoted  their  time  and  energies  in  their  efforts  to  promote  its  usefulness  and  sue 
cess,  were  Col.  H.  Protzman,  Col.  Partridge,  Col.  Jeff  Patterson,  Judge  Boll 
Charles  Anderson,  afterwards  Governor  of  Kentucky,  Daniel  Kiser,  Henry  M 
Brown,  Isaac  Inskip  and  Robert  W.  Steele. 

Col.  Henry  Protzman  had  the  honor  of  being  selected  as  the  President  of  th 
first  Agricultural  Association  of  Montgomery  County. 

The  first  fairs  were  held  in  the  wagon  yard  in  the  rear  of  and  belonging  tf 
Swaynie’s  Hotel,  East  First  Street.  The  stabling  and  sheds  furnished  ampl 
accommodations  for  the  cattle  and  other  stock  on  exhibition.  Fairs  were  bel 
here  for  two  or  three  years. 

The  receipts  were  not  large.  When  they  did  not  equal  and  balance  the  ex 
penditures,  the  difference  Avas  usually  made  up  by  donations  from  enterprising  an 
public-spirited  citizens. 

The  principal  purpose  in  view  on  the  part  of  the  managers  was  the  educatioi 
of  the  people  into  an  appreciation  of  the  benefits  of  these  associations  an 
exhibitions. 


AGRICULTURAL  ASSOCIATION.  ITS  MANAGERS,  ETC, 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY, 


503 


With  probably  two  exceptions,  Robert  W.  Steele  and  Gov.  Anderson,  these 
nn  are  all  dead.  They  were  representative  men  of  their  day.  The  records  of 
t > labors  and  efforts  of  these  men  in  this  field  of  education  and  advancement  of 
alricultural  and  industrial  knowledge,  will  last  as  a noble  and  imperishable  monu- 
nt  to  their  memories. 

The  officers  of  the  Association  in  1846  were  Col.  H.  Protzman,  President;  D, 
Her,  Vice-President;  Robert  W.  Steele,  Secretary. 

Three  acres  of  ground  were  leased  of  Daniel  Kiser,  north  of  Dayton,  where 
fair  was  held  for  three  or  four  years,  when  from  lack  of  public  patronage  it  was 
/continued,  and  no  fairs  were  held  in  this  county  until  the  fall  of  1852.  In 
/gust  of  that  year  a number  of  gentlemen  met  at  City  Hall  for  the  purpose  of 
x iving  the  Association.  An  organization  was  effected  with  William  Brown  as 
resident;  Daniel  Thatcher,  Vice-President;  Robert  W.  Steele,  Treasurer;  and 
ver  Kitteridge,  Secretary. 

This  was  the  first  organization  of  the  Montgomery  County  Agricultural  Asso- 
v tion  under  the  laws  and  rules  of  the  Ohio  State  Board.  On  October  21  of 
tit  year  a fair  was  held  on  the  original  “ stamping  grounds,”  Swaynie’s  wagon 
j rd. 

A reference  to  the  financial  success  of  the  exhibition  may  not  prove  uninter - 
ejing  as  an  indication  of  the  amount  of  funds  necessary  to  conduct  a fair  in  those 
d/s,  and  also  as  suggestive  of  the  very  generous  patronage  of  the  public  in  an  en- 
t tainment  for  its  benefit  only. 


RECEIPTS. 


EXPENDITURES. 


Ijnbership  Fees $271  00 

Eirance  Fees 80  00 

illations 5 11 

ptal $356  11 


Paid  Premiums $232  50 

Expenses 89  04 

Total $321  54 

Balance  in  Treasury $34  57 

In  1853  the  State  Fair  was  held  in  the  bottoms  south  of  Washington  Street. 
3je  County  Fair  held  at  the  same  place  in  October. 

At  the  close  of  the  fair  in  1854  the  Association  found  themselves  $ 900  in  debt. 

In  1855  the  membership  increased  to  1000,  the  fair  a success,  and  debt  of 
/00  cancelled.  In  that  year  ten  acres  of  the  present  grounds  were  purchased, 
a|l  in  1856  the  fair  was  first  held  on  the  site  of  the  present  grounds. 

We  will  now  briefly  review  the  management  of  the  Association  up  to  its  suc- 
tion in  1874  by  the  Southern  Ohio  Fair  Association. 

In  1852  its  managers  were  James  Hall,  John  Calhoun,  William  Gunckle, 
my  Shideler  and  J.  C.  Vorhees. 

In  1853  Joseph  Cline,  John  Calhoun,  Samuel  Rohrer,  John  Yount  and  Wil- 
lm  Gunckle. 

In  1854  S.  Rohrer,  D.  Kiser,  J.  Chambers,  D.  Prugh  and  G.  Evans. 

At  their  fall  meeting  the  total  receipts  from  all  sources  were  $ 849.  Total 
oenditures  $849. 

In  1856  Robert  W.  Steele,  President;  S.  Rohrer,  Vice-President;  C.  Kitte- 
>:ge,  Secretary;  H.  M.  Brown,  Treasurer.  Directors — D.  Kiser,  J.  Bull,  J.  T. 
glesy,  H.  D.  Wagoner  and  A.  Sunderland.  Total  receipts  1856,  $3,843.66. 
tal  expenditures  $3,843.66. 

In  1857  Robert.  W.  Steele,  President;  W.  C.  Davis,  Vice-President;  0.  Kitte- 
ge,  Secretary;  D.  H.  Dryden,  Treasurer.  Total  receipts  $1,582.93.  Total  ex- 
jhditures  $1,455.83.  Balance  in  Treasury  $127.10. 

In  1858  W.  C.  Davis,  President;  Jeff  Patterson,  Vice-President;  D.  H.  Dry- 
<n.  Treasurer;  0.  Kitteridge,  Secretaiy.  Managers — S.  Rohrer,  D.  Kiser,  Brice 
He,  Dr.  D.  Lyons  and  Wm.  Pease. 

In  1859  W.  C.  Davis,  President;  Jeff  Patterson,  Vice-President;  D.  H.  Dry 
'U,  Treasurer;  A.  W.  Rice,  Secretary.  At  the  close  of  the  fair  the  society  found 
elf  in  debt  $3,199.06,  owing  to  the  purchase  of  additional  grounds,  bad  weather 
d non-attendance  of  citizens. 


504 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


In  1860  Thomas  Brown,  President;  .Jeff  Patterson,  Vice-President;  D.  E 
Dryden,  Treasurer;  Thomas  Shaffer,  Secretary.  The  fair  a failure  and  the  Am 
ciation  $389.20  ahead  in  expenditures  above  receipts. 

In  1860  and  1861  the  State  Fair  was  held  in  Dayton. 

In  1861  the  number  of  voting  members  of  the  Association  were  35. 

1862,  1863  and  1864  were  unprofitable  years,  the  Association  constant! 
growing  deeper  in  debt.  Such  was  its  financial  condition  with  no  encouragemer 
of  its  liquidation  through  future  patronage  on  the  part  of  the  community,  that  th 
county  came  to  its  rescue,  and  purchased  of  the  Association  its  22.18  acres  < 
ground  for  $5,000.  In  1866  it  also  purchased  the  remaining  tract  of  7.72  acre 
for  $6,500,  making  29.90  acres  in  all,  for  the  total  consideration  of  $11,500. 

In  1865  the  fair  a financial  failure. 

In  1866  the  total'  receipts  did  not  meet  the  expenditures. 

In  1867  the  State  Fair  was  held  here.  No  County  Fair  that  year. 

In  1868  the  fair  a financial  failure,  and  the  society  in  debt,  although  th 
weather  was  very  bad,  which  was  accepted  as  the  reason. 

In  1869  the  receipts  did  not  equal  the  expenditures,  and  consequently  the  fai 
was  a financial  failure.  What  reasons  were  offered  we  do  not  know.  It  seem 
that  the  weather  was  extremely  fine,  but  the  attendance  remarkably  small. 

In  1870  the  Association  met  with  the  same  results. 

In  1871  the  fair  a financial  failure.  On  this  occasion  the  association  bold! 
complained  to  the  State  Board  that  it  was  wholly  due  to  a lack  of  patronage  of  th 
citizens. 

In  1872  the  association  had  not  a dollar  in  the  treasury,  hut  favoring  weathe 
and  a liberal  patronage  proved  the  fair  a success. 

In  1873  the  20th  and  last  annual  fair  was  held  by  the  Montgomery  Oouut 
Association.  The  fair  proved  a success.  Such  is  a chronological  history  of  tb 
Montgomery  County  Agricultural  Association. 

In  the  meanwhile  the  growing  city,  the  competition  among  the  increasin 
numbers  of  agricultural  implements,  improvements  in  farming  and  in  the  qualit 
of  its  grains  and  other  products,  the  culture  and  wealth  of  the  valley,  all  seemed  t 
warrant  a permanent  exposition,  commensurate  in  all  its  appointments,  premium 
and  exhibitions,  to  the  pretensions  of  the  people  of  the  city  and  surroundiu 
country. 

To  keep  pace  with  and  meet  the  new  order  of  things,  a number  of  those  wk 
had  been  identified  with  the  agricultural  and  productive  interests  of  the  city  an 
county,  and  who  were  representative  and  enterprising  men  of  the  times,  associate 
themselves  into  an  “Agricultural,  Mechanical  and  Industrial  Association  for  tb 
purposes  of  encouraging  those  branches  of  industry,  improving  agriculture,  mechar 
ism  and  all  kinds  of  live  stock.  ” 

The  names  of  these  gentlemen  were  Gabriel. B.  Harman,  Marcus  Fells,  I oh: 
Stroup,  Charles  Harries,  John  V.  Nauerth,  Richard  C.  Anderson  and  Nickola 
Ohmer. 

A certificate  of  incorporation  was  filed  February  23,  1874.  The  capital  stoc 
of  the  company  was  $100,000.  Number  of  shares  2,000  at  $50  per  share. 

The  name  of  the  organization  to  be  “The  Southern  Ohio  Fair  Association." 

March  28,  1874,  books  were  opened  in  the  rooms  of  the  Dayton  Exchange  fo 
receiving  subscriptions  to  stock. 

Ten  per  cent  of  the  capital  stock  was  readily  subscribed,  and  thereupon,  agree 
able  to  a resolution  of  the  Association,  thirteen  members  were  selected  to  act  a 
Directors,  as  follows:  Charles  Harries,  John  Stroup,  Marcus  Eells,  Alexander  Me 
Connell,  Fielding  Loury,  Nicholas  Ohmer,  G.  B.  Harman,  Geo.  Ohmer,  Adar 
Schantz,  P.  P.  Mesler,  John  W.  Butt,  D.  H.  Dryden  and  C.  C.  Moses. 

In  the  following  May  the  Directors  met  and  selected  officers : Charles  Haij 

ries,  President;  N.  Ohmer,  Vice-President;  G.  B.  Harman,  Treasurer.  In  accord 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


505 


a L with  the  constitution,  the  Directors  drew  lots  to  determine  the  length  of  time 
eh  was  to  serve,  resulting  as  follows:  A.  McConnell,  N.  Ohmer,  C.  C.  Moses, 
iam  Schantz  and  F.  Loury,  three  years  each;  G.  B.  Harman,  D.  H.  Dryden, 
IP.  Mesler  and  J.  W.  Butt,  two  years  each;  Chas.  Harries,  John  Stroup  and 

I reus  Eells,  one  year  each. 

Then  commenced  a series  of  weekly  and  nightly  meetings,  the  formation  and 
Vrk  of  committees,  and  preliminary  negotiations  with  reference  to  the  selection  of 
grinds  and  preparations  for  a fall  meeting  of  the  fair. 

The  Association  leased  the  fair  grounds  of  the  county  for  fifteen  years,  agree- 
ii  at  the  end  of  their  lease  “to  return  it  to  the  company  in  as  good  a condition  as 
tiy  received  it,  wear  and  tear  excepted.” 

At  a meeting  of  the  Directors  May  23,  1874,  on  motion  of  Mr.  Harman,  it 
\V3  decided  to  hold  the  first  annual  meeting  on  the  29th  and  30th  of  September, 
1 1st,  2d  and  3d  days  of  October. 

In  the  meantime  the  grounds  had  to  be  put  in  order,  new  buildings  erected, 
a- increased  number  of  stalls  constructed  to  better  accommodate  horses,  cattle,  sheep 

I I hogs.  During  that  slimmer  and  on  the  approach  of  fall,  the  fair  grounds  was 
ajeene  of  busy  activity,  and  when  the  fair  opened  in  the  fall  of  1874,  to  a generous 
alienee  of  the  citizens  of  this  vicinity  and  distant  points,  the  people  realized  the 
afness  of  the  work  done  and  the  improvement  and  advancement  of  the  new  over 
tl  old.  A magnificent  exposition  hall  had  been  constructed,  the  race  track  en- 
kged,  new  machinery  halls,  new  amphitheatre  and  other  modem  improvements 
qgesting  the  progress  and  enterprise  of  the  managers  of  the  Association. 

The  fair  was  a success  and  met  the  anticipations  of  its  managers,  and  augured 
wl  for  the  future.  The  immense  concourse  of  people  who  were  in  attendance  on 
1 memorable  Friday  when  Gold  Smith  Maid  trotted,  was  the  largest  assemblage 
e’r  in  attendance  upon  the  fair  grounds. 

The  amount  of  premiums  offered,  exclusive  of  the  speed  ring,  was  .$11,806. 
I?  receipts  from  admission  amounted  to  $23,608.47. 

However,  a large  indebtedness  necessarily  resulted  from  the  heavy  expendit- 
i s in  improvements,  premiums  and  incidental  expenses  growing  out  of  this  great 
plic  enterprise.  This  debt  the  Directors  had  to  personally  assume  without  any 
mediate  recourse  upon  the  Association,  or  any  available  property  to  recover  from, 
ley  simply  confided  in  the  belief  that  the  patronage  of  the  enterprising  and  public 
spited  community  would  sustain  them  in  their  efforts  to  build  up  a magnificent 
p osition  which  ultimately  would  prove  a financial  success  and  reflect  its  benefits 
pn  the  community  and  at  the  same  time  enable  them  thereby  to  cancel  this  debt 
a:,  release  them  from  their  personal  liability.  This  has  never  as  yet  occurred,  the 
iiebtedness  being  assumed  by  each  succeeding  Board  of  Directors,  the  Direct- 
o:  recognizing  the  fact  that  when  a man  ceased  to  be  a Director,  his  personal  ha- 
il ty  for  the  debts  of  the  Association  should  also  cease. 

All  this  time  Cincinnati,  Cleveland,  Columbus,  Toledo  and  neighboring  and 
ml  cities  were  competing  for  patronage,  and  using  every  means  to  enlist  the 
a mi  ion  of  the  people  abroad,  and  invite  them  to  a visitation  of  their  respective 
as.  This  then  required  greater  exertions  on  the  part  of  the  Directors  of  the 
Mociation,  and  preparations  were  at  once  made  for  a spring  meeting  in  1875. 

But  we  will  not  follow  the  Association  in  its  efforts  and  failures  since  1874  to 
b present  time.  We  have  simply  this  to  say,  that  under  the  most  adverse  circurn- 
s'lces  they  gradually  reduced  the  debt.  In  187 6 it  had  reached  its  maximum 
aount  of  $16,987.33.  In  1881  it  had  been  reduced  to  $4,500. 

In  1875  the  retiring  members  of  the  Board  and  the  same  presiding  officers 
^;e  re-elected  with  G.  B.  Harman  as  Treasurer,  and  John  A.  Miller  as  Secre- 
tfk. 

In  1876  Messrs.  Harman,  Butt,  Zilzeland  M.  Richmond  were  elected  for  three 
y rs,  with  the  same  officers. 

In  1877  N.  Ohmer,  Lewis  Cassel,  Alex.  McConnell,  C.  C.  Moses  and  F.  Rei- 


506 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


bold  were  elected  for  three  years ; S.  M.  Sullivan  and  Elias  Heathman  for  one  yei 
N.  Ohmer,  President;  John  Stroup,  Vice-President;  G.  B.  Harman,  Treasure 
J.  A.  Miller,  Secretary. 

In  1878  T.  C.  Dobbins,  A.  0.  Marshall,  Philip  Haas,  W.  A.  Mays  were  elect 
for  three  years.  M.  Ohmer,  President;  J.  W.  Butt,  Vice-President;  G.  B.  Ha 
man,  Treasurer;  J.  A.  Miller,  Secretary. 

In  1879  G.  B.  Harman,  J.  W.  Butt,  W.  Silzel,  J.  Weinrich  were  elected  f 
three  years.  N.  Ohmer,  President;  J.  W.  Butt,  Vice-President;  G.  B.  Hanna 
Treasurer;  J.  A.  Miller,  Secretary. 

In  1880  A.  McConnell,  C.  C.  Moses,  tA.  Sharpe,  M.  A.  Nipgen  were  elect 
for  three  years.  J.  W.  Butt,  President;  A.  C.  Marshall,  Vice-President;  G. 
Harman,  Treasurer;  Nicholas  Metz,  Secretary. 

On  December  4,  1880,  at  a regular  meeting,  the  following  resolution  was  su 
mitted  and  adopted,  namely: 

“That  we,  the  Directors  of  the  Southern  Ohio  Fair  Association,  recommei 
that  the  number  of  Directors  be  reduced  to  seven,  such  recommendation  tojiesu 
mitted  to  the  stockholders  at  the  next  meeting.” 

On  January  1,  1881,  the  foregoing  resolution  as  presented  December  4,  188 
was  submitted  to  a vote  of  the  stockholders.  520  votes  were  cast,  of  which  5i 
were  for  and  17  against  reduction. 

On  January  1,  1881,  the  expiration  of  terms  of  Messrs.  Dobbins,  Haas,  Marsha 
Mays,  and  the  acceptance  of  resignations  of  Messrs.  Sharpe,  Moses  and  Nipgen  ai 
the  election  of  Eli  Fasold  to  fill  vacancy,  left  the  Board  composed  of  seven  rnembei 
as  follows:  J.  W.  Butt,  F.  Reibold,  G.  B.  Harman,  Alexander  McConnell,  1 

Silzel,  Isaac  Weinrich  and  Eli  Fasold.  The  Board  then  organized  by  the  electii 
of  J.  W.  Butt,  President;  F.  Reibold,  Vice-President;  G.  B.  Harman,  Treasure 
N.  Metz,  Secretary. 

There  was  no  fair  held  in  the  year  1881,  although  the  same  was  advertise 
as  is  also  the  case  for  1882,  the  charter  of  the  Association  making  it  necessary, 
comply  with  the  State  law  in  that  respect.  The  Association  have  had  a bill  passi 
by  the  State  Legislature,  giving  it  authority  to  sell  the  grounds  and  improvement 

We  find  that  with  all  the  labors  and  efforts  of  the  managers  for  thirty  year 
these  annual  exhibitions  have  as  a rule  proved  financial  failures,  and  the  variot 
associations  under  different  administrations  constantly  in  debt. 

A number  of  those  constituting  the  present  Board  have  been  its  managers  co 
tinuously  since  the  organization  of  the  Association,  and  were  from  time  to  tir 
active  members  of  the  Montgomery  Gounty  Association.  They  have  devoted 
the  aggregate  years  of  labor,  given  it  for  the  benefit  of  the  public,  and  ha 
never  received  a dollar  of  compensation  for  their  services.  On  the  contrary,  t 
motives  that  prompted  them  are  of  the  noblest  type,  namely,  the  education-  a: 
promotion  of  a higher  appreciation  of  the  handiwork  of  man  in  the  mechanici 
industrial  and  agricultural  arts  and  sciences.  We  must  conclude,  then,  that  t 
blame  and  fault  lies  with  the  community — with  the  merchant  and  manufacturer 
the  city  and  the  farmers  of  the  county,  who  were  each  benefited  by  these  exhil 
tions. 

MONTGOMERY  COUNTY  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

FIRST  SOCIETY. 

On  the  31st  day  of  July,  1846,  a meeting  wras  called  at  the  office  of  E. 
Brown  for  the  purpose  of  forming  a horticultural  society,  A.  M.  Clark  w 
Chairman  and  R.  P.  Brown  Secretary,  Robert  W.  Steele,  Augustus  Newell  and 
P.  Brown  were  authorized  to  prepare  a constitution  and  by-laws  for  the  gover 
ment  of  the  society  and  directed  to  report  at  an  adjourned  meeting  on  the  3d 
August,  at  which  time  the  Dayton  Horticultural  Society  was  organized,  full  of  b 
and  energy,  judging  from  the  records.  The  permanent  officers  were,  Dr.  J 
Haines,  President;  Robert  W.  Steele,  Milo  G.  Williams  and  R.  P.  Brown,  Vic 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


5.07 


Pisidents;  John  W.  Van  Cleve,  Secretary,  and  H.  L.  Brown,  Treasurer,  with  a 
dncil  consisting  of  Messrs.  A.  M.  Clark,  Augustus  Newell,  William  .Jennison, 
;]Best,  and  W.  C.  Gibson.  Committee  on  Library,  Milo  G.  Williams  and  George 
(Jen;  on  fruits,  Job  Haines,  A.  M.  Clark,  A.  W.  Stub  and  Henry  Best;  on 
iders,  William  Jennison,  W.  C.  Gibson,  J.  Coblentz  and  -J.  Smith;  on  vegeta- 
,li,  L.  T.  Harker,  A.  Newell  and  B.  P.  Brown. 

The  year  1846  must  have  been  a great  fruit  year  in  Montgomery  County  and 
l quality  fine,  judging  from  the  records  of  this  old  society.  For  example,  H. 
drown  exhibited  plums,  “Duane’s  Purple,”  “some  measuring  5J  inches  in  cir- 
ujiference;”  W.  F.  Comly,  a “Crawford”  late  peach,  which  measured  11!  inches 
iuircumference  and  weighed  11  ounces;  a Smock  was  shown  by  C.  W.  Church, 
T.lch  measured  12  inches  in  circumference  and  weighed  15  ounces.  The  news- 
ier offices  of  that  day,  it  seems,  vied  with  the  citizens  in  contributing  their  mite 
cards  making  the  society  attractive,  for  we  find  the  Journal  office  credited  with 
ribiting  some  very  fine  apples,  one  a “Tulpehocken,”  from  the  orchard  of  John 
Hlderman,  measuring  15^  inches  in  circumference  and  weighing  28  ounces;  an- 
■t|;r  “Monstrous  Pippin,”  from  the  orchard  of  George  Mathews,  Wayne  Town- 
cj),  151  inches  in  circumference  and  weighing  26  ounces.  Apples,  pears, 
i®hes,  plums,  quinces,  nectarines,  grapes,  raspberries,  strawberries,  figs,  flowers 
a vegetables  seem  to  have  been  shown  in  the  greatest  abundance.  In  the  fruit 
a flower  department  the  principal  exhibiters  were  Dr.  Job  Haines,  Robert  W. 
Stele,  W.  F.  Comly,  Milo  G.  Williams,  J.  Wonderly,  C.  W.  Church,  Augustus 
1 j/ell,  R.  C.  Schenck,  Dr.  Langstedt,  Wilham  Jennison,  S.  T.  Harker,  H.  S. 
Aiiams,  M.  B.  Varian,  E.  Dutoit,  and  many  others.  The  last  meeting  of  this 
soety,  which  was  certainly  a model  one,  seems  to  have  been  held  April  14,  1848, 
Jiunderneath  the  recorded  proceedings,  and  without  date,  is  the  following  memo- 
slum,  which  tells  the  date  of  its  demise:  “After  the  spring  exhibition  of  1848 

icjurther  proceedings  were  held  and  the  meetings  were  discontinued.  The 
qjety  having  lost  its  organization  died  a natural  death.” 

SECOND  SOCIETY. 

After  the  lapse  of  nearly  nine  years,  a meeting  was  held  at  the  agricultural 
riehouse  of  Oliver  Kitteridge,  Saturday,  March  28,  1857,  and  organized  by  the 
tier.  of  Robert  W.  Steele,  President,  and  R.  P.  Brown,  Secretary.  At  this 
a ting  a constitution  and  by-laws  were  adopted,  permanent  officers  elected  and 
a new  Dayton  Horticultural  Society  duly  organized.  The  officers  were  J.  H. 
free,  President;  J.  W.  Van  Cleve,  Secretary;  Oliver  Kitteridge,  Treasurer;  Ex- 
0, ive  Committee,  Robert  W.  Steele,  R.  P.  Brown  and  Dr.  J.  C.  Fisher.  The 
uaes  on  record  of  this  society  are  as  follows:  R.  P.  Brown,  J.  H.  Pierce,  W. 

5bk,  A.  Crawford,  ,J.  P.  Sacksteder,  J.  G.  Breene,  J.  Crawford,  Robert  W.  Steele, 

h er  Kitteridge,  John  W.  Van  Cleve,  -J.  P.  Ohmer, Gebliart,  John  Mills, 

A ham  Jennison,  Mrs.  J.  F.  Schenck,  John  Howard,  J.  Wolf,  J.  Powell,  Mrs. 
sison,  Evan  Davis,  Casper  Beck,  Susan  Bakeman,  J.  B.Mumma,  John  Ingram, 
’•lip  Hehiggle,  James  Perrine,  H.  Farrer,  M.  L.  Green,  J.  C.  Fisher,  T.  A. 
A e,  Dr.  E.  Smith,  J . A.  W.  Mumma,  W.  P.  Huffman,  J.  R.  Mumma,  H. 
A;and,  R.  A.  Kerfoot,  M.  Garst,  George  B.  Holt,  R.  N.  Comly,  B.  F.  Eaker,  W. 

jomly,  J.  C.  Stutsman,  James  G.  Crane,  and  T.  Benjamin — in  all  forty-four 
Ye  majority  of  whom  are  now  dead,  leaving  a record  of  the  good  works  they 
i behind  them.  No  meeting  of  the  society  took  place  until  the  20th  of  June, 
u “an  exhibition  was  held  in  Beckel’s  new  hotel  building,  comer  of  Jefferson 
u Third  streets.”  The  only  other  regular  meeting  this  society  seems  to  have 
I:  was  at  the  same  place  on  the  11th  of  July,  when  another  exhibition  was  held. 

1 ien  appears  to  have  lost  its  organization  and  become  extinct. 

THIRD  SOCIETY. 

After  an  interval  of  more  than  ten  years,  a meeting  of  public-spirited  citizens 
yV  field  at  the  Phillips  House  on  the  7th  day  of  December,  1867.  Nicholas 


508 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Okmer  acted  as  Chairman,  and  Dr.  R.  Gundry  as  Secretary.  The  purpose  of 
meeting  was  to  form  a County  Horticultural  Society.  After  appointing  a comn 
tee  to  draw  up  a constitution  and  by-laws,  the  meeting  adjourned  to  meet  again 
the  Council  Chamber  December  14,  at  which  time  the  present  Montgom 
County  Horticultural  Society  was  organized,  with  Nicholas  Okmer,  Preside) 
William  M.  Gunckel,  Vice-President;  Dr.  Richard  Gundry,  Secretary;  and  Rob 
W.  Steele,  Treasurer.  Messrs.  Okmer  and  Steele  have  been  re-elected  to  ; 
same  positions  for  fifteen  consecutive  years.  The  following  gentlemen  were  pi . 
ent  at  this  meeting  and  consequently  were  the  organizers  of  the  present  socie 
Robert  W.  Steele,  Nicholas  Okmer,  Richard  Gundry,  J.  Z.  Reeder,  J.  H.  Piei, 
Jacob  Zimmer.  W.  Gunckel,  Henderson  Elliott,  H.  H.  Tillotson,  Jacob  'Bower,  . 
H.  Heikes,  E.  W.  Davis,  J.  Heikes,  Fred  Horn,  J.  H.  W.  Mumma  and  Marcus  Ee . 
This  society  has  held  its  meetings  continuously  to  the  present  time,  and  was  net 
in  a more  flourishing  condition  than  now.  It  no  doubt  owes  its  long  life  ; ! 
great  success  to  the  introduction  of  the  social  feature,  which  has  given  great  sa  ■ 
faction  to  the  members  and  has  been  extensively  copied  by  other  societies  in  ] 
parts  of  the  country.  On  the  first  Wednesday  of  each  month  the  society  meefai 
the  residence  of  a member,  where  the  essay  and  reports  are  supplemented  by 
excellent  dinner  provided  from  the  well-filled  baskets  brought  for  that  purpt 
The  essays  and  discussions  of  the  society  are  published  each  month  in  parnph 
form,  and  coming  mainly  from  practical  horticulturists,  are  of  great  value.  Ti  j 
are  widely  copied  by  agricultural  and  horticultural  papers  and  magazines  in  . 
parts  of  the  United  States.  Mr.  Nicholas  Ohmer  lias  been  President  of  j( 
society  from  the  beginning,  and  to  his  constant  and  energetic  supervision  may  it 
attributed  much  of  the  interest  and  success  which  has  attended  the  meetir 
The  officers  for  the  year  1882  are:  President,  Nicholas  Ohmer;  Vice- Preside 

John  Ewing;  Secretary,  William  Ramsey;  Treasurer,  Robert  W.  Steele;  Execnb 
Committee,  William  Kramer,  J.  S.  Broadwell  and  S.  M.  Sullivan. 

MONTGOMERY  COUNTY  PIONEER  ASSOCIATION. 

Pursuant  to  notice,  a large  number  of  the  pioneers  of  Montgomery  County) 
sembled  at  the  Council  Chamber  in  Dayton,  on  Saturday,  November,  30,  16 
On  motion,  Samuel  D.  Edgar  was  chosen  President,  and  E.  Lindsley,  Secret), 
and  the  following  persons  reported  their  age,  etc. : 

Henry  Waymire,  born  in  Butler  Township,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  July  ' 
1816;  Gorton  Arnold  came  to  Dayton  in  November,  1817;  Simon  J.  Broadv 
born  in  Morris  Co.,  N.  J.,  September  1813,  came  to  Dayton  in  1816;  ucoi 
W.  Kemp,  born  in  what  is  now  Mad  River  Township,  in  1811;  Theodore  L.  Sm 
born  in  Dayton  in  1808;  George  Swartzell,  born  in  Warren  Co.,  Ohio,  Octobe 
1806,  came  to  Montgomery  County  the  same  year;  William  Stansel,  born  in  K1 
tucky,  came  to  this  county  in  1802;  Robert  W.  Steele,  born  in  Dayton,  July 
1819;  Elias  Favorite,  born  in  Bedford  Co.,  Pa.,  February  7,  1808,  came  to  6 
county  October  30,  1818;  Josiah  S.  Broadwell,  born  in  Morristown,  N.  J.,  A. 
4,  1816,  came  to  Dayton  September  16,  1816;  Abraham  Weaver,  born  in  J effer ji 
Township,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  March  8,  1808;  Dennis  Elisey,  born  in  Dayl. 
March  21,  1808;  Michael  Byerly,  born  in  North  Carolina,  November  10,  16> 
came  to  this  county  in  1808;  William  Gunckel,  born  in  Germantown,  Ohio,  1; 
9,  1809;  Eddy  Fairchild,  born  in  Morristown,  N.  J.,  February  19,  1810,  canal 
Dayton  in  1815 ; Moses  Simpson,  born  in  Essex  Co.,  N.  .J.,  September  5,  17) 
came  to  Ohio  in  1813;  David  Osborn,  born  in  Hamilton  Co.,  Ohio,  May  22,  17 
settled  in  Dayton  in  1805;  Culbertson  Patterson,  born  in  Fayette  Co.,  Ey.,  Aug 
27,  1797,  caine  to  this  county  in  1800;  Solomon  Butt,  born  in  Rockingham  < 
Va.,  May  3,  1803,  came  to  this  county  in  October,  1809;  Charles  H.  Spiunij! 
born  in  Essex  Co.,  N.  J.,  February  5,  1793,  came  to  Montgomery  County  in  16 
Henry  L.  Brown,  born  in  Dayton,  December,  3,  1814;  R.  P.  Brown,  born1 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


509 


Cyton,  December  6,  1811;  Beriah  Tharp,  born  in  North  Carolina,  September  15, 
1,8,  came  to  this  county  in  1802;  Peter  Lehman,  born  in  Frederick  Co.,  Md., 

, . nary  2,  1798,  came  to  Dayton  in  1805;  Samuel  D.  Edgar,  born  in  what  is  now 
vii  River  Township,  March  25,  1806;  Ephraim  Lindsley,  born  in  Morristown, 

\|  J.,  January  28,  1808,  came  to  Dayton  in  1811;  George  Olinger,  born  in  Bed- 
xl  Co.,  Pa.,  February  18,  1793,  came  to  this  county  in  1811;  Daniel  Wertz, 
bin  in  Franklin  Co.,  Pa.,  December,  1781,  came  to  Montgomery  County  in  1818; 
eph  B.  H.  Dodson,  born  in  Dayton,  September  10,  1817;  John  Waymire, 
n in  Butler  Township,  August  30,  1808;  John  Clark,  born  in  this  county,  Feb- 
nry  12,  1813;  William  Neibel,  born  in  Rockingham  Co.,  Va.,  May  17,  1805, 
jded  m Miami  Township  in  October,  1810;  J.  D.  Phillips,  born  in  Dayton, 
[kember  30,  1812;  Alfred  Hoover,  born  in  Randolph  Township,  August  10, 1809; 
SD.  Stout,  bom  in  Somerset  Co.,  N.  J.,  came  to  Ohio  in  June,  1811;  John 
Tiggim,  born  in  Ireland,  October  30, 1810,  came  to  Dayton  in  1818;  Hugh  Wiggim, 

1 a in  Ireland  in  1814,  settled  in  Dayton  in  1818;  Levi  Wollaston  came  to 
Cyton,  August  6,  1816. 

Under  the  first  constitution  any  person  who  came  to  the  county  previous  to 
liO,  was  eligible  to  membership,  but  in  1872  the  constitution  was  so  amended  as 
'.admit  any  person  who  was  fifty  years  in  the  county.  The  objects  of  the  Associa- 
ti;i  are  the  collection  and  preservation  of  the  records,  experiences,  incidents  and 
ajlitions  of  the  early  settlement  of  Montgomery  County,  in  connection  with  the 
Lory  of  events,  times  and  people  of  later  days;  also  to  encourage  pioneer  sim- 
ity  of  life,  character  and  intercourse  among  members,  as  well  as  to  foster  habits 
oijndustry,  integrity,  sobriety,  economy,  goodness  of  heart,  and  friendly  inter- 
arse  in  the  walk,  conversation  and  character  of  persons  in  younger  life.  The 
djt  of  May  was  chosen  as  the  day  upon  which  the  annual  meetings  would  be  held, 
tiaonor  of  the  date  of  the  county’s  organization.  The  following  persons  were  the 
dt  officers  of  the  society: 

George  B.  Holt,  President;  Henry  L.  Brown,  1st  Vice-President;  William 
Vnsel,  2nd  Vice-President;  William  Neibel,  3rd  Vice-President;  Samuel  D. 
Egar,  4th  Vice-President;  Henry  Waymire,  5th  Vice-President;  Ephraim  Linds- 
Ifi;  Secretary;  Robert  W.  Steele,  Treasurer;  Rev.  David  Winters,  Chaplain. 

Mr.  Holt  served  as  President  of  the  Association  until  May,  1872,  at  which 
tie  Henry  L.  Brown  was  elected,  and  officiated  in  that  capacity  three  years.  In 
A y,  1875,  J.  Thompson  was  chosen  as  President,  serving  one  year,  and  in  May, 
Is  6,  was  succeeded  by  Robert  W.  Steele,  who  also  served  but  a year.  In  May, 
1 '7,  Elias  Favorite  was  elected  President,  and  re-elected  annually  up  to  the 
p sent.  More  than  one  hundred  of  Montgomery  County’s  pioneers  nave  signed 
ti  Constitution  since  the  organization  of  the  Society.  Many  have  died,  removed, 
o.ceased  to  attend,  and  unless  the  Constitution  is  again  changed,  so  as  to  admit 
ajater  generation,  but  a few  short  years  will  elapse  until  the  Montgomery  County 
Sneer  Association  will  be  a thing  of  the  past,  and  those  now  composing  it  laid  to 
rt  with  their  fathers.  The  officers  for  1882,  are: 

Elias  Favorite,  President;  James  F.  Thompson,  1st  Vice-President;  George 
\ Kemp,  2nd  Vice-President;  Henry  Waymire,  3rd  Vice-President;  George 
Viggoman,  4th  Vice-President;  William  Wagner,  5th  Vice-President;  J.  S. 
badwell,  Treasurer;  S.  M.  Sullivan,  Secretary;  Rev.  David  Winters,  Chaplain. 

MONTGOMERY  COUNTY  FARMERS’  CLUB. 

On  the  20th  of  April,  1872,  a number  of  the  citizens  of  Montgomery  County 
Et  at  the  residence  of  John  Kennedy,  Harrison  Township,  for  the  purpose 

0 organizing  a Farmers’ Club,  whose  object  would  be  to  bring  together  the  lead- 
in  agriculturists  of  the  county,  at  stated  times,  for  the  purpose  of  discussing 
Gjects  of  material  interest  to  the  farming  community.  A constitution  and 

1 laws  governing  the  club  were  presented  and  adopted,  and  the  following  offi- 


510 


HISTORY  OR  MONTTOMERY  COUNTY. 


cers  chosen:  Nicholas  Ohmer,  President;  John  Kennedy,  Vice-President; 

N.  Kimmel,  Secretary;  James  Appelgate,  Treasurer. 

The  constitution  and  by-laws  provided  that  “any  person  may  become 

member  of  this  society  by  the  payment  of  f 1 annually  to  the  treasurer wii 

of  members  without  additional  fee,”  also  that  the  officers  he  elected  annua 
and  that  regular  meetings  be  held  on  the  third  Saturday  of  each  of  the  followi 
months,  viz.,  April,  May,  June,  July,  August,  September,  October  and  Nove 
her. 

Those  meetings  are  held  at  the  residence  or  grounds  of  members,  and 
excellent  dinner,  paid  for  out  of  the  funds  of  the  club,  is  a part  of  the  day’s  pj 
gramme.  An  annual  address  is  delivered  by  the  President,  and  at  every  meeti 
a member,  selected  for  the  occasion,  delivers  a well  prepared  essay  on  some  subj< 
connected  with  agriculture.  In  April,  1873,  the  following  officers  were  electe 
John  Kennedy,  President;  Nicholas  Ohmer,  Vice-President;  M.  N.  Kimm 
Secretary;  James  Appelgate,  Treasurer. 

Many  interesting  essays  and  discussions  have  been  the  result  of  fcko 
monthly  meetings,  and  incalculable  good  rendered  to  intelligent  farming. 

In  April,  1878,  Mr.  Ohmer  was  again  elected  President,  and  he  has  be 
re-elected  annually  up  to  the  present.  M.  N.  Kimmel  was  re-elected  annua 
as  Secretary  from  the  organization  of  the  club  up  to  1879,  when  Henry  Wa 
mire  succeeded  him,  at  the  annual  election  of  that  year.  Mr.  Waymire  serv 
until  the  annual  election  of  1881,  when  J.  A.  Bigger  was  elected  Secretary,  wki 
position  he  now  occupies. 

In  April,  1874,  John  Stroup  was  elected  Vice-President  and  re-elected  a 
nually  up  to  the  present.  At  the  same  meeting  A.  D.  Wilt  was  elected  Treasui 
of  the  club  and  served  until  April  20,  1878,  having  been  re-elected  eveiy  yes 
On  the  latter  mentioned  date  Robert  Bradford  was  chosen  as  Treasurer  and  i 
elected  annually  since.  Every  officer  of  the  club  has  been  energetic  and  efficiei 
and  all  the  members  have  contributed  something  towards  elevating  and  enligt 
ening  the  views  of  farmers  on  many  subjects. 

The  club  is  now  in  a flourishing  condition,  and  beside  the  practical  Irnov 
edge  obtained  by  the  exchange  of  views  and  earnest,  intelligent  discussu 
among  the  members,  those  meetings  are  conducive  of  much  social  pleasure  ai 
happiness.  They  bring  the  farming  community  closer  together,  thereby  encoura 
ing  habits  of  social  intercourse  among  farmers.  No  doubt  many  lasting  frien 
ships  have  begun  at  these  gatherings  and  many  warm  attachments  cemented  mo 
firmly.  In  connection  with  the  Horticultural  Society  the  club  have  purchasi 
china  ware  and  have  had  it  decorated  with  the  names  of  both  societies,  thus  lea 
ing  to  members  a souvenir,  which,  with  the  passing  years,  will  be  a reminder 
many  by-gone  happy  hours.  A number  of  Dayton’s  best  citizens  are  membe 
of  this  club  and  have  always  given  it  their  support  and  encouragement. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


511 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

one  Asylum — Infirmary — Children’s  Home — Woman’s  Christian  Association 
— German  Baptists — Gypsies. 

SOUTHERN  OHIO  STATE  ASYLUM  FOR  THE  INSANE. 

HO  has  reason  to  be  proud  of  her  institutions,  for  no  State  has  grander,  none 
better  furnished  and  in  none  are  better  accommodations  provided.  In  the  Ohio 
t e Institutions,  not  only  the  erection  of  buildings,  fitting  up,  and  furnishing  of 
a a is  done  by  the  State,  but  every  dollar  of  expenses  is  drawn  from  the  State 
AiSury.  No  one,  rich  or  poor,  pays  for  treatment  or  board,  and  where 
aints,  from  any  cause,  are  not  clothed,  the  State  clothes  them.  She  houses, 
le i,  clothes,  and  furnishes  medical  attendance.  The  poor  have  to  be  cared  for  by 
inublic  under  any  system,  the  rich  pay  the  taxes  for  them,  and,  when  insane, 
lild  be  entitled  to  the  same  advantages;  hence,  both  alike  enjoy  the  advan- 
vffl  of  treatment  and  care  free  of  expense. 

In  1851,  the  asylum  at  Columbus  was  the  only  one  in  the  State,  and  was 
nm  as  the  “Ohio  Lunatic  Asylum.”  Its  capacity  was  300  patients.  To-day 
1 «;  are  in  Ohio  asylums  about  3,600  patients.  Prof.  S.  M.  Smith,  who  was 
u rintendent  of  tb e “ Ohio  Lunatic  Asylum”  in  1851,  estimated  the  insane  of 
iritate  that  year  at  2,000,  of  which  only  300  were  provided  tor,  while  more  than 
Kbf  God’s  afflicted  were  refused  admission  during  the  year.  He  says:  “ By  the 
A accounts  I have  received,  120  were  in  the  Commercial  Hospital  of  Cincinnati, 
red  in  narrow  and  wretched  quarters,  that,  with  all  the  exertions  of  the  excell - 
if'fficers  of  the  hospital,  their  condition  is  lamentable  in  the  extreme,  and  has 
el  again  and  again  pronounced  by  the  grand  jury  of  Hamilton  County  to  be  dis- 
- caiful  to  the  age.  Some  counties,  however,  have  made,  or  are  making,  very 
'(  provision  for  such  of  their  insane  as  cannot  be  admitted  here.  The  jails 
ch  counties  as  have  no  infirmaries,  are  crowded  with  poor,  fettered  lunatics. 
Hreds  remain  to  be  accounted  for  whose  lot  is  too  horrible  to  be  believed,  con- 
i' in  cellars  and  out-houses,  or  in  log  pens;  suffering  the  extremity  of  cold 
inter,  exposed  to  a burning  sun  in  summer;  pelted  with  sticks  and  stones,  as 
i musement,  by  unthinking  school-boys;  a scanty  meal  tossed  in  through  a 
o>w  aperture,  as  to  a wild  beast;  their  dens — for  that  is  the  only  appropriate 
i I can  apply  to  them — cleaned  out  of  the  accumulated  filth  at  distant  intervals. 

■ is  romance?  No!  indeed,  no!  it  is  sad  and  sober  truth.”  Truly,  a dark 
ol  obscured  the  future  of  the  insane. 

The  State  was  steadily  progressing  in  other  directions,  population  increasing, 
1C uth  it  the  number  of  insane.  As  a result  of  the  recommendations  of  Dr.  Smith 
'Cithers,  the  following  winter  the  Legislature  passed  an  act,  dated  April  30, 

" entitled  “ An  act  to  provide  for  the  erection  of  two  additional  lunatic  asy- 
“ ” Prof.  H.  A.  Ackley,  E.  B.  Fee,  D.  B.  Woods,  Charles  Cist,  and  Edwin 
u!  composed  the  Board  appointed  under  the  act.  An  appropriation  of  $140,- 
l(  yas  made  by  the  Legislature  for  the  purpose  of.  building  two  asylums,  and  the 
i:l  met  at  Cleveland,  May  18,  1852,  and  upon  the  following  day  agreed  to  visit 
H ent  Eastern  asylums,  and  take  with  them  an  architect  who  was  to  prepare 
a:  f°r  the  new  buildings.  The  Board  visited  Philadelphia,  Trenton  and  Har- 
dyg,  but  Mr.  Bush,  of  Dayton,  the  architect  employed,  failing  to  meet  the  Board 
iladelphia,  Samuel  Sloan,  of  the  latter  city,  was  engaged  to  draw  up  plans 


512 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


for  the  two  asylums.  Mr.  Bush  subsequently  made  drawings  of  the  asylums 
Trenton  and  Harrisburg.  On  the  7th  of  July  the  Board  met  at  Cincinnati,  and  c 
the  8th  at  Dayton,  and  resolved  not  to  locate  either  of  the  two  asylums  at  an 
point,  unless  50  acres  of  land  were  donated  for  the  purpose.  On  the  9th  a voi 
was  taken  to  locate  the  northern  asylum  at  Canton,  which  was  defeated,  the  Boai 
deciding  to  locate  it  in  the  vicinity  of  Cleveland.  An  effort  was  made  to  secui 
the  location  of  the  southern  at  Cincinnati,  which  failed,  and  on  the  10th  of  J'u 
Dayton  was  selected  as  the  site.  On  the  1st  of  September  the  selection  of  tl 
ground  was  made,  the  same  being  in  the  northeast  corner  of  Section  32,  Van  Bure 
Township,  and  September  6th  the  County  Commissioners  appropriated  $500  ti 
ward  paying  for  the  land,  the  balance  of  the  purchase  money  being  donated  by  ti 
citizens. 

The  site  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  in  Ohio,  and  seems  to  have  bet 
specially  designed  by  nature  for  such  an  institution.  It  overlooks  the  city 
Dayton,  and  the  Miami  Valley  spreads  out  in  a magnificent  panoramic  view,  d 
lighting  the  eye  and  filling  the  heart  of  the  beholder  with  awe  and  reverence..  Ti 
original  contract  for  building  the  Dayton  Asylum  was  let  to  Daniel  Richmond 
Co.,  for  $67,350.50,  beside  the  money  expended  in  payment  of  architects,  superi 
tendent,  traveling  expenses,  etc.  June  22,  1854,  Joseph  Clements,  M.  1).,  w: 
appointed  by  the  Board  Superintendent  of  the  Dayton  Asylum,  and  the  sail 
year  Dr.  C.  M.  Godfrey,  of  Ottawa,  was  appointed  a member  of  the  Board,  and  h 
since  served  many  terms  in  that  capacity.  In  his  first  report  the  Superintendejj 
says:  “ Very  little  has  been  done  towards  grading  the  grounds;  no  library,  eig 
iron  bedsteads,  no  smoke-house  or  ice-house.”  The  current  expenses  wei 
$4,900.52,  and  the  number  of  patients  59.  In  April,  1856,  the  institution  was  i 
organized,  an  entire  new  Board  of  Trustees  appointed,  and  on  April  23rd,  Dr. 
J.  Mcllhenny  was  elected  Superintendent.  The  number  of  patients  133,  cum 
expenses  $13,233.14.  For  1857,  the  same  administration  continues,  except  Ij 
Richard  Gundry  is  appointed  assistant  instead  of  Dr.  Poague,  resigned. 
Strauch  and  J.  W.  Van  Cleve  furnished  plans  for  improving  the  grounds.  T 
number  of  patients  161,  current  expenses  $28,781.65.  For  1858,  the  report  skr 
161  patients,  and  the  current  expenses  $26,309.70.  October  2,  1858,  the  roofii 
of  the  southwest  wing  blew  off.  Some  improvements  were  made  in  out  buildinj 
and  grading  the  grounds.  In  1859,  a workshop,  two  stories  high,  36x22  feet,  wj 
erected  and  a lake  made;  156  patients  reported  and  $25,180.13  current  expenst 
In  1860,  there  were  157  patients  cared  for,  and  the  current  expenses  were  $2* 
142.75.  A severe  storm  this  year  blew  off  forty  squares  of  roofing.  The  groun 
were  much  improved  during  the  past  season,  trees  were  planted,  consileral 
grading  and  sodding  done,  and  the  roads  within  the  enclosure  were  nearly  all  coi 
pleted.  In  1861,  159  patients  were  reported  and  $32,630.59  current  expense; 
also  the  grading  was  reported  finished,  which  cost  altogether,  upon  the  front  of  t 
building  up  to  that  date,  nearly  $6,000.  April  15,  1862,  Dr.  Richard  Guru! 
was  appointed  Superintendent.  The  number  of  patients  at  the  end  of  the  yt 
was  161,  and  current  expenses  $24,043.13.  There  were  24  acres  of  landpurchas 
costing  $3,750.  In  1863,  the  current  expenses  were  $31,254.06,  and  the  mr 
her  of  patients  163.  In  1864,  current  expenses  $41,584.93,  and  162  patien 
In  1865,  patients  171,  current  expenses  $48,623.17.  In  1866  a kitchen  was  bui 
a rear  corridor  rebuilt,  and  $40,000  appropriated  for  building  new  wings. 

The  Board  contracted  with  James  W.  McLaughlin,  of  Cincinnati,  as  archite 
to  prepare  necessary  plans  and  specifications  for  the  proposed  addition  to  the  bub 
mg.  The  number  of  patients  reported  this  year  was  170,  and  $46,362.55  cum 
expenses.  In  1867,  work  upon  the  new  wings  was  rapidly  pushed  forward  a 
another  appropriation  made  of  $62,500.  Daily  average  of  patients  172,  cum 
expenses,  $45,452.88.  The  report  of  1868  shows  that  Dr.  Gundry  had  so  far  si 
ceeded  in  his  indefatigable  effoits  to  secure  the  new  wings,  that  the  Trust 
report  that  they  hope  to  occupy  the  new  wards  by  February,  1869.  The  total  < 


WAYNE  TP 


cA 


n 


WAYNE , TP. 


HISTORY  OP  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


617 


j » .. Jiture  upon  these  wings  up  to  date  of  the  report  was  $187,146.13,  and  the 
Tjistees  reported  the  financial  condition  of  the  institution  good.  A wind  storm 
b|\v  down  the  cow-shed,  upper  story  of  the  stable,  and  carriage  house;  also 
slously  damaged  the  gas-liouse.  The  sum  of  $6,000  was  appropriated  to  repair 
tljs  damage  and  the  Board  reported  that  five  times  in  twelve  years,  extensive  por- 
ti  is  of  the  roofing  have  been  carried  off  by  storms.  Number  of  patients,  174,  cur- 
fit  expenses,  $ 46,130.25.  In  the  year  1869  the  new  wards  were  occupied  by 
, icnts,  and  Drs.  W.  J.  Conklin 4and  H.  B.  Nunemalter  were  appointed  assistant 
wsicians,  Dr.  Bell  resigning.  The  total  expenses  of  the  new  wings,  up  to  this 
ti  e was  $ 290,000.  The  daily  average  ofpatients  was  255,  and  the  current  ex- 
pises  $61,471.99.  The  daily  average  of  patients  for  1870  was  481,  and  the  current 
elenses  $99,285.78.  In  1871  the  daily  average  of  patients  was  581,  and  the  cur- 
rcjit  expenses  $103,273.82.  This  year  a large  portion  of  the  roofing  was  again 
fin  off,  thus  causing  much  labor  and  expense.  Dr.  Rutter  was  appointed 
distant,  in  place  of  Dr.  Nunemaker,  resigned.  The  report  for  1872  shows  the 
dly  average  of  patients  to  have  been  609,  and  the  current  expenses  $98,310.58. 

In  this  year  the  Superintendent,  Dr.  Richard  Gun  dry,  was  selected  by  the  Leg- 
isture  to  complete,  furnish  and  open  the  Athens  Asylum,  where  he  remained  four 
vlrs,  and  was  then  selected  to  do  a like  work  at  the  Columbus  Asylum.  It 
w!  mainly  through  Dr.  Gundry’s  indefatigable  exertions,  that  the  Dayton  Asylum 
Wi  so  rapidly  brought  to  its  present  high  standard  among  the  institutions  of  the 
lion.  Without  casting  any  reflection  upon  those  worthy  Superintendents  who 
plceded  and  followed  him,  it  is  but  justice  to  say  that  none  did  so  much 
wards  building  up  this  institution,  and  making  it  one  of  the  foremost  Asylums 
irhe  land,  as  Dr.  Grundy.  All  honor  to  those  men  who  have  labored  so  assidu- 
ity and  faithfully  in  alleviating  the  sufferings  of  poor,  afflicted  humanity.  May 
fciir  names  never  be  forgotten,  but  be  inscribed  indelibly,  on  the  pages  of  history. 

Dr.  S.  I.  F.  Miller  succeeded  Dr.  Gundry  as  Superintendent  of  the  Dayton 
iylum,  and  Dr.  Conklin  resigned  his  place  as  assistant,  having  served  two  and 
03-half  years  in  that  capacity.  In  1873  the  daily  average  of  patients  was  569, 
al  the  current  expenses  $87,000.  Dr.  Miller  resigned  in  June,  1873,  and  Dr. 
her  was  acting  Superintendent  until  one  was  appointed.  Dr.  McLain  resigned 
b position  as  assistant,  and  Dr.  John  M.  Carr  was  appointed.  In  this  year 
s,aIl-pox  broke  out  in  the  Asylum  and  was  not  eradicated  until  the  large  brick 
bjise,  known  as  the  Dr.  William  Egry  property,  was  secured  for  a pest-house.  In 
174  the  number  of  patients  was  526,  and  the  current  expenses  $90,367.36.  This 
y?r  the  benevolent  institutions  of  the  State  were  re-organized.  Dr.  Clark  had  pre- 
'viisly  succeeded  Dr.  Miller  as  Superintendent  of  the  Dayton  Asylum,  and  after 
s'ving  about  two  years  resigned,  and  was  followed  by  Dr.  L.  R.  Landfear,  who 
vs  appointed  in  1875.  This  latter  year  the  daily  average  of  patients  was  578,  and 
0 'rent,  expenses  $86,213.29.  In  1876  the  institutions  were  again  re-organized, 
4 Dr.  Landfear,  who  had  previously  been  re-appointed,  was  allowed  to  remain. 
Je  daily  average  of  patients  was  596,  and  the  current  expenses  $91,173.85.  In 
R7  the  current  expenses  were  $88,000  and  the  daily  average  ofpatients  571.  In 
i/8  another  re-organization  took  place,  and  Dr.  D.  A.  Morse  was  elected  Superin - 
t .dent.  The  daily  average  of  patients  for  this  year  was  492,  .and  the  current 
eoenses  $87,255.01.  Dr.  P.  N.  Adams  was  appointed  an  assistant  this  year,  to 
t the  vacancy  caused  by  the  resignation  of  Dr.  C.  A.  Hoff.  In  1879  the  report 
ges  the  daily  average  of  patients  as  578,  and  the  current  expenses  $82,167.55. 
7e  report  for  1880  shows  that  in  May  of  that  year  Dr.  H.  A.  Tobey  was  elected 
bperintendent,  to  succeed  Dr.  Morse,  who  resigned.  Dr.  Tobey  took  charge  July 
->  °f  that  year;  Drs.  John  M.  Carr  and  P.  N.  Adams  were  continued  as  assist- 
Gs,  and  Dr.  George  B.  Evans  added  to  the  corps  of  assistants.  The  daily  average 
(J  patients  was  594,  and  the  current  expenses  $101,035.33,  yet  it  is  but  fair  to 
Y ^at  more  than  $10,000  of  this  amount  was  used  in  paying  debts  con- 


518 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


tracted  previous  to  this  year.  Dining  the  year  1881,  telephones  were  putin  t 
building,  new  gas  works  built,  costing  about  $10,000,  an  adequate  and  extend 
water  system  completed  at  a cost  of  $5,000;  a new  lake  made,  and  a deer-pi 
constructed,  where  formerly  stood  a liog-lot. 

Many  other  improvements  have  been  made  and  still  others  contemplated,  wli 
in  the  near  future  will  be  finished.  Among  the  latter  is  an  addition  on  the  rea; '] 
the  main  building,  which  will  give  eighteen  additional  rooms  for  employees,!] 
whom  there  are  ninety-seven,  and  six  rooms  to  the  administration  buildings',  bes 
giving  a chapel  back  of  amusement  hall  and  increasing  by  one-fourtli  the  sizt  I 
the  latter.  An  appropriation  of  $17,500  is  now  on  hand  to  pay  for  those  need 
improvements.  In  1881  six  fire  plugs  were  put  in  along  the  front  of  the  bnildi 
which,  with  the  seven  plugs  in  the  rear,  afford  first-class  protection  against  fire.  Jl 
one -inch  streams  of  water  can  be  thrown  over  any  part  of  the  building,  thus  di 
onstrating  the  perfection  of  the  water  system  recently  built.  The  daily  average  ni  - 
her  of  patients  during  1881  was591,  and  the  current  expenses  $98,530.67.  Forl8, 
$8.00(5  has  been  appropriated  for  boilers,  beside  the  $17,500  already  spoken 

The  Asylum  now  contains  190  acres  in  all,  though  the  land  is  somewhat  s<- 
tered.  The  building  is  800  feet  long  upon  the  front,  has  ten  female  and  nine  n: ; 
wards,  and  the  total  cost  of  lands  and  buildings  upon  them,  up  to  November  , 
1878,  was  $520,000,  and  no  doubt  ere  this  has  reached  $600,000,  as  many  necess , 
improvements  have  been  made  during  the  past  three  years.  The  grounds  s- 
rounding  the  Asylum  are  beautifully  laid  out,  and  on  the  front  and  east  sides  j 
inclosed  by  a substantial  iron  fence.  In  front  of  the  building  is  a circular  dri , 
enclosing  a smooth,  grassy  lawn,  dotted  with  ornamental  trees,  while  to  the  ri;  t 
and  left  handsome  drives  branch  off  from  the  central  one,  which  are  fringed  w ) 
beautiful  shade  trees,  thus  cutting  the  landscape  into  artistic  designs,  pleasing ) 
the  eye.  Flower  beds  here  and  there  break  the  monotony  of  the  green  sward  ni 
lend  themselves  to  beautify  the  scene.  In  the  rear  of  the  buildings  are  two  prt; 
lakes,  sodded  to  the  water’s  edge  and  enclosed  by  a substantial  gravel  drive,  i 
their  banks  grow  stately  trees,  while  artificial  cascades  and  miniature  islands  k 1 
to  art  an  appearance  of  nature.  These  lakes  are  principally  the  creation  of  ; 
present  genial  and  efficient  Superintendent,  who  has  always  done  everything  in  s 
power,  inside  and  outside  of  the  Asylum,  to  add  to  the  comfort  and  well-being 
those  unfortunates  over  whom  he  has  been  placed.  The  grounds  and  buiidii  i 
are  kept  scrupulously  neat  and  clean,  while  systematic  order  pervades  through1; 
the  whole  institution.  .The  following  are  the  names  of  the  present  Board : 
Trustees  and  resident  officers: 

Board  of  Trustees. — S.  A.  Baxter,  M.  D.,  President;  C.  M.  Godfrey,  M.  1 
J.  D.  Kemp,  M.  D. ; Joseph  Clegg;  John  M.  Milligan.  Superintendent  acting 
Secretary. 

Resident  Officers. — H.  A.  Tobey,  M.  D.,  Superintendent;  John  M.  Carr, 
D.,  P.  N.  Adams,  M.  D.,  and  George  B.  Evans,  M.  D.,  Assistant  Physicians;  Joj 
L.  Hughes,  Steward;  Mrs.  Minnie  C.  Tobey,  Matron. 

INFIRMARY. 

The  Montgomery  County  Infirmary  is  a plain,  substantial  brick  building,  si| 
ated  a few  miles  southwest  of  Dayton,  in  Jefferson  Township,  and  located  on 
farm  of  166  acres.  The  present  building  dates  back  to  1852,  and  is  the  first  si 
stantial  building  for  an  infirmary  that  was  ever  erected.  As  has  been  stated  in 
previous  chapter,  the  Poor  Farm  was  purchased  more  than  fifty  years  ago,  and  1 
always  been  the  same  in  extent.  We  find  from  the  records  that  in  the  June  s< 
sion  of  1826  the  County  Commissioners  nominated  and  appointed  the  followii 
named  persons  to  take  charge  of  and  manage  the  affairs  of  the  poor,  viz.:  Ain 
ham  Darst,  John  Folkerth,  John  C.  Negly,  Abraham  Troxell,  Henry  Oldfath 
Edmund  Munger  and  John  Elirstim.  They  were  ordered  to  meet  on  the  thi 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


519 


dirday  in  June  on  the  Poor  Farm.  These  men  met  as  directed  and  organized 
iMecting  Gen.  Edmund  Monger  President,  and  John  Folkerth  Secretary — 
a|es  B.  Oliver  was  given  charge  of  the  Poor  House  and  farm  until  the  follow- 
i March,  and  John  Folkerth  was  ordered  to  draw  up  rules  prescribing  the  duties 
ofjhe  President  and  Secretary  and  present  them  for  the  consideration  of  the 
icp  at  their  next  meeting.  William  Darst  and  William  Oldfather  were  appoint- 
djisiting  committee  to  meet  at  the  Poor  House  the  following  July.  This  first 
rifting  took  place  June  19,  1826.  After  this  date  the  Board  met  regularly  to  audit 
d;l  and  receive  the  report  of  the  examiners  on  the  condition  of  the  poor  and 
alngements  for  their  comfort.  The  constantly  increasing  population  of  the 
oity,  as  a matter  of  course,  increased  the  number  of  paupers  from  year  to  year, 
rl  the  first  building  was  found  inadequate  to  the  demands,  and  as  early  as  1831 
hidirectors,  with  the  consent  of  the  County  Commissioners,  ordered  the  Superin- 
e lent  to  erect  a building  of  hewn  logs  40x16  feet,  which  was  done.  Thus 
'■ridings  were  erected  from  time  to  time  for  the  growing  wants  of  the  poor,  hut 
to  mostly  of  a temporary  character  and  put  up  at  a comparatively  small  ex- 
pe[se,  until  1852,  when  the  County  Commissioners,  recognizing  the  growing 
nSssities,  concluded  to  have  erected  a substantial  building  of  brick.  At  their 
acting,  held  June  26,  1852,  the  Board  ordered  that  I).  Waymier  be  required  to 
instruct  the  drawings  and  make  specifications  for  material  and  workmanship 
eidred  for  said  building,  and  that  it  be  advertised  that  sealed  proposals  would  be 
eijived  for  construction  of  the  building  up  to  July  10.  This  time  was  afterwards 
haded  to  July  17,  when  the  Board  accepted  a proposition  from  Seyhold  & Bag- 
e,  they  contracting  to  construct  the  same,  according  to  the  specifications,  for 
i$J|40,  and  to  have  the  walls  erected  by  December  1,  following.  The  final  cost  of 
tilbuilding,  including  everything,  exceeded,  by  a considerable  sum,  the  amount 
need,  and,  it  is  stated  by  good  authority,  was  nearly  $ 12, 000. 

The  building,  as  erected  by  them,  is  substantially  the  infirmary  of  to-day, 
nigh  there  have  been  several  additions,  a house  for  the  insane  and  numerous 
mbuffiings  being  among  the  number. 

The  cost  of  keeping  the  poor  has  increased  in  proportion  to  the  increase  of 
'illation  and  wealth  of  the  county.  Thus  we  find  in  1835  that  the  expenses 

f 1,219.10;  in  1850,  $1,972.66;  in  1860,  $10,000,  and  tax  levied  in  1880 
minted  to  $22,847.13.  At  present  there  are  216  inmates,  of  which  number  68 
runsane.  The  present  Superintendent  is  Isaac  Haynes,  who  has  held  the  posi- 
icisoine  three  years,  and  who  keeps  the  institution  in  excellent  and  cleanly  con- 
i or. 

The  building  is  heated  by  steam  and  has  hot  and  cold  water  throughout. 

I inmates  have  a regular  physician  who  attends  to  their  wants  and  dispenses 
i>  icine  from  a drug  store  which  is  connected  with  the  building.  The  health  of 
i ntirmary  at  present  is  excellent,  and  speaks  well  for  the  care  that  is  taken  of 
a anmates.  The  only  thing  apparently  needed  at  the  present  time  is  some  ad- 
i1  nal  room  to  meet  the  increasing  demands.  It  is  believed  something  towards 
bjenlargement  of  the  infirmary  will  be  done  an  early  day. 

MONTGOMERY  COUNTY  CHILDREN’S  HOME. 

In  1844  the  following  ladies  petitioned  the  Legislature  to  pass  a bill  incorpo- 
i ig  the  “Dayton  Female  Association  for  the  benefit  of  orphans:”  Catherine 
Hips,  Sarah  Parrott,  Mary  D.  Este,  Margaret  Haines,  Sarah  M.  Fry,  Susan  M. 
c:s,  Catherine  Clark,  Jane  W.  Ells,  Sarah  King,  Julia  Barney,  Hannah  Richards, 
Jy  Brown,  Mrs.  R.  Green,  Mrs.  T.  Blair,  Mrs.  E.  A.  Shed,  Mary  Bartlett,  Mrs. 
1 ir  Wheelock  and  their  associates.  The  act  of  incorporation  was  passed  in  Feb- 
%,  1844,  and  empowered  the  association,  as  a body  corporate,  with  perpetual 
u ession,  to  provide  by  all  suitable  means  for  the  comfort,  maintenance  and  proper 
dpation  of  destitute  orphans  and  other  destitute  children.  The  society  was  au- 
drized  to  purchase,  receive,  hold  and  convey  such  personal  and  real  estate  and 


520 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


property  as  was  necessary  in  carrying  on  the  institution,  provided  tlie  same  did  i 
exceed  $20,000.  The  payment  of  $1  annually  was  the  membership  fee,  and  i 
payment  of  $5  at  one  time  constituted  a life  membership.  The  laws,  rules'  < 
regulations  governing  the  society  were  such  as  are  commonly  used  by  like  asso , 
tions. 

The  citizens  of  the  county  contributed  means  to  buy  the  land  and  erei 
small  brick  building  for  an  asylum,  on  Magnolia  street,  in  Dayton,  which  was  1 1 
for  an  orphans’  home  until  the  erection  of  the  new  home  across  the  Miami  Ri  ■ 
Dr.  Job  Haines  was  an  active  worker  in  the  establishment  of  the  first  childr 
home,  wdiich  was  carried  on  in  a small  way  until  about  1860,  when  new  life  sei 
to  have  been  infused  into  it  by  the  indefatigable  exertions  of  Mrs.  Richard  Ba  < 
who  came  to  Dayton  in  1858.  This  noble  woman,  imbued  with  a spirit  of  love  i 
charity  for  suffering  humanity,  began  at  once  to  infuse  into  the  association  j , 
energy  and  desire  for  doing  good  that  characterized  her  own  life.  She  soon  i . 
a leading  position  in  every  worthy  and  charitable  work,  became  President  of 
Dayton  Orphan  Association,  and  commenced  gathering  in  Christ’s  little  ones,  i 
relieving  suffering,  sorrow  and  distress,  which  holy  work  she  continued  until  : 
tober  22,  1870,  when  she  peacefully  passed  away  to  a blissful  immortality.  M 
other  noble  women  have  labored  zealously  in  the  cause  and  passed  their  year  i 
ministering  to  and  caring  for  those  little  ones,  of  whom  Christ  said:  “Suffer II 

children  to  come  unto  me,  for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven.” 

It  cannot  be  questioned  that  untold  good  was  done  by  this  old  association,  wl 
came  to  an  end  by  the  Commissioners  taking  the  institution  under  their  cart 
Legislature  passed  a law  March  20, 1866,  authorizing  the  establishment  of  ehildr 
homes,  and  under  that  act  the  County  Commissioners  resolved  to  take  charge  of 
children  in  the  Dayton  Orphan  Asylum  and  occupy  their  building  until  a more  c :i 
modious  home  could  be  erected.  On  February  28,  1867,  C.  Herchelrode,  Roil 
W.  Steele  and  Dr.  C.  McDermont  were  invited  to  take  the  supervision  of  the  irji 
tution  until  an  act  pending  in  the  Legislature  amending  the  former  one,  shouli  i 
decided.  The  managers  of  the  old  home  having  made  an  agreement  with  I: 
Sarah  Snodgrass  to  board  the  children  at  the  rate  of  $2.50  each  per  week,  i 
same  arrangement  was  continued  by  the  new  Board.  On  the  16th  of  April,  Iff 
the  Commissioners  under  the  act  passed  April  10,  1867,  appointed  the  same  gen: 
men  Trustees,  Robert  W.  Steele  for  three  years,  C.  Herchelrode  for  two  years 
Dr.  C.  McDermont  for  one  year.  Mr.  Steele  was  elected  President  and 
Herchelrode  Secretary  of  the  Board.  At  the  same  meeting  Miss  Rebecca  R.  Co. 
was  appointed  to  teach  a school  at  the  Home,  and  this  lady  served  con&uo 
in  that  capacity  until  June,  1881,  when  she  resigned  and  the  school  was  disc 
tinued,  the  children  now  attending  the  public  schools.  In  May,  1867,  Mrs.  Si  I 
grass  having  given  notice  of  her  intention  to  leave  the  institution  on  the  first  Iw  i 
day  in  June,  the  Trustees  resolved  to  employ  a matron  and  furnish  supplies.  1 
Laura  A.  Hersey  was  appointed  matron  at  a salary  of  $400  per  year.  On  tin 
of  June,  1867,  James  Anderson  was  appointed  Secretary  of  the  Board  at  a sa,j 
of  $100  per  annum,  and  Dr.  H.  K.  Steele  became  attending  physician.  April: 
1867,  five  acres  of  land  in  Harrison  Township  were  purchased  of  B.  F.  Kulmi 
$1,000  per  acre,  upon  which  to  erect  a children’s  home.  June  15,  1867,  thee 
tract  for  the  building  was  awarded  to  Daniel  Waymire  & Co.  for  $32,800,  anc., 
Rumbaugli  appointed  superintendent  of  the  building. 

In  July,  1867,  four  lots  adjoining  the  Home  grounds  were  purchased  of  J 
Paul,  for  $500,  and  the  Children’s  Home  was  finished  and  opened  this  year. 
April,  1868,  Jesse  Demint  succeeded  Dr.  C.  McDermont  as  a member  of  the  Boaii 
Trustees,  and  September  12,  1863,  the  matron  resigned  and  Mrs.  M.  A.  Broad!, 
was  appointed  to  fill  the  vacancy.  April  6,  1869,  the  Secretary  having  resigned,  P 
Marker  was  appointed  to  fill  the  position,  he  having  been  previously  elected  a ml. 
ber  of  the  Board  to  succeed  C.  Herchelrode.  June  7,  1869,  the  Commissioners! 


HISTOEY  OF  MONCtTOMEBY  COUNTY. 


521 


i ed  .Jos.  R.  Wagoner  a member  of  the  Board  in  place  of  Perry  Marker,  deceased, 
unexpired  term  he  was  to  fill.  William  R.  Tomlinson  was  appointed  at 
i. meeting  as  Secretary  and  bookkeeper  of  the  Board  at  a salary  of  $100  per  year, 
. ras  annually  re-elected  until  he  resigned  June  3,  1876.  June  12,  1869,  Mrs. 
.n  E.  Snodgrass  was  appointed  matron  instead  of  Mrs.  M.  A.  Broadbent, 
sired,  and  at  a special  session  June  12,  1869,  she  was  re-appointed.  On  the  7th 
inuary,  1870,  Dr.  J.  C.  Reeve  was  appointed  attending  physician  to  the  Home. 
i|i  7,  1870,  Marcus  Eells  was  appointed  a member  of  the  Board  in  place  of 
> rt  W.  Steele,  whose  term  expired.  April  2,  1870,  Mrs.  Lavine  Baker  was 
phted  matron  instead  of  Mrs.  Snodgrass,  resigned.  February  6, 1871,  Dr.  Reeve 
Ye-appointed  physicianof  the  Home,  and  in  March  of  that  year  Jesse  Demint 
ve-appointed  as  a member  of  the  Board.  June  5,  1871,  Mrs.  Anna  Grady 
jipointed  matron  in  place  of  Mrs.  Baker,  resigned.  February,  5,  1872,  Dr. 
! e;  was  re-appointed  physician  of  the  Home,  and  March  4,  1872,  -J.  B.  Wagoner 
Ye-appointed  as  his  own  successor  on  the  Board;  also  Mrs.  Grady  as  matron 
i Home.  At  the  meeting  March  3,  1873,  Mrs.  Grady  was  again  re-appointed. 

, eeve  was  re-appointed  in  1873  as  attending  physician.  In  February,  1874, 
b W.  Turner  was  appointed  a member  of  the  Board  vice  Joseph  R.  Wagoner, 
scsed.  March  2,  1874,  .Jesse  Demint  was  re-appointed  as  his  own  successor, 
A Grady  as  matron  and  Dr.  Reeve  as  attending  physician. 

n September,  1874,  a contract  was  let  for  a new  slate  roof  to  the  building  at  a 
st  f $510,  Wm.  H.  Scott,  of  Dayton,  doing  the  work.  During  the  same  year  an 
i]  mce  was  built  in  front  of  the  Home  by  Herhold  & Hunter,  at  a cost  of  $2  per  foot, 
e.  measure.  March  1,  1875,  Mrs.  Grady  was  re-appointed  matron,  and  March 
l the  Commissioners  re-appointed  John  W.  Turner  on  the  Board  of  Trustees. 
i.iy,  1875,  the  building  was  re-furnished  with  lightning  rods  and  the  old  ones 
t in  part  pay  for  the  same,  Henry  Webber  doing  the  job.  March  6,  1876,  the 
a.  re-appointed  Dr.  Reeve  as  physician  and  Mrs.  Grady  as  matron  of  the  Home. 
Arch,  1876,  the  Commissioners  appointed  Robt.  W.  Steele  as  a member  of  the 
a of  Trustees  vice  Marcus  Eells,  whose  term  expired.  On  the  5th  of  June, 
7 Hiram  Lewis  was  appointed  Secretary  in  place  of  William  R.  Tomlinson, 
:!  ed.  On  March,  1877,  Oliver  Zell  was  appointed  a Trustee  of  the  Home,  suc- 
‘ dig  Jesse  Demint,  and,  on  March  31st,  the  Board  re-appointed  Mrs.  Grady  as 
t n of  the  Home,  also  appointing  Dr.  W.  J.  Conklin  as  attending  physician. 
Yrck,  1878,  John  W.  Turner  was  re-appointed  as  his  own  successor  and  Dr. 
i in  as  physician.  On  the  6th  of  May,  1878,  Mrs.  Mary  E.  Mants  was  appointed 
s ceed  Mrs.  Grady  as  matron  of  the  Home,  beginning  her  duties  on  May  13th. 

: ady  has  been  appointed  annually  up  to  the  present  and  has  been  one  of  the 
- efficient  matrons  the  Home  has  ever  had,  having  served  in  the  Dayton  Asylum, 
11  Home,  Iowa  Home  and  Michigan  State  Public  School,  previous  to  taking 
03  of  this  institution.  In  March,  1879,  .Jesse  Demint  was  appointed  a member 
d Board,  succeeding  Robert  W.  Steele.  March  22,  1879,  Dr.  J.  C.  Reeves 
•oded  Dr.  Conklin  as  attending  physicianof  the  Home.  In  April,  1880,  Thomas 
Igler  succeeded  Oliver  Zell  as  a member  of  the  Board  of  Trustees;  Dr.  Reeves 
s rappointed  attending  physician  and  C.  J.  Kuecht  Secretary  of  the  Board  to 
in  ■’  ;d  Hiram  Lewis,  who  had  served  four  years  as  Secretary.  In  March,  1881, 
Laubach  succeeded  John  W.  Turner  as  a member  of  the  Board  of  Trustees, 

I pril  16,  1881,  Dr.  Reeves  was  again  re-appointed  attending  physician.  In 
•ii,  1882,  .James  Turner  wras  appointed  a member  of  the  Board  vice  Jesse  Demint, 

II  ‘ time  had  expired,  and  March  20,  1882,  C.  J.  Kneclit  was  appointed  Super- 
i lent  and  Clerk.  An  inventory  of  the  personal  property  belonging  to  the 

: )!  , February  24,  1882,  values  it  at  $7,152  and  the  current  expenses  and  repairs 
e^past  year  were  $13,094.60.  Average  number  of  children  supported,  107, 
v‘z. f 5 boys  and  32  girls;  cost  per  capita,  $114.25. 

"ince  this  Home  was  built  there  have  been  968  children  cared  for  and  162  of 
;e  1Qiber  indentured.  There  are  now  123  in  the  Home,  83  boys  and  40  girls, 


522 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


and  75  of  the  whole  number  are  attending  school.  The  rules  of  the  Home  are  th 
when  a child  arrives  at  the  age  of  sixteen  it  can  no  longer  remain,  but  must  go  o' 
into  the  world  for  itself.  The  majority  have  been  returned  to  their  parents  i 
friends,  some  have  run  off,  while  eighty  have  died  since  the  Home  was  start* 
in  1867.  The  Home  has  yearly  received  a certain  fund  from  the  State  for  tl 
support  of  soldier’s  children.  This  fund  has  been  collected  by  Col.  M.  P.  Nola 
and  in  some  years  has  cut  down  the  expenses  of  the  Home  to  a very  small  margi 

The  Home  is  a large  tliree-storied  brick  building,  with  cupola  and  basemen 
and  contains  forty-two  rooms,  heated  by  steam  and  lighted  with  gasoline.  In  fro: 
is  a nice  lawn,  dotted  with  ornamental  and  shade  trees,  while  the  main  entran 
from  Summit  street  is  approached  by  a neat  walk,  giving  to  the  whole  a bom 
like  appearance.  In  the  rear  is  a brick  building  wherein  is  located  the  heath 
apparatus,  and  which  is  also  used  for  a laundry,  while  conveniently  situated  is  ti 
fuel  house,  a two-storied  brick  structure.  The  whole  rear  part  of  the  Home  groan 
is  used  for  gardening  purposes,  where  useful  lessons  of  industry  are  sought  to 
inculcated  into  the  hearts  of  the  children.  The  building  is  supplied  with  plenty 
light  and  ventilation,  and  throughout  is  convenient,  clean  and  comfortable,  approac 
ing  as  near  a home  as  is  possible  for  such  an  institution. 

No  doubt  many  of  those  little  ones  have  better  attendance  and  more  of  ti 
physical  comforts  of  life,  than  they  could  get  with  their  parents,  yet  the  strict  routi 
of  duty,  expected  and  enforced,  cannot  be  conducive  to  the  intelligent  dcvek 
ment  of  the  child,  and  has  a tendence  to  dwarf  many  of  its  finer  instincts.  T 
present  officers  are:  Thomas  A.  Legler,  H.  H.  Laubacli,  James  Turner,  Tit 

tees;  C.  J.  Knecht,  Superintendent  and  Clerk;  Mrs.  MaryE.  Mants,  Matron;  Gc 
Caswell,  Steward  and  Fireman. 

THE  WOMANS’  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION  FOR  THE  SUPPORT  OF  WIDOWS  AND  DESTITU 

WOMEN. 

As  is  generally  known,  it  was  mainly  through  the  efforts  of  Mrs.  Eicba 
Bates,  President  of  the  Orphans’  Home,  that  an  act  of  the  Legislature  was  pass 
to  transfer  the  property  of  the  old  Orphans’  Home  to  “an  association  for  the  sn 
port  of  destitute  widows  and  other  women.”  To  have  such  a home  in  Dayt 
was  the  cherished  pleasure  in  the  heart  of  this  noble  woman,  foremost  in  eve 
good  work.  On  the  6tlr  day  of  May,  1868,  Mrs.  Bates  wrote  her  last  letter  rei 
tive  to  this  transfer,  and  on  the  6th  day  of  May,  1871,  the  association,  with  Mi 
Jno.  H.  Winters  as  President,  took  the  last  legal  steps  towards  receiving  the  proper 
Thus  was  the  daughter  enlisted  in  consummating  the  mother’s  cherished  woil 
The  legislative  act  allowing  such  associations  to  be  incorporated  was  enact 
March  30,  1864,  but  the  Dayton  society  was  not  formally  organized  until  Nov.  i 
1870.  In  answer  to  a call  made  by  a few  Christian  women  of  Dayton,  a guoc 
number  of  ladies  met  in  the  parlor  of  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  hall,  thus  manifesting  suij 
cient  interest  to  justify  a regular  organization. 

The  following  officers  were  chosen  for  1870-71:  President,  Mrs.  J.  H.  Wi 

ters;  Vice-Presidents,  Mrs.  J.  B.  King,  Mrs.  W.  Herr,  Mrs.  H.  N.  Stephens,  G 
responding  Secretary,  Mrs.  J.  Harry  Thomas ; Recording  Secretary,  Miss  Magi 
Cox;  Treasurer,  Mrs.  PI.  D.  Carnell.  Fiscal  Trustees,  Mr.  John  H.  Winters,  3 
R.  W.  Steele,  Mr.  C.  H.  Crawford. 

In  order  to  extend  the  work,  the  association  became  an  incorporate  body 
adopting  the  name  of  “The  Womans’  Christian  Association,  of  Dayton,  Ohio,  :f 
the  Support  of  Widows  and  Destitute  Women.”  Thus  were  they  enabled  to 
ceive  the  property  and  endowment  fund  of  the  Dayton  Female  Orphan  Asyln 
which  transfer  was  ultimately  completed  in  the  latter  part  of  1872.  The  buildi 
was  out  of  repair  and  unsuitable  for  a dwelling,  but  much  was  done  in  needed  ill 
provements  towards  making  it  more  comfortable  and  liome-like.  The  home  w 
opened  for  the  reception  of  inmates  Feb.  8,  1875,  and  publicly  dedicated  on  t 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


523 

1 day  of  May.  Mrs.  A.  L.  Connelly  was  its  first  matron  and  was  succeeded 
Mrs.  Addie  Broadrup,  who  took  charge  in  September,  1875.  The  objects  of 

iiiiassociation  are  the  spiritual,  moral,  mental,  social  and  physical  welfare  of 
-ban.  Any  widow  of  good  moral  character  over  sixty  years  of  age,  belonging 
to  >ayton,  can  be  admitted  to  this  home  upon  the  payment  of  $ 100  to  the  en- 
ojnent  fund,  furnishing  her  own  room,  clothing  and  paying  funeral  expenses, 
u females  destitute  of  funds,  friends  and  home  will  also  be  admitted  temporarily. 
bv;y  inmate  is  required  to  pay  for  her  board,  either  in  money  or  work,  and 
no  who  have  employment  outside  of  the  home  may  enjoy  its  benefits  by  paying 

2 er  week.  Family  worship  is  observed  morning  and  evening,  all  inmates 
•el g required  to  conform  strictly  to  the  rules  of  the  institution,  while  the  order 
ui  decorum  of  a well-regulated  Christian  family  is  carefully  adhered  to.  It  is 

i o he  intention  in  the  management  of  this  home  to  sustain  suffering  humanity 
i ti  lleness,  but  to  arouse,  if  possible,  energy  and  ambition,  and  to  help  others  to 
e themselves. 

Besides  operating  this  home,  the  association  has  an  Industrial  School,  where 
iiid!  than  1,000  girls  have  been  taught  many  useful  branches  of  industry  and 
a ing,  thus  fitting  them  for  a moral  and  intelligent  sphere  in  life’s  battle.  This 
■bl,  now  numbering  over  200  little  girls,  meets  Saturday  afternoons  and  for 
le.iast  eight  years  has  done  untold  good.  The  association  have  a committee 
1 hi  regularly  visit  the  county  jail,  infirmary,  workhouse  and  city  prison;  an  em- 
ojnent  committee  untiring  in  their  efforts  to  find  work  for  willing  hands ; a devoted 
u.  of  women,  in  charge  of  the  fallen  and  tempted  ones;  a visiting  committee 
of  ilunteers  in  every  ward  who  stand  alw  iys  ready  to  answer  to  calls  of  distress 
iborrow,  whether  it  be  found  in  the  homes  of  the  rich  or  the  poor,  and  a com- 
: die  who  hold  regular  services  in  the  wards  of  the  Soldiers’  Home  Hospital, 
li  association  has  struggled  along  for  years,  nobly  doing  its  work,  yet  on  account 

ie  small  size  of  the  old  “Widows’  Home,”  which,  at  best,  could  shelter  but  seven 
peiijns  at  one  time;  much  was  left  undone  that  witli  better  accommodations 
i t have  been  accomplished.  The  entire  work  of  the  society  is  voluntary,  even 
jeuatron  working  without  remuneration.  The  institution  is-  supported  by  pri- 
ll donotions,  the  offerings  of  charitable  and  benevolent  people.  It  is  true  that 
'it, derive  means  from  the  endowment  fund  of  $5,000,  which  came  into  their 
jassion  when  the  transfer  was  made.  In  1881  $10,733  was  raised  by  subscrip- 
oifor  the  purpose  of  erecting  a new  and  more  commodious  Widows’  Home. 

] P.  Huffman  gave  two  acres  of  ground  for  a site,  and  the  work  of  erection 

■ mediately  began.  They  hope  to  have  the  home  ready  for  occupants  in  the  fall 

<82,  and  when  completed  it  will  cost  about  $20,000,  which,  with  trusting, 
hjstian  assurance,  they  feel  will  be  dedicated  free  of  debt. 

Officers  and  managers  for  1881-82:  President,  Mrs.  John  H.  Winters; 

h Presidents,  Mrs.  C.  E.  Corp,  Mrs.  Ann  L.  Martin,  Mrs.  W.  D.  Bickham; 

! 'responding  Secretary,  Mrs.  Geo.  Keister;  Recording  Secretary,  Mrs.  Geo.  W. 
°}en;  Treasurer,  Miss  Mary  Mitchell;  Copyist,  Mrs.  Walter  Smith;  Matron  of 
lelome,  Mrs.  Ellen  Siddell;  Fiscal  Trustees,  Mr.  John  H.  Winters,  Mr.  R.  W. 
ce,  Mr.  C.  H.  Crawford;  Managers,  Mrs.  Janies  R.  Young,  Mrs.  David  Geb- 
Mrs.  D.  E.  McSlierry,  Mrs.  L.  B.  Allen,  Mrs.  Abia  Zeller,  Mrs.  John  V. 
i<3,  Mrs.  M.  B.  Parmely,  Mrs.  J.  C.  Kiefaber,  Mrs.  A.  W.  Beall,  Mrs.  Mary 
- lamsey,  Miss  Jennie  Whitmore,  Mrs.  Leonard  Moore. 

ft 

THE  GERMAN  BAPTISTS  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 

Being  of  German  descent  and  Baptist  in  principle,  we  are  properly  termed 
e ran  Baptists.  But  we  are  known  also  as  “Tunkers”  or  “Dunkers.”  The 

■ rr-ipal  name  assumed  by  ourselves  is  simply  Brethren.  “One  is  your  Master, 
tV(l  Christ,  and  all  ye  are  brethren.”  Matt,  xxiii,  8. 

In  giving  the  following  brief  history  of  our  people  for  this  county,  I assume 


524 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


no  responsibilities.  I give  simply  a few  of  the  main  points  pertaining  to  or 
early  history,  or  re-organization  of  the  church  as  commenced  in  Germany  an 
completed  in  America,  as  I chance  at  present  to  have  them  at  hand. 

Our  early  history  can  perhaps*  be  more  accurately  given  than  can  our  succesi 
increase,  etc.  This  is  owing  to  the  fact  that  the  meek  and  humble  profession  < 
our  people  has  hitherto  forbid  them  saying  much  about  themselves  that  wou! 
betray  any  desire  whatever  for  boasting,  vain  glory  or  display.  But,  when  aske 
for  particulars,  as  we  have  been  by  the  publishers  of  this  work,  for  the  bett< 
acquaintance  of  ourselves  to  their  readers  and  the  community  generally,  we  lies, 
tate  not  to  give  them  a few  particulars  so  far  as  our  knowledge  enables  us  so  to  d< 

Away  beyond  the  great  waters,  in  about  the  year  1700,  at  the  time  when  the) 
existed  in  Germany  a state  of  religious  apostacy  which  seemed  to  some  as  a man 
fest  evidence  of  a great  decay  in  the  vital  principles  and  true  devotedness  to  tl 
Holy  ordinances  and  Divine  commandments  as  set  forth  in  the  Divine  Law  of  tl 
Lord,  there  were  those  there  whose  convictions  were  more  refined,  and  whose  cai 
dor  as  to  the  true  services  of  the  Lord  forbid  their  longer  union  or  adherent 
with  such  an  apostate  state  of  things ; and,  being  possessed,  or  largely  imbued, ; 
it  seems,  by  Divine  instinct,  with  the  Waldenses’  faith  and  principles,  they  haltc 
to  enquire  for  a pure  Christianity  that  they  might  re-establish  the  holy  servici 
of  the  Lord  in  their  primitive  purity  and  simplicity. 

That  there  remained  here  and  there  traces  of  the  ancient  and  much  persi 
cuted  Waldenses  is  reasonable  to  conclude  from  the  following  few  quotatioi 
which  I take  from  Brown’s  Encyclopedia  of  Religious  Knowledge,  pages  114' 
1148,  1149  and  1150. 

“The  Waldenses  themselves,  in  a conference  with  the  Bohemians,  declare 
that  they  had  been  dispersed  through  Lombardy,  Calabria,  Germany,  Bohemi 
and  other  regions  ever  since  the  year  1160.” — Venamas  Church  History , Moshek 
UTilner,  'Tones,  Tienedict. 

“It  is  now  generally  acknowledged  that  the  Waldenses  were  the  witnesses  fi 
the  truth  in  the  Dark  Ages,  and  that  they  gave  the  first  impulse  to  a reform  of  tl 
whole  Christian  Church,  so  called.” 

“Waldenses,  Valdenses,  Vandeis,  or  ‘people  of  the  valleys;’  the  most  cel 
brated  body  of  Protestant  dissenters  during  the  Middle  Ages.  The  history  of  thei 
ehurches  of  persecuted  saints,  these  meek  confessers,  this  noble  army  of  martyr 
this  most  ancient  stock  of  religion.  * * * The  evidence  is  now  ample,  tbi 

so  far  from  being  a new  sect  at  that  period  (1170)  .they  had  existed  under  varioi 
names  as  a distinct  class  of  dissenters  from  the  established  churches  of  Greece  au 
Rome  in  the  earliest  ages.” 

“The  Cathari,  or  Puritan  churches  of  the  Novatians,  also,  had  at  that  perk 
(about  A.  D.  825)  been  flourishing  as  a distinct  communion  for  more  than  seveni 
years  all  over  the  empire  (see  Novatians).  These  Puritans,  being  exposed 
severe  and  sanguinary  persecutions  for  dissent,  from  age  to  age,  were  compelled 
shelter  themselves  from  the  desolating  storm  in  retirement;  and  when  at  intern 
they  reappear  on  the  page  of  contemporary  history,  and  their  principles  are  pro] 
agated  with  new  boldness  and  success,  they  are  styled  a new  sect,  and  receive 
new  name,  though  in  reality  they  are  the  same  people.  * * * They  reappear 

the  Paulicians,  who  have  been  falsely  accused  of  Manichaeism,  but  who  from  tl 
middle  of  the  seventh  to  the  end  of  the  ninth  century  worthily  sustained  by  the 
preaching,  their  lives  and  their  maityrdoms,  their  claim  of  being  the  genun 
descendants  of  the  primitive  churches.”  (See  Paulicians.) 

“If  we  will  believe  the  testimony  of  the  suffering  Waldenses  themselve 
their  doctrine  and  discipline  had  been  preserved  in  all  its  purity  and  efficacy,  fro; 
the  days  of  the  primitive  martyrs  in  Spain,  France,  Germany,  Italy  and  especial) 
in  the  valleys  of  Piedmont.” 

I have  made  the  above  historical  quotations  to  show,  in  part,  that  in  the  vai 
ous  ages  there  has  existed  a people— though  in  different  parts  and  under  differe; 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


525 


j:3ies — in  whom  God  was  careful  to  preserve  the  true  worship.  He  has  always 
Hi  a people,  though  small  the  number  at  times,  who  would  not  and  could  not  be 
olrcome  by  their  enemies.  Though  oppressions  and  persecution  dispersed  them 
ail  drove  them  from  place  to  place  and  from  land  to  land,  smothering  the  true 
vrship  of  God  to  such  an  extent  that  it  was  with  great  difficulty  under  such  try- 
j]  times  that  it  would  rise  again.  Such  was  the  true  state  of  tilings  in  Germany 
e ly  in  the  seventeenth  century,  when  the  Lord,  in  the  hearts  of  a few,  again  re- 
•;  ed  His  work,  and  at  Swartzenau,  in  the  land  of  Witgenstein,  so  overruled  that 
r ? few  could  have  a present  place  of  refuge  in  that  poor  and  rugged  country 
util  His  holy  worship  could,  in  part,  again  be  reinstated. 

With  regard  to  the  persecutions  of  these  newly  enlightened  persons  and  their 
exceptions  and  views  of  the  true  faith,  I will  here  submit  a few  facts  from  the 
votings  of  Alexander  Mack,  who  was  one  among  the  number  whose  heart  was 
iiuenced  by  divine  impulse  to  re-establish  the  Lord’s  worship. 

“Here  and  there  private  meetings  were  established  beside  the  public  church 
olanization,  in  which  newly-awakened  souls  sought  their  edification.  Upon  this 
i.  hearts  of  the  rulers  were  embittered  by  an  envious  priesthood,  and  persecu- 
t:  is  were  commenced  in  various  places,  as  in  Switzerland,  Wurtemberg,  the 
liatinate,  Hesse  and  other  places. 

“To  those  persecuted  and  exiled  persons  the  Lord  pointed  out  a place  of 
riuge,  or  a little  “Pella,”  in  the  land  of  Witgenstein,  where  at  that  time  ruled  a 
njd  count,  and  where  some  pious  countess  dwelt.  Here  liberty  of  conscience  was 
anted  at  Slicwartzenau,  which  is  within  a few  miles  of  Berlenberg.  And  from 
tfe  cause,  though  Witgenstein  is  a poor  and  rough  country,  many  people  and 
tlse  of  various  kinds  collected  at  Schwartzenau,  and  this  place,  which  had  been 

b , little  esteemed,  became  so  much  changed,  that  in  a few  years  it  became  ex- 
fc<  sively  known. 

“Those  who  were  brought  together  there  from  the  persecutions,  though  they 
we  distinguished  by  different  opinions  and  also  differed  in  manners  and  customs, 
w:e  still,  at  first,  all  called  Pietists,  and  they  among  themselves  called  each  other 
hither.  But  very  soon  it  appeared  that  the  words  of  Christ,  Matt,  xviii,  where  he 
sijs,  ‘If  thy  brother  shall  trespass  against  thee,  go  and  tell  him  his  fault  between 
tie  and  him  alone,’  etc.,  could  not  be  reduced  to  a proper  Christian  practice  be- 
cise  there  was  no  regular  order  yet  established  in  the  church.  Therefore,  some 
Earned  again  to  the  religious  denominations  from  which  they  had  come  out, 
bjjause  they  would  not  be  subjected  to  a more  strict  Christian  discipline. 

“Under  these  circumstances  some  felt  themselves  drawn  powerfully  to  seek 
footsteps  of  the  primitive  Christians,  and  desired  earnestly  to  receive  in  faith 
t,  ordained  testimonies  of  .Jesus  Christ  according  to  their  true  value.  At  the 
sjpe  time  they  were  internally  and  strongly  impressed  with  the  necessity  of  the 
oidience  of  faith  to  a soul  that  desires  to  be  saved.  And  this  impression  also 
them  at  the  time  to  the  mystery  of  water  baptism,  which  appeared  unto  them 
a;a  door  into  the  Church,  which  was  what  they  so  earnestly  sought. 

“Finally,  in  the  year  1708,  eight  persons  consented  together  to  enter  into  a 

c. enant  of  a good  conscience  with  God,  to  take  all  the  commandments  of  Jesus 
U'ist  as  an  easy  yoke,  and  thus  to  follow  the  Lord  Jesus,  their  good  and  faithful 
s ipherd,  in  joy  and  sorrow,  as  his  true  sheep,  even  unto  a blessed  end. 

“These  eight  persons  (five  brethren  and  three  sisters)  covenanted  and  united 
t ‘ether  as  brethren  and  sisters  into  the  covenant  of  the  cross  of  Jesus  Christ  to 
km  a church  of  Christian  believers.  And  when  they  had  found  in  authentic 
1 tories  that  the  primitive  Christians  in  the  first  and  second  centuries,  uniformly, 
a|ording  to  the  command  of  Christ,  were  planted  into  the  death  of  Jesus  Christ 
l a threefold  immersion  into  the  water-bath  of  holy  baptism,  they  examined  dili- 
gitly  the  New  Testament,  and  finding  all  perfectly  harmonizing  therewith,  they 
' re  anxiously  desirous  to  use  the  means  appointed  and  practiced  by  Christ  him- 


526 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


self,  and  thus  according  to  liis  salutary  counsel,  go  forward  to  the  fulfillment  of 
all  righteousness. 

“After  this  the  said  eight  persons  were  more  and  more  powerfully  strengthened 
in  their  obedience  to  the  faith  they  had  adopted,  and  were  enabled  to  testify  pub- 
licly in  their  meetings  to  the  truth;  and  the  Lord  granted  them  his  special  grace 
so  that  still  more  became  obedient  to  the  faith,  and  thus,  within  seven  years  time, 
namely,  to  the  year  1715,  there  was  not  only  in  Scliwartzenau  a large  church,  but 
here  and  there  in  the  Palatinate  there  were  lovers  of  the  truth,  and  especially  was 
this  the  case  in  Marienborn,  where  a church  was  gathered;  for  the  church  in  the 
Palatinate  was  persecuted,  and  its  members  then  came  to  Marienborn.  And 
when  the  church  here  became  large  it  was  also  persecuted.  Then  those  that  were 
persecuted  collected  in  Creyfeld,  where  they  found  liberty  under  the  King  of 
Prussia. 

“Since  the  persecutions  in  the  form  of  poverty,  tribirlation  and  imprisonment, 
by  which  they  were  oppressed,  made  them  only  the  more  joyful,  they  were  tried  in 
another  manner  by  men  of  learning,  seeking  to  confound  them  with  sharp  dis- 
putations and  subtle  questions  of  which  the  forty  searching  questions  of  Eber- 
hard  Ludwig  Gruber  will  sufficiently  inform  the  reader.” 

About  this  time  the  church  at  Scliwartzenau  issued  a publication  containing  J 
the  questions  which  I have  above  referred  to,  with  their  answers  annexed,  contain  - 
ing  also  a discourse  between  a “father  and  son,”  in  which  is  set  forth  the  humble 
doctrine  of  primitive  Christianity.  The  publication  was  especially  designed  “for 
the  instruction  of  those  pure-minded  persons  who  are  seeking  after  truth.”  After 
the  removal  of  the  church  to  America  (of  which  I shall  next  speak),  and  some  of 
the  fathers  having  fallen  asleep,  it  was  thought  good,  for  the  benefit  of  those  who 
should  rise  up  to  conduct  the  affairs  of  the  church  in  their  stead,  that  this  same 
testimony  should  be  republished,  which  was  done  and  is  still  preserved  amongst 
us,  and  known  as  the  “Writings  of  Alexander  Mack,”  from  which  I have  made 
several  quotations. 

But  the  church  in  Germany  being  sorely  oppressed  by  the  hand  of  persecu- 
tion, in  the  year  1719  twenty  families  crossed  the  great  deep  and  landed  at  Phil- 
adelphia, seeking  an  asylum  in  the  bosom  of  this  new  country  and  blessed  land 
of  religious  liberty.  And  in  the  year  1729,  ten  years  later,  about  thirty-nine  per- 
secuted families  came  over  to  join  the  little  band  already  here. 

Among  this  last  number  was  Alexander  Mack,  who  was  the  first  minister  and 
teacher  chosen  by  the  church.  “He,  however,  did  not  live  long  to  enjoy  the 
quietude  of  a home  under  the  mild  government  of  Pennsylvania.  In  1735,  six 
years  after  he  came  to  America,  he  closed  his  labors  on  earth.  He  was  buried  in 
the  Brethren’s  public  burying  ground  in  Germantown,  and  the  following  in- 
scription in  the  German  language  marks  the  place:  “Here  rest  the  remains  of 

A.  M.,  born  1679,  and  died  1735,  aged  56  years.” 

The  brethren  first  settled  at  Germantown,  Philadelphia,  and  in  various  other 
surrounding  localities.  Among  some  of  the  earlier  noted  ones  in  the  minispy  were 
Alexander  Mack,  Sr.,  Peter  Becker,  Christopher  Saur,  Johan  Naas,  George  Adam 
Martin,  Abraham Duboy,  Michael  Pfauts,  Martin  Urner,  Sr.,  George  Klein,  Martin 
Urner,  Jr.,  Michael  Frantz,  Christian  Lanecker,  Peter  Eigenberger,  Jacob  Stull, 
Johannas  Zug,  Jacob  Beshore,  Peter  Keyser,  Jr.,  and  others.  This  Peter  Keyser 
was  much  noted  for  his  wonderful  knowledge  of  the  scriptures.  He  had  the 
entire  New  Testament  and  part  of  the  old  by  heart.  After  he  became  blind,  in 
his  more  advanced  years,  he  would  point  out  his  text  and  read  it  off  as  well  as 
when  he  had  his  vision. 

For  the  names  of  these  ancient  worthies  and  early  fathers  of  the  church  in 
America,  I am  somewhat  indebted  to  the  information  afforded  me  by  the  bio- 
graphical sketches  of  most  of  these  brethren  as  heretofore  written  out  and  pub- 
lished by  our  brother,  A.  H.  Cassell,  of  Harleysville,  Pa. 

Through  the  untiring  efforts  of  the  above  named  brethren  and  others  the 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


527 


pmberskip  increased  pretty  rapidly,  and  the  church  soon  spread  from  German- 
mi  and  Philadelphia  into  various  other  parts  of  the  State  and  into  New  Jersey, 
Maryland  and  Virginia.  From  thence,  by  the  arduous  labors  of  our  fathers,  the 
Irders  of  Zion  were  enlarged  more  and  more.  The  old  brethren,  on  horse-back, 
j ide  their  way  across  the  mountains  and  valleys  into  the  dense  forests  of  Ohio 
: d Indiana,  organizing  churches  and  establishing  the  faith. 

Union  and  harmony  seemed  to  prevail  in  the  churches  to  a great  extent,  and 
t'g  membership  increased  and  spread  still  farther  west — over  the  broad  prairies  of 
1 3 far  western  as  well  as  into  some  of  the  southern  States — and  at  the  present 
(te,  April,  1881,  we  have  churches  in  Kentucky,  Tennessee,  North  Carolina,  Uli- 
] is,  Michigan,  Iowa,  Wisconsin,  Minnesota,  Missouri,  Nebraska,  Kansas,  Colo- 
lo,  Oregon,  and  in  some  of  the  Territories,  Texas  and  California,  with  a ministry 
( fifteen  to  twenty  thousand,  and  a membership  of  from  seventy- five  to  one 
ndred  thousand. 

The  church  in  this  county  is  divided  into  six  districts  or  churches : The  Day- 
n Church,  Lower  Miami  Church,  Bear  Creek  Church,  Still  Water  Church,  near 
ryton,  Wolf  Creek  Church  and  the  Salem  Church.  These  six  churches  have  at 
lis  time  ten  meeting-houses  or  places  of  worship,  twenty-two  ministers  and  about 
i elve  hundred  members. 

I am  not  able  to  give  any  definite  date  when  these  several  churches  were 
( janized,  but  the  first  and  oldest  of  the  six  is  the  Lower  Miami  Church.  Elder 
■ cob  Miller,  who  was  born  in  Franklin  County,  Pa.,  in  1735,  was  the  first  brother 
ut  settled  here.  He  moved  to  Ohio  in  the  year  1800,  and  settled  about  four  miles 
fpthwest  of  Dayton  on  the  west  side  of  the  great  Miami  River,  where  he  lived 
aout  fifteen  years,  and  died  in  1815  at  the  advanced  age  of  four  score  years.  The 
(pnty,  at  this  time,  was  yet  a dense  forest  inhabited  by  the  Indians.  Through 
ip  kind  treatment  which  these  Indians  received  at  the  hands  of  Brother  Miller, 
fpy  very  much  respected  him,  calling  him  “the  good  man  whom  the  great  Spirit 
f it  from  the  east.  ” 

This  church  was  organized  between  1800  and  1808.  Brother  Miller  served  here 
; Elder  for  many  years;  then  Brethren  Benjamin  Bowman,  Abraham  Miller, 
lederick  Holler,  Michael  Moyer,  Daniel  Noff singer  and  now  George  Holler,  who 
Is  Jacob  Holler,  his  son,  and  James  A.  Ridonour  to  his  assistance  in  the  min- 
iry.  This  church  has  a neat  frame  house  about  six  miles  southwest  of  Dayton, 
(.  the  Germantown  Pike,  where  the  congregation  meets  for  worship  every  two 
neks. 

Daniel  Miller,  who  settled  on  Wolf  Creek  in  1804,  and  George  Shoup,  who 
-tied  on  Beaver  Creek  in  1805,  were  the  first  brethren,  and  their  wives  the  first 
ters  that  lived  in  the  vicinity  of  Dayton. 

The  members  of  the  Dayton  Chinch  meet  for  worship  on  the  corner  of 
ickson  and  Van  Buren  streets,  in  a brick  house,  built  for  that  purpose 
: lumber  of  years  ago  by  M.  Shoup,  D.  Kneisley  and  Bro.  Oughenbaugh,  Trustees, 
te  first  Elder  here  was  Daniel  Miller ; and  then  Eld.  Holler,  Michael  Moyer,  Moses 
‘ 0UP>  and  at  this  time  George  Holler  has  the  care  and  oversight  of  the  church 
Ire. 

The  Bear  Creek  Church  was  organized  perhaps  seventy-five  years  ago,  and  had 
i times  as  many  as  300  members.  They  meet  every  two  weeks  for  worship  in 
fair  large  brick  house,  on  the  Eaton  Pike,  six  miles  west  of  Dayton. 

The  oldest  Elder  in  this  church,  of  which  I have  any  knowledge,  was  Father 
uvman— -David  Bowman,  Sen.;  then  his  son  David — David  Bowman,  Jun.,  and 
In  David  Brumbaugh  and  Isaac  Bright,  with  J.  W.  Fitzgerald,  George  Miller 
1 ^ John  Bowman  as  their  assistants  in  the  ministry. 

The  Still  Water  Church  (near  Dayton)  was  organized  perhaps  pretty  soon  after 
u Bear  Creek  Church.  My  recollections  of  this  church  carry  me  back  to  some 
irty-five  or  forty  years  ago,  when  old  Joseph  Garber  had  the  charge  here.  After 


528 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


that  Father  Nead  (Peter  Nead)  served  as  the  Elder,  and  then  Abraham  Flory 
and  Phillip  Wampler,  and  at  this  time  Abraham  Flory  with  John  Smith  and 
Samuel  Kinsey  and  George  Garver  as  their  fellow  laborers  in  the  ministry.  This 

church  has  at  this  time  perhaps  250  members,  with  two  houses  for  worship a 

brick,  the  “Lower  House,”  on  the  Free  Pike,  four  miles  west  of  Dayton,  and  a large 
frame  house,  the  “Upper  House,”  on  the  Salem  Pike,  nine  miles  west  of  Dayton 
and  three  miles  east  of  Salem. 

The  Wolf  Creek  Church  has  perhaps  350  members  at  this  time,  and  has  also 
two  houses  for  regular  meetings — a frame  house  of  medium  size  near  the  Eaton 
Pike,  about  ten  or  twelve  miles  west  of  Dayton,  and  a large  brick  on  the  Wolf  Creek 
Pike,  near  Brookville.  Here  the  council  meetings  and  their  love  feasts  are  usually 
held.  Elder  Pfoutz  had  the  charge  of  this  church  years  ago,  then  Christian  Arnold, 
Abraham  Erbaugh,  Joel  Wogaman,  and  at  this  time  Samuel  Garber  is  the  Elder, 
with  Conrad  Brumbaugh  and  Jacob  Garber  to  assist,  and  John  Kimmel,  Simon 
Mixell  and  Henry  Garber  fellow  laborers. 

The  Salem  Church  has  perhaps  250  members,  who  meet  for  worship  every 
other  Sunday  or  oftener  in  their  large  frame  house  on  the  Pike,  two  miles  east  of 
Phillipsburg.  They  have  also  an  interest  in  a house  about  four  or  five  miles  north, 
at  Georgetown,  where  they  also  have  regular  meetings.  Forty  years  ago  this 
church  had  Elder  Jacob  Karn  for  their  Bishop  and  Elder.  Since  then  John  Stude- 
baker  , John  Bower  and  at  this  time  David  Murray,  with  Abraham  Detrick,  S. 
Shellaberger,  J.  Solenberger  and  Jesse  Kinsey  as  co-laborers  in  the  ministry.  * 

Now,  for  the  further  information  of  the  readers  of  this  work,  I wish  to  set  j 
forth,  briefly,  a few  of  the  outlines  of  our  faith  and  practice : 

We  believe  that  in  all  God’s  creation  man  was  the  chief  object;  that  God  created  |j 
him  for  his  own  glory,  and  that  He  will  reward  him  for  obedience  as  well  as  punish  I 
him  for  disobedience. 

We  believe  that  though  God  suffered  the  transgression,  in  Eden,  He  made  pro- 
vision by  which  the  sin  could  and  would  be  removed  in  due  time.  The  great  and  | 
wise  plan  of  salvation  will  only  be  fully  comprehended  by  those  who  will  take  spe- 
cial pains  to  study  the  character  of  God  and  to  acquaint  themselves  with  His  vast | 
purposes. 

We  believe  that  after  the  patriarchal  and  Mosaic  dispensations  had  served  | 
their  purposes,  and  the  “time  being  fulfilled,”  the  great  provision  for  the  salvation 
of  the  human  family  was  manifested  in  the  person  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Chkist,  whom 
God  had  foreseen  and  provided  for  this  special  purpose  before  the  creation. 

We  believe  that  Christ,  by  the  shedding  of  his  blood  on  Calvary,  canceled  the 
Adamic  son,  and  made  good  what  was  lost  in  Eden;  and  that  hence  man  is  account-  j 
able  to  God  for  Ids  own  sins  only;  and  further,  that  God,  through  Christ,  did  j 
deliver  to  us  His  plan  of  salvation,  which  is  based  upon  conditions. 

We  believe  that  Christ  organized  and  set  up  his  kingdom  in  the  hearts  of  all  j 
true  believers,  and  that  this  is  the  only  kingdom  or  organization  needed  by  man 
and  recognized  by  the  Father. 

We  believe  that  Repentance,  Faith  and  Baptism  are  essential  to  church  fellow- 
ship and  constitute  the  conditions  upon  which  the  remission  of  sins  and  the  gut 
of  the  Holy  Ghost  is  promised — agreeable  to  Mark,  i,  15-16:  and  Acts,  ii,  38. 

We  believe  that  applicants  for  membership  should  be  carefully  examined  to 
know  that  they  have  been  properly  moved,  that  their  motives  are  pure  and  that 
they  “bring  forth  fruits  meet  for  repentance.”  Hence  we  pay  them  a private  visit 
and  get  an  expression  from  them  as  regards  repentance  and  faith;  when  also  wej 
learn  their  willingness  to  comply  with  the  doctrine  of  nonconformity  to  the  vain 
fashions  of  the  world,  not  to  “swear”  before  a court  of  justice,  not  to  sue  at  law, 
and  not  to  go  to  war  to  kill  their  fellow-man.  A portion  of  the  18th  chapter  of  j 
Matthew  is  read  to  them  with  appropriate  instructions  and  questions  as  to  their  will- 
ingness to  so  conduct  themselves  towards  their  fellow  members  as  is  therein 
demanded  for  the  sake  of  reconciliation  and  peace  in  case  of  offenses.  And,  further, 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


529 


vliile  upon  tlieir  knees  in  the  water,  we  demand  of  them  a public  confession  of  the 
ilioi'd  Jesus  Christ,  a renunciation  of  sin  and  a covenant  of  obedience  to  God  in 
Christ  Jesus  unto  their  lives’  end.  Upon  this  good  and  faithful  confession  we 
baptize  them  by  a threefold  immersion,  agreeable  to  the  great  commission:  “In 

he  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.”  We  baptize  face 
orward  because  a backward  work  is  not  in  harmony  with  the  general  progress  of 
Christianity,  and  all  figurative  baptisms  do  teach  a forward  action.  Hands  are 
lid  on  the  head  of  the  one  so  baptized  and  a blessing  is  invoked  upon  the  newly - 
iorn  in  Christ,  who  now  rises  up  to  walk  in  newness  of  life — a full  member  of  the 
ndy  of  Christ. 

We  hold  baptism  as  the  rite  of  initiation  into  the  church  and  the  act  in  which 
jhe  pardon  of  sins  is  promised  as  taught  in  Mark:  “He  that  believe th  and  is 

baptized  shall  be  saved;”  and  Acts,  ii,  38.  Eepent  and  be  baptized  every  one  of 
on  for  the  remission  of  sins,  and  ye  shall  receive  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost.” 
md  according  to  the  instructions  given  to  Saul,  “And  now  why  tarriest  thou?  Arise 
nd  be  baptized,  washing  away  thy  sins,  calling  on  the  name  of  the  Lord.” 

At  our  Communion  seasons  we  wash  one  another’s  feet  according  to  the  lesson 
nd  pattern  taught  us  by  Christ  in  John,  13th  chapter. 

We  eat  the  Lord’s  Supper,  a common  and  full  meal,  expressive  of  the  term, 
nd  in  the  evening,  when  a supper  is  proper.  After  which  we  enjoy  the  Commun- 
ion— the  bread  and  wine — as  emblems  of  the  broken  body,  and  shed  blood  of  a 
ratified  redeemer. 

We  salute  one  another  with  an  “Holy  Kiss,”  according  to  the  teachings  of  Paul 
ad  Peter. 

We  anoint  the  sick  with  oil  “in  the  name  of  the  Lord,”  according  to  James 

, 14. 

Our  principles  of  nonconformity  to  the  worldly  fashions  in  dress  and  that  of 
joncombativeness,  we  gather  from  the  meek,  humble  and  self-denying  character 
if  Christ  and  his  apostles,  as  well  as  from  the  plain  teachings  of  the  Scriptures  and 
ae  general  spirit  of  the  Gospel  throughout. 

We  believe  in  the  spread  of  the  Gospel  by  a live  and  active  ministry  and  the 
plight  walk  and  conduct  of  all  the  members.  “Let  your  light  so  shine  that  others 
tay  see  your  good  works  and  glorify  your  father  which  is  in  heaven.” 

We  preach  the  gospel  “without  money  and  without  price.”  “Freely  ye  have 
'iceived,  freely  give.”  But  we  think  it  right  and  do  consider  it  our  duty  to  assist 
fie  poor  and  relieve  the  wants  of  the  needy,  whether  private  members  in  the  church 
it  those  who  labor  in  the  ministry. 

In  fine,  we  believe  in  a plain,  humble,  devoted  life  of  faith,  prayer  and  good 
ork  throughout,  bringing  into  subjection  both  soul  and  body  to  the  glory  and 
onor  of  God,  that  we  may  finally  obtain  an  inheritance  in  the  unsullied  crimes  of 
agelic  felicity. 

appe  n n i x . 

Since  writing  out  the  above  brief  history  of  the  church,  a separation  or  division, 
am  sony  to  say,  has  taken  place  amongst  our  people,  and  in  order  that  the 
aiders  of  this  work  may  have  an  idea  of  the  cause  of  this  division,  I will  resume 
iy  pen  and  explain. 

For  a number  of  years  after  the  planting  of  the  church  in  America,  she  enjoyed 
.inch  peace  and  quietness.  Her  harmony  was  not  generally  disturbed  more  than 
common  to  all  churches.  But  in  later  years,  as  the  membership  became  more 
umerous,  there  was  urged  upon  her,  through  the  district  meetings  to  the  annual 
meetings,  deviations,  new  measures  and  changes  from  the  old  and  former  usages 
^d  order;  and  as  these  were  asked  for  and  urged  again  and  again,  the  annual 
inference  began  to  give  way,  and  as  the  advocates  of  these  measures  became  more 
ymerous  and  stronger,  the  annual  conference  continued  to  yield  more  and  more. 


530 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


These  deviations  and  departures  from  the  old  “land  marks”  of  the  church  lai 
quite  a grievous  effect,  and  the  old  Brethren,  or  those  who  favored  the  old  order  am 
old  usages  of  the  church,  began  to  protest  against  the  things  which  seemed  t 
make  void  the  early  principles  of  the  church  and  to  mar  her  peace  and  make  troubl 
in  the  body.  Hereupon,  the  old  Brethren,  or  old  order  of  Brethren,  as  they  wer 
now  termed,  began  to  send  petitions  to  the  conference,  praying  that  body  that  thes 
objectionable  measures,  to  which  she  had  in  a measure  consented,  might  b 
removed  and  that  she  fall  back  to  her  former  decisions  and  former  usages.  But  a 
these  points  could  no  more  be  fully  reached,  the  advocates  thereof  being  in  th 
minority,  and  a strong  foothold  having  been  gained  hi  the  church  by  them,  thei 
various  efforts  seemed  to  be  rather  unfruitful,  they  called  a special  conference,  whic 
was  held  near  Arcanum,  Ohio,  on  the  ‘24th  day  of  August,  1881. 

To  this  meeting  were  invited  all  the  officers  of  the  church  who  were  favorabi 
disposed  to  the  old  order.  Here,  after  the  condition  of  things  in  the  church  wer 
set  forth,  a paper  was  produced  and  read  in  which  were  set  forth  the  causes  of  th 
existing  troubles,  with  resolutions  to  withdraw  from  the  fast  movements  and  devia 
tions,  sanctioned  by  the  annual  conference.  The  paper  was  passed  and  the  resui 
was  a division  in  the  church. 

The  separation  was  then  soon  made  in  all  the  churches  of  this  county  as  we. 
as  in  many  others  in  the  brotherhood.  A large  number  in  the  several  churches  o 
this  county  stand  with  the  old  Brethren  or  old  German  Baptist  Church,  but  th 
majority  go  with  the  annual  council  and  her  decisions. 

Those  who  still  hold  to  the  ridings  of  the  conference  have  so  far  claimed  th 
right  to  the  meeting  houses,  and  have  therefore  bolted  the  doors  against  the  ol 
order  worshipers  in  nearly  all  the  houses.  The  old  order  Brethren  have  therefor 
so  far  worshiped  in  private  houses,  barns  and  school-houses.  But  they  expect  t 
build  themselves  houses  for  worship  soon.  The  district  meetings  and  the  annul 
conference  will  be  held  by  the  old  order  worshipers  at  the  usual  time,  but  moi 
after  the  former  manner.  Very  truly,  Samuel  Kinski 

gypsies. 

The  settlement  of  gypsies  in  this  county  had  its  origin  in  the  year  1856,  whe: 
in  the  fall  of  that  year  came  the  “pioneer”  families,  chief  among  whom  wei 
Owen  Stanley  and  Harriet  Worden,  his  wife,  Levi  Stanley  and  his  wife,  Matild 
Joles,  with  their  families.  Others  accompanied  them,  most  of  whom  had  don] 
some  extended  travel  before  striking  this  camping-place,  which  was  for  a time  mjj 
far  from  Fairfield,  on  what  was  known  as  the  Jack  “Frick”  farm,  then  or  th 
“Davis”  farm  in  Montgomery  County.  The  Stanleys  soon  became  propert 
holders,  Owen  purchasing  the  “Black”  farm,  situated  about  eight  miles  north  c 
Dayton,  and  now  owned  by  Levi  Stanley.  In  the  course  of  years  the  families  c 
Stanleys  and  Jeffreys  have  accumulated  considerable  of  property,  located  princij 
pally  in  Harrison  Township,  with  some  in  Wayne,  Mad  Biver  and  Butler.  TLes 
families  with  their  numerous  descendants  comprise  the  Dayton  class  of  gypsies' 
however,  there  are  many  other  families  and  some  differing  in  nationality,  wli 
often  frequent,  in  their  wanderings,  this  vicinity,  but  are  not  considered  local.  C 
these  are  the  families  of  Wells,  Harrisons  and  Coopers,  the  former  being  quit)! 
numerous  and  are  a big,  hardy  class  of  people,  coming  from  a settlement  nea 
Detroit,  Michigan.  The  Harrison’s  are  from  the  vicinity  of  Washington  City 
There  is  also  a tribe  darker  in  complexion  than  any  yet  mentioned,  and  of  a roagl 
ugly  nature.  The  Dayton  settlement  is  made  up  of  an  English  class.  The  Star 
leys  were  quite  numerous  in  England,  and  there  boasted  as  being  a better  clasj 
of  the  traveling  tribes,  which  we  believe  to  be  true,  as  will  appear  in  the  progress  cj 
this  sketch. 

Owen  Stanley,  styled  by  the  Dayton  gypsies  “king,”  was  born  in  Beadiiu 
Bersliire,  England,  and  died  February  21,  1860,  in  the  sixty-seventh  year  of  hi 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


531 


,e.  His  wife,  the  queen,  departed  this  life  August  30,  1857,  aged  sixty-three 
'ars.  They  were  succeeded  to  the  throne  (permitting  us  to  call  it  such,)  by  their 
n Levi  and  his  wife,  Matilda,  (now  deceased).  This  kingdom  and  queenship  is 
it  a popular  notion;  there  is  no  investiture,  no  authority  or  state.  Listen  to  the 
ords  of  the  venerable  “Uncle  Levi,”  who  says,  “Why,  there  is  nothing  in  it  more 
an  a good  man,  a good  woman.  Our  people  trust  me  and  love  me  as  they  did 
y father  and  mother  before  me,  that  is  all.  They  do  pretty  much  as  I tell  them, 
td  we  all  work  together,  and  that  is  all  there  is  in  it.”  lung  Owen  and  Harriet 
fed  as  they  had  lived,  “roof-dwellers.”  When  Matilda  died,  although  in  the 
ithe  sunshine  of  Mississippi,  in  January,  1878,  in  the  camp,  she  was  the 
■ mer  of  farms  and  town  lots,  having  reached  the  point  of  independence.  Said 
;e  bereaved  husband,  “We  have  seven  children,  and  their-  children  are  learning 
ry  fast,  and  it  won’t  he  long  before  we’ll  go  no  more  a roaming.”  The  race  of 
fipsies  differ  as  do  other  classes  of  men,  in  their  religious  views ; some  are  Orthodox 
die  others  are  Catholic  in  their  opinion.  “I  once  saw,  “says  a writer  on  the  sub- 
j;st  of  gypsies,”  a woman  in  a gypsy  tent  reading  the  Bible  to  a circle  of  nine 
< ildren,  all  her  own,  and  though  on  coming  near,  her  blue  eyes  and  light  hair 
sowed  her  to  be  English  woman,  the  daughter,  as  I found,  of  a game-keeper  who 
1 d married  one  of  the  Boswell  gang,  yet  the  interest  which  she  assured  me  the 
hole  camp  took  in  it,  was  sufficient  evidence  that  it  is  only  for  want  of  being 
tight,  that  they  still  remain  in  ignorance  of  the  best  knowledge.  They  have  been 
s long  treated  with  contempt  and  severity,  that  they  naturally  look  on  all  men  as 
i j;ir  enemies.  For  my  part,  when  I see  a herd  of  them  coming  some  solitary 
y,  with  their  dark  Indian  faces,  their  scarlet  cloaked  women,  their  troops  of  little 
Various  savages,  their  horses  laden  with  tents,  beds,  etc.,  I cannot  help  looking 
i them  as  an  eastern  tribe,  as  fugitives  of  a most  ancient  family,  as  a living 
elgma  in  human  history — and  feeling,  with  all  their  Arab-like  propensities,  they 
lire  great  claims  on  our  sympathies  and  on  the  splendid  privileges  of  a Christian 

lid.” 

The  following  invocations  are  part  and  parcel  of  the  devotions  of  gypsies: 

" ur  father  who  dwellest  there  in  the  heaven,  may  Gentile  and  Gypsy  love  thy 
me.  Thy  kingdom  come.  May  they  do  thy  word  here  on  earth  as  it  is  done  there 
jijfche  heaven.  Give  us  to-day  our  daily  bread,  and  forgive  us  indebted  to  thee  as 
v forgive  them  indebted  to  us.  Suffer  not  that  we  fall  into  no  temptation,  take  us 
o,;  from  all  evil.  Thine  is  the  kingdom,  my  God,  thine  the  strong  hand,  thine  all 
gidness  in  all  time,  Aye,  Amen.” 

“Sweet  Goddess,  give  me  health,  Holy  Goddess,  give  me  luck  and  grace, 
werever  I go,  and  help  me,  Goddess  powerful  and  immaculate,  from  ugly  men, 
tit  I may  go  in  the  road  to  the  place  I purpose ; help  me  Goddess,  forsake  me  not, 
Gddess,  for  I pray  for  God’s  sake.” 

It  is  said  by  one,  to  whom,  in  conversation  -with  the  late  Matilda  and  family 
aund  their  camp-fire,  the  following  remarks  were  addressed : “Here  is  our  book 
obrayers.  Although  we  do  not  read  it  glibly  as  do  some  others,  we  know  it  when 
hear  it,  and  we  love  it  as  all  our  people  have  done.”  She  went  on  to  speak  of 
d churches  in  Bristol  by  the  sea,  giving  a fair  account  of  the  north  porch  of  St. 
tiy,  Radcliff,  and  the  Norman  gate-way  of  the  Abbey,  and  last  she  said,  “We  are 
i a -minding,  God-fearing,”  and  then  gravely  added  king  Levi,  “and  tax-paying,  too, 
n we  are  glad  to  pay  these  taxes  in  this  country,  where  we  enjoy  our  Jiving  and 
'i  e our  fair  chances  alike.”  There  spoke  out  the  true  Briton;  such,  then,  is  Stan- 
lejs  gratefulness  and  piety,  well'  calculated  to  enliven  those  to  the  name  horn. 
Tpe  different  families  of  Stanleys  and  Jeffreys  are  looked  upon  by  the  people  of 
Mhtgomery  County  as  a good  and  honest  class  of  people,  and  the  universal 
rcbonse  of  all  who  have  had  business  transactions  with  them,  is  that  they  were 
vy  honorable.  Their  word  is  considered  as  good  as  their  note,  and,  in  short,  they 
aijas  “old  wheat  in  the  mill.”  This  tribe,  while  the  possessors  of  considerable 

- 


532 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


property,  as  heretofore  described,  are  nevertheless  as  nomadic  in  their  habits  i 
the  race  at  large.  They  generally  rent  their  lands  and  property,  and  roam,  as 
were,  over  the  country,  the  men  following,  trading,  principally,  and  the  wom< 
fortune-telling;  however,  there  are  times  when  they  live  “under  roof,”  and  far 
their  lands  for  a period  of  years,  as  was  the  case  in  the  years  1877  and  1878,  whe 
for  two  years  they  had  kept  in  this  county,  contrary  to  their  ancient  custom 
migration.  This  was,  probably,  owing  first  to  the  illness  of  lady  Stanley  hersei 
and  then  the  ominous  signs  of  civil  war,  which  then  shook  not  only  the  minds 
these  simple-minded  keen  judges  of  the  weathers  and  waves  of  human  passion 
but  also  of  the  wisest  of  our  statesmen.  The  winters  are  spent  through  the  soul 
and  it  was  there,  as  aforesaid,  that  queen  Matilda  died  in  the  vicinity  of  Vicksbin 
aged  fifty  years.  She  was  enclosed  in  a superb  casket  and  brought  to  Woodlai 
Cemetery,  by  her  affectionate  husband,  as  well  as  her  son  Levi,  Jr.  The  gre 
Palm  Sunday  funeral  of  1877,  which  was  nine  miles  north  of  Dayton,  with  its  loi 
procession  through  the  rain,  was  even  more  impressive  than  usual.  Indeed,  sfco 
men  expressed  their  grief  over  the  death  of  Amelia  Stanley  Jeffrey,  and  Thom 
Jeffrey,  her  husband,  much  more  demonstrative  than  the  youth  or  the  women, 
it  had  not  been  unquestionably  earnest  it  would  have  appeared  even  ludicrou 
but  at  the  grave  in  Woodland,  all  expressions  were  evidently  overawed  by  reason 
the  oppressiveness  of  being  the  object  of  intense  scrutiny.  The  rather  bright  cole 
of  apparel  and  the  expressive  features  of  these  people,  standing  in  the  rain  witho 
umbrellas,  and  vacantly  wandering  around  the  grounds  under  restraint  m 
noticed.  When  Dr.  Berger  stood  at  the  head  of  the  wide  grave,  the  only  urnbre 
upraised  was  over  his  head.  The  good  queen  Matilda  was  a mother  of  her  peopj 
with  rare  nobility  of  nature.  This  title  of  queen,  as  far  as  it  embodies  the  io 
and  trust  of  countrymen  and  countrywomen,  is  beautifully  appropriate. 

The  gypsies’  burial  place  in  Woodland  is  believed  to  be  the  only  “Cam 
Santo”  of  gypsydom  in  the  United  States.  It  occupies  ground  near  the  cent j 
part  of  the  cemetery,  about  one  hundred  yards  south  of  the  lake.  The  follow! 
are  some  of  the  interments  made  there : 

“ REFIANCE  ” 

Wife  of  Richard  Harrison,  died  May  3,  1873,  aged  45  years. 

“ JOSHUA,” 

Their  son,  died  May  1,  1873,  aged  10  months.  A husband  and  six  children  left! 

mourn  their  loss. 

This  tomb  is  a graceful  one  of  marble.  It  fronts  to  the  west.  Above  the  ret 
(a  lamb)  is  “mother”,  and  below  “ babe.”  This  is  very  tastefully  adorned  w 
plants.  In  18G7  Frank  A.  Harrison  was  buried,  aged  11  months,  born  in  Url>a) 
Ohio.  Due  east  from  the  Harrison  lot  is  the  first  Scotch  granite  tombstc 
erected  to  a gypsy,  the  Jeffrey  monument,  to  Amelia  and  Thomas  Jeffrey,  w 
died  within  a few  days  of  each  other  in  March,  1877.  The  Owen- Stanley  lot,  soi 
of  Harrison,  contains  twelve  graves.  On  the  outer  line,  the  south,  are  these  tom 
stones:  “E.  Young,  died  .July  17, 1873,  aged  fifty  years;”  east  of  this  is  a tombstc 
bearing  on  its  summit  a lamb  in  full  relief,  for  two  sisters,  “Macy,  died  October, 
1871,  aged  fourteen  months;  Harriet,  died  December  25,  1865,  aged  sixty 
months,  children  of  Dangerfield  and  Riclianda  Stanley.”  Then  eight  graves  are 
the  north  side  of  this.  Coming  back  to  the  west  front  to  the  north  of  the  You) 
tombstone  stands  that  of  Priscilla  Stanley.  This  stone  bears  a hand,  painted  y 
ward  on  its  face,  “There  is  rest  in  Heaven.”  Priscilla,  wife  of  Owen  Stanley,  dl 
March  19,  1866,  aged  forty-nine  years,  five  months  and  five  days,  born  Woodbul, 
England.  This  stone  bears  many  verses.  Emanuel,  son  of  John  aud  Isabo 
Broadway,  born  January  20,  1852,  in  Somersetshire,  England,  died  June  20, 18, 
aged  seventeen  years  and  six  months;  buried  August  29,  1869.  Little  Charlo) 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


533 


Snley,  (a  lamb,)  died  December  13,  1864,  aged  two  years  and  two  months.  She 
w!;  bulled  in  1867;  born  in  Urbana;  grand-daughter  of  the  late  queen.  Passing 
nth  from  the  Owen  Stanley  lot — crossing  the  queen’s  place — we  come  to  the  very 
gleeful  marble,  erected  by  Paul  Stanley  to  his  young  wife.  It  bears  close  reseru- 
ijbce  to  that  of  Mrs.  Richard  Harrison ; a grave  lies  along  side  of  hers. 

“Mazella,  wife  of  Paul  Stanley,  died  April  9,  1871,  aged  twenty  years. 

“ Ye  that  mourn  a mother’s  loss. 

Ye  that  weep  a wife  no  more. 

Call  to  mind  the  Christian  cross, 

Which  a wife  and  mother  bore.” 

Probably  the  most  touching  instance  of  grief  which  ever  occurred  in  Woodland 
lietery,  was'that  of  the  husband  and  father,  Ephraim  Joles.  Within  fourteen 
jiths  he  buried  his  wife  and  all  his  children,  six  in.  all.  The  central  tomb, 
riding  near  which  is  a hickory  and  dog-wood  tree,  where  the  vault  will  be  opened 
lontain  the  queen  and  her  little  daughter,  and  a place  is  allotted  to  king  Levi, 
i for  Michael,  the  youngest  heir  of  the  house  of  Stanley.  It  is  seven  feet  long, 
i:  feet  wide,  three  and  one-lialf  feet  deep  in  the  clear.  Here,  resting  within  a case, 
hiqueen’s  casket  has  remained.  The  plate  bears  the  name  Mrs.  Matilda  Stanley, 
tgil  fifty  years,  with  the  date  of  her  death.  In  the  casket  was  placed  her  worn 
hie  with  her.  The  railed  enclosure  which  contains  the  graves  of  the  first  king 
i queen  lies  farther  west,  lower  down  the  hill.  The  tombstones  are  plain  slabs, 
:k  man’s  on  the  right,  the  woman’s  on  the  left,  and  appear  like  the  pages  of  a 
pledger.  That  of  the  queen  was  the  first  gypsy  grave  in  Dayton.  On  the  tomb- 
tees  the  following  quaint  verses  appear : 

“Our  father  has  gone  to  a mansion  of  rest 
From  a region  of  sorrow  and  pain 
To  the  glorious  land  of  the  blest, 

Where  he  will  never  suffer  again. 

"Whilst  in  this  tomb  our  father  lies. 

His  spirit  rests  above, 

In  realms  of  bliss  it  never  dies, 

But  knows  a Savior’s  love. 

“Sleep  on.  father,  the  work  is  done, 

The  mortal  pang  is  past, 

Jesus  has  come  and  borne  thee  home 
Beyond  the  stormy  blast. 

“Owen  Stanley  was  his  name, 

England  was  his  nation,  . 

Any  wood  was  his  dwelling  place, 

And  Christ  his  salvation.” 

"Alas!  I have  left  you,  my  spirit  has  fled, 

My  body  now  slumbers  along  with  the  dead, 

My  Savior  has  called  me,  to  him  I have  gone, 

Then  farewell  my  husband  and  children  all. 

From  you  a mother’s  Christ  doth  call, 

Mourn  not  for  me,  dear  wanderers,  ’tis  vain 
To  call  me  to  your  sight  again. 

“ Farewell,  dear  wife,  a short  farewell, 

We  at  your  loss  do  mourn. 

Oh,  may  we  meet  in  heaven  to  dwell, 

With  our  wandering  children  now  forlorn. 

“OUR  MOTHER. 

“Harriet  Stanley  was  her  name, 

England  was  her  nation; 

In  any  wood  her  dwelling  place, 

In  God  was  her  salvation. 

Q 


534 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


“ She  was  a tender  mother  here. 

And  in  her  life  the  Lord  did  fear; 

We  trust  our  loss  will  be  her  gain. 

And  that  with  Christ  she’s  gone  to  reign.” 

The  prosperity  of  these  people  is  interwoven  with  our  own.  They  are  a curio 
addition  to  American  citizenship.  In  the  prosperous  future,  old  ways  and  mann< 
will  fade  out  before  the  new ; hut  revered  will  the  simple  lives  and  kindly  infl 
ences  of  Matilda  and  Levi  Stanley  ever  be.  Happy  are  the  people  that  elea 
to  the  simple,  ancient  ways  of  industry  and  generous  aid  to  our  fellows  where\|| 
we  wander  on  God’s  footstool. 

" Kind  hearts  are  more  than  coronets 
And  simple  faith  than  Norman  blood.” 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


535 


■ 


C H A P T E E XXII. 

County  Officers. — Statistics. 

Clerks: — 1803 — 20,  Benjamin  VanCleve;  1821,  George  Newcom;  1822 — - 
3:  C.  B.  Greene;  1833 — 39,  Edward  W.  Davies ; 1840 — 46,  Edwin  Smith;  1847 
—3,  William  J.  McKinney;  1854,  George  W.  Brown  (pro  tern);  1855 — 57,  Adam 
viler ; 1858 — 63,  David  K.  Boyer;  1864 — 69,  Fred  C.  Fox;  1870 — 75,  John  F. 
ks ; 1876 — 81,  John  S.  Robertson;  1882,  Oren  Biitt  Brown. 

Recorders: — 1805 — 12,  David  Reid;  1813 — 30,  Warren  Hunger,  Sr.;  1831 — 
Wm.  L.  Helfenstein;  1835 — 37,  David  S.  Davis;  1838 — 40,  Wm.  Potter; 
■1 — 43,  William  Gunckel ; 1844 — 49,  J.  W.  Griswold;  1850 — 55,  Joseph  Hughs; 
?6 — 58,  Daniel  G.  Fitch;  1859 — 61,  David  Ecker;  1862 — 67,  George  Owen; 
©■ — 73,  Johnson  Snyder;  1874 — 79,  James  H.  Hall;  1880 — 82,  Thomas 
IMiskelly. 

Sheriffs: — 1803 — 07,  George  Newcom;  1808 — 11,  Jerome  Holt;  1812 — 
£ Samuel  Archer;  1814,  David  Squier;  1815 — 16,  John  King;  1817 — 20, 
uiel  Archer;  1821 — 24,  James  Henderson;  1825 — 28,  George  C.  Davis; 
D — 32,  Ebenezer  Stibbins;  1833 — 36,  James  Brown;  1837 — 38,  Jacob 
Das;  1839 — 42,  Benjamin  Hall;  1843 — 46,  Robert  Brown;  1847 — 50,  David 
Ik;  1851 — 54,  Ebenezer  Henderson;  1855 — 58,  Samuel  C.  Emly;  1859 — 60, 
op  Mills ; 1861 — 64,  George  Wogaman;  1865 — 68,  O.  G.  H.  Davidson;  1869 — 
-'Michael  J.  Swadener;  1873 — 76,  William  Patton;  1877 — 78,  Albert  Beebe; 
D — 80,  Andrew  C.  Nixon;  1881 — 82,  Charles  T.  Freeman. 

Treasurers: — 1803 — 04,  James  Patterson;  1805 — 06,  John  Folkerth:  1807 
— 7,  Chris.  Curtner;  1818 — 19,  William  George;  1820 — 33,  William 
•ciberger;  1834 — 37,  James  Slaght;  1838 — 39,  Peter  Baer;  1840 — 43, 
; laniel  Wilson ; 1844 — 48,  Joseph  Davison;  1849 — 52,  Smith  Davison;  1853 — 
5 David  Clark;  1856 — -59,  Jonathan  Kenney;  1860 — 61,  David  C.  Rench;  1862 
— |,  Jonathan  Kenney;  1865 — 66,  Daniel  Staley;  1867 — 70,  John  W.  Turner; 
— 74,  Daniel  H.  Dryden;  1875 — 78,  Henry  IT.  Daubach;  1879,  Jonathan 
tuey;  1880 — 82,  Stephen  J.  Allen. 

Auditors: — Prior  to  1821  the  Commissioner’s  Clerk  acted  as  auditor;  1821 — 
n Alexander  Grimes;  1827 — 30,  Joseph  H.  Conover;  1831 — 34,  David  C. 
’fer;  1835 — 36,  James  Douglass;  1837 — 38,  William  J.  McKinney;  1839 
*,  Isaac  Douglass;  1841 — -52,  John  Mills;  1853 — 54,  Jacob  Zimmer;  1855 
-1,.  Daniel  H.  Dryden;  1861 — 64,  Benjamin  M.  Ayres;  1865 — 68,  Jacob  M. 
'inch;  1869 — 73,  George  P.  Boyer;  1874 — 77,  Wiiliam  A.  Mays;  1878 — 82, 

1 i erick  Schutte. 

Surveyors: — 1832 — 34,  Joseph  Ewing;  1835 — 37,  Fielding  Loury;  1838 
- , William  G.  George;  1850 — 55,  John  Beaver;  1856 — 61,  Joseph  B.  Johns; 
— 67,  Jacob  S.  Binkerd;  1868 — 73,  Joseph  B.  Johns;  1874 — 79,  Frank 
4er;  1880—82,  John  Hiller.  i 

Coroners: — 1803 — 07,  James  Miller;  1808 — 09,  Henry  Curtner;  1810 — 

' David  Squier;  1812 — 13,  James  Wilson;  1814 — 17,  Aaron  Baker;  1818 
* > Dodson;  1832 — 34,  Phillip  Keller;  1835 — 36,  Jacob  Davis;  1837, 

o i McClure  Jr.;  1838,  David  Reid;  1839 — 40,  Adam  Houk;  1841 — 44,  Ebenezer 
qlerson;  1845,  Theodore  Barlow;  1846 — 51,  Ebenezer  Henderson;  1852 — 55, 
8a  ael  Richards ; 1856 — 57,  David  S.  Craig;  1858 — 59,  George  Nauerth;  1860 — 


536 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


61,  Alber  G.  Walden;  1862 — 63,  William  Egry;  1864 — 67,  William  H.  Rouze 
1868 — 69,  Epliraim  Snyder;  1870 — 72,  William  R.  Bennett;  1873 — 76,  Jac< 
Kuhns;  1877 — 78,  John  P.  Kline ; 1879 — 82,  James  1).  Dougherty. 

Commissioners: — 1804,  William  Brown,  Edmund  Hunger,  John  Devor;  lb( 
— 06,  Hunger,  Devor,  Samuel  Hawkins ; 1807 — 08  Hunger,  Devoe,  John  Eolkert] 
1809 — 10,  Folkerth,  Devor,  Daniel  Hoover;  1811,  Folkertli,  Hoover,  John  1 
Williams;  1812 — 13,  Folkerth,  Williams,  Abraham  Brower;  1814,  Eolkert 
Williams,  David  HcClure;  1815,  Folkerth,  Isaac  G.  Burnett,  John  Hiller;  1816 
19,  Folkerth,  Benj.  Haltbie,  Daniel  Yount;  1820 — 21,  Folkerth,  Haltbie,  Hen 
Brown;  1822,  Haltbie,  Brown,  John  H.  Wilhams;  1823,  Williams,  Haltbie,  Cirr 
Taylor;  1824,  Williams,  Taylor,  Hoses  Greer;  1825 — 28,  Greer,  Taylor,  Aar< 
Baker;  1829,  Baker,  Greer,  Jacob  B.  John;  1830,  John,  Baker,  James  Russe 
1831,  Russell,  John,  George  Olinger;  1832—34,  Olinger,  Russell,  Aaron  Bake 
1835,  Olinger,  Russell,  Alexander  Grimes;  1836,  Olinger,  Grimes,  Chris.  Etneric 
1837,  Emerick,  Grimes,  John  Furnas;  1838,  Furnas,  David  Lamme,  Chris.  Tavle 
1839,  Furnas,  Taylor,  James  A.  Riley;  1840,  Riley,  Taylor,  Emanuel  Gebhai 
1841,  Gebhart,  Riley,  William  Worley;  1842,  Gebhart,  Worley,  Chris.  Taylc 
1843 — 44,  Taylor,  Worley,  Davis  Waymire;  1845 — 46,  Waymire,  Worley,  Da\ 
Lamme;  1847 — 50,  Waymire,  Lamme,  John  C.  Negley;  1851,  Waymire,  Negle 
John  Yount;  1852,  Yount,  Negley,  Ezra  T.  Leggett;  1853,  Leggett,  Youi 
Frederick  Gehliart;  1854,  Gebhart,  Samuel  Harshall,  John  W.  Turner;  18; 
Turner,  Gebhart,  John  Yount;  1856,  Yount,  Turner,  Joseph  H.  Dryden;  18 
Yount,  Dryden,  James  Turner;  1858,  Turner,  Dryden,  Henry  Shidler;  18/ 
Shidler,  Turner,  Emanuel  Schultz;  1860,  Shidler,  Schultz,  Daniel  Kiser;  18( 
Kiser,  Schultz,  John  Wheeland;  1862,  Wlieeland,  Kiser,  John  Harshman;  18( 
Wheeland,  Harshman,  Alfred  lams;  1864,  lams,  Harshman,  James  Appel;;  a 
1865,  Appelgate,  lams,  Samuel  Rohrer;  1866 — 67,  Appelgate,  Rohrer,  George 
Grove;  1*868 — 69,  Applegate,  Grove,  Jesse  D.  Harry;  1870 — 71,  Grove,  Ear: 
Hadison  Hunday;  1872 — 73,  Hunday,  Harry,  Samuel  Hartindale;  1874.  Muudi 
Hartindale,  John  G.  Getter;  1875,  Hunday,  Getter,  Charles  Crook;  1876—' 
Getter,  Crook,  John  R.  Brownell;  1878,  Getter,  Brownell,  Isaac  J.  Bassett;  18', 
Getter,  Bassett,  George  W.  Purcell ; 1880 — 82,  Bassett,  Purcell,  Lewis 
Kimmel. 

Note.— A full  list  of  the  Prosecuting  Attorneys,  and  Probate  Judges  will  be  found  in  the  1 
tory  of  the  Bench  and  Bar. 

STATISTICAL. 

On  the  9tli  of  August,  1804,  the  commissioners  of  the  newly  organized  coui 
of  Hontgomery,  ordered  that  a tax  of  $ 450.48  be  raised  on  all  items  of  taxation 
Dayton,  Washington  and  German  Townships,  and  $48.82  (and  4 mills)  in  Eli 
beth  Township.  From  the  first  three  $150.80  was  appropriated  for  building  a j , 
The  net  amount  of  taxes  collected  in  the  county  for  the  year  ending  J une  3,  1800,  a 
as  follows;  Elizabeth  Township,  $97.26.7 ; Randolph  Township,  $37.03.6;  Day 
Township,  $241.07 ; Washington  To’nsliip, $132. 25. 8;  German  To’nship,  $187,181 
and  sundry  other  items,  making  a total  of  $1,248.15.1.  The  expenditures  for 
same  year  were  $1,127.03.9,  therefore  a small  balance  was  left  in  the  treasury.  1 
valuation  of  the  property  in  the  county  at  that  day  was  exceedingly  small  as  cfl 
pared  with  the  present  time,  and  for  the  sake  of  comparison,  the  following  figi : 
are  given  representing  the  valuation  of  real  property  for  taxation  in  the  county}1 
several  different  periods,  as  equalized  by  the  State  Boards  of  equalization  in  1 
respective  years : j| 

1846  1853  1859  1870  183° 

Total  value  of  lands  and  bidgs.  $6,782,134  $9,886,630  $12,424,183'  16,273,376  $15, 393.6: 

" “ cities,  villages,  towns  2,8  1 5,70  1 5,797,25  1 5,957,706  11,607,288  16,020  ■ 


“ of  all  real  property  $9,597,835  $15,683,881  $18  381,889  $27,880,664  $31,419 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


537 


The  valuation  of  all  property  exempt  from  taxation  in  the 
a follows,  including  the  city  of  Dayton : 

Value  of  lands. 


Colleges  and  academies $15,000 

Public  common  school  property 88,036 

Churches 150,388 

Public  charitable  institutions 150,542 

All  other  buildings 327,441 

Cemeteries,  public  parks,  etc. 101,494 


Aggregate  valuation,  $4,221,231,* 

*The  figures  of  the  State  Board  are  footed  at  $4,220,181. 


county  in  1880  was 


Value  of  buildings. 
$85,000 
362,215 
689,990 
1,953,975 
297,150 


The  following  table  shows  the  equalized  valuation  of  the  county  in  1880,  by 
t m ships : 


Townships. 

No.  of  acres. 

Av. value  per  acre 
including 
structures. 

Aggregate  value. 

B ler 

23,111 

49.30 

$1,139,376 

23,468 

46.49 

1,114,524 

man 

24.133 

47.55 

1,149,264 

E risen 

17,262 

74.82 

1.291,509 

kson 

23,114 

43.11 

996,352 

i erson 

19,474 

53.81 

1,047,979 

viison 

22,657 

54.14 

1,226,692 

> 1 River 

13,485 

79.75 

1,075,480 

' mi 

25,760 

58.03 

1,494,732 

P ry 

23,400 

44.54 

1,042,276 

Kldolph 

17,898 

53.79 

962,753 

i Buren 

16.017 

66.51 

1,065,321 

■ shington 

19.689 

54.35 

1,069.943 

V yne 

14.242 

50.38 

717,495 

Totals. 

283,710 

$54.26 

$15,393,696 

The  equalized  valuation  of  the  towns  and  city  of  Montgomery  County,  is  shown 
i the  following: 


Names  of  Towns  and  Villages. 

In  what  Township  Situated- 

As  equalized  by 
the  State  Boards. 

i sandersville 

$7,891 

Ality 

1,410 

Angton 

6,515 

hman 

2,401 

■ ivertown 

11,903 

Bdgeport 

Miami 

1.214 

B okville 

77.215 

C rollton 

55.794 

. derville 

20,437 

itnbersburg 

8,327 

I Ison 

Clav  ...  

3,035 

I mersville 

38,480 

1 -mantown 

215,675 

; vrisburg 

16.057 

nsville .... 

7,269 

1 erty  

10,387 

L :le  York ' 

6,546 

B gsborough  . 

Harrison 

4,979 

imiCity 

19,204 

• .misburg 

470,160 

•'  >v  Lebanon 

9,749 

- v Lebanon 

4,224 

■tb  Dayton 

6,310 

< cwood 

43,709 

1 Uipsburg 

18.097 

i mont 

11,689 

S em 

16,306 

' isbury 

8,467 

772 

J top 

5,178 

on 

17,985 

' idalia 

Butler  . . 

16,525 

' st  Baltimore 

Clay  

3,279 

' st  Miami  City 

Harrison 

27,440 

1 odburn  

2,685 

Totals  in  towns 

ff»  1 1 77  3U 

Add  for  farm  lands 

; City  of  Dayton 

$16,571,010 

Total  real  property  in  county 

$31,419,725 

538 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


The  amount  of  taxes  assessed  in  each  sub-division  of  Montgomery  County  ft 
1881,  with  vahie  of  property  taxed,  is  shown  in  the  following  table: 


Names  of  Town- 
ships, etc. 

Value  of 
lands. 

Value  of  real 
est.  in  cities, 
towns  and 
villages. 

Value  of  chattel 
property. 

Total  value. 

Total  taxes 
levied  in  18S1  fi 
all  purposes. 

Madison 

$1,219,150 

$1,420 

$515,630 

$1,736,200 

$27, 952. t 

Jefferson 

1,056,200 

11,570 

398,260 

1,466,090 

20,903 ! 

Jackson 

959,310 

56,710 

486,720 

1,502.740 

24.119.: 

Berry 

995,370 

15,480 

376,510 

1,387,360 

18,415.' 

Clay 

1.118,970 

111,220 

466,000 

1,696,280 

27,219, 

Randolph 

Wayne 

972,810 

720,240 

1,134,780 

50,610 

402,210 

264,230 

521.310 

1,425,630 

984,470 

1.687.560 

21,241,1 
11,518.! 
21,230  1 

Butler 

31,470 

German 

1.050,310 

212,850 

909,080 

2,172,240 

30,012  ( 

Washington 

1.110,960 

21,590 

461,130 

1,593,680 

18,597.1 

Miami 

1,502,940 

496.840 

1,096,820 

3,096.600 

47,637.1 

Harrison 

1,329,240 

56,790 

811,950 

2,197,980 

26,755.1 

Mad  River 

1,188,920 

13,840 

819,150 

2,021,910 

24.060 : 

Yan  Buren 

1,075.740 

56,880 

395,660 

1,528,260 

25,674,: 

City  of  Dayton... 

791,860 

14,304,900 

7,023,070 

22,119,830 

502,923.4 

Totals 

$16,226,860 

$15,442,150 

$14,947,820 

$46,616,830 

■€» 

00 

-1 

w 

d 

The  farm  products  of  the  county  in  1840  were  814,707  bushels  of  corn,  371 
481  of  oats,  365,938  of  wheat,  54,227  of  rye,  34,098  of  potatoes,  4,727  of  barle; 
3,359  of  buckwheat,  15,734  tons  of  hay,  57  tons  of  hemp  and  flax,  122,38 
pounds  of  sugar,  53,867  pounds  of  wool,  472,406  gallons  of  whisky  were  mam 
factured,  and  261,190  gallons  of  malt  liquors ; beer,  ale  and  whisky  all  sold  ft 
about  the  same  price,  15  cents  a gallon;  70,622  barrels  of  flour  were  manufai 
tured.  There  were  in  operation  in  the  county  34  flouring  mills,  11  grist  nulls,  5 
saw  mills  and  2 oil  mills. 

The  county  receipts  and  disbursements  for  the  year  ending  June  12,  184 
were  as  follows:  Cash  on  hand  and  receipts  from  all  sources,  $ 56, 010.59;  di, 

bursements,  $50,971. 56J;  cash  remaining  in  the  treasury,  $5,039.02|-. 

Tobacco  had  been  grown  by  the  farmers  in  small  quantities,  for  their  own  US' 
from  the  time  of  the  first  settlement  of  the  county,  but  little,  if  any,  had  bee 
raised  for  sale  until  in  1838.  Thomas  Pomeroy,  of  Miami  Township,  sold  a p 
crop  that  he  had  raised  on  rented  ground.  There  was  great  prejudice  against  ft 
cultivation  of  tobacco  from  a belief  that  it  injured  the  land.  A few  small  crop 
of  “Spanish  seed  leaf”*were  grown  in  Miami  and  Butler  Townships  in  1842,  an) 
sold  at  5 and  7 cents  a pound;  of  that  crop  a Dayton  merchant  in  the  spring  < 
1843,  packed  and  shipped  40  hlids.  About  1,000  hhds  of  the  crop  of  1842  wei 
shipped  from  Ohio. 

From  the  report  of  the  Secretary  of  State,  of  Ohio,  for  1880,  are  gaikere 
figures  showing  the  products  of  Montgomery  County  for  1879,  with  numeral 
other  items,  which  are  here  presented : 


Cultivated  land 

ACRES. 

. ..  159,204 

Pasture  land 

Wheat  raised,  1879 

ACRES. 

37,654 

BUSHELS. 

837,398 

Rye  " 

223 

3.324 

Buckwheat  “ 

56 

786 

Oats  “ 

13,476 

448,642 

Barley  “ 

3,322 

111,088 

Corn  “ 

47,893 

1,621,763 

Potatoes  “ 

1,643 

107,287 

Sweet  potatoes  “ 

153 

9,335 

Timothy  “ 

“ tons  hay,  11,138 

Clover  1879 

9.122 

16,087 

3,961 

“ tons  hay..  9,296 

“ seed  pl’d  under  4,632 

Flax,  3,711  acres,  24,130  bu.  seed,  805,319 

lb  s.  fiber. 

Tobacco,  7,010  acres,  7,670,766  lbs.  produced. 


Wood  land 

Uncultivated  waste 


acees 

42.U 

8,39 

235,51 


Sorghum,  147  acres, 
gals,  syrup. 

Maple  sugar,  1880,  2 
syrup. 

Bees,  1,395  hives,  15,398  lbs.  honey. 


186  lbs.  sugar,  14,0; 
lbs.  5,356  gal | 


761 


Butter  produced,  1879 
Cheese 

Wool  shorn  “ 

Acres  in  orchards 

Bushels  apples  raised 
peaches  “ 

“ pears 
Acres  in  vineyards 


POUNt 
, 690,0! 
5(1 
15,68 
4,41 
114,51 

J 

5.24' 


Grapes  gathered,  pounds 

~ " xrin P;  nrPififtAil 


Gallons  wine  pressed. 
Tons  castings  made. 


1,3; 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


539 


POUNDS. 


St  m engines..... 

it  m boilers  made 

if'ping  machines  made 

Tfishing  “ “ 

ae  of  cabinet  ware  made $ 

carriages,  buggies,  etc 

all  other  manufactures  of 

wood 

soaps,  candles  and  oils 

cut  meats,  beef  or  pork, 

packed 

Cigars  and  tobacco  manu- 
factured  


349 

316 

465 

54 

16,000 

100.500 

79,000 

274.500 

400,000 

26,500 


Value  of  all  manufactures  not 


otherwise  reported 399,500 

Number  horses  14,193  Value $808,251 

“ cattle,.  20,315  “ 310,848 

“ mules.  284  “ 24,060 

Number  sheep.  5,210  Value $16,198 

“ hogs..  32,941  “ 95,669 

“ dogs..  248  “ 6,147* 

Number  dwellings  erected  during 

year  ending  July  12,  1880 450 

Value  of  same $296,274 


*Estimated  by  owners. 


Population. — In  1810  the  total  population  of  Montgomery  County,  as  shown 
he  United  States  census  reports,  was  7,722  “free  white  persons.”  In  1820  the 
: Ration  had  a little  more  than  doubled,  the  census  of  that  year  showing  15,999, 
f hich  number  73  were  free  colored  persons.  In  1830  the  colored  inhabitants 
ibered  140;  total  population  24,252,*  distributed  as  follows: 


j£;on,  in  Dayton  Township 2,965 

't  on  Township  (balance  of) 3,778 

feaantown,  in  German  Township 498 

■t  aan  Township  (balance  of) 2,408 

liaisburg,  in  Miami  Township 382 

iiai  Township  (balance  of) 1,423 

e erville,  in  Washington  Township 326 

nington  Township  (balance  of) 1,845 


Jefferson  Township 1,737 

Wayne  “ 911 

Butler  “ 1,596 

Madison  “ 1,245 

Clay  “ 1,011 

Randolph  “ 1,455 

Perry  “ 1,301 

Jackson  “ 1,377 


In  the  next  table  is  exhibited  the  census  of  the  county,  by  sub-divisions,  for 
h.  years  1840,  1850,  1860  and  1870,  the  figures  being  taken  from  the  United 
\'tles  census  reports  for  those  years,  respectively: 


'ownships,  Villages  and  City  of  Dayton.  1 

1840. 

1850. 

1860. 

1870. 

1896 

1613 

2280 

2153 

134 

165 

111 

,ittle  York ...  

andalia 

228 

313 

1633 

1905 

2257 

2541 

67 



)aehman 

lodson 

47 

'hilipsburg 

187 

outh  Arlington 

124 

fest  Baltimore 

69 

><;on  City 

6067 

10997 

20081 

30473 

; ;on  Township 

4268 

ienan.... 

2728 

2789 

3104 

3197 

lermantown 

1440 

h-ison 

2059 

3274 

2116 

liami  City 

797 

a .son ... 

1688 

2012 

1813 

2i.70 

i'armersville 

312 

eirson 

1895 

1808 

1991 

3350 

1 ison 

1594 

1668 

1842 

2097 

.mitv 

29 

’ostTown 

37 

Yotwood 

42 

•1  River  

1464 

2000 

1867 

f ni 

3259 

1890 

4509 

4418 

dexandersville 

246 

180 

Jarrollton 

226 

350 

fiamisberg 

1095 

1425 

1881 

1774 

1906 

1883 

2046 

2076 

2029 

2077 

uiolpk 

'alem..  . 

312 

Inion 

212 

iBuren 

1343 

1722 

2600 

ibakerstown 

57 

54 

^uhington .... 

2210 

1825 

2060 

1758 

W'-ne 

1045 

1090 

1169 

1160 

— 

Total 

31398 

38218 

52230 

64006 

t 


Corrected 


returns  increased  this  number  to  24,362. 


540 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


The  following,  giving  the  census  of  the  county  for  1880,  is  taken  from  tb 
report  of  the  Secretary  of  State  of  Ohio  for  1881 : 


Butler  Township  (including  Chambersburg  and  V andalia  villages) 

Clay  Township  (including  Brookville  and  Philipsburg) 

Dayton  City,  eleven  wards 

German  Township  (including  Germantown) 

Harrison  Township 

Jackson  Township  (including  Farmersville  village) 

Jefferson  Township 

Madison  Town  ah  in oV,,; 

Mad  River  Township 

Miami  Township  (including  Miamisburg) 

Perry  Township  (including  New  Lebanon  Village) 

Randolph  Township 

Van  Buren  Township 

Washington  Township  (including  Centerville  village) 

Wayne  Township 

Total  population  of  county 78,550 


The  population  of  the  numerous  villages,  all  included  in  the  above,  was  s 
follows : 

Chambersburg,  1151  Vandalia,  315;  Brookville,  574;  Philipsbure,  215:  Ge:|j 
mantown,  1,618;  Farmers ville,  794;  Miamisburg,  1,936;  New  Lebanon,  201 
Centerville,  274. 

As  showing  the  present  financial  standing  of  the  county  of  Montgomery,  til 
following  tables  are  inserted,  kindly  furnished  by  Frederick  Schutte,  Esq.,  Audit* 


of  said  county. 

County  Commissioners’  Office,  j 

Montgomeiy  County,  Ohio,  September  6,  1880.  \ 

Bonded  Debt— 

Building  bonds $35,000.* 

Bridge  bonds 3,000.* 


Total 

Valuation  of  1879- 

Value  of  lands 

Value  of  lots 

Value  of  personal  property 

Total 

Taxes  Levied  Thebeon  fob  1879  : Receivable  inDecembeb  and  June— 

Sinking  fund 

General  revenue  fund 

Common  school  fund 

Total  State  tax 

County,  City,  Town,  Township  and  Dog  Tax— 

County ft. 

Poor 

Bridge 

Building 

Children's  Home 

Township 

Township  road 

School 

Special 

Corporation 

Dog  tax 

Total 

Total  for  all  purposes  for  1879 

Delinquent  tax  of  1878 

Grand  Total 

Total  collection  of  taxes  on  1879  duplicate  (at  December  collection, 1879,1 

including  delinquencies  and  additions 

Total  collection  of  taxes  on  1879  duplicate  (at  June  collection,  1880,)  1 in- 
cluding delinquencies  and  additions 

Total  collection 

Amount  of  taxes  received  from  duplicate 

Amount  received  from  State,  February  and  August 

Amount  received  on  warrants 

Amount  of  transfers 


38,0001 

,$17, 647,0001 
13,132,3001 
13,613,5701 

44,392,8701 


$22,1961 

62,1501 

44,3921 


123.739.3 


$57.7101 
22,196/ 
25,5041 
44  3921 
8,878..’ 
17,0821 
24,652/ 
179,9261 
27,3601 
205.2101 
6.359! 


619,2751. 

$748,014.! 

16.342! 

764,357/ 

$415,084.*! 

335, 475., | 

750,5591: 

$750,5591 

43,545.1: 

33,391!; 

46,954! 


Total 

Balance  in  Treasury,  September  1, 1879 

Total  amount  received  in  the  treasury  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  Septem- 
ber 6,  1880,  Including  balances  September  1,  1879,  and  transfers 


874,4521, 

84,7301; 

$959,1821 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


541 


The  balance  in  the  county  treasury, 
vpous  funds,  was  as  follows: 

Clmty $ 2,428.38 

p,r  11.350.12 

Blge 15.598.63 

Biding 28,092.65 

T ehers’  Institute 109.98 

Tynship  road 311.87 

Clporation 466,81 

Total 


September  1,  1879,  to  the  credit  of  the 


Ditch 247.80 

Dog  tax 1,000.00 

Children’s  home 8,169.79 

Township 2,102.41 

School 14,610.66 

Free  pike 241.78 


84,730.88 


The  receipts  in  the  county  treasury  during  the  past  year  amount  to $874,452.05 


Total 959,182.93 

Total  receipts  in  the  county  treasury  for  the  year,  including  balances  of 

September  1, 1879,  and  transfers $959,182.93 

Disbursed  for  year  ending  September  6,  1880 922.305.32 


Balance  in  treasury  for  year  ending  September  6,  1880 36,877.61 

Distributed  to  the  funds  as  follows : 


O.nty 

P;.r 

Bige 

dding 

: cial  building. . 
Idren’s  home. 

poration 

S'Ool 

IDnship 


$ 2,156.29 
3.538.80 
1.94 
13,808.78 
6,628.22 
2,859.53 
110.82 
4,665.14 
1,199.68 


Township  road 

Free  pike 

Ditch 

Dog  tax 

Show  licenses 

State  of  Ohio 

Peddlers’  licenses 

Total 


69.44 

513.26 

242.01 

1,000.00 

36.00 

45.00 
2.70 


36,877.61 


County  Commissioners’  Office,  / 

Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  September  4,  1881.  \ 


B ided  Debt.  The  bonded  debt  of  the  county  is : 

Building  bonds,  (Court  House) $84,500  00 

Bridge  bonds 30,000.00 

Special  pike  bonds 66,000.00 


Total 180,500.00 

I jUATION  OF  THE  TAX  DUPLICATE  OF  1880  WAS  AS  FOLLOWS  : 

Value  of  lands $17,731,520.00 

Value  of  lots 13,503.760.00 

Value  of  personal  property 14,454,980.00 


Total 45,694,260.00 

Xe  taxes  Levied  Thereon  for  the  Year  1880,  Receivable  in  December  and 
June,  was  as  follows  : 

Sinking  fund 22,847.13 

General  revenue  fund 63,971.97 

Common  school  fund 45,694.26 


Total  State  tax 

jnty,  City,  Town,  Township  and  Dog  Tax  : 

Cuity i $ 54,833.11 

Of 22,847-13 

28,465.38 

L ding 45,694.26 

: Idren  s home 9,138.85 

unship 20,504.99 

Total 


Township  road 

School 

Special 

Corporation 

Dog  tax 


132,513.36 


24,758.95 
191,169.76 
19,630.52 
22  2.033.87 
5,662.00 


644,738.82 


Total  for  all  purposes  1880 $777,252.18 

Delinquent  taxes  of  1879 14,283.62 


Grand  total 791,535.80 

Total  collection  of  taxes  on  1880  duplicate  (at  December  collection,  1880,) 

including  delinquencies  and  additions $419,746.23 

lotal  collection  of  taxes  on  1880  duplicate  (at  June  collection,  1881,)  in- 
cluding delinquencies  and  additions 364,262.76 


Total  collection 784,008.99 

Amount  of  taxes  received  from  duplicate $784,008.99 

Amount  received  from  State  February  and  August 42.098,42  , 

Amount  received  on  warrants 107,660,32 

Amount  of  transfers 80,654.66 


Total 1,014,422.39 

Balance  in  the  treasury  September  6, 1880 $36,877.61 

lotal  amount  received  in  the  treasury  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  Septem- 
ber 4, 1881,  including  balances  September  6,  1880,  and  transfers 1,051,300.00 


542 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


The  balance  in  the  County  Treasury  September  6,  1880,  to  the  credit  of  the 
various  funds  was  as  follows : 


County 

Poor 

Bridge 

Building 

Special  building. . 
Children’s  Home. 

Corporation 

School 

Township 


$2,156.29 

3,538.80 

1.94 

13,808.78 

6,628.22 

2,859.53 

110.82 

4,665.14 

1,199.68 


Township  road 

Free  Pike 

Ditch 

Dog  tax 

Show  licenses 

State  of  Ohio 

Peddlers’  Licenses 

Total 


The  receipts  in  the  County  Treasury  during  the  year,  including  transfers, 
amounts  to 


69.44 

513.26 

242.01 

1,000.00 

36.00 

45.00 
2.70 


....  36.877.61 
$1,014,422.39 


Total 1051,300.00 

Total  receipts  In  the  County  Treasury  for  the  year,  including  balanceslof 

September  6, 1880,  and  transfers $1,051,300.00 

Disbursed  for  the  year  ending  September  5. 1881 1,027,845.78 


Balance  in  the  treasury  for  the  year  ending  September  5, 1881 23,454.22 


Disbursed  to  the  funds  as  follows : 


County $ 4,256.36 

Poor 770.25 

Bridge 1,972.72 

Special  bridge 1,200.00 

Special  building 1,951.86 

Building 2,241.58 

Children’s  Home 1,216.13 


Total 

Ditch  fund  overpaid 


Corporation 93.95 

School 7,661.75 

Township 792.48 

Township  road 118.73 

Free  turnpike 178.90 

Dog  tax 1,000.00 


23,454.71 

49 


Total  balance  in  the  treasury 23,454.22 

The  receipts  and  disbursements  of  the  city  of  Dayton  for  the  fiscal  year  end- 
ing March  1,  1882,  are  here  shown: 


Title  of  fund. 

Receipts. 

Disbursements. 

Balance  on  hand. 

Bridge. 

$ 25,305.53 
29,523.90 
2.434.00 
39,732.11 
115,132.37 
44,401.71 

$ 17,687.30 

$ 7,618.23 

City  building 

22,448.39 

7,075.51 

2,402.27 

34,400.80 

111,947.88 

24,923.63 

31.73' 

5.331.31 

General  expense 

3,184.19 

Gas.. 

19,478.08 

Interest 

109,448.74 

5,255.07 

4,638.75 

1,072.85 

1,132.50 

23,843.95 

23,814.71 

70,970.33 

38,478.41 

Infirmary 

4,490.41 

764,66 

844.21 

3,794.54 

670.63 

402.22 

Renumbering 

843.03 

289.47 

Street  improvement 

22,618.15 

1,225.80 

Street  cleaning 

23,238.61 

576.10 

9,579.02 

4,829.22 

19.081.05 

9.373.22 

1,797.01 

205.80, 

3, 032.21 

Sinking 

8,808.62 

10,279.43 

11,707.60 

12,254.50 

3,087.32 

47,833.83 

11,558.33 

144  27 

Special  assessment 

2,280.04 

9.972.46! 

2,569.82 

517.50 

43,667.85 

4,165.98 

Total 

534,108.73 

417,540.53 

116,563.20 

Bonded  indebtedness,  March  1, 1882 $1,139,500.01 

Floating  indebtedness,  March  1, 1882 17,359.81 


PART  SECOND. 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


CITY  OF  DAYTON.* 


CHAPTER  I. 

ELECTING  THE  SITE— PURCHASE  OF  1789— THE  PROPRIETORS  1795 — THE  PLAT — 
Arrival  of  First  Settlers — Dayton  Pioneers — Three  First  Cabins— 
Topographical— Discouragements— Improvements— The  Hamlet— Block- 
House  and  School— First  Dayton  Baby— Cabin  Meeting  House  and 
Burying-Ground— Flat  Boating  Trade— Skin  Currency— Indian  Trad- 
ing-Titles and  Change  of  Plat— The  Old  Tavern— Population  Re- 
duced. 

THE  DAYTON  SETTLEMENT. 

MTF,  skirmish  between  the  Kentuckians  and  Indians,  at  the  month  of  Mad 
- River,  November  9,  1782,  and  the  bivouac  of  the  Kentuckians  here  No- 
mber  20,  on  their  return  march,  was  the  first  opportunity  the  whites  had  to 
amine  this  portion  of  the  splendid  Miami  Valley;  and  at  that  time  their  at- 
ijntion  was  drawn  to  the  location,  as  a good  point  for  settlement. 

Some  of  this  same  party  camped  here  again  for  two  or  three  days  in  1786, 
their  return  from  a successful  expedition  against  the  Machacheek  towns. 

Maj.  Benjamin  Stites,  who  in  1788  was  the  first  to  explore  the  valley, 
immediately  after  his  return  to  the  Ohio  River,  began  negotiations  with  Judge 
immes  for  the  purchase  of  the  entire  seventh  range  of  townships,  from  one 
Jami  to  the  other.  The  deed  was  executed  June  11,  1789,  and  was  recorded 
son  afterward;  the  price  was  83  cents  an  acre,  but  as  has  already  been  stated, 
ie  enterprise  was  delayed,  and  finally  defeated,  by  the  long-continued  Indian 
urs. 

The  piuchase  of  the  seventh  and  eighth  ranges  of  townships,  between  Mad 
iver  and  the  Little  Miami,  by  Gov.  Artlnu’  St.  Clair,  Jonathan  Dayton, 
bn.  James  Wilkinson  and  Col.  Israel  Ludlow,  seemed  a fair  chance  foremi- 
; ants,  who  had  been  waiting  to  settle  in  the  Miami  Valley. 

November  4,  1795,  the  town  was  laid  out;  and  here  on  the  ground,  those 
jesent  for  themselves,  and  as  representatives  for  others,  who  proposed  to  join 
ie  colony— in  all  forty-six  people — drew  donation  lots,  and  the  surveyors  with 
t?  whole  party,  returned  to  Cincinnati  for  the  winter. 

Two  small  camps  of  Indians  were  here  when  the  settlers  arrived  in  the 
]togue  April  1,  1796. 

“As  daylight  broke, 

A strange  sound  waked  the  void — the  measured  stroke 
Of  splashing  oars — and  round  the  graceful  bend 
A boat  her  steady  course  was  seen  to  wend; 

Slowly  she  comes,  and  to  the  woody  beach 
She  nearer  draws,  until  at  last  they  reach 
The  destined  shore,  and  quick  the  anxious  group 
Spring  from  her  deck,  a strong  and  hardy  troop ! 

Then  through  the  wild  the  startled  echoes  leap 
As  first  the  ax  is  rained,  and  buried  deep 
In  the  gnarled  trunk  of  an  ancestral  oak ! 

The  sound  was  new,  ***** 

* * * the  ground  was  quickly  cleared 

And  sheltering  cabins  from  the  ruin  reared.” 

The  boat  was  landed  at  the  head  of  St.  Clair  street,  and  Mrs.  Catherine 
lompson  was  the  first  lady  to  step  ashore. 

^Chapters  I to  V,  inclusive,  on  “City  of  Dayton,”  are  written  by  Ashley  Brown. 


548 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


The  Indians  were  easily  made  friendly,  and  left  within  a day  or  two  with 
ont  trouble. 

The  men  at  once  arranged  temporary  shelter  for  the  two  families,  thei 
cleared  off  a small  space  for  the  cabins  and  began  getting  out  the  logs,  and 
when  the  overland  parties  arrived,  all  were  busy  at  the  work. 

DAYTON  PIONEERS. 

Samuel  Thompson,  his  wife  Catharine  and  their  two  children,  Sarah  anc 
Matthew;  Benjamin  and  William  Van  Cleve,  and  their  sister  Mary;  Georg; 
Newcom,  his  wife  Mary,  and  his  brother  William;  Widow  McClure,  her  tons 
James  and  John,  and  daughters,  Kate  and  Ann;  and  Abraham  Glassmire;  wen 
those  of  the  colony  who  on  April  1,  1796,  located  on  the  town  plat,  and  wen 
therefore  the  pioneer  settlers  of  Dayton.  William  Van  Cleve  moved  on  lit 
land  south  of  the  settlement,  within  two  or  three  years. 

Abraham  Grassmire  had  gone  away  before  1799. 

Three  cabins  then  were  the  beginning  of  the  settlement  on  the  Daytoi 
plat;  George  Newcom’ s at  the  southwest  corner  of  Main  and  Water  streets;  Sam  j 
uel  Thompson’s  on  Water  street,  half  way  between  Jefferson  and  St.  Clair;  am 
the  cabin  of  Widow  McClure  and  her  boys,  at  the  southwest  corner  of  Watt- 
and  Mill  streets.  The  Dayton  settlement  included  the  farming  lands  in  a cir 
cle  of  two  or  three  miles  around  the  mouth  of  Mad  River. 

TOPOGRAPHICAL. 

The  settlers  were  influenced  to  locate  on  the  river  bank,  at  Water  street  I! 
from  their  idea  that  the  most  desirable  property  would  be  near  the  landing 
from  whence  in  future  years  must  be  shipped  the  surplus  products  of  the  coup  I 

try- 

On  the  west  side  of  the  plat,  a prairie  extended  from  First  street  to  Fifth  j 
and  from  Perry  street  to  the  sycamores  along  the  river.  The  high  ground  oj 
this  prairie  was  fenced  by  the  pioneers  as  a common  farming  lot.  In  it  an 
of  them  was  entitled  to  till  as  much  of  the  soil  as  he  chose. 

Corn  and  some  vegetables  were  also  planted  in  a little  prairie  that  la;j 
between  this  larger  tract  and  the  cabins. 

The  boundaries  of  the  plat  were  as  follows:  Water  street  was  the  nortij 
line;  the  east  line  was  Mill  street,  south  to  Third,  thence  west  to  St.  Clair 
south  to  Fifth;  west  to  Jefferson;  south  to  South  street  (since  changed  innam 
to  Sixth);  west  to  Ludlow;  north  to  Fifth;  west  to  Wilkinson;  and  north  t|j 
Water  street.  The  streets  were  not  opened  for  several  years,  but  remained 
covered  with  forest  trees  and  a dense  undergrowth  of  vines  and  bushes,  excej 
Water  street,  which  was  cleared  to  the  water’s  edge,  and  a narrow  wagon  roa 
was  cut  out  the  entire  length  of  Main  street. 

A gully,  five  or  six  feet  deep,  extended  from  the  corner  of  Wilkinso 
and  First  streets,  crossing  Main  at  the  corner  of  Main  Cross  street  (Thir 
street),  and  ending  in  the  prairie,  near  the  corner  of  Fifth  and  Brown  streets 

There  were  also  small  prairies  north  of  First  street  and  west  of  Wilkii 
son ; some  of  them  of  half  an  acre,  but  most  smaller.  There  were  also  tb 
prairies  east  of  St.  Clair  street  and  south  of  First,  separated  from  each  othc 
by  small  strips  of  timber,  and  extending  down  to  the  present  Stout  street  cant 
bridge.  Between  these  prairies,  the  center  of  the  plat  was  a dense  mass  c 
hazel  bushes  and  plum  thickets,  hawthorn  trees  and  occasional  clumps  of  fores  j 
trees.  East  of  Mill  street  to  Webster,  and  between  First  and  Loury  streets,  thei 
was  a heavy  growth  of  hickory  timber,  with  here  and  there  oak  and  walnu 
From  Webster  street  east  to  the  hill,  there  were  jack  oaks,  plum  thickets  an 
thorn  trees.  A deep  ravine  ran  from  the  head  of  Mill  street  down  the  pre: 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


549 


r course  of  the  canal  to  the  river,  below  the  foot  of  Ludlow  street.  Another 
;Je  ravine  extended  from  the  river,  at  the  head  of  J efferson  street,  across  to 
0he  common  (now  the  public  square),  connecting  with  the  ravine  running 
,c  th. 

The  town  having  been  named  Dayton,  after  a Federalist,  the  four’  streets 
at  favorably  located  were  named  St.  Clair,  Jefferson,  Ludlow  and  Wilkin- 

3C. 

The  streets  to  run  east  and  west  were:  Water,  First,  Second,  Third, 

' jrth,  Fifth  and  South  streets  ; running  north  and  south  were  Mill,  St. 
ir,  Jefferson.  Main,  Ludlow  and  Wilkinson  streets. 

The  town  plat  was  laid  out  in  280  lots,  each  100  feet  wide  and  200  feet 
ip.  There  were  also  fifty-four  outlots  of  ten  acres  each,  east  of  where  the 
ill  basin  now  is.  There  were  reservations  for  markets,  schools,  churches 
i burial-grounds. 

The  little  garden  and  corn-patches  had  yielded  plenty  in  the  way  of  sup- 
ple. 

Two  or  three  settlers  joined  the  colony  in  the  winter  of  1796-97.  More 
la  1 was  cleared  and  cultivated,  and  supplies  were  plenty  for  the  settlers  that 
fie  coming  in  to  locate  on  the  farming  lands.  Friends  and  strangers  were 
il:e  welcome  to  share  in  whatever  the  pioneers  had. 

The  spring  of  1797  opened  with  the  brightest  prospects  for  the  little  col- 
. Disadvantages  and  difficulties  incident  to  new  settlements  were  over- 
lie, and  the  prospect  of  another  good  season  brought  contentment  to  the 
i deers. 

Carefully  were  the  truck-patches  watched  for  the  early  spring  growth, 
tt  although  the  variety  of  vegetables  was  limited,  they  were  enjoyed  with  a 
■ash  when  they  did  come.  First,  the  weeks,  then  the  days  were  counted, 
nil  the  potatoes  should  blossom;  and  when  the  young  corn  might  be  pulled 
:c  roasting  ears,  it  was  an  event  in  the  settlement. 

The  scanty  improvements  of  the  settlers  made  very  little  change  in  the 
Escape, 

DISCOURAGEMENTS. 

The  winter  of  1798-99  was  a season  of  great  annoyance  ; the  people  were 
v<y  much  alarmed  at  the  danger  of  loosing  their  labor,  lands  and  improve- 
dpt®  by  reason,  of  the  failure  on  the  part  of  Syrnmes  in  securing  a title  to  the 
dds;  many  were  disheartened  and  moved  away;  others  were  discouraged 
fun  coming.  At  length  the  settlers  sent  the  following  petition  to  Congress. 

1 the  Honorable  Senate  and  House  of  Bepresentatives  of  the  United  States  in  Congress 

Assembled : 

The  petition  of  the  first  settlers  at  Dayton  and  Mercer’s  Station,  in  Montgomery  and 
lene  Counties,  Ohio,  respectfully  slieweth:  That  the  Hon.  Judge  Symmes  having  made 
i linquishment  of  his  claim  to  a certain  tract  of  lands  lying  between  the  Miami  Rivers, 
iDov.  St.  Clair,  Gen.  Wilkinson,  Jonathan  Dayton  and  Israel  Ludlow,  Esquires,  the  said 
kls  being  all  the  seventh  and  eighth  ranges  of  townships  east  of  Mad  River  : in  order 
h -orm  settlements  on  the  same  and  augment  its  value  the  proprietors  offered  certain 
riuiti.es  and  privileges  to  such  as  might  engage  to  become  first  settlers,  which  are  con- 
ned in  the  articles  accompanying  the  petition. 

On  the  5th  of  November,  1795,  forty-six  persons  engaged  to  become  settlers  at  Day- 
t(  ■ but  from  the  many  difficulties  in  forming  a new  settlement  so  far  in  a wilderness 
e ntry,  only  fifteen  of  those  came  forward,  with  four  others,  making  nineteen  in  all. 

From  the  threats  and  ill-treatment  of  the  savages  to  the  people  of  Mercer’s  Station 
•tyas  once  evacuated,  and  at  several  times  Mr.  Mercer  with  two  brothers  maintained  the 
" ion  at  the  risk  of  their  lives.  These  settlements  were  formed  by  your  petitioners  a few 
n Qths  after  the  treaty  of  Greenville,  when  we  had  not  faith  in  the  friendship  of  the 
s;  ages.  Our  settlement  was  immediately  on  their  hunting  grounds.  W e were  not  able 
t'jkeep  a horse  amongst  us  during  the  first  season,  by  reason  of  their  stealing.  The 
sreity  of  provisions  had  raised  flour  to  §9  a barrel,  ’and  other  articles  in  proportion, 
r ich  we  had  to  purchase  and  transport  fifty  miles  through  a wilderness,  clearing  roads, 

, 


550 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


etc.;  under  all  these  and  many  more  difficulties  we  labored  in  hopes  of  obtaining  0 
lands  at  a low  rate  and  the  small  gratuity  offered.  Several  of  your  petitioners  have  n 
been  able  to  procure  any  land  ; others  have  laid  their  claims  before  the  Commissioiu 
agreeably  to  the  late  law,  and  purchased  at  $2  per  acre.  We  beg  leave  to  state  to  yo 
honorable  body  that  the  proprietors  have  not  received  the  expected  advantages  froui  t 
forming  of  these  settlements;  that  your  petitioners  have  been  at  a vast  expense,  labor  a: 
difficulty  in  forming  the  said  settlements,  and  have  received  no  recompense  nor  privile 
other  than  subsequent  settlers;  that  they  first  opened  a way,  in  consequence  of  which  t, 
country  has  become  populous  and  the  United  States  has  received  a handsome  reven 
from  the  sale  of  the  lands;  that  the  town  of  Dayton  is  purchased  by  a subsequent  settle 
and  we  pray  that  Congress  will  make  to  us  such  gratuity  in  lands,  or  deduction  from  pa 
ments  for  lands,  or  grant  such  other  relief  as  our  case  merits. 

Your  petitioners  further  pray  in  behalf  of  Rev.  William  Hamer,  a settler  at  Day  to 
who,  having  settled  on  the  Section  29  in  the  Second  Township  and  Seventh  Range,  befo 
the  lines  were  run,  with  an  expectation  of  holding  it  agreeable  to  the  terms  set  forth 
Article  A,  and  has  since  continued  to  cultivate  and  improve  it,  as  it  was  supposed  to 
appropriated  for  religious  purposes,  he  being  a preacher  of  the  Gospel  and  having  t 
approbation  of  Mr.  Ludlow,  one  of  the  proprietors,  as  appears  by  the  Article  0.  Now, 
the  said  section  is  to  be  sold  as  other  lands,  the  said  Hamer  is  willing  to  pay  $2  per  ac 
for  it,  in  installments,  agreeable  to  the  late  laws  for  the  disposal  of  United  States  lane 
We  pray  your  honorable  body  may  grant  him  a pre-emption  and  the  indulgence  he  wisht 
and  your  petitioners  shall,  etc. 

William  Gahagan,  Samuel  Thompson.  Benjamin  Van  Cleve,  William  Van  Clev 
Thomas  Davis,  James  McClure,  Daniel  Ferrel,  John  McClure,  Thomas  Hamer,  Abv 
ham  Grassmire,  William  Hamer,  Solomon  Hamer,  William  Chenoweth,  George  Nei 
com,  William  Newcom  and  James  Morris. 

Thomas  Davis,  representative  of  John  Davis,  deceased  ; William  Hamer,  represent 
five  of  Solomon  Goss  ; B.  Van  Cleve  and  William  Gahagan,  representatives  of  Jol 
Dorough  ; Jonathan  Mercer,  for  himself  and  others  of  Mercer’s  Station,  on  Mad  River. 

Congress  in  the  way  of  relief,  and  in  compliance  with  this  petition,  passe 
a law  on  the  2d  of  March,  1799,  giving  to  these  people,  and  any  others  tvl 
had  any  contract  in  writing  with  John  Cleves  Symmes  previous  to  the  1st  ( 
April,  1797,  the  privilege  of  purchasing  lands  of  the  United  States  at  the  pri< 
of  $2  an  acre,  to  be  paid  in  three  annual  installments.  This  law  did  not  aft'oi 
the  relief  desired,  and  but  three  or  foiu’  persons  entered  their  lands  under  it. 

IMPBOVEMENTS. 

In  the  winter  of  1798-99,  “ Newcom’ s Tavern  ” was  built  two  stories  higj 
of  hewn  logs.  Lime  had  not,  previous  to  that,  been  used  in  the  settlement,  an 
in  this  building  was  the  first  instance  that  lime  mortar  had  been  used  for  chinl 
ing.  To  make  the  lime,  stones  were  gathered  from  the  river  bed  an 
piled  over  a huge  log  fire,  which  answered  every  purpose  of  a kiln,  xl  counti 
boy  who  saw  the  house  when  it  was  being  plastered,  reported  in  wonder  to  k 
folks  at  home,  that  “ Col.  Newcom  was  plastering  his  house  inside  with  lour. 

This  was  the  first  tavern  in  the  Miami  Valley  north  of  Fort  Hamilton 
and  in  the  second  story,  one  year  afterward,  was  opened  the  first  store,  in  tb 
room  in  which,  in  1803,  was  held  the  first  court,  and  later  was  occupied  as 
church  by  the  Presbyterians. 

This  building  was  afterward  weather-boarded;  is  still  standing  on  tk 
ground  upon  which  it  was  originally  built,  and  is  now  occupied  as  a grocer 
and  dwelling. 

Gen.  Jacob  Brown  built  a cabin  and  kept  bachelor’s  hall  at  the  soutl 
west  corner  of  Water  and  Jefferson  streets.  Gen.  Brown  distinguished  kin. 
self  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  was  afterward  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  Unite 
States  Army,  in  which  position  he  served  until  his  death,  February  24,  J 82k 

THE  HAMLET. 

April  1,  1799,  three  years  after  the  settlement  of  Dayton,  there  were  nin 
cabins  in  the  town,  six  of  them  on  Water  street,  two  on  First  street,  and  on 
at  the  corner  of  Fifth  and  Main  streets.  The  cabin  and  sheds  at  the  south 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


551 


est  corner  of  Water  and  Wilkinson  were  occupied  by  a farmer,  John  Williams, 

, ;1  his  family. 

Newcom’s  Tavern,  southwest  corner  of  Main  and  Water  streets. 

Paul  D.  Butler’s  cabin  was  on  Water  street,  just  east  of  Main. 

After  Gen.  Brown  left,  D.  C.  Cooper  occupied  the  cabin  corner  of  Water 
;tl  Jefferson  streets,  but  it  was  then  unoccupied. 

Samuel  Thompson’s  cabin  was  situated  on  Water  street,  half  way  between 
. ferson  and  St.  Clair.  The  widow  McClure  and  her  family  lived  in  the  cabin 
the  southwest  corner  of  Mill  and  Water  streets. 

The  cabin  and  shop  of  Thomas  Arnett,  a shoemaker,  were  on  the  northwest 
c ner  of  First  and  Ludlow  streets.  George  Westfall  and  family  lived  in  the 
c iin  at  the  southeast  corner  of  Main  street  and  the  alley  between  First  and 
iter  streets.  John  Welsh’s  cabin  was  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Fifth  and 
1 in  streets.  From  the  corner  of  Mill  and  Water  streets,  a wagon  road  led  up 
Yd  Kiver,  by  Hamer’s  farm  to  Demint’s  and  Mercer’s  Stations.  A side  road 
a o connected  this  road  with  First  street.  A road  branched  off,  crossing  Mad 
her,  leading  up  the  Miami  to  Livingston,  Staunton  and  Piqua. 

A road  ran  south  through  Franklin  and  Hamilton,  to  Cincinnati. 

Strangers  coming  from  the  south,  read  the  sign-board  that  stood  at  the 
fit  of  Main  street  (now  the  corner  of  Warren  and  Main  streets),  “ One-half 
a e to  Dayton.” 

The  town-plat  was  surrounded  with  thick,  heavy  woods  that  abounded  in 
_ ne,  such  as  bear,  deer,  wolves,  panthers  and  wild  cats.  All  roads  were  cut 

just  wide  enough  for  a single  wagon. 

On  the  road  running  south,  the  nearest  cabin  was  that  of  Thomas  Davis, 
the  bluffs,  and  below  that  there  was  no  clearing  this  side  of  Hole’s  Station, 

■ pre  there  was  but  a single  cabin,  near  the  old  block- house  and  stockade. 

Old  Chillicothe,  a Shawnee  town  on  the  Little  Miami,  three  miles  north 
where  Xenia  now  stands,  was  the  settlement  to  the  east.  In  the  forks  of 
Vid  River  was  Cribb’s  Station;  Mercer’s  Station  was  near  the  present  site  of 
; rfield;  two  or  three  settlers  were  at  the  mouth  of  Donnel’s  Creek;  Demint’s 
Sition,  now  Springfield,  and  McPherson’s  Station,  in  the  vicinity  of  Urbana. 

' the  north,  two  or  three  families  had  settled  at  the  mouth  of  Honey  Creek, 
hi  Miami  County,  calling  the  town  Livingston;  Staunton  was  a station  a 
re  east  of  Troy,  and  there  were  a few  people  at  Piqua  and  Loramie’s  store. 

BLOCK-HOUSE  AND  SCHOOL. 

During  the  summer  the  settlers  were  greatly  alarmed  at  the  threatened 
ij.ian  hostilities;  block-houses  were  built  at  all  of  the  stations  of  the  frontier 
targe  one  was  erected  on  the  river  bank,  at  the  head  of  Main  street,  here 
i Dayton.  It  was  built  of  round  logs,  the  second  story  jutted  over,  two  feet 
1 around,  so  that  guard  might  be  kept  to  prevent  the  savages  firing  the  build- 
1 below.  The  settlers  were  organized  and  armed,  ready  to  repair  to  the 
ck-house  with  their  families  at  the  first  alarm;  but,  fortunately,  the  sav- 
s were  quieted. 

The  diary  of  Benjamin  Van  Cleve  shows  that  he,  as  “master,”  opened  a 
' ill  school  in  the  lower  story  of  this  block-house,  on  the  1st  day  of  Septem- 
h 1799.  The  room  was  Burnished  in  a plain,  rough  way;  there  were  no 
Hrs;  the  seats  used  were  a few  low,  block  stools,  and  hewed  slab  benches. 

1 p instructions  given  were  necessarily  of  a limited  and  simple  kind.  The 
' ■’city  of  books  was  a great  hindrance  to  the  scholars;  the  school  hours  were 
qen  to  lessons  in  spelling,  writing  and  figures.  The  teacher  prepared  one 
2. wo  charts,  in  plain  letters,  from  which  the  alphabet  and  spelling  were 
!,8'?ht,  the  scholars  using  any  old  book  they  might  find  at  home  to  practice 

"'ding-. 


552 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


As  there  were  no  slates,  paper  or  pencil,  lessons  in  writing  were  given  i 
sand;  for  this  purpose,  a long,  narrow  slab-table  stood  in  the  center  of  tjh 
room,  a layer  of  dry  river  sand  was  smoothed  over  die  table,  and,  with  a sma 
sharpened  stick,  the  scholars  copied  in  the  sand  the  letters  of  the  alphabi 
from  the  chart.  Progress  was  slow,  yet,  in  this  way  the  barefooted  boys  an 
girls  of  the  last  century  learned  to  write  and  figure.  Writing  lessons  wei 
continued  in  this  way  for  fifteen  years  afterward. 

A clapboard  with  “Out,”  on  one  side,  and  “In,”  on  the  other,  hung  jui 
inside  the  door;  but  one  scholar  was  allowed  to  “go  out  ” at  a time,  and  tt 
rule  required  the  board  to  be  turned  as  the  scholar  passed  “out”  or  “in.” 

In  Mr.  Van  Cleve’s  terms,  for  tuition,  he  reserved  time  to  gather  his  con 
and  this  gave  the  children  the  first  week  in  November  as  a vacation. 

The  school  was  continued  about  a month  after  “ corn  gathering;”  thei 
after  a month’s  vacation,  he  again  opened  the  school  and  taught  a thre 
months’  term. 

FIRST  CHILD  BORN  IN  DAYTON. 

The  birth  of  Jane  Newcom,  at  her  father’s  tavern,  at  the  head  of  Mai 
street,  April  14,  in  the  year  1800,  was  an  event  tfiat  caused  some  little  exciti 
ment  in  the  hamlet,  for,  with  her  birth  came  the  distinction  of  being  the  firi 
child  born  in  Dayton.  She  married  Nathaniel  Wilson  and  lived  all  of  hi 
life  on  Main  street  in  this  city,  dying  in  her  seventy-fifth  year,  at  the  nortl 
east  corner  of  Main  and  Fifth  streets. 

CABIN  MEETING  HOUSE  AND  BURYING-GROUND. 

The  organization  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Dayton,  probebl 
occurred  in  the  year  1800,  at  least,  it  was  the  first  church  organization  in  Dai 
ton,  but  the  little  hamlet  of  logs  and  mud  was  not  a point  of  very  great  in 
portance  at  that  time. 

The  Beulah  congregation  (Presbyterians  and  New-Lights  at  Beavertown 
were  organized  prior  to  that  ; the  Presbyterians,  New- Lights  and  a society  c 
Anabaptists  had  built  a log  meeting  house  on  the  grounds  of  the  Ewery  gravi 
yard  near  Beavertown,  where  they  worshiped  on  alternate  Sundays.  The  Re 
William  Robinson  who  lived  at  and  ran  the  mills  on  Mad  River  three  mill 
from  Dayton,  preached  for  the  Presbyterians  of  the  Beulah  congregation,  an 
also  at  Dayton.  In  the  year  1800,  a log  meeting  house  was  put  up  on  Li 
No.  134  by  the  people  of  the  town,  aided  by  others  living  in  the  vicimt; 
The  cabin  meeting  house  stood  just  east  of  the  corner  of  Main  and  Main  Cro 
(Third)  streets,  back  from  the  road  way,  hid  from  view  by  clumps  of  haz< 
bushes,  and  undergrowth,  and  was  reached  by  a winding  path  that  led  througj 
the  little  pioneer  burying-ground  on  the  church  lot.  This  cabin  meeting  kou- 
was  eighteen  by  twenty  feet,  seven  logs  high,  and  was  not  chinked  or  daubed 
it  had  a clapboard  roof  held  down  by  weight  poles,  rough  puncheon  iioo 
log  seated,  and  was  without  windows. 

The  Rev.  John  Thompson,  a Presbyterian  preacher  of  Kentucky,  preache 
in  the  Dayton  log  cabin  meeting  house,  several  times,  in  the  year  1800,  an 
filled  occasional  appointments  here  for  several  years  afterward. 

The  coffins  used  in  the  early  days  were  of  the  simplest  construction,  bein 
a roll  of  bark  cut  the  right  length,  and  the  ends  closed  with  pieces  of  cla] 
board  ; others  were  made  of  slabs,  fastened  together  with  wooden  pins.  Aft* 
placing  the  body  inside,  the  coffin  was  covered  with  a bedspread,  placed  on  th 
bier,  and  carried  by  the  pall  bearers  to  the  burying-ground,  the  friends  to 
lowing  two  by  two  in  procession,  from  the  house  to  the  grave,  where  after  sing 
ing  and  prayer,  the  coffin  would  be  lowered  into  the  grave  and  then  covere 
with  earth.  •« 


32 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


555 


When  this  pioneer  burying- ground  was  first  located,  the  property  so  far  out 
fun  the  settlement,  as  that  at  the  corner  of  Main  and  Main  Cross  streets,  was 
held  at  higher  value  than  the  farming  lands  around. 

In  1805,  when  the  town  had  been  incorporated,  the  court  house  built,  and 
,1  gully  across  Main  street  filled  up;  property  in  that  neighborhood  became 
Tj-e  desirable,  and  it  was  then  determined  to  change  the  burying- ground  to 
■:F  lots  on  the  south  side  of  Fifth  street,  between  the  first  alley  west  of  Lud- 
, and  the  first  alley  west  of  Wilkinson  streets,  containing  about  four 
lies. 

Mrs.  Hannah  Hanna,  who  died  in  August,  1804,  was  the  first  person 
ied  in  the  Fifth  Street  Graveyard;  her  remains  were  removed  to  'Woodland 
iioetery  September  20,  1853. 

Owing  to  the  uncertainty  of  titles,  and  the  delay  in  transfers  of  property, 

I old  burying-ground,  as  well  as  the  new,  was  used  for  interments  until  after 
3 ; through  the  war  of  1812,  soldiers  who  died  here,  were  buried,  some  in 

i old  burying-ground,  others  in  the  new  graveyard.  Many  of  the  bodies 
w e afteward  removed  to  the  Fifth  Street  graveyard  ; but  as  late  as  1822  a 
a aber  of  grave  stones  and  boards  were  standing  undisturbed  in  the  pioneer 
lying- ground;  and  the  bones  of  pioneers  still  lie  where  they  were  first  buried,  • 
ie he  rear  of  the  business  blocks  at  the  northeast  corner  of  Main  .and  Third 
Yets. 

The  pioneer  Methodists  had  settled  up  Mad  River  in  the  neighborhood  of 
i'  Hamer  farm.  William  Hamer  was  a local  Methodist  preacher,  and  from 
d first  had  held,  services  at  his  cabin  ; by  and  by  there  were  regular  gather - 
ck  there  for  worship,  and  could  the  old  trees  of  Mad  River  speak,  they  would 
e of  interesting  scenes  in  the  worship  of  early  Methodists  as  they  gathered 
nhe  grove  at  the  foot  of  the  hill  near  the  spring  that  is  still  there  at  the  road 
ix  ; the  joyful  songs  of  faith,  the  eager  listening  to  the  faithful  preaching 
>i  he  Gospel  by  that  earnest  pioneer  elder  of  the  church.  Under  his  leader  - 
1)  the  early  Methodists  for  years  held  their  services  in  the  groves  of  Mad 
i ex’,  he  helped  to  organize  their  first  churches  in  this  county,  and  in  Miami, 

J rk  and  Champaign,  and  was  afterward  influential  in  establishing  the  church 
i Dayton. 

FLAT- BOATING  AND  TRADE. 

David  Lowry,  in  the  winter  of  1799-1800,  built  and  launched  a fiat-boat, 
Mad  River,  near  Donnel’s  Ci’eek.  and  bi’ought  her  to  Dayton  to  load.  Her 
! bers  were  heavy,  hewed  oak  plank,  fastened  with  wooden  pins  to  the  frame. 
L was  ready  for  the  spring  freshet  with  a load  of  grain,  pelts,  and  500  ven- 
sh  hams,  and  after  a trip  of  two  months,  reached  New  Orleans  in  safety. 
Afer  selling  boat  and  cargo,  Lowxy  returned  overland  on  horseback  to  his 
i He. 

Ti’ade  down  the  river  by  flat-boats  increased  in  importance  each  year, 
i|il  the  canal  was  opened  in  1829.  Shipments  were  usually  made  from  the 

red  warehouse  that  stood  on  the  river  bank,  at  the  head  of  Wilkinson 
bet.  Boats  were  built  in  the  winter  and  launched  with  the  spring  freshets, 

I I loaded  with  pork,  flour,  grain,  pelts  and  whisky.  The  trip  to  the  Ohio 
«k  nearly  a week’s  time,  and  sis  to  ten  weeks  were  counted  on  for  a trip  to 
Av  Orleans.  Boats  from  above  would  land  at  Dayton,  then,  when  the  water 

right,  the  whole  fleet  would  start  for  the  trip  South.  It  was  a busy  time  to 
S the  cargoes  aboard  and  get  away  with  the  high  water.  Whatever  of  supplies 
w;e  brought  to  the  settlements,  were  transported  overland  on  pack-hoi’ses  or 
a the  river  in  dug-outs.  It  was  nearly  a week’s  trip  from  Cincinnati  by  pack- 
h se,  and  ten  days  by  river.  Flour  cost  85  a hundred  weight,  and  $2.50  to 
bag  it  here.  Groceries,  dry  goods,  and  supplies  of  all  kinds  had  to  be 

R 


556 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


brought  in  that  way;  and  there  being  no  store  here  it  was  troublesome  for  t! 
pioneers  to  dispose  of  pelts,  as  the  nearest  trading  stores  were  at  Hamilti 
and  Cincinnati.  In  1799,  Henry  Brown  was  at  Loramie  with  a stock  of  good 
in  the  fall  of  1800,  a Mr.  McDougal,  of  Detroit,  opened  the  first  store 
Dayton,  in  the  second  story  of  Newcom’s  tavern.  The  opening  of  this  fir 
store  met  the  needs  of  the  time,  and  proved  not  only  the  greatest  eonvei 
ience  to  the  people  of  the  neighborhood,  but  brought  trade  from  the  sottj 
ments  for  thirty  or  forty  miles  up  the  Miami  and  Mad  River  Valleys.  P; 
ties  of  Indians  from  their  villages  to  the  north  and  west  came,  sprino-  ai 
fall,  to  trade  furs,  skins,  fish,  game  honey,  and  “tree-sugar,”  for  powdt 
lead,  blankets,  whisky,  dry  goods  and  trinkets.  Many  camps  of  them  m 
sometimes  located  at  the  springs  or  along  the  river  from  Stillwater  as  f 
down  as  Twin  Creek.  Their  camps  at  Dayton  were  usually  located  at.  the  b 
spring,  on  the  north  side  of  Mad  River,  near  the  Miami;  or  in  the  woo 
across  the  Miami,  from  the  head  of  Wilkinson  street. 

Money  was  not  needed  on  the  frontier;  the  “skin  currency”  served  eve 
purpose  for  barter  and  trade;  25  cents  was  the  standard  price  for  a muskr 
skin,  the  price-list  rating  in  this  way: 

Muskrat  skin,  25  cents;  coon  skin,  one  and  a half  muskrat  skir 
doe  skin,  two  muskrat  skins;  buck  skin,  four  muskrat  skins;  bear  skin,  fro 
twelve  to  twenty  muskrat  skins;  and  upon  this  table  all  trading  was  done  b 
tween  men  and  at  the  stores.  A customer  would  ask  the  store-keeper,  1 ‘ Wh  I 
is  the  price  of  whisky?”  The  answer  would  be,  “Five  doe  skins;”  “h 
buck  skins  for  a shirt;”  “two  muskrat  skins  for  a yard  of  calico;”  “a be' 
skin  for  a bridle-bit;  ” “four  buck  skins  and  two  coon  skins  for  a chic 
shawl;  ” “ three  dozen  shirt  buttons  for  a coon  skin;  ” “ four  pounds  of  sug 
for  two  doeskins  and  one  muskrat  skin;  ” “a  half-pint  flask,  or  a half-pound 
pepper,  or  a half-pound  of  tobacco,  or  a half-ounce  of  camphor,  or  a eke 
handkerchief,  or  twelve  skeins  of  thread,  or  one  ounce  of  aloes,  or  a yard 
ribbon,  or  a half-pound  of  coffee,  for  one  muskrat  skin.’’  It  took  three  buj 
skins  to  buy  a pound  of  Young  Hyson  tea;  a doe  skin  to  buy  a bed  cord; 
good  bear  skin  was  the  price  of  a Dutch  oven,  and  two  bear  skins  was  che; 
for  a set  of  cups  and  saucers.  A sickle  cost  a buck  skin;  a pair  of  cotfi 
stockings  cost  two  buck  skins;  a doe  skin  would  buy  a yard  of  shirting  ; a ii 
ding  comb  cost  a muskrat  skin;  a pair  of  moccasins  cost  a coon  skin;  a pout 
of  lead  for  bullets  was  worth  a muskrat  skiD ; a bear  skin  would  buy  a set 
forks  and  knives;  factory  cotton  cost  a doe  skin  to  the  pound;  a gallon 
brandy  sold  for  five  buck  skins;  one  buck  skin  and  one  doe  skin  was  the  pri 
of  a pound  of  powder. 

INDIAN  TRADING. 

Trading  with  the  Indians  at  the  stores  was  usually  carried  on  in  this  wa 
"Whether  the  Indian  would  come  over  alone  or  in  a party,  the  bucks  or  all  w! 
brought  their  furs,  jerked  meat,  bear’s  oil,  etc.,  to  trade,  entered  the  store 
silence  and  took  seats  on  the  benches.  The  merchant  always  presented  eat 
with  a small  quantity  of  tobacco.  After  filling  their  pipes  they  put  what  tj 
bacco  was  left  into  their  mink-skin  pouches.  After  smoking  awhile,  talking  1 
each  other  and  glancing  over  the  store  to  see  the  display  of  goods,  they  we 
ready  for  trade.  One  of  them  at  a time  left  his  seat  and  went  to  the  counte 
pointing  with  a stick  to  the  article  he  desired,  would  ask,  “How  much?) 
The  Indians  never  tried  to  beat  down  the  price,  but  if  dissatisfied,  wou 
quietly  turn  to  some  other  article.  If  satisfied  with  the  price,  he  would  p; 
it  in  skins,  according  to  the  table  given  above,  or  if  in  meat  or  other  stuff, 
a rate  mutually  understood  by  Indians  and  traders,  paying  for  each  article  as j 
went  along.  The  others  looked  on  without  interrupting  until  the  first  Indi; 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


557 


v;  through  trading;  then  another  took  his  place,  and  so  on  in  rotation  until 
a had  traded.  Each  one  carefully  reserved  enough  to  trade  for  whisky. 
Yer  all  their  purchases  were  made,  then  came  their  drunken  carouse  at  their 
:ps.  The  squaws  would  often  be  sent  over  for  whisky,  sometimes  keeping 
;,.the  spree  for  weeks  before  starting  back  to  the  North. 

Although  not  hostile,  yet,  being  entirely  unused  to  the  ways  of  civilized 
lil  they  were  often  troublesome,  and  a great  annoyance  to  the  villagers; 
ks  and  squaws  would  walk  through  the  cabins,  prying  into  chests  and 
hoards,  and,  if  not  watched,  would  carry  off  anything  that  pleased  them. 

TITLES  AND  CHANGES  OE  PLAT. 

The  clearing  at  the  quiet  little  hamlet  on  the  Miami  had  been  extended 
ueet  the  necessities  of  new-comers  to  the  settlement.  Property  had  not  ad- 
;ced  in  value  at  all;  the  difficulty  about  titles  prevented  the  transfers  of  real 
site,  and  was  additional  reason  for  settlers  to  go  upon  the  farming  lands 
md.  Titles  of  the  original  piu-chasers  of  lots  and  lands  were  clouded  by 
■:  failure  of  Symmes  to  complete  his  pimchase  of  the  Government.  Their 
its,  however,  were  respected.  St.  Clair.  Wilkinson,  Dayton  and  Ludlow 
i\  ndoned  to  the  'Government  their  claim  and  right  to  purchase,  and  assisted 
i:  settlers  who  had  purchased  of  them,  in  getting  their  lands.  Through  Dan- 
ep.  Cooper,  who  by  pre-emption  right,  the  consent  of  the  settlers  and  friend- 
viegislation  of  Congress,  became  proprietor  of  the  town  plat  all  of  the  origi- 
ns settlers,  or  their  representatives,  procured  patents  for  their  lands,  and  in- 
o.  paying  the  Government  at  the  rate  of  §2  per  acre,  which  with  the  fees, 
a le  the  lots  in  town  cost  about  fl  each. 

As  a part  of  the  arrangement  by  which  Mr.  Cooper  became  titular  proprie- 
j of  the  town  plat,  a new  plat  was  made,  showing  the  location  of  each  man’ s 
iperty.  A very  large  number  of  lots  were  te  be  given  free,  for  churches, 
njket  space,  county  buildings,  bury  ing  - grounds  and  a park.  The  plat  was 
veT  materially  changed;  there  were  to  be  381  inlots,  each  six  poles  wide  by 
rive  poles  long;  and  fifty-six  outlots  east  of  what  is  now  Sears  street.  The 
rets  were  to  be  foiu-  poles  wide,  except  Main  and  Main  Cross  streets,  which 
be  to  be  six  poles  wide;  the  alleys  were  to  be  one  pole  wide.  This  plat  was 
suited  by  D.  C.  Cooper  and  Israel  Ludlow,  April  26,  1802,  and  the  next  day 
v duly  recorded  in  the  Hamilton  County  records  at  Cincinnati.  At  that 
:ii5  there  was  a large  island  in  the  river  at  the  head  of  Main  street,  and  three 
rads  in  Mad  River  just  above  its  mouth. 

There  was  a spring  in  a grove  near  the  corner  of  First  and  Wilkinson 
t els,  but  most  of  the  families  used  river  water.  George  Newcom  sunk  the 
u well  at  his  tavern,  and  that  old  well-sweep  was  the  first  to  swing  in  the 
fey. 

THE  OLD  TAVERN. 

Newcom’s  tavern  was  a place  of  note.  Men  who  came  up  the  valley  to 
1 : for  lands  stopped  there  for  rest,  as  well  as  to  inquire  the  way  to  the  set- 
luents;  families  and  movers  all  passed  that  corner.  The  tavern  was  a favor- 
tolace  for  the  men  to  gather;  all  paths  led  there;  and  it  was  the  one  place 
wire  the  men  could,  in  the  winter,  sit  around  the  big  log  fire,  smoke  their 
dps,  take  their  toddies  and  talk  or  listen  to  the  tales  of  hunting  adventures, 
r f the  more  thrilling  events  of  experience  in  the  Indian  wars.  They  could 
1 tell  stories  from  experience,  rich  in  incidents  of  pioneer  times.  With 
ccely  an  exception,  they  told  of  friends  or  relatives  who  had  been  victims 
1 Lavage  barbarity  and  massacre.  The  whole  period  of  their  early  history 
u crowded  with  the  most  daring  adventures;  their  stories  were  the  facts  of 


558 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


the  times,  and  these  men  were  the  pioneer  fathers  of  Dayton,  whose  descent 
ants  are  now  active  and  influential  in  the  affairs  of  the  city.  Not  a man  < 
them  could  be  classed  as  an  adventurer,  laboring  merely  to  provide  for  imnn 
diate  wants;  all  were  aiming  to  establish  homes  for  their  families,  to  aceumi 
late  property,  and  were  the  influential  men  of  the  community. 

Newcom,  the  landlord,  was  his  own  hostler,  barkeeper,  gardener  and  farn 
er;  his  log  barn,  with  its  racks  and  troughs,  stood  back  from  the  road.  Tlx 
was  the  fully  equipped  log  tavern,  almost  in  the  wilderness,  and  there  the  pi  ( 
neers  gathered  to  talk  over  prospects  and  surroundings. 

POPULATION  REDUCED. 

At  the  close  of  the  winter  of  1802-03,  there  were  but  five  families  iivir , 
in  the  settlement;  those  of  George  Newcom,  Samuel  Thompson,  John  Weis  | 
Paul  D.  Butler  and  George  Westfall. 

WilliamNewcom  and  WilliamVan  Cleve  were  farming;  John  Williams  ha! 
moved  with  his  family  on  land  that  he  had  entered  up  Wolf  Creek.  The  M 
Clures  had  gone  to  Miami  County,  and  Thomas  Arnett  had  moved  away  wit 
his  family.  One-third  of  the  population  of  the  town  had  abandoned  their  cal' 
ins  and  had  gODe  into  the  woods  for  permanent  homes,  leaving  four  vacail! 
cabins  in  Dayton. 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


559 


CHAPTER  II. 

[e  Village— Incorporated— Changes— Flood  of  1805— Indian  Graves — 
First  Newspaper— The  Academy— First  Brick  Residence— Business  in 
1808— The  Doctors— Public  V endue— Mail  Routes— Divorce — Town  Elec- 
tion—Manufactures— Ferries— The  Town  Plats— United  States  Pat- 
ents to  Cooper— Fourth  of  July,  1809— St.  John's  Lodge— Boating  up 
the  Miami— A Trip  East— Teaming— The  Town  in  1810-1811— Mob— Cele- 
brations—War  of  1812— Mechanical  Society— Real  Estate. 

r VIE  cluster  of  cabins  at  Dayton,  was  but  the  center  of  a cluster  of  settle- 
ments ; the  little  hamlet  in  the  backwoods  could  not  present  many  points 
' [■ecommend  it  as  the  best  location  for  the  county  seat. 

One-half  of  the  cabins  were  empty.  Except  on  Water  street,  the  whole 
p t was  covered  with  bushes,  weeds  and  vines,  scrub  oaks,  wild  cherry  trees 
a 1 plum  thickets.  North  of  the  river  the  dense  forest  reached  to  the  river 
i j lik  ; on  the  east  the  forest  extended  from  the  present  location  of  the  Hydrau- 
1 : around  to  near  the  corner  of  Fifth  and  Wayne  streets,  and  on  down  to  the 
bis  south  of  town. 

Wild  game  was  abundant.  Wolves  howled  at  night  and  panthers  were 
■ '.asionally  killed. 

For  many  years  there  was  no  dwelling  or  clearing  east  of  Mill  street,  except 
os?,  a log  cabin  in  the  woods  on  the  north  side  of  where  Third  street  now  lies, 
ween  Beckel  and  Front  streets. 

THE  VILLAGE. 

The  honor  conferred  upon  the  village  in  its  selection  as  the  county  seat  of 
■ newly  formed  county  of  Montgomery,  was  the  opportunity  to  shake  off  its 
i mitive  crossroad  ways  and  assume  the  proper  dignity,  by  making  improve- 
-nts  to  accommodate  the  court,  its  high  officials  and  attending  lawyers. 

Benjamin  VanCleve’s  commission  as  Postmaster  was  issued  in  Washing- 
tv,  December  13,  1803,  but  was  not  received  here  until  the  next  month,  Jan- 
■y,  1804,  so  that  it  is  probable  that  the  post  office  was  opened  in  the  spring  of 

The  post  office  was  opened  at  Mi’.  Van  Cleve’s  cabin,  at  the  southeast 
ner  of  First  and  St.  Clair  streets,  and  Mr.  Van  Cleve  was  continued  as  Post- 
rater  until  his  death  in  1821. 

For  some  years  the  only  mail  received  in  Dayton  was  one  that  was  carried 
tjpost-rider,  leaving  Cincinnati  once  a week  ; the  route  was  up  the  Little 
vami,  through  Lebanon  and  Xenia,  up  to  Urbana,  and  then  down  through 
1 jua,  Dayton  and  Hamilton  to  Cincinnati  again.  Thus  a letter  from  Cincin- 
J;fi  to  Dayton  went  the  round  via  Lebanon,  Xenia,  Urbana  and  Piqua  before 
chiag  here  ; and  a letter  from  Dayton  to  Piqua  or  Xenia,  or  one  from 
banklin  to  Dayton,  had  to  first  go  to  Cincinnati  and  come  around  the  circuit, 
r[iiiring  a week  to  reach  its  destination. 

The  next  mail  route  established  was  a weekly  mail  from  Zanesville  and 
t • east  via  Franklinton,  Urbana  and  Piqua  to  Dayton.  The  next  line  was  to 
al  from  the  east  via  Chillicothe,  and  it  was  the  principal  channel  of  commu- 
tation east  for  many  years,  and  until  a more  direct  route  was  established 
t 'ough  Columbus. 


660 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY 


Inprovement  began  at  once  ; Main  street  was  cleared  of  undergrowth  am 
stumps  nearly  the  entire  length,  the  lower  end  being  at  the  present  junctioi 
with  Warren  street ; the  gully  crossing  Main  at  Main  Cross  street,  was  fillet 
with  logs  and  covered  with  earth  ; First  street  was  partially  graded  from  Lad 
low  street,  oast  to  St.  Clair. 

The  village  school  was  opened  in  the  fall  by  George  Westfall,  at  his  cabii 
on  Main  street  ; the  log  jail  was  built  that  year. 

Henry  Brown  and  John  Sutherland  shortly  after  Wayne’s  treaty  at  Green 
ville  became  partners  in  business  as  “Indian  traders,”  at  Fort  Hamilton 
where  they  kept  a large  stock  of  goods  ; doing  business  under  the  firm  uam 
of  Brown  & Sutherland.  In  the  winter  of  1798-99,  Brown,  with  a portion  o 
the  goods,  opened  a branch  store  at  Loramie,  where  he  remained  in  charge  until  ii 
1804,  when  he  built  a frame  storeroom  in  Dayton,  on  the  east  side  of  Main  stree 
near  Water  street.  It  was  the  only  store  here  at  the  time  ; and  there  wire  bu 
two  other  shingle  roofed  houses  in  the  village — Mr.  Cooper’s  residence,  south 
west  corner  First  and  Ludlow  streets,  and  Newcom’s  tavern.  The  firmtradei 
largely  with  the  Indians,  sending  agents  with  goods  to  the  Greenville,  For 
Wayne  and  Wapakonetta  towns.  The  firm  was  dissolved  in  June,  1812;  Mi' 
Brown  continuing  the  business  at  his  residence  on  Main  street  near  the  cour 
house  until  his  death  in  1823. 

DAYTON  INCORPORATED. 

The  town  of  Dayton  was  incorporated  by  act  of  the  Legislature  on  tk 
12tli  day  of  February,  1805. 

The  act  provided  “that  such  part  of  the  township  of  Dayton,  in  the  coir.it; 
of  Montgomery,  as  is  included  within  the  following  limits,  that  is  to  say : Be 
ginning  on  the  bank  of  the  Miami  where  the  sectional  line  between  the  secom 
and  third  sections,  fifth  township  and  seventh  range  intersects  the  same;  thenc 
east  with  said  line  to  the  middle  of  section  thirty- three,  second  township 
seventh  range  ; thence  north  two  miles  ; thence  west  to  the  Miami  ; then© 
down  the  same  to  the  place  of  beginning,  shall  be.  and  the  same  is  hereb; 
erected  into  a town,  corporate,  which  shall  henceforth  be  known  and  distil 
guished  by  the  name  of  the  town  of  Dayton.  ” Seven  Trustees,  a Collector, 
Supervisor  and  a Town  Marshal,  were  to  be  elected  by  the  freeholders  who  ha< 
lived  in  the  town  six  months.  The  Trustees  so  elected  were  to  choose  from  thei: 
own  number,  a President  and  Recorder,  they  were  also  to  elect  a Treasurer.  wh< 
was  not  required  to  be  one  of  the  Trustees. 

The  board  thus  organized  was  to  be  known  as  “ The  Select  Council  of  tk 
town  of  Dayton.  ” 

The  first  election  under  this  act  occurred  on  the  first  Monday  of  May,  18) 

The  terms  of  three  of  the  Trusteed  were  to  expire  in  one  year  and  thei 
place  filled  by  election  ; and  elections  were  to  be  held  annually  after  that. 

Expenditures  were  to  be  authorized  and  voted  at  meetings  of  the  free 
holders  and  house-holders  of  the  town.  This  section  of  the  law  was  repeal® 
in  1813-14. 

The  President  of  the  “ Select  Council  ” was  Mayor  of  the  town.  Meet 
ings  of  Council,  for  ten  years,  were  held  at  the  houses  of  the  different  mem 
bers;  a fine  of  25  cents  was  imposed  upion  members  for  being  thirty  mm 
utes  late. 

The  expenses  of  the  town  for  the  first  year  were  $72,  and  the  Couucil  de 
termined  to  raise  the  money  by  taxation.  A meeting  of  the  voters  was  call® 
to  settle  the  question;  the  vote  stood  thirteen  for,  and  seventeen  against;  tk 
proposition  was  defeated.  Streets  were  being  cleai’ed  and  opened  up,  and  a 
but  little  fencing  had  been  done  on  the  farms  around  the  town,  and  still  les 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


561 


, x)  he  town,  all  stock  was  running  at  large  and  became  such  a nuisance  that  in 
Member,  1806,  an  ordinance  was  passed  forbidding  “ the  running  of  hogs 
r other  animals  at  large  on  the  streets  of  the  town.”  The  operation  of  the 
: nance  was  afterward  suspended  until  the  spring  of  1807. 

CHANGES. 

The  first  brick  building  erected  in  Dayton  was  “McCollum’s  tavern;”  the 
v- story  brick  built  by  Hugh  McCollum,  on  the  southwest  corner  of  Second 
, r Main  streets,  in  1805.  The  County  Commissioners  contracted  with  him 
C|the  use  of  as  much  of  his  house,  when  completed,  as  would  be  needed  for 
i idling  the  courts.  Under  this  arrangement,  the  place  for  holding  the  courts 
y changed  from  Newcom’s  tavern  to  McCollum’s,  for  the  fall  term  of  1805. 
T s building  was  used  as  a tavern  until  about  1870,  when  the  floor  was  low- 
Tl  and  other  changes  made  to  adapt  the  rooms  to  business.  In  1880, 
b building  was  torn  down  to  give  place  to  the  new  Firemen’s  Insurance 
Tck. 

In  March,  1805,  the  first  great  flood  that  had  occurred  since  the  settlement 
.?  he  town,  rushed  like  a mighty  torrent  down  the  Miami  bottoms  from  the 
j(th.  The  water  rose  rapidly,  and  swept  over  nearly  the  entire  town  plat, 
t -ing  for  several  days  at  flood  height.  Water  covered  the  floors  of  houses 
oafhe  west  side  of  Main  street,  from  First  to  Second.  The  people  were 
ujitly  alarmed;  so  much  so  that  Mr.  Cooper  proposed  to  vacate  the  town  plat, 
ar  lay  out  a new  town  upon  the  same  plan  on  the  high  ground  to  the  east- 
v d.  pledging  to  every  property  holder  a lot  of  the  same  size  and  in  the  same 
uejitive  situation  as  he  then  owned. 

Owing  to  the  opposition  of  two  prominent  citizens,  who  were  unwilling  to 
bnclon  their  improvements,  the  plan  was  not  adopted. 

In  1806,  D.  C.  Cooper  and  John  Compton  entered  into  partnership,  built 
a jie-story  brick  and  began  business  on  the  northeast  corner  of  First  and  Main 
diets. 

The  same  year,  James  Steele  and  Joseph  Peirce  built  a two-story  brick, 
ai . began  business  on  the  southeast  corner  of  the  same  street.  The  opening 
these  stores  brought  business  away  from  the  river  to  the  new  trade  center; 
deuces  were  built  down  the  west  side  of  Main  street  as  far  as  the  alley 
nijith  of  the  court  house,  and  for  a square  or  two  on  First  street,  east  and  west 
■iMain. 

Mr.  Cooper  had  put  up  the  “ old  saw  mill,”  on  First  street,  near  Sears, 
an  soon  afterward  he  erected  a grist-mill  at  the  head  of  Mill  street. 

July,  1809,  he  added  a carding-machine  to  the  latter  establishment.  These 
mis  on  Mill  street  were  burned  in  July,  1820,  and  were  rebuilt  by  Mr.  Coop- 
er executors. 

When  word  was  sent  out  that  “meeting”  was  to  be  held,  men  and  women 
wild  come  in  ten  miles  or  more,  on  horseback,  to  participate,  and  in  sum- 
rjf)  the  young  people  walked  five  or  six  miles  to  “ meeting,”  carrying  their 
•'  es  — and  stockings,  if  they  had  any — in  their  hands,  going  and  coming, 
sipping  a short  distance  from  the  “ meeting  ’ ’ to  put  them  on  and  primp  up. 

Skeletons  of  buried  Indians  have,  at  different  times,  been  found  in  many 
Pits  of  the  town;  around  the  corner  of  Water  and  Mill  streets,  at  First 
a 1 Beckel  streets,  over  Mad  River,  near  the  forks  of  the  old  Troy  road,  in 
ti  Fair  Ground  hill,  in  a knoll  in  Woodland  Cemetery,  at  the  north  end  of 
1 dge  street  bridge,  and  at  the  west  end  of  Third  street  bridge. 

In  cutting  through  a mound,  at  the  east  end  of  First  street,  in  February, 
Hi,  to  open  the  street  to  the  Springfield  pike,  a skeleton  was  found,  around 
t neck  of  which  was  a string  of  170  copper  beads,  and  in  the  grave  were 
a o a number  of  very  fine  arrow  and  spear  heads. 


562 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


An  effort  was  made,  in  1806,  by  a Mr.  Crane,  of  Lebanon,  Ohio,  to  estafc 
lish  a newspaper  in  Dayton.  But  a few  numbers  were  issued,  when  the  editoi 
having  an  attack  of  the  chills  and  fever,  abandoned  the  enterprise  and  re 
turned  to  Lebanon. 

The  Dayton  Academy  was  incorporated  in  1807,  and  in  the  succeeclin, 
year,  a two-story  brick  schoolhouse  was  erected  by  subscription,  on  the  wes 
side  of  St.  Clair  street,  near  Third.  The  bell  was  donated  by  Mr.  Cooper 
This  academy  property  was  sold  in  1883;  lots  were  bought  on  the  southwfig 
corner  of  Fourth  and  Wilkinson  streets,  and  on  these  lots  the  trustees  built 
two-story  brick  schoolhouse,  fronting  on  Wilkinson  street.  There  was  a bast 
ment  to  the  building,  gable  shingle  roof  and  cupola,  in  which  hung  a little  ol 
shrill-toned  bell.  The  length  of  the  building  was  on  Wilkinson  street,  and  i 
stood  at  the  inner  line  of  the  sidewalk.  The  first  floor  was  about  eight  feet  u 
and  was  reached  by  wooden  steps  on  the  walk.  The  stockholders  in  1857  dcnai 
edthe  property  to  the  City  Board  of  Education.  The  old  building  was  tor 
down  and  the  present  structure  erected. 

During  the  winter  of  1807-8,  a debating  club  was  organized  in  the  vil 
lage,  and  spelling  matches  were  regularly  held  in  the  academy  building,  an< 
were  the  excitement  of  the  winter;  sides  were  chosen  and  there  were  man 
sharp  contests  in  spelling  each  other  down. 

The  first  brick  private  residence  was  built  by  Henry  Brown,  in  the  yea 
1808;  a two-story  brick,  on  the  northwest  corner  of  Main  street  and  the  alle 
between  Second  and  Third  streets.  The  building,  in  1863,  was  occupied  a 
the  Journal  office;  was  afterward  torn  down  to  give  place  to  the  present  struct 
ure. 

The  village  was  a busy,  bustling  little  place  in  the  year  1808;  improve 
ment  and  prosperity  had  come  to  the  good  villagers,  roads  had  been  opened  t 
the  different  settlements  around,  and  a good  trade  established. 

The  taverns  were  doing  a good  business.  Grimes’  tavern,  on  the  east  aid 
of  Main  street,  at  the  south  corner  of  the  first  alley  south  of  Water  street,  wa 
a log  building,  one  and  a half  stories  high,  and  sixty  feet  long,  kept  by  Joh 
Grimes.  It  had  a belfry  on  top;  the  log  barn  and  feed  yard  were  back  in  th 
alley.  Several  year’s  later,  two  or  three  frame  additions  were  built  to  the  ta\ 
em,  and  the  large  dining  room  became  the  popular  place  for  balls  and  dancei 

Keid’s  Inn,  on  the  west  side  of  Alain  street,  at  the  north  corner  of  the  a, 
ley,  between  First  and  Second  streets,  was  a two-story  frame  house,  with  a bei 
fry;  the  sign  swung  in  a square  frame  on  a post  that  stood  at  the  edge  of  th 
sidewalk.  In  after  years  a portrait  of  Cotnmodore  Lawrence  was  painted  on  th 
sign,  and  a scroll  with  his  last  words,  “ Don’t  give  up  the  ship;”  below  him. 
the  small  sign,  Beid’s  Inn. 

To  save  the  $10  tavern  license,  in  1808,  the  tavern  was  changed  to  a hous! 
of  private  entertainment.  In  1836,  it  was  burned  down. 

McCollum’s  Tavern,  on  the  southwest  corner  of  Main  and  Second  streets 
was  the  best  house  in  the  village;  the  little  bell  in  the  belfry  called  merchants 
mechanics  and  transients  to  breakfast  before  day.  After  the  war  of  1812,  th 
sign  was  ornamented  with  a picture  of  the  capture  of  the  British  frigate  Duel 
riere,  by  the  American  frigate  Constitution. 

The  Dayton  Repertory,  a newspaper  eight  by  twelve  inches,  printed  on 
sheet  of  foolscap  paper,  was  published  weekly  at  $2  a year,  by  William  McOlui 
and  George  Smith.  Their  first  issue  was  on  September  18,  1808,  and  the  las 
paper  was  issued  December  4,  1809.  The  press  was  a second-hand  one,  tha 
had  been  brought  from  the  East,  with  a lot  of  old-style  type.  The  news  froi 
Europe  was  three  months  old.  In  the  winter,  in  order  to  remove  the  office  t 
the  south  side  of  Second  street,  between  Main  and  Jefferson,  publication  ofth 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


563 


;er  was  suspended  for  several  weeks.  Advertisements  were  inserted  at  $1  a 
qare  for  three  weeks,  and  25  cents  extra  for  each  subsequent  issue. 

Mathew  Patton  was  the  village  cabinet  maker;  James  Hanna  had  a weav- 
;n  establishment  at  the  lower  end  of  Main  street;  John  Dodson  was  house  car- 
e ter  and  joiner;  H.  G.  Phillips  kept  a stock  of  general  merchandise;  John 
upton,  Jr.,  kept  store  at  Main  and  First;  merchantable  produce  was  taken 
fcitie  market  price  for  work  and  goods. 

Brown  and  Sutherland  had  a large  stock  of  goods.  Steele  and  Peirce  had 
assortment  of  dry  goods,  groceries,  hardware,  queens  and  glassware,  medi- 
i|s,  stationery,  .iron,  nails  and  castings.  The  roads  were  not  graveled,  and 
:hj;e  was  little  effort  made  to  keep  the  sidewalks  in  good  condition.  The  mer- 
bjits  all  had  hitching  posts  and  feed  boxes  in  the  road  in  front  of  their 
ties.  It  was  the  custom  for  all  of  the  merchants  to  keep  a bottle  of  whisky 
e a bottle  of  wine  sitting  on  their  counter  for  customers  to  help  themselves. 
:'b  custom  continued  as  late  as  1840. 

Fences  around  the  door  yards  were  stake  and  riders,  a few  were  post  and 
and  there  was  but  little  improvement  made  until  after  the  war. 

There  were  three  good  physicians  in  Dayton  in  1808,  each  of  them  having 
i :ge  practice  through  the  country,  sometimes  riding  twenty  miles  to  attend 
i.tient,  making  regular  visits  through  a circuit,  stopping  at  the  cabins  to 
oj  the  patients  all  around. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Welsh  kept  supplies  of  medicines,  was  a practicing  physician, 
n Presbyterian  preacher. 

Dr.  John  Elliott  had  been  a surgeon  in  Wayne’s  army,  and  for  several 
3/s  a practicing  physician  of  the  village.  He  died  here,  and  was  buried  on 
id6th  day  of  February,  1809,  with  military  honors,  by  the  Dayton  troop  of 
iiat  Dragoons  and  the  infantry  company;  the  clergy  of  the  neighborhood 
n a large  concourse  of  people  of  the  village  and  county  .assembled  and 
i/hed  with  martial  music  to  the  grave,  where  a eulogy  was  delivered. 

Dr.  William  Murphy  who  had  been  practicing  for  two  or  three  years,  died 
a .808. 

Their  medicines  were  made  of  roots  and  herbs  principally,  and  were  of 
strongest  kinds  ; rheumatism  and  fevers  were  the  diseases  they  had  most  to 
■i  in  this  new  country.  They  carried  medecines  and  instruments  in  saddle 
a i,  slung  across  the  pommel  of  the  saddle. 

As  stimulants,  they  used  in  their  practice,  squaw  root,  snakeroot,  Indian 
ip,  hops,  sassafras,  ginseng,  poke  berries,  the  juice  of  the  poison  vine  and 
bark  and  berries  of  the  prickly  ash. 

As  tonics,  dogwood  bark  and  dowers,  willow  bark,  yellow  root,  yellow 
1 ar  bark,  and  seed  pods,  bark  of  the  tulip  poplar,  and  oak  bark. 

As  astringent,  bark  of  the  red  maple,  beech,  oak  and  wild  cherry,  persim- 
bark  and  unripe  fruit. 

; Emetics,  bark  of  the  buckeye,  wild  ginger  root,  tobacco  leaves,  snakeroot 
a bark  of  the  white  locust. 

Cathartics,  senna  leaves,  dag  root,  may  apple  root,  and  bark  of  butternut 

4 

Most  every  house  kept  a supply  of  roots  and  herbs,  and  most  of  the  mothers 
'<■  their  own  way  of  doctoring. 

Public  vendue  of  all  kinds  of  personal  property,  administrators’  sales,  cat- 
ie  .nd  horse  sales,  generally  occurred  on  court  days.  Main  and  Third  streets  in 
wicinity  of  the  court  house  presented  a lively  appearance  ; people  were 
u ng  and  selling  furniture,  auctioneers  were  shouting  for  bidders,  horse  trad- 
tfvere  busy.  Not  much  money  changed  hands,  for  all  kinds  of  sales  were 
;ai  e to  take  chattels  and  produce  in  pay. 


564 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Advertisements  of  administrators  for  the  sale  of  real  estate  offered  to  ta 
produce  at  the  market  rates,  as  pay. 

A meeting  of  the  citizens  of  the  town  was  held  October  1,  1808,  to  cons 
er  an  offer  from  the  Postmaster  General  to  establish  a weekly  mail  route  fr< 
Wheeling  to  Dayton,  New  Lexington  and  Eaton.  ‘ ‘ If  the  people  aloim t 
line  would  pay  the  expense,  he  would  allow  them  all  the  emoluments  arisi 
from  the  several  new  offices.  ” This  post  rider  route  was  shortly  afterward  i 
tablished,  and  is  the  one  referred  to  as  the  “ route  East  via  Chi'llicothe." 

The  mail  north  was  carried  by  the  post  rider  to  Urbana,  once  a week. 

The  pioneers  were  not  entirely  exempt  from  trouble  in  their  marriage 
lations,  for  in  the  papers  of  those  days  are  several  legal  notices  that  divoi 
had  been  applied  for.  We  give  one  here  as  a sample  of  the  rest  : 

Know  ye  that  I do  forewarn  all  persons  from  harboring,  or  trusting  my  wife  Eliza!) 
Spuryer  on  my  account,  as  she  has  left  my  bed  and  boarding,  without  any  lawful  teas 
as  I am  determined  to  put  the  law  in  force  against  anybody  that  I find  my  property  wi 

Elisha  Spuhtek. 

Betsy — his  wife — petitioned  for  separation,  charging  her  husband  w: 
whipping  her,  and  not  keeping  the  marriage  vow. 

In  the  spring  of  1809,  Isaac  Burnet  was  elected  President  of  the  “ Sol 
Town  Council,”  and  John  Polkerth  Recorder  pro  tern. 

An  ordinance  in  that  year  was  passed  by  Council  requiring  all  adult  ma 
to  work  two  days  in  each  year  upon  the  streets. 

A flat-bottomed  boat  from  the  mouth  of  Honey  Creek,  loaded  with  wall 
and  cherry  lumber,  arrived  here  on  the  11th  of  April,  and  started  the  next  c 
for  New  Orleans. 

April  18,  D.  C.  Cooper  began  running  a carding  machine  at  his  mills, 
Water  street,  near  Mill  street. 

David  Steele  was  operating  a cooper  shop  on  First  street  near  St.  Clair 

April  19,  Dr.  P.  Wood  opened  the  first  drug  store  in  Reid’s  Inn,  for 
sale  of  “medicines  by  the  small.” 

John  and  Archibald  Burns  established  a sickle-factory  in  the  village 
same  month,  and  a wrought-nail  factory  began  operations  on  Main  street,  < 
posite  Grimes’  tavern.  John  Strain  & Co.  were  the  proprietors. 

Thomas  McNutt  was  the  village  tailor. 

A. dye-house  was  opened  in  May,  by  James  Beck;  deep  blue  was  the  fa 
ionable  color;  cotton  was  colored  at  75  cents  a pound;  linen  and  woolen  gu 
at  624  cents. 

In  consequence  of  low  water  and  a change  in  the  channel  of  the  ri 
near  Hamilton,  navigation  of  the  Miami  in  flat-boats  was  considered  ris 
On  the  23d  of  May,  1809,  John  Compton  started  with  a boat-load  of  grit 
pork  and  whisky,  aud  got  through  safely  to  the  Ohio.  Other  boats  made 
trip,  but  the  water  was  so  very  low  that  they  were  from  two  to  three  we 
getting  down  to  the  mouth  of  the  river. 

In  Dayton  there  were  two  ferry- crossings  in  the  Miami,  one  at  the  foot 
First  street,  at  the  old  ford  on  the  road  to  Rench’s  mill,  now  Salem.  1 
ferry  was  running  until  January,  1819,  when  the  old  red  toll-bridge,  at  Bri< 
street,  was  finished;  the  other  at  the  foot  of  Fourth  street,  on  the  road  lead 
down  to  Gunckel’s  mill,  now  Germantown. 

The  lower  ford  was  just  below  where  the  railroad  bridge  now  is ; the  road 
it  was  down  Third  street  to  the  present  Perry  street;  thence  along  a narrow  r 
to  the  ford;  this  road  was  afterward  widened  and  called  Perry  street. 

THE  TOWN  PLATS. 

The  original  plat  of  Dayton,  as  laid  out  by  the  proprietors  in  1795, 
not  take  effect,  by  reason  of  their  failure  to  secure  title  through  Symmes: 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


565 


11  subsequent  arrangement,  by  which  D.  C.  Cooper  was  to  become  the  pro- 
ctor of  the  land  at  the  mouth  of  Mad  River,  he  made  an  entirely  different 
i This  and  other  reasons  caused  further  confusion  and  delay,  so  that  the 
i;:er  had  not  been  adjusted  in  1805.  In  1801,  he  made  a larger  plat  and 
i aitted  it  for  record  on  the  9th  of  September;  for  some  reason,  however, 
Kecord  was  not  made  until  November  20,  of  the  year  following.  In  the 
untime,  the  great  flood  had  occurred  and  the  proposition  was  made  to  locate 
j: whole  plat  on  the  higher  ground  east  of  the  village.  Tnis  was  not  ac- 
j plished,  and  it  was  not  until  1808,  and  afterward,  that  the  original  set- 
all  got  their  lots  by  patent  from  the  Government,  or  by  deed  from  D.  C. 
k per. 

The  plat  of  1805  contemplated  a public  square,  with  the  center  of  the 
n'ting  at  Main  and  Third  streets  as  the  center  of  that  square;  the  court 
o ;e  to  be  located  at  the  center.  In  1809,  a revised  plat  was  made  by  Mr. 
c ler,  to  conform  to  deeds  and  patents,  and  to  the  original  plat,  as  laid  out 
vVilkinson,  Ludlow,  Dayton  and  St.  Clair,  in  1795.  This  revised  plat  of 
Si),  therefore,  became  the  plat  of  the  town,  and  to  it  all  subsequent  addi- 
ct have  been  made.  In  numbering  the  lots,  numbers  were  skipped,  to  be 
si  in  replatting  some  of  the  outlots. 

Prior  to  the  record  of  this  plat  of  1809,  property  was  seldom  transferred 
v eed;  the  County  Commissioners  established  a rule  that  that  party  would 
■recognized  as  the  owner  of  a lot  whose  name  appeared  in  the  list  opposite 
> ly  lot  number;  thus,  to  pass  the  title  of  a piece  of  property  from  one  per- 
nto  another,  all  that  was  necessary  was  a verbal  request  of  the  owner  to 
: the  purchaser’s  name  placed  in  the  list  instead  of  his  own.  Of  these 
auctions,  be  they  few  or  many,  no  record  has  been  preserved,  but  instead 
uch  record,  a perfect  list  of  lot-owners  at  the  time  the  plat  of  1809 
a recorded,  forms  the  basis  of  title  to  all  of  the  original  321  inlots  of 
>;  ton. 

In  reference  to  the  records  of  changes  in  title  to  Dayton  and  Montgom- 
; County  property,  a misunderstanding  has  long  existed  as  to  the  importance 
lamilton  County  records,  to  show  a perfect  abstract  of  title  to  Montgom- 
i r County  lands.  Owing  to  the  failure  of  the  Symmes  Purchase,  there  are 
Records  at  Cincinnati  that  can  be  of  the  slightest  value  in  tracing  title  to 
Utgomery  County  lands.  The  original  records  of  all  transfers  by  patent, 
'<  i the  Government  to  individuals,  and  subsequent  sales  of  Montgomery 
* lty  property,  appear  in  the  records  of  Montgomery  County. 

By  virtue  of  the  right  of  pre-emption,  granted  by  law  to  certain  persons 
L,had  contracted  with  John  Cleves  Symmes,  or  his  associates,  the  following 
bribed  lands  were,  pursuant  to  an  act  of  Congress,  conveyed  by  “ patent,” 
by  -lames  Madison,  President,  to  D.  C.  Cooper. 

July  18,  1812,  419r6o3o  acres  of  land,  being  the  residue  of  all  south  of 
h River,  in  fractional  Section  4,  Town  1,  Range  7.  after  deducting  Inlots 
6,  8,  14,  46,  51,  52,  and  78,  and  Outlots  5,  6,  and  26,  in  the  town  of  Day- 
i which  lots  contain  together,  34^°^  acres. 

October  5,  1813,  292j-|q-  acres  of  land,  being  fractional  Section  3,  Town 
ange  7,  south  of  Mad  River,  excepting  Outlot  52  of  ten  acres,  in  the  town 
ayton. 

October  5,  1813,  88  ■jSjj-jj-  acres  of  land,  designated  by  the  Surveyor  Gen- 
; as  Survey  No.  2 (except  houselot  No.  20,  of  half  an  acre  in  the  town  of 
1 loon),  fractional  Section  10,  Town  1,  Range  7,  south  of  Mad  River. 

October  5,  1813,  65T6-^  acres  of  land,  being  Survey  No.  1,  as  designated 
v ie  Surveyor  General,  in  fractional  Section  10,  Town  1,  Range  7,  south  of 
h River. 


566 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


October  25,  1813,  69^°^  acres  of  land,  fractional  Section  9,  Town 
Range  7,  south  of  Mad  River. 

FOURTH  OF  JULY. 

A regular  old-fashioned  Fourth  of  July  celebration  was  organized 
1809.  The  militia  and  citizens  of  the  town  and  vicinity  assembled  on  t 
river  bank,  at  the  head  of  Main  street,  and  marched  in  procession  to  the  coi 
house,  where,  after  appropriate  singing,  and  the  delivery  of  an  oration,  t 
procession  was  re-formed  and  marched  to  the  house  of  H.  Disbrow  for  dinu 
tickets,  50  cents.  Salutes  were  fired  by  the  artillery  and  foot  soldiers  — i 
two  Dayton  companies — ■ Capt.  James  Steele’s  troop  of  Light  Dragoons,  a j 
Capt.  Paul  D.  Butler’s  Infantry  Company. 

The  day  finished  up  with  wrestling,  shooting  at  a mark,  foot-races,  hoi' 
races,  jumping;  anything  for  fun,  then  a big  dance  in  the  evening. 

st.  John’s  lodge. 

Masonic  history  in  Dayton  began  with  the  organization  of  St.  John’s  Lod 
in  the  year  1809,  at  their  lodge  room  in  the  academy  building  on  St.  Cl 
street.  The  Lodge  was  afterward  removed  to  the  first  dwelling  house  north 
Second  street  on  the  west  side  of  Jefferson.  There  is  not  now  a living  meml: 
of  that  old  lodge. 

BOATING  UP  THE  MIAMI. 

In  the  winter  of  1809-10,  two  keel-boats  were  built  by  Henry  Disbr 
and  Paul  D.  Butler,  in  the  road  in  front  of  the  court  house.  When  finishlj 
they  were  moved  on  rollers  to  the  river  and  launched,  then  were  poled  up : 
Maimi  and  Loramie  to  the  portage,  where  one  of  them  was  taken  out  of.  t 
water  and  hauled  twelve  miles  across  the  portage  to  the  Auglaize  River,  tl 
establishing  a freight  line  by  water  between  Dayton  and  Toledo,  via  the  Miai 
Auglaize  and  Maumee  Rivers.  The  boats  made  tolerably  regular  trips,  a 
had  a good  trade. 

A TRIP  EAST. 

Traveling  was  done  on  horseback,  and  in  this  way,  in  1809,  a Dayton  m 
chant  going  east  to  buy  goods  was  accompanied  by  his  wife  and  infant  ch;j 
They  led  a pack-horse  to  carry  their  luggage;  the  child  was  carried  in  a 
swung  around  the  farther’s  neck  and  rested  on  a pillow,  on  the  pommel  of 
saddle.  They  were  a month  in  going  to  Philadelphia. 

Men  generally  wore  leggings  of  green  baize  or  other  cloth,  wrapped  aroul 
the  legs  from  shoe  tops  to  thigh,  held  to  place  with  tape  strings.  Horses  ; 
riders  were  splashed  all  over  with  mud  and  water.  In  wet,  stormy  weather 
was  often  necessary  to  tie  the  horse  in  the  woods,  while  the  rider  would  s 
all  night  in  the  forks  of  a tree,  or  in  a fallen  tree  top. 

TEAMING. 

Merchandise  for  the  Dayton  stores  was  freighted  across  the  mountains  fijj 
Philadelphia  and  Baltimore  to  Pittsburgh,  in  the  long  trains  of  “ Conestos 
wagons,  the  horses  wearing  the  red  yokes  and  jingling  chimes  so  necessary 
the  narrow  winding  mountain  roads. 

At  Pittsburgh,  the  goods  were  transferred  to  the  “broad  horns”  (flat-boa 
to  be  floated  to  Cincinnati,  and  from  there  hauled  overland  to  Dayton  by  tra 
of  “ line  teams,”  or  reshipped  in  keel-boats  to  be  poled  up  the  Miami.  1 
bulk  of  supplies  were  brought  up  by  river,  yet  for  quick  transit  pack-hor 
were  depended  upon;  two  men  could  manage  a dozen  horses,  carrying  each: 
hundred  pounds  ; generally  the  horses  were  loose,  following  each  other  in  sir 
file,  from  training  and  long  service.  Some  horses  it  was  necessary  to  tie,  < 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


567 


f ie  nxen  having  the  lead  horse  and  the  other  the  hind  one  to  watch  the  loads 
a keep  the  horses  going-.  The  lead  horse  wore  a bell.  One  man  could 
ally  manage  six  or  eight  horses.  A driver  would  be  equipped  for  any  erner- 
e jy  with  gun,  ammunition,  an  ax  and  blanket  ; sometimes  he  would  be  re- 
lied to  bridge  a small  stream.  He  had  to  kill  game  enough  to  supply  him- 

and  mate  his  own  camp  at  night.  Only  in  the  evening  would  the  loads 
eismoved  from  the  horses;  then  a bell  would  be  hung  on  each  horses  neck  to 
idn  finding  them  for  an  early  start  in  the  morning.  The  horses  were  turned 
K3  to  graze. 

THE  TOWN  IN  1810. 

The  population  of  Dayton  in  1810  was  383.  D.  C.  Cooper  was  elected 

ident  of  the  Council,  and  James  Steel,  Recorder. 

Council  passed  an  ordinance  requiring  certain  sidewalks  to  be  improved. 

I ordinance  shows  that  the  town  at  that  time  laid  along  Water  street  from 
[ a to  Mill  street  ; south  side  of  First,  from  Ludlow  to  St.  Clair  street ; and 
a lain  street,  from  the  river  to  Third  street.  The  improvement  required  by 
[ordinance  was,  that  the  walks  on  these  streets  were  “to  be  laid  with  stone 
r fick,  or  to  be  completely  graveled,  and  a ditch  dug  along  the  outer  edge  of 
I walks.” 

The  celebration  of  the  Fourth  of  July  in  1810,  began  by  the  assembling  of 
at  people  of  the  town  on  the  river  bank  at  the  head  of  Main  street.  A pro- 
-■  ion  was  formed  and  marched  to  the  court  house. 

The  order  of  exercises  was  as  follows  : 

1.  Singing  of  an  ode. 

2.  Prayer. 

3.  Reading  the  Declaration  of  Independence. 

4.  Oration. 

5.  Dinner  under  a bower  erected  for  the  occasion. 

The  toasts  were  : 

1.  The  Day — May  the  event  for  which  it  is  celebrated  never  be  forgotten. 

2.  The  heroes  of  ’76 — May  their  sons  protect  what  they  achieved. 

3.  The  Constitution  of  the  United  States — May  its  duration  be  as  lasting 
- re  solar  system. 

4.  The  memory  of  Washington. 

5.  James  Madison,  President  of  the  United  States. 

6.  The  State  of  Ohio,  the  youngest  of  the  Federal  family— May  she  be 

foremost  to  suppress  insurrection,  and  chastise  foreign  insolence. 

7.  The  American  people — May  they  always  appreciate  the  blessings  of  a 
!'i  government,  and  guard  with  zealous  care  their  constitutional  rights. 

8.  Virtue — The  only  base  of  National  as  well  as  individual  happiness. 

9.  The  arts  and  sciences,  like  the  rays  of  light — May  they  dispel  the  mists 
f inorance  and  prejudice  from  our  native  land. 

10.  Agriculture — May  our  plowshares  never  rust,  and  may  the  hungry  of 
f ons  be  fed  with  our  superabundance. 

11.  Manufactures — May  our  exports  exceed  our  imports. 

12.  The  Navy  of  the  United  States — May  they  always  acquit  themselves  as 
e|re  the  walls  of  Tripoli. 

13.  The  Militia  of  the  United  States. 

14.  May  love  of  country  absorb  partyism,  and  may  we  keep  the  maxim  in 
'i'h  that  united  we  stand,  but  divided  we  fall. 

15.  The  Army  of  the  United  States. 

16.  The  memory  of  Gen.  Wayne,  the  patriot  and  soldier. 

17.  The  American  Fair — May  they  bestow  their  smiles  only  on  those  who 
k rve  the  blessings  of  liberty. 


568 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


While  the  assembly  were  drinking  the  toasts,  and  listening  to  the  respons 
the  artillery  tired  a National  salute.  Beer,  ale  and  porter  were  first  brow 
from  Cincinnati  about  this  time  to  be  sold  at  the  taverns,  and  we  may  presu 
that  they  were  served  at  this  Fourth  of  July  dinner.  The  other  popular  Tm 
were  whisky,  brandy,  wine,  wild  crab  cider  and  cherry  bounce. 

Saturday,  September  18,  Col.  Jerome  Holt  assembled  the  Fifth  Regim< 
at  Dayton  “ for  training  purposes.”  Business  was  generally  suspended,  a 
the  country  people  flocked  in  to  witness  the  display  and  parade. 

A stock  of  leather  and  saddlery  was  brought  here,  and  a shop  opened  in  1 
fall,  and  on  November  1 a tannery  began  operation  on  Lot  229,  at  the  soi 
end  of  Main  street. 

During  the  winter  of  1810-11,  a bridle  path  was  contracted  for  andt 
through  from  Dayton  to  Vincennes,  a distance  of  200  miles,  and  the  State  rc 
east  and  west  through  town  was  built.  It  will  be  remembered  as  the  old  c 
duroy  road,  fearful  to  travel  over  in  the  rainy  or  winter  season  ; in  fact,  ti 
was  the  trouble  with  all  of  the  roads  in  the  early  days.  The  mud  holes  a 
low  places  were  laid  with  poles,  that  would  float,  and  the  horses’  feet  woi 
sink  through  them,  ofteD  causing  delay  for  hours  to  work  out.  The  roads  wi 
not  greatly  impoved  until  after  1837. 

1811,  MOB,  CELEBRATIONS. 

On  the  night  of  May  3,  the  Shakers,  then  living  in  town,  were  mobb< 
and  were  warned  several  times  through  the  newspaper  to  leave  the  commun; 
or  suffer  the  consequences;  but  they  stood  their  ground,  and  replied  throu 
the  paper. 

The  13tli  and  14th  there  were  nine  flat-boats  left  the  Water  street  landii 
laden  with  flour  and  grain,  salt  pork  and  bacon,  whisky  and  pelts,  for  N 
Orleans;  one  of  the  boats  was  wrecked  twelve  miles  down  the  river,  the  oth< 
got  through  safely. 

At  10  o’clock  A.  M.,  June  20,  the  festival  of  St.  John  was  celebrated  by  I 
John’s  Lodge,  No.  13,  with  Harmony  Lodge,  No.  8,  of  Springfield  and  Urbai 
as  visitor's. 

The  celebration  of  the  Fourth  of  July,  1811,  embraced  the  usual  pi 
gramme,  beginning  with  the  citizen’ s meeting  on  the  river  bank  at  the  head 
Main  street,  the  procession  marching  to  the  court  house,  where  the  crowd  v 
entertained  with  songs  and  speeches;  two  big  dinners  this  year,  one  at  Crrim( 
Tavern,  the  other  at  Strain’s  boarding  house,  embellished  with  toasts  and 
tillery,  and  winding  up  with  a general  hurrah.  The  Rifle  Company  and  I) 
goons  paraded  as  usual,  and  finished  off  with  a dance  in  the  evening. 

THE  WAR  OF  1812. 

The  influence  of  Tecumseh,  and  his  brother,  the  Prophet,  had  been  i 
several  years  exerted  to  unite  the  Indian  tribes  of  the  Northwest  against  t 
whites;  and  when,  in  1811,  it  became  apparent  that  war  was  inevitab 
Tecumseh  and  his  followers  were  ready  to  unite  with  the  British  against  t 
United  States. 

In  April,  1812,  Dayton  was  designated  as  the  point  of  rendezvous  for  t 
militia  that  had  been  called  into  Government  service.  For  two  years  the  to ‘ 
was  filled  with  the  business  and  excitement  of  a military  camp.  The  hoc 
were  at  first  quartered  in  the  town,  and  after  the  army  moved  to  the  Nor! 
Dayton  was  an  important  point  on  the  line  of  communication.  Men  withes 
ital  came  to  engage  in  business,  new  stores  were  opened,  and  every  brancu 
trade  increased. 

The  Dayton  Rifles  were  among  the  first  to  respond  to  the  Governor’s  c 
for  troops,  and  were  soon  ordered  to  the  front.  Except  immediately  after  Hu! 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


569’ 

i ender,  the  town  was  in  no  special  danger  from  the  British  or  their  savage 
ajjL  New  Lexington,  Greenville,  Pi  qua  and  Urbana  formed  too  strong  a 
olon  of  outposts  to  be  easily  passed. 

Our  people  promptly  responded  to  the  Governor’s  call  for  troops  to  check 
] expected  advance  of  the  enemy  after  the  disgraceful  surrender  at  Detroit; 
bin  a few  hours  after  the  news  reached  Dayton,  Capt.  Steele’s  company  were 
niching  to  the  front.  Men,  women  and  children  united  in  aiding  the  troops 
i et  off. 

Dayton  people  and  Dayton  soldiers  nobly  discharged  their  every  duty,  and 
in  the  war  was  over,  united  in  the  general  rejoicing. 

On  Saturday,  May  15,  1813,  the  mechanics  of  Dayton  met  at  McCollum’s 
nm,  and  organized  the  Dayton  Mechanical  Society — the  first  workingmen’s 
i nization  in  Dayton. 

Real  estate  speculation  ran  very  high  that  spring;  a great  deal  of  money 

been  made  in  Dayton  during  the  war;  workingmen  and  mechanics  were 
mg  homes;  land  was  platted  and  sold  in  lots  up  Mad  River  as  far  as  the 
;;  nton  Road  ford.  The  town  improved  and  pi’ogressed  rapidly,  until  in  1820, 
hi  the  depression  in  business  put  a stop  to  all  improvement. 


570 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


CHAPTER  III. 

The  Bank — Shows — 1815— Female  Bible  Society — Cabintown— Ratti.esna 
—Commons— Bucklot—  Market  House— Wagon  Rates— Rival  Societies 
Mad  River  Bridge— Bridge  Street  Bridge— Breweries— Town  Electk 
1816— Freighting  up  the  River— Sunday  Schools— Camp  Meeting— Sta 
Lines— Boating  South— New  Year’s  Ball— Scarcity  of  Money— Coy 
ton’s  Tavern— Sickly  Season— Hanging  of  McAfee— Mails— 1825  to  li 
— Dayton  and  the  Canal. 

PERRY’S  victory,  and  the  continued  success  of  Gen.  Harrison’s  army  i 
newed  confidence  in  business  circles.  In  November,  1813,  meetings 
Dayton  business  men  were  held  with  a view  of  establishing  a bank  here.  T 
next  month  the  Dayton  Manufacturing  Company  was  incorporated  by  the  L< 
Mature,  and  began  business  in  the  stone  house  still  standing  on  the  east  si 
of  Main  street,  at  the  north  corner  of  the  first  alley  south  of  Water  street.  I 
cember  28,  the  following  Directors  were  elected:  H.  G.  Phillips,  Joseph  Peiri 
John  Compton,  David  Reid,  William  Eaker,  Charles  R.  Greene,  Isaac  G.  Bi 
net,  Joseph  H.  Crane,  D.  C.  Lindsley,  John  Ewing,  Maddox  Fisher,  Dai 
Griffin  and  John  H.  Williams.  May  19,  1814,  the  board  organized  fey  the  el 
tion  of  H.  G.  Phillips,  President,  and  George  S.  Houston,  Cashier.  Badri 
hours  were  from  10  A.  M.  to  1 P.  M. 

The  village  blacksmith,  who,  before  the  war  had  the  neighborhood  sb 

O 7 7 O 

ing,  and  could  make  all  repairs  to  wagons,  plows  and  other  farming  imp 
ments,  found  that  with  his  rapidly  increasing  business  came  competitii 
After  the  war  the  town  supported  four  blacksmith  shops;  the  proprietors  w 
John  Burns,  Obadiah  B.  Conover,  Jacob  Kuhn  and  James  Davis. 

Charles  Tull  started  a ferry  on  the  Miami,  at  the  head  of  Ludlow  stre| 
in  December,  1814.  Farmers  would  come  on  horseback  and  in  wagons  to  ij 
north  side  of  the  river,  hitch  there  and  feed,  and  bring  their  truck  over  on  1 
boat,  to  trade  at  the  stores.  William  Cogswell,  silversmith  and  jewel 
opened  a shop  on  the  west  side  of  Main  street,  south  of  First. 

During  the  winter  the  community  had  a new  experience  in  the  appoarai. 
of  one  and  two  dollar  bills,  of  the  Dayton  Manufacturing  Company,  fraudulent 
raised  to  twenties,  and  oue  hundred  dollar  bills. 

SHOWS. 

Towns  in  Southern  Ohio  had  now  become  large  enough  to  make  it.  tern 
ing  for  shows,  theaters  and  other  traveling  companies  to  come  this  way  wjj 
their  entertainments. 

The  first  “show”  of  which  there  is  record,  was  quite  an  extensive  disp; 
of  “wax  works  and  figures,”  that  were  exhibited  here  February  13,  1815. 

Monday  night,  February  27,  there  was  a grand  illumination  of  the  to i 
in  celebration  of  the  declaraion  of  peace  between  the  United  States  and  Gr 
Britain.  The  country  people  came  in  crowds  to  participate  in  the  general 
joicing. 

The  following  tempting  programme  was  announced  for  the  first  theater 

THEATER. 

At  the  dwelling  of  William  Huffman,  St.  Clair  street.  The  lovers  of 
drama  are  respectfully  informed  that  on  this  evening,  April  22,  1816,  will 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


573 


rented  the  much  admired,  elegant  comedy  called  “Matrimony;  or  the  Pris- 
,r!fs.’’  Between  the  play  and  farce,  will  be  given,  Recitation — “ Scolding  Wife 
Claimed;  Recitation — “ Monsier  Tonson.  ” Fancy  Dance.  Comic  song — 
jo- of  nails.”  To  which  will  be  added  the  celebrated  comic  farce,  called 
•}he  Village  Lawyer.”  Tickets  50  cents;  doors  open  at  7 o’clock;  curtain  to 
i at  7:30,  precisely.  Gentlemen  are  requested  not  to  smoke  cigars  in  the 
biter. 

In  April,  1819,  an  African  lion  was  on  exhibition,  in  an  iron  cage,  for  four 
1£ J beginning  April  22,  in  the  barnyard  at  Reid’s  Inn.  Admission  25  cents; 
I dren  half  price. 

In  April.  1820,  11th  to  14th  inclusive,  an  elephant  was  shown  in  the  log 
>;  i in  the  rear  of  Reid’s  Inn.  Admission  374  cents. 

A grand  exhibition  of  living  animals  was  announced  at  Germantown, 
i tember  19  and  20,  1823;  Dayton  22,  and  23;  thence  to  Xenia  and  Waynes- 
i j.  The  show  included  an  African  lion,  African  leopard,  a cougar  from 
h'zil,  ichneumon,  Shetland  pony  and  rider,  and  several  other  animals.  Good 
n ic  was  promised  on  the  ancient  Jewish  cymbol  and  other  instruments.  The 
bv  to  be  from  9 A.  M.  to  5 P.  M.  Admission  25  cents;  children  half  price. 

The  first  circus  exhibited  in  the  barn  yard  at  Reid’s  Inn,  three  evenings. 

■ tv  19,  20  and  21,  1825.  Flying  equestrians,  running  and  vaulting;  female 
•pstrian  in  two-horse  acts;  clown;  horsemanship,  trained  trick  horse,  bare- 
ge and  fancy  riding,  ground  and  lofty  tumbling.  Admission  25  cents;  chil- 
li'll half  price. 

A paper  balloon  was  sent  up  in  Dayton,  Saturday  evening,  June  7,  1828. 
t assed  east,  and  a few  miles  from  town  an  old  lady  who  saw  it  going  over 
alarm  predicted  war,  or  death  in  the  family.  The  baloon  finally  descended 
u field  where  a woman  was  milking;  she  dropped  her  bucket  and  ran  to  the 
cse  to  tell  her  husband,  but  the  “ old  man”  did  not  think  it  safe  to  venture 
.ntill  morning,  when  he  mounted  a horse  and  rode  around  outside  the  fence 
1:1  great  caution.  To  provide  for  a safe  retreat,  he  left  the  bars  down  be- 
i 1 him,  then  finally  made  bold  to  capture  the  balloon,  and  escaped  without 
miry. 

The  first  week  of  July,  1829,  there  were  two  rival  circus  companies  here, 
-hi  showed  afternoon  and  evening,  July  5 and  6;  and  the  other  exhibited  five 
v lings  that  week. 

A special  meeting  of  Council  was  called  May  31,  1S30,  to  grant  free 
:.ase  to  an  Englishman,  who  was  here  to  exhibit  a “ locomotive  engine  and 
away.”  The  following  resolution  was  adopted: 

Resolved,  That  the  proprietor  of  the  locomotive  engine  and  railway,  now  exhibiting  in 
•>  place,  he  permitted  to  exhibit  the  same  withont.  taking  license  therefor.” 

The  track  was  put  up  in  the  Methodist  Meeting-House,  and  for  a fee,  per- 
u could  ride  around  the  room. 

In  March,  1815,  Mrs.  Dionecia  Sullivan  opened  a school  for  girls,  on  the 
ut  side  of  Main  street,  just  south  of  Third  street.  She  taught  them  reading, 
3ing,  sewing,  lettering  with  the  needle,  and  painting.  Her  husband,  William 
a.ivan,  had  his  tailor  shop  in  the  same  building. 

The  Dayton  Female  Charitable  and  Bible  Society  was  organized  at  the 
*cse  of  Mrs.  Henry  Brown,  April  12,  by  the  election  of  Mrs.  Robert  Patterson 
President;  Mrs.  Thomas  Cottom,  Yice  President;  Mrs.  James  Welsh,  Corre- 
riding  Secretary;  Mrs.  Joseph H.  Crane,  Recording  Secretary;  Mrs.  Henrietta 
Vce,  Treasurer;  Managers,  Mrs.  William  King,  Mrs.  David  Reid,  Mrs.  James 
Ima,  Mrs.  James  Steele  and  Mrs  Isaac  Spinning.  This  was  the  first  organ  - 
ion  of  the  kind  in  Dayton,  and  these  ladies,  with  others,  during  the  rest  of 
1 r lives,  were  engaged  in  this  and  similar  good  work.  June  25,  the  Rev. 


574 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Joshua  L.  Wilson,  preached  a charity  sermon  in  the  Methodist  Meeting-Hoi 
for  the  benefit  of  this  Charitable  Association.  It  was  the  custom  of  the  111 
isters  of  the  town  to  make  similar  efforts  in  behalf  of  the  society  each  year 
terward. 

In  June,  Ann  Yaman  established  a milliner  shop  on  Main  street,  south 
Second.  She  advertised  for  a supply  of  goose  feathers,  announcing,  also,  t 
military  gentlemen  would  hnd  at  her  shop,  a full  stock  of  plumes  and  otl 
decorations. 

It  was  estimated  that,  in  the  summer  of  1815,  there  were  about  one  hi 
dred  dwellings  in  Dayton.  There  were  more  log  cabins  than  any  other  kinc 
buildings.  The  lumber  business  was  called  “trade  in  planks.” 

Sets  of  house  logs  and  clapboards  were  gotten  out  in  winter,  sledded 
town  and  sold  in  the  spring. 

CABINTOWN. 

That  part  of  the  town  south  of  Third  street  was  called  “ Cabintown,”  ti- 
the fact  that  there  were  scarcely  any  other  than  log- cabin  improvements.  1 
ruling  spirits  of  that  part  of  the  town,  in  after  years,  congregated  in  the  evenii 
at  the  cabinet  shop  of  James  Elliot,  northwest  corner  of  Fourth  and  Main  strei 
The  only  two  of  that  party  now  living  are  Philip  Kiefer  and  Thomas  B.  C 
penter.  The  western  border  of  “ Cabintown,”  in  the  low  ground  west 
Perry  street,  was  called  “ Specksburg,”  for  Barnhart  Speck,  a baker,  v 
lived  in  the  bottom  near  the  river,  now  West  Third  street.  “ Speckebur 
was  soon  lost  in  the  extension  of  its  more  powerful  neighbors,  “ Cabinlow 
and  Dayton  “ Rattlesnake”  was  the  name  of  a little  prairie  at  the  corner 
Wilkinson  and  Water  streets.  The  “Commons,”  until  1820,  was  the  prat 
lying  east  of  St.  Clair  street  and  north  of  Third  street,  nearly  to  First. 

“ Bucklot”  was  first  known  as  “ buck  pasture,”  and  was  so  called  becau 
at  an  early  day,  it  had  been  one  of  the  favorite  grounds  for  hunting  de 
tempted  there  by  the  many  springs  of  cool,  clear  water.  It  included  the  t 
ritory  between  the  two  canals,  north  of  Third  street,  to  the  “mill-pond”  a 
race. 

THE  MARKET-HOUSE. 

A frame  market-house  was  erected  on  Second  street,  extending  100  f 
west  from  Jefferson  street.  On  the  inside  of  the  building,  on  both  sides,  wi 
the  butcher  stalls,  and  outside,  under  the  eaves  (which  projected  some  distant 
were  the  stands  for  farmers  and  gardeners.  From  the  building  west,  nea 
to  Main  street,  were  two  long  horse-racks,  or  rails.  This  first  market-hot 
was  opened  for  use  without  ceremony,  July  4,  1815.  Market  hours  were  fri 
4 to  10  A.  M.,  Wednesdays  and  Saturdays  of  each  week.  That  part  of  S 
ond  street  was,  for  the  next  forty  years,  known  as  Market  street,  and  is  yet 
called  by  many  of  our  older  citizens.  The  ordinance  to  regulate  the  mar 
took  effect  April  1,  1816.  It  forbid  the  sale  of  batter,  cheese,  eggs,  poult 
fresh  meat,  and  vegetables  of  all  kinds,  within  the  corporation  bounds,  on  a 
other  than  market  days,  except  that  fresh  meat  and  fish  might  be  sold  befort 
A.  M.  any  day.  Beef,  by  the  quarter,  or  fifty  pounds  of  pork,  could  be  sc 
at  any  time.  “ Cabintown  ” and  Dayton  had  a struggle  for  many  years 
change  of  location  of  the  market-house,  which  resulted  in  triumph  for  “ Of 
intown,”  by  the  selection  of  the  center  of  Main  street,  south  of  Third,  as  I 
site  for  a new  market-house.  The  controversy  did  not  end,  however,  un 
July  27,  1829;  it  was  determined  to  locate  the  building  in  the  alley  runni 
from  Jefferson  street  to  Main,  between  Thii’d  and  Fourth  streets. 

The  cost  of  the  property  to  widen  the  market  space,  from  Jefferson 
Main  street,  was  $1,190.20.  Only  the  west  half  of  the  house  was  then  bui 
the  space  east,  to  Jefferson  street,  was  for  market  wagons.  April  24,  1& 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


575 


the  Id  market-house,  on  Second  street,  was  declared  vacated,  and  was  shortly 
t toward  torn  down. 

William  Clark  was  appointed  Clerk  and  Marshal  of  the  market  at  a sal- 
ijf  $75  per  annum.  In  1836,  the  building  was  extended  to  Jefferson  street. 

e summer  of  1845,  a second  story  was  built  on  the  west  half  of  the  mar- 
t ouse  and  arranged  for  City  Hall,  Library  and  Council  Chamber. 

The  present  city  buildings  were  contracted  for  March  21,  1876,  to  cost 
l7l. 

WAGON  RATES. 

Competing  lines,  in  1815,  established  the  following  wagon  rates: 
jfrip  to  Cincinnati,  75  cents;  Cincinnati  to  Dayton,  $1;  Urbana  to  Day- 
v>r  vice  versa,  $1;  Dayton  to  Piqua,  or  Piqua  to  Dayton,  75  cents;  four- 
}j  r:  team,  per  day,  $4;  two-horse  team,  per  day,  $2.50;  stone,  per  perch, 
tCooper’s  or  Wade’s  quarries,  $1.25;  four-horse  load  of  wood  from  outlot, 
(its;  two-horse  load  of  wood  from  outlot,  37-g-  cents;  four-horse  load  of 
4,  50  cents;  two-horse  load  of  gravel,  25  cents. 

RIVAL  SOCIETIES. 

Two  societies,  somewhat  different  in  character,  were  organized  here  at 
oi  the  same  time,  July,  1815.  The  Dayton  Bachelors’  Society,  with  George 
1'Uston,  as  President,  and  Joseph  John,  Secretary,  was  organized  by  the 
vial  bachelors  and  gentlemen  of  the  town;  possibly,  without  real  opposi- 
tion:;) an  association  of  religious  people,  known  as  the  Moral  Society.  Calls 
O'  leetings  of  the  Society  of  Associated  Bachelors  were  usually  made 
qh  the  Ohio  Republican;  but  officer’s  names  were  withheld.  The  calls 
r< made  for  the  “usual  places  of  meeting,” — “Strain’s  bar-room.”  The 
£ drawback  to  the  society  was,  that  their  members  would  desert,  or  rather 
de  ineligible  by  getting  married,  and  it  was  generally  necessary  to  elect 
v fficers  at  each  quarterly  meeting  of  the  association. 

he  Moral  Society  met  at  the  Methodist  Meeting  House,  Satin-day  evening, 
>!2.  James  Hannah,  President;  George  S.  Houston,  Secretary;  William 
Henry  Robinson,  Matthew  Patton,  John  Patterson  and  Aaron  Baker,  Man- 
i The  object  of  the  society  was  “ the  suppression  of  vice  and  immorality, 
■dll-breaking,  swearing,  and  other  immoral  practices,  and  to  assist  magis- 
* iu  the  faithful  discharge  of  their  duties.”  George  S.  Houston,  it  will  be 
aiwas  President  of  the  “Bachelor’s  Association,”  and  Secretary  of  the 
Pal  Society.  ” September  24,  he  was  married  to  the  “ amiable  Miss  Mary 
"pan,”  and  there  was  great  rejoicing  in  the  Moral  Society.  Shortly  after - 
withe  Secretary,  Joseph  John,  married  Miss  Jane  Waugh,  only  daughter  of 
l|m  Waugh,  of  Washington  Township,  and  the  Republican  took  great  pJ cas- 
cading attention  to  the  fact  that  both  the  President  and  Secretary  of 
uchelor’s  Association  were  married  men.  Their  places  were  immediately 
by  the  election  of  John  Steele,  President,  and  Alexander  Grimes,  Sec- 
ret ai 


MAD  RIVER  BRIDGE. 


tad  River  was  such  a slashing,  wild  stream,  and  so  rapid,  that  a ferry  could 
'll  be  managed,  and  ordinarily  in  the  spring  the  river  was  so  dangerous 
< ] that  merchants  of  the  town  found  it  desirable  that  a bridge  should  be 
To  this  end  a meeting  was  held  at  Grimes’  Tavern,  Saturday,  January 
16,  “ to  devise  a plan  to  build  a bridge  across  Mad  River  at  the  Staunton 
Roaford.” 


intei 


he  following  committee  was  appointed  to  raise  subscriptions,  and  super- 
structure ; D.  G.  Cooper,  Aaron  Baker,  Samuel  Dille,  David  Lock,  John 


i 


576 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


D.  Campbell,  David  Griffin  and  William  M.  Smith.  This  plan  was  abandc 
and  the  bridge  built  the  next  year  by  the  county. 

March  21,  1817,  the  contract  was  sold  to  William  Farmun  at  $1,400. 
was  a high  bridge,  built  crowning  in  the  old  fashioned  way,  with  a single  t 
of  160  feet,  so  that  the  roadway  over  the  middle  of  the  river  was  several 
higher  above  the  water  than  at  the  abutments.  It  was  located  at  w 
Taylor  street  now  is,  just  south  of  Water  street;  was  not  a covered  bri 
and  was  painted  red.  Although  not  completed,  it  was  opened  to  travel  in 
fall,  and  in  December,  was  finished  at  an  expense  of  $150.  In  1824,  being 
safe,  a new  floor  was  laid  and  additional  braces  put  up.  In  May,  1828 
bridge  fell  into  the  river  and  was  rebuilt  that  summer  by  John  Hale. 

BRIDGE  STREET  BRIDGE. 

A stock  company  had  been  formed,  and  in  April,  1818,  they  began  the 
struction  of  the  old  red  toll  bridge  across  the  Miami  River  at  Bridge  at: 
Nathan  S.  Hunt,  of  Hamilton,  Ohio,  was  contractor. 

A soldier  on  duty  at  the  United  States  recruiting  office  here,  fell  frc 
boat  that  was  used  in  building  the  pier,  and  was  drowned. 

December  22,  an  Indian  was  drowned  in  attempting  to  cross  on  tin 
just  below  the  bridge.  The  next  month  the  bridge  was  opened  to  the  pul 
the  toll  house  stood  at  the  upper  side,  west  end  of  the  bridge. 

BREWERIES. 

In  1816,  Robert  Graham  who  kept  the  old  tavern  at  the  corner  of  Jf 
and  Water  streets,  also  had  a small  brewery  there  in  operation. 

About  1820,  Henry  Brown  built  a brick  brewery  on  Lot  105,  south  sic 
Second  street,  west  of  Jefferson  street ; James  L.  Morris  bought  it  in  0c( 
1822,  and  in  1823  Michael  Ott  was  proprietor.  It  was  then  known  as  the  j 
ton  Brewery. 

In  August,  1828,  George  C.  Davis  built  a new  brick  brewery  on  Jeffi 
street  between  First  and  Water  streets.  T.  Hawley  &Co.  made  the  first  l;j 
ing  there  October  15  of  the  same  year.  They  manufactured  beer,  porter  J 
ale,  and  had  a fine  trade. 

The  following  is  an  advertisement  of  the  Dayton  brewery,  Octobe 
1830. 

Beer,  similar  to  that  brewed  at  Germantown,  and  equally  as  good,  is 
brewed  by  a brewer  from  the  Germantown  brewery,  at  the  Old  Breweij 
Market  street,  formerly  occupied  by  Mr.  George  Harris,  where  it  is  sold  at  I 
per  barrel. 

TOWN  ELECTION  1816. 

At  the  corporation  election,  March  2,  1816,  the  following  officers 
elected  : D.  C.  Cooper,  President  of  the  Select  Council;  Recorder,  Jc 
Peirce;  Trustees,  Aaron  Baker,  H.  G.  Phillips,  Ralph  Wilson,  O.  B.  Oon 
George  Grove. 

FREIGHTING  UP  THE  RIVER. 

Lines  of  keel-boats  were  again  established  up  the  Miami  in  1816,  care 
grain  and  produce  that  was  transferred  at  Loramie  to  boats  that  were  1 
down  the  Maumee.  A large  warehouse  for  storage  was  built  at  the  Ma 
Rapids,  as  a point  for  transfer  of  freight  from  river  boats  to  lake  vessels. 

MEDICAL  SOCIETY. 

The  Dayton  Medical  Society  was  organized  July  13,  1816.  They  wc 
meet  three  times  each  year. 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


577 


RATES  OF  POSTAGE. 

Any  distance  not  exceeding  30  miles,  6 cents  ; over  30  miles  and  not  ex- 
e.ng  80  miles,  10  cents  ; over  80,  and  not  over  150,  12J  cents  ; over  150, 
Kbot  over  400,  18| ; over  400  miles,  25  cents.  Each  paper  carried  not  over 
'miles,  1 cent  ; over  100  miles,  14  cents. 

SABBATH  SCHOOLS. 

In  March,  1817,  an  effort  was  made  that  soon  resulted  in  the  establishment 
Sunday  school  by  the  Presbyterians  at  their  meeting  house. 

In  July  of  the  next  year,  they  organized  the  Dayton  Sabbath  School  Asso- 
i in  ; and  the  Methodists  organized  the  Methodist  Sunday  School  Society, 
j r first  meetings  were  held  in  August.  Children  and  adults  were  taught 
alphabet  and  to  read.  The  Presbyterian  school  was  held  in  their  own  meet- 
t louse  ; the  Methodist  school  was  held  in  the  Academy  building  on  St.  Clair 
strjt. 

In  1817,  there  were  but  two  pleasure  carriages  in  Dayton.  One  was  owned 
'.  (J.  Cooper,  and  the  other  by  H.  G.  Phillips. 

Simeon  Stansifer  started  a tobacco  factory  in  July  of  that  year,  near  the 
).•  office. 

Blackali  Stephens  opened  the  old  Newcom  tavern  as  the  Sun  Inn,  in  De- 
u er  ; he  had  a large  picture  of  the  Sun  on  the  sign. 

CAMP  MEETING. 

The  Methodists  in  the  neighborhoods  throughout  the  valley  usually  gath- 
e in  the  groves  for  worship  whenever  the  services  of  a minister  could  be  ob 
i d.  Friday,  June  26,  1818,  the  first  camp  meeting  was  organized  at  the 
tti  prairie,  three-fourths  of  a mile  south  of  Dayton — now  the  foot  of  Ludlow 
r<fc.  It  was  estimated  that  there  were  3,000  people  at  the  assembly.  Sep- 
ner  10,  of  the  next  year,  they  again  met  under  the  leadership  of  the  Rev. 
ms  B.  Finley,  P.  E.,  who  was  assisted  by  the  Rev.  John  Strange,  of  the 
£ River  Circuit.  The  line  of  tents  entirely  encircled  the  prairie.  These 
ings  were  held  at  that  point  each  year  until  the  canal  was  located,  and  after 
i were  held  at  the  big  spring  on  the  north  side  of  Mad  River,  near  where 
v-e  outh  abutment  of  the  railroad  bridge  is  now  located. 


STAGE  LINES. 

In  May,  1818,  a Mr.  Lyon  began  making  regular  weekly  trips  from  Day- 
,r  to  Cincinnati  and  return,  for  passengers,  but  he  only  continued  for  the 
liner. 

June  2,  John  H.  Platt,  of  Cincinnati,  and  D.  C.  Cooper  started  a stage 
r between  the  two  points.  The  stage  left  Cincinnati  Tuesday  evenings,  stay- 
4 overnight  at  Hamilton,  arriving  here  the  next  evening  ; returning,  left 
: Friday  evenings,  arriving  at  Cincinnati  Saturday  evenings.  Fair,  8 cents 
ile,  with  an  allowance  of  fourteen  pounds  of  baggage  to  each  passenger. 
In  the  spring  of  1820,  John  Crowder,  the  Dayton  colored  barber,  with  Ja- 
o'Musgrove,  another  black  man,  as  his  partner,  put  a coach  that  would  carry 
vve  passengers  on  the  road.  Crowder  was  driver,  and  with  his  coach  and 
n was  an  object  of  great  interest  to  the  townspeople,  and  farmers  along  the 
D He  took  two  days  for  the  trip  each  way,  staying  overnight  at  Hamilton, 
-Ojg  and  coming. 

Timothy  Squier  had  a stage  running  to  Cincinnati  in  1822.  Worden  & 
man  had  the  line  to  Columbus,  and  there  connected  with  a stage  line  to 


Hi 


ajlusky. 

In  May,  1827,  the  Cincinnati,  Dayton,  Columbus  and  Portland,  on  Lake 


57  8 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Erie,  tri-weekly  line  of  mail  coaches  began  running  through  from  Cincinuat 
the  hike,  in  four  days.  June  25,  coaches  were  started  daily,  each  way.  i 
Portland  they  connected  with  steamers  for  Detroit  and  Buffalo.  At  Mt.  Yer 
they  connected  with  a stage  line  for  Cleveland.  Fare  from  Cincinnati  to  13 
ton,  $3;  to  Columbus,  $6;  to  the  lake,  $12.  Proprietors,  H.  G.  Phillips 
Timothy  Squier,  Dayton;  Jarvis  Pike,  and  William  Neil,  Columbus;  C.  I . 
ney,  Mt.  Vernon;  K.  Porter,  Portland;  F.  Fowler,  Milan.  In  1828,  just  j 
fore  the  canal  opened,  stage  lines  were  in  operation  in  all  directions.  Tw'e 
regular  coaches  arrived  here  each  week. 

BOATING  SOUTH. 

The  last  week  of  March,  1819,  several  flat-boats  loaded  with  flour,  pork  . 
whisky,  from  Piqua  and  Troy,  passed  down  the  river;  and  eight  fine  flat-b( 
and  one  keel-boat  left  here  with  flour.  March  16,  1823,  seven  flat-boats  i 
one  keel-boat  left  with  produce  for  New  Orleans.  The  last  week  of  Aj 
1824,  a boat  came  down  Stillwater  from  Milton,  and  three  loaded  here  started  v 
her.  One  of  the  Dayton  boats  had  forty  barrels  of  whisky,  400  barrels  of  fit 
and  a half  ton  of  bacon.  Sunday,  March  27,  1825,  the  town  was  all  exeitemi 
On  YV ednesday,  the  23d,  a heavy  rain  set  in,  and  on  Friday,  the  river  begai 
raise.  Saturday,  merchants,  farmers,  millers,  distillers  and  teamsters  w 
busy  loading  the  boats  that  were  moored  along  the  Water  street  landii 
Several  boats  arrived  from  above  during  the  day,  and  tied  up  here;  otl 
came  down  on  Sunday,  and  from  fear  that  the  water  might  run  out,  the  fleel 
twenty  boats  got  away.  Some  were  snagged  on  the  way  down,  but  most 
them  got  through  safely. 

For  two  or  three  days  the  last  of  February,  1827,  the  river  was  in  i 
boating  condition.  On  the  26th,  twelve  boats  started  south,  loaded  with  gr; 
flour  and  whisky.  Two  others  left  on  Sunday,  the  29th,  and  struck  on 
rocks  at  “ Broad  Hippie;”  the  one  belonging  to  Phillips  & Perrine  sunk, 
other  got  off  all  right. 

The  last  boat  to  leave  with  freight  for  the  South  by  river,  started  fr 
here  in  February,  1828.  The  next  spring  freight  was  shipped  bv  cai 
Freight  to  the  North,  however,  was  sent  by  river  until  about  1836,  or  possi 
until  the  canal  was  opened  to  Piqua,  a year  later. 

NEW  year’s  BALL. 

A grand  New  Year’s  ball  was  given  at  Fielding  Gosney’s  Inn,  east  side 
Main  street,  south  corner  of  the  flrsr,  alley  south  of  Water  street,  Friday  ev 
ing,  December  29,  1819.  William  Griffin,  Benjamin  Brewbecker,  E.  W.  L 
eret,  John  H.  Reid,  Managers. 

SCARCITY  OF  MONEY. 

The  general  depression  in  business  throughout  the  country  after  the  \ 
of  18.12,  withdrew  gold  and  silver  from  circulation,  and  for  ten  years  seriou 
affected  trade  in  the  West,  where  good  currency  was  so  very  scarce.  Dayi 
made  but  slow  progress  from  1.820  until  work  was  begun  upon  the  canal. 

Money  was  so  scarce  in  1820,  1821  and  1822,  that  trade  of  all  kinds  i 
carried  on  by  barter.  Wolf -scalp  certificates  were  the  “ log  cabin  currenc 
What  was  known  as  “ cut  money’  ’ was  made  by  cutting  silver  dollars  into  qu- 
ters,  and  Mexican  quarters  into  dimes.  Five  quarters  were  thus  cut  from  •' 
and  three  dimes  from  a quarter. 

compton’s  tavern. 

John  Compton  opened  the  tavern  at  the  corner  of  Second  and  Main  strc 
June  19,  1821.  The  new  sign  was  a picture  of  the  naval  engagement  betwej 
the  frigates  Constitution  and  Guerrier. 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


579 


SICKLY  SEASON. 


The  summer  of  1821  was  a very  sickly  season.  Fever  prevailed  through - 
ifche  valley  to  an  alarming  extent.  During  August,  September  and  October, 
if  one-third  of  the  population  were  sick.  In  Dayton  there  were  nearly  four 
mired  cases,  and  so  many  deaths  as  to  cause  great  alarm. 

In  July,  the  roads  to  Cincinnati  were  in  bad  condition,  and  in  many  places 
-f  > obstructed  by  fallen  timber. 

JOHN  M’AFEE. 


The  trial  of  John  McAfee  for  the  brutal  murder  of  his  wife  lasted  two  days, 
firth  2 and  3,  1825.  He  was  found  guilty  and  sentenced  by  Judge  Joseph 
£ Irane  to  be  hanged  March  28.  Monday  morning,  March  28,  1825,  crowds 
9;,n  to  come  in  from  the  country.  Capt.  Conrad  Wolf’s  Rifle  Company,  and 
a;.  Timothy  Squires,  Dayton  Troop  of  Horse  were  ordered  out  as  guards. 
..._t0  o’clock  in  the  morning,  McAfee  was  taken  from  the  jail  and  seated  in  a 
aage,  attended  by  the  Rev.  Father  Hill,  a Catholic  priest  who  had  been  up 
ve  before  from  Cincinnati  to  visit  the  prisoner.  Guarded  by  the  militia, 
aorisoner  was  taken  to  the  gallows  in  the  woods  on  the  west  of  Dayton,  near 
it  Miami  River.  He  made  a confession  of  his  crime,  and  was  hanged  at  3 
c ck  P.  M. 


1825  to  1829. 


January  11,  1825,  Thomas  Morrison  erected  hay  scales  on  Fourth  street, 
r east  of  Ludlow,  and  charged  371  cents  a ton  for  weighing  hay,  and  25 
;k  a half  ton,  one-half  to  be  paid  by  the  purchaser  and  one-half  by  the  sel- 
r but  to  save  trouble  for  himself,  Mr.  Morrison  required  the  seller  to  pay 
lei'ull  amount  and  collect  the  half  from  his  customer. 

April  6,  the  mail  from  Columbus  arrived  in  a carriage.  Two  days  later  a 
ea  was  started  to  Cincinnati  with  the  mail;  before  that  it  had  always  been 
tied  by  post  rider  on  all  the  routes. 

George  S.  Houston  was  the  first  real  estate  agent  in  Dayton;  as  such  he 
a rtised  himself  in  November,  1825. 

In  June,  1826,  James  Perrine  was  appointed  agent  here  for  the  Protection 
i Insiu’ance  Company,  of  Hartford,  Conn.  This  was  the  first  opportunity 
led  Dayton  or  Montgomery  County  people  to  insure  their  property  by  local 
g!t. 

The  canal  was  to  be  cut  through  the  little  prairie  at  the  foot  of  Ludlow 
-apt;  the  Methodists,  therefore,  changed  their  camp  meeting  grounds  to  the 
rie  north  of  Mad  River,  near  the  big  spring.  With  the  Rev.  John  Collins 
3 iader,  they  assembled  there  Friday,  June  1,  1827.  The  meeting  was  con- 
E3d  until  Monday,  the  4th. 

McElwee  & Clegg  made  the  first  heat  at  their  Dayton  Iron  Foundry,  near 
a load  of  the  basin,  December  2,  1828. 

DAYTON  AND  THE  CANAL. 

The  town  began  to  improve  and  increase  in  population  soon  after  the  canal 
'■'had  passed  the  Legislature.  In  the  spring  of  1825,  all  houses  and  cabins 
e occupied,  and  new  ones  were  erected.  Brick  and  frame  houses  began  to 
par  in  the  county  in  place  of  the  cabins;  new  farms  were  opened  and  im- 
v ements  made. 

Saturday,  July  9,  Gov.  De  Witt  Clinton  and  staff,  of  New  Arork,  Gov. 
OYniah  Morrow,  Hon.  Ethan  A.  Brown,  Hon.  Joseph  Vance,  Judge  Tappan, 
J;  ’■  Williams.  Judge  Bates  and  Judge  Parish  were  met  at  Fairfield  by  Capt. 
ijothy  Squier  with  the  Dayton  Troop  of  Horse  and  many  citizens  of  the 
101  "•  and  were  escorted  to  Dayton  on  their  way  to  Middletown  to  break  ground 
for, he  Miami  Canal.  The  column  arrived  at  Dayton  at  2:30  in  the  afternoon, 


580 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


and  halted  at  Compton’s  Tavern,  where  an  address  of  welcome  was  deliver 
by  Judge  Crane,  with  response  from  Gov.  Clinton. 

At  4 P.  M.,  guests  and  ,citizens  dined  at  Reid’s  Inn.  Judge  Crane  pi 
sided;  Judge  Steele  and  Col.  Robert  Patterson  were  Vice  Presidents;  a numl 
of  patriotic  and  complimentary  toasts  were  responded  to  by  the  distinguish 
guests  and  citizens. 

By  actual  count  in  August  there  were  .1,100  white  and  thirty-four  color 
people  living  in  Dayton. 

The  canal  was  located  at  the  commons,  between  the  Academy  and  the  sa 
mill  race,  in  May,  1827;  it  terminated  in  a basin  seventy  feet  wide,  at  Fii 
street.  Excavation  on  the  canal  near  town  was  commenced  in  June.  In  Decei 
ber,  there  were  210  dwellings  in  Dayton — the  court  house,  jail,  county  off 
building,  Presbyterian  and  Methodist  meeting-houses,  the  academy  and  fi 
other  schools,  three  with  male  and  three  with  female  teachers,  the  library;  t' 
bridges,  two  apothecary  shops,  thirteen  dry  good  stores  and  seventeen  grocerit 
four  taverns — Grime’s,  Reid’s,  Compton’s  and  Strain’s;  two  printing  offices 
the  Dayton  Journal , in  the  second  story  of  the  County  Office  Building,  Jo' 
W.  Van  Cleve  and  Jeptha  Regans,  proprietors;  and  the  Miami  Herald,  on  t 
east  side  of  Main  street,  a few  doors  south  of  Third,  R.  J.  Skinner,  proprieu 
one  wholesale  store,  three  wagon-maker  shops,  one  carriage  shop,  four  blac 
smith  shops,  two  sickle  factories,  one  tin  shop,  one  coppersmith,  three  hi 
ters , seven  shoemakers,  seven  tailors,  three  tan-yards,  three  saddlers,  thr 
watchmakers,  one  brewery,  one  tallow  chandler,  two  tobacconists,  one  flour-m 
with  three  run  of  stone,  one  saw-mill  with  two  saws,  one  fulling  mill,  and  o: 
cotton  factory. 

January  7,  1828,  the  Stillwater,  Miami  and  Mad  Rivers  were  higher  tb 
at  any  time  since  1814.  The  State  dam  that  had  been  built  the  fall  befoi 
was  very  much  injured.  The  canal  bridge  at  the  east  end  of  Main  Cross  stn 
was  washed  away,  and  the  Jefferson  street  canal  bridge  was  injured.  All 
the  mill  race  bridges  were  swept  away.  Broadw ell’s  old  red  warehouse,  on  t 
Miami  River  bank,  at  the  head  of  Wilkinson  street,  was  carried  off,  and  mu 
damage  was  done  to  fencing  and  other  property  above  and  below  town. 

The  population  of  the  town  May  1,  1828,  was  1,693  whites,  and  seven!' 
four  blacks;  429  voters. 

The  Alpha,  a canal  boat  for  freight  and  passengers,  was  built  by  Solom 
Eversole,  for  McMaken  & Hilton,  and  launched  at  the  canal,  near  Fifth  strei 
Saturday,  August  16,  1828.  A temporary  dam  was  put  across  the  canal,  at  tj 
bluffs,  and  water  was  let  in  from  the  saw-mill  tail-race,  near  Fifth  street,  a: 
trial  trips  were  made  down  to  the  dam,  and  back.  The  Dayton  Guards,  a ui 
formed  company  of  boys,  organized  on  the  4th  of  July  previous,  had  the  fii 
trip  on  her. 

Timothy  Squier  opened  the  National  Hotel,  on  the  north  side  of  Ms 
Cross  street,  east  of  Jefferson,  in  the  summer.  During  the  year,  there  we 
thirty-six  brick,  and  thirty-four  frame  buildings  erected  in  town.  At  the  tii 
the  canal  to  Cincinnati  was  completed,  January  1,  1829,  there  were  125  brii 
six  stone,  and  239  frame  buildings  in  Dayton;  235  dwellings.  A saw -mill  h 
been  built,  and  a shingle  and  lath  factory,  corn-mill,  iron  foundry  and  coo 
er  shop.  At  that  time  there  were  seven  doctors  and  thirteen  lawyers,  and  ma 
new  mechanics  in  every  branch,  and  new  stores  of  all  kinds. 

A week  before  Christmas,  a party  of  ladies  and  gentlemen  of  town,  wt 
to  Miamisburg  on  the  Alpha,  Capt.  T.  Jones,  Mastei.  The  formal  opening 
the  canal  was  expected  to  be  celebrated  by  the  arrival  at  Dayton,  January  1 
1829,  of  several  boats  from  Cincinnati;  but  the  canal  was  frozen  over  and  t 
affair  was  delayed. 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


581 


Sunday  morning,  January  25,  artillery  at  tire  landing  announced  tlie  ap- 
ujacli  of  the  packet  Governor  Brown,  and  as  she  rounded  to  at  the  dock,  the 
dizens  of  the  town  greeted  her  with  hearty  cheers.  In  the  afternoon  the 
rer  arrived,  at  dark  the  General  Marion,  and  during  the  night  the  General 
?]e. 

The  boats,  Gov.  Brown,  Capt.  J.  D.  Archibald,  Master;  Forrer,  Capt. 
upbell,  Master;  Gen.  Marion,  Capt.  Clynier,  Master;  Gen.  Pike,  Capt.  Swain, 
liter,  were  to  leave  for  Cincinnati,  accompanied  by  the  Alpha,  with  a Day- 
to  party,  but  a break  in  the  canal  near  Alexandersville  prevented  their  de- 
)!.;ure. 

Regular  lines  of  packets  were  soon  in  active  competition;  twenty  hours  was 
1st  packet  trip  to  Cincinnati.  Merchandise  was  brought  from  New  York  to 
:ton  by  water,  in  twenty  days’  time,  at  $17.25  freight  per  ton.  The  route 
?i  by  the  Erie  Canal  to  Buffalo,  across  the  lake  to  Cleveland,  by  the  Ohio 
dal  to  the  Ohio  River,  down  the  river  to  Cincinnati,  and  up  the  Miami  Canal 
ijlayton;  the  entire  distance  was  1,152  miles. 

April  16,  1829,  the  steam  canal  boat,  Enterprise,  arrived  at  Dayton  from 
idnnati. 


582 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Charter  Amended— Licenses— Town  Boundaries,  1829— The  Five  Waea 
Elections  1820  to  1841  Inclusive — Canal  and  Other  Statistics — Ch< 
era— Seely’s  Basin— Peasley’s  Garden— New  Bridges— Cooper  Hydrai 
to — Change  of  Mad  River— Canal  Extension— Dayton  Hydraulic €( 
pany — Harrison  Convention — Clay  Convention — City  Charter— M. 
kets— Scraps  of  History— Elections  1841  to  1853,  Inclusive— Statisti 

TOWN  ELECTIONS. 

I^ECORD  of  elections,  proceedings  of  Council  and  reports  of  expenditure 
V from  1805  to  1829,  have  been  misplaced  or  lost;  at  least  they  cannot  n 
be  found  at  the  City  Clerk’s  office.  What  information  we  have,  therefore, 
gathered  from  other  sources.  With  the  exception  of  the  year  1822,  we  givi 
complete  list  of  the  officers  of  the  town  from  1820  to  1841,  inclusive: 

March  4,  1820,  H.  G.  Phillips  was  elected  President  of  the  Select  Coi 
oil;  George  S.  Houston,  Recorder;  Trustees,  Aaron  Baker,  Luther  Bruen,  I 
vid  Henderson,  William  Huffman,  John  Steele. 

1821. — Election  March  3.  Matthew  Patton,  President;  George  S.  Hoi 
ton,  Recorder;  Trustees,  Henry  Brown,  Luther  Bruen,  Aaron  Baker,  Bal 
Wilson,  John  Dodson.  At  that  election  there  were  280  votes  cast. 

1822. — E.  Stebbins  was  Marshal. 

1823. — Election  March  1.  John  Compton,  President;  Joseph  H.  Conov 
Recorder;  Trustees,  Luther  Bruen,  O.  B.  Conover,  E.  Brabham,  George  Han 
N.  Wilson. 

1824. — Election  March  6.  John  Compton,  President;  John  W.  VauCle 
Recorder;  Trustees,  Elisha  Brabham,  John  Burns,  Job  Haines,  William  Patti 
son,  David  Stout. 

1825. — Election  April  5.  Simeon  Broadwell,  President;  Warren  Mung 
Recorder;  Trustees,  Dr.  John  Steele,  Matthew  Patton,  Nathaniel  Wilson,  W 
iam  Roth,  John  Lehman. 

The  receipts  and  disbursements  for  the  year  ending  March  6 were  as  f 
lows: 

Receipts,  $487.65.  Disbursements — Paid  for  fire  engine,  $226;  afiggpa 
salary,  1824,  $25;  sign  for  engine  house,  $8;  sundries,  $73,02^;  cash  in  ireasi [ 
$155,621.  Total,  $487.65 

1826. — Election  March  4.  Elisha  Brabham,  President;  Robert  J.  Sk: 
ner,  Recorder;  Trustees,  Dr.  John  Steele,  Matthew  Patton,  William  Roth,  i 
exander  Grimes,  Peter  Baer. 

1827. — Election  March  3.  Dr.  Jolio  Steele,  President;  Robert  J.  Sk 
ner,  Recorder;  Trustees,  O.  B.  Conover,  William  Huffman,  D.  Stout,  T.  M 
rison,  N.  Wilson. 

1828. — Election  March  1.  Dr.  John  Steele,  President;  John  W 1 
Cleve,  Recorder;  Trustees,  N.  Wilson,  O.  B.  Conover,  T.  Morrison,  B.  Sto 
W.  Huffman. 

The  charter  of  the  town  was  amended  by  the  Legislature  in  the  win 
of  1828-29.  By  the  amendment,  no  one  was  entitled  to  vote  at  the  to 
elections  except  “ free  white  male  freeholders,  or  householders,  over  twen 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


583 


03  years  of  age,  who  have  resided  within  the  corporation  one  year  next  pre- 
ciing  the  election.”  By  the  act,  power  was  given  the  Town  Council  to  license 
_icers,  retail  and  wholesale  liquor  dealers,  beer,  ale  and  porter  houses;  to 
i ense  and  regulate  all  houses  of  public  entertainment  other  than  taverns, 
h power  to  regulate  and  suspend  all  such  licensed  places.” 

The  following  is  the  result  of  the  first  election  held  under  this  amended 
c trter,  at  the  court  house,  Saturday,  March  6,  1829 : 

Mayor,  John  Folkerth;  Recorder,  David  Winters;  Trustees,  Nathaniel 
Ison,  James  Slaght,  -John  Rench,  Luther  Bruen,  William  Atkins. 

The  boundaries  of  the  town  at  that  time  were  as  folkws:  “On  the  west 

ij  north,  the  Miami  River;  on  the  south,  the  section  line  running  from  the 
imi,  near  the  south  end  of  Patterson’s  pond,  eastwardly  to  a stone  in  the 
v)ds,  near  Wayne  street;  on  the  east,  the  half-section  line  which  ci’ossed 
7 rd  street,  at  the  forks  of  the  Springfield  and  Xenia  roads;  on  the  north, 
m section  line  running  from  a point  near  the  aqueduct,  westwardly  across 
i canal  and  Mad  River,  to  a point  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Miami,  opposite 
1 lower  end  of  the  first  island  up  from  Mad  River,  near  the  stump  of  a hol- 
o sycamore,  about  ten  feet  in  diameter.” 

November  24,  an  ordinance  was  passed  dividing  the  town  into  five  wards. 

The  First  Ward  was  bounded  on  the  north  by  the  Miami  and  Mad  River, 
che  east  by  the  corporation  line,  on  the  south  by  Second  street,  and  on  the 
v.  t by  Jefferson  street. 

Second  Ward,  north  and  west  by  the  river,  east  by  Jefferson  street,  and 
oh  by  Second  street. 

Third  Ward,  north  by  Second  street,  west  by  the  river,  east  by  Jefferson 
Met,  and  south  by  the  south  line  of  the  Market  alley  and  a line  running 
it  west  from  that  to  the  river. 

Fourth  Ward,  west  by  the  river,  north  by  a line  running  from  the  river 

east,  to  the  south  line  of  the  Market  alley,  and  by  that  south  line  to  Jef- 
bn  street;  thence  north  to  Third  street,  and  by  Third  street  east  to  the  cor- 
> cation  line;  east  by  the  corporation  line;  south  by  Fifth  street. 

Fifth  Ward,  north  by  Fifth  street,  east,  south  and  west  by  the  corpora- 
i<  line. 

Nearly  the  entire  improvements  of  the  town  were  west  of  Mill  and  St. 

1 r streets,  to  the  river,  and  north  of  South  street  (now  named  Sixth  street) 
) ae  river. 

1830.  — Election  March  4.  Mayor,  John  W.  Van  Cleve;  E.  W.  Davies, 
border;  Trustees,  First  Ward,  Elisha  Brabham;  Second,  Abraham  Darst; 
'I'd,  Robert  J.  Skinner;  Forutk,  Nathaniel  Wilson;  Fifth,  Thomas  Brown. 

1831.  — Election  March  5.  Mayor,  John  Wr.  Van  Cleve;  Edward  W.  Da- 
' Recorder;  Trustees,  First  Ward,  Thomas  Clegg;  Second,  Charles  R. 

hene;  Third,  David  Hawthorne;  Fourth,  Nathaniel  Wilson;  Fifth,  Beniah 
Irp. 

1832.  — Election  March  3.  Mayor,  John  W.  Van  Cleve;  F.  F.  Carrell, 
border;  Trustees,  First  Ward,  C.  G.  Swain;  Second,  John  Compton;  Third, 
a John  Steele;  Fourth,  Nathaniel  Wilson;  Fifth,  Beniah  Tharp. 

1833.  — Election  March  2.  Mayor,  Dr.  Job  Haines;  Rev.  David  Win- 
31  Recorder;  Trustees,  First  Ward,  Alexander  Grimes;  Second,  Henry  A. 
fison;  Third,  Jacob  Leeds;  Fourth,  David  Davis;  Fifth,  Thomas  Brown. 

j834. — Election  March  1.  Mayor,  Henry  Stoddard;  Rev.  D.  Winters, 
-order;  Trustees,  First  Ward,  A.  Grimes;  Second,  H.  A.  Pierson;  Third, 
aes  Stover;  Fourth,  N.  WTlson;  Fifth,  David  Pruden. 

1835. — Election  March  7.  Mayor,  John  Anderson;  Rev.  D.  Winters, 
Ikjirder;  Trustees,  First  Ward,  Samuel  Foley;  Second,  Levi  B.  Jones;  Third, 
aes  Stover;  Fourth,  John  Engle;  Fifth,  Henry  Slaght. 


584 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


1886.  — Election  March  5.  Mayor,  Daniel  W.  Wheelock;  Rev.  D.  Wii 
ters,  Recorder;  Trustees,  First  Ward,  S.  Foley;  Second,  Dr.  Edwin  Smitl 
Third,  Richard  Green;  Fourth,  David  Stone;  Fifth,  Henry  Slaght. 

1837.  — Election  March  4.  Mayor,  D.  W.  Wheelock;  John  Mills  fi 
corder;  Council,  First  Ward,  John  Lehman;  Second,  Dr.  E.  Smith;  Thin 
R.  Green;  Fourth,  J.  Engle;  Fifth,  Augustus  George. 

1838.  — Election  March  3.  Mayor,  D.  W.  Wheelock;  Joseph  Davidsoi 
Recorder;  Council,  First  Ward,  J.  Lehman  ; Second,  Robert  C.  Schenc! 
Third,  Frederick  Boyer;  Fourth,  J.  Engle;  Fifth,  J.  Malambre. 

1839  — Election  March  2.  Mayor,  William  J.  McKinney;  J.  Davidso 
Recorder;  Council,  First  Ward,  S.  Foley;  Second,  John  Mills;  Third,  Geoq 
Owen;  Fourth,  J.  Engle;  Fifth,  J.  Malambre. 

1840.  — Election  March  7.  Mayor,  William  J.  McKinney;  James  McDa: 
iel,  Recorder;  Council,  First  Ward,  Henry  Kimes;  Second,  Isaac  Demnres 
Third,  Henry  L.  Brown;  Fourth,  Edward  W.  Davies:  Fifth,  J.  Malambre. 

1841.  — Election  March  6.  Mayor,  Morris  Seely;  A M.  Bolton,  R 
corder;  Council,  First  Ward,  H.  Kimes;  Second,  John  Garner;  Third,  H.  1 
Brown;  Fourth,  E.  W.  Davies;  Fifth,  J.  Malambre. 

These  officers  served  only  till  the  City  Charter  took  effect  in  May  followin: 

CANAL  AND  OTHER  STATISTICS. 

In  1825,  there  were  497  passengers  through  Dayton  by  stage  ; after  tl 
canal  was  completed,  competition  between  the  stage  and  packet  lines  beean 
very  active.  In  1831  thers  were  6,219  passengers  through  Dayton  by  stag; 
and  from  Cincinnati  to  Dayton  by  packet,  from  March  3 to  November  30,  7,06 
the  number  going  from  Dayton  could  not  be  ascertained. 

The  three  first  year’s  shipments  of  produce  by  canal,  were  as  follows  ; 

Flour,  1829,  27,121  barrels;  1830,  56,864  barrels;  1831,  59,550  barrel 
Whisky,  1829,  7,378  barrels;  1830,  7,142  barrels;  1831,  5,602  barrels.  Por 
1829.  3,429  barrels  ; 1830,  2,497  barrels;  1831,  4,244  barrels.  Oil,  1829,  4:. 
barrels;  1830,  281  barrels;  1831,  344  barrels. 

During  the  year  1831,  563,000  pounds  of  bacon  and  bulk  pork  were  shippt 
in  addition  to  the  amount  packed  in  barrels.  Boats  landed  along  the  we 
bank  of  the  canal  from  First  street  to  Sixth  ; the  packet  landing  was  betweej 
Second  and  Third  streets. 

In  1828,  seventy  buildings  were  erected  in  Dayton;  in  1829,  ninety -nin 
in  1830,  eighty-one;  in  1831,  fifty  of  brick  and  sixty-two  frames.  Id  182 
the  only  improvements  east  of  the  canal  and  south  of  Fifth  street,  were  the  o 
“Mother  Hess’ ’ house  on  the  east  side  of  Brown  street  at  the  alley  south 
Sixth  ; the  Beniah  Tharp  and  George  Shartel  houses,  lower  down  on  Brow 
street,  and  some  cabins  farther  east,  occupied  by  colored  people.  j 

Mr.  Thomas  Brown’s  brickyards  were  on  Brown  street,  from  Hess  she 
south  to  New  Brown  street. 

In  1833,  there  were  1,001  buildings  in  the  town. 

In  February  1837,  there  were  twenty-nine  mechanics’  shops,  capital^  / o,6j 
nine  manufactories,  capital,  $150,000;  twenty-one  groceries,  capital,  $364, 0( 
twenty-two  dry  goods  stores,  capital,  $203,000;  two  confectioneries,  jsapitj 
$1,800;  two  hardware  stores,  capital,  $20,000;  four  drug  stores,  capital,  $h 
600;  two  book  stores,  capital,  $12,000;  four  iron  stores,  capital,  $12,000;  fort 
one  miscellaneous  establishments,  $36,200;  total,  $888,600.  The  hard  tun 
checked  progress  and  improvements  ; the  Town  Council  graded,  graveled  a: 
improved,  business  was  extended,  the  public  square  was  planted  with  fort 
trees  ; fifty-six  brick  and  thirty-three  frame  buildings  were  erected  in  1838. 

The  frame  tavern  kept  by  John  S.  Wolff,  on  the  south  side  of  Second  stre 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


585 


et  of  Ludlow,  was  in  1829  given  the  name  of  the  Farmers’  Hotel  ; afterward 
hvas  callad  the  Farmers’  and  Mechanics’,  and  was  always  well  patronized  by 
etatry  people,  from  the  fact,  that  in  the  rear,  was  a large  feed  yard  and  barn, 
lie  Franklin  House,  southwest  corner  Main  and  Second  streets,  also  had  good 
fid  yard  and  barn. 

Edmund  Browning,  moved  from  Columbus,  Ohio,  with  his  family  to  Day- 
t<’,  and  opened  the  National  Hotel  on  Third  street,  April  13,  1830,  and  kept 
until  1836,  at  which  time  he  moved  to  Indianapolis  and  kept  the  Washing  - 
ti  - Hotel. 

The  name  of  the  National  Hotel  was  changed  to  that  of  the  Voorhees 
Rase  in  January,  1848  ; and  about  ten  years  later  was  called  the  Phoenix 
J use,  and  is  now  occupied  as  part  of  the  Beckel  House  ; it  is  the  brick  build- 
r adjoining  the  new  Beckel  building  on  Third  street. 

The  Travelers  Inn  was  the  three  story  brick,  south  side  of  First  street, 
niir  St.  Clair,  opened  by  John  Lehman,  in  April,  1832. 

The  Lafayette  House  stood  in  the  center  of  the  block,  north  side  of  Third 
sBet,  between  Jefferson  and  St.  Clair. 

The  Montgomery  House,  northeast  corner  of  the  Canal  and  Third  streets 
ns  built  several  years  after  the  canal  was  opened,  and  did  a flourishing  trade 
5 canal  packet  times. 

Swaynie’s  Hotel,  south  side  of  First  street,  at  the  east  corner  of  Race  street, 
np  built  by  Alexander  Swaynie  in  1838-39,  and  opened  by  him  in  April,  1839. 
Is  house  was  fitted  throughout  with  carpets  of  Dayton  manufacture,  and  was 
a rays  a first-class  hotel  in  all  of  its  appointments  and  keeping. 

November  5,  1831,  250  Seneca  Indians  camped  at  the  big  spring  on  the 
mth  side  of  Mad  River,  and  three  days  afterward  left  for  Cincinnati  to  be 
sit  West  by  the  (Jovernment, 

In  February,  1832,  there  was  great  destruction  of  property  by  a Hood  in 
tl  Miami;  the  bridge  at  Miamisburg  was  the  only  one  left  in  good  condition 
fun  its  source  to  the  Ohio.  The  middle  pier  of  the  Dayton  bridge  at  Bridge 
s'set  was  washed  out,  the  clams  were  very  much  injured,  and  most  of  the  fen- 
cig  in  the  bottom  lands  was  swept  away.  The  flood  in  the  Ohio  River  at  the 
s;ae  time  also  did  great  damage,  and  especially  at  Cincinnati,  where  the 
hjnes  of  many  poor  people  were  washed  away,  the  citizens  of  Dayton  raised 
8)2  by  subscription,  which  amount  was  sent  by  John  W.  Van  Cleve,  Mayor 
o Dayton,  to  the  Mayor  of  Cincinnati,  to  aid  in  relieving  the  sufferers. 

In  the  Jackson  campaign  of  1832,  the  Locofocos  had  a great  barbecue  here, 
Oithe  commons  north  of  Third  street  between  St.  Clair  street  and  the  canal; 
a ox  was  roasted,  speeches  were  made  and  the  crowd  fairly  took  the  town. 

German  people  began  to  come  to  Dayton,  in  numbers  in  1833. 

THE  CHOLERA. 

Asa  matter  of  precaution,  the  Town  Council,  in  June,  1832,  appointed  san- 
ity committees  in  each  of  the  wards,  with  power  to  compel  people  to  clean 
Y their  property.  There  were  but  two  fatal  cases  that  year.  In  the  summer 
o|1833,  the  dread  disease  spread  throughout  the  valley,  making  its  appear- 
a3e  in  Dayton  the  first  week  of  June.  Within  the  next  three  months  there  were 
t'rty-three  fatal  cases. 

May  18,  1849,  there  was  one  fatal  case  of  cholera  in  Dayton;  then  the  next 
s1  fatal  cases  about  the  middle  of  June,  were  at  the  Farmers’  and  Mechanics’ 
Ltel  on  Second  street.  Business  was  almost  entirely  suspended  until  Septem- 
bp,  and  within  that  time  there  were  about  three  hundred  deaths,  many  deaths 
*Fy  4 ay.  A Board  of  Health  was  appointed,  a cholera  hospital  established 
f;l  every  effort  made  to  check  the  epidemic,  and  every  attention  shown  by  the 


586 


HISTORY  OP  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


relief  committees,  to  the  sick  and  dead.  Appropriations  for  supplies  were  mac 
by  the  City  Council;  the  streets  and  alleys  were  white  from  quantities  of  liu 
that  was  scattered  in  them,  liberal  contributions  were  made  at  th9  churches  ar 
by  the  citizens  generally.  Physicians  and  citizens  stood  at  their  posts  fait! 
fully  and  bravely;  two  of  the  physicians,  Drs.  Silas  H.  Smith  and  John  Hal 
were  stricken  while  visiting  their  patients,  and  died  with  the  cholera. 

While  there  was  great  dread  of  the  disease,  there  was  no  panic;  very  fe 
if  any  of  the  people  left  the  city.  The  epidemic  raged  throughout  this  ar 
neighboring  counties. 

seely’s  basin. 

The  canal  built  by  Morris  Seely  in  1832,  and  first  known  as  Seely’s  Basil 
then  Seely’s  folly,  Seely’s  ditch,  the  old  ditch,  and  now  as  “ the  ditch,”  w; 
an  enterprise  intended  by  Mr.  Seely  to  benefit  the  property  through  which 
ran. 

The  water  was  taken  from  the  canal  at  the  east  side  of  Wayne  street,  in 
mediately  at  the  bridge,  then  running  south  along  the  east  side  of  Wayne  ( 
near  Lodwick  street  (Fifth),  thence  southeasterly  across  Lodwick  to  Simpso 
street,  and  east  along  the  north  side  of  Simpson,  crossing  Plum  and  Pearl  stree 
where  a basin  was  formed  extending  up  to  Lodwick  street  (Fifth).  Fro: 
Simpson  street,  the  race  led  south  between  Mad  River  and  Pearl  streets,  crosi 
ing  Wayne  at  Richard  street  and  following  its  preseut  course  to  Warren  stree 
and  to  the  old  basin  at  the  Fair  Ground  Hill. 

Mr.  Seely’s  vision  was  that  property  along  this  race,  especially  whei 
wharves  and  docks  could  be  constructed,  would  be  greatly  enhanced  in  value. 

peasley’s  garden. 

The  old  “ pleasure  garden,”  west  side  of  Warren  street,  at  the  south  sid 
of  Seely's  Basin,  was  established  by  A.  M.  Peasley,  in  1833,  rented  in  Ma; 
1834,  by  Robert  McMurray,  and,  in  1837,  by  C.  M.  Riley  and  1.  Harrisoi 
Parties  were  taken  to  the  garden  in  boats  down  the  canal  to  the  basin,  whei 
the  horse  forded  the  canal,  and  towed  the  boat  up  the  basin  to  the  garden. 

NEW  BRIDGES. 

January  28,  1834,  plans  were  advertised  for,  for  a wooden  covered  bridg 
over  the  Miami  River,  at  North  Main  street.  June  4,  1835,  the  County  Con 
missioners  appropriated  $600  toward  building  the  bridge,  the  balance  ws 
raised  by  subscription,  and  in  1836  the  bridge  was  opened  for  travel.  In  187* 
the  old  wooden  bridge  was  torn  down,  and  the  present  iron  structure  erecte 
and  finished  in  1871. 

In  1833,  the  Dayton  & Western  Bridge  Company  was  organized  to  build 
bridge  over  the  Miami  River  at  the  fording  of  the  Germantown  road,  beio1 
Fourth  street,  in  Dayton.  But  the  probability  that  if  the  National  road  sboul 
be  located  through  Dayton,  or  a pike  parallel  to  it  be  built,  that  the  Mian 
River  would  be  bridged  at  a point  above  Fourth  street,  influenced  theabandor 
ment  of  the  project.  March  12,  1838,  subscription  books  were  opened  forstoc 
in  the  Dayton  Third  street  Bridge  Company.  In  June,  the  County  Commit 
sioners  subscribed  for  $1,000  of  stock  for  the  county.  The  company  was  o.> 
ganized  as  follows:  Jacob  D.  Lowe,  President;  P.  Aughinbaugh,  Henry  la 
Tuyl,  J.  Wunderlich,  Valentine  Winters,  Directors;  and  in  the  summer  c 
1839,  it  was  opened  as  a toll  bridge.  The  iron  extension  was  built  by  th 
city  in  1866-67. 

THE  COOPER  HYDRAULIC. 

The  old  saw-mill  race,  extending ’from  the  southwest  corner  of  First  an 
Madison  streets,  to  a point  near  Fifth  street,  between  the  two  canals,  markei 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


587 


ilevel  from  which  the  ground  fell  toward  the  west.  In  1838,  E.  TV.  Davies 
n Alexander  Grimes,  as  agents  of  Mrs.  L.  C.  Cooper,  built  the  hydraulic, 
70  feet  long,  fifty  feet  wide,  with  twelve  feet  head,  between  Third  and  Fifth 
;i?ts,  west  of  Wyandot  street..  Since  the  change  in  the  channel  of  Mad 
i‘r,  this  hydraulic  has  been  fed  direct  from  the  canal. 

CHANGE  OF  MAD  EIVEB. 

A bend  in  Mad  River  at  the  northeast  corner  of  the  town,  extended  south  from 
u tqueduct  to  first  street,  and  along  that  street,  crossing  what  is  now  Keowee 
i Meigs  streets,  thence  in  a northwest  direction,  crossing  Taylor  street  south 
! Pater  street,  and  on  across  Water  street  to  and  uniting  with  the  Miami 
i r at  a point  about  four  hundred  feet  south  of  the  present  mouth  of  the 
[,  River. 

A bayou  extended  from  the  Miami  River  up  the  present  channel  of  Mad 
: r to  the  Keowee  street  bridge,  where,  at  that  time,  a log  bridge  crossed 
ie>ayou,  thence  sontheast  to  a big  spring  near  Mad  River.  Between  the 
rent  Keowee  street  river  bridge  and  the  old  bridge  near  the  corner  of  Water 
k Taylor  streets,  over  a marshy  stretch  there  was  a long,  low  log  bridge, 
n oth  sides  of  Mad  River  there  were  a number  of  large,  deep  springs  of  de- 
y ful  water,  and  the  surrounding  thickets  were  fine  hunting  grounds  for 
il  ducks  and  turkeys. 

In  1840,  Edward  W.  Davies  and  Alexander  Grimes,  as  Trustees  of  the  es- 
of  D.  Z.  Cooper,  caused  a survey  to  be  made  for  the  new  channel  of 
a River,  from  the  aqueduct  straight  to  the  Miami  River.  They  began  the 
j!  early  the  next  year,  and  completed  it  late  in  the  fall  of  1842,  and  during 
a winter  water  was  turned  into  the  new  channel. 

In  1841,  while  excavation  for  the  new  river  bed  was  in  progress,  the 
nty  Commissioners  built  the  abutments  for  the  new  bridge,  and,  in  August, 
n acted  with  Uriah  John  for  a double  tracked,  wooden  covered  bridge  across 
a River,  at  the  Troy  road  ford.  The  cost  of  the  abutments  was  8856.68, 
)f  the  bridge  $3,588.  It  was  completed  in  April,  1843.  The  iron  exten- 
to  the  bridge  was  built  to  widen  the  channel  in  1869. 


CANAL  EXTENSION. 

After  the  change  in  the  channel  of  Mad  River,  the  canal  was  extended 
1 First  street  up  to  the  junction  near  the  aqueduct.  The  work  was  com- 
d in  1845. 

DAYTON  HYDEAULIC  COMPANY. 

Dctober,  1844,  H.  G.  Phillips,  Daniel  Beckel,  J.  D.  Phillips  and  Samuel 
Igar,  under  the  firm  name  of  Phillips,  Beckel  & Co.,  advertised  for  bids 
- instruction  of  the  hydraulic  from  Smithville,  three  miles  up  Mad  River, 
1 yton.  In  1845,  they  were  incorporated  as  the  Dayton  Hydraulic  Company, 
Ihe  work  was  completed,  bringing  into  the  city  the  water-power  now  known 
tp  upper  hydraulic. 

HAEEISON  CONVENTION. 

The  great  Whig  Convention  at  Dayton  September  10,  1840,  was  a gather- 
ed Whigs  from  all  over  Ohio.  Wednesday  night,  September  9,  Gen.  Will- 
1.  Harrison  and  party  were  entertained  by  Jonathan  Harshman,  Sr.,  at 
9 psidence  in  Mad  River  Township.  At  7 o’clock  the  next  morning  the 
r were  met  by  the  military  and  crowds  of  people,  at  the  forks  of  the  Troy 
'Springfield  pikes.  The  roads  were  jammed  with  a mass  of  people  in 
jus,  on  horseback  and  afoot.  The  military  escort,  in  command  of  Capt. 
i am  Bomberger,  of  the  Dayton  Grays,  consisted  of  the  Citizen’s  Guards, 
0 (jacmnati ; Butler  Guards,  of  Hamilton,  Piqua  Light  Infantry,  Dayton 


588 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Grays,  and  Washington  Artillery,  of  Dayton.  Gen.  Harrison  and  staff,  wi 
Gov.  Metcalf  and  staff,  of  Kentucky,  rode  at  the  head  of  the  great  column 
delegations.  The  line  of  march  was  west  on  First  street  to  Main  street,  sou 
to  Third.  At  the  corner  of  Third  and  Main  the  procession  passed  in  revie’ 
and  continued  the  march  on  out  to  the  hill  east  of  Front  street,  north  of  Th.ii 
where  the  meeting  was  held.  The  city  was  gayly  decorated  with  flags,  ai 
everything  arranged  for  a great  gala  day. 

CLAY  CONVENTION. 

The  convention  of  1842  was  even  more  numerously  attended  than  that 
1840.  It  was  estimated  that  there  were  120,000  strangers  here.  Delegatio: 
came  overland  from  Virginia,  Kentucky  and  Indiana.  Military  compani 
were  present  from  every  part  of  Ohio.  September  28,  delegations  with  flac 
decorations,  militia,  and  artillery  began  to  arrive.  Music  from  the  banc 
church  choirs  and  glee  clubs  could  be  heard  in  all  directions.  At  night  mei 
ings  were  organized  in  every  part  of  the  town.  Private  houses  were  throv 
open  for  the  entertainment  of  the  people.  Henry  Clay  stayed  the  night  of  tl 
28th  with  Thomas  Corwin,. at  E.  Doolittle’s  Tavern,  in  Centerville.  All  of  th 
night  and  the  nest  morning  the  roads  leading  to  Dayton  from  all  directio: 
Avere  filled  with  the  marching  delegations.  At  9 o’clock  in  the  morning,  Se 
ator  Clay,  with  Mr.  Corwin  and  a large,  mounted  escort  were  met  at  the  jur 
tion  of  Warren  and  Jefferson  streets  by  the  great  procession  of  delegation 
military  and  civic  societies  and  trade  representations.  The  procession  w 
marched  through  the  principal  streets,  and  halted  at  the  east  end  of  the  Mark 
House  where,  from  a platform,  the  reception  speeches  and  responses  were  mad 
Houses,  yards,  streets  and  alleys  were  crowded  with  people.  The  meeting  w 
held  at  the  hill  near  the  west  end  of  Union  street.  Dinner  was  provided  i 
the  ladies  of  the  county  for  the  immense  crowd,  on  two  great  tables,  each  8( 
feet  long. 

the  city  charter. 

The  town  receipts  from  all  sources  for  the  year  ending  March  8, 1841,  we 
$6,094;  disbursements,  $6,087.09;  cash  remaining  in  the  treasury,  $6.91. 

The  City  Charter  for  Dayton  was  granted,  March  8,  1841,  subject  to 
vote  of  the  people.  The  limits  of  the  city  and  township  were  made  the  sam 
The  number  of  councilmen  were  increased  to  two  from  each  ward.  Monda 
May  3,  the  election  was  held;  382  votes  were  cast  in  favor  of  the  adoption 
the  new  charter;  378  against;  so  that  Dayton  became  a city  by  a majori 
of  four’  votes.  The  first  election  under  the  charter  was  held  Saturday,  May  2 
the  polls  were  opened  at  12  M. ; closed  at  4 P.  M. 

The  First  Ward  polls  were  at  the  Exchange  Hotel ; Judges,  George  A,  He 
field,  William  Simms;  Clerk,  James  Douglass. 

Second  Ward,  at  Smith’s  fom’-story  building,  northwest  corner  Ma 
and  Second  streets;  Judges,  James  Perrine,  Abram  Darst  ; Clerk,  D.  \ 
Greene. 

Third  Ward,  at  the  court  house;  Judges,  Peter  Aughinbaugh,  Geop 
Newcom;  Clerk,  G.  W.  Dickson. 

Fourth  Ward,  James  Elliott’s  shop,  northwest  corner  of  Main  and  Four 
streets;  Judges,  James  Elliott,  Nathaniel  Wilson;  Clerk,  John  G.  Lowe. 

Fifth  Ward,  at  A.  S.  Richardson’s,  corner  of  Jefferson  and  Fifth  Ureet 
Judges,  Ziba  Crawford,  A.  S.  Richardson;  Clerk,  John  Reeves. 

At  that  election  there  were  902  votes  cast;  William  J.  McKinney  w 
elected  Mayor;  Ephraim  Broadwell,  Marshal;  David  Stout,  Treasurer;  Con 
oilmen,  First  Ward,  Henry  Kimes,  Samuel  T.  Harker;  Second  Ward,  Pei 
Odlin,  Samuel  McPherson;  Third  Ward,  Henry  L.  Brown,  David  V inter 


I 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


591 


«rth  Ward,  David  Davis,  John  Engle;  Fifth  Ward,  Madison  Munday, 
Try  Strickler. 

The  ward  boundaries  were  changed  in  1842,  but  the  number  of  Wards 
: not  increased  until  in  November,  1848,  the  Sixth  Ward  was  formed. 

MARKETS  AND  CITY  HALL. 

In  June,  1841,  Hour  was  selling  at  $3.50  per  barrel  ; whisky,  15  cents  a 
-aPn- 

As  a committee  of  stockholders,  in  October,  1843;  I.  Meriam,  Alexander 
vine,  Dr.  J.  A.  Walters  and  William  Trebein,  received  proposals  for  the  con- 
ration  of  the  new  market-house,  north  of  Third  street,  between  Webster 
."  Sears  streets.  The  building  was  shortly  afterward  erected,  and  in  1848 
is  bought  by  the  city  and  controlled  as  other  markets,  but  was  never  very 
e patronized.  It  remained  empty  for  a number  of  years,  and  was  finally 

I down  to  give  place  to  the  present  militia  armory. 

In  the  summer  of  1850,  the  question  of  building  a market-house  in  the 
■r  western  part  of  the  city  began  to  be  agitated,  but  it  was  not  until  the 
ibf  1865  that  anything  was  accomplished.  At  that  time,  the  Wayne  street 
acet-house  was  built  by  a stock  company,  on  the  ditch,  at  the  south  side  of 
i;  street,  and  opened  in  March,  1866.  It  was  afterward  enlarged,  and  is 
owned  by  the  company,  organized  as  follows:  President,  George  W. 

i/;  Vice  President,  Isaac  Hale;  Secretary,  Eugene  Wuichet;  Treasurer,  L. 
u,  Sr.;  Directors,  James  Turner,  John  Lytle,  Peter  Lentz. 

SCRAPS  OF  HISTORY. 

The  first  “ minstrel  show  ” in  Dayton,  was  at  the  National  Hotel  the 
ing  of  June  14,  1841.  The  entertainment  began  at  9 P.  M. : admission, 
■nts.  A Mr.  Coleman  personated  “ Bone  Squash,”  the  delineator  of  Euro- 
• character,  and  also  rendered  the  negro  song,  “Carolina  Boys.” 

The  draymen,  in  June,  1841,  petitioned  Council  to  impose  a license,  and 
draymen  responsible  for  goods  damaged  while  in  their  charge.  (Signed) 
bander  Getzendanner,  James  Hall,  William  Allen,  S.  L.  Broadwell,  Will 
'‘McKee,  Thomas  Eater. 

The  passenger  route  East,  during  the  spring  and  summer  of  1841,  was  by 
hi  to  Hebron,  in  Licking  County,  thence  by  canal-packet  to  Cleveland, 
e aev  to  Buffalo,  then  by  the  Erie  Canal  and  Hudson  River  to  New  York 

(it; 

Eleven  hours  was  the  time  required  to  make  the  trip  to  Cincinnati  by 
h i,  but  in  the  spring  of  1842  competition  with  the  packet-lines  reduced 
nime  to  seven  hours.  In  1846,  the  stages  left  for  Cincinnati  at  daylight, 
would  make  the  trip  via  Centreville  and  Lebanon;  another  stage  left  at  2 
-,  arriving  at  Cincinnati  after  midnight.  Packets  left  daily,  north  and 

A daily  omnibus  line  was  established  in  September,  1847,  and  made  the 
i}::ia  Miamisburg,  Franklin,  Monroe,  Sharon  and  Reading  to  Cincinnati  in 
•i  hours;  fare,  $2,  which,  by  reason  of  competition,  was  reduced  to  $1. 

A number  of  Dayton  ladies,  in  1843,  began  the  effort  to  establish  an  Or- 

II  Asylum.  On  the  4th  of  July  of  that  year,  they  held  a picnic  for  the 
: tit  of  the  project.  The  asylum  was  located  on  the  hill,  north  of  Union 
oit,  between  Main  and  Warren  streets.  The  institution  was  changed  to  the 

>w’s  Home  after  the  County  Orphan  Asylum  was  established. 

The  old  Bridge  street  bridge,  that  had  been  barely  passable  for  three 
■ 9Ej',  was  swept  away  by  the  high  water  in  December,  1.852.  The  flood  did 
other  damage  along  the  Miami,  Stillwater  and  Mad  Rivers. 

I 


592 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


The  present  wooden  bridge  at  Bridge  street  was  built  in  1856;  the  ir 
extension  was  built  in  1870.  The  flood  of  1866  demonstrated  the  fact  tl 
the  water-way  through  the  city  should  be  widened;  therefore,  the  bridges 
Keowee,  Bridge  and  Third  streets  were  lengthened. 

ELECTIONS  1841  TO  1853. 

At  the  city  election  held  December  31,  1841.  the  following  officers  wi 
elected  : Mayor,  William  J.  McKinney;  Marshal,  E.  Broadwell;  Treasur 

David  Stout;  Councilmen,  First  Ward,  David  A.  Wareham,  J.  G.  Stutsm; 
Second  Ward,  Peter  Odlin,  William  F.  Comly;  Third  Ward,  Henry  L.Brov 
Richard  Green;  Fourth  Ward,  D.  Kiefer,  James  H.  Mitchell;  Fifth  Wa 
Madison  Munday,  Henry  Strickler.  Peter  Odlin  was  elected  President  of  Cot 
oil,  and  A.  M.  Bolton,  Clerk. 

Election  December  31,  1842.  Councilmen,  First  Ward,  George  0.  Dav 
Second  Ward,  Peter  Odlin;  Third  Ward,  William  Huffman;  Fourth  Wai 
Henry  Kissinger;  'Fifth  Ward,  John  Painter;  Peter  Odlin  was  re-elected  Pr 
ident,  and  A.  M.  Bolton,  Clerk. 

Election  December  29,  1843.  Mayor,  William  J.  McKinney;  E.  Bro; 
well,  Marshal;  D.  Stout,  Treasurer;  Councilmen,  First  Ward,  J.  G.  Stutsma 
Second  Ward,  William  F.  Comly;  Third  Ward,  Henry  L.  Brown;  Foil 
Ward,  David  Davis;  Fifth  Ward,  Henry  Strickler;  Peter  Odlin  was  re-elen 
•President,  and  A.  M.  Bolton,  Clerk. 

Election  December  27.  1844.  Councilmen,  First  Ward,  G.  C.  Davis;  S 
ond  Ward,  Peter  Odlin;  Third  Ward,  Hiram  Wyatt;  Fourth  Ward,  Hei 
Kissinger;  Fifth  Ward,  Richard  Chambers;  Peter  Odlin  was  re-elected  Pn 
dent,  and  A.  M.  Bolton.  Clerk. 

Election  December  24,  1845.  Mayor,  William  J.  McKinney;  Marshal, 
Broadwell;  Treasurer,  D.  Stout;  Councilmen,  First  Ward,  J.  G.  Stutsm 
Second  Ward,  William  F.  Comly;  Third  Ward,  Adam  Spiece;  Fourth  Wa 
Jacob  Malambre;  Fifth  Ward,  Samuel  Marshall;  Peter  Odlin  was  re-elec! 
President,  A.  M.  Bolton,  Clerk.  Peter  Odlin  resigned  November  13,  18' 
and  John  Howard  was  elected  to  till  the  vacancy. 

Election  December  25,  1846.  Councilmen,  First  Ward,  J.  H.  Acli 
Second  Ward,  John  Howard ; Third  Ward,  S.  M.  Sullivan;  Fourth  Wa 
Plenry  Kissinger;  Fifth  Ward,  D.  S.  Raymond;  John  Howard  was  cho; 
President  of  Council,  and  A.  M.  Bolton.  Clerk. 

Election  December  31,  1847.  Mayor,  George  WT.  Bomberger;  Treasui 
David  Stout;  Councilmen,  First  Ward,  J.  G.  Stutsman  Second  Ward,  Willi 
F.  Comly;  Third  Ward,  B.  Gilbert;  Fourth  Ward,  Jonathan  Kenney;  Fi 
Ward,  A.  E.  McClure;  John  Howard,  President,  A.  M.  Bolton,  Clerk. 

Mayor  Bomberger  died  June  21,  1848,  and  the  City  Council  appoin 
John  Howard,  Mayor,  and  E.  Fowler  to  till  the  vacancy  caused  by  the  appoi 
ment  of  Howard;  J.  G.  Stutsman  was  elected  President  of  Council. 

Election  December  29.  1848.  Councilmen,  First  Ward,  Adam  Pritz;  8 
ond  Ward,  Henry  Herrman;  Third  Ward,  R.  A.  Kerfoot;  Fourth  Ward,  Ja< 
Richmond;  Fifth  Ward,  Wesley  Boren;  Sixth  Ward,  W.  N.  Love,  one  ye 
William  John,  two  years;  William  F.  Comly,  President;  William  C.  Barth 
Clerk.  May  25,  1849,  D.  S.  Raymond  was  elected  to  till  the  vacancy  in  Coi 
cil  caused  by  the  resignation  of  William  John  of  the  Sixth  Ward. 

July  14,  Henry  L.  Brown,  vice  B.  Gilbert  of  the  Third  Ward. 

July  20,  M.  Rakestraw,  vice  A.  E.  McClure  of  the  Fifth  Ward. 

Election  December  28,  1849.  Mayor,  John  Howard;  Treasurer,  D.  Sto 
Councilmen,  First  Ward,  Samuel  Taylor;  Second  Ward,  William  F.  Coir 
Third  Ward,  Mark  Reed;  Fourth  Ward,  Jonathan  Kenney;  Fifth  Ward,  F. 


CHT  OF  DAYTON. 


593 


Bair;  Sixth  Ward,  W.  N.  Love;  William  F.  Comly,  President,  William  C. 
1 i left,  Clerk. 

June,  1850,  Henry  Beickler  was  elected  to  represent  the  Fifth  Ward,  vice 
. Baker  resigned. 

August  9.  Andrew  Gump  was  elected  to  till  the  vacancy  caused  by  the  res- 
niion  of  R.  A.  Kerfoot  of  the  Third  Ward. 

Election  December  27,  1850.  Counciimen.  First  Ward,  A.  Decker;  Second 
fjl,  J.  B.  Chapman;  Third  Ward,  Jonathan  Harshman;  Fourth  Ward, 
Yleiusaleh  Worman;  Fifth  Ward,  Wesley  Boren;  Sixth  Ward,  A.  E.  Mc- 
William  F.  Comly,  President;  William  C.  Bartlett.  Clerk. 

Election  December  26.  1851.  Mayor,  John  Howard;  Treasurer.  D.  Stout; 
oilmen,  First  Ward,  Louis  Heintz;  Second  Ward,  Joseph  T.  Reed;  Third 
1.  John  H.  Achey;  Fourth  Ward,  Jonathan  Ivenney;  Fifth  Ward,  James 
tier;  Sixth  Ward,  W.  X.  Love;  Jonathan  Kenney,  President;  George  W. 
ombre,  Clerk. 

he  ordinance  to  change  city  elections  from  December  to  April,  was  passed 
i . nber  3,  1852,  and  officers  whose  terms  expired  in  December,  held  over 
T the  first  Monday  in  April,  1853. 

Election  April  4,  1853.  Mayor,  John  Howard;  Treasurer,  D.  Stout;  City 
;itor,  F.  Collins  ; Counciimen,  First  Ward,  B.  M.  Ayres  ; Second  Ward, 
b B.  Chapman;  Third  Ward.  Nicholas  Ohmer;  Fourth  Ward,  Jacob  Rich- 
in  >i[:  Fifth  Ward,  Samuel  Marshall  ; Sixth  Ward,  A.  E.  McClure;  President, 
nhan  Kenney;  George  W.  Malambre,  Clerk. 

Officers  of  the  city  of  Dayton,  from  1854  to  1882,  inclusive: 

Mayors. — 1854-55,  George  M.  Young;  1856-59,  D.  W.  Iddings:  1860- 
i.  H.  Gillespi;  1864-65;  E.  C.  Ellis;  1S66-67,  Jonathan  Kenney;  1868 
L.  Baumann;  1870-71,  James  D.  Morrison;  1872-73,  W.  H.  Sigman; 
'7-75,  Lawrence  Butz,  Jr.;  1876-77,  William  H.  Rouzer;  1878-79,  Law- 
i'  Butz,  Jr.;  1880-81,  Frank  M.  Hosier:  1882,  John  Miller. 

Vlerks. — 1854,  G.  W.  Malambre;  1855,  David  A.  Houk;  1856-59,  Fielding 
1 iv  (resigned,  and  A.  A.  Butterfield  elected  June  14,  1859);  1860-63,  An- 
Stephens:  1864-67,  J.  U.  Kreidler;  1868,  J.  A.  Leonhard;  1869,  An- 
»'  Stephens:  1870,  D.  H.  Drvden;  1871,  Anthony  Stephens;  1872-74,  A. 
itterfield;  1875,  Nicholas  Metz;  ‘ 1876-77,  A.  H.  Whyte;  1878,  Nicholas 
■i  1879—82,  George  M.  Lane. 

treasurers. — 1854-55,  David  Stout;  1856,  A.  Y.  Stansifer;  1857—58,  Field 
gLoury;  1859-60,  C.  C.  Kiefer;  1861,  James  Anderton;  1862,  D.  W. 
4;  since  which  time  the  County  Treasurer  has  also  acted  as  treasurer  of 
! 1 e ty. 

Marshals. — 1854,  William  Stover;  1855,  S.  L.  Broadwell;  1856-58,  Sam- 

- ichards;  1S59-61,  William  Hannan;  1862-63,  S.  B.  Cain:  1864-67,  Isaac 
1 1868-72,  John  Ryan.  The  office  was  then  abolished,  the  duties  devolv- 

- pon  the  Chief  of  Police 

STATISTICS. 

b 1841,  there  were  at  and  near  Dayton,  five  cotton  factories,  two  carpet 
t ies,  two  carding  machines,  one  hat  factory,  five  flour  mills,  three  chop- 
ijjnills,  five  saw-mills,  one  gun  barrel  factory,  two  oil  mills,  two  paper  mills, 
past  and  peg  factory,  two  turning  lathes,  four  foundries  and  machine 
’!•  four  soap  and  candle  factories,  one  clock  factory,  four  distilleries,  two 
'fries,  thirty  carpenter  shops,  ten  boot  and  shoe  makers,  six  harness  shops, 

1 inneries,  eighteen  tailor  shops,  nine  blacksmiths,  five  carriage  and  wagon 
'!,  four  cooper  shops,  five  tinners  and  coppersmiths,  three  hatters,  four 
‘ ^ a ; factories,  two  rope  walks,  six  bakeries,  eight  cabinet  shops,  four  gun- 
'mijs,  one  glove  factory,  two  locksmiths,  twelve  plasterers,  one  sash  and  blind 

I 


594 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY- 


factory,  six  jewelry  shops,  one  cap  factory,  four  stone  yards,  twenty-i 
painters,  two  mill-stone  shops,  four  stove  stores,  three  stone  quarries,  f< 
brick  yards,  live  drug  stores,  one  hardware  store,  three  iron  stores,  three  b< 
stores,  twenty-two  dry  goods  stores,  thirty-one  groceries,  four  lumber  yai 
one  insurance  company,  two  newspapers,  and  one  bank;  969  mechanics  c 
ployed;  value  of  manufactures,  $624,575. 

In  1848,  there  were  nine  miles  of  graded  streets  in  the  city,  but  only  ab 
four  and  a half  miles  finished  from  curb  to  curb.  The  debt  of  the  city  wa 
little  more  than  $12,000. 

In  1845,  there  wei’e  in  the  city  880  brick  buildings,  1,086  frames,  and 
stone  houses;  total,  1,972;  fourteen  taverns,  two  boat  yards,  fifteen  frei 
canal  boats,  owned  here,  and  six  packets,  three  bridges  over  the  Miami,  « 
•over  Mad  River,  ten  wooden  canal  bridges,  and  one  stone  bridge,  three  ne 
papers — Journal,  Empire , Transcript;  one  railroad,  four  miles  long,  for  hat 
ing  stone  from  the  quarry  in  Van  Buren  Township  to  the  canal;  three  coal  yai 
five  livery  stables,  five  pork  houses,  fifteen  churches — two  Presbyterian,  i 
Lutheran,  two  Methodist,  one  each  Episcopal,  Bunker,  Christian,  (Tern 
Reformed,  Catholic,  Disciples,  African  Baptist,  Allbright  Baptist.  The  tj 
versalists  held  services  in  the  court  house,  and  there  were  other  church  soeiet 
but  they  had  no  church  buildings.  There  were  two  public  schoolhouses,  ;!! 
three  other  public  schools  held  in  rented  buildings,  one  of  them  German,  j 
female  seminary,  one  academy,  and  a number  of  private  schools. 

The  old  court  house  and  jail  buildings  were  sold  for  $864,  at  auction, 
•October  of  that  year;  the  buildings  were  torn  down  the  next  spring. 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


595 


CHAPTER  V. 


.■age  Plats  and  Other  Localities— Mexican  War— Flood  of  1847 — The 
City  in  1850— Minor  Events— Census— Banks. 

VILLAGE  PLATS  AND  OTHER  LOCALITIES. 

MERSON  was  platted  byr  Joseph  Peirce,  as  agent  for  Samuel  W.  Davis  and 
Thomas  D.  Carneal,  June  15.  1819,  sixty-four  lots  north  of  the  Miami  River, 
^opposite  the  Dayton  bridge  (Bridge  street).  The  plat  was  vacated,  but  about 
4 , was  replatted  by  Barnett,  Arnold  and  Jordan;  is  now  in  the  Tenth  Ward 
i<  known  as  Dayton  View. 

Patterson’s  Pond  is  between  the  canal  and  river,  west  of  the  Fair  Ground 

Hi! 

Buck  Pasture  (Buck  Lot),  comprising  thirty-seven  acres  of  land  now  within 
icpirst  Ward,  was  platted  by-  D.  Z.  Cooper  and  David  Stone,  and  sold  at  auction 
rust  6,  1836. 

Oregon,  now  in  the  Fifth  Ward,  was  platted  in  eighty  lots  in  the  spring  of 

1 S-rj. 

Saint  Anne’s  Hill,  was  the  high  ground  from  the  corner  of  McLean  and  Eagle 
r ts  north  to  Third  street. 

Frenchtown  extended  south  of  Second  street  and  the  canal  to  Lodwick  street, 
■last  from  the  canal  at  Webster  street  to  Saint  Anne’s  Hill. 

Lowry  street  was  the  extension  of  Fifth  street,  east  of  the  canal  to  Wayne 
r t.  Lodwick  street  was  the  extension  of  Lowry  street,  east  to  the  corporation 

lihi 

Slidertown  included  the  territory  around  the  corner  of  Patterson  and  Brown 
:r  ts. 

Worth  Dayton,  north  of  Mad  River,  and  now  known  as  Texas,  was  platted  in 
: v’-seven  lots  by  Samuel  T.  ILarker,  proprietor,  in  October,  1841. 
McPhersontown,  both  sides  of  Main  street  north  of  the  Miami  River,  was 
aed  in  thirty-four  lots  by*  Samuel  McPherson,  proprietor,  February  1,  1845. 
Mexico,  in  thirty-nine  lots,  Third  street  west  of  Williams  street,  was  platted 
erbert  S.  Williams,  proprietor,  February  22,  1845. 

New  Mexico,  in  the  same  locality,  was  shortly  afterward  platted. 

West  Dayton,  eighty  lots,  near  Third  and  Williams  streets,  was  platted  by 
e:y  Van  Tuyl,  W.  H.  Boon  and  Jesse  Iv.  Christopher,  proprietors,  in  April,  1845. 
Patterson,  better  known  as  Browntown,  west  of  the  Miami  River  and  south  of 
Cincinnati.  Hamilton  & Dayton  Railroad  was  platted  by  R,  P.  Brown,  in  forty - 
■ ots  in  October,  1853. 

Miami  City,  from  Wolf  Creek  south  to -the  railroad,  and  immediately  west  of 
-Miami  River,  was  platted  by  George  Moon  and  Joseph  Barnett,  proprietors, 
la  24,  1854. 

Africa  was  along  Seely’s  Basin,  at  Wayne  street. 

The  boat-  yards  were  at  the  basin  just  north  of  Phillip’s  Hill. 

Phillip's  Hill  was  the  high  ground  at  the  north  end  of  the  present  Fair 
' ends. 


The  head  of  the  Basin  was  the  business  locality  at  the  canal  and  First  street. 
1 h Basin  was  the  canal  from  Third  to  First  street. 

The  State  Basin  was  that  part  of  the  canal,  since  tilled  up,  and  now  occupied 


596 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


by  the  Cincinnati  & St.  Louis  Railroad  as  freight  yard,  east  of  the  canal  and  no 
of  Third  street. 

The  State  dam  is  on  Mad  River  above  the  aqueduct. 

Steele’s  dam,  built  after  1825,  is  in  the  Miami  River  a mile  above  the  mo 
of  Mad  River. 

Steele’s  Hill  was  the  high  ground  north  of  the  Miami  River,  on  the  State  ro 
from  the  Bridge  street  bridge  around  to  the  Covington  pike. 

The  “commons,”  from  18-15  to  1855,  was  the  uninclosed  ground  west 
Ludlow  street  to  the  river,  and  south  of  the  old  graveyard. 

The  ball  grounds,  from  1850  to  1860,  were  south  of  Fourth  street  and  west 
Perry;  now  they  are  south  of  Fifth  street  and  west  of  the  river. 

The  circus  grounds,  until  about  the  year  1860,  were  in  the  triangle  eas1 
Wayne  street  between  the  canal  and  Third  street ; since  that  time,  shows  uu 
canvas  have  been  given  south  of  Hickory  street  and  west  of  Wayne  ; but  that  p 
of  the  city  is  being  so  rapidly  improved,  that  the  location  has  been  changed 
the  lower  end  of  Brown  street  north  of  Rubicon  Creek. 

For  the  past  forty  years,  the  favorite  bathing  places  have  been  at  the  • c 
banks”  in  the  Miami,  a quarter  of  a mile  south  of  the  Washington  street  brid 
at  the  “tumbles”  in  the  race,  at  the  foot  of  Prairie  street;  at  the  “suck"  in 
Miami,  at  the  lower  point  of  an  island  above  the  Third  street  river  bridge ; at 
“ l°g  ” just  above  the  mouth  of  Wolf  Creek ; in  the  Miami  and  Mad  River  at  tl 
confluence ; at  the  “ flats  ” in  the  Miami,  above  Mad  River,  and  in  the  dee 
pools  above  the  city,  in  both  of  the  rivers. 

THE  MEXICAN  WAR. 

Dayton  as  the  county  seat,  and  as  the  center  of  population,  was  naturally 
rallying-point  lor  enlistment  of  soldiers,  and  of  rendezvous  for  troops  in  the  ' 
of  1812,  the  Mexican  war,  and  the  war  of  the  rebellion,  yet  the  history  of  eve 
in  each  of  the  three  wars  named,  properly  belongs  in  the  county-  history. 

Company  organizations  for  the  Mexican  war  had  been  partially  effec 
before  the  call  for  troops  was  issued;  yet  when  the  call  was  issued,  men  from 
parts  of  the  county  responded;  Dayton  was  the  center  of  the  exciting  events. 

Militiamen  were  greatly  interested  in  the  military  movements  on  the 
Grande,  and  in  the  probability  of  a call  being  issued  for  volunteers. 

The  evening  of  May  20,  1846,  the  Dayton  National  Guard  at  their  armory 
Second  street  were  addressed  by-  Capt.  Hormell,  in  a brief  and  patriotic  speech 
the  close  of  which,  he  called  for  volunteers  for’the  war,  and  in  response,  the  wl 
company  stepped  to  the  front  for  enlistment. 

A number  of  the  Dayton  Dragoons,  Capt.  Giddings,  signed  a roll  for  eni 
ment.  Maj.  Thomas  B.  Tilton  had  recruited  twenty-five  of  the  Dayton  C 
Squad.  The  evening  of  the  21st,  a meeting  of  citizens  of  the  county  was  held 
the  City  Hall,  and  from  that  time  men  came  in  from  all  parts  of  the  county 
enlist. 

Business  in  the  city  was  almost  entirely  suspended  from  the  27th  of  ft 
until  June  5,  and  the  excitement  was  kept  up  until  after  the  departure  of  0; 
Stout’s  company-  on  the  9th. 

THE  FLOOD  OF  1847. 

The  rivers  were  so  swollen  in  the  latter  part  of  December,  1846,  as  to  exi 
fears  for  the  safety-  of  property  in  the  lower  portions  of  the  city-.  The  waters ! 
been  rising  for  several  days;  and  on  January  1,  1847,  merchants  and  mauiflt 
urers  along  the  canal,  moved  stocks  and  material  from  the  cellars  and  lower  do 
to  the  second  stories  of  the  stores  and  warehouses.  The  levee  was  new,  and 
that  reason  there  was  great  fear  that  it  could  not  withstand  the  great  pressure 
the  waters.  About  midnight,  a general  alarm  was  given,  and  shortly  afterw. 
the  old  outer  levee  at  the  Bridge  street  bend  gave  away,  and  from  the  rush  of 
mighty  torrent,  the  new  levee  was  broken  through,  the  waters  filling  the  cell 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


597 


r covering  the  lowlands  from  the  corner  of  Wilkinson  and  Water  streets,  around 
v. t of  Perry  to  Fourth  street,  creeping  up  Fourth  and  Fifth  streets  nearly  to 
Ykinson,  and  along  Sixth  street  to  Main.  At  2 o’clock  in  the  morning  of  the 
(the  levee  above  the  head  of  Mill  street  began  to  wash,  the  alarm  was  promptly 

i :n,  but  soon  the  waters  swept  down  the  canal  bed,  spreading  to  St.  Clair 
tret  at  Second,  and  through  the  alley  south  of  Third  street  to  the  market  house, 
Te  n Jefferson  street  to  Sixth,  and  on  Fifth  to  Main  street,  leaving  only  the  center 
t he  oldest  part  of  the  city  above  high-water  mark,  Relief  parties  were  at 
,'<k  all  night,  on  horseback  and  in  boats,  rescuing  the  people  from  the  dwellings 
one  more  exposed  portions  of  the  city.  Uptown  buildings  and  residences  were 
:h:wn  open  for  the  reception  of  those  who  were  driven  from  their  homes.  It  was 

light,. clear  night,  and  there  were  no  lives  lost  or  serious  accident  of  any  kind. 
1 annoyance  was  very  great,  the  damage  considerable,  but  being  distributed 
a ng  so  many,  individual  losses  were  small  in  comparison  to  what  at  first  was 
fflatened. 

Whatever  of  provisions  and  supplies  that  were  left  in  the  cellars,  were  spoiled; 
.abets  and  furniture  were  damaged;  fences,  yards  and  buildings  were  injured  by 
i riwood  and  floating  timbers;  but  within  a very  few  days  all  was  cleaned  up, 

ii  the  annoying  experience  passed. 

The  levee  was  shortly  afterward  strongly  reconstructed,  and  is  constantly 
>eig  strengthened,  and  since  the  water-way  has  been  widened,  by  the  bridge  ex- 
nions,  it  is  believed  that  there  can  be  no  danger  to  the  city  from  high  waters 
ijae  future. 

THE  CITY  IN  1850. 

Merchants  in  the  various  branches  of  trade  in  1850,  were  Charles  Aubert, 
; iam  Arnold,  Jr.,  William  Atkins,  J.  H.  Aehev,  Thomas  Bauman,  W.  D.  Bad- 
1 ot,  J.  (I.  Baker,  Theodore  Barlow,  Jesse  Boogher,  Daniel  Beckel,  M.  Bennett, 
' j.  Brown,  Thomas  Brown,  W.  G-.  Breene,  John  Beaver,  Henry  Best,  John  Baird, 
hjjert  Billet,  R.  Bickford,  John  Bidclleman,  Joseph  Bimm,  R.  H.  Bowen,  M.  Bom- 
e>er,  Jacob  Browning,  Samuel  Brady,  Elisha  Brown,  S.  B.  Brown,  Joseph  Brown, 

■ funstine,  H.  M.  Brown,  J.  Bundenthal,  D.  Carrol,  Stacy  B.  Cain,  John  C.  Cain, 
cu  Coblentz,  Watson  Carr,  Robert  Chambers,  J.  R.  Clark,  Samuel  Clegg.  J.  M. 
lfg,  James  Cook,  Chambers  & Harries,  A.  Darst,  N.  B.  Darst,  David  Davis,  Jas. 
flicks.  W.  Dixon,  Doyle,  Dickey  & Co.,  J.  and  J.  L.  Davison  & Co.,  Daniel  Eichel- 
cyer,  George  W.  Ells,  Ells,  Claflin  & Co.,  Charles  Ells,  Estabrook  & Phelps, 
Viiam  Emrick,  E.  Favorite,  II.  II.  Foster,  A.  R.  H.  Folkerth,  William  Franken- 
e;er,  William  Gab,  C.  Ganson,  Daniel  Garst,  D.  N.  Garrison,  Herman  Gebhart, 
i|on  Gebhart,  F.  Gebhart  & Sons,  Charles  George,  B.  Gilbert  & Sons,  Anthony 

■ ner,  R.  Green,  M.  Greer,  A.  Gump,  I.  F.  Howells,  John  Harries,  C.  Herchelrode, 
< Haines,  P.  M.  Harman,  George  Hark,  Henry  Herrman,  E.  Heathman,  William 
I ford,  Hiestand  & Moler,  B.  Hime,  James  R.  Hoglen.  William  Huffman,  Rd. 
; ies,  S.  W.  Jeffries,  George  Jewell,  Allen  Jeffers,  Jacob  Jameson,  D.  B.  Johns, 
Aemp  P.  Kelly,  L.  D.  Kerfoot,  R.  A.  Kerfoot,  Jonathan  Kenney,  0.  Kittridge, 
1 King,  L.  Kimball,  Kneisley  & Bro.,  Kiefer  & Conover,  Samuel  Kittridge, 
Viiam  Kline,  C.  Koerner,  Ladow  & Hamilton,  J.  D.  Loomis  & Co.,  J.  Langdon  & 
I , F.  L.  Ladin,  T.  M.  Lewis,  H.  Lemmermill,  L.  Leim,  C.  P.  Leouard,  N.  S.  Lock- 
ed, Joseph  Martin,  William  Machir,  Samuel  Marshall,  Jonathan  Miller,  E.  A. 
Lre,  R.  D.  Martin,  William  Morton,  J.  McDaniel,  J.  P.  Moores,  John  Mount, 
liday  & Stansifer,  E.  McCann,  Munday  & Long,  A.  C.  W.  Narwold,  George 

■ erth.  John  Nipgen,  James  Odell.  Horatio  Oblinger,  N.  Ohmer,  M.  Ohmer,  Jacob 
fine,  C.  Ostendorf,  William  Parrott,  J.  Y.  Perrine,  Henry  Perrine,  James  Perrine, 
Vine  & Darst,  Phillips  & Yarian,  H.  G.  Phillips,  J.  C.  Payne,  Joseph  Plageman, 
Lies  Post,  John  Powell,  A.  Pruden,  Rogers  & Fowler,  Benjamin  Rapp,  John 
Vves,  E.  Reeves,  David  Rench,  C.  Ruff,  Rench  & Chapman,  James  Sage,  John 
v;re,  V.  Schnorrenberger,  Joseph  Schaeffer,  Salvador  Schaeffer,  Francis  Sehieble, 
J('n  Scholl,  William  Shoemaker,  Smith  & Dietrich,  A.  Swaynie,  Swain  & Mead, 


598 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


J.  M.  Sharp,  A.  Simms,  H.  D.  Silver,  George  Smith,  T.  W.  Sprague,  John  Stephe 
David  Stout,  Elias  Stout,  William  Stoner,  Shulek  & Egry,  A.  Spohn,  J.  S.  Shoi 

B.  F.  Shoup,  Joel  Shoup,  Ezra  Thomas,  E.  Thresher,  William  Trebein,  Isaac  V 
Ausdal,  Van  Cleve  & Newell,  A.  C.  Van  Doren,  Nicholas  Viot,  John  W.  Whitmc 
Winters  & Schaeffer,  J.  A.  Walters,  Thomas  Wilkinson,  J.  L.  Williams,  J.  W Wi 
Samuel  Witherow,  Collins  Wight,  John  Wolf,  D.  Winters,  Isaac  Witmer.  Mai 
facturers  : Daniel  Altick,  Augustus  Bauer,  Thomas  Benjamin,  John  Bell,  B. 
Beaver,  Frederick  Boyer,  Beatty  & Fischer,  J.  H.  Boyer,  J.  Bracelin,  J.  S.  Broi 
well,  J.  Chatterton,  Clark  & Green,  D.  M.  Curtis,  J.  0.  Conklin,  Conover  & Snii 
John  Cohan,  Richard  Chambers,  Adam  Conway,  A.  Crawford,  W.  L.  Darrow,  An 
Decker,  Charles  Decker,  T.  V.  Doup,  Ely  & Miller,  W.  & F.  C.  Estabrook,  Willi: 

C.  Ealy,  John  Engle,  Allen  Fauver,  Gosling  & Hammond,  James  Greer  W. 
Hatfield,  George  A.  Hatfield,  Isaac  Haas,  A.  Helfrich,  L.  B.  & D.  Jones,  Her 
Kimes,  John  Kissner,  D.  E.  Mead,  James  B.  Morrison,  William  Oblinger  A Pr 
& Co.,  Parrott  & Clegg,  Horace  Pease,  T.  A.  Phillips,  Warren  Phillips,  J.  C.  Peir 
J.  H.  Peirce,  J.  T.  Reed,  Albert  Rosner,  M.  Rakestraw,  Simon  Sedam,  George 
Shields,  William  Sprague,  C.  Thompson  & Sons,  J.  R.  Waggoner,  H.  Wiggirn,  Jat 
Wilt,  Jeremiah  Wilt,  Westerman  & Stout,  Wyatt  & Nickum,  W.  W.  Wolf 
Woodmansee. 

There  were  four  newspapers- — the  Dayton  Daily  Journal,  owned  and  edired 
R.  N.  and  W.  F.  Comly  ; the  Western  Empire , owned  and  edited  by  Fitch  & Ra 
sey  ; the  Transcript , owned  and  edited  by  William  C.  Howells  & Co.;  Das  D&< 
Journal  owned  and  edited  by  John  Bittman.  J ohn  W.  Harries’  brewery  was  on  1 
west  side  of  Jefferson  street,  north  of  First  street  ; the  brewery  of  John  and  Her 
Ferneding  was  on  the  east  side  of  Kenton  street,  near  Third.  • 

Peter  Voorhees  and  D.  Z.  Peirce,  were  proprietors  of  opposition  stage  lin 

Samuel  Rouzer  was  auctioneer. 

Livery  stables  were  kept  by  Brice  Dillie,  J.  & T.  R.  Gillis,  Lewis  Hecfcl 
John  Miller,  John  Wiggirn,  Reed  & Shellabarger. 

The  city  was  well  provided  with  hotels  and  taverns  ; the  Voorhees  House,  1 
H.  Squires,  landlord;  Sway  nie  House,  Alexander  Swaynie  ; Montgomery  Hom 
C.  Forrer  ; Farmer’s  and  Mechanic’s  Hotel,  John  P.  Kline  ; Franklin  Hon 
Conrad  Smith  ; Lafayette  House,  J.  Zweisler  ; Columbian  Hotel,  Adam  Kneel) 
Day-ton  Hotel,  Francis  Ohmer  ; City  Hotel,  M.  S.  Gunckel  ; Galt  House,  J. 
Nauerth;  Liberty  Hall,  Adam  Snyder  ; Pennsylvania  House,  H.  Good  ; Union  Hou 
H.  Good  ; Harrison  House;  Philadelphia  House  ; American  House,  Andrew  Span, 
St.  Charles,  N.  L.  Anil  & Co.;  Canal  Hotel,  T.  Stephens;  Chillicothe  House, 
Rowe  ; Augustus  Kryder  and  F.  Shutte  each  had  small  taverns  in  the  alley 
the  north  side  of  the  Market  House  ; Erasmus  Mutlch  kept  hotel  on  Third  stre 
east  of  Bainbridge  street. 

There  were  forty-one  physicians  practicing  medicine  in  the  city;  Edward  B;u 

H.  Baker,  J.  Bosler,  C.  Broadbeck,  Joseph  Brown,  H.  G.  Carey, Cannc 

Oliver  Crook,  J.  M.  Crook,  J.  Clements,  Jacob  Coblentz,  R.  Cagley,  John  Cra: 

head,  E.  Ealy,  William  Egry,  Felke,  M.  Garst,  A.  Geiger,  George  Green  J 

Haines,  Adams  Jewett,  Henry  Jewett,  J.  H.  Jordan,  S.  Jones,  A.  Kellogg, 

Knappstacdt,  F.  H.  Langstedt,  R.  Martin,  J.  V.  Miller,  A.  Shuleck,  J.  W.  Shnv< 
Edmund  Smith,  Edwin  Smith,  John  Steele,  IT.  K.  Steele,  C.  W.  Strumm,  II.  Va 
Tuyl,  D.  B.  Van  Tuyl,  H.  Wigand,  J.  Wise,  George  Zueblen. 

Thirty-six  lawyers  : John  Ackerman,  Luther  B.  Bruen,  W.  C.  Bartlett,  Jam 

H.  Baggott,  Ely  Booth,  Wilbur  Conover,  S.  Craighead,  J.  H.  Crane,  J.  G.  Cvai 
M.  E.  Curwen,  Edward  W.  Davies,  Samuel  B.  Darst,  E.  J.  Forsyth,  Luther  9 i 
dings,  R,  H.  Hart,  George  B.  Holt,  L.  Huesman,  John  Howard,  D.  A.  Hayues, 
W.  Iddings,  J.  A.  Jordan,  Gilbert  Kennedy,  P.  P.  Lowe,  John  G.  Lowe.  Josi; 
Lovell,  Peter  Odlin,  W.  H.  Piper,  R,  C.  Schenck,  L.  Q.  Smith.  T.  J.  S.  Smith,  He 
ry  Stoddard,  Hiram  Strong,  S.  M.  Sullivan,  C.  L.  Vallandigham,  M.  B.  Walk< 
Y.  V.  Wood. 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


599 


Eighteen  preachers  : P.  D.  Gurley,  John  W.  Hall,  J.  C.  Crum,  W.  P.  Strick- 

! , J.  B.  Britton,  D.  R.  Bilcom,  D.  Winters,  W.  R.  Davis,  William  Ahrens,  George 
i; tiers,  Samuel  Gormou,  A.  Hardorf,  E.  W.  Humphries,  P.  Rizer,  George  Spring, 

. /alker,  A.  P.  Frees,  F.  Snyder. 

The  four  banks  were  the  Dayton  Branch  of  the  State  Bank  of  Ohio,  Peter 
in,  President,  C.  G.  Swain,  Cashier  ; Dayton  Bank,  Jonathan  Harshman,  Sr., 
: ident,  Y.  Winters,  Cashier.  March  31.  1850,  Mr.  Harshman  died,  and  John 
e;h  was  elected  President,  and  John  B.  Chapman  appointed  Cashier,  vice  V. 
Tiers  resigned;  City  Bank,  owned  by  J.  0.  Shoup  and  Samuel  Tate,  Joseph  A. 
i ung,  Cashier ; Farmers’  Bank,  owned  by  Daniel  Beckel,  Joseph  Clegg  and 
am  Dickey,  under  the  firm  name  of  Beckel  & Co. 

The  Dayton  Hotel  Company  was  incorporated  in  March,  1850.  In  July  they 
: hased  the  ground  at  the  southwest  corner  of  Third  and  Main  streets,  and  in 
e fall  of  the  same  year  began  building  the  Phillips  House.  The  house  was 
« ed  by  Leonard  & Potter  September  10,  1852;  a very  elegant  and  popularly 
it  ded  ball  and  supper  were  given  at  the  hotel,  under  the  management  of  a large 
nier  of  the  most  prominent  gentlemen  of  the  city,  the  evening  of  October  14  ; 
ts,  $5. 

MINOR  EVENTS. 

In  July,  1851,  a town  clock  that  had  been  purchased  by  the  City’-  Council  was 
a d in  the  tower  of  Wesley  Chapel,  where  it  did  duty  for  a number  of  years,  and 
hen  placed  in  the  Second  Presbyterian  Church  steeple. 

Sin  sewing  machines,  the  Singer  machine  was  the  first  exhibited  in  Dayton  ; it 
aorought  here  October  11,  1851,  by  S.  N.  Shear,  agent,  and  of  course  was  an 
>j  t of  great  interest  to  people  of  all  classes. 

Clegg's  Hall.  Third  street,  now  occupied  by  the  Superior  Court,  was  opened 
e public  in  November,  1852. 

Beckel  Hall,  opposite  the  east  end  of  the  market  house.  Jefferson  street,  was 
; in  1852. 

CENSUS. 

Of  the  settlers  who  came  to  the  county,  April  1,  1796,  eight  men,  three  women, 
our  girl  children  and  one  baby  boy,  total  sixteen,  located  at  Dayton.  Within 
oiext  three  years  some  of  the  original  settlers  moved  out,  but  new-comers 
Cased  the  population  of  the  hamlet  to  twenty-three — nine  men,  seven  women 
eleven  children.  In  April,  1803,  the  population  was  shown  to  be  five  men,  six 
)i;n  and  eight  children,  total  nineteen.  December  21,  1808,  the  village  had 
Inhabitants  ; August  10,  1810.  383  ; June  1,  1S20,  1,139  ; May  1,  1828,  1,697  ; 
14,  1829,  2,358. 

The  United  States  census  of  1830  shows  the  population  of  the  towm  to  have 
e 2,934  on  June  1 of  that  year.  The  population  had  increased  to  3,258  on 
ary  1,  1832  ; 3,376  on  March  1,  1833  ; 5,460  October  1,  1838. 

By  the  census  report  of  1840,  Dayton  had  6,067  inhabitants.  In  August, 

1 4 there  was  a population  of  9,792  ; 10.977  in  1850  ; 16,562  on  the  1st  of  June, 
20.081  by  the  census  of  1860  ; 30,473  by  the  census  of  1870  ; and  by  the 
us  of  1880,  we  have  38,721. 

BANKS. 

p-t  a time  when  the  population  of  Dayton  was  less  than  1.000,  business  had 
ureased  as  to  tempt  capitalists  to  engage  in  banking. 

In  the  fall  of  1813,  the  Dayton  Manufacturing  Company  was  chartered. 
Amber  28,  the  following  Board  of  Directors  was  elected  : H.  G.  Phillips,  Joseph 
hje,  John  Compton,  David  Reid,  William  Baker,  Charles  R.  Greene,  Isaac  G. 

1 ,ett,  Joseph  H.  Crane,  D.  C.  Lindsley,  John  Ewing,  Maddox  Fisher.  David 
in  and  John  H.  Williams.  May  19,  1814,  the  board  organized  by  the  election 
I G-.  Phillips,  President,  and  George  S.  Houston,  Cashier.  At  an  election  held 
>14,  J.  N.  C.  Schenck,  George  Grove,  Fielding  Gosney  and  Benjamin  Van  Cleve 


600 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


were  added  to  the  board.  The  amount  of  stock  issued  was  $61,055.  The  b; 
opened  for  business  August  14,  1814  ; the  President’s  salary  was  fixed  at  $150 
annum,  and  the  Cashier’s  at  $400,  but  both  were  afterward  increased.  In  Novi 
ber.  Mr.  Phillips  resigned  the  Presidency,  and  Joseph  Peirce  was  elected.  ' 
next  year  the  company  built  the  stone  house  on  the  east  side  of  Main  street,  no 
of  First.  Luther  Bruen  and  James  Steele  were  elected  directors.  In  June 
exhibit  of  the  condition  of  the  bank  was  made  as  follows  : 


Gold  and  silver $ 34,154  35 

Treasury  notes 1,000  00 

Bills  discounted 56,871  81 

Paid  on  banking  house 880  00 

Currency 28,340  87 

Expense 2,258  18 


Total 

Stock  paid  in $ 

Notes  issued 

United  States  deposit 

Individual  deposits 

Due  Miami  Exporting  Company 

Due  other  banks 

Discounts 


$123,505  21 

25,683  00 
61,200  00 
5,120  00 
19,171  51 
7,313  91 
2,728  02 
2,338  37 


Total 


$123,554  81 


The  circulation  was  afterward  increased  to  $134,671,  a part  of  which 
“ change  tickets,”  for  6^  cents,  12^-  cents,  25  and  50  cents. 

In  1817,  Henry  Bacon,  as  a professional  character  of  reputable  standing,  , 
employed  as  attorney  for  the  bank.  In .1818,  William  Huffmam,  Henry  Ban 
and  George  W.  Smith  were  elected  Directors,  and,  in  1819,  Alexander  Grimes. 

The  President,  Joseph  Peirce,  died  in  September.  1821.  Benjamin  Van  C ' 
was  elected  to  succeed  him,  but  died  in  November,  and  was  succeeded  by  Gee 
Newcom.  The  bank  had  been  forced  to  suspend  specie  payments  at  several 
ferent  times,  and  the  business  had  run  down.  In  February,  1822,  James  St  i 
was  elected  President,  but  shortly  afterward  the  directors  decided  to  close  up  i 
business.  It,  however,  run  along  until  in  1825,  a new  law  was  passed  that  wn 
first  deemed  favorable,  but  taxes  were  oppressive,  and  it  became  evident  that 
bank  must  go  down. 

In  1829,  Henry  Stoddard  was  elected  Director. 

The  Cashier,  Mr.  Houston,  died  in  May  1831,  Charles  R.  Greene  was  ele 
to  succeed  him. 

In  July,  1831,  the  board  was  re-organized  by  the  election  of  nine  direcj 
James  Steele,  H.  G.  Phillips,  David  Stone,  Jacob  Catterlin,  William  Eaker,  H<| 
Stoddard,  Luther  Bruen,  Charles  G.  Swain,  John  Rench.  James  Steele,  Presid 
Alexander  Grimes,  Cashier  ; D.  Z.  Peirce,  Assistant.  In  1833,  Henry  Stock 
was  employed  as  attorney  for  the  bank  at  a salary  of  $50  per  annum. 

The  Legislature  shortly  afterward  authorized  the  name  to  be  changed  to 
of  the  Dayton  Bank.  J.  H.  Bowen  afterward  became  Assistant  Cashier,  then 
A.  Dusang,  and  in  1839  John  Harries  was  appointed.  | 

Peter  Odlin  and  James  Perrine  were  made  Directors  in  1836:  Mr.  Je‘ 
and  D.  Z.  Peirce  in  1839. 

In  1841,  the  bank  suspended  specie  payment;  January,  1842,  the  board 
notice  of  their  intention  to  wind  up  the  business  ; January  1,  1843,  the  chi 
expired,  and  Alexander  Grimes,  as  agent,  closed  up  the  affairs  of  the  bank. 

The  city  was  then  without  banking  facilities  from  the  1st  of  January, 
until  June  1.  1845  ; except  that  for  a part  of  that  time  D.  Edwards,  a broker, 
in  business  on  the  north  side  of  Third  street,  near  Main  street,  in  Harshim 
row. 


In  February",  1845,  a new  and  more  liberal  bank  law  was  enacted.  With 
few  weeks  stock  was  subscribed  for  an  independent  bank,  to  be  called  the  ,l  1 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


601 


c Bank,”  under  the  new  law,  with  a specie  capital  of  $60,000.  May  1,  the 
'.owing  Directors  were  elected:  Jonathan  Harslnnan,  Sr.,  John  Rench,  Thomas 
B'wn.  Jonathan  Harshman,  Jr.,  Daniel  Beckel,  Henry  Van  Tuyl,  David  Davis, 
liathan  Harshman,  Sr.,  was  made  President,  and  Valentine  Winters,  Cashier. 

The  bank  was  located  on  the  north  side  of  Third  street,  the  second  door  east 
Villain  street.  It  was  opened  for  business  about  June  1,  and  two  weeks  later 
Anew  bills  were  in  circulation. 

John  Rench  was  elected  President  of  the  bank  upon  the  death  of  Mr.  Harsh- 
:m.  in  March,  1850  ; in  November  following,  Mr.  Winters  resigned,  and  John  B. 
ipman  was  appointed  Cashier.  The  bank  discontinued  business  in  the  spring 
>1:1852. 

! Stock  books  of  the  Dayton  Branch  State  Bank  of  Ohio,  were  opened  the  first 
vijk  of  April,  1845.  The  first  meeting  of  stockholders  was  held  May  21  ; the 
d-d  was  organized  as  follows  : President,  Peter  Odlin  ; Cashier,  David  Z. 
4ce : Directors,  Peter  Odlin,  Alexander  Grimes,  C.  G.  Swain,  R.  W.  Steele,  J. 
Phillips,  Samuel  Shoup,  Warren  Estabrook,  David  Stout,  Herman  Gebhart ; 
c.tal,  $150,000. 

The  bank  began  business  July  7,  in  a room  on  the  south  side  of  Second 
i et,  four  doors  east  of  Main,  aMd  in  the  latter  part  of  December  following 
nred  into  Shoup’s  building,  at  the  southeast  corner  of  Second  and  Jefferson 
diets.  Mr.  Peirce  resigned  in  March,  1849,  and  Charles  G.  Swain  was  elected 
Jiihier,  and  served  in  that  capacity,  with  Mr.  Odlin  as  President,  until  the  capi- 
aiind  business  was  transferred  to  the  Dayton  National  Bank  in  April,  1865. 

The  City  Bank,  a private  bank  owned  by  J.  O.  Shoup  and  Samuel  Tate,  Sr., 
’Viji  Joseph  A.  Dusang  as  Cashier,  was  located  on  the  north  side  of  Third  street, 
of  doors  east  of  Jefferson,  and  opened  for  business  August  7,  1850.  In  April, 
92,  Mr.  Tate  withdrew  from  the  firm,  and  the  business  was  continued  by  Mr. 
'Tup  for  several  years. 

Daniel  Beckel,  William  Dickey  and  Joseph  Clegg  established  tlffi  Farmers’ 
I k in  the  Ohio  Block,  Third  street  west  of  Kenton  street,  and  opened  for  busi- 
>(i!  November  20,  1850.  March  29,  1852,  Mr.  Clegg  withdrew  from  the  firm, 
r the  bank  was  moved  to  the  northeast  corner  of  Jefferson  and  Third  streets, 
ffiber  24,  of  the  same  year,  Mr.  Dickey  withdrew,  and  Mr.  Beckel  continued 
until  the  bank  closed  in  1854. 

The  Miami  Valley  Bank  was  established  in  1851,  and  opened  for  business 
Vteraber  10.  Daniel  Beckel,  President  ; S.  C.  Emley,  Cashier  ; Directors,  Dan- 
e deckel,  Nathaniel  Strong,  J.  McDaniel,  Daniel  A.  Hajmes,  Joseph  Clegg.  The 
;k  was  at  first  located  in  room  No.  3 of  the  Ohio  Block,  but  was  afterward 
i ed  to  the  Dayton  Bank  room,  on  Third  street,  near  Main,  where  the  business 
Jed. 

The  Exchange  Bank,  owned  by  Valentine  Winters,  Jonathan  Harshman,  R. 
Dickey  and  James  R.  Young,  was  first  opened  for  business  at  the  northeast 
tier  of  Main  and  Third  streets,  April  5,  1852.  September  26,  1853,  Messrs. 
Gey  and  Young  withdrew,  Harshman  and  Winters  continuing  the  business 
n 1 in  1857,  Mr.  Harshman  withdrew,  and  Jonathan  H.  Winters  became  a mem- 
4 of  the  firm.  The  firm  name  was  changed  to  V.  Winters  & Son,  who  con- 
ed and  largely  increased  the  business,  and  for  many  years  held  rank 
v i the  best  banks  of  the  country.  In  the  fall  of  1861,  the  bank  was  moved 
■ doors  north  into  the  building  that  was  torn  down  in  1871,  to  give  place  to 
hr  present  handsome  structure.  On  the  1st  of  January,  1882,  it  was  changed 

National  Bank  and  is  known  as  Winters’  National  Bank.  Its  capital  stock 
' 300,000,  and  its  officers  are  as  follows  : J.  H.  Winters,  President ; J.  D.  Platt, 
’ h President ; J.  C.  Reber,  Cashier  ; Directors,  J.  H.  Winters,  J.  D.  Piatt,  Val- 
i ne  Winters,  L.  B.  Gunckel,  J.  Decker,  J.  M.  Phelps,  James  Stockstill,  Samuel 
Vtghead,  E.  M.  Wood. 

After  the  affairs  of  the  Miami  Valley  Bank  were  closed  up,  Mr.  R.  D.  Harsh- 


602 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


man  occupied  the  room  as  a private  banking  house  ; then  he,  with  Jonathan 
Gorman,  established  the  Central  Bank,  and  moved  into  the  corner  room,  vaca 
by  the  Exchange  Bank,  and  continued  business  until  about  1874. 

The  banking  house  of  Harshman  & Co.,  east  side  of  Jefferson  street,  nortl 
Third,  was  established  b}r  Jonathan  and  Joseph  Harshman  in  1860  ; in  1865.11 
gentlemen  were  associated  in  the  organization  of  the  Second  National  Bs 
In  1870,  Harshman  & Co.  again  engaged  in  banking,  and  continued  until  aff'ec 
by  the  panic  of  1873. 

The  First  National  Bank  was  organized  in  the  spring  of  1863,  with  $112. 
capital,  which  was  afterward  increased  to  $150,000.  President,  Simon  Gebha 
Cashier,  G.  B.  Harman  ; Directors,  Simon  Gebhart,  Henry  Herrman,  Thomas  1 
rott,  Caleb  Parker,  John  L.  Martin,  D.  E.  Mead,  Samuel  Marshall,  George 
Shaw,  Josiah  Gebhart.  May  1,  1870,  Simon  Gebhart,  G.  B.  Harman  and  W. 
Gebhart  purchased  the  good  will  and  succeeded  to  the  business  of  the  bank, 
have  since  that  time  conducted  a general  banking  business  under  the  firm  nam 
Gebhart,  Harman  & Co.,  north  side  of  Third  street,  three  doors  west  of  Jeflen 

The  Second  National  Bank  was  chartered  in  the  spring  of  1863,  and  oq 
ized  as  follows  : President,  Jonathan  Harshman  ; Cashier,  David  C.  Ren 
Directors,  Jonathan  Harshman,  James  Perrine,  G.  W.  Kneisly,  T.  S.  Babl 
William  P.  Huffman,  Robert  Chambers,  L.  R.  Pfoutz,  N.  B.  Darst,  D.  C.  Rei 
Their  place  of  business  at  first  was  on  the  east  side  of  Jefferson  street,  nortl 
Third  street,  and  September  1,  1869,  was  moved  to  its  present  location  at 
northwest  corner  of  Jefferson  and  Third  streets.  The  capital  at  first  emplo 
was  $100,000,  but  has  at  different  times  been  increased  until  it  reached  $300, ( 
The  last  officers  of  this  bank  were  : William  P.  Huffman,  President ; Daniel  Ke 
Vice  President ; Charles  E.  Drury,  Cashier  ; Directors,  W.  P.  Huffman,  T.  S 1 
bitt,  D.  Keifer,  G.  W.  Kneisly,  R.  J.  King,  John  K.  McIntyre,  Preserved  Sn 
George  W.  Shaw,  E.  J.  Barney.  It  ceased  to  exist  May  25,  1882. 

The  Dayton  National  Bank  received  its  charter  in  April,  1865,  and  withou 
terruption  to  business,  succeeded  the  Dayton  Branch  of  the  State  Bank  of  Ohio, 
bank  was  organized  with  $300,000  capital  ; Peter  Odlin,  President;  C.  G.  Swi 
Cashier  ; Directors,  J.  H.  Achey,  G.  W.  Rogers,  Harvey  Conover,  T.  A.  Phil 
Horace  Pease,  Dr.  H.  Jewett,  Joel  Estabrook,  Herman  Gebhart.  The  bank  re 
was  at  the  southeast  corner  of  Second  and  Jefferson  streets.  Mr.  Swain  die 
1866.  H.  C.  Hiestand  succeeded  him,  and  served  until  W.  S.  Phelps  was  ele| 
in  January,  1869.  The  bank  was  moved  to  its  present  location  in  the  Hu: 
building  at  the  southeast  corner  of  Third  and  Jefferson  streets,  October  1,  1 
J.  H.  Achey  was  made  President  in  November,  1872,  and  is  still  serving  in 
capacity  ; W.  S.  Phelps  is  Cashier,  and  the  Directors  are  John  H.  Achey,  G. 
Rogers,  Harvey  Conover,  Samuel  W.  Davies,  R.  R.  Dickey,  Josiah  Gebhart,  W ill 
P.  Callahan,  William  H.  Simms,  Isaac  Van  Ausdal. 

The  Merchants’  National  Bank  began  business  February  15,  1871,  in 
room  which  they  yet  occupy  at  the  southwest  corner  of  Third  and  Jeffei 
streets;  capital,  $100,000;  afterward  increased  to  $150,000.  President,  •' 
Powell  ; Cashier,  A.  S.  Estabrook  ; Directors,  John  Powell,  E.  D.  Payne,  i 
Mead,  J.  C.  Peirce,  J.  W.  Dietrich,  James  Applegate,  Samuel  Marshall.  0 
Parker,  N.  Obmer.  The  present  board  are  : D.  E.  Mead,  President ; J.  C.  Pe 
Vice  President;  A.  S.  Estabrook,  Cashier;  Directors,  D.  E.  Mead,  J.  C.  Pe 
John  R.  Reynolds,  B.  F.  Hargrave,  E.  A.  Daniels,  T.  A.  Legler,  James  A{ 
gate,  A.  Gebhart,  N.  Ohmer. 

The  Dayton  Savings  Bank,  432  East  Fifth  street,  was  organized 
$100,000  capital  February  24,  1874;  President,  C.  F.  Kneisly;  Cashier,  ! 
Dietrich  ; Directors,  C.  F.  Kneisly,  Charles  Burroughs,  Jost  Durst,  D.  Sk 
John  L.  Prugh.  Mr.  Kneisly  served  as  President  until  January,  1880,  when  J 
L.  Prugh  was  elected.  The  present  board  are  : John  L.  Prugh,  President  ; * 
Crawford,  Cashier  ; Directors,  John  L.  Prugh,  Jost  Durst,  D.  Slentz,  E.  P' 
Joseph  Bigger. 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


603 


John  Bettelon  and  William  Gkmckel,  in  1872,  established  a Savings  Bank  at 
>(  East  Third  street.  Mr.  Bettelon  withdrew  from  the  firm,  and  Mr.  Grunckel  is 
t'  carrying  on  the  business. 

Small  weekly  deposits,  which,  in  the  aggregate  amount  to  a considerable  sum, 
iimade  in  the  Building  Associations,  and  in  the  Savings  and  Loan  Associations, 
mny  of  which  have  been  organized  in  the  city.  These  associations  have  accom- 
ilhed  great  good  to  a very  large  number  of  mechanics  and  laborers,  by  affording 
i fe  deposit  for  small  sums  of  weekly  earnings,  and  in  this  way  enabling  very 
aiiy  families  to  accumulate  a sum  sufficient  to  buy  or  build  small  homes. 

The  Third  National  Bank  was  organized  and  began  business  May  10,  1882,  in 
hibuilding  formerly  occupied  by  the  Second  National  Bank.  Its  capital  stock  is 
540,000,  and  its  officers  are  : William  P.  Huffman,  President  ; Daniel  Keifer,  Vice 
isident ; Charles  E.  Drury,  Cashier ; Directors,  William  P.  Huffman,  T.  S.  Bab- 
5 Daniel  Keifer,  G.  W.  Kneisly,  R.  J.  King,  John  K.  McIntyre,  Preserved 
1th,  George  W.  Shaw.  E.  J.  Barney. 


v 


604 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


CHAPTER  VI 


DAYTON  INDUSTRIAL  INTERESTS. 


Introduction — Car  Works — Wood-Working  Establishments — Agricuj 
ural  Works— Carriages — Machine  Shops,  Etc.—  Mills—  Brewers— M< 
ble  and  Stone— Tobacco— Cracker  Manufactories— Miscellaneous 


HERE  is  no  portion  of  the  business  interests  of  a State,  county  or  city, 


more  importance  than  its  manufacturing  industries.  They  are  the  ho 
and  sinew  of  its  prosperity,  and  the  failing  or  closing  of  a mill  or  factory 
almost  an  infallible  sign  of  the  deterioration  of  a place,  or  the  unenterprisi 
spirit  pervading  the  inhabitants  of  that  city,  village  or  township.  It  is  w 
these  facts  before  us,  that  we  here  present  for  your  persnal  benefit,  hr 
sketches  of  the  greater  number  of  manufactories,  which  entitles  Dayton  to 
called  the  Rochester  of  Ohio,  and  of  which  none  are  more  proud  than  the 
telligent  and  wide-  awake  population  of  that  city. 

A few  of  the  industries  mentioned  in  this  chapter,  were  established  hell 
century  or  more  ago.  At  that  time,  the  wheels  of  progress  turned  slower  tb 
at  present,  and  the  mode  of  manufacture  was  rather  primitive  and  crude, 
the  chariot  of  time  rolled  slowly  forward,  improvements  began  to  make  tk 
appearance  on  every  article  placed  on  the  market,  and  at  present,  we  venti 
to  say,  there  is  no  city  in  the  Union  whose  inventors  and  manufacturers  f 
better  known  and  whose  manufactured  goods  bear  a higher  standard  than  tb 
of  the  “Valley  City  of  the  Miami.” 

Her  inventors,  though  not  numerous,  have  placed  before  the  Amerk 
public  articles  of  importance  and  necessity;  her  manufacturers  have  e; 
strived  to  place  the  city  of  their  choice  in  the  front  rank  among  the  great  hi 
iness  centers  of  the  West.  In  this  they  have  succeeded  beyond  their  most  si 
guine  expectations.  They  have  invested  hundreds  of  thousands  of  dollars 
the  buildings,  machinery,  etc. , and  by  the  purchase  of  the  best  quality 
crude  material,  the  employing  of  none  but  skilled  workmen,  a judicious  exp< 
diture  of  printer’s  ink,  coupled  with  displays  of  their  wares  at  industrial  ex 
bitions,  have  succeeded  in  making  the  fame  of  Dayton  resound  far  and  wr 
throughout  the  civilized  world. 

The  following  industries  especially  merit  attention,  either  on  account 
their  age  and  magnitude,  or  the  enterprising  spirit  which  their  owner?  In 
shown  on  all  occasions.  To  no  industry  of  Dayton  can  her  citizens  point  w 
more  pride  than  the  one  we  shall  first  call  attention  to.  It  is  probably  the  la 
est  works  of  a like  character  in  the  United  States,  and  gives  employment 
over  a regiment  of  America’s  sons. 


The  Dayton  Car  Works  were  established  in  1849,  by  E.  Thresher  and 
E.  Barney,  under  the  firm  name  of  E.  Thresher  & Co.,  and  with  limited  ca 
tal  as  compared  with  that  now  invested.  In  1854,  Mr.  Thresher  disposed 
his  interest  to  C.  Parker,  and  for  ten  years  the  business  was  conducted  un 


industrial  interests. 


THE  BARNEY  & SMITH  MANUFACTURING  COMPANY. 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


605 


K inn  name  of  Barney,  Parker  & Co.  In  1864,  Mr.  Parker  sold  his  interest 
j reserved  Smith,  and  the  firm  name  changed  to  Barney,  Smith  & Co.  In 
S:.  the  firm  was  incorporated,  assuming-  the  name  of  the  Barney  & Smith 
h ufacturing  Company,  since  which  time  they  have  rapidly  enlarged  their 
n ness  and  erected  new  and  more  commodious  brick  buildings.  The  machinery 
n used  in  the  business  was  formerly  in  the  possession  of  Bean,  Parker  & 
lilg,  car  manufacturers  of  Springfield,  Mass. , and  was  brought  to  Bayton  by 
h,C.  Parker.  New  machinery  has  been  constantly  added,  new  inventions 
li  3d  of  different  machines,  until  at  present  they  have  probably  the  most  com- 
1(3  car-work  machinery  in  the  West.  The  company  consumes  more  than 
! JO, 000  feet  of  lumber  and  20,000  tons  of  iron  per  annum,  and  employs 
- 1,100  men.  Their  capital  has  been  increased  from  $120,000  in  1849,  to 
00,000  in  1880,  while  the  value  of  their  manufactured  goods  annually  ex- 
its $2,000,000.  Their  buildings  cover  four  acres,  and  with  the  second, 
ail,  and  fourth  floors  of  some,  give  them  over  eight  acres  of  working  room. 
b>  have  one  building  35x50  feet  in  size,  of  which  the  first  floor  is  used  as  a 
X!  room;  the  second  is  handsomely  fitted  up  for  an  office;  and  the  third  for 
lourtain  and  linen  department  of  sleeping  coaches.  They  also  have  the  foi- 
ling buildings : One,  one  andahalf  story  brick,  97x155,  for  freight  car  erect- 
j i one  50x155,  for  freight  trucks;  painting  shop,  52x245;  one,  52x182,  for 
-tng  up  bodies  of  passenger  coaches;  two  four-story  buildings,  82x90,  and 
1 ojO,  for  engine  room  and  wood-working  machinery;  one,  82x165,  for  setting 
todies  of  baggage  cars;  one,  82x165,  for  freight  wood- working  machinery; 
b I svsmith  shop,  81x205;  machine  shop,  63x120,  four  stories;  wheel  foundry, 
5: 00 ; pitting  house,  30x60  feet  (capacity  140  wheels  per  day);  oil  and  glass 
oje,  30x60  feet,  three  stories;  sand  and  coke  sheds  and  stabling.  Two  en- 
iip  are  required  to  move  these  acres  of  solid  machinery — 350  and  200  horse- 
|)0fer  respectively. 

WOODWORKING  ESTABLISHMENT. 


Baird  & Bro.’s  planing- mill,  sash,  door  and  blind  factory. 

This  business  was  established  in  1858,  by  John  C.  and  William  F.  Baird. 
They  commenced  business  on  the  present  site  of  John  Rouzer’s  planing- 
where  they  remained  until  July,  1861.  On  that  date  their  mill  was  de- 
)' ed  by  fire,  the  firm  losing  a large  stock  of  models,  patterns,  etc.  Soon 
9',  they  started  in  business  again  on  First  street,  opposite  the  head  of  Mad- 
In  1872,  they  removed  to  their  present  location.  They  now  occupy  a 
■•[  -story  brick  structure,  100x30  feet  in  size,  at  328  and  330  East  First  sti’eet: 
hr  building  is  fitted  up  with  the  latest  improved  machinery,  aBcl  is  operated 
yented  steam  power.  The  business  was  rather  small  at  first,  but,  as  both 
qaers  are  practical  mechanics,  and  have  given  all  their  attention  to  it,  their 
33  is  now  quite  large,  extending,  for  the  most  part,  throughout  Montgomery 
i Greene  Counties. 

HOGLEN  BROS.’  PULP  COMPANY. 


This  firm  manufactures  all  kinds  of  lumber.  Their  flourishing  business 
abounded  by  the  father  of  the  Messrs.  Hoglen  in  1840,  and  in  1873  the  firm 
nosed  of  John  B.,  William  J.  and  J.  C.  Hoglen,  took  possession.  They 
a oy  fifty  men,  paying  an  average  salary  to  each  of  $12  per  week.  They 
• - have,  in  addition  to  these,  a foreman  and  a book-keeper.  The  motive 
,0p  is  furnished  by  a forty-horse  power  engine,  and  their  yards  are  located 
a ,ast  Fifth  and  North  Webster  streets,  with  an  office  at  228  East  Fifth  street, 
f mill  for  the  manufacture  of  pulp,  is  located  at  Medway,  Clark  Co. , Ohio. 
H officers  of  the  company  are:  J.  P.  Hoglen,  President;  J.  C.  Hoglen,  Secret 
iJ  J.  N.  Bell,  Treasurer. 


606 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


G.  STOMPS  & CO.’S  CHAIR  FACTORY. 

Among  the  many  institutions  which  have  served  to  extend  the  fame  of  Da 
ton  as  a manufacturing  point,  and  especially  deserving  of  mention,  becan 
standing  alone  among  the  other  industries,  is  the  above  works.  The  busine 
was  founded  in  1859,  by  Gustav  Stomps.  He  commenced  operations  in 
small  brick  and  frame  building,  on  First  street,  and  four  years  later  his  trai 
had  increased  to  such  an  extent  as  to  necessitate  more  commodious  quartei 
He  removed  to  his  present  location,  229  East  First  street,  where  he  has  sin 
carried  on  his  steadily  increasing  business.  The  firm  occupy  three  buildin 
— one  factory,  three  stories  high,  43x200  feet,  with  offices  attached;  one  30x1 
feet,  four  stories  high,  and  a wareroom  on  Canal,  between  First  and  fiacoij 
streets,  42x83,  four  stories  high.  The  firm  manufacture  cane  and  wood  both 
chairs,  which  are  turned  out  by  the  best  improved  machinery.  The  firm  - 
ploy  100  men  and  find  a ready  sale  for  their  goods  in  New  York,  Pennsylvan 
Illinois,  Indiana  and  Ohio.  Mr.  Stomps,  the  founder  of  the  business,  is 
native  of  Germany,  but  at  present  one  of  the  representative  German  citizelj 
of  this  county.  The  “ Co.”  is  composed  of  R.  P.  Burkhart  and  C.  Vogel,  i 
former  of  whom  has  charge  of  the  business  of  the  firm. 

JOHN  ROUZER. 

This  gentleman  is  the  largest  contractor  and  builder  in  Dayton.  Fuji 
1844  to  1854  he  worked  at  the  carpenter’s  trade  throughout  this  and  adjoin! ; 
counties.  In  1854,  he  established  his  present  business  at  Dayton  in  a sni  I 
way,  and  in  1861  commenced  the  manufacture  of  building  material.  His  b 
iness  was  then  located  in  the  old  Bomberger  flouring  mill,  where  he  put  ir  <- 
eration  and  used  the  first  iron  frame  molding  machine  manufactured  in  > 
Dnited  States,  and  which  is  still  in  his  possession.  In  1862,  he  commend 
the  erection  of  the  old  (Turner)  Opera  House,  which  was  completed  and  opeii 
January  1,  1864.  In  1863,  he  removed  to  his  present  location,  on  the  Cooj t 
Hydraulic,  at  the  head  of  Fourth  street,  and  from  1866  to  1868  employed  ah 
two  hundred  men  annually.  In  1867,  he  enlarged  his  quarters  by  a wing  i 
72  feet  in  size,  and  now  occupies  a large  and  commodious  structure.  His 
cilities  for  manufacturing  building  material  are  unlimited,  and  his  machin| 
of  the  latest  and  best  improved  pattern.  He  re-saws  lumber,  makes  sti 
building  a specialty,  and  i-s  a large  dealer  in  frames,  sashes,  doors,  blinds,  a 
is  a manufacturer  of  brackets,  office  furniture  and  wooden  mantels. 

PARROTT  & GILBERT. 

This  firm  own  and  operate  the  Dayton  Furniture  Company,  which  bij 
ness  was  commenced  about  the  year  1865.  The  present  firm,  composed 
Henry  R.  Parrott  and  Jacob  B.  Gilbert,  purchased  the  stock  and  trade  in  ,!v 
and  have  since  continued  the  business.  They  occupy  a factory  60x40,  f 
stories,  and  an  addition  35x60,  two  stories,  both  being  constructed  of  bn. 
The  company  manufacture  only  chamber  sets,  of  which  goods  they  turn 
numerous  and  handsome  designs,  all  being  made  of  the  best  woods.  Ti 
trade  extends  throughout  Western  New  York  and  Pennsylvania;  Michigan  a 
Northeastern  Ohio,  exceeding  over  150,000  annually.  Thirty-five  hands  ! 
steady  and  remunerative  employment,  and  the  business  of  the  firm  has  grci 
to  such  proportions  as  to  find  a market  for  more  goods  than  they  can  roake 
fact  worthy  the  careful  consideration  of  all  business  men.  The  Compai 
machinery  is  run  by  steam  power,  rented  of  E.  H.  Brownell  & Co. 

PIERCE  & COLEMAN. 

This  firm  is  wholesale  and  retail  dealers  in  and  dressers  of  all  kind:' 
lumber.  The  business  was  established  by  Matthew  Burrows,  who  was  s) 


(deceased) 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


609 


pled  by  Burrows  & Stewart,  and  the  latter  firm  by  Stewart  & Co.,  in  1866. 

I.  Pierce  became  the  sole  proprietor  in  1876,  and  was  succeeded  by  the 
iijsent  firm.  They  occupy  a three-story  brick  building,  100x60  feet  in  size, 
it! Jos.  10  and  12  Wayne  street,  and  employ  fifty  men  at  an  average  salary  of 
Aber  week.  Their  machinery  is  run  by  an  eighty-horse  power  engine,  and 
if  the  most  complete  and  improved  style. 


PINNEO  & DANIELS. 


These  gentlemen  are  the  sole  proprietors  of  the  Dayton  Wheel  Works. 
Y business  was  founded  in  1855,  by  Ernest  Zwick,  who  continued  it,  with 
e>ral  partners,  until  1865,  in  which  year  A.  W.  Pinneo  bought  an  interest, 
ii  in  March,  1866,  E.  A.  Daniels  also  purchased  an  interest,  the  firm  contin- 
ue as  Zwick,  Pinneo  & Daniels  until  1875,  when  the  two  latter  purchased 
i Zwick’s  interest,  and  the  firm  became  Pinneo  & Daniels.  They  were  lo- 
a'd  at  216  East  Third  street,  where  business  was  carried  on  for  a fifth  of  a 
ary.  In  April,  1881,  the  firm  moved  into  their  present  large  and  hand- 
ie  brick  structure.  This  building  is  50x100  feet  in  size,  three  and  a half 
t ies  high,  with  an  L 36x65  feet,  three  stories.  This  is  one  of  two  indus- 
ns  of  a like  nature  in  Dayton;  and  the  firm,  therefore,  enjoy  a large  and 
■ort  trade.  They  manufacture  wheels,  hubs,  spokes  and  all  kinds  of  wagon 
xd  and  bent  work.  Their  work  is  of  the  very  best  quality,  and  they  cater 
jW  for  the  best  trade.  Their  sales  are  made  all  over  the  Union,  and  large 
Aunts  have  been  shipped  to  foreign  lands.  The  firm  have  about  $100,000 
.nested  in  the  business,  and  their  sales  will  average  annually  about  the  same 
ujinnt.  Seventy-five  men  and  boys  are  employed  in  the  business,  and  the 
nthinery  is  operated  by  a 150-horse  power  engine.  Charles  E.  Daniels  has 
firge  of  the  office.  The  gentlemen  comprising  this  firm  are  well  known 
Aughout  the  county  and  State  as  men  of  sterling  business  integrity. 

s.  n.  brown  & co. 

This  firm  maufacture  wheels,  hubs,  spokes  and  bent  material.  The  en- 
orise  was  inaugurated  by  Harvey  Blanchard,  in  1847,  on  the  east  side  of 
i,  canal,  between  Third  and  Fourth  streets,  and  is,  therefore,  one  of  the  oldest 
Mistrial  firms  in  Dayton.  In  1850,  the  firm  became  known  as  Blanchard  & 
B;iwn,  under  which  title  it  continued  the  business  until  1863,  when  J".  M. 
Alps  became  a silent  partner.  In  1867  occurred  the  death  of  Mr.  Blanchard, 
r Messrs.  Brown  & Phelps  purchased  his  interest,  and  changed  the  name  of 
firm  to  its  present  style.  In  1869,  a joint-stock  company  was  organized 
''Vjh  a capital  stock  of  $147,500.  the  firm  name  being  yet  retained.  In  1851. 
i firm  removed  to  the  corner  of  .Kenton  and  Fourth  streets.  Their  present 
l iters,  on  the  southeast  coimer  of  Fourth  and  St.  Clair  streets,  was  erected  in 
1 ’9,  where  they  occupy  a five-story  brick  structure,  of  considerable  dimensions, 
Addition  to  a three-story  frame,  formerly  used  as  a factory,  in  which  their 
r<l|gh  turning  of  wood  work  is  now  done.  They  employ  130  men,  and  their 
Me  will  amount  to  $150,000  annually. 


AURIC  U LT U R A L WO R KS . 


B.  C.  TAYLOR  A SON. 


t:’ 

C 

t'j 

f; 


Prominent  among  the  manufacturers  of  hay  rakes  in  the  United  States  is 
name  of  B.  C.  Taylor.  This  gentleman  is  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  and 
ae  to  Dayton  many  years  ago.  In  1862,  he  founded  his  present  bnsiness  on 
■ present  site  of  the  shops  of  Marshall,  Graves  & Co.,  and  was  subsequently, 
many  years,  in  the  Western  shops,  now  occupied  by  L.  & M.  Wood  hull. 

u 


610 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Starting  his  business  previous  to  the  war,  on  the  breaking-out  of  which  mom 
was  plenty,  and  hay  rakes  needed.  Mr.  Taylor’s  invention  rose  rapidly 
public  favor.  Some  years  after,  owing  to  hard  times,  and  the  non-payment 
hundreds  of  notes  due,  he  was  forced  to  suspend  operations  until  1881,  win 
he  started  once  more.  The  firm  occupies  four  rooms  in  a large  brick  buildin 
and  manufacture  Taylor’s  new  rake,  an  improvement  on  the  old  one,  combinii 
both  hand  and  horse  dump.  Over  64,000  of  the  former  rakes  were  distributi 
throughout  the  civilized  world,  supplying  both  home  and  foreign  trade.  T! 
lirm  have  facilities  for  turning  out  3,500  rakes  annually,  finding  a ready  sa 
for  them.  The  business  is  located  on  the  corner  of  Wayne  and  East  Thij 
streets 

DAYTON  CHAMPION  PLOW  WORKS. 

J.  Lane  Reed  & Go.  are  the  proprietors  of  the  above  named  works.  T] 
business  was  commenced  in  i860  by  Manse,  Breneman  & Co. , on  Front  stre; 
near  Third,  in  a small  frame  building,  about  one-third  the  size  of  the  prese: 
one.  The  business  was  operated  by  this  firm  until  the  death  of  Mi’.  Manse, 
1873.  A year  previous,  Mr.  J.  Lane  Reed  became  a member  of  the  final,  and  ( 
the  death  of  its  senior  member  of  the  company,  the  firm  name  became  J.  Lai 
Reed  & Co.  They  occupy  a four-story  brick  building,  175x100  feet  in  sis 
where  they  manufacture  the  Champion  plow,  in  all  sizes  and  kinds.  The  offi 
of  the  firm  is  located  across  the  street,  opposite  the  factory.  The  trade  of  tb 
firm  extends  from  Pennsylvania  to  the  “ Rockies,”  and  from  “ the  Lakes  ” 
“the  Gulf.’’  They  have  received  innumerable  premiums  and  diplomas  fro 
different  expositions,  State,  district  and  county  fairs.  One  important  featu 
in  the  Champion  plow  claimed  by  the  firm  to  be  superior  to  other  plows  is  i 
simplicity  of  construction  and  adaptation  to  soil  once  heavily  timbered.  T1 
machinery  in  the  building  is  operated  by  both  water  and  steam  power.  E 
ward  and  James  Breneman  form  the  “ Co.”  of  this  firm. 

MARSHAL,  GRAVES  & CO. 

These  works  were  established  between  the  years  1866  and  1869,  by  Heim; 
Herchelrode,  who  made  an  assignment  in  1878.  F.  M.  Reigel  then  bought  tl 
works  of  E.  Bimm,  the  assignee,  and  carried  on  the  business  until  1879,  win 
Albert  C.  Marshall  purchased  the  business,  and  operated  it  as  the  Dayton  M 
chine  Company,  until  1880.  Henry  C.  Graves  then  became  a member  of  tl 
firm,  changing  the  company’s  name  to  Marshall,  Graves  & Co.  They  pecu] 
a three-story  brick,  L-shaped,  200x40,  and  150x60  for  machine  shops,  and 
one-story  foundry,  100x80  feet  in  size.  The  firm  manufacture  the  “ Victor 
and  “ Star”  hay  rake  and  trade  engines,  which  are  shipped  to  all  parts  of  tl 
Union.  They  give  constant  employment  to  nearly  one  hundred  men,  at 
salary  of  $2  per  day  each.  Their  propelling  power  is  furnished  by  a “Cali alar 
eighty-horse  power  engine,  which  is  kept  steadily  running  to  its  full  capacit 

D.  E.  M'SHERRY  & CO.,  1126  EAST  THIRD  STREET, 

This  industry  was  founded  by  its  present  partners  in  1864,  on  Wayi 
street.  They  remained  there  until  1868,  when  business  had  increased  to  sue 
proportions  that  more  room  was  necessary.  The  company  then  purchased  the 
present  site,  and  erected  their  present  factory.  The  building  is  a T-shape< 
three-story  brick,  350x50  feet  in  size,  and  supplied  with  the  best  machine: 
for  the  manufacture  of  agricultural  implements.  This  firm  commenced 
make  the  McSherry  grain  drill,  and  have  devoted  all  their  capital,  time  ai 
enterprise  to  improve  its  strength  and  utility.  They  have  so  far  succeeded  ; 
to  now  employ  140  men  eleven  months  in  the  year,  whereas  at  first  their  bus 
ness  only  needed  the  workmanship  of  thirty-five  men  for  a season.  Their  tra( 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


611 


- ,und  from  New  England  to  California,  and  is  increasing  in  the  South,  in 
portion  to  the  opening  up  of  that  territory.  The  munber  of  drills  annually 
if  afactured  has  increased  from  400  to  4,000,  a significant  fact  of  the  enter- 
re  and  “go-ahead-ativeness  of  this  firm.  ” The  members  of  the  firm  are 
i;  [el  E.  McSherry  and  Edward  Breneman. 

.T.  W.  STODDAKD  & CO. 

The  works  under  this  firm,  at  1122  to  1140  East  Third  street,  were  estab- 
. -d  in  1868,  by  Dodds  & Beal,  on  the  present  site  of  the  factory.  That  firm 
Succeeded  by  John  Dodds,  and  he.  in  1870,  by  John  Dodds  & Co.  The 
r(  ;nt  firm  came  into  possession  in  1875.  The  business  was  first  started  in  a 
n dory  frame  building,  30x100  feet  in  size,  which  was  subsequently  de- 
ed by  fire.  The  firm  then  erected  an  L-shaped  two-story  brick,  which  is 
1 136x40  feet  in  size.  It  was  afterward  raised  to  three  stories,  and  busi- 
■ has  increased  so  rapidly  that  a new  building  has  been  erected  each  year 
n|>.  The  ground  owned  by  the  firm  is  295x230  feet  in  dimensions,  and,  in 
fiction  to  the  old  building,  has  on  it  two  four-story  brick  structures,  130x50 
eeach.  a foundry  136x50,  a blacksmith  shop  80x60,  three  stories  high,  and 
icier  shop  136x30,  one  story  high.  A glance  at  these  proportions  will  give 
ehader  an  idea  of  the  large  amount  of  room  necessary  to  carry  on  the  stead- 
vicreasing  business  of  this  firm.  They  employ  an  average  of  450  men,  and 
d nearly  $350,000  invested  in  the  business.  They  annually  manufacture 
5 ) grain  drills,  2,500  broadcast  seeders,  15,000  hay  rakes,  3,000  harrows, 
act  large  number  of  smaller  implements.  The  above  facts  speak  for  them- 
A%  and  comment  is  unnecessary.  No  industry  in  the  Valley  Cityis  pointed 
thmore  pride  and  interest  than  the  works  operated  by  the  above  firm, 
hi  are  the  largest  of  the  kind  in  Montgomery  County,  and  probably  in 
tern  Ohio. 

JOHN  DODDS. 

The  manufacturing  career  of  this  gentleman  extends  back  to  1856,  when, 

- irtnership  with  William  Bomberger  and  Collins  Wight,  he  began  the 
iaeture  of  agricultural  implements  in  the  shops  now  owned  by  the  Wood- 

D Machine  Company,  where  they  continued  in  business  until  the  close  of 
e far,  when  they  sold  the  building  to  the  Pitts  Threshing  Machine  Company, 
cnoved  to  the  Dayton  and  Western  shops.  Here  they  carried  on  business 
v;al  years,  when  Mr.  .Dodds  bought  out  Bomberger,  Wight  & Co.,  which 
8 - he  firm  name,  and  began  the  manufacture  of  the  Hollingsworth  Rake,  ex- 
rifely,  under  the  firm  name  of  Smith,  Dodds  & Co.  At  the  end  of  one 
a.  Mr.  Dodds  bought  out  the  partners  and  became  sole  owner.  He  gave  up 
>ase  of  the  Dayton  and  Western  shops,  and  erected  new  buildings  on  the 
r of  Third  and  Bainbridge  streets,  where,  after  manufacturing  three  years, 
sposed  of  a half  interest  to  John  W.  Stoddard.  This  partnership  ex- 
T three  years,  when  Mr.  Dodds  sold  his  interest  in  those  shops  to  Mr.  Stod- 
r and  purchased  the  latter's  interest  in  the  Miami  City  shops,  which  they 
nalso  operating.  This  change  occurred  in  1875,  and  the  only  building  at 
idoint  was  a two-storied  frame  and  a brick  engine  house,  which  yet  form  a 
i'  ?f  the  present  shops,  the  frame  structure  being  now  used  for  a wood-shop 
I®  first  story,  and  paint-room  above,  with  a brick  addition  in  the  rear  for 
^purposes.  In  the  rear  of  this  are  the  blacksmith  and  machine  shops,  solid 
; buildings,  two  stories  in  height,  in  which  everything  is  done  by  the  aid 
genious  machinery,  the  upper  story  of  the  blacksmith  shop  being  also 
e'for  a paint-room.  To  the  north  of  those  is  the  foundry,  which  is  a one- 
' t brick,  and  on  the  east  of  all  is  a large  three-storied  brick  wareroom,  with 
! A -story  brick  building  used  for  finishing  rooms,  adjoining  it  on  the  north; 


G 12 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


the  combined  shops  covering  about  two  acres  of  ground,  and  including  spo 
and  lumber  yard,  live  acres.  Mr.  Dodds  manufactures  six  kinds  of  rakes,  vi 
the  Hollingsworth,  Reindeer,  Surprise,  Taylor  No.  1 and  No.  4,  and  Redbii 
turning  out  about  11,000  rakes  annually,  aggregating  about  $200,000  per  ve 
In  running  the  machinery,  one  eighty-horse  power  engine  is  used,  and  ev< 
machine  throughout  these  shops  is  of  the  latest  and  best  improved  patte 
Mr.  Dodds  employs  140  hands,  has  manufactured  since  starting  his  basin 
more  than  125,000  rakes,  and  his  market  is  throughout  the  civilized  woi 
The  office  is  a neat  two-storied  frame  structure,  close  to  the  shops,  which 
located  in  Miami  City,  north  of  Third  street,  on  the  Dayton  & Western  11; 
road,  which  supplies  him  with  convenient  and  abundant  shipping  facilities. 

PRITZ  & KUHNST. 

This  firm  commenced  business  in  1852,  on  the  corner  of  Second  and  Se 
streets,  under  the  present  tirm  name.  Being  among  the  pioneer  manuf  actur 
firms  of  the  Valley  City,  their  business  has  increased  in  proportion  to 
growth  of  the  city.  They  first  occupied  a small  frame  building,  and  with 
assistant  started  the  manufacture  of  horse-powers  and  threshing  machii 
In  1840,  they  removed  to  a two-story  frame  building  on  the  corner  of  Sea 
and  Webster  streets,  where  they  remained  ten  years.  In  1856,  they  took  j 
session  of  their  present  factory.  This  is  a four-story  structure,  200x50  feet 
size,  fitted  up  with  the  best  kinds  of  machinery  for  the  making  of  this  c 
of  goods.  They  employ  forty  men,  at  an  average  salary  of  $1.75  per  da;?,  sj 
although  not  doing  as  large  a business  as  other  firms  in  the  same  line,  t!i 
trade  is  permanent  and  remunerative.  They  manufacture  about  400  each: 
self-binders,  self-rakes,  reapers,  mowers  and  grain  chills  annually. 

THE  AUGHE  PLOW  WORKS CHARLES  PARROTT,  PROPRIETOR. 

This  important  branch  of  the  industrial  establishments  of  the  “ Roche 
of  Ohio  ” was  founded  in  1847,  by  Jefferson  Aughe,  in  a little  shop  on  T 
street.  Mr.  Aughe  was  of  an  inventive  turn  of  mind,  and  turned  his  ge: 
into  the  agricultural  channel  of  manufactures.  He  invented  the  plow  wl 
bears  his  name,  and  which  has  been  scattered  throughout  the  Union  like  wi 
on  well  prepared  soil.  Shortly  after  starting  this  business,  he  removed  to, 
present  location  of  the  works,  and  erected  a frame  building  40x40,  two  stc 
high,  where  business  was  carried  on  by  him  alone  till  the  early  part  of  1 
when  John  Achey  bought  an  interest,  which  he  held  until  his  death  in  the  i 
of  1866,  after  which  Charles  Parrott  purchased  Mr.  Achey’ s interest  from 
heirs  and  this  ffrrn  operated  the  works  until  1871,  when  Mr.  Parrott  purch 
Mr.  Aughe’s  interest;  the  latter  died  soon  after,  but  his  name  will  not  be 
gotten  by  the  many  tillers  of  the  soil  throughout  Ohio  and  the  great  Nc 
west.  Mr.  Parrott  added  to  the  old  frame  building,  until  July  18,  188.1,  v|i 
the  entire  structure  was  torn  down,  and  a handsome  brick  building  ere<j! 
The  new  works  are  80x70,  four  stories  in  height,  and  were  taken  possession  ( 
October,  1881.  The  first  floor  is  used  for  a blacksmith  shop,  grinding  and 
ishing  room  ; second  floor  for  “ stocking  ” wood  work  and  office;  third 
fourth  floors  for  painting,  finishing  and  making  ready  for  shipment.  T 
warehouses  are  used  by  this  firm — one  24x100,  one  story,  another  24x60, 
the  third  16x50.  The  cost  of  erecting  the  new  building  was  $12, 000,  excli 
of  machinery.  The  firm  manuf acture  the  Aughe  Breaking  Plow,  making  a i 
8,000  annually,  which  are  distributed  over  Ohio,  Indiana  and  Illinois, 
manufacturing  department  is  under  the  supervision  of  Smith  Aughe,  br< 
of  the  inventor,  who  has  been  in  the  shop  over  twenty  years.  The  busin< 
carried  on  by  George  Parrott,  a brother  of  the  proprietor.  The  works  are  1 
ed  on  the  Upper  Hydraulic. 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


613 

THE  FARMERS’  FRIEND  MANUFACTURING  COMPANY. 

Among  the  many  industrial  establishments  of  Southern  Ohio,  but  few  take 
piedence  of  the  one  mentioned  in  this  sketch.  The  business  of  the  company 
r;  commenced  by  Wensthoff  &Getz,  in  1868,  in  a three-story  building,  50x100 
e in  dimensions,  and  where  the  firm  employed  about  twenty-five  men.  This 
ir  was  succeeded  by  the  present  company,  which  was  incorporated  in  1871, 
v:i  a capital  stock  of  $100,000.  In  1875,  the  firm  needed  more  commodious 
, tiers,  and  enlarged  their  building  to  the  present  size.  They  now  occupy 
h e structures — one  four-story  brick,  206  feet  on  State  street,  by  130  feet  on 
Ayne  street — a foundry  150x50  feet,  and  another  building,  one  story  high, 
%60  feet.  Their  business  has  steadily  increased  with  each  succeeding  year 
u 1 at  present  they  rank  among  the  first  in  the  State.  They  employ"  200 
ckmen,  at  an  average  salary  of  $10  per  week,  and  manufacture  about  7,000 
■n  of  grain  drills  and  corn  planters  annually.  Their  trade  extends-*4  every - 
. re  and  anywhere,”  and  seven  traveling  salesmen  are  kept  constantly  on  the 
v 1,  with  the  same  number  of  clerks  and  book-keepers  in  the  office.  The  firm 
;;e  branch  houses  at  Philadelphia  and  Rochester,  N.  Y.,  which  supply  the 
rrle  in  that  portion  of  the  Union.  The  following  are  the  present  officers  of 
company  : President,  B.  Kuhns  ; Vice  President,  C.  F.  Ivneislv  ; Secretary, 
IP.  Van  Horne  ; Treasurer,  James  A.  Marley. 

WOODSUM  MACHINE  COMPANY. 

This  company  was  originally  founded  by  J.  B.  Pitts  & Co.,  in  1863.  This 
riili  began  the  manufacture  of  the  celebrated  Pitts  Threshing  Machines,  of 
t ch  thousands  are  scattered  all  over  the  civilized  world.  In  1867,  the  firm 
w.  changed  to  Woodsum,  Tenney  & Co.  In  1875,  owing  to  the  large  increase 
. business,  it  was  incorporated  as  a stock  company,  with  a capital  of  $250,000, 

- assumed  the  name  it  bears  at  present.  The  company  occupies  an  immense 
b.pk  structure  on  th  e corner  of  Keowee  and  Pitts  streets,  near  the  Barney  & 
8 ith  car  works.  They  manufacture  the  Improved  Pitts  and  Globe  Thresh  ing 
i chines,  and  Portable  and  Traction  Engines,  a ready  sale  for  which  is  found 
All  parts  of  the  globe.  These  machines  are  as  well  known,  perhaps,  as  any 
The  United  States,  and  enjoy  a reputation  second  to  none.  The  present  offi- 

0 of  the  company  are  as  follows  : President.  George  W.  Shaw  ; Vice  Presi- 

1 it,  B.  F.  Hargrave  ; Secretary,  J.  F.  Perrine. 

CARRIAGES  AND  WAGONS B.  E.  HOUSER  & CO. 

The  business  now  operated  by  this  firm  was  commenced  in  1870,  by  Rit- 
' & Houser,  on  the  corner  of  Third  and  Union  streets.  Two  years  later,  the 
a disolved  partnership,  and  Air.  Houser  was  the  sole  proprietor.  After  vari- 
>.  changes,  the  present  firm — Benjamin  E.  Houser  and  Charles  E.  Bedell — was 
t ablished.  They  owned  and  carried  on  two  shops,  one  on  the  corner  of  Third 
si  Baxter  streets,  and  the  other,  one  on  the  corner  of  Third  and  Union  streets. 
1 the  fall  of  1881,  they  purchased  half  of  a large  brick  structure,  at  No.  31 
Ust  Fourth  street,  where  they  continue  the  business,  having  disposed  of  the 
f mer  shops.  They  employ  twenty-five  men,  and  enjoy  a good  local  trade, 
je  annual  sales,  adding  the  receipts  of  the  repair  shop,  will  average  $10,000. 
- • Houser  has  charge  of  the  shops,  and  Air.  Bedell  of  the  office  and  trade. 
-'e  firm  make  buggies  and  all  kinds  of  light  wood  work,  and  their  facilities  in 
new  shops  are  first-class. 

WEAVER  BROTHERS. 

This  business  was  founded  by  Gerrety,  Gillispie  & Co.,  in  1868,  Charles 
leaver  being  the  “ Company  ” of  the  firm.  They  were  succeeded  by  Gerrety 
‘leaver,  and  in  the  fall  of  1875,  the  former  retired  and  Air.  Weaver  became 


614 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


sole  proprietor.  The  shops  are  located  at  No.  12  East  Fourth  street,  empt  j 
ten  men  and  do  a good  business.  In  November,  1881,  Mr.  Weaver  died,  ; i 
was  succeeded  by  liis  three  sons — Phillip,  William  and  Albert — who  havesii; 
carried  on  the  business  under  the  above  name.  Their  repairing  and  sa  i 
amount  to  about  $9,000  per  year,  and  the  firm  have  a well-established  repu  ■ 
tion  in  their  line. 

•J.  L.  BAKER  & CO. 

The  works  owned  by  the  above  firm  were  removed  here  from  New  Carli 
in  1871,  under  the  firm  name  of  J.  L.  & F.  M.  Baker,  and  business  comment  p 
in  the  building  they  now  occupy.  It  was  erected  by  the  firm,  but 
since  been  enlarged,  and  is  now,  a three-story  brick,  with  three  roo  i 
150x25,  and  three  rooms  60x60.  F.  M.  Baker  retired  from  the  firm  iu  18 
and  the  business  was  carried  on  by  the  remaining  member  until  1879,  wi  ] 
J.  Sykes  and  M.  A.  Griffith  purchased  an  interest.  Iu  1880,  Mr.  Griffith  ( 
posed  of  his  interest  to  Mr.  Baker,  and  the  firm  name  was  changed  to  J. 
Baker  & Co.  They  employ  from  twenty  to  fifty  men — diminishing  or  mere 
ing  the  force  in  proportion  to  the  seasons  of  trade.  They  make  only  fine  b 
gies  and  carriages,  and  turn  out  about  350  annually. 

L.  & M.  WOODHULL. 

This  firm  established  their  buggy  works  on  Kenton  street  in  1878,  in  a fo 
story  brick  structure,  25x75  feet  in  size,  and  commenced  work  with  twe 
employes.  In  1880,  they  removed  to  their  present  quarters  on  Fifth  stri 
which  was  formerly  called  the  Western  shops,  and  used  by  B.  C.  Taylor,  in 
manufacture  of  the  Taylor  Hay  Rake.  The  dimensions  of  the  buildings  u 
by  this  firm  are  as  follows  : Main  factory,  160x60,  two-stories;  a shipp 

house  and  wareroom  40x40,  two-stories;  a “body  room,”  150x50,  and  a bla 
smith  shop,  formerly  used  as  a round-house  by  a railroad  company.  In 
latter  they  operate  nine  forges,  one  furnace  and  a steam  hammer.  They  i 
ploy  100  men,  at  a daily  average  of  $1.75  each  and  turn  out  1,500  vehi( 
per  year,  in  addition  to  a large  amount  of  unfinished  work  supplied  to 
trade.  They  have  about  $50,000  invested  in  the  business,  and  are  the  o 
wholesale  and  retail  dealers  in  this  line  of  trade  in  Dayton,  and  probably 
Montgomery  County. 

MURRAY  & SEEGER. 

This  firm  manufactures  carriages  and  light  buggies,  and  is  located  on 

o o oo  7 

southeast  corner  of  Fifth  and  Stone  streets.  They  commenced  operation; 
1872,  in  a small  two-story  frame  building  on  Wayne  street,  and  a few  mor 
after  took  possession  of  their  present  works.  They  occupy  a three-story  bi 
90x90,  and  employ  sixteen  men,  at  an  average  salary  of  $2.25  per  day. 
firm  has  $10,000  invested  in  the  business,  and  their  annual  sales  average  $'-j 
000,  being  mostly  in  Montgomery  County. 

PI’EIFEENBERGER  & SMITH. 

The  business  carried  on  by  this  firm  was  founded  in  1838  by  Henry  Kin 
and  is  therefore  one  of  the  pioneer  firms  in  this  line  of  trade  in  Montgom 
County.  In  1858,  the  stock  and  trade  was  purchased  by  Louis  J.  Pfeiffen' 
ger  and  George  Cqldracer,  but  in  1873  the  latter  sold  his  interest  to  Micl 
M.  Smith,  and  the  firm  has  since  borne  its  present  name.  They  occupy  t! 
buildings — blacksmith  shop,  wagon  shop  and  warehouse,  all  of  which  are 
cated  at  Nos.  203-5-7-9  Fast  Water  street.  The  firm  makes  all  kinds 
wagons,  carts,  drays,  wheelbarrows,  and  employ  six  men.  The  wagon  dep: 
ment  is  presided  over  by  the  senior  member  of  the  firm,  and  the  blacksin 
by  the  junior  member. 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


615 


W.  W.  PHILLIPS. 

This  business  was  founded  by  the  present  proprietor  in  the  place  be  is 
nJv  located  in  April,  1833 — almost  a half  century  ago.  He  commenced  by 
a king  stage  coaches,  carriages  and  buggies.  Owing  to  inability,  by  reason 
, advancing  years,  he  has  allowed  his  business  to  remain  nearly  the  same  as 
ijdays  of  yore — always  enjoying  a fair  trade,  and  not  seeking  to  keep  pace  with 
r - busy,  bustling  activity  of  those  more  youthful  in  both  years  and  business. 
i\ , Phillips  employs  about  eleven  men  and  makes  from  twenty-live  to  fifty 
•deles  per  year,  in  addition  to  a large  amount  of  repairing.  This  building 
; i two-story  brick,  200x50  feet  in  size.  The  greater  part  of  the  work  turned 
here  supplies  a local  demand. 


MACHINE  SHOPS  AND  FOUNDRIES. 

A.  A.  SIMONDS. 

The  works  owned  by  this  gentleman  are  located  on  the  Dayton  View  Hydrau- 
Mr.  Simonds  was  formerly  engaged  in  business  in  Massachusetts,  but  in 
[ i5  came  to  Dayton  and  founded  his  present  business.  He  erected  a substan- 
til  brick  building,  in  which  operations  were  commenced.  Although  a compar- 
a rely  new  enterprise,  he  is  meeting  with  marked  success,  and  a patronage  ex- 
uding throughout  the  length  and  breadth  of  the  Union.  The  facilities  for 
ding  this  kind  of  work  are  complete,  and  of  the  best  improved  style.  The 
tin  manufactures  paper-mill  engine  bars  and  plates,  rag  cutting  and  trimming 
kives,  planing  machine,  spoke,  molding,  stave  jointing,  straw  cutting,  shingle 
n chine  and  various  kinds  of  pattern  knives. 

BOYER  & M’MASTER. 

This  firm  commenced  business  in  1864,  on  Bayard  street,  the  present  lo- 
cion,  in  a one-story  brick  building,  35x50  feet  in  size.  At  first,  their  em- 
i yes  numbered  eight,  but  their  business  now  requires  the  skilled  labor  of 
t rty-five  men.  Their  building  was  enlarged  in  1869,  to  its  present  size,  now 
b.ng  55x75  feet,  with  a foundry  addition,  50x100  feet.  The  firm  manufact- 
o stoves  and  castings  of  all  kinds  and  sizes.  They  have  an  office  and  sales- 
nm  at  138  East  Third  street,  and  do  an  annual  business  of  about  150,000. 


June  20,  1876,  with 
capital  stock  of  $75,000.  The  officers  of  the  company  are:  President, 
Carles  E.  Pease;  Vice  President  and  Treasurer,  R M.  Anderson;  Secretary, 
B.  Anderson.  The  works  are  located  on  East  Third  street,  near  Canal, 
yd  their  dimensions  are  as  follows:  Main  building,  60x256,  four  stories; 

'indry,  80x110,  one  story,  both  being  constructed  of  brick.  This  company 
Old  improved  machinery  for  the  manufacture  of  linseed  and  cotton-seed  oil; 

I ase  tobacco-cutter,  for  the  manufacture  of  fine-cut  chewing  and  smoking 
Dacco;  hratzsch  universal  milling  machine;  Turrett  & Speed  lathes,  for 
! iss  finishers’  use.  The  manufacture  of  brass  goods,  for  engine-builders  and 
oam-fitters,  forms  an  important  feature  of  this  company’s  business.  It  is 
0 leading  branch  of  their  trade,  employing  over  100  men  in  this  depart- 
'iRt.  Their  full  force  numbers  175  employes,  and  their  annual  sales  average 
300,000. 

CENTRAL  MACHINE  WORKS. 

O.  J.  Roberts  & Co.  are  the  proprietors  of  this  business.  It  was  founded 
1867,  by  George  J.  Roberts,  and  passed  into  the  hands  of  the  piresent  firm 


BUCKEYE  IRON  AND  BRASS  WORKS. 

These  works  are  owned  by  a company,  incorporah 


616 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


in  1875.  Their  shop  is  located  at  38  St.  Clair  street,  where  they  occup 
four-story  brick,  30x60.  The  hrm  first  commenced  to  do  job-work  and  in  a 
steam  engines,  but,  as  the  trade  increased,  they  began  the  manufacture 
steam-pumps,  and  since  then,  have  given  nearly  all  their  time  and  attention 
this  specialty.  They  employ  fifteen  men,  and  have  about  $25,000  invested 
the  business.  Their  sales  are  made  from  Ohio  to  Colorado,  and  Illinois 
Mississippi,  and  will  average  $30,000  annually.  Their  machinery  is  opera! 
by  rented  power. 

CHADWICK  & FRANCISCO. 

This  firm  is  located  at  Nos.  9,  1 1,  13  and  15  South  Canal  street,  wh 
they  commenced  operations  in  1869,  succeeding  another  firm.  They  weie  f 
merly  located  in  the  large  brick  building  adjoining  on  the  north,  but  rerao' 
to  present  location  in  August,  1880.  The  building  is  50x50  feet  in  size,  t 
stories,  in  which  are  employed  some  six  men.  This  firm  makes  all  kinds 
iron  fencing  and  jail-work.  Among  the  jobs  put  up  by  C.  & F.  may 
named  the  following:  The  fence  inclosing  the  National  Cemetery  grounds, 

Mound  City,  111.;  iron-work  for  the  jails  of  Auglaize  County,  Ohio,  and  No 
County,  Ind.  Their  annual  trade  amounts  to  $5,000. 

CHARLES  WUICHET  & CO. 

This  enterprise  was  commenced  in  1857,  on  the  northwest  corner  of  Th 
and  St.  Clair  streets,  by  W.  F.  Grebhart,  who  made  galvanized  iron-wo 
In  1872,  Mr.  Wuichet  became  a partner  in  the  business,  and  the  firm  na 
was  changed  to  W.  F.  Grebhart  & Co.  It  remained  as  such  until  the  death 
Air.  Gebhart,  in  1880,  and  the  present  firm,  composed  of  Charles  Wuic 
and  R.  C.  Schenck,  Jr.,  purchased  the  stock  and  trade,  changing  the  firm  na 
to  the  one  it  now  bears.  At  first,  the  firm  occupied  a two-story  brick,  30) 
feet,  and  employed  six  men.  They  removed  to  their  present  quarters,  op 
site  the  old  one,  in  1869,  and  now  employ  fifty-three  men,  at  an  average  of 
per  day  each.  They  do  slate-roofing  and  all  kinds  of  galvanized  iron-wc 
During  the  first  year  in  business,  they  used  one  car-load  of  slate,  and  at  pi 
ent,  over  100  car-loads  annually,  and  do  a business  averaging  $70,000 
annum. 

DAYTON  STEAM  BOILER  WORKS. 

E.  H.  Brownell  & Co.  are  the  proprietors  of  these  works,  which  are 
catecl  on  the  corner  of  First  and  Foundry  streets.  E.  H.  Brownell  est 
lished  the  business  in  1855,  in  a small  shop  on  the  present  site  of  the  woi 
He  continued  the  business  alone  until  1857,  when  James  Brownell  was  g'i' 
an  interest  in  the  business,  and  the  firm  name  became  the  present  one.  7 
shops  are  large  and  roomy,  occupying  a space  200x60,  with  an  addition  10s 
the  latter,  two  story.  The  firm  manufactures  boilers  and  sheet-iron  work 
clusively,  and  do  the  largest  business  of  the  kind  in  Montgomery  County,  £ 
rank  among  the  largest  in  the  State.  The  firm  employs  about  seventy-five  n 
and  enjoys  an  average  trade  of  $125,000  per  annum.  The  work  is  under 
personal  supervision  of  Mr.  E.  H.  Brownell,  who  is  a practical  mechanic,  £ 
an  inventor  of  no  small  ability.  The  works  are  equipped  with  the  best  i 
cliinery,  and  their  facilities  for  doing  large  jobs  of  work  exceed  anything 
Western  Ohio.  Among  the  many  hundreds  of  boilers  built  by  this  firm 
those  of  the  Dayton  Water  Works,  Montgomery,  Ala.,  Water  Works, 
the  greater  number  of  boilers  at  the  National  Soldiers'  Home  and  South 
Ohio  Insane  Asylum. 

DAYTON  MALLEABLE  IRON  WORKS. 

This  industrial  enterprise  was  founded  in  1866,  by  Loeb  Stevenson  & C 
at  the  present  site  of  the  works.  In  1870,  a company  was  organized  un 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


617 


:b  above  name,  and  incorporated  with  a capital  stock  of  $80,000,  E.  A.  and 
iE.  Parrott  owning  the  principal  portion  of  the  stock.  The  company's  build- 
;il  are  located  in  Miami  City,  on  the  north  side  of  Third  street,  between  Sum- 
J street  and  Dale  avenue.  Their  buildings  are  as  follows:  A two-story  brick 
wiehouse,  100x50  feet;  foundry,  250x50;  and  an  annealing  house,  50x80  feet, 
f : motive  power  for  driving  the  machinery  is  furnished  by  a 50-horse-power 
nine,  which  is  nearly  double  the  capacity  of  the  one  originally  used  by  the 
1 firm.  The  company  consumes  about  1,500  tons  of  raw  material  annually, 
An  which  they  make  all  kinds  of  carriage  hardware  and  malleable  iron  cast- 
es. In  February,  1882,  E.  A.  Parrott  resigned  the  Presidency  of  the  com- 
fy, and  F.  P.  Gaddis  was  elected  to  that  position.  This  firm  do  an  annual 
illness  of  about  $150,000,  and  is  one  of  the  leading  interests  of  Dayton. 

DAYTON  CORNICE  WORKS. 

These  works  are  owned  by  G.  W.  and  E.  E.  Buvinger,  who  established  the 
if  ness  in  1879,  in  a brick  building  on  the  corner  of  Third  and  Canal  streets, 
h present  location.  They  occupy  a two- story  brick  structure,  36x60  feet  in  size, 
i manufacture  galvanized  iron  cornices,  window  caps,  do  tin  and  slate  roof- 
u and  house  spouting.  They  employ  about  twelve  men,  and  have  met  with 
^ gratifying  success  in  the  short  time  they  have  been  engaged  in  this  business, 
i have  a capital  invested  of  about  $6,000. 

D.  H.  & C.  C.  MORRISON. 

This  firm  is  engaged  in  bridge  building.  Their  business  was  founded  in 
82,  by  D.  H.  Morrison,  of  Dayton,  and  Julius  C.  Curtis,  of  Keokuk,  Iowa, 
r 854,  Mr.  Curtis  retired  from  the  firm,  and  in  1868,  C.  C.  Morrison  was  ad- 
red  as  a partner  and  the  business  since  conducted  under  the  present  name, 
v en  first  started  the  firm  had  no  shops  located,  but  in  1869,  erected  one  on 
iwnee,  between  Fifth  and  Wayne  streets.  The  firm  is  now  located  in 
■own  Town,”  and  do  all  lands  of  bridge  building,  iron  roofing  and  girders  for 
dings.  They  employ  about  seventy-five  men.  and  their  business  for  1881 
runted  to  over  $150,000.  Charles  Mitchell  is  the  foreman,  and  has  charge 
■ he  entire  out-door  business  of  the  firm.  Among  the  many  iron  bridges  con- 
fected by  this  establishment,  are  those  over  the  Miami  River,  at  Day  ton,  with 
uierous  ones  in  Virginia,  Tennessee,  Kentucky,  Ohio,  Indiana,  Illinois  and 
Fisas.  This  firm  have  recently  erected  extensive,  one-story  brick  shojis  across 
Miami  River,  in  “ Brown  Town,”  where  their  works  will  be  carried  on  for 
h future.  The  building  is  66x253  feet  in  size,  besides  the  engine  and  boiler 
on,  and  the  facilities  of  the  firm  are  larger  than  at  any  time  in  its  past  ex- 
igence. 

GREER  & KING. 

This  firm,  though  claiming  to  be  doing  the  largest  business  of  the  kind  in 
i itgomery  County,  refused  to  give  the  compiler  of  this  chapter  but  very  few 
as  about  their  trade.  The  business  was  founded  in  1834,  by  James  Greer 
-i  Rufus  J.  King.  Mr.  Greer  died  in  1873  or  1874,  but  the  firm  has  still 
inued  business  under  the  old  name.  They  have  occupied  a four- story  stove 
aory  on  Canal  street,  between  Second  and  Third  streets,  for  twenty-five 
1 -s-  The  firm  makes  stoves  and  ranges. 

BROWNELL  & CO. 

The  business  of  this  firm  was  established  in  1864,  but  owing  to  the  steadi- 
yncreasing  business,  it  was  organized  into  a joint-stock  company  in  1872, 
' ji  C.  H.  Kielmier  as  President.  The  business  was  conducted  in  this  man- 
n until  1878,  when  Messrs.  Brownell  & Schneble  became  the  proprietors,  the 


1 


618 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


latter  gentleman  having  been  closely  identified  with  the  business  for  mi 
years.  They  employ  a large  force  of  skilled  mechanics,  and  occupy  buildi 
aggregating  250x400  feet  in  size,  located  on  East  First  street.  The  firm  m 
ufactures  all  kinds  of  portable  and  stationary  engines,  saw-mills  and  stc 
boilers,  and  the  superiority  of  the  quality  of  work  done  by  them,  is  fully  s 
stantiated  by  the  large  number  of  orders  received  from  all  parts  of  the  Un 
They  employ  155  workmen,  and  rank  among  the  first-class  manufacturers 
the  Miami  Valley. 

LELAND  & DAUGHERTY. 

The  foundation  for  this  large  and  prosperous  business  was  laid  in  If- 
by  W.  P.  Callahan,  Thomas  McGregor,  James  Daugherty  and  Henry  Fisi 
under  the  firm  name  of  McGregor,  Fisher  & Co.  Three  years  after  comm< 
ing  operations,  the  two  former  parties  retired  from  the  firm,  and  the  two  la 
conducted  the  business  until  February,  1873,  when  Lyman  W.  Lelanl  ] 
chased  Mr.  Fisher’s  interest,  and  the  firm  assumed  its  present  name.  Mr. 
land  had  previously  been  in  charge  of  the  machinery  department  of  the  Bar 
& Smith  Car  Works  for  twenty  years,  and  thoroughly  understood  the  basin 
The  shops  of  this  firm  are  located  at  Nos.  1002-4-6  East  Third  sti’eet,  wi 
they  do  a general  boiler  and  heavy  sheet-iron  business.  They  lease  the  grok 
but  own  the  buildings  occupied.  They  employ  an  average  of  fifteen  mes 
the  business,  and  do  a large  amount  of  work  for  the  force  employed.  The 
make  a specialty  of  tank  work,  and  have  furnished  a large  number  of  tank 
firms  all  over  Western  Ohio.  Mr.  Daugherty  is  a No.  1 boiler-maker,  and 
charge  of  that  part  of  the  work,  while  Mr.  Leland  Supervises  the  office  v 
and  trade  of  the  firm. 

m’hose  & LYON. 

The  business  carried  on  by  this  firm  was  started  by  the  senior  membe 
1868,  in  a small  room  on  Canal,  between  Third  and  Fourth  streets,  with  'jj 
assistant.  In  1872,  Mi-.  McHose  commenced  the  manufacture  of  iron  rail' 
and  five  years  later  Mr.  Lyon  became  a partner,  the  firm  assuming  its  prej 
title.  The  new  firm  removed  to  a room  80x70  feet,  in  the  new  neighborh 
In  1879,  they  commenced  making  iron  fronts,  and  in  August  of  the  year 
lowing,  removed  to  their  present  quarters,  at  the  foot  of  Ludlow  street,  w. 
they  started  a foundry.  They  occupy  five  buildings — one  three-story  struct 
51x30,  another  15x60,  two-story;  one  20x50,  one  51x120,  and  one  62x80  a 
tion  to  foundry.  From  an  investment  o-f  $75,  and  one  assistant  at  first, 
firm  has  increased  the  business  to  such  an  extent  as  to  employ  fifty  men,  a 
average  salary  of  $1.75  per  day  each,  with  a required  capital  of  $50,000.  j 

NEFF  & BENNETT. 

This  firm  purchased  their  business  from  a Mr.  Foster  about  1850> 
They  occupy  a one  and  two-story  brick  and  frame  structure,  150x50  feel 
the  hydraulic  canal,  between  Fifth  and  Wayne  streets.  They  employ  tw 
men,  and  manufacture  from  four  hundred  to  six  hundred  tons  of  stoves  ,i 
hollow  iron  ware,  per  annum.  Their  office  and  salesroom  is  located  on  the  ; 
side  of  Main,  between  Third  and  Fourth  streets. 

SMITH,  VAIL  & CO. 

This  enterprise  was  founded  in  1874,  by  Walter  W.  Smith  and  Job: 
Yail.  They  first  located  in  a portion  of  the  Woodsum  Machine  Compi. 
building,  where  they  remained  until  the  summer  of  1881.  They  then  ere 
a two-story  brick  structure,  250x60,  with  an  L 60x60,  a foundry  60x60, 
two  core  ovens,  each  20x30,  one  story  high.  The  firm  manufacture  s 
pumps  and  hydraulic  machinery,  and  are  constructors  of  water- works  mao 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


619 


They  employ  eighty  men  in  the  shops,  and  have  a trade  averaging 
13,000  per  annum.  Among  the  many  jobs  of  machinery  put  up  by  this  firm 
.'the  water- works  machinery  at  Red  Oak,  Iowa,  Lancaster,  Ohio,  Joplin, 
[.  and  Waco,  Tex.  Mr.  Smith  has  charge  of  the  office,  and  Mr.  Vail  of  the 
. hinery  department. 

STILWELL  & BIERCE  MANUFACTURING  COMPANY. 

This  important  feature  of  Dayton’s  industrial  establishments  was  inaugu- 
id  in  1866,  by  E.  R.  Stilwell  and  George  N.  Bierce.  They  first  occupied 
irtion  of  the  old  Marshall  property,  on  the  corner  of  Pine  and  Short  streets, 
Are  they  remained  until  1870.  During  this  time  their  trade  had  been  rap- 
; and  permanently  increasing,  and  in  the  latter  year  th  -y  purchased  a piece 
property  on  the  Dayton  View  Hydraulic,  and  erected  their  present  shops,  at 
st  of  over  $30,000.  The  main  building  is  140x40,  two  stories;  foundry, 
140,  one  story;  blacksmith  and  roller  mill  shop,  160x40,  two  stories,  all 
e g constructed  of  brick.  The  same  year  it  was  decided  to  organize  a com- 
ay, which  was  done,  and  incorporated,  with  a capital  of  $200,000.  The 
; r ent  officers  of  the  company  are:  President,  E.  R.  Stilwell;  Treasurer,  R. 
Ting;  Secretary,  George  N.  Bierce.  This  company  manufactures  the“Vic- 
>;  and  “Eclipse”  turbine  water  wheels,  and  Stilwell’s  patent  lime  extracting 
he er  and  filter.  In  1881,  they  added  the  manufacture  of  Odell’s  roller  mill 
) iieir  business.  This  latter  machine  was  patented  by  E.  H.  Odell,  and  is  the 
e|  process  for  crushing  wheat  for  flour  mills  by  gradual  reduction.  It  is  an 
nortant  and  long  needed  invention,  and  before  many  years  will  entirely  su- 
it1 iede  the  old  process  of  grinding  by  buhr  stones.  The  trade  of  this  firm  ex- 
■i  s in  all  parts  of  the  world,  large  shipments  being  weekly  made  to  foreign 
u s.  During  the  Centennial  exhibition,  the  company  fitted  up  a heater  and 
timne  wheel  in  the  Machinery  Building,  both  of  which  received  medals  from 
]' Examining  Committee.  The  firm  furnished  three  fifty-five  inch  turbine 
Ylfels  for  the  Washburn  “A”  mills,  and  Pillsbury  “A”  mill,  at  Minneapolis, 
in.,  the  largest  flour  mills  in  the  world,  which  are  driven  by  forty-five  feet 
i head  water,”  each  wheel  developing  from  1,200  to  1,400  horse  power, 
iy  manufacture  turbine  wheels  from  six  inches  to  six  feet  in  diameter,  and 
nj'apidly  supplying  all  mills  of  any  size  in  the  Union.  Their  annual  trade 
i hardly  be  estimated,  but  will  foot  up  in  the  hundreds  of  thousands. 

STOUT,  MILLS  & TEMPLE. 

Among  the  large  list  of  manufactories  contained  in  this  volume,  but  few 
fipetter  known  to  the  commercial  world  than  Stout,  Mills  & Temple,  and,  as 
b' leading  representative  of  one  of  Dayton  industries,  they  deserve  more  than 
a ing  notice,  and  we  gladly  accord  them  such  space  as  the  magnitude  of  the 
n rprise  entitles  them  to.  The  firm,  as  now  organized,  has  been  engaged  in 
• machinery  and  foundry  business  for  over  twenty-eight,  years,  and  are  the 
lessors  of  the  first  shop  of  the  kind  established  in  Dayton.  The  latter  was 
' T27.  The  Globe  Iron  Works,  owned  and  operated  by  the  above  firm,  are 
x;ed  at  the  foot  of  Ludlow  street,  where  they  have  a frontage  of  400  feet, 
11  cover  altogether  several  acres  of  ground.  - The  buildings  are  of  brick,  with 
mnsions  as  follows:  Main  building,  267x50,  100  feet  of  which  is  two  stories 
' *{] ; foundry,  130x50;  paint  shop,  blacksmith  shop  and  warehouses.  The 
-lyral  machine  shop  is  fitted  up  with  slide  lathes,  upright  boring  and  facing 
U13>  gear  cutters,  made  for  cutting  either  spur,  bevel,  mitered  wheels  or  wood 
u with  the  greatest  accuracy ; planers,  slotting  and  milling  machines;  up- 
Tt  drills  and  a number  of  smaller  machines,  many  of  which  were  designed 
a built  to  meet  the  special  wants  in  the  business  of  the  firm.  The  general 


620 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


and  convenient  arrangements  of  this  model  machine  shop  deserves  special  m 
tion.  The  lathes,  planers  and  other  machine  tools  are  located  with  refere 
to  each  other,  that  no  time  is  lost  in  moving  unfinished  parts  of  the  work  h 
one  machine  to  another.  This  arrangement  enables  the  work  to  progress  wi 
out  any  loss  of  time.  An  important  feature  is  the  large  number  of  crai 
with  traveling  carriages,  for  handling  heavy  machinery,  there  being  fourt 
of  these  so  arranged  that  not  only  the  large  lathes,  planers  and  boring  ns 
can  be  reached,  but  the  upright  drills  also.  There  is  an  overhead  railway, 
feet  in  length,  by  means  of  which  one  of  the  great  turbine  wheels,  or  ot 
heavy  completed  machinery  can  by  two  men  be  raised  clear  of  obstrncti< 
carried  the  length  of  the  railway,  and  placed  on  cart  or  dray  for  shhvmi 
The  machinery  for  these  works  is  driven  by  motive  power  from  one  of  the 
ebrated  American  turbine  water  wheels,  built  by  the  firm,  and  located  in 
engine  and  water  wheel  house,  south  of  the  main  building.  The  fount 
cupola  and  core  ovens  are  fitted  up  especially  for  heavy  castings.  The  patf 
rooms  are  provided  with  all  the  improved  wood  working  machinery,  mot 
and  designs.  The  warehouses  are  used  for  general  finishing  and  paint,  wl 
and  the  blacksmith  shop  is  large  and  plentifully  supplied  with  light, 
twenty  years  this  firm  has  manufactured  the  American  turbine  water  whee 
being  one  of  the  first  turbine  wheels  made  in  the  West.  Study,  experie: 
energy  and  business  integrity  have  succeeded  in  placing  the  name  of  this  f 
and  the  goods  they  turn  out,  in  the  front  rank  among  American  manufactu 
and  industries.  They  make  a turbine  wheel  from  thirteen  to  eighty- 
inches  in  diameter,  and  have  succeeded  in  placing  them  in  thousands  of  itj. 
throughout  the  Union  and  foreign  lands.  A number  of  their  wheels  are  ini: 
in  the  great  mills  at  Minneapolis,  Minn.,  one  of  which  in  the  “ Washbui 
mill  ” is  sixty  inches  in  diameter,  and  yields  about  one  thousand -horse  po  i 
One  of  the  celebrated  wheels  manufactured  by  this  firm  is  in  use  in  a mi 
Niagara  Falls.  It  is  forty-eight  inches  in  diameter,  and  is  at  present  yield 
1.150  horse-power,  which  they  claim  to  be  the  largest  amount  of  power 
duced  from  the  same  sized  wheel  west  of  the  Alleghauies.  In  addict; 
building  turbine  wheels,  the  firm  is  extensively  engaged  in  the  manufactin 
paper,  flour  and  saw-mill  machinery,  and  are  general  mill  furnishers, 
office  is  a neat  brick  structure,  located  across  the  street,  directly  opposite 
main  building. 

W.  p.  CALLAIIAN  A CO- 

The  works  owned  and  conducted  by  the  above-named  firm  were  establn 
in  1841.  by  C.  Thompson,  on  Shawnee,  between  Wayne  and  Wyandotte  str 
Mr.  Thompson  was  succeeded  by  Parrott  & McGregor  in  1852,  and  tilt- 
1856,  by  Thompson,  McGregor  & Co.,  W.  P.  Callahan  being  the  “C3o.”|j 
J 864.  the  firm  name  was  changed  to  McGregor  & Callahan,  and  remainc 
such  until  1868.  when  Mr.  Callahan  became  sole  proprietor,  and  in  b 
Thomas  Dearman  became  copartner,  which  changed  the  firm  name  to  its  ], 
ent  title.  The  business  was  removed  to  its  present  quarters  in  1856,  Wj 
they  now  occupy  a three-story  brick  building,  50x100  feet,  a two-story,  50sj 
and  a two-story  brick  structure,  also  50x100  feet  in  size.  The  firm  emj 
eighty  to  one  hundred  men  in  the  business,  and  their  sales  average  $125,001 
annum.  They  manufacture  linseed  and  cotton  seed  oil  machinery,  steau 
gines,  mill  gearing,  shafting,  pulleys,  etc. 

JOYCE,  CRIDLAND  & CO. 

This  firm  established  a factory  in  the  shops  of  W.  P.  Callahan,  on  : 
Third  street,  in  1877,  for  the  manufacture  of  levers  and  screw-jacks, 
began  in  a small  way,  but  by  close  ajoplication,  soon  developed  a fair  busi 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


621 


i ie  fall  of  1881,  the  firm  leased  a building  on  the  corner  of  Wyandotte 
rt  and  the  railroad, v which  they  fitted  up  for  a general  machine  shop. 
Apart  occupied  by  them  is  a two-storied  brick  structure,  with  a basement, 
iiln  the  rear  of  this  is  a frame  building,  which  they  have  leased  for  the 
ront,  to  other  parties.  Their  shops  contain  the  best  class  of  machinery 
]ithey  are  prepared  to  do  any  sort  of  work  in  their  line,  as  well  as  supply 
, trade  with  their  well-known  and  celebrated  screw-jack. 

MILLS FLOUR,  PAPER,  OIL,  COTTON,  ETC. 

Among  the  many  manufacturing  industries  of  the  country,  and  their  name 
gion,  none  can  take  precedence  of  the  manufacture  of  flour,  a fact  easily 
ted  when  it  is  so  well  known  that  in  all  new  countries,  the  first  industry  is 
Hour-mill.  No  matter  how  remote  from  civilization,  it  seems  the  one  thing 
dispensable.  Dayton  is  well  represented  in  this  particular,  enjoying  not 
some  of  the  best  mills  in  the  country,  but  also  some  of  the  largest. 
i ng  them  are  the  following: 

BANNER  MILLS. 

This  mill  is  owned  and  operated  by  Jost  Durst  & Son,  who  took  posses- 
in  1879.  It  was  originally  an  old  stone  mill,  and  first  started  in  1847. 
h Durst  piu-chased  the  property  of  Mr.  Poock,  in  1879,  and  erected  the 
rjent  structure,  which  is  of  brick,  four  stories  and  a basement,  The  mill  is 
tip.  up  with  nine  run  of  stones,  and  seven  sets  of  rolls.  The  machinery  is 
tpiated  by  steam,  the  motive  power  being  an  18x36  Buckeye  engine,  with  165 
) e-power,  and  two  tubular  boilers.  The  mill  is  run  day  and  night,  and  has 
opacity  of  275  barrels  of  flour  per  each  twenty-four  hours.  This  product 
> i lipped  throughout  the  union,  with  a fair  amount  sold  to  local  trade.  In 
election  with  the  mill  and  adjoining  it,  is  the  Dayton  City  Elevator,  also 
'ducted  by  Mr.  Durst.  This  structure  was  erected  in  1868,  and  is  40x110 

- in  size,  with  an  engine  and  boiler-room  in  the  basement.  The  machinery 

- ropelled  by  the  mill-engine.  The  elevator  contains  thirty-six  bins,  with  a 
aicity  of  3,000  bushels  each;  two  corn  shelters,  with  capacity  of  400  bushels 
't hour;  five  hominy  mills,  and  one  corn-meal  feed  mill.  The  grain  received 

lipped  by  rail  to  the  Eastern  and  Southern  markets.  Mr.  Durst  employs 
1 if  en  men  in  the  mill  proper,  and  eight  men  in  the  elevator. 

COMMERCIAL  MILLS. 

This  mill  was  erected  in  1847,  by  Daniel  Beckel,  at  its  present  site,  but 
i originally  a small  affair,  of  less  capacity  than  100  barrels  per  day.  In 
^),  the  mill  was  purchased  by  D.  Eichelbarger,  who  operated  it  until  the 
ter  of  1854-55.  Gebhart  Brothers  then  took  possession,  and  in  1865,  were 
■eeded  by  the  present  firm,  Simon  Gebhart  & Sons.  In  1870,  the  latter 
it  enlarged  the  mill  to  its  present  proportions.  It  is  located  on  the  north 
| of  East  Third  street,  and  is  a four-story  brick  structure,  90x110  feet  in 
1 The  mill  is  fitted  up  regardless  of  expense,  and  contains  all  the  latest 
"roved  mill  machinery.  Flour  is  made  by  the  Jonathan  Mills  reduction 
"less,  and  the  machinery  is  operated  by  a 150-horse-power  engine.  The 
" use  both  steam  and  water  in  making  this  product,  and  their  mill  has  a ca- 
"uty  of  450  to  500  barrels  per  day  of  twenty-four  hours.  This  large  amount 
lorn-  is  mostly  sold  in  the  Eastern  markets. 


DAYTON  CITY  MILLS. 


These  are  the  pioneer  mills  of  Dayton,  and  were  erected  by  Horace  Pease. 
fdo/5,  they  were  purchased  by  Gebhart,  Polk  & Co.,  and  in  1879,  by  Joseph 


622 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


R.  Gebhart,  who  soon  afterward  admitted  his  son,  Harry  0.,  as  a partner,  line! 
the  firm  name  of  J.  It.  Gebhart  & Son.  The  mill  is  50x70  feet,  three  and 
half  stories  high,  and  contains  five  run  of  buhr-stones.  The  machinery  is  c 
erated  by  water-power  from  the  Cooper  Hydraulic,  and  the  firm  employ  fi 
men.  They  do  both  merchant  and  custom  work,  and  make  about  600  barn 
of  Hour  per  week.  This  is  sold  mostly  in  Dayton  and  vicinity,  and  the  i 
mainder  shipped  to  New  York  and  Pennsylvania. 

DAYTON  VIEW  MILLS. 

These  mills  were  erected  about  1869,  by Tate,  and  was  opera! 

by  Snyder  Brothers  & Co.  for  some  time.  It  was-  finally  disposed  of  at  Shi 
iff ’s  sale  and  passed  into  the  hands  of  the  present  firm,  C.  B.  Palmer  & G 
October  19,  1881.  The  proprietors,  C.  B.  Palmer  and  T.  L.  Boiler,  were  fi 
merly  in  the  mill  business  at  Lockland,  Hamilton  County,  Ohio.  They  ha 
lately  refitted  up  the  mill,  and  are  making  three  good  grades  of  flour.  T 
mill  structure  is  of  frame,  35x65,  three  stories  and  basement.  It  contai 
four  run  of  buhr-stones,  and  four  sets  of  latest  improved  pattern  of  rol 
The  mill  is  located  on  the  Dayton  View  Hydraulic,  and  is  run  day  and  night, 
water-power.  The  firm  grind  wheat  only,  and  make  110  barrels  of  flour  eai 
twenty- four  hours.  This  product  is  sold  in  Dayton,  Cincinnati,  and  the  N« 
England  States. 

EXCHANGE  MILL. 

This  mill  was  formerly  used  as  a gun-factory,  but  first  put  into  operatii 
as  a grist-mill  about  1850,  by  Conrad  Ilondenour  & Brother.  This  firm  d 
posed  of  the  property  to  H.  Gerdes  & Co.,  in  1865,  E.  H.  Bruns,  the  prese 
proprietor,  being  the  “Co.”  This  latter  took  possession  in  1875,  and  e 
larged  the  mill  to  its  present  proportions.  It  is  now  a large,  three-story  brie 
55x55  feet  in  size,  and  the  machinery  is  operated  by  an  overshot  water-whei 
located  to  the  rear  of  the  mill,  on  the  Upper  Hydraulic.  The  firm  employs  s 
men,  and  the  mill  has  a capacity  of  fifty  barrels  of  flour  per  day,  for  ten  mont 
in  the  year.  Mr.  Bruns  has  about  $10,000  invested  in  the  business. 

LUDLOW  STAR  MILLS. 

These  mills  were  commenced  by  Jost  Durst  in  1874.  The  structure 
located  at  the  south  end  of  Ludlow  street,  and  is  a three-story  brick  buildii 
40x100  feet  in  size,  with  a frame  storeroom  40x100,  two  stories.  The  capit 
invested  at  first  was  something  under  $10,000,  and  the  yearly  capacity  l0,0t 
barrels  per  year.  Mr.  Charles  Durst,  a son  of  the  proprietor,  now  has  charge 
this  mill,  and  there  are  about  $25,000  invested  in  the  business,  with  an  avera; 
capacity  of  from  sixty  to  seventy  barrels  per  day. 

OREGON  MILLS. 

These  mills  were  built  in  1833.  Mr.  Joseph  Ivratochwill,  the  present  pr 
prietor,  established  his  present  business  in  1854,  in  a building  opposite  ti 
Osceola  Mills.  Six  years  later,  he  removed  his  business  to  Trotwood,  but  aft 
a few  months  returned  to  Dayton.  In  1861,  he  came  into  possession  of  < 
present  structure,  and  has  been  alone  in  business  since  1864.  The  mills  a 
located  on  the  corner  of  Sixth  and  Canal  streets,  and  is  of  brick  and  fram 
40x130,  four  stories  and  basement.  The  mills  are  furnished  with  only  oi 
run  of  buhr-stones,  the  remainder  being  sixty-four  pair  of  rollers,  of  both  icc 
and  foreign  make.  The  machinery  is  operated  by  both  water  and  steam  powe 
an  overshot  and  turbine  wheel  for  the  former,  and  an  engine  of  200  hors 
power  for  the  latter.  The  firm  employs  twenty-eight  men  in  the  business,  an 
their  daily  product  is  almost  500  barrels  per  day — this  being  the  largest  dai 


CITY  OP  DAYTON. 


623 


)(.ct  in  Montgomery  County.  This  flour  is  sold  mostly  at  Pittsburgh,  Penn., 
i Washington,  D.  C.  Mr.  Kratochwill  also  owns  the 

OSCEOLA  MILLS. 


his  structure  was  erected  by  L.  and  S.  Wollaston,  in  1858,  and  is  a brick 
ling  80x60,  four  stories  and  basement,  fifty-two  feet  high  in  front,  and 
> isement  on  the  canal  fourteen  feet  more.  It  was  fitted  up  with  three  run 
1 hrs,  two  of  which  were  in  operation  both  day  and  night,  making  from 
to  seventy  barrels  of  flour  per  day.  They  had  one  overshot  wheel  sup- 
lieSwith  water  from  the  Cooper  Hydraulic.  Mr.  Wollaston  disposed  of  his 
e'st  to  T.  A.  Phillips,  and  the  latter  to  a Mr.  Sylvester  Wollaston,  who 
jk  it  over  to  its  present  owner.  At  present  the  mill  is  not  in  operation, 
being  fitted  up  for  storerooms. 

PAPER. 


C.  L.  HAWS. 

his  gentleman  is  a manufacturer  of  straw  and  tar  boards  for  book-bind- 
<1  box-makers.  He  established  the  business  in  partnership  with  William 
i r on  the  Mad  River,  seven  miles  from  Dayton,  in  1853,  having  an  office 
tl  city.  They  first  manufactured  straw  boards  and  wrapping  paper,  and 
h ills  had  a capacity  of  about  400  tons  per  year.  They  remained  in  that 
trim  twelve  years,  and  in  1864  purchased  twenty  acres  of  land  in  North 

■ m,  where  the  present  mills  were  erected.  William  Clark  was  a full  part- 
i the  business,  the  firm  name  being  Clark  & Haws.  It  remained  as  such 
ihanuary  1,  1872,  when  Mr.  Haws  purchased  the  entire  stock  and  trade  of 
fin.  The  firm  owns  three  mills — one  makes  binders,  tar  and  cloth  boards, 

1 the  other  two  turn  out  only  straw  board — each  having  a capacity  of  six 
s er  day.  Foot  steam  engines  are  required  to  rim  the  powerful  machinery 
lie  mills — 250,  150,  25  and  20  horse-power  respectively.  The  boilers  for 
be  kger  engine  are  three  in  number,  each  twenty- two  feet  long,  and  fifty- 
riches  in  diameter.  This  engine  was  made  by  the  Buckeye  Engine  Com- 
> of  Salem,  Ohio.  A gas  house  is  located  near  the  mills,  and  generates  all 
fs  used  by  this  immense  establishment.  When  Clark  & Haws  first  started 
jisiness,  they  made  only  106  tons  of  paper  the  first  year,  and  their  sales  for 
me  period  were  $5,500.  The  product  for  1881  was  3,855  tons,  being 
^ two  months  in  the  year,  which  if  running  full  time  would  have  in- 

■ iS[l  this  to  4,000  tons.  The  sales  for  the  same  time  were  $220,000,  a self- 
bt  fact  of  the  reward  for  toil,  perseverance,  and  close  study  of  the  wants 
1 trade.  Mr.  Haws’  trade  extends  all  over  the  Union  and  Canada,  but 
t in  the  West.  Orders  are  rapidly  filled,  requiring  no  traveling  salesmen 

3r  t ' house,  this  item  alone  being  a big  saving  in  expenses.  About  1 50  men 
instant  employment  in  these  mills,  and,  as  the  city  is  too  far  away,  have 
t lemselves  cottages  near  by,  thus  forming  a happy  and  contented  com- 
n of  people.  These  are  the  only  mills  in  the  Union  that  manufacture 
1 hses  of  bookbinder’s  and  box-makers  tar,  cloth  and  straw  board,  and  are 
upfc  extensive  mills  of  this  kind  in  the  world.  The  capacity  for  1882  will 
1 'iiteen  tons  per  day. 

MEAD  PAPEK  COMPANY. 


j16  paper  mill  owned  and  operated  by  this  company  was  begun  in  1846, 
' bl,  Claflin  & Co.,  who  erected  a part  of  the  present  structure.  They  were 
u.led  in  1858  by  Mead  & AVeston,  and  they,  in  1866,  by  the  Mead  & Nixon 
- 11  ’t Company,  which  was  incorporated  in  1872,  with  a capital  stock  of  $250,- 


624 


HISTOltY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


000.  These  works  have  had  in  connection  with  them  a chemical  pulp  machii 
by  which  they  made  annually  2,000,000  pounds  of  wood  p ip,  and  also  a 
covery  furnace,  eighty-two  feet  in  length,  for  recovering  the  chemicals  used 
reducing  the  wood  to  pulp,  there  being  only  two  other  mills  in  the  entire  W 
having  a pulp  and  recovering  apparatus.  In  July,  1881,  the  firm  name  v 
changed  to  the  Mead  Paper  Company,  Thomas  Nixon  retiring  and  W.  P.  Le 
assuming  his  place  as  manager  and  part  owner  of  the  mill.  The  new  firm  hf 
erected  an  addition  of  90x100,  three  stories  high,  on  the  north  side  of  the  ori 
nal  structure  and  adjoining  the  same.  They  have  also  remodeled  the  interi 
added  new  machinery  and  repaired  the  old.  until  to-day  this  mill  stands  ur 
valed  in  Ohio.  The  main  building  is  of  brick,  100x180,  the  front  halfl 
which  is  four  stories  in  height;  on  the  east  are  four  one-storied  boiler  and  st 
age  rooms,  three  of  which  are  brick,  and  on  the  south  of  the  main  structure 
the  old  chemical  wood  pulp  mill,  80x100,  three  stories  high,  which  the  firm 
tend  fitting  up  the  coming  summer  as  an  addition  to  the  present  paper  rn 
the  company  having  discontinued  the  manufacture  of  chemical  wood  pi 
They  employ  125  hands,  and  manufacture  about  2,250,000  pounds  of  bo 
news,  tea  and  other  paper  annually,  which  is  sold  entirely  in  the  western  n 
kets.  The  driving  power  and  its  machinery  is  all  on  the  first  floor,  also 
office,  some  storerooms  and  the  finishing  room,  40x80 ; on  the  second  floor 
the  rag  paper  engines,  paper  machines  and  l’otary  bleachers  ; the  third  floo 
used  for  assorting  the  rags,  and  the  fourth  for  storing  raw  material.  The  i 
chinery,  which  is  complete  in  every  particular,  is  propelled  by  both  water 
steam  power.  For  this  purpose  the  mill  is  supplied  with  two  turbine  wa 
wheels,  one  300-horse-power  engine,  and  one  100-horse-power  engine 
passing  through  this  mill  the  acute  observer  is  forcibly  struck  by  the  thorod 
systematic  and  clock-like  regularity  which  exists  throughout  every  depart.nr  i 
and  is  forced  to  the  conclusion  that  here  may  be  found  a fitting  example  of 
telligent,  energetic  and  sirccessful  business  enterprise  of  which  Dayton  may 
justly  proud.  The  mill  is  located  on  Second  and  Front  streets,  and  inolu[ 
the  office  and  salesroom. 


RUTLEDGE  & COMPANY. 


This  firm  is  composed  of  Mark  and  George  Rutledge — father  and  so 
who  own  and  operate  a paper  mill  located  on  the  Upper  Hydraulic, 
present  business  was  inaugurated  in  1844,  by  Ells  & McGregor,  in  a si 
frame  building  on  the  present  site  of  the  mills.  They  continued  the  busi 
till  1858,  when  they  were  succeeded  by  Ells  & Claflin.  Soon  after,  the  prop 
was  purchased  by  Charles  Mapother,  who  operated  the  mill  one  year,  and  f 
sold  it  to  George  Rutledge.  lu  1867,  his  father,  Mark  Rutledge,  becari 
partner,  and  the  business  has  since  been  carried  on  under  the  present  firm  nsj. 
In  1864,  Mr.  Rutledge  erected  a brick  building,  and  additions  were  mad 
the  mill  in  1872  and  1880.  It  is  now  130x110  feet  in  size,  and  two  stories  l1 
The  firm  manufacture  wrapping  paper  only,  and  use  about  six  tpns  of  straw  d;|. 
Thirty-six  men  are  employed  in  the  mill,  the  machinery  of  which  ie  ru: 
water  and  steam  power.  Sales  are  made  in  wholesale  and  job  lots,  the  gr< 
part  going  to  Cincinnati.  This  is  probably  the  pioneer  pajrer  mill  of  T 
gomery  County. 

. THOMAS  NIXON 

This  factory  for  the  manufacture  of  paper  bags,  was  established  byN 
& Co.  -W.  O.  Anderson  being  the  “Company” — in  1873,  on  Foundry  st: 
The  present  firm  came  into  possession  of  the  stock  and  trade  in  1876,  ant' 
moved  the  mill  to  its  present  location,  corner  First  and  Mill  streets,  in  b 
The  building  formerly  occupied  was  a three-story  brick,  30x75  feet  in  size,  <| 
a contrast  to  the  present  one  which  is  of  the  same  material,  four  stories  1, 


CITY-  OF  DAYTON. 


627 


, ts  dimensions  100x78  feet.  The  firm  employs  ten  men  and  sixty  girls, 
vag  an  invested  capital  of  $40,000,  with  annual  sales  amounting  to  $100,  - 
1 Their  factory  is  supplied  with  all  the  latest  improved  machinery,  giving 
■ a capacity  of  350,000  bags  per  day.  The  paper  used  in  these  bags  is  made 
eir  own  mill  at  Richmond,  Ind. , and  shipj^ed  to  Dayton. 

VALLEY  CITY  PAPER  MILL. 

This  mill,  which  is  one  of  the  most  complete  in  the  State,  was  erected  by 
. Levis  in  1874.  It  is  a substantial  brick  structure,  100x50  feet  in  size, 
t smaller  buildings  attached,  located  on  the  corner  of  Water  and  Foundry 
4:s.  They  employ  twenty-seven  men  in  the  mill,  the  machinery  of  which 
pelled  by  power  supplied  from  a 125  horse-power  engine.  The  product 
s mill  is  sold  mostly  in  the  central  and  southern  portions  of  the  Union. 

OIL. 


GEBHART,  POPE  & COMPANY. 

"he  business  of  this  firm  was  established  in  1832,  by  Parrott  & Clegg, 
t<  vas  succeeded  by  Parrott  & Son,  and  they,  in  1866,  by  the  present  firm. 
uhave  always  occupied  the  same  building  on  the  canal,  between  Third  and 
L;  eh  streets.  It  is  a three  story  brick,  57x72,  and  was  formerly  used  as  a 
tji  mill.  They  employ  twelve  men,  with  occasional  additions,  as  business 
rinds.  They  buy  and  ship  their  flax  seed  from  Indiana  and  Kansas.  They 
’ about  $100,000  invested  in  the  business,  and  produce  annually  about  200,- 
allons  of  linseed  oil. 


JOSIAH  GEBHART  & COMPANY. 

’his  company  own  the  white  lead  works,  which  are  located  on  the  corner 
' sond  and  Front  streets.  The  business  was  established  in  1880,  by  Josiah 
art,  D.  Calvin  Floyd  and  Charles  W.  Gebhart,  under  the  present  firm 
The  main  building,  which  was  formerly  used  as  a bagging  factory  in 
anufacture  of  bagging  used  for  covering  cotton,  is  of  brick,  50x100  feet  in 
wo  stories  high.  The  firm  manufacture  white  lead  and  colors,  making 
> . 1,000  tons  of  the  former  per  annum.  Some  twenty  men  are  employed  in 
irks,  and  one  traveling  salesman  on  the  road.  The  machinery  for  these 
was  made  by  Pool  & Hunt,  of  Baltimore,  expressly  for  this  firm,  at  a cost 
11  !30,000.  The  machinery  is  propelled  by  a 50-horse-power  engine.  As 
' the  only  manufactory  of  this  kind  in  Montgomery  County,  and  a business 
nich  very  little  is  known,  probably  the  process  of  making  will  be  interest- 
1 our  many  readers.  The  pig  lead  is  purchased  in  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  and 
i a and  Chicago,  111.  The  pig  lead  is  first  placed  in  a large  kettle,  located 

I hot  furnace,  and  heated  till  thoroughly  melted.  It  is  then  dipped  by  a 
' and  placed  on  a flat  iron  surface,  where  it  is  made  into  “ buckles  ” some- 

a resembling  an  old  fashioned  waffle.  The  buckles  are  then  carried  to  the 
i ling  houses  and  placed  in  stone  jars,  each  capable  of  holding  twelve  and 
A pounds  of  lead.  These  jars  are  placed  in  tiers,  and  the  space  between 

II  with  tan  bark  and  manure.  After  some  days,  it  is  taken  out  iu  a cor- 
''  form  and  drawn  to  the  top  of  the  building  on  an  inclined  plane.  It  is 
" 'laced  in  a separator,  which  separates  the  blue  from  the  corroded  lead, 
o the  separator  it  drops  to  a machine  on  the  floor  below  where  it  is  screened, 
■i  placed  in  the  receivers  and  from  there  to  another  machine  on  the  first 
Fund  floor,  where  it  is  ground  in  water.  It  is  then  pumped  up  in  large 

M tanks,  the  water  drawn  off  ; and  the  pulpy  mass  then  placed  in  large 
:’K  kilns  for  drying.  There  are  two  kilns  used,  one  8x80  feet  in  size,  ten 


628 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


inches  deep — the  other  8x40  feet  in  size — both  costing  over  $4,000;  while  ii 
kilns,  the  lead  is  separated  by  a large  rake  into  small  cakes,  for  faster  dp 
These  cakes  are  then  placed  in  a large  machine,  circular  in  form,  linsee 
added  and  thoroughly  mixed.  It  then  drops  through  a long  tube  to  ant 
machine,  where  the  mixing  process  is  completed.  From  this  machine 
placed  in  kegs,  headed  up  and  consigned  to  the  cellar,  ready  for  shipn 
The  lead  is  placed  in  tin  and  wooden  kegs,  weighing  from  twelve  arid  a h.i 
1,000  pounds.  There  are  eight  mills  used  for  mixing  ochers  and  Venetian 
which,  after  prepared  for  use,  are  put  into  iron  buckets  and  placed  besidi 
lead,  ready  for  shipment.  The  kegs  used  by  this  company  are  made  in  P 
sylvania  and  Cincinnati,  expressly  for  the  business.  The  trade  of  the  in 
very  large,  extending  all  over  the  Union,  and  their  orders  are  so  numerous 
large  as  to  keep  the  mills  busy  continually. 

THE  DAYTON  FLAX  MILL. 

This  business  was  founded  in  1865,  by  E.  D.  Payne,  as  the  Dayton 
Company  (successor  to  the  old  “Dayton  Flax  Company”),  on  the  corn 
First  and  Front  streets,  on  the  Upper  Hydraulic.  The  mill  was  a two- 
building,  30x64,  with  a large  building  of  wood  and  brick  for  storing  stra 
tached.  Business  proved  very  successful  for  nine  years.  Mr.  Payne 
closed  the  mill  and  purchased  an  interest,  in  the  Woodsum  Machine  Corny 
but  two  years  later  resurrected  the  old  business  as  the  Excelsior  Flax  Mill 
was  operated  as  such  till  August,  1881,  when  the  name  was  changed  to  its 
ent  one.  The  same  year  Mr.  Payne  added  a building,  40x40,  two  stories, 
used  as  a corn,  hominy  and  feed  mill.  The  flax  mill  is  furnished  with  >Sai 
& Mallory’s  brakes,  and  other  machinery  of  the  best  make.  The  mill  mam 
ures  tow  and  flax  moss.  Straw  is  obtained  from  the  farmers  in  the  vicini 
Dayton.  The  feed  mill  is  provided  with  a sheller,  French  buhr-stone,  hoi 
mill  and  feed  crusher.  About  400  tons  of  tow  are  annually  manufactun 
the  flax  mill. 

THRESHER  & COMPANY. 

This  firm  are  manufacturers  of  varnishes,  japans  and  boiled  linseed 
also  dealers  in  linseed  oil.  The  business  was  established  in  1859,  1 
Thresher  & Co.,  who  were  succeeded  by  the  present  company  in  1874. 
members  of  the  firm  are  J.  B.,  E.  M.  & Albert  Thresher.  Their  varnisl 
tory  is  located  out  of  the  city,  but  the  company  have  had  an  office  and  i 
room  at  135  East  Third  street,  since  the  founding  of  the  trade.  This  if  < 
the  pioneer  varnish  companies  of  Montgomery  County,  and  they  have  succi 
in  building  up  a trade  equal  in  volume  to  that  of  any  company  in  the 
They  manufacture  goods  of  the  best  quality,  and  sell  their  products  all  ovi 
Union. 

TOWER  VARNISH  COMPANY. 

This  business  was  founded,  January  24,  1868,  by  Charles  F.  T 
formerly  with  the  Thresher  Varnish  and  Oil  Company.  On  the  date 
mentioned,  a company  was  formed,  the  incorporators  being  Charles  F.  I 
AVilliam  (4.  Lewis,  Charles  H.  Ham,  James  D.  Sturgis  and  Joseph  B.  II 
The  capital  stock  was  $50,000.  The  company  was  given  its  present  nan| 
soon  after  purchased  a piece  of  ground  at  1250  East  First  street,  60x1 
size,  erected  buildings  thereon,  and  commenced  the  manufacture  of  va 
japans  and  boiled  oils.  This  company  operated  the  business  about  a| 
and  were  succeeded  by  Gebhart,  Pope  & Co.,  and  they  by  W.  K.  Eckert 
disposed  of  the  business  to  the  present  firm  in  1878.  The  officers  of  the 
pany  are  the  same  as  when  first  organized  — President,  Charles  F.  I 
Vice  President,  Joseph  Gebhart.  The  compauy  formerly  did  a busin 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


629 


J 000  annually.  Some  years  ago,  Mr.  Tower  discontinued  the  boiling-  and 
riling-  of  oils,  and  since  that  Hme  has  manufactured  chiedy  Tower’s  linseed 
I {riet,  a liquid  preparation  for  the  drying  of  oils,  and  was  the  originator  in 
the  manufacture  of  this  commodity  for  the  use  of  crushers.  As  such,  they 
;pjiy  the  principal  oil  trade,  and  need  no  traveling  salesmen,  yet  one  is  kept 
e road  for  the  introduction  of  the  drier  and  them  varnishes.  Three  men 
irejtnployed  in  the  mill,  and  one  book-keeper  and  clerk.  The  firm  use  100  to 
. ( pairels  of  turpentine  per  month,  and  make  about  1,000  barrels  of  the 
ii<  annually. 

WOOD,  ARCHER  & CO. 

The  mill  owned  by  this  firm  was  started  by  Clegg  & Wood,  as  a linseed 
ill.  in  1868.  In  1874.  the  firm  name  was  changed  to  Clegg,  Wood  &Co., 
<i  soon  after,  they  commenced  the  manufacture  of  hay-rakes.  The  present 
tun  same  into  possession  of  the  business  in  1880.  They  occupy  a three-story 
.-K,  175x75,  located  on  the  canal,  near  the  head  of  Fourth  street.  The 
iinpmploy  twelve  men,  and  consume  annually  about  100,000  bushels  o*  seed. 

■ annual  product  is  nearly  200,000  gallons.  Among  their  machinery  are 
Lt  boxes  and  presses,  the  invention  of  Mr.  Archer,  and  which  are  used  in 
bo  j fifteen  oil  mills  throughout  the  union.  The  oil-cake  is  shipped  to  Eu- 
p where  it  is  used  as  food  for  cattle,  etc.  This  oil  enterprise  is  the  out- 
. o rh  of  an  oil  mill  business  founded  by  Joseph  Clegg  in  1833,  but  notan 
a diate  successor  thereto.  The  hay-rakes  formerly  made  by  this  firm 
mbw  manufactured  on  a royalty  by  other  firms,  both  in  New  York  and  Illi- 
nois 

M.  N.  WHEATON  & CO. 


The  above-named  firm  commenced  the  manufacture  of  cotton-batting  in 
ill  of  18/0,  in  a three-story  brick  building,  50x100,  on  the  corner  of  First 
d It.  Clair  streets.  An  investment  of  $6,000  was  sufficient  to  carry  on  the 
s:ess  at  first,  but  the  increase  in  trade  and  the  important  additions  made  to 
r aachinerv  department,  has  increased  the  value  to  $30,000.  This  ma- 
rry is  of  the  best-improved  pattern.  One  of  these  is  a machine  for  fold- 
- ats,  which  was  originated  by  Mr.  Wheaton;  but  his  idea  was  stolen  by  a 
d;ng  member  of  the  trade,  and  patented  before  the  inventor  could  rectify 
eijury.  The  firm  employs  twelve  hands  and  manufactures  1,500  pounds  of 
if  per  day  of  ten  hours.  The  machinery  is  propelled  by  a fifteen- horse 
>fr  engine. 


T.  A.  PHILLIPS  & SON. 

These  works  are  the  pioneer  cotton  mills  of  the  Yalley  City.  They  were 
ijaated  by  Eastern  capitalists,  among  whom  were  Robert  Buchanan.  Will- 
'iind  Josh  York.  John  T.  Levis  and  George  Graham,  the  latter  being  the 
L nnati  philanthropist,  whose  death  was  so  deeply  lamented,  and  memory 
1 Y?d  with  honors  by  the  people  of  his  native  city.  The  works  were  erected 
C ( 1833,  and  passed  into  the  possession  of  T.  A.  Phillips  in  May,  1844. 
!‘  mill  is  a four-story  brick,  45x110,  built  in  a most  substantial  man- 

I 11  is  fitted  up  with  3,500  spindles  and  other  machinery  in  propor- 
51  Cotton  is  purchased  in  Cincinnati,  and  from  100  to  200  bales  are 
1 ! - constantly  on  hand.  Some  twenty-five  bales  are  used  weekly  in  the 
a lecture  of  carpet  warp,  white  and  colored,  light  and  heavy  twine,  lamp- 
lc  smgle  yarn,  etc.  In  addition  to  the  main  building,  there  is  a wing,  en- 

- T),  ware  and  dye-houses.  The  propelling  power  for  the  machinery  is  ob- 
ud  from  a twenty- foot  overshot  water-wheel,  located  on  the  Cooper  Hy- 
'"a!lc-  Sales  are  made  mostly  in  Ohio  and  Indiana.  The  company  was  in- 

II  rated  in  1874,  with  a capital  of  $80,000.  The  senior  member  of  the 


630 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


firm  is  now  deceased,  bur  his  son,  Charles  A.,  continues  the  business  under 
old  firm  name. 

DAYTON  WOOLEN  MILLS. 

The  business  operated  under  the  above  name  was  founded  in  1860,  by 
Curtis,  on  the  corner  of  Fifth  and  Canal  streets.  This  firm  was  succeeded 
Curtis  & Fish,  who,  in  1872,  removed  the.  mills  to  the  south  end  of  Lud 
street,  adjoining  Stout,  Mills  & Temple.  The  next  purchasers  of  them 
were  Faulkner  & Co.,  who  continued  the  business  until  May,  1879,  when 
present  proprietors,  J.  H.  & James  S.  Wild,  took  possession  under  the  firm  n: 
of  J.  11.  Wild  & Co  In  March,  1881,  the  mills  were  removed  to  326  I 
First  street,  now  occupying  three  floors  in  the  southeast  wing  of  the  old  (Jo 
win  Hotel,  owned  by  Pinneo  & Daniels.  The  firm  employ  ten  hands  in 
mills,  and  manufacture  all  kinds  of  yarns,  blankets,  flannels,  cassimeres,  s 
nets  and  jeans.  Sales  average  $20,000  per  annum,  but  for  this  year  (18! 
the  capacity  of  the  mills  will  be  increased  to  such  an  extent  as  to  manufaet 
a larger  amount  of  goods  than  formerly  turn'ed  out.  A market  for  the  j 
duction  of  these  mills  is  found  in  local  trade,  Ohio  and  the  neighboring  Sta 
Mr.  J.  H.  Wild  has  the  personal  supervision  of  the  mills. 

BREWERS  AND  MALTSTERS. 

(TTY  BREWERY. 

This  brewery  is  owned  and  operated  by  Jacob  Stickle,  and  is  locate* 
the  junction  of  Brown  and  Warren  streets.  The  brewery  was  erected  by  Ht 
Ferneding  in  1859.  After  passing  through  several  hands,  in  1868  it  was  ( 
up  at  public  sale,  and  purchased  by  its  present  proprietor.  The  building 
that  time  was  of  brick,  two  stories  high,  and  54x150  feet  in  size.  It  remai 
as  such  until  the  summer  of  1881,  when  Mr.  Stickle  enlarged  it  to  its  prefl 
dimensions  at  a cost  of  $8,000.  It  it  now  three  and  a half  stories  high, 
fitted  up  with  all  the  latest  and  best  appliances  for  the  manufacture  of 
cooling  beverage.  The  ice  houses  in  connection  have  a storing  capacit 
2.000  tons,  and  the  beer  cellars  of  3,000  barrels.  The  first  year  in  the  b 
ness  Mr.  Stickle  made  4,000  barrels  of  beer,  but  has  increased  his  trade  tc 
000  barrels  annually.  The  making  of  this  large  amount  requires  ten  n 
and  several  teams  for  delivery.  The  beer  is  sold  in  Dayton  and  vicin 

The  business  of  this  firm  is  in  charge  of  William  Stickle,  son  of  the 
prietor.  The  business  runs  about  $60,000  annually. 


DAYTON  VIEW  BREWERY. 


This  important  feature  of  the  industrial  enterprises  of  Dayton  is  ow 
by  Colestine  Schwind.  The  business  was  founded  many  years  ago,  and: 
careful  management,  closest  attention  to  every  detail  of  the  business, 
Schwind  has  increased  his  trade  from  a modest  beginning  to  its  present  1 
proportions.  The  main  building,  or  brewery  proper,  is  80x70.  two  stories 
a cellar;  two  ice  houses,  one  60x60  and  the  other  50x56,  capable  of  storing 
000  tons  of  ice  (three  years’  supply),  one  double  malt  kiln,  18x24,  all  of  w!j 
are  constructed  of  brick,  and  fitted  up  with  every  convenience  for  the  can 
on  of  the  immense  business  operated  by  this  firm.  A brief  description  ofj 
interior  arrangements  of  this  brewery  will,  perhaps,  be  interesting.  On 
second  story,  and  just  over  the  malting  cellers,  are  the  hops  and  barley  ro<j 
Above  the  malt  is  carefully  stored  away,  according  to  age.  The  kiln  fun 
is  back  and  down  upon  the  cellar  floor;  the  kiln  itself  over  the  furnace 
running  up  through  two  floors.  In  the  adjoining  room  is  the  great  sixty 
barrel  copper  kettle;  below  is  the  mash  room  and  engine.  To  the  rear  of  1 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


631 


on  e second  floor,  are  the  coolers,  all  conveniently  arranged,  kept  perfectly 
and  in  order  at  all  hours.  The  ice  houses  are  to  the  west;  beneath  them 

• Tie  beer  cellars  and  fermenting  rooms.  The  stables  and  yard  are  back  of 

xtending  to  the  river  bank.  The  water  supply  is  taken  from  wells  sunk 
•jci r the  brewery,  and  down  below  the  bed  of  the  Miami  River.  The  proprie- 

• r s justly  proud  of  the  reputation  “ Schwind’s  beer”  has  acquired,  and  to 
•siin  it  will  not  allow  a gallon  to  pass  into  the  hands  of  the  tapster  that  is 
r illy  up  to  the  standard.  The  rule  at  the  brewery  is,  “ a place  for  every- 
h:,  and  everything  in  its  place.”  All  utensils  and  machinery  are  kept 
n ulously  clean.  Material  used  is  first  cleaned  or  purified,  and  a year’s  sup- 
, y r everything  kept  on  hand.  Mr.  Schwind  made  10,000  barrels  of  beer  in 

' -81,  but  has  increased  his  capacity  to  1,500  barrels.  Mr.  Edmund  Schwind 
tjs  genial  foreman,  and  Louie  Schwind  the  efficient  business  manager. 

HYDRAULIC  BREWERY. 

This  business  was  established  previous  to  the  civil  war,  by  John  Wager, 
<e  site  of  an  old  saw-mill,  on  the  Upper  Hydraulic.  Mr.  Wager  continued 
- usiness  until  1870,  when  Henry  Ferneding  & Son  purchased  it.  They 
.t succeeded  by  Metz  & Co.;  Metz  & Brown:  the  latter  by  Antoine  Brown, 
liter  the  latter’s  death,  the  business  passed  into  the  hands  of  the  present 
ietors,  N.  Thomas  & Co.  This  was  October  9,  1880.  The  brewery  is  40 
wo  stories,  with  cellars  capable  of  storing  2,000  barrels.  George  Weddle, 

• Jo.”  of:  the  firm,  is  a brewer  by  trade,  and  has  charge  of  the  business. 

\ aen  are  employed  in  the  brewery,  and  two  teams  engaged  in  delivering 
e fier,  which  is  all  sold  in  Dayton  or  vicinity. 

THIRD  STREET  BREWERY. 

Ihis  business  as  founded  in  1861,  by  Frederick  Euchenhofer,  at  its  present 
Jon,  1513  East  Third  street.  The  brewery  is  of  brick,  70x75,  two  stories 
! 'liars.  Three  cellars  separated  from  the  main  building,  are  used  to  store 
’oduct  of  this  brewery,  capable  of  storing  1,200  barrels.  Over  3,500  bar- 
~ f beer  are  made  annually,  the  greater  part  supplying  home  consumption. 

. luchenhofer  although  quite  aged,  still  gives  his  personal  time  and  atten- 
uo  the  business.  He  is  ably  assisted  by  his  sons  and  others,  making  in 
wen  men.  Two  teams  are  used  in  the  business.  The  annual  trade  ex- 
it 125,000. 

WAYNE  STREET  BREWERY. 

This  is  the  pioneer  lager  beer  brewery  of  Montgomery  County,  and 
rected  in  1852,  by  John  and  Michael  Schiml,  on  the  corner  of  Hickory 
i!  Vayne  streets,  its  present  location.  Six  years  later,  the  senior  brother 
'land  Michael  has  since  conducted  the  business.  Here  Mr.  Schiml  made 
El-e pt  lager  beer  brewed  in  this  county,  the  stock  yeast  necessary  for  making 
; tme  having  been  brought  from  Boston,  Mass.  The  brewery  was  then  28 
■ Opet  in  size,  two  stories  high;  but  through  the  passing  years  improvements 
i made  upon  it.  In  July,  1881.  a Are  destroyed  a stable  and  contents,  in- 
wig  four  horses,  roof  of  ice  house,  and  over  3,000  bushels  of  malt.  Mr. 
ail  soon  after  enlarged  the  buildings,  at  a cost  of  $8,000.  The  brewery 
’.y  38x140,  three  stories  high,  with  an  ice  house  in  connection  capable  of 
,r|g  1,500  tons  of  ice,  both  buildings  of  brick,  with  cellars  underneath. 

first  started,  the  brothers  made  about  1,200  barrels  per  year,  but  in  the 
-li  of  1879-80  this  brewery  turned  out  4,400  barrels  of  flrst-class  lager 
abut  on  account  of  the  fire,  the  product  for  1880-81  fell  short,  but  their 
yit.y  is  uow  double  that  of  previous  years.  The  annual  sales  are  about 
■’10.  Ten  men  are  employed,  and  two  teams,  and  the  business  is  under 
- J ;!i'sonal  supervision  of  Mr.  Schiml  and  his  two  sons,  L.  Hoffer  being  the 
toruan. 


632 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


W.  SILZEL  & CO. 

This  firm  is  composed  of  Washington  Silzel  and  Henry  H.  Laubs 
Their  business,  manufacturers  of  malt.  The  trade  was  inaugurated  in  15 
by  Mundy,  Worman  & Co.,  at  628  South  Main  street,  where  they  contin 
the  business  ten  years.  Mr.  Silzel  had  charge  of  the  business  until  1875 
which  date  the  present  firm  was  formed.  They  occupy  a brick  structure  1 
42,  three  stories,  and  have  a capacity  of  40,000  bushels  per  year.  Thev  < 
and  operate  a branch  establishment  at  Troy,  Ohio,  of  the  same  capacity.  1 
greater  part  of  their  trade  is  found  at  Cincinnati,  Louisville  and  Sandus 
besides  supplying  home  consumption,  and  do  an  annual  business  in  their  I 
ton  house  of  about  $50,000. 

H.  FERNEDING  & SON. 

The  senior  member  of  this  firm  began  business  in  1843,  in  partners 
with  John  C.  Ferneding  and  W.  Otten,  under  the  name  of  Ferneding  & 
Their  brewery  was  on  the  site  of  the  present  malt  house  on  Kenton  street,  and 
known  as  the  City  Brewery.  In  1847,  Mr.  Otten  died,  and  the  Femes 
Brothers  carried  on  the  business  until  1851,  in  which  year  John  C.  Fernec 
died,  and  Henry  was  left  alone  in  the  business.  In  1852,  B.  Hollencamp 
came  a partner,  and  in  1854  the  firm  bought  the  Xenia  Brewery  at  Xe 
Ohio,  Mr.  Ferneding  selling  his  interest  in  that  house  in  1857  to  Hollenea 

In  1859,  Mr.  Ferneding  erected  the  brewery  now  owned  by  Jacob  Stic 
and  quit  brewing  at  the  old  stand,  transferring  the  name  to  the  new  establ 
ment,  by  which  it  is  yet  known.  In  1862,  he  sold  this  brewery,  and  for  e 
years  subsequently  was  engaged  in  manufacturing  Hour,  first  in  the  old  P 
Mill,  which  Ferneding,  Mause  & Co.  rented,  and  operated  about  three  yt 
when  Ferneding  & Mause  purchased  the  Hydraulic  Flour  Mill,  which  they 
many  years.  In  1870,  Ferneding  & Son  bought  the  Hydraulic  Brewery,  w 
they  operated  a short  period,  then  became  the  “Co.”  in  the  same  house,  u: 
the  firm  name  of  Metz  & Co.,  which  was  succeeded  by  Metz  & Brown,  Mr. 
netting  and  son  retiring  permanently  from  the  brewing  business.  This  firm 
always  had  a malt  house  on  Kenton  street,  and  in  1850  Mr.  F.  erected  a 
house  on  the  site  of  the  old  Riddle  Brewery  on  St.  Clair  street,  both  of  w 
are  yet  owned  and  operated  by  Ferneding  & Son.  They  employ  eight  J 
and  have  a capacity  of  about  60,000  bushels  per  season. 

DAYTON  DISTILLING  COMPANY. 

The  original  owners  and  proprietors  of  this  establishment  were  Arno 
Harshman,  who  erected  and  run  the  distillery  for  several  years,  but  who  f; 
in  business  during  the  panic  of  1873.  The  works  remained  idle  until  1 
when  they  were  again  put  in  operation  by  F.  A.  Shwill,  who  carried  on  I 
ness  about  one  year,  when  he  quit  distilling.  In  February,  1882,  the  pro 
company  began  business,  having  previously  remodeled  the  interior,  repa: 
the  old  machinery  and  adding  new,  having  nowr  a capacity  of  300  bushels 
day.  The  distillery  is  a three-story  frame  structure,  with  a one-story  f 
engine  house  adjoining.  The  office,  cistern  room  and  warehouse  are  in  a ii 
and  a half  brick  building,  close  to  the  distillery,  and  the  firm  employ  s 
men,  besides  a superintendent  and  clerk.  There  are  two  storekeepers  si 
guager  connected  with  the  works,  and  the  proprietors  are  Herancourt  & M 
of  Cincinnati. 

MARBLE  AND  STONE  WORKS. 

IRA  CRAWFORD. 

The  granite  and  marble  works  owned  and  operated  by  this  gentlem; 
located  on  Wilkinson  street,  north  side  of  Union  Depot,  where  he  has  a f 
building  20x80  feet,  two  stories  high,  which  is  used  for  the  office,  dra 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


633 


j sales-room  and  work-shop.  His  lot  is  105  feet  square,  and  on  the  north 
ii  main  building  is  a limestone  shed  20x30  feet,  in  which  the  heavier  and 
jiAer  work  is  done.  Mr.  Crawford  is  a native  of  Dayton,  has  been  in  the 
, le  trade  for  a number  of  years,  and  is  well  known  throughout  this  portion 
(pio  as  an  energetic  and  honorable  business  man.  He  is  an  importer  and 
n.facturer  of  Scotch  and  American  granite  monuments,  and  does  all  classes 
■st-class  monumental  and  cemetery  work. 

CARPENTER  & RAYMOND. 

This  firm  came  to  Dayton  from  Cambridge  City,  Ind.,  in  1876,  and  opened 
fice  and  salesroom  on  Ludlow  street,  its  present  location.  The  matter  giv- 
us  bv  the  senior  member  of  this  firm  was  greatly  exaggerated,  being  a 
31  advertisment,  and  we  have  therefore  omitted  it  from  this  article  as  not 
a lg  under  the  head  of  reliable  history. 


THOMAS  STANILAND. 

We  next  introduce  the  Dayton  Marble  and  Granite  Works.  The  busi- 
e was  established  in  1860,  by  H.  Houghtelin,  on  the  present  site  of  the 
j)3,  225  and  227  South  Main  street.  In  1865,  Thomas  Staniland  was  ad- 
t d as  a partner,  and  the  firm  name  changed  to  Houghtelin  & Staniland. 
i firm  continued  business  until  the  decease  of  Mr.  Houghtelin  in  1873.  In 
1 Ira  Crawford  bought  a half  interest  in  the  business,  and  the  firm  name 
changed  to  Staniland  & Crawford.  This  house  does  monumental  work  in 
1 inds  of  marble  and  granite,  and  handle  all  sorts  of  marble,  both  foreign 
idomestic.  Their  granite  work  is  all  done  at  the  quarries,  except  the  let- 
■r  g.  The  firm  employ  twelve  men,  and  enjoy  a trade  amounting  to  $30,000 
u ally.  Two  traveling  salesmen  are  employed,  and  these  works  have  the 
ral  agency  of  the  dark  Columbia  marble  from  Rutland,  Yt.  Mr.  Staniland 
■sms  all  the  work,  and  has  the  personal  supervision  of  the  same.  Mr. 
•;  ford  retired  from  the  firm  in  December,  1881,  and  Mr.  Staniland  con 
ti a s the  business  alone. 


STEAM  STONE  WORKS. 

This  business  was  commenced  in  1868,  by  John  Webber  and  George  Leh- 
a They  operated  it  one  year,  and  were  succeeded  by  the  Webber  & Leh- 
a Stone  and  Marble  Company,  which  was  incorporated  that  year  (1869). 
-h  company  carried  on  the  business  till  1872,  when  an  assignment  was  made, 
iber  & Huffman  purchased  the  stock,  and  continued  the  business  till  Feb- 
«i'.  1874,  when  Mr.  Webber  died.  In  1875,  Mr.  Huffman  disposed  of  his 
n est  to  S.  T.  Bryce  and  Lewis  H.  Webber,  who  had  been  carrying  on  a like 
a less  on  Wilkinson  street,  near  Union  Depot.  This  purchase  placed  both 
a:  s in  the  hands  of  this  firm  until  1879,  when  Mr.  Bryce  retired  from  the 
i‘j  taking  the  Wilkinson  street  yard  to  operate  alone.  He  soon  after  quit 
lousiness,  and  Mr.  Webber  became  sole  owner  of  the  entire  stock  and  trade. 
1 main  works  are  located  on  Jefferson  street,  near  Warren,  where  three  acres 
* md  are  almost  entirely  covered  by  building  and  apparatus.  Here  he  runs 
i gangs  of  saws.  The  Wilkinson  street  yard  covers  an  acre  of  ground,  and 
’rates  two  gangs  of  saws.  Employ  an  average  of  eighty  men  in  the  business, 
a use  three  teams  in  hauling  dressed  stone.  Mr.  Webber  uses  mostly  Day- 
1 stone,  but  large  quantities  of  Amherst  and  Berea  stone  from  Northern 
U,  and  Buena  Yista  Freestone,  from  the  Ohio  River,  are  also  used.  He  does 
1 rinds  of  cut-stone  work.  During  1881,  furnished  the  cut  stone  for  the 
fid  Street  Presbyterian  Church,  Firemen’s  Insurance  Company’s  building, 
H.  Lafee’s  residence,  and  Montgomery  County  Court  House,  at  Dayton, 
(ner’s  Bank  at  Greenfield,  and  numerous  smaller  jobs.  He  also  cuts  monu- 
; Ytal  bases  for  marble  firms  in  all  parts  of  the  Union.  During  1881,  his 
amounted  to  about  $65,000. 


tr; . 


634 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


TOBACCO  DEALERS  AND  MANUFACTURERS. 

A.  H.  NIXON  & SONS. 

This  firm  are  wholesale  dealers  in  and  packers  of  leaf  tobacco.  The  bi 
ness  was  established  at  Carrollton,  this  county,  in  1852,  by  A.  H.  Nixon, 
the  spring  of  1857,  he  removed  the  business  to  Dayton,  locating  on  the  cor 
of  First  and  St.  Clair  streets.  He  remained  there  eight  years,  and  during  I 
time  started  the  first  tobacco  cutter,  now  the  Pease  & Co.  cutting  machine. 
1865,  he  removed  to  the  Smith  (now  Dickey)  Block,  where  he  was  engager! 
business  ten  years.  In  1875,  he  took  possession  of  his  present  quarters,  cor 
of  First  and  Canal  streets.  Mr.  Nixon  commenced  buying  tobacco  in  com 
tion  with  a New  York  house,  purchasing  1,200  cases  of  the  crop  of  1851.  Hi 
then  he  has  steadily  increased  his  business,  now  purchasing  tobacco  in  ¥ 
consin,  Pennsylvania,  Ohio,  Connecticut,  Massachusetts,  and  are  also  dealeri 
Havana  tobacco.  The  tobacco  is  shipped  to  Dayton,  sorted  in  its  differ 
grades,  put  through  the  “sweating’’  process,  and  sold  to  cigar  maaufactui 
and  jobbers.  The  firm  is  composed  of  A.  H.  Nixon  and  his  sons,  Miles 
and  Andrew  C. 

COTTERILL,  FENNER  & CO. 

The  business  now  operated  by  this  firm  as  the  North  Star  Tobacco  Wo 
was  established  by  S.  T.  Cotterill  and  A.  C.  Fenner,  in  1866,  under  tie  f 
name  of  Cotterrill  & Fenner,  locating  on  East  Third  street,  in  the  rear  of 
old  “ Pease  Mill.”  A.  C.  Marshall  was  admitted  in  1868,  and  name  changed 
Cotterill,  Fenner  & Co.  They  remained  there  in  business  till  1870,  and  t 
removed  to  the  Beaver  & Butt  building,  corner  of  Fourth  and  St.  Clair  strcj 
Four  years  later,  they  came  into  possession  of  their  present  works  on  Seco 
between  Jefferson  and  St.  Clair  streets.  They  occupy  a four-story  brick  sti 
ture  80x200.  The  cellar  is  used  for  a stock  room  and  casing  factory; 
ground  floor  for  manufacturing,  shipping  and  office  purposes;  the  floors  ab 
are  also  used  for  manufacturing  purposes.  This  has  been  one  of  the  enter  p 
ing  and  successful  manufacturing  industries  of  the  Yalley  City.  The  f 
year’s  sales  hardly  amounted  to  $20,000,  while  at  present  they  aggregate  o 
half  a million.  They  manufacture  fifteen  different  brands  of  tobacco,  one 
which,  the  “North  Star  Fine-Cut,”  is  known  all  over  the  Union.  This  f 
employ  eighty-five  hands  in  the  factory,  and  have  two  traveling  salesmen 
the  road.  Mr.  Marshall,  the  “Co.’’  of  the  firm,  has  charge  of  the  correspo 
ing  and  office  work.  Mr.  Cotterill  of  the  manufacturing  department,  and 
Fenner  superintends  the  purchasing  and  shipping  branch  of  the  business, 

JAMES  P.  WOLF. 

This  gentleman  is  a wholesale  dealer  in  leaf  tobacco,  and  is  located  at  I 
East  First  street.  The  business  was  inaugurated  in  1863,  by  J.  P.  Wolj 
Co.,  the  brother  of  the  present  proprietor  forming  the  “ Co.”  The  firm  ma 
factured  all  kinds  of  tobacco  until  1868,  and  then  made  and  dealt  in  line 
only  until  1873.  In  1874,  they  handled  13,000  cases  of  leaf  tobacco,  the  p 
chasing  of  which  required  $403,000.  The  firm  occupy  a three-story  hi 
structure,  184x33,  capable  of  storing  6,000  cases  of  tobacco.  Mr.  Wolf  b 
Ohio  tobacco  from  the  growers  direct,  “ sweats  ” and  sorts  it,  and  ships 
same  to  Bremen  and  other  foreign  ports,  the  greater  part  of  his  trade  lying  | 
yond  the  Atlantic  Ocean.  He  employs  an  average  of  sixteen  men,  handles 
500  cases  of  tobacco  annually,  with  sales  aggregating  $150,000. 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


635 


CRACKER  MANUFACTURERS. 

A.  L BAUMAN. 

This  gentleman  is  the  proprietor  of  an  extensive  cracker  factory,  located 
n/Vest  Third  street.  The  business  was  established  September  1,  1877.  A 
a e-story  brick  factory  was  erected,  23x80  feet  in  size,  and  six  men  employed, 
n short  time  the  crackers  made  by  this  firm  began  to  find  a ready  sale  on  the 
uket,  and  Mr.  Bauman  was  forced  to  erect  a wing  to  his  factory,  22x80,  on 
: west  side,  and  subsequently  one  on  the  east  side,  of  the  same  dimensions. 

■ factory  is  fitted  up  with  double  sets  of  the  latest  and  best  cracker  machin- 
r and  two  ovens  are  kept  constantly  in  motion  throughout  the  day.  baking 
v,  seventy-five  bai’rels  of  flour,  in  cracker  form,  each  ten  hours.  Mr.  B. 
. ufactures  all  kinds  of  crackers  and  sweet  goods,  finding  a sale  for  them 
.ughout  Ohio  and  Indiana.  Some  twenty-two  men  are  employed  in  the  fac- 
u and  three  traveling  salesmen  are  kept  constantly  on  the  road.  Mr.  Bau- 
; has  the  personal  supervision  of  the  factory,  the  annual  sales  of  which 
i ant  to  $100,000. 

Ii.  & T.  WYATT. 

This  firm  manufacture  crackers  at  138  East  Second  street,  and  are  the 
roriotors  of  the  pioneer  cracker  factory  of  Montgomery  County.  The  trade 
ainaugurated  by  Hiram  Wyatt,  in  1834.  He  first  located  on  East  Third 
•t,  but  in  1849,  removed  to  East  Second  street,  where,  ten  years  later,  (1859 ) 

. Uyatt  became  a partner  in  the  business,  under  the  present  firm  name.  In 
18 1,  the  firm  removed  their  factory  to  its  present  location,  where  they  occupy 
tir-story  brick  structure,  40x156  feet  in  size.  They  have  a mechanical  oven, 
1'tnake  a full  line  of  crackers,  biscuits  and  sweet  goods.  Their  facilities 
•manufacturing  are  so  complete  that  they  can  safely  compete  with  the  larger 
, cries  in  the  great  cities.  They  employ  about  ten  men  in  their  factory,  and 
r ■ trade  extends  throughout  the  whole  State  of  Ohio.  Their  machinery  is 
upy  Steam,  and  is  of  the  best  make.  The  annual  trade  of  this  firm  exceeds 
1 )00  per  annum. 

HEATHMAN’S  CRACKER  FACTORY. 

This  business  was  founded  November  20,  1869,  by  C.  W.  Nickum  and 
ge  W.  Heathman.  The  firm  remained  as  such  until  September.  1872, 
li,i  Elias  Heathman  was  admitted  as  a partner,  and  the  firm  name  changed 

I W.  Heathman  & Co.  The  business  was  first  located  on  Main  street,  near  the 
nal  office.  Soon  after,  they  erected  a frame  bakery  on  Second,  between 

freon  and  St.  Clair  streets.  Five  years  later,  they  purchased  a lot  on  the 
•uwest  corner  of  Second  and  St.  Clair  streets,  and  erected  a three-story  and 
'ment  brick,  50x73,  where  business  has  since  been  carried  on.  They  have 
•Oven,  containing  ten  pans,  and  cracker  machinery  of  the  best  pattern,  which 
opelled  by  a sixteen-horse-power  engine.  Sixteen  men  are  employed  in 
Factory,  and  two  traveling  salesmen  on  the  road.  The  firm  have  a capacity 
rty-five  barrels  per  day,  making  all  grades  of  crackers.  They  also  manu- 
•'re  self-rising  buckwheat  flour,  making  1,000  barrels  per  season.  It  is  put 
! i two  and  four  pound  packages.  The  annual  sales  of  this  firm  are  about 
1,000.  ° 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

CRUME  & SEFTON  MANUFACTURING  COMPANY. 

This  enterprise  stands  alone  among  the  other  industries  of  the  Valley  City, 

I I the  only  one  of  its  kind  in  the  United  States.  As  such  it  deserves  more 
: the  average  factory.  The  business  was  established  in  April,  1877,  by 
i baugh,  Crume  & Co.,  with  the  factory  located  in  the  Beaver  & Butt  Build- 

wcorner  of  Fourth  and  St.  Clair  streets.  The  business  was  carried  on  there 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


636 

until  1879,  when  it  was  removed  to  its  present  location,  corner  of  Zeigler  ar 
South  Main  streets.  The  building  occupied  is  a two  and  a half  story  fraru 
160x40,  with  an  L 40x100.  The  firm  manufacture  wooden  and  paper  butti 
plates,  waterproof  paper,  oyster  and  berry  pails,  confectionery  and  folding  ii 
cream  boxes.  A slight  review  of  the  manufacturing  process  will  be  interestin, 
The  woods  used  in  this  business,  sycamore,  elm,  linn  and  gum,  are  obtaim 
in  the  swamps  of  Montgomery  and  Darke  Counties.  It  is  shipped  to  the  fa 
tory,  cut  up  in  blocks  about  eighteen  inches  long,  and  placed  in  boxes,  whe: 
it  is  allowed  to  steam  twenty-four  hours.  After  steaming,  it  is  taken  from  t] 
boxes,  put  in  a rotary  machine,  and  three  pieces  of  wood,  of  different  wid 
almost  as  thin  as  a knife  blade.  These  pieces  of  wood  are  wound  around 
piece  of  iron,  and  next  placed  in  an  intricate  piece  of  machinery,  made  e 
pressly  for  this  firm,  which  turns  out  the  butter  plates  at  a most  amazing  ra 
of  speed.  The  paper  pails  are  also  folded  by  machines  constructed  for  thi 
company.  This  machinery  is  operated  by  a forty-hoi'se-power  engine.  Ov 
one  hundred  and  fifty  hands  are  employed  in  this  factory,  the  annual  produ 
tions  of  which  are  1180,000. 

DAYTON  LEATHER  AND  COLLAR  COMPANY. 

The  business  now  operated  by  this  company  was  founded  by  Haas  & Mite 
ell  in  1853.  They  located  a salesroom  and  collar  factory  on  Third  street,  a: 
purchased  a tannery  of  — Edmundsou,  which  they  have  since  owned.  T 
firm  remained  in  this  location  until  1870,  when  Mr.  Mitchell  bought  out  Ha; 
interest  and  continued  the  business  alone.  In  1872,  the  company  was  orgs 
ized  into  a joint-stock  company,  and  incorporated  under  the  laws  of  the  Sta  j 
with  a capital  stock  of  $80,000.  Patterson  Mitchell  was  made  President,  a 
C.  N.  Mitchell  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  In  1873,  the  company  took  possess;  j 
of  their  present  quarters.  They  now  occupy  a four-story  brick,  25x115  feet 
size  the  three  upper  floors  being  used  for  manufacturing  and  storage  purpos 
The  ground  floor  is  used  for  an  office  and  salesroom.  To  the  rear  of  thisbui! 
ing  is  the  collar  factory,  a frame  structure,  where  the  collars  are  stuffed.  Tl 
ty-five  men  are  employed  in  these  two  buildings,  and  turn  out  an  average 
about  one  thousand  collars  per  week.  The  tannery  was  erected  over  sevei 
years  ago,  but  since  rebuilt,  and  is  of  brick,  four  stories,  75x100,  located 
Spratt,  between  First  and  Second  streets.  Over  eighty  vats  and  pools  for  t; 
ning  purposes  are  used  in  the  building,  and  about  four,  hundred  cords  of  I 
bark  per  annum.  Twelve  men  find  constant  employment  in  this  branch  of ' 
business.  The  firm  make  horse  collars,  harness,  collar  and  kip  leather,  team  ;| 
buggy  leather,  fly  nets,  and  are  extensive  dealers  in  trunks,  valises,  fur  rc1 
and  blankets.  Their  trade  extends  from  New  York  to  Kansas,  a large  port: 
of  the  sales  being  made  in  Missouri.  When  Mr.  Mitchell  first  started  the  hi 
ness,  the  annual  trade  was  about  $30,000;  but  at  present  the  annual  sales 
the  company  exceed  $100,000.  Mr.  Mitchell  has  the  personal  super visioc 
this  extensive  business,  and  is  ably  assisted  by  his  sons,  C.  N.  and  W. 
The  number  of  horse  collars  made  by  this  company  will  average  over  fifty  th 
sand  per  annum. 

EDWARD  CANBY. 

This  firm  are  spice  grinders,  coffee  roasters  and  manufacturers  of  bak 
powders.  The  business  was  begxm  by  Mr.  Canby  in  1875,  locating  at  j 
West  Water  street,  in  a brick  building,  twenty-five  feet  front.  He  first  cc 
menced  the  roasting  of  coffees  and  grinding  spices,  and  a year  later  began 
manufacture  of  baking  powder.  Three  years  after  starting  in  business,  j 
trade  had  increased  to  such  an  extent  as  to  necessitate  more  room.  He  th 
fore  leased  the  whole  building,  a part  of  which  he  had  formerly  occup: 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


637 


jfing  125  feet  frontage  in  use.  In  November,  1879,  be  removed  to  his  pres- 
■ relocation,  85  to  41  Mill  street,  where  he  occupies  a two-storied  and  base- 
st brick  structure,  65x75  feet  in  size,  and  does  a business  amounting  to 
tbit  $150,000  per  annum.  When  first  commencing,  he  employed  five  men; 
i Employes  now  number  twenty-one,  including  five  traveling  salesmen.  His 
r: cipal  brand  of  baking  powder  is  called  the  “Silver  Star,”  and  is  sold  ex- 
. lively  throughout  the  Central  States.  The  coffee  roasters  in  this  establish 
Kt  are  three  in  number,  with  a capacity  of  4,500  pounds  per  day.  The  en- 
business  is  under  the  personal  supervision  of  the  proprietor. 


638 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

CHURCHES. 

Presbyterian— Methodist— Baptist  — Lutheran  — United  Brethren—] 
formed  — Christian  — Dunkard  — Hebrew — Methodist  — Protestin' 
Catholic— Y.  M.  C.  A. 


FIRST  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH. 

THE  Presbyterians  were  the  first  to  avail  themselves  of  the  donations  of  1< 
for  church  purposes.  The  families  who  were  living  in  the  village  had  ; 
sembled  at  each  others  cabins  for  whatever  worship  they  enjoyed  in  the  li 
three  years  of  the  settlement.  In  the  fall  of  1799,  and  through  the  succeedi 
winter,  occasional  services  were  held  on  Sabbath  Hays  in  the  block-house  t] 
had  been  built  at  the  head  of  Main  street.  Later,  in  the  year  1800,  the  Pr 
byterians  took  the  first  step  toward  building  a meeting  house,  and  with  lit 
delay  the  settlers  all  aided  them  in  getting  out  the  logs  and  putting  up  i 
cabin  church  on  Lot  134.  This  log  cabin  was  used  by  the  Presbyterians,  a 
occasionally  by  the  Methodists,  until,  in  1805,  it  was  sold  for  822.  The  Pres! 
terians  had  raised  by  subscription  enough  to  increase  this  sum  to  $412,  I 
finally  decided  not  to  build  a new  church  at  the  time,  so  they  loaned  the  moi 
to  the  County  Commissioners  with  an  agreement  that  the  use  of  the  new  co 
room  should  be  granted  them  in  which  to  hold  services  until  the  money  shoi 
be  refunded.  For  a short  time  the  court  room  in  the  Newcom  Tavern  at  1 
head  of  Main  street  was  so  used,  then  afterward  the  court  room  in  McCollui 
Tavern,  and  finally  in  1806  in  the  new  court  house  at  the  corner  of  Third  a 
Main  streets,  and  was  continued  there  until  the  brick  church  at  the  north v/ 
corner  of  Second  and  Ludlow  streets  was  finished  in  1817. 

The  Presbytery  of  Washington,  Synod  of  Kentucky,  was  organized  in  17 
the  jurisdiction  of  the  Presbytery  extending  over  the  Miami  Valley.  Thu  Pr 
byterian  people  of  Dayton  made  application  April  14,  1801,  for  occasional  si 
plies,  and  the  Rev.  James  Kemper  was  appointed  to  preach  one  Sabbath. 

The  Rev.  William  Robinson,  who  lived  at  the  mills,  about  three  miles  | 
Mad  River,  occasionally  preached  to  the  Dayton  Congregation  and  at  RfeU 
Church  near  Beavertown.  In  1804,  the  Rev.  James  Welsh  was  called  as 
regular  minister  of  the  Dayton  Church,  and  so  continued  until  the  spring 
1817. 

At  a congregational  meeting,  held  October  23,  1804,  John  Miller,  Rob 
Edgar,  David  Reid,  John  McCabe  and  John  Ewing  were  elected  Trustees 
May  3,  1806,  the  following  Elders  were  elected  as  the  first  session  of 
First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Dayton,  Ohio:  John  McKaig,  John  Ritchie  ; 
James  Hanna.  A year  after,  John  McKaig  having  resigned,  John  Miller  ; 
Robert  Parks  were  elected  to  the  board. 

In  the  spring  of  1812,  the  church  was  incorporated,  and  the  Board 
Trustees  organized  as  follows:  James  Hanna,  Chairman;  John  Ritchie,  Cle 
William  McClure,  Treasurer;  Matthew  Patton,  Collector.  Trustees:  B 
Cooper,  John  Ewing,  Andrew  Hood,  John  H.  Williams,  John  Miller,  Jar| 
Hanna,  William  King. 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


639 


In  the  spring  of  1815,  plans  were  adopted  and  contracts  made  for  building 
irwo-story  brick  church  at  the  northwest  corner  of  Second  and  Ludlow 
rfits,  but  the  building  was  not  completed  until  two  years  thereafter,  and  was 
rfused  for  worship  in  October  of  1817.  The  entire  cost  of  the  building  was 
194. 121. 

At  that  time  there  were  ninety- four  communicant  members  on  the  roll. 

The  Sunday  school,  the  first  organization  of  the  kind  was  the  Presbyterian 
•i  ol  in  1817-18.  The  Rev.  Backus  Wilbur  was  called  as  pastor  of  the  church 
j ugust,  1817,  but  was  not  installed  until  August  27,  1818. 

The  first  bell  hung  in  the  brick  church  was  found  to  be  too  small;  a 
akr  one  was  bought  at  an  expense  of  $100. 

During  the  winter  of  1828-29,  at  the  time  when  the  population  of  the 
hi  was  rapidly  increasing,  the  church  experienced  a great  revival,  adding 
Laty-nine  to  the  membership.  After  which  the  congregation  increased  stead- 
until  in  1837  it  became  necessary  to  provide  a larger  place  of  worship. 

The  church  was  torn  down,  and  a brick  building  50x70  feet,  with  the  Sab- 
a school  room  in  the  basement,  with  handsome  front  and  a tall  steeple,  was 
rued  at  a cost  of  $14,213.08. 

The  building  was  inclosed,  and  the  basement  room  first  occupied  for  wor- 
n October  26,  1839. 

In  1838,  Peter  Odlin  and  Dr.  John  Steele,  Elders  of  the  First  church,  with 
' ity-three  other  members  withdrew  and  organized  the  New  School  church, 
nSecond  Presbyterian  Church  of  Dayton. 

A colony  under  Joseph  Barnett,  John  F.  Edgar  and  John  Morehouse  in 
< second  year  of  the  pastorate  of  the  Rev.  P.  D.  Gurley,  organized  the  Third 
rbyterian  Church,  and  built  on  the  north  side  of  Second  street,  east  of  Mad- 
c street.  They  afterward  came  to  St.  Clair  street  and  organized  what  is  now 
nyn  as  the  Park  Presbyterian  Church. 

In  1856,  a colony  of  “country  members  ” with  William  King,  Sr.,  Herbert 
illiams  and  David  Osborn,  as  leaders,  organized  the  Miami  City  Church, 

0 the  Fourth  Presbyterian  Church  of  Dayton. 

In  May,  1867,  the  old  church  was  torn  down,  and  the  work  of  preparation 
apuilding  the  present  elegant  stone  edifice  began,  which  was  so  successfully 
pecuted  under  direction  of  the  following  named  gentlemen  as  the  Building 
omittee:  T.  A.  Phillips,  H.  Stoddard,  Jr.,  C.  McDermont,  Isaac  Haas,  John 
Lowe,  John  W.  Stoddard,  Thomas  O.  Lowe,  Isaac  "Van  Ausdal,  E.  A.  Par- 
! D.  W.  Stewart,  Collins  Wright  and  Samuel  Craighead.  Col.  John  G. 

• e,  Chairman;  D.  W.  Stewart,  Secretary. 

Committee  on  Plans  and  Correspondence,  T.  A.  Phillips,  T.  O.  Lowe  and 
V.  Stewart.  On  Contracts  and  Materials,  Henry  L.  Brown,  T.  A.  Phillips, 
Ltoddard,  Jr.  Rev.  Dr.  T.  E.  Thomas  being  a member  ex-officio  of  all  com- 
liees. 

The  church  was  dedicated,  and  a report  of  the  committee  shows  the  total 
'!  exclusive  of  old  material  used  to  be  about  $100,000. 

August  15,  1876,  the  main  room  was  greatly  damaged  by  fire;  the  loss  how- 
Vl  was  fully  covered  by  insurance,  and  necessary  repairs  were  made  with  lit- 
> delay. 

The  Rev.  James  Welsh  was  the  first  pastor,  and  continued  with  the  con- 
ation  for  thirteen  years,  and  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Backus  Wilbur, 

1 died  here  after  preaching  a year  and  a half.  Rev.  Ahab  preached  for 
Ayears;  Rev.  William  Graham,  three  years;  vacancy,  two  years;  Rev.  Frank- 
1 . utnam,  eight  years;  Rev.  James  C.  Barnes,  nine  years;  Rev.  William  C. 
Person,  four  years;  Rev.  Pliineas  D.  Gurley,  four  years;  Rev.  James  H. 
'b'kes,  four  years;  Rev.  Thomas  E.  Thomas,  twelve  years;  vacancy,  one  year; 


640 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Rev.  John  McVey,  two  and  a half  years;  vacancy  a year  and  a half;  Rev 
R.  Smith,  foiu’  years;  Rev.  Mr.  DeVeuve  is  now  pastor. 

The  following  is  the  list  of  Ruling  Elders;  First  session,  May  18(1 
John  McKaig,  John  Ritchie,  James  Hanna. 

May  1807,  John  Ritchie,  James  Hanna,  John  Miller,  Robert  Parks. 

Before  1817,  John  Ewing  was  made  an  Elder,  and  shortly  after  the  fii 
brick  chtu-ch  was  completed  William  King,  Sr.,  was  added  to  the  session. 

1821 — Hr.  Job  Haines. 

1823 — O.  B.  Conover. 

1829 — David  Osborn,  Dr.  John  Steele,  Matthew  Patton. 

1836 — Peter  Odlin,  Charles  C.  Patterson. 

1840 — James  Steele,  Samuel  M.  King,  Charles  H.  Spinning. 

1846 — Joseph  Barnett,  Henry  Stoddard,  Sr. 

1850 — Henry  L.  Brown,  John  Morehouse,  Dr.  George  Green. 

1853— E.  A.  More,  H.  S.  Williams. 

1857 — Dr.  C.  McDermont,  Francis  Mulford. 

1864 — Y.  Y.  Wood,  Isaac  Haas,  Leonard  Moore 

1874 — J.  F.  Edgar.  William  A.  Baraett. 

1878 —  C.  U.  Raymond,  A.  F.  Payne. 

1879 —  E.  A.  Parrott.  J.  H.  Thomas. 

Organization  April  1,  1881. 

Elders — Francis  Mulford,  J.  F.  Edgar,  C.  U.  Raymond,  A.  F.  Pay 
W.  A.  Barnett,  E.  A.  Parrott,  John  H.  Thomas. 

Deacons — O.  P.  Boyer,  Joseph  D.  Dubois,  D.  A.  Bradford,  D.  W.  St* 
art,  Houston  Lowe. 

Trustees — John  W.  Stoddard,  William  Craighead,  Samuel  B.  Smith, 
I.  Cummin. 

Hugh  Conover  was  elected  to  the  office  of  Treasurer. 

THIRD  STREET  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH. 

During  the  early  period  of  the  ministry  of  the  Rev.  J.  C.  Barnes,  in 
First  Presbyterian  Church  of  this  city,  the  harmony  of  the  Presbyter 
Church  in  the  United  States  was  disturbed  by  a controversy  that  arose  am< 
its  leading  members  and  resulted,  in  1838,  in  separating  the  church  into  1 
branches,  known  as  the  New  and  Old  School.  The  First  Church  of  Day 
contributed  a colony  to  the  New  School  organization.  This  colony  consis 
of  seventy-five  members,  under  the  lead  of  Peter  Odlin,  Esq. , and  Dr.  Jc 
Steele,  both  Elders  of  the  First  Church.  On  the  11th  of  March,  1838, 
fii’st  session  meeting  of  this  church  was  held  under  the  Dayton  Presbytery,  ? 
School.  Rev.  B.  Graves  was  appointed  Moderator,  and  Dr.  John  Steele  : 
Peter  Odlin,  Elders.  Forty-nine  of  the  above-named  number  enrolled  w 
women.  At  once,  steps  were  taken  toward  the  building  of  a church 
John  Steele,  Peter  Odlin  and  Nathaniel  Wilson  were  appointed  a build 
committee,  sixty-one  subscriptions,  ranging  from  $7  to  $500,  having  been  gi 
to  the  building  fund.  Ground  to  the  extent  of  100x200  feet,  on  the  sot 
east  corner  of  Third  and  Ludlow  streets,  was  purchased  for  $2,700,  and  I 
same  year  (1838)  thereon  a two-story  brick  building  was  commenced,  wh 
was  finished  in  1840,  and  cost  about  $15,000.  The  basement  of  the  chu 
was  occupied  in  March,  1839,  and  on  the  25th  of  March,  1840,  the  church  j 
dedicated  to  the  service  of  God,  Dr.  Lyman  Beecher,  then  of  Lane  Se 
nary,  officiating.  The  first  Pastor  of  the  church  was  Rev,  Randolph  Sti 
whose  salary  was  $800.  In  1840,  Rev.  John  Hall  was  called,  who  served  u 
1852.  He  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  G.  P.  Tyndall,  whose  pastorate  contini 
until  1857.  When  the  church  was  finished  there  remained  on  it  a deb 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


641 


7X)0,  which  was  not  liquidated  until  1855.  For  two  years  and  a half  fol- 
o rixg  the  ministry  of  Rev.  G.  P.  Tyndall,  the  church  was  without  a Pastor, 
ii  pulpit  being  supplied  by  Drs.  Allen,  Smith  and  Day,  from  Lane  Seminary, 
y 858,  twenty-two  feet  were  added  to  the  length  of  the  building  at  a cost  of 
4 50.  The  next  Pastor  of  the  church  was  Rev.  S.  G.  Spees,  and  following 
\i,  in  1865,  was  Rev.  Rollin  A.  Sawyer,  who  remained  until  1870.  This 
-e>;  an  organ  was  purchased,  costing  $6,000,  and  $3,765  put  on  the  church  in 
f-elirs.  Rev.  J.  H.  Montgomery,  the  present  incumbent  of  the  pastorate,  as- 
aed  his  duties  in  1871,  at  a salary  of  $3,000  per  annum.  In  1874,  a chapel 
Wi  erected  in  the  rear  of  the  church.  It  is  of  stone,  gothic  style,  50x90  feet 
iaize,  with  a spire  in  front,  and  cost  $16,000.  In  the  rear  of  the  chapel  is 
iched  a kitchen,  for  festivals,  socials,  etc.  The  present  officers  of  the 
ifrch  are:  D.  Keifer,  H.  Strickler,  R.  W.  Steele,  P.  Smith,  W.  S.  Phelps, 

ayV.  Davies,  J.  H.  Winters  and  E.  A.  Daniel,  Elders;  W.  F.  Comly,  John  Da- 

D.  Carroll  and  G.  M.  Dixon,  Deacons.  Membership,  375. 

The  Sabbath  school  was  organized  soon  after  the  organization  of  the 
A rch,  with  Dr.  John  Steele  as  Superintendent.  The  attendance  is  now  about 
i;  with  J.  H.  Winters,  Superintendent. 

In  April,  1880,  the  old  church  building  was  torn  down  and  the  present 
nosing  edifice  began,  which  is  now  (April,  1882)  almost  ready  for  occu- 
py. It  is  constructed  of  stone,  and  is  of  the  old  English  gothic  type,  and 
. ujjests,  in  the  general  outline,  some  of  the  old  cathedral  architecture.  The 
eral  doors  make  the  church  very  easy  of  access,  and  from  the  corridors  it  is 
Lha  few  steps  to  the  farthest  side  pews.  It  is  beautifully  frescoed,  and  the 
lioi’  inclines  gradually  to  the  pulpit,  so  that  the  minister  can  be  seen  from 
apart  of  the  church.  The  pews  will  be  arranged  in  circular  form.  The 
rpit  will  be  three  feet  above  the  door,  with  the  choir  and  organ  back  of  it. 
krs  of  black  walnut,  carved  to  conform  to  the  circular  manner  in  which  they 
r arranged.  The  style  of  the  interior  is  the  Queen  Ann  gothic,  that  trans- 
its into  curves  and  arches  the  sharp  points  and  angles  of  the  pure  gothic. 

1 ceiling  proper  is  finished  in  blue,  studded  with  stars  and  in  Ecru  panels, 
nil  floral  work.  The  windows  are  of  rolled  cathedral  glass,  of  which  there 
r but  two  or  three  specimens  in  this  part  of  the  country.  The  auditorium 
v;1  be  lighted  by  two  sunburners  suspended  from  the  ceiling;  one  burner  has 
•i  ity-fivo  jets  and  the  other  sixty-five;  and  they  are  lighted  by  an  electric 
7ii.  The  building  will  cost,  when  completed,  about  $65,000,  and  will  be 

of  the  most  beautiful  places  of  worship  in  the  West.  At  one  corner  of 
1 building  is  a massive  tower,  surmounted  by  a tall  spire,  and  within  the 
°F  is  hung  the  bell  from  the  old  church.  The  church  is  connected  with 
h chapel  by  a corridor.  Its  seating  capacity  will  be  750. 

THE  PARK  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH. 

This  church  is  the  outgrowth  of  a colony  of  thirty  members  that  left  the 
’ t Presbyterian  Church,  November  13,  1851.  and  formed  themselves  into 
7|t  was  then  called  the  Presbyterian  Church  Mission.  In  1851,  a lot  was 
piphased  by  them,  on  Second  street,  near  the  northeast  corner  of  Second  and 
llison  streets,  and  a church  built  thereon  at  an  expense  of  $4,000.  It  was 
• ro-story  brick  church,  very  plain,  with  a low,  square-topped  tower.  It  was 
located  to  the  service  of  God  by  the  Rev.  Kemper  on  the  13th  day  of  March 
p-o-  i-u  the  same  month  the  name  of  the  church  was  changed  to  the  “Third 
npbyterian  Church.”  After  the  organization  of  the  colony,  John  More- 
1(1  and  Joseph  Barnett,  were  elected  Elders,  and  John  F.  Edgar  and  Joseph 
3 nett,  Jr.,  Deacons.  The  pulpit  of  the  new  church  was  filled  by  Rev.  P.  D. 
<J  %,  Pastor  of  the  mother  church  until  January  6,  1852,  when  James  T. 


! 


642 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Kemper  was  called.  He  served  for  twenty  years,  or  until  July,  1872,  when  th 
pastorial  relation  was  dissolved  at  his  request.  During  his  pastorate  in  1851 
the  church  seemed  to  be  weakening,  and  to  avoid  total  disaster,  they  resolvei 
to  change  their  location;  accordingly  they  sold  their  church  to  the  Catholics  an 
a lot  having  been  donated  by  Joseph  Barnett  on  St.  Clair  street,  opposite  th 
park,  the  building  of  a church  was  commenced.  It  was  completed  at  a cost  c 
$25,000.  It  is  a two-story  brick,  sixty  feet  wide  by  eighty  feet  long.  Tb 
lower  floor  comprises  the  Sunday  school,  lecture  and  side  rooms,  and  the  uppe 
floor  comprises  the  main  auditorium,  capable  of  seating  about  400  people.  0 
Rev.  Kemper’s  departure,  in  1872,  Rev.  J.  R.  Russell  was  called.  He  serve; 
until  1876.  The  church  was  then  without  a Pastor  until  May,  1878,  when  th 
present  Pastor,  J.  W.  Walden,  came.  He  was  called  in  September  of  the  yes 
previous.  The  church  is  now  in  a very  prosperous  condition. 

SUNDAY  SCHOOL. 

The  Sunday  school  of  this  church  was  organized  with  the  church.  Tb 
first  officers  were:  Isaac  Hawes,  Superintendent;  Algernon  S.  Pettigi’ew,  Assisi 
ant  Superintendent;  JohnW.  Morehouse,  Librarian;  William  A.  Barnett,  Assis 
ant  Librarian  and  Secretary.  Hawes  decided  not  to  colonize,  and  Pettigrew  b 
came  the  Superintendent.  The  school  has  fared  about  as  the  church,  sharin 
in  its  adversity  and  in  its  prosperity.  The  officers  of  the  school  now  (1881)  ai 
Samuel  Johnson,  Superintendent;  Charles  J.  Moor,  Assistant  Superintenden 
W.  J.  Jones,  Secretary;  J.  L.  Marquis,  Librarian. 

FOURTH  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH. 

This  church  sprang  from  a mission  school  established  by  Robert  Steve] 
son  in  September,  1854,  in  what  was  then  Miami  City.  Sabbath  school  ml 
first  held  in  a frame  building  standing  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Willai 
and  Third  streets.  The  building  was  afterward  changed  into  a dwellini 
house,  and  is  still  used  as  such.  At  a meeting  of  the  Miami  Presbytery  i 
Urbana  in  October,  1856,  a petition  for  the  establishment  of  a church  i 
Miami  City  was  presented  and  acted  upon.  Revs.  Brooks  and  Kemper,  an  I 
Elders  J.  Harries  and  J.  Barnett,  all  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  Da; 
ton,  were  appointed  a Committee  to  carry  into  effect  the  prayer  of  the  pet 
tioners.  They  met  on  the  25th  of  November — Thanksgiving  Day — in  the  5 
E.  Church,  Miami  City,  now  Davisson’s  Chapel,  and  organized  the  church  undij 
the  name  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Miami  City.  Daniel  Osbor 
Moses  Marquis,  H.  S.  Williams  and  Isaac  Brown  were  elected  Ruling  Elder} 
and  Robert  Stevenson,  W.  B.  King  and  Hiram  Lewis,  Deacons.  Services  wei! 
first  held  in  the  brick  college,  then  used  as  a military  institute.  Both  tlj 
chiu’ch  and  Sabbath  school  met  here  until  1859,  when  the  basement  of  the  nej 
church  building  was  ready  for  occupancy.  From  the  organization  of  the  chan 
until  April,  1857,  the  pulpit  was  supplied  by  Rev.  James  H.  Gill.  He  w 
followed  by  Rev.  J.  S.  Grimes,  who  served  until  February,  1858,  and  was  su 
needed  by  Rev.  A.  C.  Kemper,  whose  pastorate  ended  in  May,  1859.  The  u 
lowing- named  ministers  have  since  served  the  charge:  Rev.  McKeehan,  u/ii 
January,  1861;  Rev.  John  Plancock,  until  May,  1863;  Rev.  C.  B.  H.  Marti 
from  November,  1863,  uutil  May,  1864;  Rev.  Dr.  Findlay,  from  August,  186 
until  June,  1870;  Rev.  R.  T.  Drake,  until  November,  1872;  Rev.  A.  M.  Janki 
from  May  1,  1873,  until  October,  1877;  and  the  Rev.  John  H.  Graybill,  prt 
ent  pastor,  who  assumed  the  pastorate  in  March,  1878. 

The  present  church  building  was  completed  at  a cost  of  about  $20,0|! 
and  dedicated  in  May,  1874.  It  is  a substantial  building,  constructed  of  brie 
and  has  a spire.  Its  location  is  on  the  northeast  corner  of  Summit  and  T if 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


645 


,<3.  In  1871,  when  Miami  City  became  a part  of  the  city  of  Dayton,  the 
r of  the  church  was  changed  to  the  Fourth  Presbyterian  Church.  The 
ri'ership  is  now  about  one  hundred. 

Lt  the  organization  of  the  Sabbath  school,  Robert  Stevenson  became  the 
: j intendent,  and  the  following  ladies  and  gentlemen  teachers:  Misses 
i <u  and  Eliza  King  and  Carrie  Bellville,  Mrs.  Eliza  Osborn,  Dr.  F.  R.  Wil- 
.1  Joseph  Stevenson,  D.  Osborn  and  W.  B.  King.  Four  years  later,  Robert 
-mson  was  succeeded  by  H.  S.  Williams,  who  has  since  held  that  office, 
i verage  attendance  is  about  one  hundred  and  twenty. 


MEMORIAL  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH. 


Early  in  the  year  1867.  a committee  of  the  Young  Men’s  Christian 
. ^ iation,  of  the  Third  street  Presbyterian  Church,  purchased  the  ground 
,e  corner  of  Third  and  Terry,  where  this  church  building  now  stands, 
aost  of  $1,000.  During  the  spring  and  summer  following,  they  erect- 
frame  building,  whose  dimensions  were  28x40  feet,  costing  about 
50,  which  was  dedicated  to  the  service  of  God  July  7,  1867.  A 
I ith  school  was  organized  on  the  next.  Sabbath  Day,  at  which  time 
were  present  fifty-eight  scholars,  and  thirty-seven  teachers  and  visi- 
Mr.  Lambert  Woodhull  was  elected  Superintendent,  and  Winslow  Phelps 
l brian,  for  one  year.  The  school  soon  increased  to  such  an  extent  that  it 
isoum  necessary  to  enlarge  the  building,  and  two  rooms  were  added.  The 
ices’  Society  of  the  Third  Street  Church  furnished  comfortable  seats  for  the 
ail.  On  the  29th  of  October,  1867,  it  was  determined  by  the  originators 
te  mission  to  have  preaching  services  held  in  the  chapel.  Rev.  Joseph 
: title  was  chosen  as  preacher,  and  entered  upon  his  duties  November  10, 
6 The  sum  of  $1,400  was  pledged  as  his  salary.  In  April,  1868,  a church 
^organized  here  by  a committee  of  the  Dayton  Presbytery  (then  New 
cl||.  Rev.  R.  A.  Sawyer,  Rev.  H.  Calhoun  and  Mr.  Solon  Massey  were  the 
afittee.  The  name  by  which  the  church  was  designated  was  “ The  East 
nyterian  Church  of  Dayton.”  Messrs.  Jesse  P.  Conklin  and  Lambert 
olhull  were  ordained  as  Ruling  Elders  and  Mr.  Festus  Munger  as  Deacon. 


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iteen  persons,  most  of  whom  were  members  of  the  Third  Street  Church,  pre- 
1 certificates  of  dismission  that  they  might  unite  in  the  formation  of  the 
drarch.  Three  additional  persons  were  at  that  time  received  on  profes- 
bf  their  faith.  The  pastor,  Mr.  Little,  labored  with  zeal  and  fidelity  and 
acceptance,  for  twenty-three  months.  Twenty-five  persons  were  added  to 
Lurch  diming  his  ministry.  In  October.  1869,  a unanimous  call  to  be- 
pastor  of  this  church  was  given  to  Rev.  James  R.  Hughes,  of  the  Presby- 
of  Blairsville,  Penn.,  (then  Old  School).  The  salary  promised  was  $1,200, 
paid  monthly.  The  call  was  accepted,  and  Mr.  Hughes  began  his  labors 
mber  28,  1869.  The  number  of  members  at  that  time  was  thirty-four, 
installation  of  Mr.  Hughes  occurred  April  28,  1870,  and  up  to  this  date, 
i his  pastoral  relations  to  the  church  have  not  been  dissolved.  Early  in 
. it  was  determined  to  build  a substantial  brick  edifice.  Friends  of  the 
prise  in  the  parent  church  contributed,  about  $14,000.  and  about  $3,000 
Contributed  by  members  of  this  church  and  their  friends.  The  scholars  in 
Sabbath  school  also  contributed  liberally  to  the  building  fund.  The  work 
pO  far  advanced  by  October  18,  1872,  that  the  house  could  be  comfortably 
pied  in  the  first  story,  and  it  was  then  devoutly  dedicated  to  the  worship 
pd-  The  Ladies’  Society  of  the  church  contributed  the  chair,  carpets  and 
ixtures  As  a memorial  of  the  liberality  of  friends  to  whom  we  owe  so 
jb  and  also  of  the  happy  re-union  of  the  Old  and  New  School  branches  of 
presbyterian  Church,  it  was  resolved  to  ask  the  Presbytery  to  change  the 

w 


646 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


name  of  this  church,  and  to  call  it  “ The  Memorial  Presbyterian  Church 
Dayton,  Ohio.”  This  was  granted  in  May,  1872.  On  the  6th  of  March,  18' 
the  last  dollar  of  indebtedness  for  the  building  was  paid.  The  total  cost 
ground,  building  and  fixtures  was  about  $19,000.  In  1872,  the  plan  of  wee1 
contributions  for  church  revenue,  given  on  the  Sabbath,  was  adopted. 
1874,  a Young  People’s  Association  was  organized,  the  object  being  the  cul 
vation  of  personal  piety  and  the  more  efficient  accomplishment  of  church  wo 
On  the  26th  of  March,  1876,  a Missionary  Society  was  organized  in  the  S; 
bath  school,  called  “ The  Anthropois  Eudokia  Society,”  its  contributions 
be  divided  between  the  Foreign  and  Home  Missionary  Boards.  The  Sabbi 
school  at  this  date,  latter  part  of  1881,  contains  over  twenty-two  teache”.1-  a 
over  three  hundred  scholars.  During  the  spring  of  the  year  1880,  afior 
ceiving  very  liberal  offers  of  help  from  friends  in  the  mother  church,  it  \ 
decided  to  complete  the  upper  room,  and  a committee  was  appointed  to  sup 
vise  the  work,  consisting  of  J.  R.  Andrews,  L.  Woodhull,  A.  St.  John,  Jc 
McGregor,  J.  M.  Waldie,  J.  B.  Lehman  and  T.  D.  Hale.  This  work  was  cc 
pleted  at  a cost  of  about  $3,000,  and  the  church  was  dedicated  Sabbath,  Oc 
ber  10,  1880,  Rev.  J.  H.  Montgomery  preaching  the  dedicatory  sermon.  1 
following  is  the  present  church  organization:  Rev.  J.  R.  Hughes,  Past 
Messrs..  John  McGregor,  L.  Woodhull.  C.  P.  Treat,  W.  Phelps  and  A.  Cu 
bertson,  Elders;  Morris  A.  Carter,  James  R.  Andrews,  J.  Harry  Thomas  and  J 
Lehman,  Deacons;  W.  Phelps,  J .R.  Andrews,  IP.  F.  Strickler  and  John 
Waldie,  Trustees. 

UNITED  PEESBYTEBIAN  CHUECH. 

The  first  attempt  to  organize  a church  of  this  denomination  in  Dayton  \ 
made  in  1853  by  a few  followers  of  the  doctrines  of  the  old  Scotch  Covenimti 
The  effort,  however,  was  not  then  successful,  and  after  a short  struggle  I 
project  was  given  up.  In  1859,  fresh  attempts  were  made,  the  Presbytery  si 
plying  ministers.  The  congregation  was  regularly  organized  November  23, 1 8 

In  May,  1859,  the  Rev.  J.  W.  Bain  was  appointed  stated  supply  and  ser 
one  year.  The  church  on  the  southwest  corner  of  F ourth  and  Jefferson  strei 
erected  in  1841  by  the  First  English  Lutheran  congregation,  had  been  p 
viously  purchased  by  the  U.  P.  Brethren,  and  has  since  served  them  as  a ho 
of  worship.  The  pastors  of  the  church  since  organization  as  been  as  folio’ 
Rev.  J.  B.  Foster,  Rev.  E.  Creny,  Rev.  W.  S.  McClanahan,  Rev.  Robert  Sti 
art,  Rev.  W.  S.  Owens,  Rev.  T.  A.  Hutchinson,  Rev.  J.  W.  McNarv  and  K 
D.  H.  French,  D.  D.,  the  present  pastor.  The  present  membership  is  ab 
thirty-five.  A successful  Sunday  school  is  maintained. 

GEACE  METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHUECH. 

The  early  history  of  the  Methodist  Society  in  Dayton  is  closely  connec 
with  and  forms  part  of  the  early  history  of  the  Dayton  settlement 

William  Hamer,  who,  with  his  family  and  others,  were  the  first  white.1 
arrive  at  the  mouth  of  Mad  River  for  settlement  in  the  neighborhood,  form 
a class  of  Methodists  in  1797,  who  met  for  worship  at  stated  times  at  lusho 
three  miles  up  Mad  River.  A feeble  class,  yet  strong  in  the  faith,  a germ  h 
which  have  grown  the  powerful  congregations  of  Montgomery  County, 
though  not  a circuit  rider,  he  did  what  he  could,  as  a man  of  God,  to  gal. 
the  few  Christians  as  a nucleus  for  church  organization. 

In  1798,  Bishop  Francis  Asbury  sent  John  Kohler  to  organize  the  Mis 
Circuit,  and  on  Sunday,  August  12,  1798,  he  preached  at  Dayton.  That  ' 
the  first  religious  meeting  held  at  the  Dayton  settlement,  of  which  there  is  i 
record  or  other  evidence,  therefore  great  interest  will  attach  to  it,  and  we  p 
lish  the  following  note's  from  the  diary  of  the  Rev.  John  Kobier: 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


647 


Lord’s  Day,  August  12,  1798.—  Preached  in.  Dayton,  a little  village  by 
ame  on  the  bank  of  the  Big  Miami  River,  and  just  below  its  junction  with 
driver.  Here  are  a few  log  houses  and  eight  or  ten  families  residing, 
r, [ saw  some  tokens  for  good ; the  people  seem  to  receive  the  word  with  all 
less  of  mind  ; indeed,  several  in  the  little  company  were  much  affected. 

In  the  neighborhood,  there  are  six  or  eight  Methodists,  and  among  them 
•rjis  a local  preacher  by  the  name  of  Hamer.  Last  year  he  raised  a class  of 
t;  w scattered  Methodists  here,  and  for  awhile  met  them  as  leader.  I visit- 
1 tiiim  severally  ; as  far  as  possible,  examined  into  the  state  of  their  souls, 
I uud  some  of  them  filled  with  prejudice.  I held  a second  public  meeting 
them,  and  read  the  rules  of  the  society  ; laid  before  them  the  great  ne- 
s y of  Christian  unity  in  church  membership,  and  invited  all  who  could  f el- 
's peach  other  to  come  forward  and  join  in  class.  So  we  organized  a reg- 
r lass  of  eight  members,  of  whom  brother  Hamer  was  appointed 


lea#.” 

Monday,  August  18. — Rode  down  the  Big  Miami  River  twelve  miles 
f iisburg),  and  preached  in  an  old  fortress  (probably  the  stockade  and  block- 
if  at  Hole’s  Station),  to  a small  congregation,  consisting  chiefly  of  the  few 
lies  that  lived  at  the  fort.  On  inquiry  I found  that  this  fortress  was  on 
L untier,  and  no  settlement  around  or  near  them.” 

August  26. — Preached  in  Dayton  on  this  Sabbath  to  all  the  people  which 
rpd  country  could  afford,  who  were  but  few  at  best.  The  word  preached 
r i fought  to  bear  upon  the  company  with  a powerful,  quickening  influence. 


Ipeared  to  be  struck  under  conviction,  and  some  made  inquiry — ‘ What 
;h  i i do  to  be  saved  ?’  Some  followed  me  to  the  house  where  I stayed,  and 
used  an  increasing  desire  to  be  wholly  devoted  to  God.  The  success  of 
Aspel  on  this  missionary  field  is  no  longer  a problem.” 

I was  at  this  time  a very  sick  man.  Started  from  Dayton  dowD  to  my 
; citment  at  Hole’s  Station,  twelve  miles  ; reached  the  place;  the  people 
ejollected  ; was  not  able  to  preach.  Under  present  circumstances,  I was 
|ss  to  know  what  course  to  pursue.  To  travel  aud  preach  was  impossible. 

' lie  sick  at  any  of  the  houses,  in  these  parts,  would  be  choosing  death ; 
t s next  to  impossible  for  a well  man  to  get  food  or  sustenance,  much  more 
cp  prostrate  on  a bed  of  sickness.  Next  morning  I started  to  brother  Mc- 
LTck’s,  about  fifty  miles  distant,  as  the  only  place  where  I could  stay  with 
sgree  of  comfort.  ” 

January  1,  1799. — Preached  in  Dayton  to  a mixed  company  of  traders 
npetroit,  some  Indians,  French  and  English.  Knowing  that  they  all  had 
am|tal  souls  to  be  saved,  I took  for  my  text  : ’In  every  nation,  he  that 
hi  God  and  worketh  righteousness  is  accepted  of  him  ;’  I lifted  up  my 
■(ike  a trumpet,  and  cried  aloud  and  spared  not  ; laid  before  them  the -cor - 
his  of  their  wicked  hearts  and  the  fearful  consequences  of  a life  of  sin, 
u pressing  terms,  that  many  of  them  looked  wild  and  stood  aghast,  as  if 
pould  take  to  their  heels. 

After  preaehipg  I met  the  class,  found  them  in  a prosperous  sthte,  walk- 
the  fear  of  the  Lord.” 


anuary  2.  — On  Monday  expounded  the  126th  psalm  at  Hole’s  Station,  with 
sjerable  success.” 

April  2,  1799. — Preached  in  Dayton  for  the  last  time,  to  all  that  town 
puntry  round  about  could  afford,  which  were  not  many  ; subject  of 
1 'lose  was  Esau  selling  his  birthright.  I then  met  the  class,  read  the  rules, 

1 ’essed  on  the  society  the  various  duties  devolving  upon  them  as  church 
inju's.  Preached  at  Hole’s  Station  next  day,  and  at  Franklin  at  night.  In 
the  first  prayer,  a company  of  fifteen  Indians  came  to  the  door.  When 


648 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


we  rose  up  from  prayer,  the  old  chief  fixed  his  eye  on  me,  and  pushed  tlirou 
the  company  to  give  me  his  hand.” 

In  the  year  1800,  the  ordained  preachers  who  had  been  traveling  in  1 
West  were  recalled  by  Bishop  Asbury;  Henry  Smith  was  the  Presiding  Eli 
for  the  Miami  and  Scioto  Circuits.  In  the  fall  of  that  year,  the  Rev.  Willi 
McKendre  was  appointed  Presiding  Elder  over  all  of  the  Western  country 

But  very  little  record  is  in  existence  pertaining  to  affairs  of  the  Day 
society;  public  meetings  could  only  be  held  as  an  occasional  preacher  ca 
along.  Class  meetings  were  held  at  Hamer’s  cabin,  and  afterward  at  the  ca 
of  William  Cottingham,  who  was  a class  leader,  then  at  Thomas  Cotter 
about  a mile  east  of  the  village,  and  at  Aaron  Baker’s  in  the  village. 

September  22,  1811,  Bishop  Asbury,  then  on  his  way  to  the  annual  con 
ence  of  Ohio,  held  in  Cincinnati  October  1,  preached  to  a concourse  of  a th 
sand  people,  who  had  assembled  at  the  court  house  in  Dayton,  in  anticipatioi 
his  coming. 

Dayton  was  at  that  time  included  in  the  Mad  River  Circuit,  and  at  t 
conference  the  Rev.  John  Collins,  Rev.  Moses  Grume  and  the  Rev.  Josi 
Tatman  were  appointed  to  the  circuit.  On  the  next  Sabbath  after  his  appo 
ment,  Mr.  Collins  preached  at  the  court  house  in  Dayton,  and  also  on  the  t 
ceeding  Sabbath.  Very  shortly  after  this,  possibly  on  the  next  Sabbath, 
again  had  a meeting  here,  at  which  he  proposed  to  the  society  that  they  bi 
a “ meeting-house.”  The  members  of  the  society  at  that  time  were:  Will 
Cottingham,  class  leader;  Mary  Cottingham,  Anna  Cottingham,  Leah  Cotti 
ham,  Joshua  E.  Cottingham,  William  Hamer,  Sr.,  Mary  Hamer,  Polly  Han 
Betsy  Hamer,  Thomas  Cottom,  Priscilla  Cottom,  James  Cottom,  Nancy  Cott 
Jane  Snodgrass,  Aaron  Baker,  Hannah  Baker,  Philip  Sowers,  Peggy  Sow 
Peter  Brewer,  Barney  Brewer,  Joseph  Wilson,  Jane  Wilson,  Stephen  Spray 
and  Jemima  Sprague — twenty-four  in  all. 

The  next  month,  three  subscription  papers  were  circulated  to  raise  the 
essary  fund,  and  December  26,  the  following  trustees  were  appointed:  And 
Read,  Thomas  Smith,  Henry  Opdyche,  William  Cottingham,  Thomas  Coi 
and  Aaron  Baker,  who  upon  examination  found  that  1457.55  had  been 
scribed,  and  Aaron  Baker  was  appointed  to  make  the  collections. 

In  the  winter  of  1813-14,  the  church  was  incorporated  by  the  Legislal 
and  Lot  155  donated  and  deeded  to  them  byD.  C.  Cooper.  On  the  east  ha 
this  lot  the  Methodists  built  their  first  church,  a one-story  frame  building 
30  feet,  painted  red.  It  was  finished  and  occupied  in  1814.  Up  to  this  t 
meetings  had  generally  been  held  in  the  open  air  when  the  circuit  ri 
would  come  along;  occasional  meetings  had  been  held  by  the  Methodis 
the  log  cabin  meeting-house  of  the  Presbyterians,  and  afterward  in  the  ( 
house. 

Elisha  W.  Bowman  was  circuit  preacher  of  the  Miami  Circuit  in 
and  1803.  and  visited  the  society  at  Dayton. 

In  1804,  John  Sale  and  Joseph  Oglesby  were  assigned  as  circuit  preac 
to  the  Miami  Circuit.  f 

In  1805,  William  Burke,  Presiding  Elder,  John  Meek  and  Abraham  1 
were  assigned  to  the  Miami  and  Mad  River  Circuits,  both  preaching  alternj 
to  the  Dayton  society. 

In  1806,  the  assignments  to  these  circuits  were  John  Sale,  Presiding  E 
Benjamin  Lakin,  Joseph  Riggin  and  John  Thompson. 

In  1807,  John  Sale,  Presiding  Elder;  Benjamin  Lakin,  John  Co 
Ad  jet  McGuire  and  Isaac  Quinn. 

In  1808,  John  Sale,  Presiding  Elder;  Samuel  Parker,  Hector  San 
Thomas  Millikin,  J.  Davidson  and  W.  Mitchell. 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


649 


[n  1809,  John  Sale,  Presiding  Elder;  Hezekiah  Shaw,  William  Young  and 
i Henkle. 

In  1810,  John  Sale,  Presiding  Elder;  Saul  Henkle  and  Hector  Sanford. 

In  1811,  Solomon  Langdon,  Presiding  Elder,  John  Clingan. 

[in  1812,  Solomon  Langdon,  Presiding  Elder;  John  Collins  and  MosesCrume. 
In  1813,  Solomon  Langdon,  Presiding  Elder,  and  Joseph  Tatman. 

In  1814,  Samuel  Parker  and  Joseph  Oglesby. 

In  1815,  George  S.  Houston  was  Steward  of  the  Dayton  Methodist  Epis- 
r.  Church,  at  which  time  the  society  had  increased  to  a membership  of 
r , and  in  1818.  there  were  two  classes  with  a total  membership  of  sixty-three, 
aaas  Sullivan  and  Thomas  Cottom,  leaders.  In  this  year,  the  Methodist 
i ay-school  Society  was  formed. 

The  out-door  meeting  of  the  classes  and  society  held  in  the  early  days  of 
lie  liurch  and  county  cannot  be  considered  as  camp  meetings,  nor  were  there 
a aprotracted  meetings  held  in  Dayton  until  after  the  war,  and  possibly  not 
it  in  1817.  The  earliest  camp-ground  of  which  there  is  record  was  lo- 
ti in  a small  prairie  at  the  foot  of  Ludlow  street,  near  which  was  a large 
nrfg.  Very  large  and  specially  interesting  meetings  were  held  there,  while 
lelev.  John  Watterman  was  stationed  here  in  1819,  then  again  under  the 
e Arthur  Elliot  in  1821.  Canal  construction  in  1828  caused  a change  of 
.vocation  of  the  camp-grounds  to  the  grove  on  the  north  side  of  Mad  River, 

• above  the  Miami,  near  an  unusually  fine  spring;  by  the  change  of  the 
tflnel  of  Mad  River,  this  grove  is  now  on  the  south  side  of  the  river,  a short 
snce  southwest  of  the  Dayton  & Michigan  Railroad  bridge. 

The  frame  church  answered  every  purpose  of  the  society,  until  in  1828  the 
cbership  had  so  increased  that^it  became  necessary  to  erect  a new  and  large 
<wa  of  worship.  In  1829.  the  frame  building  was  sold  to  George  C.  Davis, 
h moved  it  to  the  north  side  of  East  First  street,  just  west  of  Foundry  street, 
is  afterward  destroyed  by  fire. 

The  preachers  who  officiated  in  the  frame  church  were:  In  1814-15,  .the 
-'■eh  Benjamin  Lakin,  John  Sale,  Abbott  Goddard  and  Marcus  Lindsey;  1815 
T MosesCrume,  Jacob  Miller,  John  Sale  and  Henry  B.  Bascom;  1816-17, 
Afcbtt  Goddard,  Moses  Crume,  Walter  Griffith  and  William  Williams;  1817— 
' him  Brooke,  John  Sale,  Moses  Crume  and  John  Strange;  1818-19,  William 
him,  John  Watterman,  Moses  Crume,  John  Sale  and  John  Strange;  1819- 
1 lohn  Strange,  William  Quinn  and  Moses  Crume;  1820-21,  John  Strange, 

; es  B.  Finley,  Russel  Bigelow7  and  Robert  W.  Finley  and  Arthur  W.  Elliott; 
v’,  Arthur  W.  Elliott,  John  Strange,  Thomas  S.  Flitt  and  George  W.  Maley; 
Y-25,  George  W.  Maley,  James  B.  Finley,  James  Collard  and  John  P.  Tay- 
1826-28,  John  Collins,  Augustus  Eddy,  Levi  White,  John  F.  Wright, 
aes  B.  Finley,  Burroughs  Westlake,  Alfred  M.  Lorain  and  William  H. 
k'ier;  1828-30,  Augustus  Eddy,  James  B.  Finlev,  Bur  roughs  W estlake  and 
Ted  M.  Lorain.  ' 

The  celebrated  Lorenzo  Dow7  had  also  preached  in  the  little  frame  church 
n 327,  attracting  great  crowds  from  the  country  about.  The  work  of  build- 
n. the  second  Methodist  church  was  begun  in  1828,  and  finished  the  next 
®j<  The  building  was  of  brick,  and  was  50x40  feet,  and  twenty-four  feet 
1 L with  a cupola  in  front,  and  a gallery  around  three  sides. 

in  1830,  the  Rev.  D.  D.  Dyche  was  located  at  Dayton  as  the  first  regu- 
‘ ’ stationed  preacher  for  Dayton  station.  The  Rev.  John  F.  WYight  was  the 
hiding  Elder,  with  the  following  Board;  Thomas  Sullivan.  Local  Preacher; 
Is;;c  Wareham,  Thomas  Cottom.  William  Kirk,  Daniel  Stutsman,  Aaron  Baker, 
vl.liam  Patterson,  Ephraim  Broadweli,  William  Tyler,  Thomas  Parrott,  with 
^ him  H.  Brown  Secretary  of  the  Board. 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


650 

In  1832,  the  Rev.  Arza  Brown  succeeded  Mr.  Dyche,  and  we  find  the 
lowing  subsequent  assignments:  1833-34,  William  D Barrett;  1834-36.  V\ 
iam  Simmons;  1836-38,  J.  A.  Waterman;  1838-39,  William  H.  Lawc 
1839-40,  Samuel  Latta;  1840-41,  David  Whitcomb,  1841-42,  Joseph  A M 
erman;  1842-44,  William  Herr;  1844-46,  J.  W.  Weakley;  1846-47, 'cj 
Brooks;  1847-49,  John  S.  Inskip;  1849-50,  George  C.  Crum;  1850-52,  \I 
iam  P.  Strickland;  1852-54;  William  H.  Sutherland;  1854-56,  E.  G Nic] 
son;  1856-58,  William  I.  Fee;  1858-60,  J.  M.  Leavitt;  1860-62,  J.  F.  Mar; 
1862-64,  Charles  Furgeson;  1864-65,  Asbury  Lowry;  1865-69,  William 
Hypes;  1869-71,  W.  W.  Ramsey;  1871-72,  J.‘  F.  McClelland;  1872-75.  M. 
Richards.  1875-77,  T.  H.  Pearne;  1877-79,  A.  B.  Leonard;  1879—81,  Will: 
L.  Hypes. 

March  16,  1833,  Thomas  Sullivan,  Aaron  Baber,  William  Patterson 
James  Slaght  were  appointed  to  provide  a house  of  worship  for  the  cole 
members  of  the  Methodist  Church.  The  result  was  the  building  of  the  II 
leyan  Methodist  Church  on  Bruen  street. 

At  a called  meeting  of  Quarterly  Conference,  held  in  Dayton  Decembe 
1839,  it  was  “ unanimously  resolved  to  raise  a centenary  subscription  for 
erection  of  another  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  in  Dayton.  ” 

In  July,  1841,  the  following  Board  of  Trustees  were  appointed  for 
new  church:  John  Chase,  W.  L.  Williams,  Jacob  W.  Griswold,  Thomas 
Sullivan  and  Jeremiah  Wilt.  In  the  fall,  contracts  were  made  for  buildin 
frame  church.  It  was  completed  and  called  Finley  Chapel,  in  honor  of 
Rev.  J.  B.  Finley,  who  was  then  Presiding  Elder  of  the  Dayton  district. 

Shortly  after  this  the  German  Methodists  built  their  church. 

During  the  pastorate  of  the  Rev.  John  S.  Inskip,  a new  brick  church 
erected  on  the  site  of  the  old  church,  on  Third  street.  The  ceremonies  at 
laying  of  the  corner-stone  were  conducted  by  the  Rev.  Arthur  W.  Elliott,  A 
10,  1848.  This  church  building  was  fifty-five  feet  wide,  and  eighty -two 
long,  with  end  galleries,  and  a tower  in  front,  in  which  tower  the  first  t< 
clock  that  had  been  in  the  town  was  placed. 

In  J anuary,  1854,  the  church  was  greatly  damaged  by  a portion  of  a 1 
ing  building  next  west  of  it,  crushing  through  the  roof  and  side;  and  din 
the  following  summer,  shortly  before  the  church  was  to  be  re-dedicated,  it 
again  injured  by  the  walls  of  the  new  building  in  process  of  construction 
west  of  it  being  blown  on  to  it.  This,  however,  was  quickly  repaired,  and 
church  re-opened. 

In  1866,  more  room  was  needed,  and  a new  location  was  determined  u] 
The  present  lot  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Ludlow  and  Fourth  streets 
bought,  and  on  the  2d  of  July  that  year  the  corner-stone  of  Grace  Chuich 
laid.  Three  years  was.  occupied  in  its  construction,  and  on  Sunday,  Mai 
27,  1870,  the  magnificent  Grace  Church  was  formally  dedicated  by  the  fi 
E.  O.  Flaven,  now  Bishop,  and  John  S.  Inskip. 

In  1839,  the  parsonage  on  Third  street  was  built,  and  was  rebuilt  in  T 

In  1854.  Davisson  Chapel,  in  Miami  City,  was  built  on  a lot  donated 
Mr.  George  Washington,  and  named  after  the  late  Rev.  Dr.  Davisson,  who 
queathed  $500,  with  interest  until  paid,  amounting  finally  to  upward  of  $!■ 
when  paid  by  Rev.  W.  Herd,  executor  of  the  estate,  and  Presiding  Fide: 
Dayton  district  from  1852  to  1855.  The  Rev.  W.  Fitzgerald  was  the 
preacher  assigned  there. 

The  present  officers  of  Grace  Church  are:  Presiding  Elder,  Rev.  Tho 
H.  Pearne;  Pastor,  Rev.  William  L.  Hypes ; Trustees,  S.  N.  Brown,  Presid 
S.  M.  Sullivan,  Secretary;  D.  W.  Engle.  Joseph  Peters,  H.  E.  Parrott, 
Schaeffer,  D.  W.  Schaeffer,  Edward  Johnson,  B.  C.  Taylor;  Stewards, 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


651 


dfeffer,  Charles  E.  Howell,  F.  M.  Leas,  James  S.  Frizell,  T.  W.  Staniland, 
Reynolds,  Charles  W.  Snyder;  Superintendent  of  Sunday  School,  H.  E. 
Local  Preacher,  S.  B.  Murphy. 

RAPER  METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH.* 

The  foundation,  progress  and  success  of  Raper  Methodist  Episcopal 
i !ch  of  Dayton  is  a fair  illustration  of  what  is  so  often  witnessed  in  this 
t prising  country  — of  great  results  springing  from  most  unpromising  be- 
.ngs.  From  such  a beginning,  dating  back  just  forty  years,  there  has 
rein  up  one  of  the  most  useful  and  prosperous  societies  in  the  State.  This 
, y result  is  largely  attributable,  under  the  Divine  blessing,  to  the  high 
acter,  integrity  and  energy  of  the  leading  members  of  the  Church,  who 
\ at  all  times  occupied  a high  position  in  business,  social  and  religious  cir- 
The  society  has  several  times  been  honored  in  the  selection  of  its  pas- 
i is  the  conference  representative  to  the  quadrennial  grand  legislative 
- ably  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church — the  General  Conference;  and 
a the  introduction  of  lay- representation  into  its  general  legislative  councils, 
a r Ch arch  has  once  been  honored  with  the  selection  of  one  of  its  laymen 
ch  representative. 

The  organization  of  this  society,  whose  plain  but  comfortable  church 
- due  stands  on  the  northeast  corner  of  East  Fifth  and  Jackson  streets,  was 
laed  in  the  year  1841.  When  it  was  first  proposed,  in  the  Official  Board 
resley  Chapel,  then  the  only  Methodist  Church  in  the  city,  to  build  a new 
iia!)  of  worship  east  of  the  canal,  considerable  opposition  was  manifested, 
that,  too,  from  far-seeing  and  competent  men.  The  site  was  unprom- 
u — a mere  frog-pond  — and  the  settlement  in  that  part  of  the  city  not  suf- 
fi.it  to  justify  the  enterprise.  On  the  9th  of  August,  1841,  at  a meeting  of 
Quarterly  Conference  of  Wesley  Chapel,  presided  over  by  Rev.  David 
kcomb,  it  was  resolved  that,  inasmuch  as  it  was  contemplated  to  build  a 
jcid  “meeting-house”  on  the  east  side  of  the  canal,  and  a lot  had  already 
> purchased  and  conveyed  to  J.  W.  Griswold,  that  the  preacher  in  charge 

■ quested  to  appoint  a new  Board  of  Trustees,  to  obtain  a deed  according 

■ e discipline  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  Daniel  Coffin,  Thomas 
ullivan  and  J.  W.  Griswold  were  appointed  a committee  to  estimate  the 
of  the  new  meeting-house.  The  new  Board  of  Trustees  were  author  - 

e to  enter  into  arrangements  with  William  Worrell,  so  as  to  secure  funds 
which  to  build  the  house. 

The  first  Board  of  Trustees  were  John  Chase,  Dr.  W.  L.  Williams,  Jere- 
<i|  Wilt,  J.  W.  Griswold  and  Thomas  H.  Sullivan. 

On  August  12,  1841,  the  title  to  Lot  No.  J 01,  on  the  east  side  of  the  canal, 
Ag  in  the  name  of  J.  W.  Griswold,  the  novel  plan  was  resorted  to  of 
■ang  him  a committee  to  execute  a deed  to  the  Trustees  of  the  Church. 

1 result  proved  the  wisdom  of  the  expedient.  Brother  Griswold  made  the 
aeyance  at  once  August  14,  1841,  the  Trustees  named  the  new  meeting 
J e “ Finley  Chapel,”  in  honor  of  the  eminent  pioneer  preacher,  Rev.  James 
’iuley.  In  pursuance  of  public  notice,  bids  were  received  for  the  building 
; le  new  house,  and  the  contract  was  awarded  to  Daniel  Coffin  and  Daniel 
' mire,  September  2,  1841,  for  the  sum  of  $763,  to  be  paid  in  subscriptions. 

■G  as  provided,  however,  that  the  Trustees  should  make  good  to  the  con- 
dors any  subscription  that  might  prove  uncollectable.  On  the  15th  of  De- 
-Der,  a further  contract  was  made  with  Coffin  and  Waymire  to  seat  the 
b ch  and  inake  the  altar  and  pulpit  for  $100.  It  will  be  seen  that  the 
jice  completed,  seating  and  all,  cost  less  than  $1,000.  It  was  a one-stcry 

■Vritten  by  Hon.  Henderson  Elliott. 


652 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


frame  structure,  which  has  since  been  removed  to  the  corner  of  Wayne  , 
Short  streets. 

September  26,  1842,  Samuel  Marshall  succeeded  Dr.  Williams  as  Triis 
which  position  he  held  with  honor  and  profit  to  the  church  for  a third  of  a & 
ury  — ■ to  the  day  of  his  death.  In  1845,  James  R.  Hoglen  and  Soloi 
Price  became  members  of  the  Board  and  held  their  positions  for  about  Ik 
years,  when  Mr.  Hoglen  passed  away,  while  Mr.  Price  still  lives,  a ha 
veteran,  loved  and  honored  by  all  who  knew  him.  Other  men  of  deci 
character  and  influence  were  subsequently  added  to  the  Board  of  Trust 
and  to  the  Official  Board,  of  whom  space  will  not  allow  particularizat: 
many  of  whom  have  fallen  asleep,  while  some  remain  to  this  day.  The 
society,  situated  as  it  was,  in  a growing  part  of  the  city,  prospered  beyond 
expectation:  and  it  was  found,  in  1851,  necessary  to  tear  down  and  build  In 
and  more  firmly.  This  matter  took  shape  and  form  under  the  vigilant 
popular  pastorate  of  the  Rev.  Thomas  (Tor such,  while  the  new  edifice 
erected  and  completed  during  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  W.  H.  Lawder,  in  11 
In  honor  of  a much-esteemed,  scholarly  and  accomplished  former  Pastor,  1 
William  H.  Raper,  one  of  the  noblest  men  in  the  whole  connection,  the  n 
of  the  church  was  changed  from  Finley  Chapel  to  “Raper.” 

Many  changes  have  been  made  in  the  interior  of  the  church,  suck  as 
putting  in  of  stained  glass,  frescoing  the  walls  and  ceiling,  substituting 
hectors  for  gas  jets,  carpeting  the  whole  louse,  remodeling  and  cushioi 
the  pews,  refurnishing  the  lecture  room,  and  placing  an  elegant  pjpe-crga: 
the  audience  room.  The  original  cost  of  the  new  building  was  about  $10,( 
The  improvements  made  in  it  have  cost  about  $10,000  more.  To  this  shout 
added  $3,000,  the  cost  of  the  parsonage,  built  in  1862.  The  lot  on  which  |: 
church  and  parsonage  now  stand  originally  cost,  in  1841,  $500.  The  gr< 
is  now  worth  $25,000,  and  the  whole  property  not  far  from  $40,000.  Th 
a fair  illustration  of  the  rapid  increase  in  the  value  of  property  in  the  eas 
part  of  the  city.  The  membership,  which,  at  the  outset,  consisted  of  a 
faithful  and  active  men  and  women,  now  numbers  about  550,  among  w 
are  some  of  the  most  prominent  citizens  and  business  men  and  Methodisl 
Southern  Ohio. 

The  Sunday'  school  is,  perhaps,  the  largest  in  the  Cincinnati  Confere 
the  regular  attendance  ranging  from  525  to  625.  Both  the  Sunday  school 
the  audience  rooms  have  come  to  be  entirely  too  small  for  the  large  congr 
tions  attending  the  regular  services,  and  soon  a new,  more  commodiouf 
more  convenient  house  will  be  required. 

The  enterprise,  vigor  and  devotion  of  this  church  will  be  found  equ; 
the  requirements  of  the  times.  When  the  new  edifice  is  imperatively 
manded,  it  will  be  built. 

Raper  has  at  all  times  been  faithful  not  only  to  the  doctrines  bull 
usages  of  the  Church,  as  formulated  by  the  higher  powers.  As  late  as  1 
the  “ Rules  ” hanging  in  the  vestibule  said,  “Let  the  men  and  worner 
apart.”  That  has  passed  away.  For  long  years,  opposition  was  manin 
to  choirs  and  musical  instruments.  In  twenty  years,  to  the  satisfaction  of 
progress  has  been  made  from  a “Prince”  reed  organ  to  an  excellent 
organ,  while,  during  the  same  period,  the  singing  has  been  led  by  preeen 
choirs  and  quartets,  as  the  tastes  and  wishes  of  the  musicians  mighi.  die 

The  array  of  pastors  serving  the  Church  in  the  last  forty  years  incl 
many  of  the  most  eminent  and  accomplished  preachers  in  the  Confere 
These  pastors,  from  1841  to  1881,  were  Revs.  Moses  Smith,  D.  D-,  A 
Musgrove,  William  H.  Raper,  Werter  R.  Davis,  D.  D.,  Thomas  Gorsuch,  1 
iam  H.  Lawder,  Granville  Moody,  D.  D.,  William  I.  Ellsworth,  J.  lord  Coi 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


653 


ales  T.  Bail,  George  C.  Crum,  D.  D.,  L.  F.  Yaucleve,  John  F.  Mar  ley,  I>. 
[).  Thomas  Collett,  William  A.  Bobinson,  Edward  T.  Wells  and  Lucien  Clark. 
it!  of  these,  Drs.  Crum  and  Smith,  were  recalled  and  served  each  a second 
•i . The  church  is  entirely  free  from  debt,  has  a firm  hold  on  the  sympa- 
: i;;  of  the  people  of  that  portion  of  the  city,  and  exercises  a very  great  in- 
iiice  in  Methodism. 

DAVISSON  METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHUHCH. 

The  church  society  denominated  Davisson  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  locat- 
j i West  Dayton,  on  the  southwest  corner  of  Fourth  and  Broadway,  was  organ  - 
3t,  by  the  Methodists  of  Dayton  in  1854,  it  being  the  third  Methodist  Episcopal 
. lech  established  in  the  city.  In  J anuary  of  that  year,  the  Bev.  W.  Fitzger- 
ioyas  appointed  minister  in  charge.  Soon  thereafter,  a one-story  brick  edi- 
t ciwas  erected,  at  a cost  of  $2,500.  The  church  was  so  named  in  honor  of 
£ D.  D . Davisson,  who  did  much  toward  its  erection.  We  cannot  give  a 
: irjlete  list  of  the  Pastors  of  the  church,  but  will  mention  those  at  our  com- 
if cl.  The  church  was  still  a mission  in  1857,  when  the  pulpit  was  filled  by 
e G.  H.  Kennedy,  who  served  the  congregation  two  years.  At  a later  period, 
hi  congregation,  with  the  one  at  Ebenezer,  constituted  the  charge  for  one  or 
v years,  then  for  several  years  Davisson  was  self-supporting.  It  was  also  for 
as  conference  years  1867-68,  connected  with  the  Buckeye  Street  Mission, 
nlng  the  recent  Pastors  of  the  church  have  been  Bev.  G.  W.  Gowdy,  who 
®d  one  year  and  nine  months.  He  was  succeeded  by  Bev.  W.  Williams, 
i remained  in  the  Pastorate  three  years.  Mr.  Williams  was  succeeded  by 
e J.  W.  Gaddis,  who  served  three  years,  and  during  his  pastorate,  the  charge 
oisted  of  Davisson  Chapel  and  Sears  Street  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  In 
Jail  of  1881,  Davisson  again  became  a station,  and  Bev.  M.  M.  Kugler, 
Fed  in  charge.  The  membership  is  160. 

SEAES  STREET  METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH. 

On  the  1.1th  day  of  October,  1857,  a Sabbath  school  was  organized,  in  what 
; then  known  as  the  Friends’  Meeting  House,  on  Sears  street,  between  Second 
a Third,  by  Bev.  Maxwell  P.  Gaddis,  who  became  the  first  Superintendent, 
uiorted  by  the  following  officers:  S.  C.  Emily,  Assistant  Superintendent; 
Tries  Parrott,  Treasurer;  Thomas  B.  Stevenson.  Librarian,  and  Charles  Bur- 
hfer,  Secretary.  The  outgrowth  of  this  school  was  Sears  Street  Methodist 
jpcopal  Church,  long  known  as  Gaddis  Chapel.  The  Bev.  Maxwell  P.  Gad- 
iwasthe  first  minister  appointed  to  Dayton  City  Mission,  and  he  commenced 
Labors  at  Sears  Street  Chapel,  September  30,  1860.  preaching  his  first  ser- 
11  from  the  205th  Psalm,  “In  the  name  of  our  God  we  will  set  up  onr  ban- 
|J  The  church  organization  took  effect  November  17,  I860,  and  the  society 
; first  officially  re-organized  by  Bev.  J.  F.  Chalfant,  Presiding  Elder,  Janu- 
r|l)  1861.  The  first  Board  of  Stewards  were  John  Birch,  J.  H.  Cheever, 
bander  McCandless  and  J.  Hicks.  Tho  first  sacrament  was  administered  in 
aiary,  1861.  The  church  record  exhibits  further,  that  Bishop  Simpson  oc- 
u .ed  the  pulpit  March  3,  1861,  and  Bishop  Morris  June  22, 1862.  Mr.  Gad- 
i served  the  people  two  years,  when  Bev.  M.  Marley,  D.  D. , was  appointed  to 
'i  Mission  (1862).  On  the  the  11th  of  June,  1863",  the  pulpit  was  filled  by 
%p  Ames.  Bev.  William  Simmons  was  appointed  to  succeed  Dr.  Marley 
B;863.  On  the  24th  day  of  November,  1863,  they  purchased  the  Friends’ 
fitting  House,  for  the  sum  of  $950.  Mr.  Simmons  served  three  years,  and  was 
Bteeded  by  the  Bev.  E.  F.  Hill,  who  remained  one  year.  In  1867,  the  Bev. 
fitwell  P.  Gaddis  was  returned  to  the  station.  Other  Pastors  have  been  as 
ows.  Bev.  J.  B.  Ellsworth,  1868-69;  Bev.  A.  Bowers,  1870-71;  Bev.  G.  H. 
A nedy,  1872.  Bev.  William  B.  Polling,  1875;  Bev.  W.  N.  Williams,  1876- 


654 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


77 ; Rev.  J.  W.  Gaddis,  1878-79-80,  and  the  present  Pastor,  Rev.  J.  Y.  L 
ing,  who  came  in  September,  1881.  At  this  writing  (May,  1882),  the  chr 
is  disbanding  to  form  another  organization,  in  East  Dayton,  to  be  kxown  as 
East  Dayton  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  They  have  disposed  of  the 
Chapel  building  for  $2,000,  and  have  purchased  ground  on  Huffman  ave 
and  May  street,  where  they  intend  to  erect  a beautiful  house  of  worship.  1 
membership  is  about  150. 

CAVALRY  METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH. 

In  1871,  a Mission  school  was  established  in  North  Dayton,  and  Cat 
Chapel  building  erected  by  the  Young  Men’s  Christian  Association  of  the  t 
This  edifice,  in  April,  1882,  was  transferred  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Chn 
The  amount  paid  for  the  building  was  $1,350.  Rev.  J.  Y.  Leming  is  the  ] 
tor  of  this  charge,  which  now  has  a membership  of  sixty,  besides  a flourisl 
Sabbath  school  of  160  scholars.  The  edifice  is  well  located,  and  the  new 
terprise  will,  Ave  doubt  not,  be  successful.  It  has  been  made  a regular  t 
sustaining  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

THE  GERMAN  METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH. 

In  1840,  twelve  persons  assembled  and  effected  this  organization,  know 
the  First  German  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  of  the  City  of  Dayton.  T' 
years  later,  they  built,  on  the  corner  of  Jackson  and  Sixth  streets,  a one-& 
brick  edifice  35x50,  which  cost  between  $1,500  and  $2,000.  This  was  dedic. 
to  the  service  of  God  by  Revs.  Achmoker  and  Dr.  Nast.  About  the  close  of 
war,  the  building  was  sold  to  Rev.  S.  D.  Clayton.  Ground  was  then  bough 
the  southeast  corner  of  Clay  and  Yan  Buren  streets  for  $700,  and  the  prejj 
church  building  erected.  In  size  it  is  45x75  feet,  tivo  stories  high,  and 
structed  of  brick,  at  a cost  of  $14,000.  The  auditorium  with  gallery  will 
from  500  to  600  people.  The  following  named  ministers  have  served  the  chn 
Rev.  Englehart,  Rev.  Riemeschneiver,  Rev.  Joseph  Hebner,  Rev.  JohnKeisI 
Rev.  Charles  Shelver,  Rev.  George  A.  Bruenich,  Rev.  George  Dancker,  ill 
John  Bier,  Rev.  Wilhelm  Ahrens,  Rev.  John  Hopen,  Rev.  Jacob  Rhodwei j 
Rev.  Bonneville  Braumiller,  Rev.  Christian  Foegler,  Rev.  George  Dane 
Rev.  Charles  Kissinger,  Rev.  Conrad  Gohn,  Rev.  George  Widman,  Rev.  Ear 
Wunderlect,  Rev.  J.  F.  H.  Pietrman,  Rev.  Edward  Ulnict,  Rev.  Philij 
Weber,  Rev.  John  Bier,  Rev.  F.  W.  Rinehart,  Rev.  A.  Kressley,  Rev.  j 
Swinefoot  and  Rev.  Charles  Bozenhard,  who  is  now  in  charge  of  the  congr 
tion.  There  are  now  enrolled  about  200  names.  The  Sabbath  school  wai 
ganizecl  with  about  twenty- live  scholars;  Jacob  Metz  was  the  first  Superint 
ent.  There  are  now  about  200  scholars  enrolled  under  the  superintendent 
Henry  Raber. 

WESLEYAN  METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  (COLOKED). 

Owing  to  the  loss  of  the  records  of  this  church,  we  are  unable  to  giv 
extended  sketch,  and  the  same  will  apply  to  the  remaining  three  colored 
gregations  of  the  city.  The  organization  was  effected  in  1842  with  a 
thirty-five  members.  They  are  strict  followers  of  the  father  of  Methodisn 
whom  the  church  was  named.  Soon  after  the  society  was  organized,  they 
chased  ground  of  the  Daughters  of  Zion,  a colored  society,  and  built  a 
story  frame  church,  which  stood  on  the  present  site  of  their  place  of  won 
on  Wilkins  between  Bruen  and  Zeigler  streets.  In  1854,  this  building  was 
and  the  present  two-story  brick  church  erected  at  a cost  of  about  $2,500. 
following  ministers  have  served  the  charge;  Rev.  Shadracli  Green,  Rev.  Ck 
Clemens,  Rev.  William  Clemens,  Rev.  Robert  Anderson,  Rev.  John  Fall. 
William  Jackson  and  Rev.  Thomas  Clinton, 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


655 


A successful  Sabbath  school  has  been  carried  on  since  the  church  organiza- 

O 

ti  oj 

AFRICAN  METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH. 

This  church  was  organized  in  1865,’  in  a public  hall  on  East  Fifth  street, 
le  Rev.  Matthew  Hogard,  with  nine  members.  Until  1872.  they  worshipped 
•ivate  houses  and  in  the  churches  of  other  religious  bodies;  that  year,  their 
' mt  house  of  worship  was  erected,  which,  with  the  ground,  cost  13,000  It 
Bated  on  Eaker  between  Ludlow  and  Perry  streets,  and  is  a one-story  brick 
Ofeet.  Ten  pastors  have  served  the  church  since  its  organization.  Rev.  W. 
'axwell  is  the  present  pastor,  and  the  membership  of  the  church  is  ninety. 

THE  FIRST  BAPTIST  CHURCH. 

Who  the  first  Baptists  that  settled  in  Dayton  were  cannot  now  be 
Gained.  In  the  county  records  of  1806,  it  appears  that  one  Charles 
1 o in  behalf  of  the  “ Baptist  Union  Congrega  ion  of  Dayton  ” applied 
>r  and  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Main  and  Third  streets,  which  had 

i given  the  town  by  D.  C.  Cooper  for  public  purposes,  as  a site  for  a 

■ 0 of  public  worship.  A few  months  later,  it  is  recorded  that  the  pe- 

ii  of  the  Anabaptist  Church,  as  it  was  called,  was  granted.  This  is  the 
-mention  of  Baptists  in  Dayton.  It  is  not  known  now  what  this  first  church 
exactly,  nor  how  strong  it  was.  At  any  rate  it  did  not  realize  the  claim 
t p,  for  we  find  the  land  applied  for  by  them  afterward  conveyed  by  Cooper 
icais  heirs.  The  commencement  of  the  Baptist  interest  which  resulted  in 
formation  of  this  church  may  be  associated  with  the  removal  to  Dayton 
•cfc  1823,  of  certain  Baptists  from  the  Lebanon  Church  and  other  places. 

- t leir  request  ministers  occasionally  visited  them  and  preached.  Among 
a were  Stephen  Gard,  pastor  of  Elk  Creek  Church,  in  Butler  County,  and 
on  Thompson,  pastor  of  the  chinch  at  Lebanon.  The  chinch  was  not  or- 
swed  until  May  29,  1824,  when  a council  assembled  in  Dayton  to  draw  up 
e onstitution  of  the  church.  The  articles  of  faith  were  drawn  up  by  Elder 
'oMulford,  of  Wolf  Creek  and  Tapscott  chinches.  The  church  council 
its  first  meeting  on  the  porch  of  William  Huffman’s  house,  on  the  corner 
■bird  and  Jefferson  streets,  where  the  Beckel  House  now  stands.  After 
ces  the  Sunday  following,  Mrs.  Lydia  Huffman  was  baptized  in  the  river, 

‘ le  east  of  the  head  of  Main  street,  the  first  baptism  that  was  ever  wit- 
,s  >d  in  Dayton.  The  church  now  numbered  ten  members.  In  September  of 
; year,  1824,  the  church  was  received  into  the  Miami  Association.  For  the 
"Hu’ee  years  after  its  organization,  the  church  was  supplied  with  preaching 
1(  a month  by  Elders  Thompson,  Gard,  Martin  and  others.  Elder  Gard  was 

■ rst  pastor.  In  1827,  the  membership  was  only  thirteen.  Rev.  D.  S.  Bur- 
i then  a young  man,  became  pastor,  and  the  chinch  was  encouraged  to  build 

■ use  of  worship.  The  house  and  ground  together  cost  $2,000.  They  were 
11  the  west  side  of  Main  street,  on  the  corner  of  the  alley,  between  Water 
;|  First  streets.  Up  to  this  time  they  had  worshiped  in  the  old  court  house, 

; sometimes  in  a room  on  St.  Clair  street,  between  Second  and  Third.  At 
'>md  of  the  second  year  of  Mr.  Burnett’s  ministry,  the  church  numbered 
~ y-f our  members,  but  the  young  pastor  was  becoming  fascinated  with  the 

doctrine  of  Campbellism,  and  on  the  24th  of  March  1829,  everything 
t written  articles  of  faith  were  neglected.  Thus  the  church  became  a Camp- 
■ue  church,  only  eight  or  nine  members  refusing  to  stay.  These  few  met 
e house  of  Elizabeth  Crowell,  and  passed  a resolution  to  “ keep  the  stand 
First  Baptist  Church  in  Dayton.”  At  a subsequent  meeting  held  at 
iani  Huffman’s,  they  excluded  the  pastor  and  those  following  him  from 
af>aptist  Church  of  Dayton,  although  these  persons  constituting  the  majori- 


656 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY- 


ty  had  already  dismissed  them.  They  also  petitioned  the  Supreme  Court 
possession  of  the  property,  but  lost  the  case.  (Sec.  6th  O.  R. , P.  363.)  ' 
little  band  continued  to  hold  their  meetings,  having  occasional  services  for 
years  by  Elders  Mulford  and  Thompson,  the  latter,  with  Elder  Gard,  ha\ 
done  much  to  hasten  the  division  by  preaching  “sound  doctrine,  which  me 
election  and  limited  atonement. and  preaching  against  educated  ministers,  B 
and  Missionary  societies,  and  all  human  institutions .”  The  nine  meml 

were  soon  increased  by  some  new  residents  from  other  points,  and  in  1 835 
“ New  Light  ” church  was  rented,  and  Rev.  Samuel  R.  Clark,  who  had  1 
sent  west  by  the  Home  Mission  Society,  was  called  to  preach  half  of  the  time, 
died  shortly  after,  September  11,  1835.  The  church  now  numbered  thirty  ei 
At  this  time  the  Anti-Mission  schism  took  place.  The  “old  school  1 be 
opposed  to  spreading  the  Gospel  otherwise  than  by  preaching,  the  “New  Schc 
favoring  missions,  Sabbath  schools,  etc.  The  Layton  church  went  with 
New  School.  Elder  M.  E.  Cook  was  pastor  of  the  church  for  one  year,  fi 
1837.  In  the  summer  of  1838,  Elder  J.  L.  Moore  came  to  Dayton,  an 
January,  1839,  became  pastor  of  the  church,  which  had  been  incorporated 
an  act  dated  February  25,  1837.  In  speaking  of  this  time,  he  said  his  ot 
in  accepting  the  charge  was  to  aid  them  in  erecting  a church.  The  chi 
only  numbered  fourteen  males,  and  all  together  they  did  not  pay  taxes  on  8 
000,  yet  over  $2,000  was  subscribed.  A lot  was  purchased  on  JeffeVson  si 
for  $1,350,  and  a church  built  at  a cost  of  $5,164.50.  It  was  not  finished  i 
1841—12.  During  this  time,  the  Sunday  school  was  organized  with  100  schc 
and  twenty  teachers,  with  Deacon  E.  E.  Barney  as  Superintendent,  in  wl 
capacity  he  labored  for  fifteen  years.  Elder  S.  S.  Parr  was  the  next  pastel 
the  church;  he  served  from  July  1841,  to  December  1843.  He  was  succec 
by  Rev.  Frederick  Snyder,  who  entered  upon  the  duties  -of  pastor  in  A 
1844,  and  remained  seven  years,  or  until  1851.  The  next  pastor  was  1 
Samuel  Foljambe,  who  was  called  on  the  5th  of  January  1852,  and  resigne 
the  close  of  1855.  Rev.  Samson  Talbott  succeeded  him;  he  came  io  J 
1856,  and  left  to  accept  the  presidency  of  Dennison  University  at  Gram 
in  July,  1863.  Rev.  PI.  Harvey  was  called  April,  1864,  and  remained  i 
1867.  Just  previous  to  his  pastorate  the  old  church  on  Jefferson  was  disp 
of.  a lot  purchased  on  Main  street,  and  the  present  beautiful  and  commod 
building  was  erected  at  a cost  of  $45,856  for  house  and  ground.  It  is  a 1 
two- story  brick,  with  the  usual  rooms  down  stairs  and  the  auditorium  up  st 
It  has  a tall  and  graceful  spire  about  150  feet  high,  supplied  with  a ! 
bell.  It  was  formally  dedicated  free  of  debt,  October  25,  1863.  In  1865 
a Mission  Chapel  was  built  by  the  young  men  of  the  church,  on  East  I 
street.  This  brings  up  to  the  present  pastorate.  Rev.  H.  Colby,  who 
called  in  1867,  and  has  been  an  able  and  efficient  pastor  ever  since 
church  now  numbers  about  400  members,  and  the  Sunday  school  37 < > scln 
with  thirty-nine  officers  and  teachers. 

THE  WAYNE  STREET  REGULAR  BAPTIST  CHURCH. 

December  29,  1848  forty-four  members  of  the  First  Regular  13a 
Church  of  Dayton,  who  had  asked  for  letters  of  dismissal  therefrom,  vote 
organize  themselves  into  a church  and  adopted  articles  of  faith,  a covenant 
temperance  pledge.  On  the  9th  of  January,  1849,  they  were  publicly  r; 
nizecl  as  a Regular  Baptist  Church,  by  a council  of  delegates  from 
Baptist  Church,  called  together  to  consider  the  questions  of  their  rec< 
tion.  For  the  first  few  weeks  of  the  existence  of  the  church  it  was  ki 
as  the  “Oregon  Regular  Baptist  Church  of  Dayton.”  The  first  of 
of  this  church  were  J.  H.  Thomas,  Clerk;  J.  B.  Turner,  J.  McCammon 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


657 


1 Washington,  Deacons;  John  Ewing,  Treasurer:  and  J.  B.  Turner,  S.  P. 
}ate  and  John  Clarke,  Trustees.  Their  first  meetings  were  held  in  the  church 
jwj|d  by  the  Dunkards.  Next  they  worshiped  in  the  Oregon  Engine-house, 

. x was  found  too  small,  and  on  February  27,  1849,  it  was  resolved  to  build  a 
1 .13  of  their  own.  Ground  for  this  purpose  was  purchased  of  E.  Thresher 
r r 300,  Mr.  Thresher  giving  one  half  of  the  ground,  as  the  lot  was  valued 
00,  upon  condition  that  the  lot  should  be  appropriated  exclusively  to  the 
apse  of  building  a Baptist  meeting  house  thereon.  Subscriptions  were 
':i,  and  a brick  building  40x60  feet  was  begun.  During  the  year  1849,  in 
he, aidst  of  building,  the  cholera  broke  out,  business  in  the  city  was  suspended 
ltlhe  work  of  the  church  was  greatly  impeded.  However,  the  basement  was 
dieted  and  occupied  January  1,  1850.  The  exercises  of  the  occasion  being 
>i  ucted  by  Rev.  F.  Snyder,  of  the  First  Church,  assisted  by  Rev.  J.  L.  Moore, 

i ormer  preaching  the  sermon.  The  auditorium  was  finished  and  dedicated 
. 153.  The  first  pastor  of  the  church  was  Rev.  S.  Gorman,  who  served  until 

Fa  1852,  when  succeeded  by  Rev.  Marsena  Stone,  who  was  the  pastor  a few 
;hs  only.  In  April,  1853,  Rev.  J.  Chambers  became  the  pastor  and  served 
iyear.  His  successor  was  the  Rev.  Nicholas  S.  Bastian,  whose  pastorate 
in  October,  1854,  and  continued  until  the  spring  of  1856.  During  the 
her  of  1855-56  the  church  witnessed  a powerful  revival,  the  pastor  was  as- 
iijd  by  Rev.  D.  E.  Thomas,  who  was  a stated  supply  for  several  months 
big  the  summer  of  1856.  The  result  of  the  meeting  is-  thus  stated  in  the 
hiefl  records,  “ as  the  first  of  om  labors  during  our  long  protracted  meeting, 
e ave  added  to  our  numbers  as  fol lows : By  letter,  six;  by  experience,  five;  and 
■ aptism,  seventy-four,  making  in  all  eighty-five.”  Rev.  E.  W.  Dickinson  be- 

ii  s the  pastor  in  October,  1856,  and  served  until  August,  1861.  Another  ex- 
•tve  revival  occurred  during  the  winter  of  1858-59,  in  which  the  First 
a list  Church  united  with  the  Wayne  Street  Church.  Fifty-six  accessions  were 
if  e to  the  church.  Mr.  Dickinson  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  E.  F.  Strickland, 
h served  one  year.  The  eighth  pastor  was  Rev.  D.  F.  Carnahan,  who  as- 

d the  pastorate  in  the  summer  or  early  fall  of  1863.  Other  pastors  of  the 
kfch  up  to  April,  1878,  with  the  term  of  service  of  each  are  as  follows  : Rev. 

* iam  D.  Bunker,  from  July,  1865,  to  July,  1868;  Rev,  P.  M.  Weddell,  from 
iejember  9,  1868,  to  the  latter  part  of  1873  : Rev.  Hugh  A.  Marshall,  from 

iary  1,  1874,  to  April  1,  1874;  Rev.  H.  A.  Delano,  from  December  21,  1874, 
April  17.  1876;  Rev.  H.  M.  Dean  (a  supply),  from  some  time  in  December 
81,  to  the  latter  part  of  March,  1878. 

The  church  then  had  no  pastor,  and  was  arranging  with  the  Baptist  Union 
1 he  City  of  Dayton  about  giving  up  its  property  and  debts  to  the  Union. 

It  voted  August  12,  1878,  to  disband,  and  give  letters  of  dismission  to  all 
' ood  standing,  who  should  call  for  them  previous  to  November  12,  1879, 
’In  the  disbandment  should  be  completed. 

The  Sunday  school  had  been  in  chai’ge  of  E.  F.  Sample,  during  the  sum- 
i!  and  was  rapidly  growing  from  the  discouraged  condition  in  which  he 
o.id  it. 

The  Baptish  Union  secured  the  services  of  Rev.  H.  H.  Bawden,  who  be- 
;;  his  labors  with  the  interest  which  has  been  since  that  known  as  “ The 
tral  Baptist  Mission  of  Dayton,”  on  November  20,  1878.  Since  that  time, 
^Baptist  Union  have  steadily  prosecuted  the  work  amid  many  difficulties. 

In  the  early  part  of  1880,  the  Union  effected  a sale  of  the  old  meeting- 
" se  and  lot,  and  immediately  paid  off  the  debts  which  had  accumulated  to 
hextent  of  more  than  $4,000. 

| J-  B.  Thresher,  E.  M.  Thresher  and  Albert  Thresher  then  offered  to  pay 

* pO  each  toward  a new  meeting  house  for  the  mission,  provided  a house 


658 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


should  be  built,  costing  not  less  than  $10,000,  which  should  be  free  from  dt 
(We  should  have  mentioned  that  when  the  debts  were  all  paid,  there  reman 
in  the  possession  of  the  Baptist  Union,  a lot  on  the  corner  of  Clay  and  1 
Buren  streets,  66x132  feet,  with  a brick  dwelling-house  on  it,  which  had  c 
“ in  flush  times  ” $8,500  ; and  they  had  $3,386.36  in  money.) 

The  offer  of  the  Threshers  gave  a good  start,  and  soon  they  had  relia 
subscriptions  amounting  to  nearly  $11,000. 

E.  E.  Barney,  who  had  always  been  deeply  interested  in  the  church,  tl 
became  responsible  for  $4,000,  cash.  (The  Union  having  determined  noi 
incur  debt).  It  was  decided  to  build,  and  the  beautiful  church  edifice  loca 
on  the  corner  of  Clay  and  Yan  Buren  streets,  an  admirable  view  of  wind 
obtained  from  Eifth  street,  is  the  result. 

It  is  of  brick,  two  stories  high  and  one  of  the  most  perfect  churches 
outline  and  finish  in  the  city.  Its  style  of  architecture  is  an  adaptation  of 
Romanesque  or  semi-Giothie,  and  presents  an  imposing  appearance  with 
square  tower  and  fully  rounded  arches.  It  was  first  proposed  not  to  eree 
tower,  and  afterward  an  octagonal  spire  was  suggested,  but  the  present  c 
adds  materially  to  the  appearance  of  the  building. 

The  auditorium  is  48x50  feet,  with  a seating  capacity  of  over  500.  T 
dedicatory  services  took  place  in  the  evening  of  May  4,  1882,  sermon  by 
Rev.  Dr.  King,  of  Cleveland. 

The  total  cost  of  the  building,  outside  of  the  furniture  is  $14,000,  evi 
cent  of  which  is  paid.  Not  a particle  of  debt  remains  upon  it.  This  is  one 
the  most  encouraging  features  of  its  auspicious  opening. 

FIRST  GERMAN  BAPTIST  CHURCH. 

In  June,  1852,  twelve  persons,  formerly  members  of  a Society  in  Beri 
Prussia,  met  and  organized  the  above  named  church.  J.  J.  Werthner  was 
pointed  to  preside  over  the  church  society  at  that  time.  There  were  present 
the  organization  of  the  church,  Rev.  A.  Heinrich,  of  Rochester,  N.  Y.,  Cif 
man  of  the  meeting;  Rev.  M.  Stone,  Rev.  Samuel  Foljambe,  of  Dayton;  II 
J.  L.  Moore,  of  Springfield;  B.  C.  Cane,  of  Carlisle;  O.  B.  Stone,  of  Xenia,  s 
J.  G.  Brown,  of  Cincinnati.  The  first  meeting  of  the  church  was  held  at 
Wayne  Street  Baptist  Church,  after  which  they  met  at  the  Sixth  Street  Eng- 
House  until  1854,  when  it  was  decided  to  build  a church.  Ground  for  t 
purpose,  situated  on  East  Fifth  street,  was  purchased  of  William  Hoffman 
$500,  on  which  was  built  a church,  40x60  feet,  consisting  of  a basement  s 
an  upper  story,  at  a cost  of  $3,000.  In  1861,  Henry  Koehler,  of  York,  Pen 
became  the  Pastor.  In  1866,  G.  D.  Menger  was  called,  the  church  then  nr 
bering  150  members.  At  this  time  an  additional  $1,000  was  expended  in  co 
pleting  the  church.  G.  Eisele  assumed  the  Pastorate,  and  remained  m 
1877.  In  1872,  a division  occurred  in  the  church,  on  questions  of  church  d 
cipline,  sixty  members  leaving.  They  worshiped  at  Rocky  Mission  Chapel  i 
til  1878,  when  they  returned  to  the  church,  Rev.  G.  D.  Menger  having  b< 
recalled  to  the  pastorate.  In  connection  with  the  church,  a Sabbath  school  > 
100  scholars  and  sixteen  teachers  is  maintained.  The  church'  now  (1881) 
without  a Pastor. 

ZION  BAPTIST  CHURCH  (COLORED). 

On  the  30th  day  of  November,  1870,  the  religious  society  bearing 
above  name  was  organized  at  the  residence  of  Humphrey  Moody,  in  Mia 
City,  with  the  following-named  persons:  Albert  Matthews,  Sarah  Anders 
Humphrey  and  Elizabeth  Moody  and  William  Lenyear.  Rev.  Albert  M 
thews  became  the  pastor  of  the  church.  Services  were  at  first  held  in  the  hoi 
of  the  Pastor,  then  in  a hall  on  Wayne  street,  and  in  the  Baxter  Street  Engi 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


659 


X.  In  the  fall  of  1876,  a lot  on  Sprague  street,  in  West  Dayton,  was  pur - 
ad  by  the  congregation  for  $400,  on  which  a one-story  brick  church  was 
,.  -cjd  at  a cost  of  $1,800.  Other  pastors  of  the  church,  in  the  order  given, 
Jjeen  Rev.  Spencer  Young,  Rev.  Albert  Matthews,  Rev.  William  Harris, 
Henry  Roberts  and  Rev.  James  Shocraft. 

LINDEN  AVENUE  BAPTIST  CHURCH. 

’he  organization  of  Linden  Avenue  Baptist  Church,  was  effected  Septem 
■ ).  1872.  with  fifty-seven  member's,  thirty-five  of  whom  were  from  the  First 
pfct  Church  of  the  city,  twenty  from  the  Wayne  Street  Baptist  Church,  and 
i fom  elsewhere.  The  first  Pastor  of  the  church  was  the  Rev.  Frederick 
itorthy,  who  was  ordained  on  the  18th  day  of  October,  following,  and 
1 until  in  September,  1878.  December  1,  of  the  same  year,  the  Rev.  J. 
irks,  present  Pastor,  assumed  the  pastorate.  Not  long  after  the  organiza- 
njf  the  church,  ground  was  purchased  of  W.  P.  Huffman,  and  the  present 
ah  edifice  erected.  It  is  a beautiful  temple ; in  external  arfehitechure,  it 
much  resembles  the  Alain  street  Baptist  Church,  though  not  so  large.  The 
liirium  is  86x46  feet,  the  whole  of  the  upper  floor,  except  the  vestibule,  ten 
t ide.  Above  the  vestibule  is  a gallery,  in  wrhich  is  a pipe  organ.  At  the 
cite  side  of  the  church  is.  the  pulpit  platform,  back  of  which  is  a shallow 
icpty  in  the  wall,  arching  to  a point  two-thirds  of  the  way  to  the  ceiling; 
>wer  part  of  the  concavity  is  lined  with  white  walnut  panel  work;  the 
i!  )il  part  is  made  to  represent  a firmament  by  stars  of  gold  on  a back  ground 
i.z:e  blue.  The  finish  of  the  auditorium  is  in  exceeding  good  taste,  nothing 
_ a ms,  but  elegant.  The  body  of  the  frescoing  is  light,  with  a faint  blue 
ca,;.  The  ceiling  is  variegated  in  subdued  colors.  Two  gas  suns  in  the  ceil- 
bht  up  the  auditorium  brilliantly  at  night.  It  has  a seating  capacity  of 
r 600.  The  pulpit  desk,  an  elegant  piece  of  workmanship,  is  of  black  wal- 
. On  the  first  floor  are  the  Sunday  school  room,  Bible-class  rooms,  and 
i for  kitchen  and  pantry,  furnished  with  all  necessary  culinary  utensils  to 
l tuid  in  church  festivals,  socials,  etc.  The  lower  story  was  completed  and 
■rd  for  services  in  the  evening  of  December  80,  1873,  when  dedicated  by 
J.  F.  Behrends,  of  the  First  Church  of  Cleveland.  The  auditorium  was 
lifted  to  God  December  12,  1879.  There  were  present  on  this  occasion, 

. R.  Hughes,  of  the  Memorial  Church;  Rev.  C.  F.  Colby,  of  the  Main  Street 
”t Church,  Rev.  H.  H.  Bawden,  of  the  Wayne  Street  Baptist  Church:  Rev. 

I Monger,  of  the  first  German  Baptist,  and  Rev.  J.  H.  Parks,  pastor  of 
1 ' ’arch  to  be  dedicated.  The  dedicatory  sermon  Avas  preached  by  Dr.  John 
10,  of  Chicago.  The  membership  is  now  175. 

THE  BAPTIST  UNION. 

bis  society  consists  of  a union  of  the  Baptists  of  the  city  for  the  pur- 
1 f giving  aid  and  support  to  churches  of  the  denomination  requiring  as- 
•>  af;e.  It  was  organized  January  12,  1874,  with  the  following  officers: 
sent,  W.  P.  Huffman;  Vice  President,  E.  E.  Barney;  Secretary,  James 
ir;  Treasurer,  J.  K.  Mclntire.  Until  1878,  any  member  of  the  Baptist 
lL"b  residing  in  the  city  was  an  ex  officio  member.  That  year,  it  Avas  incor- 
■id,  Avhen  the  Trustees  of  the  Union  became  virtually  the  Union.  Each 
1 ri  now  elects  five  persons  who  represent  them  as  members  of  the  Union. 

' issions  are  represented  by  their  Pastors.  Present  officers  (1881):  Presi- 

1 J.  Parker;  Vice  President.  ReAT.  J.  H.  Parks;  Secretary,  E.  R.  Still- 
1 Treasurer,  C.  H.  Crawford. 

CHRIST  CHURCH. 

;n  the  15th  day  of  May,  1817,  the  Rev.  Philander  Chase,  then  on  a mis- 
S10uf  four  through  Southern  Ohio,  held  the  first  seiwice  of  the  Episcopal 


660 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Church  in  Dayton.  Immediately  following  this  service,  a parish  was  orgs 
ized  under  the  name  of  St.  Thomas’  Church,  and  its  articles  of  associati 
were  signed  by  seven  persons,  who  bound  themselves  together  as  interested 
the  continuance  of  such  services.  This  organization,  however,  does  not  so 
to  have  possessed  much  vitality,  and  we  hear  no  more  of  it,  nor  of  the  se: 
ices  of  the  church  here,  until  nearly  two  years  later,  when  he  who  held  ( 
first  service,  and  in  the  meantime  had  been  consecrated  Bishop  of  Ohio, 
turned  to  Dayton  and  held  a second  service  in  October,  1819.  Noveml 
27,  1819,  St.  Thomas’  Church  was  re-organized,  and  this  time  its  artic 
of  association  were  signed  by  twenty-three  persons,  prominent  among  wb 
were  Judge  Crane  and  Warren  Hunger,  Sr.,  Esq.  The  parish  was  withou 
settled  pastor  until  October  19,  1821,  when  the  Rev.  Spencer  Wall,  a I)ea< 
then  in  charge  of  the  missionary  work  at  Piqua  and  Springfield,  took  chai 
of  the  congregation  on  alternate  Sundays,  and  served  until  March,  1822, : 
he  was  the  only  regular  clergyman  during  the  years  that  St.  Thomas’  Chu 
was  in  existence.  The  Rev.  Samuel  Johnson  continued  occasional  services 
several  years,  and  so  did  other  clergymen  of  the  diocese,  among  them 
Rev.  Thomas  A.  Osborne,  the  Rev.  Ezra  B.  Kellogg,  the  Rev.  Gideon  McS 
lan  and  the  Rev.  Alexander  Hall.  The  services  during  these  years  were  h 
in  the  Lancasterian  Schoolhouse,  which  then  stood  on  St.  Clair  street,  oppo; 
the  park;  in  the  houses  of  worship  of  other  Christian  bodies,  in  the  old  cc 
house,  and  in  private  houses.  But  inability  to  procure  the  regular  servici 
a clergyman,  even  at  stated  intervals,  discouraged  the  leaders  and  scatte 
the  congregation;  and  after  several  years  of  earnest  struggle,  St.  Thorr 
Church  succumbed  to  these  disheartening  influences  and  ceased  to  exist,  exc 
in  name.  The  last  service  of  the  decade  of  which  there  is  any  record 
held  some  time  in  1827,  and  from  then  until  1830  the  voice  of  the  elan 
feeble  for  a long  time  previous,  was  hushed  in  death.  On  the  7th  day  of 
tober,  1830,  the  Rev.  Ethan  Allen,  on  a missionary  toiu-  of  inspection  throi 
the  southwestern  counties  of  the  State,  visited  Dayton  and  stated  his  mist 
to  Judge  Crane  and  Warren  Hunger,  Sr.,  saying  that  he  had  come  to  sp; 
Sunday  here,  and  would  like  to  give  them  services  if  agreeable  to  them,  ’l  l 
two  faithful  pioneers  were  so  completely  discouraged  by  the  experiences  of 
past  that  they  gave  him  no  encouragement.  Hr  Allen,  early  the  follow 
morning,  left  the  town ; he,  however,  x-eturned  October  21,  and  bringing  v j 
him  letters  of  introduction  announcing  his  intentions.  His  services  were 
cepted,  the  old  Presbyterian  Church  standing  on  the  corner  of  Second  j 
Ludlow  streets  was  procured,  and  there  two  services  were  held  October 
The  following  morning  a subscription  paper  was  started  to  secure  a supi 
for  Mr.  Allen.  Fifty-nine  persons  had  pledged  the  aggregate  amount  of  ■' 
a year  toward  his  salary.  He  entered  regularly  upon  his  duties  in  the 
court  house,  on  Sunday,  November  24.  It  was  not  until  May  15,  1831. 
articles  of  association  for  the  Parish  were  signed,  and  it  was  as  late  as  1 
that  it  was  incorporated,  and  that  by  special  act  of  legislature.  At  a me- 
held  June  25,  1831,  it  was  resolved  to  start  a subscription  for  the  purchasl 
a lot  and  the  building  of  a church.  On  May  17,  1832,  $1,800  was  repo 
raised,  a lot  was  selected  on  South  Jefferson  street,  and  was  purchase] 
Henry  Bacon  for  $480.  An  edifice  was  erected  thereon  (where  the  0 
building  now  stands),  which  was  completed,  and  was  first  opened  for  h 
service  by  the  rector,  assisted  by  brother  clergymen  from  Piqua  and  E 
ware.  The  general  style  of  the  church  was  gothic.  It  was  in  size,  sixty 
feet  long  and  forty-five  feet  wide.  November  17,  1833,  Bishop  Mclh 
made  his  first  visit  to  the  parish,  and  consecrated  the  church.  The  Bis 
in  making  a note  of  his  first  visit  to  this  parish,  says:  “There  a very  tl 


CITY  OF  DAl'TON. 


663 


llT  congregation  has  been  formed  and  a very  excellent  church  erected,  in 

0 lace  where,  a short  time  since,  scarcely  the  least  encouragement  could  be 
dor  the  labors  of  an  Episcopal  minister.” 

[n  October,  1843,  the  rector  resigned.  The  Rev.  Richard  S.  Killin,  his 
, ssor,  entered  upon  his  duties  February  4,  1844,  and  after  a ministry  of 

1 eight  months,  resigned  the  parish  October  15,  of  the  same  year.  The 
-j  ij  rector  of  the  parish  was  the  Rev.  William  W.  Arnett,  who  accepted  the 

-e  January  5,  1845.  His  rectorship  covered  a period  of  nearly  five  years, 
]i.g  October,  1849.  The  Rev.  James  B.  Britton,  the  fourth  rector,  took 
age  of  the  parish  November  12,  1849.  That  the  church  grew  under  his 
i is  the  testimony  of  the  vestry  and  parish  records.  June  14,  1852,  it  was 
e ed  to  enlarge  and  improve  the  church,  the  increasing  congregation  making 
room  a necessity,  and  a new  front  was  added  at  a cost  of  nearly  $5,000. 
Britton  resigned  the  parish  June  1,  1855,  and  a call  was  extended  to  the 
H.  H.  Morrell,  who  became  the  fifth  Rector  of  the  parish  in  November, 

' and  remained  in  charge  until  July,  1857.  September  21,  of  that  year, 
Rev.  John  Woart  was  called  to  become  the  sixth  rector,  and,  accepting  the 
. at  once  entered  upon  his  duties.  During  his  rectorship,  an  effort  was 
. u to  establish  a second  church  in  Dayton,  a parish  known  as  St.  Paul’s 
rich,  having  been  organized  by  a number  of  the  former  parishioners  of 
list  Chinch,  May  12,  1859.  It  continued  its  existence  until  1863,  when 
Arden (John  Powell)  closed  his  report  to  the  convention.  In  March,  1860. 
bellev  Anthony  Ten  Broeck  became  the  seventh  rector  of  the  parish,  and 
inued  in  charge  thereof  until  Easter  day,  April  20,  1862.  The  Rev.  Ed- 
a:  H.  Jewett  was  called  to  the  parish  in  September,  1862,  and  entered  on 
uties  as  its  eighth  rector  on  Sunday,  October  19,  1862,  and  remained  in 
nge  eight  years,  during  which  time  the  church  witnessed  a steady  increase 
unbers  and  financial  strength.  April  24,  1868,  a committee  of  the  vestry 
a appointed  to  co  -operate  with  the  ladies,  who  were  greatly  interested  in  the 
ion  of  a mission  chapel,  and,  on  Monday,  June  20,  1870.  the  parish  had 
satisfaction  of  seeing  the  present  Ascension  Chapel  consecrated  to  the  wor- 
i pf  Almighty  God.  It  was  during  this  rectorship  that  the  Rev.  Royal  B. 
t Dm  was  assistant  minister  of  the  parish,  from  J uly,  1868,  to  July,  1869. 
4)  Rev.  Edward  P.  Wright,  D.  D.,  became  the  ninth  rector  of  the  church  in 
umber,  1870.  The  event  of  this  rectorship  was  the  erection  of  the  pres- 
i beautiful  edifice,  constructed  of  brick,  in  the  decorated  gothic  style, 
med  with  Dayton  limestone,  and  is  capable  of  comfortably  seating  700 
3ns.  It  is  sixty-eight  feet  front  and  126  feet  deep;  is  substantially  built, 

! "essed  and  capped  with  stone.  The  bell-tower,  on  the  northeast  corner,  is 
jaty-six  feet  high,  upon  which  is  a slated  octagon  spire  of  ninety  feet,  sur- 
i:  nted  by  an  ornamental  cross,  making  total  height  of  steeple,  166  feet. 

I windows  are  of  mottled  glass,  with  figured  borders.  The  audience  room 
>ry  handsome.  The  furniture,  all  of  black  walnut,  is  of  elegant  design 

n finish,  and  with  the  memorial -figured  windows,  gives  a bright  and  cheerful 
psarance  to  the  room.  The  pews  are  upholstered  in  damask  rep.  the  ends 
eig  very  chaste  in  design  and  of  gothic  pattern,  as  is  everything  connected 
the  building.  It  is  located  on  the  south  side  of  First,  between  Main  and 
Mow  streets,  and  cost  $47,000,  of  which  $17,000  was  paid  for  the  ground 
1)  which  it  stands.  The  corner-stone  was  laid  July  12,  1871,  by  Bishop 

II  ell,  and  the  building  completed  and  opened  for  worship  March  22,  1874. 
1 Wright  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  E.  H.  Jewett,  who  again  entered  upon  the 
k'ge  as  its  tenth  rector,  May  18,  1873,  and  the  second  time  resigned  the 

sk  in  May,  1879.  The  present  rector,  Rev.  J.  T.  Webster,  entered  upon 
n duties  January  1,  1880.  The  Sunday  school  of  the  chinch  was  organized 


664 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


in  the  old  court  house  in  January,  1832,  by  the  rector  of  the  church,  w 
seven  teachers.  The  number  of  scholars  in  the  school  was  thirty.  The  s 
sions  of  the  Sunday  school  were  continued  until  May  of  the  same  year,  wl 
it  was  discontinued  until  in  July,  1833,  when  Sabbath  school  was  for  the  f 
time  held  in  the  new  church,  which  has  continued  uninterruptedly  until  io-d; 
Dr.  Allen,  then  the  rector  of  the  church,  was  the  first  Superintendent.  1 
school  at  present  is  large  and  flourishing. 

ASCENSION  CHAPEL. 

In  1868,  a mission  Sunday  school  was  established  in  the  eastern  portioi 
the  city  by  Christ  Church.  It  was  soon  thought  that  the  location  was  nn 
vorable  and  the  school  was  removed  to  the  southern  portion  of  the  city, 
the  24th  of  April  of  the  above  year,  the  ladies  of  the  parish  having  been  ini 
ested  previously  in  the  establishment  of  a mission,  the  vestry  appointee 
committee  to  co-operate  with  them  in  establishing  this  one,  and  the  lot.  i 
purchased  on  Ascension  Day  following,  and  hence  the  name  of  the  chapel, 
lot  was  purchased  in  South  Dayton  and  a building  commenced,  which  i 
finished  in  1870,  at  a cost  of  $9,000,  including  the  lot,  and  on  the  20th 
June  of  that  year,  it  was  consecrated  to  the  worship  of  God  by  Bishop  Bed 
December  23,  1870,  Rev.  A.  W.  Seabrease  was  called  to  take  charge  of 
chapel  work.  He  having  declined  the  call,  July  18,  1871,  the  Rev  F 
Bartlett  was  called  to  it,  and  he  also  declined  to  come.  These  and  other  < 
couragements  deterred  the  vestry  from  making  any  other  calls,  and  since  th 
no  effort  worthy  of  note  has  been  made  to  secure  a laborer  for  that  fit 
The  Sunday  school  has  been  kept  up  steadily  ever  since  its  organization,  in 
than  thirteen  years  ago,  and  from  it  many  have  been  brought  into  the  elm 
and  confirmed. 

THE  FIRST  ENGLISH  LUTHERAN  CHURCH. 

In  the  year  1839.  Rev.  Reuben  Weiser,  a missionary  of  the  Evangeli! 
Lutheran  Synod  of  Maryland,  visited  Dayton  in  the  interest  of  the  Luthraj 
Church.  He  found  a few  scattered  members  of  the  denomination  whom 
gathered  together,  and  induced  to  form  themselves  into  an  organization, 
meeting  for  this  purpose  was  accordingly  called  outlie  6tli  of  July, in  the  st 
of  Frederick  Gebhart,  at  which  the  following  article  of  agreement  was  adopt 
“We,  the  subscribers,  feeling  the  importance  of  forming  an  Evangelical  i| 
theran  congregation  in  the  city  of  Dayton,  Ohio,  for  ourselves  and  children, 
hereby  in  humble  reliance  on  the  great  head  of  the  church,  form  ourselves  ii 
a Lutheran  congregation.  We  acknowledge  ourselves  members  of  the  Luthe 
Church,  and  of  course  subject  to  the  discipline  and  church  government  of  j 
General  Synod  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  of  the  United  State 
This  article  was  signed  by  those  present:  Henry  Creager,  Philip  Beat 

John  Prugh,  Peter  Baker,  Frederick  Gebhart,  Elijah  Ealy,  Samuel  Kell 
John  Hoppert  and  J.  G.  Hoppert.  Of  these,  the  following  persons  were  elec: 
officers:  Elders,  Henry  Creager  and  Philip  Beaver;  Deacons,  Frederick  G 

hart  and  Peter  Baker.  A committee  was  appointed  to  obtain  temporary  use 
the  German  Reformed  Church,  and  the  Vestry  authorized  to  procure  a su 
blelot  for  the  erection  of  a house  of  worship.  At  a meeting  of  the  eongre 
tion  held  August,  1840,  Rev.  D.  P.  Rosenmiller  was  elected  pastor.  In  Ap 
1841,  a lot  -was  purchased  situated  on  the  southwest  corner  of  Fourth  and  J 
ferson  streets,  and  a brick  building  45x60  feet  erected  thereon.  Here  the  c 
gregation  worshiped  until  1856.  when  the  house  becoming  too  small  it  was  s 
to  the  United  Presbyterians,  and  the  eligible  site  on  Main  street  purchas 
and  the  large  and  beautiful  structure  now  there  erected.  The  congregai 
has  ever  been  a vigorous  and  flourishing  one.  Its  membership  has  reached 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


665 

,j  as  700,  while  its  Sabbath  school  is  the  largest  in  the  city,  as  well  as  the 
r,s5  in  the  Lutheran  General  Synod.  The  church  building  is  a very  large 
//story  brick,  with  a tall  and  massive  square  tower,  which  contains  a chime 
la  bells.  The  church  since  its  organization  has  been  served  by  nine  pastors: 
’ev.  D.  P.  Rosenmiller,  from  1840  to  1849;  by  Rev.  P.  Rizer.  from  1849  to 
v';  by  Rev.  F.  W.  Conrad,  D.  D.,  from  1856  to  1862;  by  Rev.  D.  Steck, 
from  1862  to  1864:  by  Rev.  L.  A.  Gottwald,  D.  D.,  from  1865  to  1868; 
ev.  Irving  Magee,  D.  D.,  from  1868  to  1812;  by  Rev.  J.  B.  Helwig,  D, 
rom  1872  to  1874;  by  Rev.  T.  T.  Everett,  from  1874  to  1876.  The  pres- 
it astor,  1880,  Rev.  G.  F.  Stelling,  D.  D.,  was  called  in  August.  1877.  These 
-rs  are  all  living,  with  the  exception  of  Rev.  D.  P.  Rosenmiller,  who  died 
eptember,  1880.  This  church  has  sometimes  been  called  the  “ Gebhart 
ir|ch,”  for  the  reason  that  the  Gebhart  name  has  been  connected  with  it 
)i  the  beginning,  and  during  the  history  of  the  congregation  formed  so  large 
p tion  of  the  membership.  No  less  than  forty  Gebharts  have  stood  on  the 
■ _ uih  record  at  one  time,  and  it  must  be  said  that  much  of  its  prosperity  has 
e due  to  the  strength,  activity  and  the  liberality  of  this  distinguished  Day- 
a unity.  The  present  church  building  cost  in  construction  over  $75,000. 
i 3 a seating  capacity  of  about  900. 

st.  John’s  Ingush  evangelical  Lutheran  church. 

Phis  congregation  took  its  rise  in  the  troublous  times  of  the  Presidential 
* on  in  1864.  At  that  time  Rev.  D.  Steck,  D.  D.,  was  pastor  of  the  Main 
nt  Lutheran  Church.  'His  political  views  not  being  in  accord  with  those  of 
e hurch  Council,  the  pulpit  to  which  he  had  been  called  was  taken  away 
)•  him  without  aught  of  previous  notice.  Naturally  this  act  was  resented 
e friends  of  Dr.  Steck,  and  in  the  daily  papers  of  December  9,  1864, 
ej  appeared  a card  requesting  them  to  assemble  at  Huston  Hall  to  form  a 
congregation,  of  which  he  should  be  pastor,  and  signed  by  a number  of 
:» inent  members  of  the  Main  Street  Church.  In  response  to  this  call,  a 
•g  congregation  assembled  in  the  hall  on  Sunday,  December  18,  to  hear  the 
1 usd  pastor.  Out  of  those  present,  a congregation  was  formed  under  the 
Inf  St.  John’s  English  Lutheran  Church,  and  Rev.  D.  Steck  was  elected  its 
T.  Huston  Hall  continued  to  be  the  regular  place  of  holding  service  until 
o-;  24,  1865.  On  the  morning  .of  that  day,  however,  it  was  discovered  to  be 
tines,  and  in  a few  hours  nothing  was  left  standing  but  the  bare  walls, 
congregation  lost  a valuable  organ  and  Sunday  School  Library,  and  their 
jjl'dp  furniture.  Steps  were  immediately  taken  to  procure  another  place  for 
Wig  services,  and  erelong  the  congregation  was  comfortably  established  in 
-V  s Hall,  which  continued  to  be  the  place  of  worship  of  the  congregation 
veral  years.  In  December.  1868,  Rev.  Steck  resigned  the  pastorate.  / 
Jp  to  this  time  the  Congregation  had  been  in  no  synodical  connection 
u-wer,  nor  had  it  been  incorporated.  Just  prior  to  Rev.  Steck’s  departure, 
u ffis  of  incorporation  were  taken  out,  and  application  made  shortly  after  to 
peived  into  the  District  Synod  of  Ohio.  The  congregation  also  about  this 
ipegan  negotiations  for  the  purchase  of  their  present  chtu’ch  edifice,  lo- 
e on  St.  Clair  street,  between  Second  and  Thi  rd  streets.  This  property  was 
r t time  in  possession  of  the  First  Congregational  society,  and  in  March, 

‘ its  purchase  was  consummated.  The  congregation  now  in  possession  of 
ipwn  church  property,  extended  a call  to  Rev.  M.  C.  Horine,  which  was 
ded,  and  he  became  the  pastor. 

luring  his  pastorate  the  congregation  was  placed  upon  a thoroughly 
1 ntjiran  basis,  and  was  received  into  membership  in  the  District  Synod  of 
’ a in  connection  with  the  General  Council  of  the  Lutheran  Church  of  North 
Amcica. 


666 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Rev.  Horine’s  pastorate  only  continued  for  one  year,  many  circuinstair 
arising  tending  to  discourage  liim  in  liis  labor.  Soon  after  his  departure  a c 
was  extended  to  Rev.  Prof.  S.  L.  Harkey,  and  by  him  accepted.  He  labo) 
faithfully  amid  many  discouragements  until  in  October,  1872,  he  very  an 
pectedly  handed  in  his  resignation,  and  again  left  the  congregation  withou 
pastor.  Now  began  a severe  struggle  for  continued  existence.  There  still 
mained  a mortgage  on  the  church  property  of  $2,000,  on  which  the  interest  1 
slowly  accumulated  for  a couple  of  years.  No  pastor  could  be  obtained,  i 
irregulars  supplies  could  not  collect  the  funds  so  much  needed  to  discha 
these  pressing  obligations.  For  nine  months,  the  congregation  continued  wi 
out  a pastor,  and  the  inevitable  results  followed.  In  March,  1873,  the  m< 
gage  was  foreclosed,  and  the  property  advertised  for  sale.  At  this  janct 
application  for  aid  was  made  to  the  Home  Mission  Committee  of  the  G'eni 
Council.  The  Chairman,  Dr.  YV.  A.  Passavant,  of  Pittsburgh,  Penn.,  came 
Dayton  in  person,  gathered  together  the  scattered  remnants  of  the  once  He 
isliing  congregation,  collected  from  them  the  back  interest  on  the  mortg; 
and  paid  off  the  old  mortgage  by  obtaining  the  required  amount  on  a i 
mortgage  Rom  parties  in  the  East.  But  a church  without  a pastor  can  kai 
hope  to  succeed,  and  therefore  in  May,  1873,  a call  was  extended  to  the  p: 
ent  pastor,  Rev.  A.  F.  Siebert.  This  was  accepted,  and  in  July  of  that  yea) 
came  and  took  charge.  During  his  pastorate  there  has  been  a slow  but  ste 
growth;  the  mortgage  on  the  church  property  has  been  canceled  mainly  thro 
a bequest  from  the  late  H.  II.  Hartman,  for  some  years  an  officer  in  the  ohu: 
who  died  in  1875.  The  congregation,  now  thoroughly  Lutheran,  withpoli 
entirely  eliminated,  seems  to  be  entering  upon  an  era  of  renewed  prosper 
Having  passed  through  its  darkest  days,  it  looks  forward  to  the  future  with | 
hope  of  permanent  success. 

LUTHERAN  MISSION  CHAPEL  (ENGLISH). 

In  1872,  a mission  school  was  established  in  East  Dayton,  by  the  I 
English  Lutheran  Church  of  the  city,  with  a view  of  forming  another  Ln 
ran  congregation.  The  large  brick  building  on  the  corner  of  May  and  Pi 
streets  was  erected  and  Sabbath  school  carried  on  therein  for  years,  bn 
congregation  organized. 

HOPE  EVANGELICAL  LUTHERAN  CONGREGATION  (ENGLISH). 

In  November,  1880,  the  Rev.  O.  S.  Oglesby,  who  was  serving  as  missio 
of  the  English  district  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran,  Joint  Synod  of  Ohic 
tablished  a mission  in  Dayton,  which  developed  in  August,  1881,  into 
above  named  congregation.  The  church  organization  began  with  seven  v< 
members,  and  has  now  thirty-five  communion  members,  who  are  under  the  cl: 
of  the  pastor  named.  A Sabbath  school  averaging  eighty  scholars  is  in  prog 
They  worship  in  “ Union  Chapel  ” on  the  corner  of  Barr  and  Commercial  sti 

st.  John’s  german  evangelical  Lutheran  church. 

The  church  bearing  this  name  was  organized  in  the  old  court  house  i 
year  1838  or  1839,  with  a membership  of  some  twenty-five  families.  VVi 
only  approximate  at  the  date,  owing  to  the  absence  of  the  church  records,  v 
have  either  been  mislaid  or  are  lost,  as  diligent  search  on  our  part  fail 
find  any  traces  of  them,  which  fact  will  prevent  any  detailed  account  o! 
church  being  given.  On  the  18th  day  of  July,  1840,  the  congregation  i| 
the  pastorate  of  Rev.  Federick  Reiss  made  a constitution,  and  in  1842  or 
this  church  was  incorporated  as  the  German  Evangelical  Lutheran  Ch 
The  Rev.  Grosskardt  was  most  likely  the  first  pastor  of  the  church,  as  tk 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


667 

v.ence  of  his  having  served  the  charge  prior  to  the  minister  above  named.  A 
mas  purchased  on  Wilkinson  street,  about  the  year  1840,  upon  which  the 
j!-ch  intended  building  a house  of  worship,  but  the  lot  was  sold  and  the  one 
-]re  the  old  church  now  stands  on  Sears  street  purchased.  A one-story  brick 
:1  ice  was  begun  in  1841,  which  was  soon  completed.  In  1849,  an  addition 
made  to  the  building,  leaving  it  about  as  you  see  it  to-day.  Their  meet- 
a were  here  held  until  the  completion  of  the  new  church  edifice,  which  was 
ean  in  1869,  the  lower  story  being  ready. for  occupancy  and  was  dedicated  in 
re,  1870.  Two  lots  were  bought  for  between  $4,000  and  $5,000,  located  on 
thnorth  side  of  Third  between  Madison  and  Sears  streets,  upon  which  this 
t:  cture  stands.  The  name  of  the  church  was  changed  about  1852,  to  St. 

: n’s  German  Evangelical  Church,  which  name  it  has  since  borne.  The  city 
visited  July  9,  1871,  by  a furious  storm,  accompanied  by  terrific  winds, 
ch  did  great  damage  to  property  throughout  Dayton.  This  church  was 
lost  totally  demolished,  the  walls  all  falling,  except  the  one  in  front,  the 
r in  striking  the  building  when  the  teachers  and  Sabbath  school  scholars  were 
sinbled.  Between  300  and  400  children  and  teachers  had  gathered  when 
h storm  burst  in  all  its  fury.  The  Superintendent,  Christian  Thomas,  Mrs. 

resa  Randall,  a teacher,  and  Lronhardt  Weyrangh,  a child,  were  killed  and  a 
uaber  injured.  This  occurred  under  the  ministry  of  Rev.  C.  A.  Fritze,  who 
wed  the  church  sixteen  years.  The  edifice  was  at  once  rebuilt  and  cost  about 
,000.  It  was  again  dedicated,  the  basement  in  1872  or  1873,  and  the  audi- 
jum  in  1874.  The  latter  has  a seating  capacity  of  nearly  1,000  persons.  It 
- eatly  frescoed  and  furnished,  and  is  supplied  with  a fine  organ,  which  cost 
,000.  The  following  named  have  been  pastors  of  the  church  : Rev.  .Mr. 
risskardt,  Rev.  Frederick  Reiss,  Rev.  Randolph  Barthels,  Rev.  Andrew  Hor- 
l<jf,  Rev.  T.  E.  Hertzsch,  Rev.  Mr.  Borehard,  Rev.  C.  A:  Fritze  and  Rev. 
P er  Born,  the  present  minister  in  charge.  In  connection  with  the  church  there 
warried  on  a flourishing  Sabbath  school,  of  about  500  scholars. 


ST  PAUL  S GERMAN  EVANGELICAL  LUTHERAN  CHURCH. 

On  the  18th  of  January,  1852,  during  the  pastorate  of  the  Rev.  Andrew 
• 'dorf.  of  St.  John's  German  Evangelical  Church  of  the  city,  a split  oc- 
red  in  that  church  on  questions  of  church  government,  which  resulted  in  the 
vhdrawal  from  the  church  of  the  pastor  and  about  twenty-five  families,  who,  on 

0 25th  of  January  of  that  year,  organized  themselves  into  the  religious  body 
- >wn  as  St.  Paul’s  German  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  of  Dayton.  They 
y a time  held  services  in  the  old  Christian  Church  on  Main  street,  heretofore 
Marred  to  in  connection  with  the  history  of  other  churches.  They  soon  pur- 
c -sed  of  Raper  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  a one-story  frame  building  pre- 
vrusly  occupied  by  that  congregation  as  a house  of  worship  (now  owned  and 
u d by  this  congregation  as  a school  house),  for  $1,350.  This  they  used  for 

u'ch  pmposes  until  the  erection  of  their  present  structure,  a one-story  build- 
' located  on  the  southwest  corner  of  Wayne  and  Short  streets.  The  ground 
’in  which  it  stands  was  purchased  in  the  fall  of  1865,  of  John  Butt,  for  $5, - 
-1  In  the  fall  of  1867,  the  foundation  of  the  church  was  laid  ; and  in  July 
the  following  year,  the  corner  stone  was  laid  and  the  building  completed 
■4  dedicated  to  the  service  of  God,  August  15,  1869. 

Mr.  Hordorf  resigned  the  pastorate  in  June,  1859.  and  was  succeeded  by 
' r.  Frederick  Zur  Meuhlen,  whose  ministry  continued  until  November  1,  1861. 
(e  third  pastor  of  the  church  was  Rev.  Frederick  Groth.  who  was  succeeded 

1 1876  bythe  present  pastor,  Rev.  Godfrey  Loewenstein.  The  membership  is 
Iw  between  200  and  300  heads  of  families.  A Sabbath  school  with  an  enroll- 
1!,nt  °f  about  230  scholars  is  carried  on. 


HISTORV  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


(368 

THE  FIRST  UNITED  BRETHREN  CHURCH. 

About  the  year  1849  or  1850,  a colony  from  Miami  Chapel,  the  pan 
church  of  this  denomination  in  the  vicinity  of  Dayton,  organized  themselves  ii 
a religious  body,  known  as  the  First  United  Brethren  Church  of  Dayton  1 
colony  numbered  fifteen  persons,  who  worshiped  in  what  was  then  styled  t 
Oregon  Engine  House,  situated  on  the  corner  of  Sixth  and  Tecumseli  stree 
The  pastor  was  Rev.  Robert  Norris,  who  was  assisted  by  Rev.  W.  J.  Shu 
In  1852,  the  congregation  built  a brick  church  on  Sixth  street,  just  e; 
of  the  canal,  now  occupied  by  the  police  court  of  the  city.  This  edit 
was  consecrated  to  the  service  of  God  by  Bishop  J.  J.  Glossbrenuer.  a 
served  them  as  a temple  of  worship  until  1873.  The  first  pastors  of  t 
charge  on  the  erection  of  the  Sixth  Street  Church  were  Rev.  Willi 
R.  Rhinehart  and  D.  K.  Flickinger,  who  served  jointly  in  the  new  hou 
Prominent  among  the  laymen  of  that  time  were  John  Dodds,  E.  W.  MeGov 
and  D.  L.  Rika  The  pastors,  during  the  twenty  years  that  the  congregati 
occupied  that  house,  were  Rev.  John  W.  Price,  Rev.  L.  S.  Crittenden,  Ri 
Henry  Kumler,  Rev.  Alexander  Owen,  Rev.  John  Walter,  Rev.  Willi 
J.  Shuey,  Rev.  S.‘  M.  Hippard,  Rev.  Jacob  M.  Marshel,  Rev.  D,  Berger.  R 
W.  H.  Lanthum  and  Rev.  C.  Briggs.  In  1872,  the  church  and  parsonage  w 
sold  to  the  city,  and  on  the  1st  of  January,  1873,  the  congregation  vacated" 
house,  and  removed  temporarily  to  the  Universalist  Church,  on  South  M: 
street.  At  this  time  the  membership  numbered  less  than  200.  In  1872, 1 
site  upon  which  the  present  church  edifice  stands  (on  Fifth,  between  Main  a 
Jefferson  streets)  was  purchased,  and  the  following  year  the  new  house  v 
erected,  the  basement,  including  the  lecture  room,  infant  room  and  two  cl 
rooms,  being  completed  and  opened  November  29,  1873,  and  dedicated  to 
vine  worship  by  Bishop  Weaver.  The  auditorium  was  completed  and  dedica 
Sabbath  morning,  December  17,  1876;  sermon  by  Bishop  Weaver,  text  9th  ve 
21st  chapter  of  Revelations.  The  church  edifice,  though  not  gorgeous 
magnificent,  is  convenient,  chaste  and  attractive.  Altogether  it  is  a monua 
to  the  liberality  and  taste  of  the  congregation  that  has  erected  it,  and  an  onj 
ment  to  the  city.  The  Rev.  Chester  Briggs  was  appointed  to  the  pastorate 
1870,  and  served  until  1874.  His  successor  was  Rev.  W.  J.  Primer.  N 
came  Rev.  E.  S.  Chapman,  who  remained  seven  and  a half  years,  until  Ma 
1,  1882.  The  present  pastor  is  Rev.  S.  A.  Mowers.  Since  the  change  of  lo 
tion,  this  church  has  enjoyed  a great  prosperity.  Its  membership  has  increa 
to  555  (1881).  Its  Sabbath  school  is  large  and  flourishing,  numbering 1 
scholars.  The  church  has  also  sustained  a mission  on  High  street  for  in 
than  twelve  years. 

THE  SECOND  UNITED  BRETHREN  CHURCH  (GERMAN). 

This  church  organization  was  effected  in  1853.  Services  were  at  first, ; 
for  a time,  held  in  the  lecture  room  of  the  First  United  Brethren  Church 
"Sixth  street,  the  Rev.  H.  Staub  then  proclaiming  to  them  the  Gospel, 
was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  J.  A.  Sand.  The  one-story  brick  church  located 
the  East  side  of  Wayne  street,  near  Jones,  was  built  by  the  congregation 
1855,  and  has  since  been  used  by  them  as  a place  of  worship.  The  Rev.  IV 
Cranmer  was  the  next  pastor  in  order.  The  pulpit  has  since  been  filled 
the  following  ministers  as  pastors  of  the  congregation:  Rev.  E.  Licht,  nev 
Fritz,  Rev.  G.  Schmith,  Rev.  A.  Krause,  Rev.  M.  Bussdieker,  Rev.  C.  Stre 
Rev.  E.  Lorenz  and  Rev.  Charles  Schneider.  The  present  pastor,  Soloi 
Yanmeda,  at  one  time  agent  and  editor  of  the  Telescope,  and  Rev.  W.  Mitt 
dorf.  now  editor  of  the  “ Joyful  Messenger  ” and  “ Youths'  Pilger in  com 
tion  with  their  offices,  served  the  church  several  times  a.s  its  pastor.  There 
now  enrolled  about  100  members. 


\ 


CITY  OF  DAYTON.  669 

THE  THIRD  UNITED  BRETHREN  CHURCH  (COLORED). 

This  religious  society  is  the  outgrowth  of  a Sunday  school,  established  by 

■ i King,  and  was  organized  in  the  spring  of  1858,  with  a membership  of  be- 
, i fifteen  and  twenty.  For  a few  months,  meetings  were  held  in  the  Te- 
neh  Street  Engine  House,  and  next  for  a time,  in  Buckeye  Chapel.  In  the 
rLr  of  1868-69,  ground  on  Ludlow,  between  Fifth  and  Sixth  streets,  was 
uased  of  Mrs.  Eaker,  and  a small  one-story  brick  church  erected  thereon, 
;ost  of  §1,000.  Here  the  congregation  have  since  held  their  meetings. 

the  exception  of  a few  regular  pastors,  the  church  has  been  supplied  with 
niters  from  the  other  United  Brethren  Churches  of  the  city,  and  from  the 
, lty  of  the  Seminary  of  that  church.  The  present  pastor  is  Bev.  George 
brt;  membership,  sixty. 

THE  SUMMIT  STREET  UNITED  BRETHREN  CHURCH. 

The  Summit  Street  United  Brethren  Church  was  formed  in  1871  from 
i ns  belonging  to  Miami  Chapel,  a United  Brethren  Church  in  the  vicini- 
Dayton.  The  erection  of  a house  of  worship  was  commenced,  and  one 
of  the  house  was  completed  and  dedicated  May  21,  1871,  by  Bishop 
Ulossbre nner.  The  grounds  and  buildings,  so  far  as  then  completed, 
s ibout  §10,000.  To  this  sum  Rev.  John  Kemp  very  largely  con  tributed, 
deserves  to  be  remembered  tenderly  and  in  honor  for  this  as  well  as  other 
ji  deeds.  For  several  years  the  seminary  occupied  this  church  before  the 
efion  of  the  seminary  building.  The  congregation  has  steadily  grown  un- 
uow  numbers  about  two  hundred  members.  About  one  year  ago,  under 
oastoral  labors  of  Rev.  William  M.  Beardshear,  now  President  of  Western 
)]  ge,  it  was  resolved  to  undertake  the  completion  of  the  church.  This  the 
ri’egation  seemed  to  be  unable  to  do,  it  having  just  finished  paying  a debt 
1.000  on  the  former  building.  The  undertaking  of  the  work  was  encour- 
e and  induced  by  a munificent  proffer  of  assistance  from  Bro.  John  Dodds, 
is  city,  a member  of  another  congregation.  Having  for  years  been  much 
tested  in  the  work  of  the  church  in  this  part  of  the  city,  he  chose  it  as  a 
a upon  which  to  bestow  liberally.  He  agreed,  upon  the  payment  of  $3,- 
Dy  the  congregation,  to  furnish  the  remainder  of  the  funds  needed  to  com- 
e the  entire  church,  with  the  exception  of  the  furnishings,  light,  furnaces, 
n s and  pavements.  The  congregation  thankfully  took  hold  of  so  liberal  a 
'C  isal,  and  the  work  has  been  completed.  One  of  the  neatest  and  most  com- 
ous  churches  in  the  denomination  is  the  result.  The  building  was  re- 
■il  to  a one-story,  ground-plan  structure,  and  erected  upon  plans  and  speci- 
; ons  of  Mi-.  Peters,  an  expert  architect  of  this  city.  It  is  covered  entirely 
it  slate,  and  is  every  way  tasty  and  beautiful  in  symmetry  and  arrangement. 

■ main  audience  room  is  70x54  feet  in  length  and  width,  and  the  lecture,  or 
it  ath  school  room,  54x40,  and  a primary  room  30x16.  It  also  has  a neat 
Fir’s  study  adjoining  the  lobby,  which  is  nicely  furnished.  Folding  and 
ug  partitions  between  the  audience  room  and  the  Sunday  school  room  open 

wo,  and  the  three  rooms,  if  desired,  into  one  great  room  110  feet  long. 

' pulpit  is  placed  upon  rollers,  and  is  easily  removed  from  one  room  to  an- 
J'  to  suit  the  audience.  The  audience  room  is  neatly  furnished  with 
pled  seats,  and  is  nicely  carpeted,  while  an  elegant  reflector  furnishes 
orb  lighting  to  the  church.  The  Sabbath  school  rooms  are  seated  with 
1;,s.  The  capacity  of  the  church  is  about  one  thousand  sittings.  The  com- 
mon of  the  house  was  at  a cost  of  §8,098.90,  of  this,  Bro.  Dodds  kindly 
1 §3,116.29,  and  the  congregation  in  the  entire  furnishing,  as  well  as  the 
nfietion  of  the  building,  gave  §4,468.90,  besides  the  contribution  of  the 
1,1  es  Aid  Society  of  §513  for  the  cupola.  The  church  was  dedicated  Sab- 


670 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


bath,  April  30,  1883,  by  Bishop  Glossbrenner.  The  following  persons  h 
been  pastors  of  the  church  since  its  organization:  Rev.  J.  P.  Landis,  Rev. 
Briggs,  Rev.  AVilliam  Dillon,  Rev.  William  Beardshear  and  Rev.  M.  H 1 
brose,  now  in  charge.  The  church  was  served  two  years  by  the  faculty  of 
U.  B.  Seminary,  and  one  year  by  the  editor  of  the  Telescope  and  agent  of 
Seminary. 

HIGH  STREET  UNITED  BRETHREN  CHURCH. 

Some  twelve  years  ago,  a mission  school  was  established,  and  has  si 
been  sustained  by  the  First  United  Brethren  Church.  This  grew,  and 
September  a mission  church  was  organized.  The  pastor  is  Rev.  George 
Mathews;  membership  now  thirty,  and  in  the  Sabbath  school  an  enrolln 
of  250  scholars. 

FIRST  REFORMED  CHURCH. 

Among  the  early  settlers  of  Montgomery  County  were  a number  of 
formed  families  from  Pennsylvania  and  Maryland,  from  which  the  first 
formed  congregations  in  the  Upper  Miami  Valley  were  gathered  by  1 
Thomas  Winters,  and  by  his  son,  Rev.  David  Winters.  When  pass 
through  Dayton,  the  junior  Winters  stopped  and  preached  several  ti 
at  the  instance  of  his  friends.  Regular  service  was  for  a time  held  in 
court  house,  but  soon  the  Christian  Church,  on  Main  street,  was  secured,  wt 
in  the  spring  or  early  summer  of  1833,  this  church  of  Dayton  was  organ 
with  seven  members.  Two  years  later,  they  worshiped  in  the  court  ho 
which  was  in  that  day  a kind  of  religious  center  for  struggling  religious 
cieties.  About  this  time  a number  of  German  families  were  taken  into 
congregation,  and  services  were  held  alternately  in  the  English  and  Ger 
languages.  Each  part  of  the  church,  as  divided  in  language,  elected  a ful 
of  officers,  viz. : Elders  and  Deacons.  A charter  for  the  congregation  was 
tained  from  the  Legislature  January  13,  1836.  On  the  18th  day  of  A] 
1837,  the  Trustees  of  the  church  purchased  the  ground  now  owned  and  o 
pied  by  the  church  (on  Ludlow,  between  First  and  Second  streets),  of  Ge 
W.  Simonds,  for  $700,  and  a tine  brick  edifice  was  erected  thereon  the  f 
year  (1837).  The  church  was  dedicated  during  the  session  of  the  Sy 
which  convened  here  June  7,  1840.  The  dedicatory  sermons  were  preache 
Rev.  George  Weisz,  in  German,  and  Rev.  Henry  Willard,  in  English.  Ai 
teresting  agitation  of  the  rented  pew  system  began  in  1843,  the  better  wt 
raising  the  salary  of  the  pastor  underlying  the  plan,  which  finally  rescitt 
a decision  to  sell  the  pews.  From  the  beginning  of  the  enterprise  a Ger 
interest  was  fostered  in  connection  with  the  English.  So  encouraging 
the  growth  in  this  direction  that  a German  organization  of  ninety  five  more 
was  effected  in  1849,  as  an  integral  part  of  the  congregation  In  1850 
vision  of  the  charge  agitated  the  congregation.  The  charge  conflate 
three  congregations  besides  Dayton,  which  gave  the  town  congregation  prt 
ing  but  once  in  two  weeks.  For  this  interest,  the  whole  of  tbe  pastor’s 
was  claimed  by  some  of  its  members.  In  the  course  of  the  agitation,  peri 
matters  were  brought  in.  Alienations  arose,  and  there  were  dissensions  ar 
the  brethren,  and  by  these  the  career  of  prosperity  enjoyed  by  the  church  i 
the  dedication  was  seriously  checked.  The  pastor  resigned,  and  a divisi( 
the  charge  was  effected.  The  Dayton  congregation  tendered  Rev.  David 
ters  a call,  but  he  preferred  to  take  charge  of  the  other  three  congregat 
A call  was  then  made  for  Rev.  A.  P.  Freeze,  who  entered  upon  the  pastora 
1851.  Dr.  Winters,  the  founder  of  the  church,  served  seventeen  years. 
Freeze  retired  in  1852  and  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Samuel  Phillips, 
remained  but  six  months,  retiring  April  17,  1853.  In  September,  I8a3 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


671 


tilies  withdrew  to  organize  the  Mt.  Carmel  congregation  three  miles  west 
ie  city.  The  church  was  then  without  a pastor  for  several  years,  when,  on 
st  day  of  January,  1856.  the  Rev.  George  "W  Willard,  D.  D.,  assumed  the 
aorate,  and  remained  until  December.  1860.  During  his  ministry  the  con- 
•i  ation  was  revived,  and  the  church  building  put  in  repair.  Large  additions 
e made  to  the  membership.  In  1859,  the  German  organization  resolved  to 
ad  a house  of  worship  of  their  own,  and  the  church  on  the  corner  of  Cass 
nClay  streets  is  the  monument  of  their  enterprise.  January  1,  1861,  Rev. 
uisH.  Kefouver  succeeded  Dr.  Willard,  and  remained  until  July  1,  1863, 
9 sing  the  first  pastor  who  served  the  charge  disconnected  from  any  other 
nty  supporting  congregation.  He  remained  until  July  1,  1863.  Rev.  T. 
ucher  became  the  pastor  October  18,  1863.  Under  his  pastorate  the  church 
i remodeled,  the  front  and  rear  walls  were  removed  in  1866,  and  the  comer 
09S  for  the  improved  structure  laid  September  3,  1866.  Rev.  Moses  Keiffer 
j ered  the  address.  The  estimated  cost  of  the  improvements  were  from  $15,- 
)(fco  $20,  000.  Rev.  Mr.  Bucher  retired  January  1,  1867,  and  was  succeeded 
>r.  Van  Horne  September  1,  1868,  who  served  until  1875.  He  was  suc- 
3d  by  the  present  pastor,  Rev.  W.  A.  Hale,  during  whose  ministry  there 
v been  225  accessions  to  the  church,  making  the  membership  now  405,  and 
dpt  of  $7,500  canceled.  Miss  Katie  Weikel,  who  died  June  13,  1881,  left 
' e Trustees  a two-story  brick  house,  to  be  used  and  owned  by  the  church  as 
j ;sonage. 

SECOND  REFORMED  CHURCH  (GERMAN). 

The  origin  and  early  history  of  this  church  in  the  city  is  fully 
Forth  in  the  sketch  of  the  above  Reformed  Church;  hence  we  will  not 
j at  it  in  this  connection.  In  the  absence  of  the  records  of  this  branch 
he  church  we  are  unable  to  give  the  names  of  all  of  the  ministers 
e German  congregation  prior  to  the  building  of  their  edifice  on  the  corner 
ass  and  Clay  streets,  in  1859.  However,  we  mention  the  following  as 
nig  them:  Rev.  A.  Toenssneirer,  Rev.  C.  Baecker  and  Rev.  A.  P.  Freeze. 
T the  church  had  resolved  to  build  themselves  a house  of  worship,  they  held 
ces  in  Clegg’s  Hall,  on  Fifth  street,  where  they  continued  worshiping 
1 their  church  was  ready  for  occupancy.  Their  pastor  at  this  time  was  the 
• Mi’.  Lueders.  The  church  was  dedicated  in  the  fall  of  1859,  by  Rev.  Dr. 

. Rutenek,  of  Cleveland.  Mr.  Lueders  served  the  congregation  five  years, 

! i he  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  W.  Wittenwieler.  Rev.  George  Rettig 
wed  Mr.  Wittenwieler,  and  in  May,  1867.  Rev.  O.  J.  Accola.  the  present 
a ir,  took  charge.  Mr.  Accola  was  absent  from  the  pastorate  from  August. 
Li',  until  July,  1878,  during  this  interval  the  pulpit  was  filled  by  the  Rev. 
choepfle.  The  membership  is  about  two  hundred. 


FIRST  (disciples’  CHRISTIAN)  CHURCH. 

The  church  of  this  denomination  was  organized  as  the  “ First  Bap- 
v Church. " Its  early  history  is  that  of  the  first  Regular  Baptist  Church 
| layton,  to  which  the  reader  is  referred.  After  rejecting  the  articles 
nth  on  the  21st  of  March,  1829,  it  became  a Campbellite  Church,  and  as 
>.  continued  to  worship  in  the  brick  church  on  the  west  side  of  Main  street, 
lie  corner  of  the  alley  between  Water  and  First  streets,  until  about  1850, 
la  its  place  of  worship  was  transferred  to  the  present  site  on  the  northwest 

0 er  of  Sixth  and  Brown  streets,  where  is  located  a one-storv  brick  buildiiig 
t a basement.  Among  the  pastors  of  the  congregation,  during  their  worship 
Hain  street,  were  D.  S.  Burnett,  David  Gosney,  William  Pinkerton,  L. 

1 temison  and  J.  R,  Fraim;  and  the  church  was  visited  by  such  ministers  of 
t denomination  as  Alexander  Campbell,  Walter  Scott,  Avlett  Rames,  Samuel 


672 


HISTORY  OP  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Hushom  and  Joshua  Swallow.  Its  growth  and  prosperity  fluctuated  much 
to  about  1850,  since  whicn  time  it  has  been  self-sustaining  in  its  ability 
make  provision  for  pastors.  From  about  1849  to  1 862,  the  pulpit  was  filled 
Elder  J.  M.  Henry,  and  succeeding  him  in  regular  order  were  Elders  J 
Errett,  J.  M.  Long,  D.  E.  Van  Buskirk,  J.  H.  McCullough,  L.  H.  Fraz 
Dennis  M.  D.  Todd  and  L.  R.  Gault,  the  present  incumbent,  who  has  set 
the  congregation  three  years.  The  nominal  membership  is  under  two  hand 
Number  of  scholars  in  the  Sabbath  school,  about  one  hundred  and  fifty, 
sides  its  domestic  work,  the  church  contributes  to  the  District,  State,  Gene 
and  Foreign  Missionary  Societies  of  the  people  with  whom  it  is  affiliated.  1 
church  officers  are:  L.  R.  Gault,  A.  C.  Fenner,  C.  L.  Loos,  David  McGri 
and  Thomas  Meridith,  Elders;  and  H.  H.  Lauboch,  Joel  Needles,  S.  T.  < 
terill.  C.  W.  Crew,  Benjamin  Mundy  and  Rolla  Cotterill,  Deacons;  of  wl 
Fenner.  Laudoch,  S,  T.  Cotterill,  Crew  and  Mundy,  are  Trustees. 

« 

BROADWAY  CHRISTIAN  CHURCH. 

Sometime  during  the  year  1828,  nine  persons  assembled  at  the  hi 
of  Father  Bruen,  and  organized  the  church  in  question.  Messrs.  0 
lease,  Heiser  and  L.  Bruen,  were  chosen  Trustees.  Soon  thereafter 
erected  on  Main,  between  Fourth  and  Fifth  streets,  upon  a lot  now  o 
pied  by  the  residence  of  G.  W.  Rogers,  a church  building  known  as  TJ; 
Meeting-House.  In  1848,  the  church  was  re-organized  by  the  advice  and 
of  Elders  Caleb  Worley  and  Melyn  D.  Baker,  and  a new  covenant  ad 
ed  which  was  signed  by  twenty-one  members,  and  soon  thereafter  seven 
names  were  added,  making  thirty-eight  members  in  all.  During  the 
lowing  year,  Luther  Bruen,  a prominent  member,  died,  and  bequeathed  to 
church  the  south  half  of  Lot  206,  upon  which  the  meeting-house  stood. 
1852,  the  church  commenced  receiving  colored  persons,  and  was  most  li 
the  first  church  organization  to  take  steps  toward  negro  equality.  Three  j I 
later  the  Bruen  heirs  purchased  the  half  lot  of  the  church  for  $1,300,  w 
sum  was  put  out  at  interest.  From  1851  to  1857,  the  church  was  withe 
pastor,  and  the  pulpit  was  supplied  by  the  conference.  The  church  was  a 
re-organized  in  the  year  1858,  the  re-organization  taking  effect  in  the  M 
City  Schoolhouse,  on  Baxter  street,  with  thirty-nine  members.  In  Jam 
1859,  a Sunday  school  was  organized  with  J.  Demint,  Superintendent.  Thef 
year  the  church  purchased  two  lots  on  Brown  street  (now  corner  of  Broadway 
Home  avenue),  and  appointed  a Building  Committee  to  erect  a house  of  won 
The  present  one-story  brick  with  basement  was  then  erected,  and  in  June,  1 
the  basement  was  dedicated  with  services  by  P.  McCullough,  the  pastor  o 
charge.  From  1864, to  1867,  the  church  was  without  a pastor,  the  pulpit  a 
being  supplied  by  the  conference.  In  1868,  the  auditorium  was  finished 
furnished  and  dedicated  by  the  Rev.  J.  Weeks,  father  of  the  pastor,  thn 
whose  efforts  the  auditorium  was  finished.  It  has  a seating  capacity  of 
and  the  property  is  valued  at  $4,000.  In  1872-73,  during  the  pastor  a 
W.  A.  Gross,  the  building  debt  of  the  church,  amounting  to  several  hur 
dollars,  was  paid.  The  name  of  the  church  was  changed  in  1874  to  “Broa- 
Christian  Church.”  In  1876  an  effort  was  made  to  unite  with  theChri 
(Disciples)  Church,  which  failed.  The  Sabbath  school  has  continued  wi 
intermission  since  organization,  except  a short  time  during  the  late  war.  1 
are  enrolled  at  this  time  sixty  scholars;  church  membership,  fifty -seven.  , 
following  is  a list  of  the  ministers  since  organization:  Revs.  T.  S.  Well 
W.  Humphreys,  J.  M.  Dawson,  J.  T.  Lynn,  P.  McCullough,  J.  W.  Wee 
Bvrkitt,  H.  Y.  Rush,  W.  A.  Gross,  J.  S.  Jones,  W.  J.  Lawrence,  J.  W.  N< 
C.  D.  Williamson,  George  Tenney.  Since  1878,  the  church  has  been  with 
pastor. 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


373 


EMANUEL  CHURCH  (GERMAN)  EVANGELICAL  ASSOCIATION. 

m 1840.  the  Emanuel  Church  (German)  Evangelical  Association  was 
iished  by  Rev.  A.  B.  Schafer,  of  the  Ohio  Conference,  when  on  Miami 
; it.  The  first  meeting  held  in  Dayton  was  in  August  of  that  year,  at 
) iisidence  of  Peter  Schneiber.  In  the  following  year,  a class  of  twelve 
.iers  was  formed  and  attached  to  Miami  Circuit  as  a mission.  For 
J]  years,  they  held  services  at  private  houses;  and,  as  the  membership  in- 
ud,  a hall  was  rented  on  Fourth  near  Wilkinson  street,  where  the  Sabbath 
id  of  the  congregation  was  organized.  In  1843,  a lot  on  the  corner  of 
•ilht  and  Fifth  streets  was  purchased  for  $200  and  a small,  brick  church, 
y,  feet,  built  for  $4,000.  The  dedication  took  place  the  first  Sabbath  in 
• Amber,  1843;  sermon  by  Rev.  A.  B.  Schafer.  In  1849,  on  the  same  lot, 
end  church,  38x50  feet,  was  erected,  just  in  front  of  the  former  building. 
aJ;  completed  in  1841,  and  dedicated  by  the  same  pastor.  In  1855,  it  be- 
iiija  station,  and  two  years  later  was  detached  from  the  Ohio  and  added  to 
idiana  Conference.  In  1870,  it  again  became  necessary  to  hnd  a more 
i odious  place  of  worship,  and  a lot  on  Commercial  street,  near  Fifth,  was 
■cased  for  $2, 500,  and  the  present  church  building  was  erected  at  a cost  of 
V,  )0.  It  is  a two-story  brick,  45x80  feet,  with  a tower.  Below  is  the  Sun- 
,:hool  and  class  rooms,  and  above  the  auditorium,  which  has  a seating 
; ty  of  over  five  hundred,  and  the  gallery.  The  building  was  opened  for 
vie  the  same  year,  and  dedicated  by  Bishop  R.  Dubs,  D.  D.  The  follow- 
i >;  jistors,  in  the  order  named,  have  served  the  church : Rev.  A.  B.  Schafer, 
r John  Hall,  Rev.  Fred  Meyer,  Rev.  Jacob  Burkert,  Rev.  Levi  Hess,  Rev. 
Eppring,  Rev.  A.  B.  Shafer,  Rev.  John  Nicolai,  Rev.  Hoag,  Rev.  A.  Dreis- 
! Rev.  John  Dreisbach,  Rev.  Dari  Strohman,  Rev.  Leonard  Scheurman 
m.  Stueffe,  Rev.  Philip  Brech,  Rev.  F.  Weithoupt,  Rev.  John  Fuchs, 
vl.  M.  Gomer,  Rev.  M.  Hoehn,  Rev.  M.  Stueffe,  Rev.  M.  Klaiber,  Rev. 
B Kaufman,  Rev.  J.  E.  Troger.  Rev.  J.  M.  Gomer  and  J.  F.  Hansing,  the 
s it  incumbent. 

. Sabbath  school  was  organized  with  the  church,  and  J.  H.  Guenther  be- 
Mfche  first  Superintendent.  The  present  enrollment  of  church  and  Sabbath 
1 l is  240  and  225  respectively. 

DUNKARn  CHURCH. 

V'e  have  been  unable,  after  diligent  search,  to  find  a record  of  this 
n,  or  to  obtain  from  any  of  the  membership  anything  of  its  history, 
ues  are  no  longer  held  in  the  little  cpiaint  brick  church  of  this  de- 
viation, still  standing  on  the  corner  of  Van  Buren  and  Jackson  streets, 
6 erected  more  than  half  a century  ago.  In  the  general  history  of  the 
l,V  will  be  found  a full  sketch  of  the  German  Baptist,  commonly  known  as 
1 Junkard  Church  of  the  county.  This  city  congregation  was  a branch  of 
11  • paver  Creek  Church. 

THE  KILO  KODISH  b’nAI  JESHMEN. 

'his  Hebrew  congregation  was  formed  in  1850,  with  about  a dozen 
•!  ,J  ers,  among  whom  were  Jacob  Schwab,  Joseph  Lebensburger,  Abraham 
4 Simon  Ach,  Adam  Lebolt,  Morris  Wertheimer  and  Abraham  Mack. 
e|irst  President  of  the  congregation  was  Joseph  Lebensburger.  They 
wly  met  in  what  was  once  the  old  Dayton  Bank,  on  Main  street, 

1 ".the  residence  of  Joseph  Bimm,  and  in  the  upper  story  of  the  house 
am  street,  now  occupied  by  Mr.  Ohmer,  the  furniture  dealer.  About 
he  tear  1864,  they  purchased  the  church  on  the  northeast  corner  of 
1,1  h and  Jefferson  streets,  of  the  Baptists,  where  their  services  have  since 


674 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


been  held.  To  begin  with,  they  had  no  Rabbi,  and  a Mr.  Wendell  servi 
teacher.  There  is  a membership  now  of  over  thirty.  The  Rev.  A.  K.  Ft 
was  the  first  Rabbi  who  presided  over  the  congregation.  He  came  in  1 
and  was  succeeded  in  1880  by  the  Rev.  G.  Tanbenhouse,  now  in  charge. 

The  present  officers  of  the  society  are  as  follows:  President,  Sole 
Rauh;  Vice  President,  Solomon  Strauss;  Treasurer,  Eliah  Rauh,  Secre 
Jonas  Rosenthal;  Trustees,  Gabriel  Hass,  Adolph  Newsalt  and  Moses  Gla 

UNION  CHAPEL  METHODIST  PROTESTANT  CHURCH. 

Some  time  during  the  late  war,  several  families,  among  whom  were 
Shaefer  and  wife,  and  J.  S.  Binkerd  and  wife,  with  the  Rev.  A.  M. 
venscraft,  met  and  organized  the  Union  Chapel  Methodist  Protestant  Chi 
They  first  held  service  in  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  then  in 
nett’s  Hall,  on  Wayne  street.  About  the  year  1869  or  1870,  the  b 
ing  styled  “ Union  Chapel,  ” located  on  the  corner  of  Barr  and  Com 
cial  streets,  was  erected  by  them  at  a cost  of  $2, 500,  It  was  afterwar 
larged  and  a parsonage  added  to  the  church  property,  costing  $1,500.  Pa 
of  the  church  up  to  the  fall  of  1881,  have  been  as  follows:  Rev.  R.  A.  \\ 
burn,  Rev.  J W.  Spring,  Rev.  N.  G.  Oglesby,  Rev.  W.  F.  Dickerman, 
C.  S.  Evans,  Rev.  S.  K.  Spohn,  and  Rev.  Charles  Cadwallader.  The  cl 
property  was  turned  over  to  the  conference  the  last-named  year,  and  the 
gregation  disbanded. 

THE  CATHOLIC  CHURCH  OF  DAYTON. 

Catholicity  in  Dayton  is  said  to  have  had  its  inception  in  the  j 
1831,  when  removed  from  Baltimore,  Md.,  to  this  city,  Robert  Conway' 
family,  consisting  of  his  wife,  Sarah,  and  the  following  named  chill 
Hannah,  Mary,  Elizabeth.  Ellen,  Catharine,  Michael,  Adam,  Edward 
Robert.  They  came  to  Dayton  in  the  spring  of  1831,  and  were  for  f 
time  the  only  Catholic  family  in  the  then  town  or  village  of  Dayton, 
Conway  being  zealous  in  the  cause  of  Christ,  and  entertaining  great  io' 
his  spiritual  mother,  the  church,  felt  keenly  the  deprivation  of  the  spi: 
wants  of  himself  and  family,  and  in  the  following  year  arranged  with  the 
Father  E.  T.  Collins,  of  Cincinnati,  an  American  priest,  to  become  a ref 
of  Dayton,  he  (Conway)  being  responsible  for  his  livelihood.  Father  C 
came,  and  during  his  stay  in  Dayton  of  about  two  years,  the  Conway  rest 
was  his  home,  and  for  a portion  of  that  time  it  was  the  place  of  worship 
family  constituting  the  congregation.  This  same  year  and  the  year  folio 
several  Catholic  German  and  Irish  families  settled  in  Dayton.  The  city 
then  was  in  its  infancy.  There,  where  we  to-day  see  fine  streets  and 
and  palatial  business  houses  and  residences,  was  nothing  but  large  exj 
of  woods  which  were  in  some  places  cleaned  by  the  ax  of  the  nidus 
settler  and  planted  with  corn  and  grain.  Here,  in  the  land  of  their  adc 
they  had  no  place  of  worsh  ip  as  at  home.  But  God  who  provides  for  a 
got  them  not.  Cincinnati  was  already  then  a Bishopric.  Although  the  I 
had  but  few  priests  under  his  disposal,  he  always  sent  out  several  of  thei 
traversed  the  State,  and  visited  the  Catholics  who  lived  scattered  aboi 
ministering  to  them  the  consolations  of  their  holy  religion. 

Dayton  was  also  visited  by  these  gentlemen,  among  whom  wertj 
Fathers  Thienpont,  Juncker  (the  first  priest  consecrated  in  the  United  S 
Horstman,  Henni  (late  Archbishop  of  Milwaukee),  Tochenhens,  Wurz, 
and  Murphy.  Some  of  them  became  resident  priests,  and  of  such  more  1 
said  hereafter.  Other  priests  came  at  various  times,  whose  names  canu'i 
be  recalled.  The  Conway  residence  soon  became  too  small  to  arcomi 
the  increasing  members  who  were  gathering  from  all  quarters  to  listen 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


675 


.kings  of  the  ordained  servants  of  Christ,  and  worship  at  the  altar  of  the 
os  High,  and  services  were  then  held  in  a one-story  brick  building,  a part  of 
id  was  occupied  as  a bakery,  located  on  St.  Clair  street,  opposite  the  park. 

liter  an  almost  insurmountable  amount  of  trouble,  it  was  at  last  made 
sjble,  by  Eev.  Father  Emanuel  Thienpont,  to  bring  together  a congregation 
/mild  a church.  It  was  completed  in  1837,  and  dedicated  in  November  of 
; line  year.  How  it  was  made  possible  to  build  the  church  appears  to  be 
iacle,  when  we  consider  the  small  number  who  constituted  the  congrega- 
l;who  scarcely  had  more  of  this  world’s  goods  than  were  needed  to  live  on. 
is  a one-story  brick  building,  and  stood  on  the  present  site  of  Emanuel's 
i ; ck  parsonage,  on  Franklin,  between  Ludlow  street  and  Prairie  avenue, 
... divas  taken  down  after  the  new  church  was  completed. 

[Father  Thienpont  officiated  as  pastor  from  1837  until  the  middle  of  1844. 
-accessor  was  the  Rev.  Henry  1).  Juncker.  Under  his  pastorage  the  Jock 
■ ased  considerable,  so  that  the  church  had  to  be  enlarged.  Father  Juncker 
s thought  a large  organ  and  three  magnificent,  pure  white  marble  altars, 
hip  are  yet  in  use  in  Emanuel’s  Church,  greatly  admired  for  their  mag- 
tbnce. 

Rev.  Juncker  was  destined  by  Providence  to  serve  in  a more  responsible 
i of  the  vineyard,  and  in  the  year  1857,  he  was  elected  Bishop,  and  conse- 
I in  the  cathedral  in  Cincinnati,  for  the  newly  erected  bishopric  of  Alton, 
He  faithfully  served  his  Lord  and  Master  in  this  capacity  until  1868, 
i the  was  called  home  to  receive  the  reward  for  his  labors. 

In  May,  1857,  Rev.  Father  John  F.  Hahne  was  sent  by  the  reverend  Arch- 
■p  to  succeed  Rev.  Juncker,  who  served,  as  the  pastor  of  Emanuel’s  until 
- eath  in  February,  1882,  and  always  worked  for  the  best  interest  and  wel- 
f of  the  congregation,  for  which  the  great  proof  of  his  never  wearying  care 
present  Emanuel’s  Church  fully  vouches.  The  following  reverend  gentle- 
ie  have  been  given  Father  Hahne  as  assistant  pastors:  Rev.  J.  Schiff,  Yolm, 
racpnce  May  of  1863,  his  brother,  Father  Charles  Hahne,  who  is  familiarly 
Kim  by  the  members  of  the  congregation  as  “ Father  Charles.”  In  April, 
>1  Rev.  Father  William  .Scholl  was  installed  as  second  assistant  pastor  of 
n'nuol,  Rev.  Father  Charles  Hahne  being  unable  to  attend  to  all  the  cares 
|e  congregation  without  assistance,  which  was  kindly  given  by  his  Grace, 
ufeverend  Archbishop. of  Cincinnati. 

About  the  year  1869,  it  was  noticed  that  the  old  church  (erected  in  1837), 

? [becoming  decrepit.  This  was  the  cause  of  many  hours  of  care  and  sleep- 
knights  for  Father  Hahne,  who  always  had  a fatherly  care  for  the  welfare 
is  congregation.  His  fear  of  an  accident  by  falling  walls,  etc. , was  like- 
!!  entertained  by  the  congregation.  He  was,  therefore,  anxious  to  avert 
: i evil,  but  how  could  it  be  done?  After  considering  the  matter  with  prac- 
c and  experienced  men,  he  at  last  came  to  the  decision  of  erecting  a new 
Ach.  This  decision  was  greeted  with  a hearty  and  enthusiastic  approba- 
-,0  by  th9  congregation.  Of  course,  there  were  those  very  few  who  thought 
uld  be  “propped  up”  and  held  together,  but  they  all  came  to  see  the  fal 
l(j  of  their  ideas,  and  joined'  with  the  others  in  freely  subscribing  for  the 
e church.  After  Father  Hahne  was  assured  of  the  amount  the  congregation 
id  subscribe,  he,  with  experienced  architects,  set  to  work  making  plans, 
7':ih  resulted  in  adopting  a plan  by  which  the  present  church  was  erected. 

[ located  on  Franklin  street,  just  east  of  the  site  of  the  old  church.  The 
i’  stone  of  the  foundation  was  laid  September  8,  1871.  the  anniversary  of  the 
a of  our  Blessed  Lady,  according  to  the  Roman  Catholic  calendar.  It  is 
h largest  church  edifice  in  the  city,  and  a very  imposing  structure  of  the 
hue  order.  It  is  built  of  brick,  with  limestone  trimmings;  the  outside 
’n  surement  166x84  feet.  There  are  two  towers  in  front,  each  212  feet  high, 


of 


i 


676 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


and  one  in  the  rear  of  150  feet.  The  vestibule  is  42x8  feet,  the  entranc 
which  is  effected  through  three  doors  fifteen  feet  high,  and  of  proportion 
width.  From  the  vestibule  to  the  audience  room  are  three  large  doorw 
The  windows,  of  beautiful  stained  glass,  are  thirty-five  feet  high  and  six 
wide.  The  audience  room  is  126x66  feet,  and  sixty  feet  from  floor  to  ceil 
There  are  two  galleries  in  front,  one  above  the  other.  Opposite  the  main 
trance  is  the  sanctuary,  in  front  of  which  is  a low,  elliptical  iron  railing  i 
handsome  gilt  ornaments.  The  central  altar  is  within  a semi-circular  re< 
which  reaches  to  the  ceiling,  the  canopy  of  which  represents  the  bine  fii 
ment  studded  with  stars.  In  the  front  is  the  altar  of  beautiful  white  Its 
marble,  with  appropriate  inscriptions.  On  the  back  wall  of  the  recess, 
above  the  altar,  is  the  scene  of  the  crucifixion.  The  figure  of  the  Sai 
which  is  of  plaster,  appears  nailed  to  a plain,  wooden  cross,  which  is  se 
teen  feet  high.  On  the  right  is  a marble  altar  dedicated  to  the  Virgin, 
on  the  left  another  to  St.  Joseph;  in  a niche  above  the  appropriate  altar  apji 
a statue  of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  with  the  infant  Savior  in  her  arms.  On 
corner  of  the  recess  is  a piece  of  statuary  representing  Santa  Rosa,  of  L 
Peru,  who  is  the  first  American  saint,  and  perhaps  the  only  one  on  the  ca 
dar.  On  the  other  corner,  a statue  of  St.  Aloysius,  and  in  a a niche  above 
altar  dedicated  to  St.  Joseph  appears  a statue  of  that  saint.  The  fresci 
of  the  walls  is  chaste  and  elegant  in  design  and  execution.  The  pews  ai 
black  walnut  and  ash,  and  will  seat  1,500  people,  and  the  children’s  gal 
600.  The  cost  of  the  edifice  was  in  the  neighborhood  of  $100,000.  The! 
work  was  done  by  Frederick  Hoelzen,  the'  carpenter  work  by  B.  Lampert 
L.  Kingner,  and  the  frescoing  by  Arnold  Hahne.  The  dedication  oecu 
October  6,  1878,  and  the  ceremonies  attending  it  made  up  the  most  impo 
pageant  of  the  kind  ever  witnessed  in  Dayton.  Archbishop  Purcell,  Bit 
Borgess,  of  Detroit,  and  other  distinguished  churchmen  were  present.  It 
estimated  that  7,000  persons  from  abroad  were  present  and  took  part  in 
ceremonies.  The  interior  of  the  church  had  been  profusely  decorated, 
the  buildings  in  the  vicinity  displayed  from  their  windows  and  balconies 
ners  and  bannerets  on  which  were  emblazoned  the  stars  and  stripes,  shoi 
that  the  Catholics  in  their  devotion  to  the  mother  church  had  not  forge 
the  temporal  powers  under  which  they  live,  and  which  guarantee  religious 
erty  to  all.  Across  Main  street  from  the  buildings,  along  Franklin  and  o 
thoroughfares  through  which  the  procession  moved,  the  starry  folds  of 
American  flag  everywhere  greeted  the  gorgeously  bedecked  banners  of  the 
ous  societies  which  were  accompanied  by  the  Knights  Templar  and  Sold 
Home  bands.  At  the  church,  Archbishop  Purcell,  with  his  attendant  dea 
and  acolytes  chanting  the  Litany  of  the  Saints,  took  in  the  circuit  of  the  chi 
sprinkling  the  walls  with  holy  water.  Pontifical  high  mass  was  then  ceiel 
ed  by  Bishop  Borgess,  of  Detroit,  and  the  dedication  sermon  preached  by  A 
bishop  Purcell  from  the  Apocalypse,  20th  chapter,  2d  and  3d  verses. 

The  death  of  the  beloved  pastor  of  this  church,  Rev.  Father  Join 
Hahne,  the  oldest  Catholic  priest  in  Dayton,  was  announced  by  the  tollin, 
bells  on  the  night  of  February  21,  1882.  He  was  born  in  the  city  of  Sc! 
wig,  in  the  State  of  Schleswig-Holstein,  Germany,  April  19,  1815.  His 
ents  were  laboring  people,  his  father  being  a shoemaker,  and  he  the  o 
child.  Both  his  father  and  mother  were  strict  Catholics.  From  his  mother 
received  his  first  instructions  in  religion,  and  as  a boy  he  announced  In 
tention  of  devoting  his  life  to  the  church.  As  he  advanced  in  years,  this 
did  not  leave  him.  His  pai’ents  were  too  poor  to  admit  of  his  devoting, 
time  to  study,  but  he  improved  every  opportunity  of  obtaining  books  and 
formation,  laying  aside  such  means  as  he  could,  until,  having  learned  his  ti 
he  left  home  to  make  his  own  way  in  life.  He  passed  some  time  in  Mini 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


677 


uia,  and  then  having  saved  some  money,  he  went  to  Freibourg,  and  sub- 
jiintly  to  Switzerland,  and  pursued  his  studies  among  the  Jesuits,  acting 
tL  capacity  of  private  tutor  for  a time  at  Hagen,  and  was  finally,  after  a 
; ' and  hard  struggle,  ordained  as  a priest  in  the  city  of  Osnabruck,  Decern - 
•;3,  1848.  He  spent  some  time  at  Alfhausan,  Germany,  and  there  he  re- 
- vl  the  appointment  of  Chaplain  in  the  army  at  Schleswig,  his  native  place. 

jiptember,  1851,  he  came  to  America,  and  went  directly  to  Cincinnati, 

; he  received  the  appointment  as  assistant  pastor  at  the  church  of  St. 

i Imena.’  After  remaining  there  a short  time,  he  received  the  appointment 
distant  pastor  in  St.  Paul’s  Church,  where  he  continued  until  May,  1857. 

> being  a vacancy  in  the  church  at  Dayton  about  this  time,  Father  Hahne 
sfegarded  as  the  best  fitted  by  the  qualities  he  had  shown  for  the  position, 
lie  received  the  appointment.  The  choice  was  justified  by  the  zealous 

n;  tpr  in  which  he  entered  on  his  new  duties,  Soon  secui’ing  the  confidence 
Ibve  of  those  with  whom  his  lot  was  cast.  By  his  efforts,  some  of  the  most 
. i hnt  Catholic  organizations  in  the  city  were  established.  In  private  life 
ti  r Hahne  was  warm  hearted  and  of  attractive  disposition.  In  the  chui’ch 
t -ws  recognized  as  one  of  the  most  efficient  priests  in  the  Cincinnati  Diocese, 
'he  occasion  of  the  funeral  of  Father  Hahne  marked  another  eventful 

ii  in  the  history  of  Catholicism  in  Dayton.  Emanuel’s  Church  was  appro- 
a ly  draped,  and  people  by  the  thousands  came  from  all  quarters  to  witness 

jrvice  of  the  last  sad  rites  of  respect  to  the  dead  priest.  Kt.  Rev.  Bishop 
. Elder,  of  Cincinnati,  and  Bishop  Tobbe,  of  Covington,  with  the  priests 
i city,  and  many  from  abroad,  together  with  the  numerous  Catholic  socie- 
s : Dayton,  were  in  the  funeral  cortege.  A more  solemn  assemblage,  or  a 
^impressive  ceremony,  perhaps,  was  never  witnessed  in  the  city.  This  oc- 
e i<  was  as  solemn  and  sad  as  that  of  the  consecration  of  the  church  was  joy- 
;d  grand. 

'ather  Charles  Hahne  succeeded  his  lamented  brother  to  the  pastorate  of 
ngregation,  and  Rev.  Father  William  Scholl  became  the  first  assistant., 
e xngregation  now  nxxmbers  about  four  thousand  souls. 

st.  Joseph’s  chukch. 

h the  year  1846  or  1847,  Emanuel’s  congregation  became  numerically 
reat  to  congregate  in  one  chiu’ch,  which  fact,  together  with  a desire 
e part  of  the  English  speaking  portion  to  have  a house  of  wor- 
1 4 their  own,  led  to  the  withdrawal  of  that  class  and  the  formation  of 
■soph's  congregation,  and  the  building  of  the  church  of  that  name,  located 
1 ip  northeast  corner  of  Madison  and  Second  streets,  in  the  year  1847. 
Go  lots  upon  which  the  church  and  pastor’s  residence  stand  were  pur 
d for  the  sum  of  $2,000.  The  church  as  erected  in  1847,  was  about  one- 
f js  present  size,  and  was  built  at  a cost  of  something  over  $6,000.  The 
1 was  unfinished;  hence,  it  was  without  the  grace  since  given  it  by  the  tall 
Flagon  shaped  spire.  The  first  pastor  of  St.  Joseph’s  congregation  was 
-w.  Father  Patrick  O’Maley,  who  was  succeeded  in  1850  by  his  brother, 
’ather  Joseph  O’Maley,  who  remained  in  charge  until  1853,  when  he  was 
‘ ded  by  Rev.  Father  O’Conner,  whose  pastorate  was  of  short  duration,  he 
% been  followed  the  same  yeax-  by  Father  Thomas  Bulger.  Rev.  Father 
J.  Kelly  became  Father  Bulger’s  successor  in  1856,  and  continued  in 
Iptorate  of  St.  Joseph  until  his  death,  September  29,  1867.  Duifing  his 
1'uinistry  at  this  charge,  the  tower  of  the  church,  was  completed,  and  the 
airgest  bell  in  the  city  hung  therein.  It  is  a very  sweet  toned  bell,  and 

> .d  in  Cincinnati ; and  there  was  also  placed  in  the  tower  a large  city 
! ’-t  A year  or  two  later,  the  l’ear  portion  of  the  church,  as  it  now  stands, 

Ided  at  an  expense  of  $6,000.  The  building,  constructed  of  brick,  is 


678 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


plain  but  substantial,  and  in  keeping  with  church  edifices  built  in  its 
Saving  a small  vestibule  in  the  front  on  entering  the  building,  the  i 
space  within  its  walls  is  one  large  audience  room.  There  is  a gallery  in 
and  on  either  side  extending  about  one-half  the  length  of  the  auditc 
The  gallery  is  supplied  with  a large  pipe  organ.  The  frescoing  of  the  c 
and  walls,  and  the  symbolic  representations  in  the  sanctuary,  thougl 
wearing  the  appearance  of  age,  impress  one  of  former  elegance  and  b 
Its  seating  capacity  is  about  one  thousand. 

Father  Kelley  was  a native  of  Kilkenny,  Ireland,  and  was  born  Sept 
7,  1820.  After  having  pursued  a com-se  of  study  in  the  College  of  St.  I 
in  the  town  of  his  nativity,  he  came  to  America  in  1850,  and  finishe 
education  at  St.  Mary’s  College,  Cincinnati,  and  on  the  1st  of  May,  185; 
ordained  to  the  priesthood  by  Archbishop  Purcell.  His  first  charge  ■ 
Wiikesville,  this  State.  He  was  transferred  to  Dayton,  and  succeede 
Rev.  Father  Bulger,  as  before  stated,  in  the  pastorate  of  this  church.  I 
a man  of  most  exemplary  character.  In  his  intercourse  with  his  fellow  cii 
he  exhibited  all  those  amiable  traits  of  private  life  which  are  calculated 
cure  the  friendship  and  esteem  of  all.  He  was  beloved  and  honored  1 
people  of  this  charge. 

The  funeral  obsequies  of  Father  Kelley  were  solemn  and  imposing, 
attendance  was  large,  making  a similar  procession,  which  is  obvious  to  t: 
idents  of  the  city  or  to  those  acquainted  with  it,  when  it  is  stated  that  I 
the  head  of  the  procession  reached  the  top  of  Main  street  hill,  the  rear  hj 
yet  crossed  the  railway  at  Sixth  street.  The  procession  was  made  up 
the  numerous  German  and  English  Catholic  Beneficial  Societies;  f 
twenty  priests  in  their  robes,  chanting  solemnly,  who  were  followed  by  t 
ket  containing  the  deceased,  borne  upon  the  shoulders  of  six  young  inei 
came  the  friends  and  citizens. 

The  church  was  appropriately  draped  in  mourning,  and  Archbi shop  ’ 
delivered  a most  appropriate  and  imposing  panegyric  over  the  departed.1 
Bishop  Rosecrans,  of  Columbus,  and  other  dignitaries  of  the  church  were] 

Father  Kelley’s  assistants  in  the  pastorate  were  Fathers  R.  N.  Youj| 
O’Rourke,  the  latter  succeeding  him  to  the  pastorate  of  the  church,  and 
Charles  Daugherty  became  his  assistant.  Father  O’Rourke  served  unt 
when  he  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Richard  Gilmore,  now  Bishop  of  Cle! 
His  assistant  was  Father  Francis  Cubero.  Father  Gilmore  was  succeeded 
or  1872  by  Father  William  M.  Carey,  under  whom  served  as  assistants  . 
O’Reilly,  Murphy  and  Grace.  Father  Carey  served  the  congregation  uj 
summer  of  1879,  when  his  successor,  Rev.  Father  James  O’Donohu 
charge  and  is  still  the  pastor.  He  is  assisted  by  Father  James  M. 
The  congregation  now  numbers  about  three  thousand  five  hundred  soul 
pastor’s  residence,  a substantial  two-story  brick,  adjoins  the  church 
congregation  is  so  rapidly  increasing  that  the  church  edifice  is  too  sma 
commodate  all,  and  the  erection  of  a new  building  is  contemplated. 

ST.  mahy’s  chukch. 

Owing  to  the  great  increase  of  Catholics  in  the  city  and  this  vicinii 
found  necessary,  in  1859,  to  make  another  division  of  Emanuel’s;  h 
erection  of  St.  Mary’s  Church,  located  on  the  corner  of  Xenia  avemie  a 
street.  The  ground  upon  which  the  church,  schoolhouse  and  pastor’s  r, 
stands  was  donated  by  Albert  McClure  for  church  purposes.  The  ski 
lot  was  150  feet  front  by  280  feet  deep.  This  was  at  once  improved  a 
tified,  and  to-day  presents  a lovely  appearance,  with  the  many  fruit  an, 
trees  that  dot  its  surface.  The  present  edifice  was  erected  in  1859- 
cost  of  19,427.  It  is  of  brick,  and  in  size  110x50  feet.  It  has  a tc 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


681 


j the  latter  of  which  is,  like  all  Catholic  churches,  surmounted  by  a large 
cl’oa  the  emblem  of  the  crucified  Son  of  God.  Within  the  tower  are  three 
Li  and  a clock.  The  interior  of  the  building  is  handsomely  decorated  and 
■tied.  Over  the  altar  is  a fine  painting  of  the  ascension  of  our  Lord,  and 
the  piling  is  decorated  with  many  scriptural  scenes.  The  windows  are  of 
-i  >d  glass,  though  modest.  A fine  altar  has  just  been  placed  in  the  church, 
ustjig  |1,200.  It  is  of  Gothic  design,  constructed  of  black  walnut,  with  gold 
fings.  The  dedication  of  this  edifice  took  place  on  the  15th  of  August, 
Sermon  by  Bishop  Henry  I).  Juncker.  Father  Schili’  was  the  first  pas- 
the  congregation,  and  served  the  church  until  1869.  He  was  a native 
I'ussia,  Germany,  and  was  born  January  23,  1826;  was  ordained  in  the 
v>f  Cincinnati,  in  1858,  and  died  near  Baltimore,  Md.,  November  2,  1873. 
Lifer  Schiff  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Father  Henry  L.  Stuckenborg,  who  as- 
, 1 his  duties  October  10,  1869,  and  has  since  continued  in  the  pastorate  of 
lurch.  The  pastor’s  residence  was  built  by  Father  Stuckenborg  in  1871. 

1 ia  two-storv  brick,  40x36  feet,  contains  eight  large  rooms,  and  cost  $5,000. 
'congregation  numbers  220  families,  or  about  twelve  hundred  persons. 

HOLY  TKINITY  CHURCH. 

Despite  the  split  of  Emanuel’s  congregation  to  form  the  above  men- 
1 church,  her  edifice  was  not  large  enough  to  hold  all  the  members 
.e  congregation,  and  another  church  became  a necessity.  In  1860, 
jid  was  secured  od  the  corner  of  Fifth  and  Brainbridge  streets,  and 
■iw  Church  erected  thereon.  It  is  an  imposing  structure,  one  story  high, 
'ill  large.  In  size  it  is  about  160x70  feet.  It  is  constructed  of  brick,  with 
"tone  trimmings,  and  has  in  the  center  front  a massive  tower  in  which  is 
aded  a bell,  and  is  adjusted  a large  clock.  In  front  are  three  entrances 
ajiarrow  hall,  from  which  open  into  the  auditorium  the  same  number  of 
The  church  is  supplied  with  a large  and  fine  organ,  placed  in  the  gal- 
in  the  rear  of  the  audience  room.  The  interior  finish  of  the  church  in 
i of  magnificence  and  beauty  compares  favorably  with  that  of  Emanuel’s, 
description  of  which  has  been  given.  The  frescoing,  elegant  in  design 
Irish,  representing  Scriptural  scenes,  and  the  altars  with  their  numerous 
cations  are  rarely  excelled  in  more  pretentious  edifices.  There  can  be 
rjirjlbly  seated  in  the  building  1,000  persons. 

lev.  F.  J.  Goetz  was  given  this  congregation  as  pastor,  and  he  has  ever 
K been  the  faithful  shepherd  of  his  flock,  assisted  by  Revs.  Kress,  now  at 
ing,  Ohio,  and  Frohmiller,  the  latter  now  yet  acting  in  this  capacity. 

Che  church  was  dedicated  August  18,  1861,  by  Bishop  Henry  D.  Juncker, 
-'ton,  111. 


lev.  Father  N.  Nickels  also  served  as  assistant  priest  of  the  church  in  con- 
u with  Father  D.  Kress  from  January,  1872,  until  1875.  Father  J.  B. 
niller  was  installed  as  assistant  pastor  in  July,  1875.  There  are  about  three 
'fed  and  fifty  families  in  the  church.  The  present  "Wardens  are:  T.  A. 
yr.  0.  J.  Ferneding,  P.  Schommer,  A.  Eicheulaub  and  J.  L.  Butz. 
m connection  with  the  several  churches  are  a number  of  benevolent,  ben- 
'dand  other  societies,  which  aid  and  work  in  harmony  with  that  body, 
,J  of  which,  known  outside  of  the  church,  are  as  follows:  St.  Charles 
■ al  Benevolent  Society  of  Emanuel’s  Church,  organized  in  1863;  Knights 
* George,  of  the  same  church,  organized  February  7.  1875;  and  Knights 
George  of  Holy  Trinity  Church,  organized  in  November,  1871.  The 
'yership  of  these  two  last  named  organizations  is  about  seventy-five  and 
x1hve,  respectively. 

Joseph’s  Benevolent  Society,  of  the  church  of  that  name,  organized  in 
loo...  Its  present  membership  is  seventy-five.  Hibernians,  another  so- 

Y 


682 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


ciety  of  the  English  speaking  Catholics  of  the  city,  organized  March  17.  18 
Membership  now  ninety.  And  St.  Joseph’s  Orphan  Society  (of  the  Cathol 
in  general),  organized  mainly  through  the  efforts  of  Father  John  F.  Hah 
Number  of  members  enrolled,  between  three  and  four  hundred, 

YOUNG  MEN’S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION. 

The  formation  of  the  Young  Men’s  Christian  Association  of  Dayton ' 
the  direct  result  of  a religious  awakening  throughout  the  city  during 
winter  of  1869-70.  At  this  time,  a call  was  issued  for  the  young  men  of 
city  to  meet  at  the  First  Lutheran  Church,  on  Sunday  afternoon,  February 
1870.  At  this  meeting,  several  hundred  were  present.  A resolution  favor 
the  formation  of  a Y.  M.  C.  A.  was  unanimously  adopted,  and  a committee 
which  T.  O.  Lowe  was  Chairman,  was  appointed  to  draft  a constitution 
by-laws.  This  Committee  soon  after  made  its  report,  and  on  March  2.  18 
the  Association  was  formally  organized  with  It.  W.  Steele  as  President. 

There  having  been  a young  men’s  reading  room  in  the  city,  its  outfit 
purchased  by  the  Association,  and  on  March  31,  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  parlors 
reading  room  were  thrown  open  to  the  public.  These  rooms  were  located 
the  Journal  Building,  on  Main  street,  between  Second  and  Third. 

H.  P.  Adams,  of  Manchester,  N.  H.,  was  installed  as  General  Secretary 
which  capacity  he  continued  until  the  spring  of  1874,  when  he  was  called  toi 
charge  of  the  Assocation  at  Baltimore,  Md.  ,the  vacancy  thus  created  in  the  Dai 
branch  being  temporarily  filled  by  W.  A.  Wagner,  who  remained  in  the  posii 
until  August,  1874  when  D.  A.  Sinclair,  the  present  incumbent,  was  appoin 

In  the  spring  of  1875,  a movement  wms  started  to  get  the  Association 
a building  of  its  own,  and,  notwithstanding  the  hard  times  of  that  year,  me 
enough  was  subscribed  to  purchase  the  present  elegant  quarters  at  Nos.  32 
34  East  Fourth  street,  which  were  remodeled  and  furnished  throughout. 

The  property  now  owned  by  them  is  a lot  with  a frontage  of  sixty-five  1 
and  a depth  of  200  feet,  on  the  front  of  which  is  a handsome  two-story  1 
building  with  stone  capped  windows  and  doors.  The  door  opens  into  a 
cious  hall,  to  the  right  of  which  are  elegantly  furnished  double  parlors, 
back  of  these  a lecture  room,  with  a seating  capacity  of  100.  On  the  se<j 
floor  are  the  Secretary’s  office,  the  printing  office,  newspaper  room  and  hbi 
all  handsomely  furnished.  Besides  these,  there  are  three  rooms  used  by 
Secretary  as  a residence;  also,  a lodger’s  room  and  a wash  room.  The  w 
building  is  heated  by  a furnace  with  open  fires  for  ventilation,  and  is  f 
ished  with  gas  and  water  throughout. 

In  1876,  a spacious  hall  was  built  on  the  rear  of  the  lot  capable  of  sea 
620  persons.  Under  this  is  a finished  basement,  with  a kitchen  and  rooms 
socials,  and  a gymnasium.  The  association  also  own  a frame  chapel  in  Bn 
town,  known  as  Patterson  Mission,  which  has  a regular  attendance  of 
They  also  owned  Calvary  Chapel,  in  McPhersontown,  which  was  sold  in  A 
1882,  to  the  Methodists  of  the  city,  who  have  a regular  Methodist  Churcl 
ganized  and  operated  there. 

The  entire  property  of  the  Association  is  valued  at  between  $35,JU0 
$40,000,  free  of  incumbrance.  The  annual  expenses  are  about  $3,000,  of  w 
$2,000  comes  from  individual  donations  by  citizens,  and  the  remainder 
seats,  entertainments,  memberships,  etc. 

The  present  officers  are:  President,  G.  N.  Bierce;  Vice  Presidents,  1 
Daniels,  D.  E.  McSherry,  C.  V.  Osborn,  John  Dodds;  Recording  Secretary 
A.  Kimmel;  Corresponding  Secretary,  W.  D.  Chamberlin;  Treasurer,  C 
Mitchell;  Board  of  Managers,  J.  C.  Reber,  E.  A.  Parrott,  P.  Mitchell,  F.  ■ 
ford,  William  Saint,  J.  C.  Kiefaber,  R.  M.  Parmely,  Leonard  Moore,  V> 
King,  A.  S.  Wensthoff,  G.  Y.  Jones  and  M.  F.  Hooven. 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


683 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


Ytional  — Introduction — Public  Schools — German  Schools  — Night 
jboOLS— Colored  Schools— Instruction  in  Music— High  Schools— 
-hool  Law— Superintendent  of  Instruction — Intermediate  School— 
>umal  Sciiool—Board  of  Examiners— Public  Library— Free  Night 
Sdustkial  Schools— Statement  of  Superintendent  of  Penmanship— 

I iOPER  Academy— Catholic  Schools— Saint  Emanuel’s,  Saint  Joseph’s, 
Sint  Mary’s,  Holy  Trinity,  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame,  Saint  Mary’s 
Istitute— Commercial  College. 

HISTORY  OF  THE  SCHOOLS  OF  DAYTON. 

BY  ROBERT  IV.  STEELE  * 

f creditable  to  the  first  settlers  of  Dayton  that  as  early  as  1799  a school  was 
tight  in  a block-house  located  at  the  head  of  Main  street,  which  had  been 
its  a protection  against  Indians.  It  was  no  ordinary  interest  in  the  educa- 
their  children  which  led  them  to  establish  a school  amid  the  privations  of 
r life  and  danger  from  hostile  Indians.  Benjamin  Van  Cleve,  so  prominent 
nearly  histoiy  of  Dayton,  was  the  teacher,  and  the  school  was  continued  for 
^months  in  1799  and  1800.  In  the  fall  of  1804,  Cornelius  Westfall,  a Ken- 
kn,  opened  a school  in  a cabin  on  Main  street,  south  of  First,  and  taught  a 
He  was  succeeded  in  1805,  by  Swansey  Whiting,  of  Pennsylvania.  It  is 
He  that  Dayton  was  at  no  time  without  a school,  but  we  find  no  mention  of 
imes  of  other  teachers  at  this  early  period.  Fortunately  the  records  of  the 
Ijyton  Academy’  were  carefully  preserved  byr  the  late  John  W.  Van  Cleve, 
ipm  this  source  we  can  trace  the  history  of  that  institution. 

1807,  an  act  incorporating  the  Dayton  Academy’  was  obtained  from  the 
: it u re.  The  incorporators  were  James  Welsh.  Daniel  C.  Cooper,  William 
re,  David  Reid,  Benjamin  Van  Cleve,  George  F.  Tennery,  John  Folkerth 
■ ines  Hanna.  In  1808,  the  trustees  erected  by  subscription  a substantial 
Dry  brick  schoolhouse,  on  the  lot  adjoining  the  ground  now  occupied  by  the 
k’resbyterian  Church.  Mr.  I).  C.  Cooper,  the  proprietor  of  the  town,  a man 
;ye  views,  donated  in  addition  to  his  subscription,  two  lots  and  a bell, 
illiam  M.  Smith,  afterward  for  manyr  years  a prominent  citizen  of  Dayton, 
!e  first  teacher  employed.  In  his  contract  with  the  Trustees  he  proposed  to 

II  reading,  writing,  arithmetic,  the  classics  and  the  sciences."  Training  in 
von  was  made  prominent,  one  of  the  rules  of  the  school  requiring  that  “ for 
improvement  of  the  boys  in  public  speaking  a certain  number,  previously  ap- 
'd by  the  teacher,  shall  at  every  public  examination  pronounce  orations  and 
‘lies,  in  prose  and  verse,  to  be  selected  or  approved  byT  the  teacher,  and  famil- 
ies shall  be  recited  in  the  presence  of  the  teacher  by’  all  the  boy’s,  in  rota- 
! ho  can  read  with  facility,  every’  Saturday  morning.” 

1820,  the  Lancasterian  or  “ mutual  instruction  " system  of  education  was 
Yg  great  interest  throughout  the  United  States,  and  the  Trustees  of  the  Day- 
- ademy  determined  to  introduce  it  in  that  institution.  The  Trustees  were 
e:1  H.  Crane,  Aaron  Baker,  William  M.  Smith,  George  S.  Houston  and  David 
i If  was  necessary  to  erect  a building  specially  adapted  to  the  purpose, 
'use  was  built  on  the  lot  adjoining  the  academy,  and  consisted  of  a single 
a sixty-two  feet  long  and  thirty7-two  feet  wide.  The  floor  was  brick,  and  the 
’ftps  heated  by  “convolving  flues”  underneath  the  floor.  The  walls  were 

ypter  A HI,  excepting  Saint  Mary’s  Institute  and  Commercial  College,  contributed  by  Robert  W.  Steele. 


1 


684 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY'  COUNTY. 


hung  with  printed  lesson-cards,  before  which  the  classes  were  placed  to  v 
under  the  charge  of  monitors  selected  from  their  own  number.  A Iona',  na 
desk,  thickly  covered  with  silver  sand,  was  provided,  upon  which,  with  sticks 
youngest  scholars  copied  and  learned  the  letters  of  the  alphabet. 

Gideon  McMillan,  an  expert,  was  appointed  teacher,  and  in  the  fail  of 
the  school  was  opened.  It  was  continued  until,  like  so  many  other  theori 
education,  the  system  was  superseded,  leaving  no  doubt  a residuum  of  good  w 
has  been  incorporated  with  our  present  advanced  methods  of  instruction. 

A few  of  the  rules  adopted  for  the  government  of  the  school  may  iilns 
some  of  the  peculiarities  of  the  system  : 

“The  moral  and  literary  instruction  of  the  pupils  entered  at  the  Dayton 
casterian  Academy  will  be  studiously,  diligently  and  temperately  attended  to 

“ They  will  Ire  taught  to  spell  and  read  deliberately  and  distinctly,  agree 
to  the  rules  laid  down  in  Walker’s  Dictionary  ; and  in  order  to  do  that  corn 
they  will  be  made  conversant  with  the  first  rules  of  grammar.  The  senior 
will  be  required  to  give  a complete  grammatical  analysis  of  the  words  as 
proceed. 

“ They  will  be  required  to  write  with  freedom  all  the  different  hands  no 
use,  on  the  latest  and  most  approved  plan  of  proportion  and  distance. 

“ There  will  be  no  public  examinations  at  particular  seasons  ; in  a Lane 
rian  school  every  day  being  an  examination  day,  at  which  all  who  have  leisni 
invitee!  to  attend.” 

In  1821,  the  Trustees  adopted  the  following  resolution,  which  would  In 
accord  with  present  ideas  of  the  jurisdiction  of  boards  of  education  or  tli 
thority  of  teachers  : 

“ Resolved , That  any  scholar  attending  the  Lancasterian  School  who  m 
found  playing  ball  on  the  Sabbath,  or  resorting  to  the  woods  or  commons  or 
day  for  sport,  shall  forfeit  any  badge  of  merit  he  may  have  obtained,  and  tw 
live  tickets  ; and  if  the  offense  appears  aggravated,  shall  be  further  degradi 
the  tutor  shall  think  proper  and  necessary  ; and  that  this  resolution  be  n 
school  every  Friday  previous  to  the  dismission  of  the  scholors.” 


The  high  hopes  excited  by  the  Lancasterian  system  of  education,  its  ge 
adoption  in  the  towns  and  cities  of  the  United  States,  and  its  entire  abandon 
is  an  interesting  episode  in  school  history,  and  may  serve  to  moderate  our  e 
siasm  for  new  methods  of  instruction  until  thoroughly  tested  by  experience. 

In  1833,  the  academy  property  was  sold,  and  a new  building  erected  o 
purchased  on  the  southwest  corner  of  Fourth  and  Wilkinson  streets.  At  this 
the  Trustees  were  Aaron  Baker,  Job  Haines,  Obadiali  B.  Conover,  James  1 
and  John  W.  Van  Cleve.  Mr.  E.  E.  Barney,  a graduate  of  Union  College 
York,  was  elected  Principal  in  1834.  By  the  introduction  of  the  anal 
methods  of  instruction,  Mr.  Barney  exerted  an  important  influence  on  our  j 
schools.  Teachers  educated  by  him  carried  these  methods  into  the  schools 
vance  of  most  places  in  the  West,  and  gave  them  in  their  early  history  r 
reputation. 

In  1857,  the  academy  property  was  donated  by  the  stockholders  to  the 
of  Education,  and  the  Central  High  School  building  stands  on  the  site  former 
copied  by  the  academy.  Our  high  school  may  thus  trace  its  history  back  to 

Among  early  Dayton  teachers,  Francis  Glass,  the  author  of  a'“  Life  ofWai 
ton,”  in  Latin,  is  worthy  of  special  notice.  Mr.  I.  P.  Reynolds,  a pupil  ol 
this  county  in  1823,  and  who  was  instrumental  in  procuring  the  public!’.- i( 
Harper  Brothers,  of  his  “Life  of  Washington,”  in  the  introduction  to  that  work, 
this  account  of  him.  He  was  educated  in  Philadelphia,  taught  for  a time  i 
interior  of  Pennsylvania,  but  removed  in  1817  or  1818  to  the  Miami  co 
where  he  was  employed  as  a teacher  in  various  places.  Mr.  Reynolds  wish 
pursue  classical  studies,  heard  of  Glass  as  a competent  teacher,  and  deter  mi 
visit  him.  He  saj’s  : “ I found  him  in  a remote  part  of  the  county,  in  ; 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


685 


n'borhood  of  thrifty  farmers,  who  hacl  employed  him  to* instruct  their  children, 
;,hci.n  general,  were  then  acquiring  the  simplest  rudiments  of  an  English  educa- 
q The  schoolhouse  now  rises  fresh  on  my  memory.  It  stood  on  the  banks  of 
dll  stream,  in  a thick  grove  of  native  oaks,  resembling  more  a den  for  Druid  - 
ljtes,  than  a temple  of  learning.  The  building  was  a low  log  cabin,  with  a 
[trail  roof,  but  indifferently  tight ; all  the  light  of  heaven  found  in  this  cabin 
n;  through  apertures  made  on  each  side  in  the  logs,  and  these  were  covered 
Ailed  paper  to  keep  out  the  cold  air,  while  they  admitted  the  dim  rays.  The 
r,or  benches  were  of  hewed  timbers,  resting  on  upright  posts,  placed  in  the 
oild  to  keep  them  from  being  overturned  by  the  mischievous  urchins,  who  sat 
tj:m.  In  the  center  was  a large  stove,  between  which  and  the  back  part  of 
hiding,  stood  a small  desk  without  lock  or  key,  made  of  rough  plank  over 
i(  a plane  had  never  passed  ; and  behind  this  desk  sat  Prof.  Glass  when  I 
tfd  his  school.  The  moment  he  heard  that  my  intention  was  to  pursue  the  study 
f;  languages  with  him,  his  whole  soul  appeared  to  beam  from  his  counte- 
m” 

le  had  already  commenced  his  “Life  of  Washington  ” in  Latin,  but  had  been 
hindered  by  his  poverty.  Mr.  Reynolds  furnished  him  the  means  to  remove 
l.yton,  where  the  work  was  completed.  He  taught  in  Dayton  for  some  time, 

1 he  quaint  advertisements  of  his  school  frequently  appear  in  the  Watchman 
tat  period.  The  following  characteristic  one  is  found  in  the  Watchman  of 
1 Y “The  subscriber  having  completed  the  biography  of  Washington,  which 
1 jngaged  the  greater  portion  of  his  attention  and  solicitude  for  the  last  two 
a and  being  constiained  to  remain  in  Dayton  for  some  months  for  the 
i'|se  of  correcting  the  proof-sheets  of  said  work,  respectfully  announces 
! Apis  school  is  now  open  for  students  of  either  sex  who  may  wish  to  prosecute 
sfc|l,  mathematical  or  English  studies.  As  respects  his  literary  attainments, 
snding  as  a scholar,  he  refers  to  the  faculty  of  arts  of  any  university  or  col- 
i n the  United  States.”  It  is  sad  to  think  that  the  poor  author  did  not  enjoy 
jttisfaction  of  “correcting  the  proof-sheets”  of  the  work  which  had  been  the 
oing  ambition  of  his  life.  His  friend,  Mr.  Reynolds,  took  the  manuscript, 
led  in  vain  to  find  a publisher.  Leaving  the  country  for  a voyage  round  the 
r on  his  return,  he  found  that  Francis  Glass  had  died.  The  work  was  not 
; ' Led  until  1835.  It  is  certainly  a very  remarkable  production  for  a country 
|(  . teacher,  remote  from  libraries.  Its  Latinit}^  has  been  pronounced  good  by 
tvrs,  and  it  was  adopted  as  a text-book  in  many  schools.  A copy  of  the  work 
nie  found  in  the  Dayton  Public  Library. 

lilo  G.  Williams  was  another  teacher  of  mark,  at  an  early  da}7.  In  1833,  he 
spvited  by  Mr.  David  Pruden  to  come  to  Dayton  to  take  charge  of  a manual 
lfJ  school  to  be  established  in  the  large  brick  building  owned  by  him,  which, 
i recently,  stood  at  the  junction  of  Jefferson  and  Warren  streets.  Mr.  Will- 
' was  to  conduct  the  academic,  and  Mr.  Pruden  the  labor  and  boarding  depart- 
1 ■ The  large  building  was  used  for  the  school  and  boarding  purposes,  and 
']  were  erected  for  instruction  in  various  mechanical  trades.  A large  number 
- Ip  from  Cincinnati  and  other  places  were  attracted  to  the  school  by  Mr. 
!nns’  reputation  as  a teacher,  and  the  school  enjoyed  great  popularity.  Not 
pg  a pecuniary  success,  it  was  closed  after  a few  3rears’  trial,  and  Mr.  Will- 
' returned  to  Cincinnati  to  continue  his  work  as  a teacher  there.  Both  Mr. 

I nns  and  Mr.  Pruden  were  actuated  try  philanthropic  motives  in  the  establish- 
' ■'  jof  the  school,  and  deserve  credit  for  the  attempt  to  combine  intellectual  cult- 
pith  preparation  for  the  practical  duties  of  life.  How  this  may  be  done  is 
perplexing  the  minds  of  educators,  and  it  is  no  discredit  to  them  that  they  did 
Yid  the  solution. 

jn  1844,  by  invitation  of  the  Trustees,  Mr.  Williams  returned  to  Dayton  to 
Ipkarge  of  the  Dayton  Academy,  where  he  taught  for  several  years  with  great 
,i(  cfance-  Solicited  by  leading  members  of  the  religious  denominations  to  which 


686 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


he  belonged,  he  resigned  to  take  a position  in  a college  of  his  church  at  Urb: 
at  which  place  he  died  in  1880,  having  reached  a ripe  old  age.  He  was  a oei 
man  of  fine  presence,  admirable  social  qualities,  and  ever  ready  to  unite  ' 
others  in  efforts  for  the  public  welfare.  He  was  one  of  the  founders  and  the  1 
President  of  the  Dayton  Library'  Association,  and,  in  many  ways,  left  his  imp 
on  the  community. 

But  perhaps  the  teacher  who  made  the  deepest  impression  on  our  systei 
education  was  Mr.  E.  E.  Barney.  Coming  to  Dayton  in  1834,  he  brought  i 
him  from  New  York  the  most  advanced  methods  of  teaching,  and  introdi 
them  here.  He  inspired  his  scholars  with  his  own  enthusiasm,  and  transfer 
study  from  a drudgery  to  a pleasure.  He  procured  the  best  apparatus  foi 
illustration  of  natural  science,  and  by  frequent  excursions  to  the  country  soi 
to  make  his  pupils  familiar  with  the  botany  and  geology  of  this  region.  Qoi 
sition  and  declamation  were  required  studies  in  the  school,  and  a literary  soc 
and  library  were  established  under  his  auspices.  He  encouraged  the  plantin 
trees,  and  the  cultivation  of  flowers,  and,  by  every?  means  at  his  command,  soi 
to  develop  a symmetrical  character.  He  was  quick  to  notice  the  aptitude  ol 
pupils  for  particular  professions  in  life,  and  his  advice  often  exerted  an  impoi 
influence  on  their  after  career.  The  discipline  of  the  school  was  mild,  but 
and  largely  left  to  the  honor  of  the  pupils.  Corporal  punishment  was  la 
resorted  to.  Each  morning  the  school  was  opened  with  the  reading  of  the  S 
tu  res  and  prayer. 

In  1838,  when  a public  meeting  was  called  to  determine  upon  the  buildir 
the  first  public  schoolhouses,  Mr.  Barney  heartily  advocated  the  measure.  Alth< 
the  patronage  of  his  private  school  might  be  decreased,  he  permitted  no  9e 
motives  to  interfere  with  what  he  believed  would  promote  the  public  inter 
His  experience  and  advice  were  freely?  given  in  planning  and  seating  the 
schoolhouses,  and  his  school  furnished  a corps  of  educated  teachers  who  ca: 
at  once  the  newest  methods  of  instruction  into  the  public  schools.  A large 
of  the  older  citizens  of  Dayton  were  his  scholars  at  the  Dayton  Acaden 
Cooper  Seminary,  and  recall  his  instructions  with  gratitude.  A suitable  hi' 
phy  of  Mr.  Barney  will  appear  in  another  part  of  the  history  of  Montgoi 
County. 

PUBLIC  SCHOOLS. 

In  Ohio,  until  1825,  no  uniform  system  of  taxation  for  school  purposes 
adopted,  and  until  1838,  no  adequate  tax  levied.  The  lack  of  means  rather 
the  lack  of  interest  on  the  part  of  the  people  prevented  the  general  estabbsh 
of  public  schools  at  an  early  day. 

Probably  before  1831,  schools  had  been  partly  supported  by  taxation,  1 
was  not  u-ntii  that  year  that  the  school  district  of  Dayton  was  formally  organ 
A meeting  was  held  at  the  court  house,  Saturday,  May  14,  1831,  and  Dr.  • 
Steele,  F.  F.  Carrell  and  Warren  Monger  were  appointed  Directors;  Edmund 
rison,  Clerk,  and  William  Bomberger,  Treasurer.  Soon  after,  a board  was 
ularly  elected  and  the  schools  organized  as  will  appear  by  the  following  notic 

“First  District  School  will  be  opened  Monday,  December  5,  1831,  by 
vanus  Hall,  approved  teacher,  in  the  school  room  on  Jefferson  street  bet 
Water  and  First  streets.  Public  money  appropriated  to  support  it.  w 
Bruen,  Nathaniel  Wilson  and  Henry?  Van  Tuyl,  Directors. 

Three  additional  rooms  were  soon  after  opened  in  different  parts  ol  tin 
for  the  convenience  of  scholars. 

From  this  time  until  1838,  schools  supported  by  taxation  were  taught 
few  months  each  year  in  rented  rooms.  No  public  school  buildings  had 
erected,  and  the  majority  of  the  citizens  sent  their  children  to  private  scl 
During  this  period,  the  following  persons  served  at  different  times  as  Direc 
Thomas  Brown,  William  Hart,  James  Slaght,  I.  H.  Mitchell,  David  Osborn,! 
P.  Lowe,  Simon  Snyder  and  William  H.  Brown.  Among  the  teachers  ol 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


687 


r ;l  were  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Leavenworth  Hnrd,  who  taught  in  the  old  academy  build- 
: vii  St.  Clair  sti'eet.  The  public  funds  not  being  sufficient  to  sustain  this  school, 
' r quarter  was  charged  for  each  scholar. 
tVe  have  now  reached  the  period  when  the  public  schools  assumed  the  irnpor- 
. in  the  public  estimation  which  they  have  ever  since  maintained. 

;u  1837,  Samuel  Lewis  was  elected  by  the  Legislature  State  Superintendent 
hools.  Mr.  Lewis  entered  upon  his  work  with  great  enthusiasm,  visiting 
e | part  of  the  State,  and  addressing  the  people  at  all  important  points.  It 
,„ne  of  these  addresses  that  led  to  the  public  meeting  in  1838,  which  resulted 
je  building  of  two  sehoolhouses.  Prior  to  that  time,  not  more  than  §300  in 
\ 'lie  year  could  be  raised  by  taxation  in  a school  district  for  the  purpose  of 
; ing  sehoolhouses.  the  law  of  1838,  it  was  provided  that  “a  special 
•cfea-  might  be  called  after  twenty  days’  notice,  stating  an  intention  to  propose 
Aoolhouse  tax,  at  which  a maj&'it}’’  of  the  voters  present,  being  householders, 
i 'authorized  to  determine  by  vote  upon  the  erection  of  a schoolhouse,  and  how 
i money  should  be  raised  for  such  purpose.’’  Legal  notice  was  given,  and  a 
;;djc  meeting  assembled  in  the  church  which  formerly  stood  on  Main  street, 
t :eu  First  and  Water  streets.  Strenuous  opposition  was  made  to  the  levy  of 
ix  by  a few  wealthy  citizens,  but  after  a heated  discussion,  the  measure  was 
rid  by  a large  majority.  The  amount  to  be  raised  was  fixed  at  $6,000,  and  it 
i-  esolved  to  build  two  houses,  one  in  the  eastern  and  one  in  the  western  part 
o te  city. 

The  opposition  did  not  end  with  the  meeting,  and  an  injunction  was  applied 
r p prevent  the  levy  of  the  tax.  It  was  believed  that  it  could  not  be  proved 
a the  law  had  been  complied  with  in  giving  notice  of  the  meeting.  This  had 
f‘  anticipated  by  Mr.  E.  E.  Barney,  who  had  taken  the  precaution  to  post  the 
itas  in  person,  and,  accompanied  by  a friend,  had  visited  them  from  time  to 
into  see  that  they  were  not  removed.  The  injunction  was  not  granted,  and  the 
■i ps  were  built  on  the  sites  now  occupied  by  the  Second  and  Fourth  District 
dhouses.  The  plans  were  taken  from  the  Common  School  Journal,  and  em- 
x id  the  most  advanced  ideas  of  the  time  on  the  subject  of  school  architecture. 
Unfortunately  no  records  of  this  important  period  of  our  school  history  have 
. preserved,  and  relying  on  tradition  for  our  scanty  facts,  justice  cannot  be 
>i  to  the  public  spirited  citizens  who  were  the  early  and  zealous  friends  of  our 
i1  c schools. 

Ralph  P.  Lowe,  Simon  Snyder  and  W.  LI.  Brown  were  the  directors  of  the 
ills  in  1838-39.  The  latter  two  have  since  died.  Mr.  Lowe  removed  many 
• ; ago  to  Iowa,  where  he  has  held  the  distinguished  positions  of  Judge  of  the 
i eme  Court  and  Governor  of  the  State.  In  March,  1S39,  the  schools  were 
jxed  and  continued  for  three  quarters  of  twelve  weeks  each.  Mr.  Collins 
lit  was  Principal  of  the  Western  District,  and  Mr.  Elder,  of  the  Eastern.  The 
1 y of  the  Principals  was  $500  per  annum.  In  addition  to  the  Principals,  one 
taj  assistant  and  three  female  teachers  were  employed  in  each  house. 

In  1839-40,  Simon  Snyder,  It.  P.  Brown  and  Thomas  Brown,  served  as  Di- 
■rs.  and  in  1840-41,  G.  W.  Bomberger,  Jefferson  Patterson  and  Solomon  Price. 
In  1841,  a city  charter  was  granted  to  Dayton,  by  which  the  control  of  the 
mion  schools  was  given  to  the  City  Council.  In  the  interim  between  the  en- 
•1  ent  of  the  city  charter  and  the  appointment  of  a Board  of  Managers  of  com- 
schools  as  provided  for,  a Committee  of  the  City  Council  wTas  appointed  to 
>1  charge  of  the  schools.  This  committee  consisted  of  Henry  Strickler,  David 
t s and  David  Winters.  On  the  records  of  the  City  Council  is  found  the  first 
drtof  the  condition  of  the  schools,  made  June  14,  1841.  The  committee  say: 
J'W’as  necessary  to  suspend  the  schools  from  April,  1841,  until  January,  1842, 
} nable  the  Directors  of  1841  to  discharge  the  indebtedness  incurred  in  1839  by 
^'Directors  of  that  year  requiring  the  schools  to  be  kept  open  the  whole  year, 
thj  anticipating  $800  of  the  school  fund  of  1840.  The  schools  were  kept  open 


688 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


in  1840  six  months  ; then  suspended  until  January,  1841,  with  a view  of  dost 
without  indebtedness.  But  the  great  change  in  money  affairs  defeated  the  oliiei 
as  the  poll-tax  of  50  cents  a scholar  could  not  be  collected.  The  schoolhous 
are  now  in  use  by  the  Principals  of  the  schools,  in  which  they  are  teaching  privs 
schools.  They  hold  them  on  condition  that  in  each  house  twenty  charity  schol; 
shall  be  taught  each  quarter.” 

The  city  charter  fixed  the  levy  for  school  purposes  in  Dayton  at  two  mills 
the  dollar,  and  directed  that  the  “ school  tax  so  levied,  and  all  other  funds  tl 
may  be  collected  or  accrue  for  the  support  of  common  schools,  shall  be  exclusl 
ly  appropriated  to  defray  the  expenses  of  instructors  and  fuel,  and  for  no  otl 
purpose  whatever.”  No  provision  was  made  for  contingent  expenses,  whirl-,  r< 
dered  it  necessary  to  require  a tuition  fee  of  50  cents  per  quarter  from  each  schol 
Parents  who  were  unable  were  not  expected  to  pay.  This  tax  was  continued 
several  years,  until  suitable  provision  was  made  by  law  for  contingent  expens 
In  addition  to  the  levy  of  two  mills  for  tuition  purposes,  ample  power  was  gii 
to  the  City  Council  to  issue  bonds,  by  vote  of  the  people,  for  the  erection  of  schc 
houses. 

The  city  charter  directed  “ the  City  Council  shall  in  the  month  of  Jamia: 
each  year,  select  from  each  ward  in  the  city  one  judicious  and  competent  pel's 
as  a manager  of  common  schools  ; the  persons  so  selected  shall  constitute  and 
denominated  the  Board  of  Managers  of  Common  Schools  in  the  City  of  Dayt 
and  shall  hold  their  offices  for  one  year,  and  until  their  successors  shall  be  ehos 
and  qualified.” 

The  general  management  of  the  school  was  committed  to  this  board,  but 
the  most  important  particulars  it  was  merely  the  agent  of  the  Council.  The  pr 
er  to  levy  taxes,  and  issue  bonds  was  vested  in  the  Council,  and  the  board 
only  recommend  the  amount  that  in  its  judgment  was- needed.  Practically,  li< 
ever,  the  board  exercised  complete  jurisdiction,  as  in  no  case  was  its  recoramen 
tions  disregarded.  The  fact  that  the  two  bodies  co-operated  for  so  many  ye 
without  serious  difference  of  opinion  or  conflict,  conclusively  shows  the  unankn 
of  public  sentiment  in  favor  of  liberal  provision  for  the  schools. 

The  first  Board  of  Managers  was  appointed  by  the  City  Council  in  Jamu 
1842,  and  was  composed  of  the  following  members  : First  Ward,  Ebenezer  F 
ler  ; Second  Ward,  Robert  W.  Steele  ; Third  Ward,  Simon  Snyder  ; Fourth  V> ; 
Edward  W.  Davies  ; Fifth  Ward,  William  J.  McKinney. 

From  a report  made  to  the  City  Council  December  12,  1842,  it  appears  t 
the  total  amount  of  school  fund  in  the  treasury,  January,  1842,  was  $2,482 
From  this  had  to  be  deducted  a loss  on  uncurrent  money  of  $317.35,  and  ai 
debtedness  from  the  last  year  of  $552.55,  leaving  only  $1,582.95  with  which  to  c 
duct  the  schools. 

Four  schools  were  opened — two  in  the  public  schoolhouses,  and  two  in  veil 
rooms.  Six  male  and  ten  female  teachers  were  employed.  The  Principals  w 
W.  W.  Chipman,  W.  J.  Thurber.  E.  H.  Hood  and  William  Worrel.  The  salary 
Principals  was  $110  per  quarter  ; of  male  assistants,  $80  ; and  of  female  teach 
$50.  The  board  was  determined  to  close  the  year  without  debt,  and  the  sck< 
were  continued  only7  one  quarter  one  month  and  one  week,  exhausting  every  1 
iar  of  the  fund.  The  houses,  however,  were  not  closed,  the  teachers  contini: 
private  schools  in  them  throughout  the  y7ear. 

The  text-books  used  were  Pickett’s  spelling-book,  McG-uffey’s  readers, 
burn’s  and  Emerson’s  arithmetics,  Mitchell’s  geography,  Smith’s  grammar, 
Parley’s  book  of  history.  A resolution  was  offered  in  the  board  to  make  the  I 
a text-book,  which  was  passed  with  the  amendment  that  the  teachers  be  requei 
tu  read  a portion  of  it  each  morning  at  the  opening  of  the  schools.  This  exerl 
has  been  continued  in  the  schools  until  the  present  time.  In  the  revised  r 
adopted  by7  the  board  in  1874,  the  following  section  was  passed  without  oppo|iti 
- The  schools  shall  be  opened  in  the  morning  with  reading  the  sacred  Scriptu 
without  comment,  and  repeating  the  Lord’s  Prayer,  if  desired.” 


I 


' 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


691 


"he  amount  received  from  the  50-cent  tuition  charge  in  1842  was  only  $162.48. 
sss  a time  of  great  pecuniary  embarrassment,  of  broken  banks  and  unpaid  taxes, 
j oost  inauspicious  to  inaugurate  the  public-school  system.  No  taxes,  how- 
.-i  vere  so  cheerfully  paid  as  those  for  the  maintenance  of  schools,  and  the  board 
7 s heered  in  this  day  of  small  things  by  the  cordial  support  of  the  people. 

n 1843,  the  schools  were  open  for  six  months,  and  the  year  closed  without 
ieb  The  time  was  lengthened  as  the  funds  would  justify,  until  in  1849,  the  full 
. l all-year  was  reached. 

GERMAN  SCHOOLS. 

in  1841,  the  Legislature  passed  a special  act,  directing  that  a German  school 
old  be  opened  in  Dayton,  to  be  supported  by  the  school  tax  paid  by  German 
lias.  This  law,  false  in  principle,  and  calling  for  a division  of  the  school  fund, 
much  of  the  special  legislation  before  the  adoption  of  the  constitution  of 
L 5 was  evidently  enacted  without  due  consideration.  It  was  found  to  be 
j '.cticable,  and  no  action  was  taken  until  1844,  when  the  board  was  authorized 
w to  introduce  German  on  the  same  basis  as  other  studies.  In  that  year  a 
: an  school  was  opened,  and  William  Gemein  appointed  teacher.  Since  that 
this  department  has  been  a constituent  part  of  our  school  system,  and  has 
vised  proportionally  with  the  English,  as  the  wants  of  the  German  population 
iked.  In  the  German  schools,  one-half  the  time  is  given  to  instruction  in 
:)|sh. 

NIGHT  SCHOOLS. 

m 1845,  in  response  to  a petition  from  apprentices  and  others  unable  to 
ell  the  day  schools,  a night  school  was  opened.  Since  that  time,  a sufficient 
ijer  of  such  schools  have  been  provided  during  the  winter  months  to  meet  the 
emnd,  and  have  reached  a large  class  of  pupils  who  would  have  been  deprived 
is  benefits  of  our  public  schools. 

COLORED  SCHOOLS. 

Jntil  1849,  no  provision  was  made  bylaw  for  the  education  of  colored  youth. 
ie  school  law  of  1849,  school  authorities  were  authorized  to  established  sep- 

I school  districts  for  colored  persons,  to  be  managed  by  directors  to  be  chosen 
ult  male  colored  tax-payers.  The  property  of  colored  tax-payers  was  alone 

ajeable  for  the  support  of  these  schools.  Under  this  law  a school  was  opened 
19,  and  continued  until  the  law  of  1853  placed  schools  for  colored  youth  on 
ieime  basis  as  those  for  white.  By  that  law,  boards  of  education  were  directed 

II  ever  the  colored  youth  in  any  school  district  numbered  more  than  thirty,  to 
dish  a separate  school  or  schools  for  them,  to  be  sustained  out  of  the  general 
u Since  that  time  the  colored  schools  have  been  conducted  under  the  man- 
T ent  of  the  Board  of  Education,  and  colored  youth  have  the  same  facilities  of 
lotion  extended  to  them  as  to  white.  Pupils  prepared  in  these  schools  are 
rped  to  the  intermediate  and  high  schools. 

INSTRUCTION  IN  MUSIC. 

ifter  much  discussion  it  was  determined,  in  1849,  to  introduce  music  as  a 
! 'h  of  study  in  the  public  schools. 

Inly  a few  hours  of  each  week  were  devoted  to  music,  and  instruction  was 
■ in  the  upper  grades  only.  This  arrangement  was  continued  until  1870, 
i'  the  board  employed  a superintendent  of  music,  and  an  assistant,  both  of 
m were  to  devote  their  whole  time  to  the  schools,  and  give  instruction  in  all 
e fades.  In  1872,  William  IT.  Clarke  was  elected  Superintendent  of  Music,  and 
vduced  the  plan  now  adopted  in  the  schools  of  using  the  teachers  as  assistants, 
in  in  some  measure  meets  the  objection  that  no  one  man  can  do  the  work  neces- 
i to  be  done  in  this  department.  The  teacher  in  each  room  is  now  responsible 
’ ie  proficiency  of  the  scholars  in  this  as  in  the  other  branches  of  study.  The 


692 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


aim  is  not  simply  to  teach  the  scholars  to  sing  by  rote,  but  to  give  them  a tl 
ough  knowledge  of  the  rudiments  of  music. 

After  the  resignation  of  Mr.  Clarke,  James  Turpin  was  elected  Superintend 
but  died  before  his  term  of  office  expired.  Mr.  Turpin  was  the  first  music-teac 
elected  by  the  board,  in  1848,  and  at  different  periods  rendered  many  year 
faithful  and  efficient  service  in  this  department.  F.  C.  Mayer  is  the  prei 
incumbent. 

HIGH  SCHOOL. 

As  the  public  schools  grew  in  popularity,  and  the  large  majority  of  the  i 
dren  of  all  classes  in  the  city  attended  them,  the  need  of  instruction  in  t,h,  hi; 
branches  was  more  and  more  felt  by  the  public.  In  1847,  the  Board  of  Edi 
tion  procured  from  the  Legislature  the  extension  to  Dayton  of  the  provisio 
the  Akron  school  law,  granting  to  that  town  authority  to  establish  a high  scl 
In  1848,  the  Principals  of  the  schools  petitioned  the  board  for  the  privileg 
teaching  some  of  the  higher  branches  to  meet  a want  expressed  by  many  of  t 
more  advanced  pupils.  In  their  petition  they  state  that  many  of  their 
scholars  are  drawn  from  the  public  to  private  schools  from  the  lack  of  this  iasl 
tion,  and  say  that  “we  at  present  desire  to  introduce  the  elements  of  algebra 
geometry,  and  perhaps  physiology7  and  natural  philosophy.”  A committee  of 
board  reported  on  this  petition  that  it  would  not  be  wise  to  introduce  such  insi 
tion  in  the  district  schools,  but  recommended  the  establishment  of  a high  scl 
It  was  not,  however,  until  1850  that  decisive  action  was  taken.  On  April  4, 1 
Mr.  Henry  L.  Brown  offered  the  following  resolution,  which  was  unanimo 
adopted  : 

Resolved , That  this  board  do  now  establish  the  Central  High  School  of 
ton,  in  which  shall  be  taught  the  higher  branches  of  an  English  education, 
the  German  and  French  languages,  besides  thoroughly  reviewing  the  studies 
sued  in  the  district  schools. 

On  April  1 5,  1850,  the  school  was  opened  in  the  Northeastern  District  Sc! 
house.  James  Campbell  was  Principal ; Miss  Mary  Dickson,  Assistant,  and  Ji 
Turpin,  Teacher  of  Music.  In  the  fall  of  1850,  the  school  was  removed  tc 
academy  building,  the  free  use  of  which  was  granted  by7  the  Trustees  to  the  B 
of  Education.  In  June,  1857,  an  enabling  act  having  been  obtained  from 
Legislature,  the  Trustees  executed  a deed  for  the  property  to  the  Board  of  Ec 
tion,  and,  the  same  year,  the  old  building  was  removed  and  the  present  high  s< 
building  erected.  While  the  house  was  building  the  school  was  taught  in  rf 
rooms  in  the  Dickey  Block,  on  Fifth  street. 

The  curriculum  of  the  school  has  been  enlarged  from  time  to  time  until 
it  embraces  all  the  branches  of  study  usually  pursued  in  the  best  city  high  set 
Latin,  or  its  equivalent — German  or  French — is  required  to  be  studied  by  a! 
pupils.  Greek  is  taught,  but  comparatively  so  few  desire  to  study  it  that  i 
been  questioned  whether  it  is  right  to  expend  the  public  money  in  such  instnn 
A large  number  of  pupils  have  been  prepared  for  college  in  our  high  school 
many  of  them  have  taken  high  rank  in  their  classes  ; and  yet  this  may  have 
accomplished  at  too  great  cost  to  the  public.  It  is  so  difficult  to  adjust  the  c« 
of  study  in  a high  school  to  the  wants  of  the  mass  of  pupils,  and  the  require! 
for  admission  the  college  class,  that  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  these  requirements 
be  so  modified  byT  our  best  colleges  that  this  difficulty  may  be  removed,  and  | 
of  the  graduates  of  our  high  schools  induced  to  avail  themselves  of  the  br< 
culture  these  colleges  offer. 

In  1857,  the  total  enrollment  of  pupils  in  the  high  school  was  101  ; in 
154  ; in  1875,  238  ; in  1880,  328.  The  number  of  teachers  in  1857  (includim 
Campbell,  who  gave  half  his  time),  was  four  ; in  1867,  five  ; in  1875,  sevei 
1880,  eight.  In  1857,  the  salary7  of  the  Principal  was  $1,200  ; in  1867,  $1,50' 
1875,  $2,000.  The  following  persons  have  filled  the  office  of  Principal : J 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


698 


a pbell.  from  1850  to  1858  ; John  W.  Hall,  from  1858  to  1866  ; William  Smith, 
m 1866  to  1872;  Charles  B.  Stivers,  from  1872  to  the  present  time. 

The  first  class  was  graduated  in  1854,  and  consisted  of  two  members  ; the 
a of  1880,  twenty-seven  members  ; the  total  number  of  graduates  is  477.  It  is 
it  esting  to  note  that  the  graduates  of  the  first  class  are  now  teachers  in  our  pub- 
•bools,  and  have  always  ranked  among  the  best.  No  one  familiar  with  our 
;t  can  glance  over  the  list  of  graduates,  and  trace  their  history  as  teachers  in  our 
: rls,  or  as  filling  prominent  positions  in  business  circles  and  society,  without 
r<?  impressed  with  the  noble  work  accomplished  by  this  school. 

SCHOOL  LAW  OF  1853. 

The  Constitution  of  Ohio  adopted  in  1851  directed  “that  the  Legislature 
u make  such  provisions  by  taxation  or  otherwise  as,  with  the  income  arising 
the  school  trust  fund,  will  secure  a thorough  and  efficient  system  of  common 
Ibis  throughout  the  State.”  The  first  Legislature  elected  under  the  new  con- 
ation enacted  the  excellent  school  law  of  1853.  Up  to  this,  time,  our  schools 
i been  conducted  under  the  city  charter  and  parts  of  several  acts  of  the  Leg- 
Lire  that  were  construed  to  apply  to  them.  To  simplify  and  make  certain  the 
, ^applicable  to  our  schools,  and  to  relieve  the  board  in  its  action  from  the 
! ! rvision  of  the  City  Council,  it  was  determined,  in  accordance  with  a provision 
of  he  law  of  1853,  to  submit  to  a popular  vote  the  question  of  conducting  the 
Ipls  of  the  city’  under  that  law.  The  vote  was  taken  at  the  city  election  in 
1 1,  1855,  and  decided  without  opposition,  in  the  affirmative.  The  City  Council 
aed  an  ordinance  May  25,  1855,  defining  the  number,  the  mode  of  election,  and 
it  erm  of  office  of  the  Board  of  Education.  Heretofore  the  board  had  consisted 
Lae  member  from  each  ward,  appointed  by  the  City  Council  to  serve  one  year. 

;r  the  ordinance,  the  board  was  to  be  composed  of  two  members  from  each 
al,  one  to  be  elected  each  year  by  the  people,  with  a term  of  service  of  two 
?:3.  The  first  board  it  provided  should  be  appointed  by  the  Council.  From 
' > until  the  present  time,  the  schools  have  been  conducted  under  this  ordinance 
ajthe  general  school  laws  of  the  State.  The  first  board  appointed — one-half  to 
v -L  until  the  next  city  election — was  composed  of  the  following  members  : First 
L:d,  D.  A.  Wareham,  Harvey  Blanchard  ; Second  Ward,  Bobert  W.  Steele,  J. 

• itutsman;  Third  Ward,  Henry  L.  Brown,  James  McDaniel  ; Fourth  Ward,  E. 
orsyth,  W.  S.  Phelps  ; Fifth  Ward,  John  Lawrence,  J.  Snyder  ; Sixth  Ward, 
yam  Bomberger,  W.  N.  Love. 

SUPERINTENDENT  OF  INSTRUCTION. 

The  need  of  a general  superintendent  to  give  unity  to  our  school  system  had 
»*  been  felt  by  members  of  the  Board  of  Education,  but  the  opposition  of  some 

I ie  teachers  who  had  influence  with  a majority  of  the  board,  and  the  plea  of 
orny,  prevented  for  years  the  establishment  of  the  office.  Duties  of  super- 

i >n  were  imposed  on  members  of  the  board,  which  at  the  best  were  very  im- 
ehctly  discharged.  It  was  not  until  August,  1855,  that  the  office  was  created, 

II  James  Campbell,  Principal  of  the  high  school,  elected  Superintendent,  with 
h understanding  that  he  should  retain  his  principalship  and  devote  one-half  of 
i lme  to  the  high  school.  In  July,  1858,  he  was  released  from  his  duties  in  the 
ni  school,  and  instructed  to  devote  his  whole  time  to  the  supervision  of  the 
cools.  Mr.  Campbell  prepared  a report  of  the  condition  of  the  schools  for 
L-57,  which  was  the  first  extended  report  of  our  schools  published.  In  May, 
T ; he  resigned,  to  engage  in  private  business. 

Although  the  office  was  not  abolished,  repeated  efforts  were  made  in  vain  to 
‘u  a Superintendent  until  1866.  In  that  year,  impressed  with  the  urgent  need 
"tppervision  for  the  schools,  Mr.  Caleb  Parker,  a member  of  the  board,  who  had 
c'ecl  from  business,  and  who  possessed  the  requisite  experience  and  leisure  to 
charge  the  duties  of  the  office,  agreed  to  accept  the  position,  with  the  distinct 


604 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


proviso  on  his  part  that  his  services  should  be  without  compensation.  He  v 
elected  in  July,  1866,  and  served  until  April,  1868,  when  he  tendered  ; 
resignation. 

The  second  published  report  of  the  board  for  1866-67  was  prepared  by  hi 
On  retiring  from  the  office,  Mr.  Parker  received  a unanimous  vote  of  thanks  fr< 
the  board  for  his  disinterested  and  very  useful  services. 

Again  it  was  impossible  to  find  a man  who  could  command  the  vote  of  t 
majority  of  the  board  for  Superintendent.  Various  expedients  were  resorted  > 
by  members  of  the  board  friendly  to  the  office  to  secure  an  election.  To  remcj 
the  objection  of  unnecessary  cost  in  conducting  the  schools,  a plan  which  had  be; 
adopted  with  marked  success  in  Cleveland  was  proposed.  A committee  of  t 
board  was  appointed  to  consider  it,  and  reported  June  22, 1871,  that  “ the  efficion 
of  the  school  system  would  be  increased  without  expense  by  the  election  of 
Superintendent,  a supervising  male  Principal,  and  female  Principals  for  the  distr 
schools.”  This  report  was  adopted  by  the  board,  and  Warren  Higley  elect 
Superintendent,  and  F.  W.  Parker  Supervising  Principal.  This  plan  was  eont 
ued  for  two  years  with  excellent  results  ; but  the  majority  of  the  board  of  18 
decided  to  return  to  the  old  system. 

In  1873,  Samuel  C.  Wilson  was  elected  Superintendent  and  served  one  ye 

In  1874,  John  Hancock,  whose  reputation  for  ability  and  large  experience 
a teacher  and  superintendent  commended  him  to  the  board,  was  elected,  and  1 
been  continued  in  the  office  until  the  present  time. 

The  necessity  of  the  office  of  Superintendent  as  a part  of  a system  of  cl 
schools  is  now  conceded  by  all,  and  it  is  believed  that  in  Dayton  in  the  future  t 
office  will  never  be  vacant. 

INTERMEDIATE  SCHOOL. 

It  was  found  that  owing  to  the  removal  of  scholars  from  school  before  read 
ing  the  eight-year  grade,  the  classes  of  that  grade  were  very  small  in  some  of  t 
districts.  The  Principals  who  were  receiving  the  highest  salaries  were  giving  t 
most  of  their  time  and  strength  to  these  classes,  and  the  cost  of  teaching  them  w 
excessive.  To  remedy  this,  the  intermediate  school  was  established  in  1874.  a 
all  the  pupils  of  the  eighth-year  grade  in  the  city  were  assigned  to  that  school.  . 
at  present  organized,  the  course  of  study  has  not  been  enlarged,  and  the  school 
simply  a union  of  the  classes  of  the  eighth  year  for  convenience  and  econoir 
After  oue  year  in  this  school,  pupils,  upon  examination,  pass  to  the  high  scho 
The  school  is  located  in  the  Fourth  District  schoolhouse,  and  is  taught  by  a ma 
Principal  and  two  female  assistants.  W.  P.  G-ardner  was  the  first  Principal,  w h 
after  serving  one  year,  declined  a re-election.  Samuel  C.  Wilson  was  e.lecti 
Principal  in  1875,  and  is  the  present  incumbent. 

NORMAL  SCHOOL. 

It  was  impossible  to  procure  experienced  teachers  to  fill  the  vacancies  constant 
occurring  in  the  schools.  Young  girls,  without  knowledge  of  methods  of  governme 
or  teaching,  were  placed  over  rooms  full  of  children  just  at  the  most  irrepressil 
period  of  their  lives.  These  positions  were  confessedly  the  most  difficult  to  fill 
any  at  the  disposal  of  the  board  ; but  there  was  no  alternative.  Ambitious  ai 
experienced  teachers  naturally  sought  the  rooms  where  the  higher  branches  we 
taught,  leaving  the  lower  grades  for  the  novices.  It  is  true  that  many  of  the  be 
and  most  valued  teachers  now  in  the  schools  began  without  experience  : but  t 
first  3’ear  of  their  teaching  was  a heavy  labor  to  themselves  and  an  injustice  i 
their  pupils.  A partial  remedy  was  found  by  making  the  position  of  an  expo 
enced  and  successful  primary  teacher  as  honorable,  and  the  pa}7  as  large,  as  th 
of  any  teacher  in  the  district  schools  below  the  grade  of  principal.  But  this  cl 
not  fully  meet  the  case,  and  the  board  determined  to  educate  its  teachers.  A coi 
mittee  of  the  board,  August  18,  1869,  presented  a detailed  plan  for  a normal  scho 
and  teachers’  institute,  which  was  unanimously  adopted. 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


695 


The  first  week  of  each  school  year  is  devoted  to  the  Teachers’  Institute.  All 
fh  teachers  of  the  public  schools  in  the  city  are  required  to  attend,  and  to  render 
sjch  assistance  in  instruction  as  may  be  requested  by  the  Superintendent  of 
■ | tools.  The  best  methods  of  teaching  and  government  are  discussed  and  taught, 

; d lectures  on  these  subjects  given  by  experienced  teachers  at  home  and  from 
iroad. 

As  the  great  majority  of  the  teachers  in  the  schools  are  women,  instruction 
: the  Normal  School  is  confined  to  them.  Graduates  of  the  high  school  are  ad- 
i tted  without  examination,  and  comprise  a large  part  of  the  school.  Others 
<siring  admission  are  required  to  pass  a thorough  examination  in  the  ordinary 
i inches  of  an  English  education.  Applicants  must  be  not  less  than  seventeen 
nrs  of  age,  and  must  pledge  themselves  to  teach  in  the  schools  of  Dayton  two 
yirs  after  their  graduation,  should  their  services  be  desired  by  the  board.  The 
hard  on  its  part  guarantees  to  the  graduates  situations  as  teachers  in  the  public 
spools  whenever  vacancies  occur. 

In  the  Normal  School,  the  studies  to  be  taught  in  the  district  schools  are  re- 
vwef,  new  methods  of  teaching  are  explained  and  illustrated,  and  thorough  in- 
action is  given  in  the  theory  and  practice  of  teaching.  Rooms  in  the  school 
Hiding  where  the  school  is  located  are  placed  in  charge  of  pupils  of  the  school, 
t o,  under  the  constant  supervision  of  an  experienced  critic-teacher,  thus  learn 
ts  practical  work  of  the  school  room. 

In  the  fall  of  1869,  the  school  was  opened  in  the  Sixth  District  house,  and  up 
this  time  has  graduated  122  teachers.  A large  majority  of  these  are  now 
t ployed  in  our  schools,  and  are  doing  excellent  work.  It  would  be  unreasonable 
t expect  that  all  the  graduates  of  the  Normal  School  would  prove  equally  good 
l chers ; but  that  the  instruction  received  has  been  invaluable  to  them  and  a 
pat  gain  to  the  schools  no  one  acquainted  with  the  facts  can  doubt.  In  the 
v mary  departments,  the  beneficial  effects  of  this  school  are  particularly  noticeable. 

Col.  F.  W.  Pai’ker  was  the  first  Principal  of  the  school,  assisted  by  Miss  Emma 
: H.  Brown,  a graduate  of  a normal  school.  Upon  the  election  of  Col.  Parker  as 
~ lervising  Principal  of  the  schools,  Miss  Brown  became  Principal,  and  continued 
a the  head  of  the  school  until  her  resignation  in  1873.  In  1873,  Mr.  W.  W. 
Vitkins.  Principal  of  the  Sixth  District  School,  was  made  Principal  of  the  Normal 
Stool  also,  and  held  the  position  one  year.  In  1874,  Miss  Jane  W.  Blackwood, 

-s  uccessful  teacher  in  the  Cincinnati  Normal  School,  was  elected  Principal,  and 
e jected  until  the  present  time. 


BOARD  OF  CITY  EXAMINERS. 

The  school  law  of  1873-74  directs  the  Board  of  Education  of  each  city  district 
o the  first  class  to  appoint  a board  of  examiners,  “ who  shall  have  power  to  examine 
t schools  established  in  such  district,  and  shall  examine  all  persons  who  desire 
hold  teachers’  certificates,  valid  in  such  district.”  The  Dayton  Board  of  Educa- 
■ l had  long  felt  the  need  of  a board  of  city  examiners,  and  was  influential  in 

and  other  clauses  in  the  excellent  school  law  of 
E.  Morgan  Wood,  to  Columbus,  to  confer  with  the 
use  Committee  on  Common  Schools.  Under  this  law,  George  P.  Clarke,  J.  A. 
oert  and  William  Smith  were  appointed  city  examiners.  Mr.  Clarke  and  Mr. 
ith  removed  from  the  city,  and  their  places  were  filled  by  William  Isenberg  and 
lert  W.  Steele.  Mr.  Robert  and  Mr.  Isenberg,  after  years  of  faithful  service. 


' tiring  the  insertion  of  this 
lj’3-74,  sending  its  President, 

I 


ri  gned,  and  A.  D.  Wilt  and  John  Hancock  were  appointed.  The  present  board 
sists  of  Robert  W.  Steele,  A.  D.  Wilt  and  John  Hancock. 


; 

PUBLIC  LIBRARY. 

Dayton  may  claim  the  honor  of  having  obtained  from  the  Legislature  the  first 
aj  °f  incorporation  for  a public  library  granted  by  the  State  of  Ohio.  The  in- 
cjporators  were  Rev.  William  Robertson,  Dr.  John  Elliott,  William  Miller, 
ijamin  Van  Cleve  and  John  Folkerth.  This  act  was  passed  by  the  Legislature 


696 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


February  1,  1805,  and  the  library  formed  under  it  contained  a good  selection 
books  and  existed  for  many  years. 

The  Library  Association  was  organized  January  12,  1847,  by  the  election 
the  following  officers  : President,  M.  G-.  Williams  ; Vice  President,  Dr  ,)o 
Steele  ; Treasurer,  V.  Winters  ; Secretary,  P.  W.  Steele  : Directors,  C.  G.  Swain. 
Thresher,  James  McDaniel.  John  G.  Lowe  and  D.  Beckel.  A large  smn  of  mon 
was  raised  by  subscription,  a choice  collection  of  books  was  purchased,  and  rooi 
in  the  Phillips  Building,  on  the  corner  of  Main  and  Second  streets,  were  express 
prepared  and  elegantly  fitted  up  for  the  reception  of  the  library.  This  library, 
connection  with  a reading-room,  and  with  its  winter  course  of  lectures,  was  si 
tained  for  many  years,  and  was  one  of  the  marked  features  of  our  city.  A fi 
public  library  having  been  established,  it  was  manifest  that  there  was  no  need 
the  library  association  in  a city  of  the  population  of  Dayton,  and  that  the  pub 
interests  would  be  best  served  by  a union  of  the  two.  In  1860,  the  stoekkoldt 
of  the  library  association  by  vote  transferred  their  valuable  library  and  furnitu 
without  cost,  to  the  Board  of  Education.  At  the  time  of  the  transfer,  the  office 
of  the  libraary  association  were  : D.  A.  Haynes,  President ; Wilbur  Conover,  V 
President;  I.  II.  Kiersted,  Secretary  ; B.  G.  Young,  Treasurer;  Directors,  .1, 
Phillips,  L.  B.  Gunckel,  L.  B.  Bruen,  Dr.  John  Davis  and  Daniel  Wayrnire. 

By  the  school  law  of  1853,  a tax  of  one-tenth  of  a mill  on  the  dollar  w 
levied  for  library  purposes  ; but  it  was  not  until  1 855  that  this  tax  was  availal: 
At  that  time,  the  city  of  Dayton  was  entitled  to  $1,400  of  the  fund.  Mr.  II. 
Barney,  the  State  School  Commissioner,  had  made  large  purchases  of  books  i 
distribution,  but  had  necessarily  adapted  his  list  of  books  mainly  to  the  wants 
country  districts.  It  was  found  that  Dayton  would  have  to  accept  a large  nuiul 
of  duplicates  and  triplicates  if  supplied  with  books  out  of  the  purchases  ma 
for  the  State.  It  was  very  desirable  that  a committee  of  the  board  should  be  pi 
mitted  to  select  the  books  for  the  Dayton  Library  ; and  application  was  made 
Mr.  Barney  for  this  privilege,  which  he  promptly  and  cheerfully  granted.  T 
first  purchase  consisted  of  1,250  volumes,  comprising  books  in  every  depavtme 
of  literature.  Great  care  was  taken  in  the  selection  of  the  books  to  meet  t 
popular  wants,  and  the  library,  small  as  it  was,  at  once  became  a favorite  with  t 
people,  and  was  extensively  used.  The  library  was  opened  in  the  fall  of  1855. 
a rented  room  on  the  northeast  corner  of  Main  and  Fourth  streets.  W.  H.  Bi 
terfield  was  the  first  librarian.  At  this  time  the  library  was  accessible  only 
Saturdays,  from  10  to  12  A.  M.  and  from  2 to  5 P.  M.  As  the  numbers  drawl; 
books  increased,  the  time  was  lengthened,  until  now  the  library  is  open  ea 
secular  day  of  the  week  from  9 A.  M.  to  9 P.  M. 

In  1856,  the  Legislature  suspended  the  tax  of  one-tenth  of  a mill  on  the  cl 
lar,  and  from  that  time  until  1866  the  library  was  sustained  and  increased 
appropriations  made  by  the  board  from  the  contingent  fund.  By  concerted  noli 
on  the  part  of  Boards  of  Education  of  cities  of  the  first  and  second  class,  tl 
Legislature  was  induced  to  pass  the  law  of  1866,  conferring  power  on  such  cit 
to  levy  a tax  of  one-tenth  of  a mill  for  library  purposes.  This  tax,  so  insignificai 
to  the  individual  tax-payer,  amounting  to  only  10  cents  on  $1,000  valuation, 
1880,  in  Dayton  yielded  about  $2,000.  As  this  sum  is  exclusively  approprin Ijj 
to  the  purchase  of  books,  all  other  expenses  of  the  library  being  paid  out  of  tf 
contingent  fund,  the  increase  of  books  each  year  is  considerable  and  valuable  ii 

The  public  library  is  an  essential  part  of  the  public  school  system.  The  o 
is  the  complement  of  the  other.  Without  access  to  books  of  reference  by  teach 
and  pupils,  many  branches  of  study  cannot  be  satisfactorily  and  thorough 
taught.  The  daily  use  of  the  library  by  the  scholars,  particularly  of  the  high  a 
normal  schools,  for  consultation  on  subjects  connected  with  their  studies,  is  vf 
noticeable  and  gratifying. 

During  the  month  of  January,  1880,  6,790  volumes  were  drawn  from  th 
library,  and  during  the  year,  60,391.  In  addition,  5,212  volumes  were  'Consult! 
in  the  rooms.  The  average  daily  circulation  was  195  volumes. 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


697 


FREE  NIGHT  INDUSTRIAL  SCHOOLS. 

Impressed  with  the  importance  in  a manufacturing  city  of  affording  artisans 
! others  the  opportunity  of  instruction  in  drawing,  the  Board  of  Education 
iblished,  in  1877,  Free  Night  Industrial  Schools.  A school  of  free-hand  draw- 
i)| was  opened  in  the  G-ebhart  building,  on  Third  street,  December  17,  1877,  with 
• ies  Jessup  and  Valentine  Schwartz  as  teachers.  On  March  6,  1879.  a school 
ifiaechanical  and  architectural  drawing  was  added,  and  opened  in  the  First 
ij'rict  Schoolhouse,  with  Thomas  A.  Bisbee  as  instructor. 

To  call  attention  to  this  important  branch  of  instruction,  a public  exhibition 
fie  work  of  the  pupils  was  given  in  the  City  Hall.  Committees  of  competent 
iljens  were  appointed  to  examine  and  report  on  the  work,  and  such  results  were 
Jin  as  to  firmly  establish  the  schools  in  popular  favor.  On  November  11.  1880, 
kfree-hand  drawing  school  was  removed  to  the  large  hall  of  the  Eaker  building, 
i Isaac  Broome  and  Charles  B.  Nettleton,  as  instructors,  and  the  mechanical 
,}| architectural  drawing  school  continued  in  the  First  District  Schoolhouse  under 
i charge  of  Mr.  Bisbee.  The  city  is  largely  indebted  for  the  introduction  of  this 
Artant  branch  of  study  to  Mi'.  A.  D.  Wilt,  a member  of  the  Board  of  Educa- 
te who  deserves  great  credit  for  the  persistency  with  which  he  advocated  the 
inure  until  he  secured  its  adoption.  Experience  has  shown  the  great  value  of 
ii©  schools.  The  Committee  on  the  Schools  for  1880  say  : “ The  attendance 
nthe  past  year  has  been  greater  than  ever,  and  the  quality  of  the  work,  as 
rated  by  experts  appointed  to  examine  it,  has  been  of  a highly  satisfactory  char- 
About  three  hundred  youth  and  adults  from  every  walk  of  life  have  been 

ucted,  many  of  whom  are  constantly  using  their  knowledge  in  their  daily  avo- 
< >ns,  much  to  their  own  advantage,  as  well  as  to  that  of  their  employers.” 

COMPARATIVE  STATEMENT. 

A comparison  of  the  schools  at  different  periods  of  their  history  will  forci- 
hllustrate  the  progress  which  has  been  made.  Before  the  appointment  of  a 
m Tintendent  of  Instruction,  full  and  reliable  statistics  are  not  found  on  the  records 
f je  Board.  The  years  1857  and  1867  are  chosen  because  reports  were  published 
i ose  years  by  Messrs.  Campbell  and  Parker  and  the  facts  thus  made  accessible, 
her  the  present  system,  the  completest  statistics  in  every  department  are 
molded  and  published.  As  the  records  of  the  Board  of  Education  begin  in 
: . that  year  is  taken  as  the  starting  point. 


1842. 

1857. 

1S67. 

1875. 

1880. 

enrollment 

827 

3440 

4213 

5238 

6144 

v ige  daily  attendance 

544 

1600 

2809 

3711 

4527 

ujber  of  teachers 

16 

45 

70 

98 

125 

- n mt  of  school  fund 

$2483 

1583 

$40000 

24180 

$60000 

31055 

$139066 

75826 

$189261 

89906 

v iut  paid  teachers 

i ; of  school  property 

6000 

75000 

143000 

210000 

321706 

The  increasing  proportion  from  period  to  period  of  the  average  daily  attend- 
1(  to  the  total  enrollment  is  marked,  and  indicates  the  growing  etlicienc}’  of  the 
:''ls.  In  1857,  it  was  forty-eight  per  cent;  in  1867,  sixty-six  per  cent;  in 
'i  seventy -one  per  cent ; in  1880,  seventy -four  per  cent. 

It  is  not  so  easy  to  represent  to  the  eye  the  growth  in  other  and  more  impor- 
u particulars.  A complete  system  of  gradation  has  been  established,  consist- 
f a seven-years’  course  in  the  district  schools,  one  in  the  intermediate,  four 
; high,  and  one  in  the  Normal  School,  supplemented  by  a large  and  free  pub- 
aary.  New  methods  of  instruction  have  been  introduced,  and,  as  far  as  they 
°,(  the  test  of  trial  in  the  school-room,  are  now  in  use  ; and  suchysalaries  are 
l«ijteachers  as  to  secure  the  services  of  the  best  and  most  experienced. 

t would  be  vain  to  attempt  to  point  out  the  distinct  steps  by  which  our 


in  1 
lie 


| 


698 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


present  system  of  gradation  has  been  reached.  It  has  been  a growth  rather  t 
a creation.  The  principle  was  recognized,  and,  as  far  as  circumstances  would 
mit,  practiced  at  the  very  beginning  of  our  schools  in  1842.  At  different  tii 
teachers  of  marked  ability  and  large  experience  have  been  employed,  who  b 
left  their  impress  on  the  schools  by  bringing  to  them  advanced  methods 
instruction,  the  result  of  their  own  experience  or  learned  in  other  cities.  Our 
tem  now  comprises  nearly  all  the  departments  which  experience  has  shown  t< 
desirable. 

Equal  progress  has  been  made  in  school  architecture.  As  new  buildi 
have  been  erected,  no  pains  have  been  spared  to  introduce  whatever  improves: 
in  lighting,  seating,  heating  and  ventilating  experience  in  our  own  and  other  ci 
has  suggested.  There  are  in  the  city  fifteen  school  buildings  containing  ! 
rooms,  with  a seating  capacity  for  6,479  children.  The  value  of  school  prop: 
belonging  to  the  city,  as  estimated  by  the  Superintendent  of  Buildings,  araoit 
to  $321,706. 

No  doubt,  similar  progress  has  characterized  the  schools  of  the  other  citif  i 
the  State.  It  is  matter  for  congratulation  that  boards  of  education  everyw  t 
are  encouraged  by  popular  support  to  make  such  liberal  provision  for  schci 
The  progress  made  in  the  past  should  only  incite  to  greater  efforts  in  the  fut • 
The  aim  should  be  that  perfection  which  is  ever  to  be  pursued,  but  never  fjl 
attained. 

As  no  mention  could  be  made  in  the  appropriate  places  of  many  of  the  ix  r 
bers  of  the  Board  of  Education  and  teachers,  who  have  been  influential  in  me 
ing  and  giving  character  to  our  schools,  in  jus'ice  to  them,  the  names  of p 
Presidents  of  the  board  from  1842  to  1880,  of  these  members  who  have  sen; 
four  or  more  years,  and  of  the  Principals  of  the  schools  from  the  beginning,  ! 
given.  Many  of  the  assistant  teachers  are  more  worthy  of  mention  than  somjjc 
the  Principals  ; but  to  give  a few  names  would  be  invidious,  and  to  print  themi.1 
impossible. 

MEMBERS  OF  THE  BOARD  OF  EDUCATION  FROM  1842  TO  1880  WHO  HAVE 
SERVED  FOUR  OR  MORE  YEARS. 

W.  J.  McKinney,  R.  W.  Steele,  H.  L.  Brown,  J.  G.  Stutsman,  L.  Hue-:  i 
William  Bomberger,  D.  A.  Wareham,  Wilbur  Conover,  W.  S.  Phelps,  James! 
Daniel,  A.  Pruden,  S.  Boltin,  H.  Elliott,  Jonathan  Kenney,  John  Howard,  Johj 
Stoppleman,  E.  S.  Young,  H.  Miller,  W.  L.  Winchell,  Caleb  Parker,  George  S.  I 
Joseph  Herhold,  D.  Dwyer,  H.  Anderson,  N.  L.  Aull,  Joseph  Fischer,  James  i 
berry,  E.  Morgan  Wood,  George  Vonderheide,  W.  H.  Johnson,  B.  F.  Kuhns,  Id 
Allen.  E.  M.  Thresher,  Charles  Wuichet,  D.  G.  Breidenbach,  Thomas  Kiin 
George  L.  Phillips,  Samuel  W.  Davies,  W.  S.  Kemp,  W.  M.  Murray,  J 
Stephans,  Louis  N.  Poock,  C.  L.  Baumann. 

PRESIDENTS  OF  THE  BOARD  OF  EDUCATION.  i 

1842,  E.  W.  Davies  ; 1843,  W.  J.  McKinney;  1844,  E.  W.  Davies, 
Thomas  Brown  ; 1846,  Henry  Stoddard,  Sr.  : 1847,  R.  W.  Steele  ; 1848-49. 
Brown;  1850-61,  R.  W.  Steele;  1861-63,  H.  L.  Brown;  1863-64,  Thom: 
Thresher  ; 1864-69,  H.  L.  Brown;  1869-73,  E.  Morgan  Wood;  1873—75.  Oh  1 
Wuichet;  1875-78,  E.  M.  Thresher;  1878-79,  C.  L.  Baumann  ; 1879-80,  1 
Webster  ; 1880-81,  E.  M.  Thresher. 


SUPERINTENDENTS  OF  INSTRUCTION. 

James  Campbell,  Caleb  Parker,  Warren  Iligley,  Samuel  C.  Wilson, 
Hancock. 


PRINCIPALS  OF  THE  NORMAL  SCHOOL. 

F.  W.  Parker,  Emma  A.  H.  Brown,  W.  W.  Watkins,  Jane  W.  Blackwood 


DAYTON  . 


CITY  UF  DAYTON. 


701 


PRINCIPALS  OP  THE  HIGH  SCHOOL. 

James  Campbell,  John  W.  Hall,  William  Smith,  Charles  B.  Stivers. 

PRINCIPALS  OF  THE  INTERMEDIATE  SCHOOL. 

William  P.  Gardner,  Samuel  C.  Wilson. 

SUPERINTENDENTS  OF  MUSIC. 

James  Turpin,  Charles  Soehner,  W.  B.  Hall,  W.  H.  Clarke,  F.  C.  Mayer. 

SUPERINTENDENT  OF  PENMANSHIP  AND  DRAWING. 

C.  B.  Nettleton. 

PRINCIPALS  OF  THE  DISTRICT  SCHOOLS  PROM  1839  TO  1880. 

Collins  Wight,  W.  W.  Watson,  D.  L.  Elder,  Thomas  E.  Torrence,  Charles 
:i  es,  Edwin  H.  Hood,  R.  W.  Hall,  W.  W.  Chipman,  W.  I.  Thurber,  William 
w"el,  J.  D.  French,  Charles  (Taylor,  Watson  Atkinson,  A.  Stowell,  John  A.  Smith, 
[night,  W.  I.  Parker,  Joseph  McPherson,  M.  N.  Wheaton,  R.  L.  McKinney, 
ins  Campbell,  W.  F.  Doggett,  Charles  Rogers,  William  Pinkerton,  W.  H.  But- 
rid,  Rufus  Dutton,  E.  W.  Humphries,  A.  C.  Fenner,  P.  D.  Pelton,  H.  Anderson, 
. Leaman,  William  Denton.  A.  C.  Tyler,  W.  F.  Forbes,  J.  B.  Irvin,  E.  C.  Ellis, 
i am  Isenberg,  A.  P.  Morgan,  Samuel  C.  Wilson,  H.  H.  Vail,  W.  H.  Campbell, 
Cook,  S.  V.  Ruby,  S.  C.  Crumbaugh,  PI.  B.  Furness,  N.  L.  Hanson,  J.  C. 
ids,  James  C.  Gilbert,  J.  C.  Morris,  Tillie  B.  Wilson,  Belle  M.  Westfall,  Ella  J. 
In,  Lucy  G.  Brown,  Esther  A.  Widner,  A.  Humphreys,  C.  H.  Evans,  W.  W. 

ins.  W.  P.  Gardner,  A.  J.  Willoughby,  Charles  L.  Loos,  Alice  Jennings, 
riel  Peters,  Solomon  Day,  F.  Lochninger,  A.  B.  Shauck,  W.  N.  Johnson,  I.  E. 
i son,  I.  G.  Brown,  Carrie  Miller. 

Besides  the  schools  supported  by  taxation,  numerous  other  schools  have 
i sd  in  Dayton.  It  would  be  impossible  to  notice  the  many  private  schools 
nil  have  done  so  much  for  the  intellectual  culture  of  the  community.  Atten- 
H nnst  be  confined  to  those  which  from  their  size,  or  the  prominence  of  their 
■h  1 buildings,  have  especially  attracted  public  attention. 

COOPER  ACADEMY. 

n 1814,  before  the  establishment  of  the  Central  High  School,  the  Cooper 
a emy  was  incorporated.  The  first  Board  of  Trustees  were:  Samuel  Forrer, 

' Phillips,  Edward  W.  Davies,  Robert  C.  Schenck,  Robert  W.  Steele  and 
Vrd  Green.  The  principal  object  of  the  founders  was  to  provide  a school  for 
borough  education  of  their  daughters  at  home.  The  Trustees  of  the  Cooper 
(0  donated  to  the  Academy  a large  and  valuable  lot  on  First  street, 
hjfting  from  Wilkinson  to  Perry  streets,  and  a liberal  subscription  was  made  by 
. 'das  for  the  erection  of  a suitable  building  for  boarding  and  day  scholars.  In 
h er,  1845,  the  school  was  opened.  Mr.  E.  E.  Barney  was  elected  Principal, 

1 itered  upon  the  work  with  the  ability  and  energy  which  characterized  what- 
lie  undertook.  The  school  attained  a great  reputation,  and  attracted  a large 
!|  3r  of  pupils  from  abroad.  ' 

he  following  persons  have  served  as  Principals  of  the  institution  in  the  order 
1 " ch  they  are  named  : E.  E.  Barney,  Miss  Margaret  Coxe,  Dr.  J.  C.  Fisher, 
'Victor  Conrad,  Rev.  John  S.  Galloway,  Mrs.  B.  G.  Galloway,  and  J.  A.  Robert, 
esent  Principal. 

he  institution  has  sent  out  a large  number  of  graduates  to  all  parts  of  the 
%>  aufl  is  now  in  successful  operation,  the  instruction  never  having  been 
1 "Thorough  and  broad  than  under  the  present  management. 

CATHOLIC  SCHOOLS. 

manuel  Catholic  Church  was  founded  in  1833,  and  from  that  time  a school 


702 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


has  been  taught  in  connection  with  it.  The  present  fine  school  building 
erected  in  (867.  It  contains  six  rooms,  three  for  boys  and  three  for  girls.  I 
hundred  and  fifty  pupils  are  enrolled,  and  the  ordinary  branches  of  study 
taught  in  German  and  English,  with  the  addition  of  needlework  for  the  girls, 
boys  are  taught  by  the  brothers  of  St.  Mary’s,  and  the  girls  by  the  sisters  of  N 
Dame. 

st.  Joseph’s  schools. 

St.  Joseph’s  Church  was  founded  in  1847  and  a school  opened  at  the  sarnet 
In  1857.  the  Sisters  of  Charity  purchased  a building  near  St.  Joseph’s  Church,  w 
had  been  erected  for  a Presbyterian  Church,  and  opened  a day  academy,  bo 
ing  and  free  school.  In  1863,  the  house  adjoining  the  school  was  parch; 
and  used  by  the  sisters  for  a residence.  In  1868,  the  boarding  school  ceased 
the  academy  continued  for  several  years  when  the  school  was  made  free  to 
and  now  constitutes  the  girl’s  school  of  St.  Joseph’s  Church.  In  1879,  the 
residence  was  torn  down  and  a new  building  erected,  which  is  joined  to  the  sc 
by  large  corridors  and  alcoves.  Three  hundred  girls  are  enrolled  in  this  scho 

In  1873,  St.  Joseph’s  Public  School  for  Boyrs  was  erected  at  a cost  for  b 
ing  and  furniture  of  $25,000.  Two  hundred  and  fifty  boys  are  enrolled, 
teachers  are  employed  in  the  two  schools,  one  of  whom  devotes  her  time  tc 
struction  in  music.  The  Sisters  of  Charity  have  charge  of  both  schools.  In  1 
schools,  in  addition  to  the  ordinary  the  higher  branches  are  taught. 

st.  mary’s  school. 

St.  Mary’s  Church  was  founded  in  1859.  The  first  school  building i 
meeting  the  demands  of  the  congregation,  the  present  one  was  erected  in  187 
a cost  of  $5,300.  There  are  three  rooms  for  boys  and  three  for  girls;  and  ; 
scholars  are  enrolled.  The  ordinary  branches  are  taught  in  English  and  Ger : 
The  boys  are  taught  by  the  Brothers  of  St.  Mary’s  and  the  girls  by  the  Si: 
of  Notre  Dame. 

HOLY  TRINITY  SCHOOLS. 

Holy  Trinity  Church  was  built  in  1 860.  This  Church  has  two  school  ! 
ings,  one  for  boys  and  one  for  girls.  Each  building  has  three  departments 
six  teachers  are  employed.  Two  hundred  boys  and  two  hundred  and  twentjj 
girls  are  enrolled.  The  boys  are  taught  by  the  Brothers  of  St.  Mary's  an 
girls  by  the  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame. 

SCHOOL  OF  THE  SISTERS  OF  NOTRE  DAME. 

The  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame  established  a school  in  Dayton  in  1849,0) 
corner  of  Ludlow  and  Franklin  streets.  Their  object  was  the  care  and  educ 
of  orphans,  but  not  receiving  a sufficient  number  they^  opened  boarding  and 
schools,  and  also  took  charge  of  the  parochial  schools  of  Emanuel  Parish, 
some  years  circumstances  having  changed,  the  schools  in  the  house  were  givi 
and  the  Sisters  took  charge  of  the  schools  of  Holy  Trinity  Parish  in  I860,  a; 
St.  Mary’s  in  1870.  The  number  of  pupils  trained  in  the  city'-  by  the  Sist 
about  six  hundred.  The  house  at  the  corner  of  Ludlow  and  Franklin  stre< 
used  by  them  as  a residence. 

The  description  of  the  Catholic  schools  is  not  as  complete  as  could  bede 
There  are  no  published  reports  from  which  to  draw  and  full  information  com 
be  obtained.  The  enrollment  of  scholars  may  not  be  perfectly  accurate, 
some  cases  it  was  reported  as  “about”  the  number  given. 

Having  thus  passed  in  review  the  educational  history  of  Dayton,  it  m; 
well  to  summarize  the  whole  to  ascertain  how  far  the  youth  of  the  city  avail 
selves  of  the  excellent  facilities  afforded  for  instruction. 

Byr  the  school  census  of  September,  1879,  the  number  of  youth  in  th< 
between  the  ages  of  six  and  twenty-one  years  was  11,660  ; the  number  be 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


703 


ifend  sixteen  years,  8,693.  On  this  basis,  Mr.  Hancock,  the  Superintendent  of 
•! lie  Schools,  estimates  the  school  attendance  of  the  city  as  follows:  ‘‘The 
.■I]1  aerators  reported  at  the  time  of  taking  the  school  census  5,439  pupils  in  the 
itilic  schools,  214  in  private  schools,  and  1.333  in  church  schools.  If  we  add 
jper  cent  for  subsequent  additions  to  the  last  two  classes  of  schools,  we  shall 
iae  for  the  total  enrollment  of  the  day  schools  of  the  city  : 


In  the  public  schools 5,902 

In  private  schools 235 

In  church  schools 1,466 


Total 7,603 


[Of  the  pupils  in  the  public  schools  four  per  cent  were  sixteen  years  of  age 
n above.  Applying  this  standard  to  all  the  schools,  we  should  have  as  a total 
i llment  304  pupils  of  that  age,  leaving  7,299  as  the  number  enrolled  be- 
v n six  and  sixteen.  This  would  be  eighty-four  per  cent  of  all  the  youth 
iterated  between  those  ages,  leaving  sixteen  per  cent  of  the  youth  of  what  is 
sjjoially  considered  the  school  age,  who  were  not  in  school  for  a single  day.” 

It  relieves  this  dark  picture  somewhat  to  reflect  that  a considerable  number 
rpils  leave  school  before  reaching  the  age  of  sixteen,  to  engage  in  work,  and 
4 many  who  are  embraced  in  the  sixteen  per  cent  of  non-attendance  may  have 
r ed  substantial  benefits  from  the  instruction  afforded  in  our  free  schools.  The 
' eprable  fact,  however,  remains  that  notwithstanding  the  abundant  provision 
Mali  for  the  education  of  the  youth  of  the  city,  large  numbers  are  unreached, 
eibl  reports  from  all  our  cities  reveal  an  equal  or  greater  percentage  of  non- 
t dance.  How  to  reach  and  reform  the  evil  is  an  unsolved  problem.  Compul- 
■ laws  have  proved  inefficient,  and  the  only-  remedy  appears  to  be  an  enlight- 
> Dublic  sentiment,  which  shall  brand  as  a disgrace  and  a crime  the  neglect  of 
p ent  to  provide  for  the  education  of  his  children. 

st.  mary’s  institute. 

This  institution  had  its  origin  in  the  year  1849,  when  Rev.  L.  Meyer,  a priest, 
>er  of  the  Society  of  Mary,  whose  mother  house  is  located  in  Paris,  France, 
n to  Dayton  to  assist  Rev.  H.  D.  Juncker,  who  was  afterward  Bishop  of  Alton, 
•■••Hit  then  pastor  of  Emanual  Church  in  this  city.  Father  Meyer  had 
■ ‘U.  brother  teachers  sent  from  France  to  teach  in  this  country  ; two  were  en- 
•gl  in  teaching  in  Cincinnati,  and  three  were  not  employed.  It  was  to  give 
® teachers  employment,  and  Dayton  a better  school  than  she  had,  that  the 
v end  gentleman  conceived  the  idea  of  establishing  St.  Mary’s  Institute.  The 
o id  (100  aci’es)  upon  which  the  school  is  located,  was  purchased  of  John 
of,  a Scotchman,  and  was  formerly  owned  by  Hon.  Charles  Anderson.  On 
1 e ;h  of  March,  1850,  two  of  the  Brothers  arrived  here  from  Cincinnati,  one  of 
1 1,  Rev.  M.  Zehler,  is  still  connected  with  the  institution,  and  the  third  one  on 
‘ )th  of  the  same  month  to  take  charge  of  the  farm.  On  the  19th  of  March,  of 
‘ tine  year,  the  deed  was  made,  and  as  Rev.  L.  Meyer  had  no  money  to  pay  on 
3 urchase,  he  handed  Mr.  Stuart  a small  medal  of  St.  Joseph,  saying,  “St. 
"sjjh  will  pay.”  Mr.  Stuart,  soon  after  selling  the  property,  left  for  Europe,  and 
rothers  took  entire  possession  of  the  premises.  In  June,  1850,  a school  was 
: e d for  day  scholars,  the  number  being  about  thirty-seven.  September,  of  the 
'Wear,  boarders  were  admitted,  and  the  boarding-school,  that  was  begun  with 
'ipil,  Joseph  G-reulich,  numbered  in  the  years  from  1870  to  1875,  over  two 
Hed.  Rev.  L.  Meyer,  in  1853,  purchased  12  acres  more  of  land,  which  was  in 
8 H’poratiou  and  adjoining  the  original  purchase.  In  1854,  he  built  an  addi- 
■u o the  former  house,  and  all  wras  prosperous  and  doing  well,  when,  in  Decem- 
" b 355,  a fire  broke  out,  which  destroyed  the  old  as  well  as  the  new  building,  so 
e ('others,  with  their  Superior,  were  without  a home,  and  a debt  of  $12,000 
“ nhg  over  their  heads,  as  they  had  paid  nothing  on  the  principal,  and  had  no 


704 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


insurance  on  the  buildings.  The  community  lodged  first  in  a house  in  to 
that  was  newly-built  and  without  doors  or  windows.  August,  1856,  they  begai 
rebuild  the  old  house,  and  this  was  accomplished  as  time  and  means  would 
mit.  In  1857,  the  school  was  re-opened  and  well  patronized.  In  November,  li 
Rev.  L.  Meyer  was  recalled  to  France,  where  he  opened  an  orphan  asylum  at  Ken 
Alsace.  Before  leaving  he  paid  off  all  the  original  debt  to  Mr.  Stuart,  and  left 
property  unincumbered.  The  number  of  pupils  increasing,  the  directors  saw  t 
they  were  obliged  to  build  again.  The  buildings  then  existing  (1864)  wet 
chapel,  32  by  60  feet ; the  main  building,  40  by  80  feet,  and  another  wing  soi 
30  by  60  feet ; and  to  this  latter  was  added  a building  extending  east  40  by 
feet,  with  a basement,  and  two  stories  for  schools  and  sleeping- rooms.  In  11 
another  separate  building,  40  by  60  feet,  was  erected  for  a dwelling-house  for 
community  and  the  candidates.  In  1868,  the  church  was  built,  50  by  123  1 
and  40  feet  from  floor  to  ceiling ; and  it  was  pronounced  by  the  Most  Rever 
Archbishop  Purcell,  on  divers  occasions,  as  being  one  of  the  nicest  churches  in 
diocese.  There  was  erected,  in  1870,  actual  Institute  building,  70  by  1641 
four  stories  high,  with  a Mansard-roof.  It  is  built  in  a very  substantial  man 
and  cost  $62,000.  The  lower  floor  is  occupied  by  two  large  study-halls,  two 
lot's,  refectory,  kitchen  and  store-room.  There  is  a corridor  on  each  floor,  ten 
wide,  with  stairs  of  easy  ascent,  with  iron  plates  covering  the  steps  at  each  en 
the  building  that  lead  to  the  different  stories  of  the  building.  The  ground  f 
is  taken  up  by  eight  class-rooms  and  eight  private  rooms.  On  the  third  f 
there  are  two  sleeping  rooms  and  three  rooms  for  infirmary  use  ; also,  wardr 
washing  room,  music  and  singing  rooms.  The  fourth  story  is  one  vast  hall, 
tending  over  the  whole  building,  used  as  a sleeping  room.  There  is  a large  I 
tank,  of  about  one  hundred  barrels  capacity,  to  supply  the  washing-rooms  on : 
third-floor;  and  in  case  of  fire,  by  means  of  hose  the  floors  can  be  flooded.  I 
amusement  hall  consists  of  four  different  divisions — first,  a floor,  60  by  110 
on  solid  ground  ; then  60  by  58  feet  on  a floor  for  quiet  amusements.  The  1j 
house  consists  of  twelve  small  rooms,  provided  with  a window,  bath-tubs, 
faucets  for  cold  and  warm  water.  The  upper  story  is  frame,  and  is  the  exhibi 
hall,  where  the  pupils  give  entertainments  from  time  to  time  during  the  year, 
expenses  for  construction  were  $10,500,  and  the  buildings  are  all  complete 
paid  for.  In  1862,  Rev.  L.  Meyer  was  succeeded  by  R.ev.  John  Courtes,  wh< 
mained  in  charge  until  1864,  then  succeeded  by  Rev.  J.  N.  Reinbolt,  the  pre 
Superior  Provincial  of  the  Institution.  The  first  Superintendent  was  the  Re's 
Zeliler,  familiarly  known  as  Brother  Zehler,  who  served  in  that  cap;j 
until  1876,  when  he  asked  of  his  Superiors  to  be  relieved  of  bis  ( 
of  responsibility^.  He  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Francis  Feith,  and  in  1 
he  by  Rev.  George  Meyer,  who  is  yet  in  office.  The  school  is  now 
der  the  direction  of  the  following  named ; Rev.  Father  J.  N.  Rein 
Superior  Provincial  ; Rev.  Father  George  Meyer,  Director  of  Institute  ; 
Father  John  Issler,  Master  of  Novices,  and  Rev.  Fathers  N.  Nickels  am 
Beyrer,  supported  by  an  able  corps  of  teachers.  There  are  two  departm 
namely,  Normal  and  Collegiate,  the  former  exclusively  for  the  training  of  tea; 
for  the  Brotherhood  or  Society  of  Brothers.  The  system  of  instruction  is 
ough  and  embraces  a complete  commercial  and  classical  education.  Music,  c 
ing  and  the  higher  arts  are  also  taught.  In  the  Normal  department  are  uoi 
rolled  about  one  hundred  and  forty'  scholars,  and  in  the  Collegiate  departp 
one  hundred  and  thirty-three,  forty  of  whom  are  day  scholars.  The  institutii 
self-supporting. 

THE  MIAMI  COMMERCIAL  COLLEGE. 

This  college  has  for  many  years  been  one  of  the  leading  educational  in 
tions  of  the  city,  having  not  only  a large  local  patronage,  but  a constant  at 
ance  from  the  surrounding  States.  It  was  established  in  1860,  by  Mr.  B.  D- ; 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


705 


! 


b;.  the  accomplished  author  of  the  Babbittonian  system  of  penmanship.  In  1862 
' Babbitt  associated  with  him  Mr.  A.  D.  Wilt,  who,  in  1865,  succeeded  to  the  sole 
(.,  trol  and  ownership  of  the  college,  which  he  yet  retains.  The  most  approved 
hods  of  instruction  have  always  been  pursued,  and  thoroughly  practical  and 
e ipetenf  instructors  engaged,  and  as  a result,  the  graduates  of  the  college  are 
had  engaged  as  highly  successful  business  men  and  accountants  in  all  the  lead- 
ir  cities  of  the  country.  The  college  now  occupies  an  entire  floor  of  the  elegant 
Ffemans’  Insurance  Building,  on  the  corner  of  Main  and  Second  streets,  and  is 
lplete  in  all  of  its  appointments.  The  faculty  consists  of  Mr.  A.  D.  Wilt,  Princi- 
)■■  Mr.  W.  H.  Sunderland,  Assistant  Principal  ; Mr.  A.  C.  Tjder,  Superintendent 
'Practice  Department,  and  Mr.  W.  E.  Donson,  Assistant  in  the  Theory 
bailment. 


\ 


706 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

THE  DAYTON  PRESS. 

Pioneer  Newspapers — The  Dayton  Journal — The  Dayton  Republics 
The  Dayton  Democrat — The  Dayton  Whig  and  Miami  Democil 
The  Dayton  Transcript — The  Daily  Daytonian — The  Dayton 
Weekly  Bulletin — The  Dayton  Gazette — The  Dayton  Daily 
Weekly  Volkszeitung — 1 The  Saturday  People — The  Daily  and  Wei 
Herald — The  Miami  Valley  Courier — The  Vindicator — Christ  Chi 
Record — The  Reformed  Publishing  House — The  Religious  Telesi 
— The  United  Brethren  Publishing  House — -Christian  Publisi 
House— Conclusion. 

tN  July,  1806,  Noah  Crane,  from  Lebanon,  Ohio,  began  publishing  a m 
paper  in  Dayton,  but  after  issuing  a few  numbers,  he  was  attacked  i 
chills  and  fever  and  abandoned  the  enterprise,  returning  with  his  press K 
type  to  his  former  home  at  Lebanon. 

As  far  back  as  1850,  there  were  no  tiles  of  the  paper  in  town,  and  its  l 
could  not  be  ascertained.  Some  time  previous  to  September,  1808,  Archil 
McLean  and  William  McClure  entered  into  an  arrangement  to  publish  awe 
paper  in  Dayton,  but  it  was  never  carried  into  effect. 

September  18,  1808,  the  first  number  of  the  Dayton  Repertory  was  is* 
from  their  office,  on  Main  street,  by  William  McClure  and  George  Smith;  a e 
four  page  paper,  eight  by  twelve  inches  in  size,  two  columns  to  the  page,  w 
ly  at  $2  a year  in  advance.  With  the  fifth  number,  issued  October  21, 
paper  was  suspended  till  February  1,  1809,  at  which  time  it  was  enlarged  to 
x20  sheet,  and  issued  with  Henry  Disbrow,  and  William  McClure,  as  ed 
and  proprietors.  News  items  from  foreign  countries  were  four,  and 
months  old  ; two  of  the  enterprising  merchants  of  the  town  advertised  a i 
of  goods  received  from  Pittsburgh  and  Philadelphia  in  the  fall  before  ; 
were  also  a number  of  notices  of  estray  horses  “taken  up.” 

The  paper  was  discontinued  about  the  first  of  January,  1810;  which 
the  community  without  a paper,  until  the  3d  of  May,  when  the  first  numb 
the  Ohio  Centinel  was  issued  by  Isaac  G.  Burnet,  “ on  a sheet  of  royal  £ 
11x19  inches;  a four  page  paper  ; four  columns  to  the  page  ; and  wit 
rules  : $2  dollars  a year  in  advance,  produce  taken  in  pay  at  market  prices.  t 
motto  was  “ With  slight  shades  of  difference,  we  have  the  same  religion, 
ners,  habits  and  political  principles”  Washington. 

Official  announcements  and  legal  notices  for  all  the  territory  to  the 
as  far  as  Detroit,  and  on  out  to  Chicago,  were  necessarily  published  in  this 
paper  that  circulated  through  all  that  sparsely  settled  region. 

In  politics,  the  paper  was  devoted  to  “ Republican  principles,”  wha 
that  may  have  meant  ; sprightly  in  its  editorials,  giving  a variety  of  infc 
tion  from  points  that  would  interest  its  readers.  During  the  war  of  181 
its  patrons  were  kept  thoroughly  posted  as  to  the  events  occurring  at  the  h 
until  May  19,  1813,  the  men  of  the  community  being  nearly  all  in  the  arm 


CITY  OF  DAl'TON. 


707 


n ome  way  connected  with  it,  and  the  women,  generally  working  hard  in 
i ng  the  soil  and  caring  for  the  families  and  farms,  had  no  money  to  pay 
o!a  paper,  so  the  Centinel  went  down. 

Isaac  Gr.  Burnet  and  James  Lodge  were  editors  and  proprietors  of  the 
Ob  Republican,  a continuation  of  the  Centinel,  similar  in  style  and  using  the 
a e type  and  press. 

The  first  number  was  issued  October  3,  1814,  flying  this  motto  as  indicat- 
injthe  policy  of  the  paper — Willing  to  praise,  but  not  afraid  to  blame." 

A month  later,  Mr.  Burnet  having  been  elected  to  the  Legislature,  sold 
;i:  interest  in  the  paper  to  his  partner,  Mr.  Lodge,  who  conducted  the  paper 
1 1 October  9,  1816,  when  he  was  obliged  to  discontinue  its  publication,  be- 
aie  his  subscribers  would  not  pay  up — two-thirds  of  the  list  never  paid  a 
cel 

Flying  the  motto,  “ Truth,  Equality  and  Literary  knowledge,  are  the  three 
rid  pillars  of  Republican  Liberty ,”  the  first  number  of  the  Ohio  Watchman 
_c  issued  November  27,  1816,  by  Robert  J.  Skinner,  who  had  bought  press, 
y:  and  the  “good  will  ” of  the  wrecked  Republican.  On  the  5th  of  June, 
l8:i,  the  motto  was  changed  to  “ A Free  Press  is  the  Palladium  of  Liberty ,” 
n April  9,  1818,  the  paper  was  enlarged  to  a sheet  12x20  inches  in  size,  five 
<f  mns  to  a page  ruled.  Its  political  principles  were  “ Genuine  Republican- 
isr ' a very  vague  political  expression. 

Christmas  Day,  1820,  the  name  of  the  paper  was  changed  to  that  of  the 
-K don  Watchman  and  Farmers'  and  Mechanics'  Journal;  printed  and  pub- 
- d by  George  S.  Houston  and  R.  J.  Skinner. 

In  August,  1822,  Mr.  Skinner  retired  from  the  firm,  and  in  the  following 
i er  A.  T.  Hays  became  one  of  the  proprietors.  Mr.  Houston  retired  from  the 
ajr,  upon  his  appointment  as  Postmaster,  in  1821  ; but  he  controlled  the 
di/rial  department  until  the  paper  was  discontinued,  November  21,  1826.  A 
1 on  of  this  time  the  Watchman  was  published  by  A.  T.  Hays  and  E.  Lind- 
From  August  6,  1822,  up  to  December  24  of  the  same  year,  the  paper  was 
a ished  under  the  name  of  George  S.  Houston  & Co.  At  the  latter  date  the 
ecpd  volume  commenced,  and  was  published  by  G.  S.  Houston  and  A.  T. 

In  xApril,  1823,  the  style  of  the  title  was  changed  from  the  old  English 
l'ipt,  and  that  in  September,  1823,  was  displaced  for  gothic.  “ Democracy , 
ipature,  Agriculture,  Manufactories  and  Internal  Improvements  the  Pillars 
ur  Independence,"  was  added  as  its  motto,  on  the  16th  of  March.  1824. 
•-  paper  was  12x20  inches  in  size,  five  columns  ruled,  price,  $2  per  year,  and 
fin,  beef,  pork,  whisky,  wood,  wheat,  rye,  corn,  oats,  sugar,  tallow,  beeswax, 
ny,  butter,  chickens,  eggs,  wool,  flax,  feathers,  country  linen,  and  clean 
'Ji  and  cotton  rags  received  in  payment.” 

George  B.  Holt,  as  editor  and  publisher,  issued  the  first  number  of  the 
Gi  Republican  and  Dayton  Advertiser,  September  2,  1823  ; a weekly  Dem- 
Gc  paper,  11x21  inches  in  size,  that  was  continued  until  September  7, 
Ij  t 

THE  DAYTON  JOUKNAL. 

Tfiis  paper  is  the  lineal  successor  of  the  one  started  by  William  Camp- 
-on the  30th  of  April,  1826.  Mr.  Campbell  came  to  Dayton  from  West- 
land  County,  Penn.,  and  on  the  10th  of  April.  1826,  purchased  tins  Miami 
" blican  and  the  Dayton  Watchman,  which  he  consolidated  under  the  title 
e Ohio  National  Journal  and’ Montgomery  and  Dayton  Advertiser,  and  the 
^number  issued  as  a weekly  paper,  at  the  usual  price — $2  a year.  It  was 
Get  13x20  inches  in  size,  five  columns  to  the  page,  ruled,  and  its  motto, 
hnciples  and  not  men,  inhere  principles  demand  the  sacrifice."  Inpoli- 
ttfch e Journal  was  Whig.  After  issuing  two  numbers,  Mr.  Campbell  sold 


708 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


the  paper  to  Jeptha  Regans,  and  December  4, 1827,  Mr.  Regans  sold  a one-h 
interest  to  Peter  P.  Lowe,  and  it  was  thus  continued  until  January  15,  IS 
when  Mr.  Lowe  retired.  On  the  1st  of  January,  1828,  the  title  was  modes 
reduced  to  the  Dayton  Journal  and  Advertiser.  December  2,  1828,  John 
Van  Cleve  bought  a one-half  interest  in  the  Journal , and  from  that  date  m 
June  15,  1830,  when  Mr.  Regans  died,  the  style  of  the  firm  was  Regans 
Van  Cleve.  For  a short  time  the  paper  was  published  by  Mr.  Van  Cleve, 
in  October,  1830,  Richard  N.  Comly  bought  the  interest  of  Mr.  Regans’  est 
in  the  establishment,  and  the  firm  was  Yan  Cleve  & Comly  till  the  15th  of  Ji 
1834,  when  Mr.  John  Cleve  sold  his  interest  to  William  F.  Comly,  and 
Journal  was  increased  in  size  so  that  it  was  the  largest  paper  then  publisj 
in  Ohio. 

The  firm  of  R.  N.  & W.  F.  Comly  did  more  toward  building  up  and 
veloping  the  newspaper  interests  of  Dayton  than  any  other  publishers  of  tl 
day.  For  years,  they  struggled  on,  trying  to  give  Montgomery  Count 
newspaper  worthy  of  the  name,  and  when,  at  last,  success  had  crowned  ti 
efforts,  the  accumulations  of  many  years  of  hard  labor  were  lost  in  the  desti 
tion  of  the  Journal , building  by  the  mob  of  May  5,  1863. 

No.  1,  Vol.  I,  of  the  Daily  Jounal , was  issued  by  R.  N.  & W.  F.  Con 
December  16,  1840,  as  an  experiment;  it  was  changed  back  to  a tri -weekly, 
months  afterward,  and  so  continued  until,  on  Thursday  morning,  May  6,  18 
No.  1,  Vol.  I.  of  the  Dayton  Daily  Journal  was  issued,  which  has  contiu 
up  to  the  present,  in  connection  with  the  Weekly.  In  1857,  R.  N.  Co: 
withdrew  from  the  paper  and  John  P.  Comly  became  a member  of  the  li  i 
and  so  continued  until  April,  1862,  when,  on  account  of  the  appointnu  n ; 
W.  F.  Comly  to  the  Postmastership  of  Dayton  the  previous  year,  they  sold  i 
to  Lewis  Marot  and  William  H.  Rouzer,  taking  their  notes  in  payment  f or  i 
same.  | 

Thus  it  stood  on  the  night  of  May  5,  1863,  when  the  office  was  sacked 
burned  by  a mob,  which  was  openly  organized  during  the  day  for  that  purp 
Strange  to  say,  the  city  authorities  could  not,  or  did  not,  prevent  this  war 
outrage,  and  as  there  was  no  identification  of  responsible  rioters,  there ! 
no  recovery  for  damages;  the  laws  of  Ohio  failing  to  accord  a public  rein 
for  property  destroyed  by  a mob.  By  this  outrage,  Messrs.  Comly  lost  al 
$10,000,  including  1,500  copies  of  the  “Life  and  Speeches  of  Thomas  < 
win;”  a complete  set  of  Niles,  Register , which  had  been  published  in  Bi 
more,  Md.,  and  a very  rare  and  valuable  library. 

Promptly  upon  the  destruction  of  the  office,  citizens  of  Dayton  subset  ,j 
a fund  of  $6,000,  to  re-establish  the  Journal , and  Maj.  William  D.  Bickl 
then  war  correspondent  of  the  Cincinnati  Commercial , and  volunteer  Aid? 
Camp  on  the  staff  of  Maj . Gen.  Rosecrans,  commanding  the  Departmer 
the  Cumberland,  was  invited  to  accept  the  fund  as  a gift,  and  publish 
paper.  He  declined  the  gift,  but  accepted  the  fund  as  a loan,  payabi| 
three  years,  and  proceeded  to  fhe  business  in  hand,  locating  himself  m 1, 
ton,  May  11,  1863.  The  debt  was  paid  before  the  expiration  of  the  tii 
years. 

In  consequence  of  inability  to  procure  eligible  rooms  for  an  office,  it 
necessary  for  several  months  to  accommodate  the  Journal  to  a single  ap 
ment  in  a third  story.  The  paper,  however,  was  issued  in  diminutive  h 
letter-sheet  size , until  suitable  quarters  on  Main  street,  next  north  of  the  ci 
house,  were  obtained,  when  the  Daily  Journal  was  enlarged  to  a seven  col 
paper,  and  a Weekly  Journal  wTas  issued.  A well-assorted  book  and  job  I1 
was  added  to  the  office.  Maj.  Bickham’s  experience  in  various  departmen; 
the  printing  and  newspaper  business,  proved  greatly  advantageous  to  the 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


711 


Arprise.  The  cash  system  was  adopted  as  far  as  practicable,  and  up  to  date 
this  publication,  he  has  never  given  a note  or  solicited  time  in  a business 
nsaction,  always  paying  cash  on  delivery  or  demand.  From  the  beginning 
kvas  general  business  manager,  editor,  reporter,  cily  editor,  solicitor  of  ad- 
t isements,  etc.,  until  prosperity  relieved  him  of  details,  and  he  educated 
eng  men  for  the  several  business  departments  of  the  establishment. 

For  some  years  after  Maj.  Bickham  took  charge  of  the  Journal,  political 
tdons  in  this  vicinity  ran  incessantly  at  a high  pitch,  and  the  conduct  of 
ir paper  was  bitter,  exciting  and  hazardous.  The  editor,  however,  sustained 
■i self  vigorously  and  resolutely,  and  the  Journal  prospered  and  acquired  a 
Fie  and  valuable  reputation,  which  is  yet  firmly  maintained.  It  may  be  fair- 
aid,  that  it  enjoys  a reputation  for  vigor,  ability  and  devotion  to  the  prin- 
iies  of  the  Republican  party,  second  to  no  paper  in  the  nation  outside  of  the 
:r -class  cities.  Maj.  Bickham  continues  to  be  the  editor  of  the  paper  in  all 
teartments,  retains  his  oversight  of  the  several  branches  of  the  business,  nev- 
■ i jes  into  debt  for  material,  and  takes  active  part  in  the  affairs  of  the  party 
u district,  State,  and  National  conventions. 

During  the  more  than  nineteen  years  of  his  residence  in  Dayton,  he  has 
e;  a delegate  in  all  Ohio  State  Conventions,  save  two,  nearly  all  Congressional 
ryentions,  and  a delegate  to  the  Presidential  Nominating  Conventions  of 
Si,  1876  and  1880.  He  is  entirely  disinclined  to  other  political  honors,  pre- 
feiing  his  professional  to  all  other  distinctions. 

In  the  summer  of  1881,  Maj.  Bickham  erected  a two-storied  brick  office  on 
l:u  street,  opposite  the  Market  House,  into  which  he  moved  November  1,  of 
; year.  He  had  owned  the  property  for  several  years,  and  the  original  build- 
-ii;  were  remodeled,  and  are  now  used  for  business  office  and  editorial  rooms, 
l e the  new  building  is  occupied  by  the  other  departments  of  the  paper, 
i offices  are  large  and  roomy.  A new  Cottrell  & Babcock  fast  press  has 
e t added  to  the  establishment,  and  the  whole  is  operated  by  steam  power. 

! circulation  of  the  daily  is  about  3,300  copies,  and  the  weekly  2,500. 

THE  DAYTON  REPUBLICAN. 

The  Dayton  Republican,  a weekly  Democratic  paper,  published  by  E. 
jilsey,  made  its  appearance  January  5,  1830,  edited  by  William  L.  Helfen- 
«i  and  others.  In  1834,  it  was  discontinued,  and  in  that  year  Mr.  Lindsey 
3t  dished  the  Democratic  Herald,  and  that  in  turn  was  succeeded  in  January, 
by  the  Western  Empire.  About  1844,  it  was  made  a daily  paper  under 
1 itle  of  Evening  Empire,  6 cents  a week.  Since  that  date  it  has  changed 
als  many  times,  but  has  ever  remained  true  to  Democratic  doctrine.  In 
'.  the  paper  was  styled  the  Daily  Empire;  afterward  the  Daily  Ledger, 
to  the  Herald  and  Empire , and  subsequently  to  the  Democrat,  a history  of 
hh  will  be  found  under  that  head. 

THE  DAYTON  DEMOCRAT. 

* 

This  is  a daily  and  weekly,  the  recognized  organ  of  the  Democratic  party  in 
i!  county,  and  the  lineal  successor  of  the  first  Democratic  paper  started  in 
-Miami  Valley  north  of  Cincinnati,  and  has  always  exercised  a potent  infiu- 
n'i  hi  the  counsels  of  its  party  throughout  this  portion  of  the  State.  At  differ - 
n )eriods  in  its  history,  it  has  been  edited  and  controlled  by  men  who  after- 
a achieved  national  reputations.  Among  these  were  John  Bigler,  who  was 
n,')f  the  early  Governors  of  California,  and  Delazon  Smith,  one  of  the  first 
ai tors  from  the  State  of  Oregon.  At  two  different  times,  Hon.  C.  L.  Val- 
mgham  also  owned  an  interest  in  it,  and  presided  over  its  columns. 

Hon.  M.  E.  Cunven’s  “ History  of  the  press  of  Montgomery  County,” 


712 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


prepared  at  the  request  of  the  Ohio  Editorial  Association,  and  published 
the  Dayton  Bulletin  of  March  8 and  18;  April  3d,  5,  12  and  17  of  the  v 
1850,  shows  that  previous  to  1826,  no  newspaper  had  ever  succeeded 
establishing  itself  permanently  in  Dayton.  Of  the  first  attempt  in  1806. 
specimen  copy  and  no  certain  recollection  of  even  the  name  is  preserved, 
is  only  known  that  in  July  and  August  of  that  year,  a few  numbers  c 
paper  were  published  by  Noah  Crane,  of  Lebanon,  Ohio. 

Mr.  John  G.  Doren  says  he  was  informed  by  E.  Lindsey,  one  of  the  | 
neer  printers  and  publishers  of  Dayton,  that  the  first  paper  was  called  the  Iiei 
or  Democratic  Herald , and  it  was  in  reverent  recollection  of  this  pioneer  pa 
of  1806,  that  Mr.  Lindsey  afterward  adopted  that  name  for  a Dernocr 
paper  started  by  himself  some  time  in  1834. 

Up  to  1826,  all  the  newspapers  ever  published  or  started  in  Dayton  ] 
fessed  “Democratic  ’’  or  “ Republican ” principles,  whatever  these  may  li 
meaut  in  those  days,  but  the  difference  between  the  “ Democratic  or  “Rep 
lican  ” ideas  on  one  side,  and  the  “ Federalist  ” or  “Conservative”  ideas 
the  other,  was  to  be  more  sharply  defined  thereafter.  Various  attempts  w 
made  at  different  times  to  establish  a more  thoroughly  Democratic  (or  Jacl 
nian)  paper,  than  had  up  to  that  date  been  published  in  Dayton,  which  fin 
culminated  in  the  establishment  by  E.  Lindsey,  January  5,  1830,  of  the  I 
ton  Republican.  He  thus  adopted  a part  of  the  title  used  by  one  of  the  pap 
before  the  consolidation  of  the  Watchman  and  Republican,  in  an  attempl 
preserve  the  lineal  succession  to  the  good  will  and  patronage  of  the  first  ne: 
paper. 

From  this  time  on,  the  paper  passed  through  many  changes  of  name , 
ownership,  until  it  came  back  to  Lindsey  again,  who  then  restored  the  nli 
which  he  regarded  as  that  of  the  pioneer  and  father  of  all  the  Dayton  ne 
papers,  viz.,  the  Democratic  Herald.  In  January,  1842,  the  name  was  chair 
to  the  Western  Empire. 


The  paper  was  edited  and  published  successively  by  Smith  & Munn,  ] 
landigham  & Munn,  Fitch  & Ramsey,  Fitch  & Clawson,  David  Clark  anj 
R.  Kelley  & Co.,  composed  of  F.  J.  Bollmeyer,  W.  T.  Logan  and  others,  t 
the  killing  of  Bollmeyer  in  1862,  W.  T.  Logan  took  charge,  and  conducted 
paper  until  the  arrest  of  C.  L.  Vallandigham  in  1863,  when  on  account  o 
article  counseling  resistance  to  such  measures,  he  also  was  arrested  by  mili 
authority,  and  the  paper  suppressed.  A stock  company  then  took  charge 
the  office,  and  was  succeeded  by  William  and  Thomas  Hubbard,  they  by  Hi 
H.  Robinson,  and  he  by  J.  McLain  Smith.  The  paper  then  fell  into  the 
session  of  C.  L.  Vallandigham,  Dennis  Dwyer  and  James  Kelly,  from  w 
the  present  editor  and  proprietor  purchased  it. 

In  1844,  the  daily  was  started,  later  the  name  was  changed  to  the  Led 
then  back  to  the  Herald  again. 

In  1870,  the  establishment  was  purchased  by  John  G.  Doren.  who  j 
lished  the  paper  until  1876,  under  the  name  of  the  Herald  and  Empire.  j[ 
then  consolidated  it  with  a paper  which  had  been  started  in  1874,  by  Ge 
Neder  and  J.  McLain  Smith,  under  the  name  of  the  Dayton  Daily  Dernoi 
It  has  been  published  under  this  name  -and  under  Mr.  Doren’ s managei 
ever  since,  and  has  steadily  increased  all  the  time  in  influence,  business 
financial  prosperity.  Under  his  management  the  Democrat  has  acquired 
now  possesses  the  exclusive  control  of  the  dispatches  of  the  National  As 
ated  Press  in  Dayton,  and  the  paper  receives  as  close  and  careful  editorial 
business  attention  as  is  bestowed  on  metropolitan  newspapers. 

Mr.  Doren,  although  not  yet  fifty  years  of  age,  lias  been  about  thirty  y 
in  the  printing  and  publishing  business.  He  began  his  first  editorial  1 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


713 


u er  Samuel  Medary,  on  the  old  Ohio  Statesman , as  a Legislative  reporter, 
Tin  yet  not  more  than  eighteen  years  of  age,  and  subsequently  worked  with 
\J  Medary  in  every  other  department  of  that  paper,  typographical,  business 
u!  editorial.  Being  a protege  and  pupil  of  so  vigorous  and  celebrated  an  old 
Daocratic  editor,  Mr.  Doren  prides  himself  on  the  orthodoxy  of  the  political 
i'afh  imbibed  from  such  a preceptor,  and  holds  that  one  of  the  special  obliga- 
,:i|a  which  such  a faith  imposes  on  the  citizen,  and  upon  the  editor  especially, 

, sb  distinguish  between  a blind  devotion  to  partisan  leaders,  and  an  intelli- 
g:t  conception  of  and  adherence  to,  the  fundamental  principles  of  morals  and 
xirnment.  The  effect  of  this  has  been  to  make  Mr.  Doren  on  the  whole, 
ater  independent  for  a partisan  editor,  although  always  an  unswerving  Dem- 
e,t.  Ofttimes  during  his  career  as  editor,  he  has  felt  it  his  duty  to  be  the 
alre  critic,  rather  than  the  servile  mouthpiece  of  his  party,  but  always  as  he 
1 ned  in  defense  of  the  unadulterated  faith  professed  in  the  party  platforms, 
x to  protect  the  organization  against  the  misuse  or  perversion  of  its  name 
x machinery,  for  the  private  purposes  or  personal  ambitions  of  self-seeking 
k ticians. 

Such  a course  has  at  times  since  Mr.  Doren  took  the  management  of  the 
iMocrat,  bred  temporary  differences  between  some  of  the  Democratic  party 
x ers  and  the  paper,  but  the  result  of  these  misunderstandings  has  usually 
>eji  to  strengthen  the  Democrat , both  in  the  public  and  party  estimation,  as  a 
elless  advocate  of  what  it  believes  to  be  right,  and  as  willing  to  sacrifice 
- 1 ething  to  secure  it. 


In  addition  to  his  service  on  the  Ohio  Statesman , Mr.  Doren  has  had  a great 
x of  experience  besides  as  an  editor  and  publisher.  After  leaving  the  Ohio 
Desman  office,  he  was  from  1854  to  1858,  the  editor  of  the  Hillsboro 
t ette,  then  official  reporter  of  the  Ohio  House  of  Representatives,  which 
>ction  he  resigned  to  take  an  appointment  in  the  Treasury  Department  at 
i hington.  While  at  the  latter  place  he  was  for  a time  one  of  the  writers 
r he  Washington  Union,  then  the  National  organ  of  the  Democratic  party. 
J-i;)r,  he  was  editor  and  publisher  of  the  Southern  Ohio  Argus  at  Georgetown, 
xvn  County,  and  from  1864  to  1868  was  managing  editor  of  the  Cincinnati 
uirer.  Here  his  health  broke  down,  and  he  was  compelled  to  retire  en- 
oy  from  editorial  duties  until  1870,  when  he  came  to  Dayton  at  the  earnest 
optation  of  Hon.  C.  L.  Yallandigham,  and  purchased  the  Empire  (now 
Umrat)  establishment.  His  career  since,  notwithstanding  extremely  pre- 
apus  health,  has  been  a very  successful  one,  no  man  before  having  brought 
h Democratic  paper  here  to  so  high  a pitch  of  public  and  partisan  influence 
financial  prosperity. 

The  office  is  on  the  corner  of  Fifth  street  and  Canal;  the  circulation  of 
Daily  is  about  2,000,  and  of  the  Weekly,  3,500,  the  latter  being  called  the 
- nre  and  Democrat. 


THE  DAYTON  WHIG  AND  MIAMI  DEMOCRAT. 

B.  Dutton  issued  the  first  number  of  the  Dayton  Whig  and  Miami  Demo- 
in  1833.  The  firm  was  afterward,  Dutton  & Maloy,  but  a year  sufficed 
°jm  it  out,  as  the  county  could  not  support  two  Wing  newspapers. 


THE  DAYTON  TRANSCRIPT. 

This  paper  was  established  in  January,  1841,  by  George  C.  McCuen  and 
,Cl  Wilson,  both  practical  printers.  It  was  a sheet  of  11x17  inches,  pub- 
-LkI  semi-weekly,  at  25  cents.  After  sinking  money  for  about  eighteen 
Ul  ths,  the  paper  was  suspended  for  want  of  funds.  In  October,  1842,  the 
T’  of  McCuen  & Wilson  was  dissolved,  the  interest  of  the  former  having 

7 O 


714 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


been  bought  by  J.  Milton  Sanders,  who  continued  to  edit  the  Transcript  \ 
October  4,  1843,  when  he  left  it.  The  paper  was  then  enlarged  to  V, 
inches  in  size,  and  for  six  weeks  was  published  by  John  Wilson  and  E.  M 
under  the  style  of  E.  Marot  & Co.  Subsequently,  Mr.  Marot  left  and  'Wi 
was  sole  proprietor  until  July,  1845. 

In  the  political  campaign  of  1844,  the  Transcript  threw  aside  its  foi 
neutral  character,  and,  May  15,  of  that  year,  came  out  under  the  title  of 
Dayton  Transcript  and  Ashland  Whig , thus  identifying  itself  with  the 
party. 

It  was  edited  by  A.  M.  Scott  until  December  9,  1844.  Previous  to  8c 
editorial  service,  John  Macracon  had  edited  the  paper,  and,  upon  Scott  r 
ing,  he  resumed  that  post  again  On  the  28th  of  July,  1845,  Macracon 
came  one  of  the  proprietors,  and  the  paper  was  then  enlarged.  It  w 
valuable  investment,  and  in  1847  Ralph  S.  Hart  and  H.  D.  Stout  purek 
an  interest  in  it,  Wilson  having  previously  retired.  The  firm  was  H.  D.  £ 
& Co.,  Mr.  Hart  writing  the  leaders  and  Mr.  Macracon  attending  to  the  c 
parts  of  the  paper.  Mr.  Hart  remained  as  editor  for  eighteen  months.  M 
Cur  wen  was  a frequent  contributor,  and  at  times  had  control  of  its  edit 
columns.  Mr.  Macracon  left  the  paper  in  February,  1849,  and  was  succei 
by  A.  M.  Scott.  The  paper  was  finally  disposed  of  to  William  C.  Howel 
Co.,  in  May,  1849,  who  subsequently  published  daily,  weekly  and  tri-we 
editions.  It  was  moderately  Whig  under  this  management,  but  was  disco) 
ued  in  the  year  1850. 

THE  DAILY  DAYTONIAN. 

In  1846,  N.  M.  Guild  & Co.  started  the  Daily  Daytonian,  edited 
John  A.  Collins,  which  only  lasted  about  a year. 

THE  DAYTON  TRI-WEEKLY  BULLETIN. 

Neutral  in  politics  and  devoted  to  general  news  and  literature.  The  Bui 
was  first  published  in  Dayton,  September  1848,  by  John  Wilson  and  Jaco 
Decker,  both  practical  printers.  Its  size  was  15x21  inches;  time  of  pub 
tion,  Mouday,  Wednesday  and  Friday  evenings;  terms,  $3  per  year.  Mi 
Curwen  was  the  editor  of  the  Bulletin  from  the  commencement,  and  he 
full  control  of  its  columns  nearly  the  whole  time.  It  issued  its  last  mn 
April  17,  1850,  and  throughout  its  career  was  ably  conducted,  as  Mr.  Cm] 
was  a man  of  fine  education,  a thorough  legal  scholar,  and  an  author  o 
mean  ability. 

DAS  DEUTSCHE  JOURNAL. 

This  paper,  published  by  John  Bittman  as  a weekly  Democratic  or 
was  established  in  1849  and  continued  about  two  years. 

THE  DAYTON  GAZETTE. 

A daily,  established  in  1850;  it  was  a first-class  paper  in  every  way. 
was  first  edited  by  D.  W.  Iddings,  and  in  polit  cs,  was  Whig.  The  p 
was  owned  and  conducted  by  different  parties  until  it  was  purchased  by  ' 
iam  H.  P.  Denny,  who  conducted  it  until  the  beginning  of  i860,  whe 
stopped  publication.  It  was  then  a weekly  paper. 

THE  DAYTON  DAILY  AND  WEEKLY  VOLKSZEITUNG. 

This  paper  was  established  April  25,  1866,  by  George  Neder,  and  first 
lished  as  a weekly  only.  In  June  of  the  same  year,  in  addition  to  the  week 
semi-weekly  was  issued,  and  the  following  October,  the  semi-weekly  becaij 
tri-weekly;  these  papers  in  size  were  22x32  inches,  four  pages  with  sixcolui 
In  1867  and  1871,  the  paper  was  enlarged  to  seven  and  eight  columns  res 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


715 


X The  first  copy  of  the  daily  was  presented  to  the  public  August  15,  1876. 
;j  Neder  has  been  from  the  first  the  proprietor  and  editor  of  the  paper.  It  was 
it  issued  from  the  publishing  house  of  the  United  Brethren,  where  continu- 
; y published  until  1874,  when  it  was  removed  to  the  office  of  the  Democrat. 
.Politics,  the  Volkszeitung  was  strictly  an  independent  paper  until  1874,  since 
dch  date  it  has  leaned  toward  the  Democracy.  On  the  17th  of  April,  1882, 
b'two  German  papers  of  the  city,  namely,  Volkszeitung  and  Anzeiger , were 
osolidated,  the  proprietors  of  the  latter  removing  their  paper  to  the  office  of 
ii  Volkszeitung.  The  paper  continues  to  be  issued  under  the  name  of  the 
j iton  Volkszeitung,  and  since  April  17,  under  the  proprietorship  of  George 
Per  and  the  Moosbrugger  Brothers,  Otto  and  Kuno,  and  edited  by  Mi’.  Neder 
a the  former-named  Moosbrugger.  The  Anzeiger  was  a daily  and  weekly 
sir,  Democratic  in  politics.  It  was  established  in  1876;  the  first  copy  was 
‘lited  September  1.  The  proprietors  were  Otto  Moosbrugger  and  Charles 
einck,  the  latter,  however,  soon  sold  his  interest  to  Kuno  Moosbrugger,  and 
hfwo  brothers  carried  on  the  paper  until  the  consolidation. 

THE  SATURDAY  PEOPLE. 


This  paper  was  started  September  26,  1876,  by  C.  P.  Sweetman,  at  28 

0 h Main  street,  and  was  quite  a small  sheet.  It  was  taken  by  the  People 
'dishing  Company,  January  16,  1877,  composed  of  J.  St.  J.  Clarkson,  H.  L. 
7 her  and  Charles  Kramer,  and  made  the  workingmen’s  organ.  It  was  en- 
iaied  to  a seven  column  paper,  and  in  1877  was  taken  by  Mr.  Clarkson  alone. 

When  the  National  Greenback  Labor  party  was  organized,  the  People  was 
ne  the  organ  of  that  party,  which  position  it  has  held  ever  since.  In  June, 
8_,  it  was  enlarged  to  an  eight  column  paper,  and  has  now  a circulation  of 
6 copies.  It  is  issued  every  Saturday  morning,  and  J.  St.  J.  Clarkson  is  the 
dir  and  proprietor;  office  in  the  same  building  as  the  Dayton  Herald , of 

1 :h  Mr.  Clarkson  is  also  editor. 


THE  DAILY  AND  WEEKLY  HERALD. 

This  paper  was  first  issued  February  7,  1881,  under  the  management  of 
...  Wendell,  and  editorship  of  J.  St.  J.  Clarkson;  some  time  prior  to  this 
Saturday  Evening  Record , a weekly,  was  published  by  William  T.  Kimsey, 
l:h  merged  into  the  Herald  at  the  date  above  given.  The  daily  in  size  is 
’-39  inches,  has  four  pages  with  eight  columns  to  the  page,  and  the  weekly 
i eight-page  six  column  paper  30x42  inches.  The  office  of  this  paper  is 
xied  on  the  north  side  of  Fourth  near  Main  street.  It  is  an  independent  pa- 
e The  management  claim  a circulation  of  2,500  copies  of  the  daily,  and  1, - 
! copies  of  the  weekly. 

THE  MIAMI  VALLEY  COURIER. 

In  December,  1880,  John  R.  Tomlinson  established  a monthly  sheet  called 
'I'Miami  Valley  Courier,  which  is  yet  published  by  him  at  27  South  Main 
rt.  It  is  devoted  to  historical  and  biographical  sketches  and  advertising. 

THE  VINDICATOR. 

This  is  a religious  monthly,  published  in  the  interest  of  the  German  Bap- 
s Jhurch,  and  edited  by  Samuel  Kinsey,  and  is  numbered  among  the  papers 
1 ie  city.  It  is  published  at  the  Christian  Printing  Establishment,  and  has 
de  circulation. 

CHRIST  CHURCH  REGISTER. 

This  is  a religious  monthly,  printed  at  the  same  establishment;  was  first 
" 'd  in  January,  1882.  It  is  edited  by  the  rector  of  the  church,  Rev.  J.  T. 

^ ster,  and  is  published  in  the  interest  of  the  church,  by  the  Parish  Church 
Qfmittee. 


716 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


THE  REFORMED  PUBLISHING  HOUSE. 

In  March,  1882.  the  new  publishing  firm  of  the  Christian  Wort 
weekly  church  and  family  paper  of  the  Reformed  denomination,  bee 
the  property  of  Rev.  Edward  Herbruck,  Michael  Loucks  and  Mr  J 
Bloom,  who  purchased  the  paper  with  the  main  object  of  establish 
a printing  house  in  the  interest  of  the  Reformed  Church.  These 
tlemen  have  located  the  office  of  the  Christian  World , on  North  Jeffei 
street,  between  Second  and  Third,  and  carry  on  the  printing  departmen 
another  building  near  by,  on  the  same  street.  In  addition  to  the  publica 
of  the  following  periodicals,  they  do  general  job  printing:  The  Chris 
World;  the  Instructor,  quarterly,  fifty- two  pages,  for  Sunday  school  toad; 
Instructor  Scholars'  Quarterly,  twenty  pages,  with  helps  for  Sunday  scl 
scholars;  Lesson  Papers , issued  monthly;  Leaves  of  Light , a Sunday  school 
young  people’s  paper,  issued  semi-monthly. 

THE  WORLD. 

This  paper  was  first  published  in  Columbus,  Ohio,  the  first  copy  appeal 
October  6,  1848,  under  the  name  of  the  Western  Missionary.  It  was  editei 
Rev.  J.  H.  Good,  D.  D.,  and  the  editors  have  since  been  as  follows:  G. 
YVilliard.  D.  D. ; T.  P.  Bucher,  D.  D. ; Samuel  Mease,  D.  D. ; I.  H.  Reiter 
D. , and  Rev.  E.  Herbruck,  under  whose  editorship  it  is  at  present.  The 
per  was  first  published  in  Dayton,  November  1,  1855.  It  was  subsequently 
moved,  and  for  a number  of  years  published  elsewhere.  September  5.  T 
it  again  made  its  appearance  in  this  city,  where  it  has  since  remained. 

The  circulation  of  the  paper  is  rapidly  increasing,  and  it  is  becoming 
of  the  best  religious  journals  in  the  west. 

THE  RELIGIOUS  TELESCOPE WEEKLY  ORGAN  OF  THE  UNITED  BRETHREN  IN  CHRI; 

"While  Bishop  Newcomer,  associate  of  Otterbein,  was  yet  alive,  there  i 
minds  which  saw  the  importance  of  the  religious  press  as  a co- laborer  with 
Christian  ministry,  in  saving  the  world.  Two  or  three  years  before  the  Gen 
Conference  took  any  steps  toward  projecting  an  enterprise  of  this  kiud, 
1829,  Aaron  Farmer  made  an  effort  to  establish  a paper  under  the  patronag 
the  Miami  Conference.  At  the  session  of  that  body,  held  at  the  house  of  Je 
Garst,  in  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  in  May,  1829,  the  last  presided  ovei 
Bishop  Newcomer,  a series  of  resolutions  approving  the  publication  of  a p: 
called  Zion's  Advocate  were  adopted.  The  paper  was  issued  from  Salem,  Ii 
soon.-after,  but  for  want  of  patronage  was  soon  discontinued. 

The  General  Conference  which  met  May  14,  1833,  in  Pickaway  Cou 
Ohio,  ordered  the  purchase  of  an  office  in  Circleville,  Ohio,  and  appoiutei 
trustees  John  RusbgI,  John  Dresbach  and  George  Dresbach.  These  bretl! 
soon  began  the  solicitation  of  subscriptions  and  funds,  and  on  the  12th  da; 
April,  1834,  they  purchased  at  public  sale  in  Circleville,  Ohio,  a printing  pi 
type  and  fixtures,  for  which  they  paid  $450.  A month  later  they  bought  a 
and  two  houses,  for  which  they  paid  $550.  Early  the  same  year,  Rev.  \\  ill 
Rhinehart,  of  the  Virginia  Conference,  by  the  approval  of  that- conference, 
gan  the  publication  of  a paper  called  the  Messenger,  at  Hagerstown, 
These  trustees,  anxious  to  gather  into  one  body  all  the  power  the  Church  ( 
tained,  bought  the  Messenger,  type  and  all,  for  $325,  and  employed  its  for: 
owner  to  edit  the  paper  ordered  by  the  General  Conference. 

The  first  number  of  the  Religious  Telescope  bears  date  December 
1834.  It  was  issued  from  Circleville,  Ohio,  as  a semi-monthly,  and  was 
at  $1.50  in  advance  and  $2  at  the  close  of  the  year.  Thus  with  a debt  of  < 
$1,600,  and  a subscription  list  of  a little  above  one  thousand,  but  littl 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


717 


-rich  was  paid  for,  the  Religious  Telescope,  to  use  a nautical  phrase,  set  sail  on 
h boisterous  seas,  over  which  it  has  made  its  way  for  nearly  a half-century, 
continued  as  a semi-monthly  until  its  issue  of  July  30,  1845,  when  it  became 
Sekly  paper,  as  it  has  ever  since  continued.  The  paper  from  the  first  was 
electable  in  size  and  character.  It  at  once  became  a favorite  with  the  Church, 
i a medium  of  free  interchange  of  thought  in  the  denomination,  as  well  as 
Sarer  of  Christian  and  general  intelligence.  It  was  bold  and  mighty,  if 

0 etimes  unwise,  in  its  handling  questions  of  moral  and  religious  reform.  Sir. 
finehart  resigned  the  editorship  May  1,  1839. 

The  issue  dated  May  15,  1839,  appeared  under  the  editorial  control  of 
U,  William  Hanby,  who  was  elected  to  the  vacancy  occasioned  by  Mr.  Rhine- 
ia':’s  resignation,  by  Scioto  Conference.  To  this  position  he  was  re-elected  by 
iijGeneral  Conference  of  1841.  The  next  quadrennial  session,  held  May  12, 
Sj),  at  Circleville,  Ohio,  elected  Rev.  D.  Edwards  editor  of  this  growing  pe- 
- ical.  At  the  next  General  Conference,  held  in  Cincinnati,  May  14,  1849, 
etas  re-elected,  but  at  once  tendered  his  resignation  to  the  conference,  by 
4;h  it  was  accepted. 

General  Conference  then  elected  Rev.  William  Hanby  as  the  future  editor, 
line  issue  of  July  18,  1849,  it  again  appeared  under  his  control.  Early  in 
Ay  ear  1850,  the  trustees  elected  Rev.  John  Lawrence  as  an  assistant  editor, 
b relation  continued  until  the  early  part  of  the  year  1852,  when  the  trustees 
mipted  the  resignation  of  Mr.  Hanby,  and  elected  Mr.  Lawrence  to  the  edi- 
ml  control  of  the  paper. 

General  Conference,  which  met  at  Miltonville,  Ohio,  May  9,  1853,  re- 
used Mi’.  Lawrence,  as  did  also  the  next  quadrennial  session  in  1857,  held  at 
idnnati,  and  that  of  1861,  held  at  Westerville,  Ohio. 

On  the  29th  of  April,  1864,  Rev.  D.  Berger  assumed  the  editorial  control 
? he  Religious  Telescope,  being  elected  to  the  work  by  the  trustees,  in  place 
? Ir.  Lawrence,  who  had  resigned  his  connection  with  the  paper.  Mr.  Ber- 
eWas  re-elected  the  following  year  by  General  Conference,  which  met  in 
item  Iowa,  May  11,  1865. 

The  fifteenth  General  Conference,  which  met  at  Lebanon,  Penn., 
h 20,  1869,  elected  Rev.  Milton  Wright  editor,  and  the  paper  dated  July  7, 
appeared  under  his  control.  At  the  succeeding  General  Conference,  con- 
'd in  Dayton,  Ohio,  May  15,  1873,  two  editors  were  ordered,  Revs,  M. 
%ht  and  W.  0.  Tobey  was  elected.  They  assumed  the  mutual  control  of  the 
•r  July  2,  1873. 

The  subsequent  quadrennial  session  at  Westfield,  111.,  May  10,  1S77,  de- 
ed to  elect  an  editor-in-chief  and  an  assistant  editor.  J.  W.  Hott  and  W. 

'obey  were  elected  to  those  offices  respectively,  and  assumed  these  relations 
i duties  with  the  issue  of  June  13,  1877,  which  continued  until  the  General 

erenee  of  1881,  when  W.  O.  Tobey  retired  and  Rev.  W.  R.  Drury  became 
• uccessor. 

The  weekly  circulation  of  the  Religious  Telescope  is  12,384. 

THE  UNITED  BEETHEEN  PUBLISHING  HOUSE. 

The  first  effort  to  build  up  a printing  establishment  in  the  church,  by  the 

1 and  for  the  church,  contemplated  primarily  and  solely  the  life  and  pros- 
J y of  the  Religious  Telescope;  hence,  with  that  paper,  we  connected  its 
!1  history. 

The  church  had  only  begun  work  in  real  earnestness  at  Circleville  when  it 
J(  ne  apparent  that  a more  favorable  and  central  location  must  sooner  or  later 
e Aight  and  secured. 

At  the  session  of  the  conference  at  Miltonville,  which  met  May  9,  1853,  it 
a decided  to  remove  the  office  to  Dayton. 


718 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Soon  after  the  close  of  the  General  Conference  the  site  since  oceupie  [ 
the  establishment  was  purchased  by  the  Trustees.  It  was  then  occupied 
two-story  brick  building,  used  as  a hotel.  For  this  they  paid  811,000. 

The  first  issue  of  the  Telescope  from  its  new  home,  bore  the  date  of  | 
tember  14,  1853. 

For  a time  the  old  house  was  occupied,  but  in  the  spring  and  summi  i 
1854,  the  main  building,  as  it  now  stands,  was  erected  at  a cost  of  $15, 1 
The  rear  three-story  building  was  added  in  1869,  at  a cost  of  $5,659.05. 

The  location  occupies  a central  and  prominent  place  in  the  business 
tion  of  this  beautiful  city.  The  front  building  is  40x90  feet  in  width  : 
length,  and  four  stories  in  height.  The  rear  building  is  34x58  feet,  and  1 1 
stories  high.  The  entire  building  on  Main  street  is  forty  feet,  and  on  Fo t 
street,  124  feet.  It  is  entered  from  the  front,  and  on  the  side  near  the  rear  i 
of  the  large  building.  The  front  part  of  the  lower  story  is  occupied  bjl 
book-room.  The  lower  story  in  the  rear  building  is  the  press-room,  where  p 
Telescope  and  other  periodicals  are  printed,  and  where  the  Telescope  is  fo  = 
and  put  into  the  mails.  The  second  story  is  occupied  by  different  off  i 
The  third  story  is  largely  occupied  by  the  Religious  Telescope,  and  the  fo  f 
by  the  bindery.  The  building,  with  the  lot  on  which  it  stands,  is  invoice : 
$40,500. 

The  finances  of  the  publishing  interests  were  for  a time  conducted  by  1 
editor  of  the  Religious  Telescope , in  connection  with  the  Trustees.  Then 
were  conducted  by  Rev.  William  Hanby.  The  General  Conference,  May! 
1845,  elected  Rev.  -I.  Markwood,  who  resigned,  and  his  place  was  suppliei : 
Rev.  Nehemiah  Altman,  who  was  re-elected  May  14,  1849.  In  1852,  1 
William  Hanby  was  appointed  publisher,  to  supersede  the  former  ocenpi 
He  was  succeeded  May  9,  1853,  by  Rev.  Solomon  Yonnieda. 

In  March,  1854,  Rev.  Henry  Kumler  was  associated  with  Rev.  S.  h 
neida,  which  association  continued  until  December,  1854.  In  1854,  Mr ! 
N.  Sowers  was  employed  as  assistant  agent. 

In  May,  1861,  T.  N.  Sowers  and  J.  B.  King  were  elected  publishing  age; 

In  June,  1864,  Rev.  W.  J.  Shuey  was,  by  the  Trustees,  associated 
Mr.  Sowers  in  the  place  of  the  former  occupant.  At  the  General  Confere  i 
held  May  11,  1865,  at  Western,  Iowa,  Rev.  W.  J.  Shuey  and  T.  N.  Sou 
were  elected  agents.  Mr.  Sowers  having  resigned,  Rev.  William  McKee  s 

O O O 7 

chosen  by  the  Trustees  to  fill  the  vacancy,  which  he  did  for  one  year,  when 
resigned  and  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  W.  J.  Shuey,  the  present  incumbent. 

In  1840,  John  Russell  began  the  publication  of  a German  monthly  p; 
in  Baltimore,  Md. , called  the  Busy  Martha.  The  first  number  was  ise ) 
March  7,  1840.  In  1841,  steps  were  taken  by  the  General  Conference  tow; 
the  establishment  of  a printing  office  in  that  city.  One-third  of  the  subsc; 
tion  list  of  the  Religious  Telescope  was  ordered  turned  over  to  this  paper.  ? 
Russell’s  paper  was  merged  into  the  enterprise,  and  the  first  paper,  under; 
care  of  Rev.  J.  Erb,  was  issued  July  1,  1841.  The  patronage  being  insr 
cient,  it  was  discontinued  June  22,  1842. 

In  October,  1846,  there  first  appeared  a paper  called  the  German  f 'elesiio 
edited  and  published  by  Rev.  N.  Altman.  It  was  issued  from  the  office 
Circleville,  Ohio.  In  1847,  the  Trustees  of  the  printing  establishment  ele  > 
Rev.  D.  S trickier,  as  its  editor,  and  June  1,  1847,  it  appeared  under  his  edi, 
ship.  The  paner  was  an  eight-page. 

After  three  years,  the  name  of  the  paper  was  changed  to  that  of  tne  n 
Martha.  In  1851,  the  Trustees  elected  Rev.  Henry  Staub  its  editor. 

The  name  Busy  Martha  was  discontinued  in  1851,  and  November  11. 1 
the  first  number  of  the  Froehliche  Botschafter  appeared.  This  paper  con  i 


DAYTON. 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


721 


; e,  under  the  control  of  Rev.  H.  Staub  until  August  17,  1855,  when  he  re- 
ced,  and  Julius  Degmeyer  was  chosen  to  till  the  editorial  chair.  In  De- 
*)er,  1858,  Mr.  Degmeyer  resigned  his  connection  with  the  paper,  and  with 
ji  beginning  of  the  year  1859,  it  was  reduced  from  a weekly  to  a semi- 
Jfchly,  on  account  of  its  loss  of  money  to  the  office.  Rev.  Solomon  Von- 
i(a  was  appointed  its  editor.  This  position  he  occupied  up  to  August  28, 
Si.  The  paper  had  been  again  made  a weekly  on  January  1,  1866.  It  was 
j<  removed  to  Lebanon,  Penn. , and  published  by  the  brethren  there,  being 
eiidby  Rev.  E.  Light.  General  Conference  of  1869  ordered  the  paper 
. k to  Dayton,  Ohio,  and  elected  Rev.  William  Mittendorf  its  editor.  To 
ii  position  he  has  since  been  re-elected  at  the  General  Conferences  of  1873 
; 1877.  He  continues  to  edit  the  German  literature  with  much  ability, 
vit  January  1,  1870,  the  publication  of  the  Jugend  Pilger  began.  It  ap- 
; sd  as  a monthly  paper  for  German  Sabbath  schools.  In  January,  1874, 
came  a semi  monthly.  It  has  been  edited  from  the  first  by  Rev.  William 
i mdorf. 

THE  UNITY  MAGAZINE. 

In  November,  1853,  a monthly  magazine  was  issued  from  the  printing  es- 
diment,  edited  by  Rev.  D.  Edwards,  called  The  Unity  With  God,  and  Maga- 
)/  Sacred  Literature.  It  was  devoted  specially  to  the  promotion  of  Chris- 
1 Holiness.  In  1854,  the  name  of  Unity  Magazine  was  chosen  for  it.  It  was 
tpquently  call® id  Unity  Magazine  and  Ladies'  Companion , and  edited  by  Rev. 
wen.  Under  his  administration  the  name  was  changed  to  the  Christian 
jJ sitory.  It  was  ably  edited,  and  shared  the  contributions  of  many  of  the 
•lit  pens  in  the  church.  Yet,  from  several  causes  its  patronage  was  at  no 
inadequate  to  its  financial  support,  and  with  the  January  number  of  its  sixth 
' ne  it  ended  its  career. 

children’s  friend. 

The  first  number  of  the  Children's  Friend  bears  date  May  6,  1854.  It  be- 
tas it  has  always  continued,  a semi-monthly,  illustrated;  Rev.  D.  Edwards 
isjts  editor.  With  the  number  dated  July  15,  1857,  his  control  of  the  paper 
;t!d.  Rev.  Alexander  Owen  having  been  elected  its  editor  by  the  General 
tarence.  The  paper  dated  August  1,  1857,  appeared  under  the  editorship 
r.  Owen.  This  relation  continued  up  to  January,  1859,  when  it  was  sev- 
1 by  the  resignation  of  Mr.  Owen.  The  March  numbers  of  1859  began  the 
li  rial  control  of  “Uncle  Solomon” — Rev.  S.  Yonnieda.  For  over  ten  years 
Children’s  Friend  continued  under  his  care.  In  May,  1869,  Rev.  D.  Ber- 
ras chosen  his  successor  by  the  Board  of  Trustees,  since  which  time  he  has 
x twice  re-elected,  in  1873  and  in  1877.  Diming  these  years  the  paper  passed 
nr  continuous  improvements  until  the  present.  It  now  has  semi-monthly 
elation  of  nearly  36,000  copies. 

MISSIONARY  TELESCOPE. 

The  first  number  of  the  Missionary  Telescope  was  issued  January,  1858, 
monthly  periodical.  Though  published  by  the  office,  its  financial  main- 
nice  was  by  the  missionary  society.  It  was  soon  ascertained  that  much  as 
a msionary  organ  was  needed,  it  was  impracticable  to  secure  its  publication 
itmt  financial  loss  upon  the  plan  under  which  it  was  conducted.  In  No- 
■'  'er,  1861,  its  publication  was  discontinued. 

MISSIONARY  VISITOR. 

The  first  number  of  the  Missionary  Visitor  bears  date  July  8,  1865.  It 
as  a semi-monthly,  and  has  continued  as  such  ever  since.  From  the 
rs  if  was  handsomely  illustrated,  and  has  been  the  means  of  much  good  in 

AA 


722 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


our  Zion.  It  was  subsequently  enlarged,  and  the  character  of  its  illustrat 
much  unproved.  Very  many  original  cuts,  of  special  interest  to  the  Chu 
have  been  prepared  for  its  pages.  It  has  continued  under  the  editorial  cat 
Rev.  D.  K.  Fickinger,  corresponding  secretary  of  the  missionary  society, 
the  first,  except  during  his  absence  on  missionary  tours,  when  it  has  been 
pared  by  the  treasurer  of  the  missionary  society.  Its  circulation  for  the 
ending  April  1,  1882,  was  28,042. 

BIBLE  TEACHER. 

A monthly  magazine,  of  twenty-four  pages,  called  Our  Bible  Teacher 
Sunday  schools  and  families,  containing  ample  comments  on  the  Internati 
Sunday  School  Lesson,  was  issued  in  April,  1873.  Such  was  its  growing 
fulness  that  in  1878,  it  was  increased  in  size  to  thirty-two  pages.  It  was  j 
the  first  edited  by  Rev.  D.  Berger,  D.  D.,  who  was  continued  its  editor  by 
succeeding  General  Conferences.  This  magazine  had  a circulation  of  4 
copies  during  the  year  ending  April  1,  1882. 

SUNDAY  SCHOOL  BIBLE  LESSONS. 

This  weekly-issued  leaf,  containing  the  Scripture  lesson  of  the  Lite 
tional  Series,  with  daily  Bible  reading  and  short  notes  and  comments  on 
text,  began  with  the  beginning  of  the  use  of  the  International  Series,  s 
years  ago.  The  first  number  was  issued  on  the  first  of  January,  1873. 
April,  1879,  the  Bible  Lesson  Quarterly  was  first  issued.  This  contains 
same  matter  given  in  the  Bible  Lessons , with  some  additions,  being  m 
bound  and  issued  every  three  months.  The  two  have  a combined  are 
yearly  circulation  of  about  60,000  copies.  They  are  edited  by  Dr.  Berger 

FOR  THE  LITTLE  ONES. 

The  first  number  of  a small  but  beautiful  weekly  paper,  called  Foi 
Little  Ones,  appeared  April  2,  1876.  It  is  edited  by  Rev.  Dr.  Berger,  at 
tastily  and  suggestively  illustrated  with  original  cuts  from  drawings  prep 
specially  for  it  by  one  of  the  best  American  artists.  It  is  designed  to  fui 
illustration  and  instruction  upon  the  Sunday  school  lessons  as  well  as  in 
eral  literature  for  smallest  readers.  Its  circulation  for  the  past  year  was 
167. 

woman’s  EVANGEL. 

A monthly  magazine  devoted  to  the  interests  of  missionary  and  Cirri* 
work,  published  by  the  Woman’s  Missionary  Association  of  the  church, 
edited  by  Mrs.  L.  R.  Keister,  was  first  issued  in  January,  1882. 

In  addition  to  the  numerous  papers  and  periodicals  of  the  church 
lished  at  this  establishment,  an  extensive  book  and  stationery  business  is 
ried  on,  together  with  a great  deal  of  job  work  for  outside  parties. 

CHRISTIAN  PUBLISHING  HOUSE. 

From  this  establishment  is  issued  the  Herald  of  Gospel  Liberty — a r 
ious  weekly  paper  of  the  Christian  Church.  The  paper  was  established  bi 
Rev.  Elias  Smith,  at  the  city  of  Portsmouth,  N H.,  in  the  year  1808,  the 
issue  bearing  date  of  September  1,  of  that  year.  It  is  by  eight  years 
oldest  religious  periodical  published  in  the  world.  In  size,  the  first  copy; 
10x12  inches,  having  four  pages  with  three  columns  to  the  page.  It  was, 
sequently  published  in  the  cities  of  Philadelphia,  Boston  and  Newberry 
Mass.,  under  the  editorship  of  Revs.  Frederick  Plummer.  P.  R.  Russell, 
jah  Shaw,  J.  B.  Weston  and  D.  P.  Pike.  In  1868,  the  paper  was  rem 
to  Dayton,  and  consolidated  with  the  Gospel  Herald , which  journal,  as  a t 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


723 

thiv  in  pamphlet  form,  was  published  at  New  Carlisle.  Ohio,  in  October, 
M,  under  the  direction  of  the  Ohio  Christian  Book  Association,  edited  by 
he  N.  Walter,  and  printed  by  a man  named  Edwards.  In  the  summer  of 
si)  R R.  Pope  purchased  this  press  and  removed  it  to  Springfield,  where 
h publication  of  this  paper  was  continued.  In  the  spring  of  1847,  Elders 
aes  Williamson  and  James  W.  Marvin  became  editors  of  the  Gospel  Herald. 
'1  press  and  materials  having  been  sold  to  John  M.  West,  an  arrangement 
v made  this  year  for  printing  the  paper  in  the  Republic  office.  A year  from 
n last  date  it  was  changed  from  a pamphlet  form  to  a folio.  In  the  year 
Si.  the  Ohio  Christian  Book  Association  bought  material,  and  fitted  up  a 
lilting  office  in  Rhinehart's  building  on  Main  street,  where  the  Herald  was 
.ward  printed.  In  1856.  the  paper  was  removed  to  Columbus,  and  the  year 
owing  to  Dayton,  where  it  was  issued  for  the  Western  Christian  Publishing 
.3  ciation,  under  the  publishing  agent  and  editor,  Rev.  John  Ellis,  who  re- 
sted in  charge  of  the  paper  from  1857  to  1862.  The  association  simply 
vd  the  type,  the  printing  having  been  done  by  a Mr.  Stout. 

From  1862,  until  the  close  of  the  late  war,  the  Gospel  Herald  was  pub- 
=i  d at  Eaton,  under  the  management  and  editorship  of  Rev.  E.  W.  Hum- 
ays.  In  1865,  Dayton  again  became  the  home  of  this  religious  journal, 
hh,  though  changed  in  name,  is  still  numbered  among  its  best  periodicals, 
i Humphrey,  as  editor,  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  H.  T.  Rush  early  in  1865. 
uRev.  W.  T.  Hawthorne  became  the  publisher. 

An  association  was  organized  the  same  year,  and  the  paper  printed  at  the 
nid  Brethren  Publishing  house,  where  rooms  were  occupied  by  its  mana- 
i The  paper  continued  under  the  editorial  direction  of  Mr.  Rush  until 
, and  during  those  years  was  issued  under  the  following  publishing  agents: 
Roberts  from  January,  1867,  to  January,  1869,  J.  J.  Suinmerbell  until  July 
tat  year,  L.  Coffeen  the  remaining  sis  months  in  the  year,  and  by  the 
ers.  Frank  Browning,  W.  A.  Gross  and  William  Worley.  In  1870,  the 
! .ving  Trustees  were  appointed  by  the  publishing  association,  and  the 
id  upon  which  the  present  commodious  printing  establishment  stands 
nased:  William  Worley,  Peter  McCullough.  J.  G.  Reeder,  A.  W.  Coan 

tc  iV.  A.  Gross.  The  present  building,  about  40x100  feet,  three  stories  high, 
u ructed  of  brick  with  stone  trimmings,  and  located  on  the  southeast  corner 
ain  and  Sixth  streets,  was  at  once  erected  and  furnished,  and  the  publish- 
gnterests  of  the  association  there  centered, 
lev.  N.  Summerbell  in  1877,  became  the  publisher  of  the  Herald  of  Gospel 
r'ty,  and  also  its  editor,  in  which  capacity  he  served  until  July,  1878,  and 
succeeded  by  Rev.  T M.  McWhinney,  who  was  likewise  both  the  publisher 
1 ditor. 

iince  July,  1881,  the  editorial  chair  has  been  ably  filled  by  the  Rev.  A. 
oan,  and  the  business  of  the  Publishing  House,  judiciously  managed  by 
’>  0.  W.  Garoutte.  The  lower  floor  of  the  printing  establishment  is  occupied 
! 3 book  press,  job  and  mailing  departments;  and  the  second  story  by  the 
Rising  and  editorial  departments;  the  third  story  containing  the  bindery 
n d on  by  H.  R.  Groneweg.  Under  the  present  management,  the  job  and 
Mpsition  rooms  have  been  fitted  up  and  improved.  A new  engine  and  boiler 
dpinder  job  press  are  now  being  set  in  the  building,  which  will  greatly 
'Mate  the  execution  of  the  rapidly  increasing  business.  Besides  the  pub- 
a'inof  their  own  religious  periodicals,  this  house  has  for  a number  of  years 
■ : 'd  the  Daily  and  Weekly Anzeiger,  and  are  now  printing  a number  of  both 
1 u;r  and  religious  papers.  There  is  also  here  executed  much  book,  pamphlet 
: dbeneral  job  printing.  The  business  of  the  house  averages  $25,000  a 


724 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY- 


SUNDAY  SCHOOL  HERALD. 

This  is  a gem  for  the  little  folks,  illustrated,  and  made  its  appearanr 
1868,  as  a semi-monthly,  under  the  editorship  of  the  editor  of  the  Herat 
Gospel  of  Liberty.  In  January,  1882,  it  was  changed  to  a weekly.  It  is 
ducted  by  Rev.  A.  W.  Coan  and  has  a circulation  of  1 0,000  copies. 

The  publication  of  the  Little  Teacher,  a small  two-page  6x8  paper,  desk 
for  infant  scholars,  and  Our  Teacher's  Guide  and  Scholar's  Help,  a quai 
lv  magazine,  containing  comments  on  the  International  Sunday  Lesson,  b< 
January  1,  1882.  The  former  is  a weekly  paper.  Both  are  edited  by 
Coan. 

CONCLUSION. 

In  the  past  twenty-five  or  thirty  years,  many  different  papers  have 
published  in  a variety  of  interests,  which  have  existed  for  greater  or  less 
riods,  and  then  failed,  or  been  absorbed  by  other  journals.  Among  those 
be  mentioned  a number  of  German  papers  as  follows  : Stimme  Des  Volk 
tablished  by  a Mr.  Stierlin,  was  published  about  two  years  ; Dayton  I) 
krai,  established  in  1856  by  Haisch  & Engler,  lasted  not  quite  a v 
Dayton  Wochenblatt,  founded  in  1859  by  Herman  Rauh,  was  published  a 
five  years  ; Daily  Evening  Abendblatt,  established  by  Deitz  & Egry,  in  1 
was  the  lirst  German  daily  printed  in  Dayton,  it  only  lasted  a few  weeks  ; 
ton  Pionier,  established  in  1860,  by  Richard  Baur,  which  ran  about  two  v 
The  first  of  those  German  papers  mentioned  succeeded  the  Das  Deutsche  Jou 
which  has  already  been  spoken  of,  as  well  as  the  successor  of  the  Pionier. 

Of  the  English  papers  that  have  been  published  for  a time,  there  i 
beside  those  already  mentioned,  the  Dayton  City  Item,  established  in  uS.'i 
F.  W.  Anderton  & Co.,  an  afternoon  paper,  independent  in  politics,  whicli 
up  to  a circulation  of  1,700,  and  lasted  about  three  years.  Fred  Emricli! 
its  first  editor,  and  Joseph  Z.  Reeder  its  second,  the  latter  of  whom  had  cl  f 
of  its  columns  about  a year.  Other  papers  of  a later  date  were  the  Dp 
Daily  Sun,  Dayton  Commercial,  Dayton  Advertiser,  all  of  which  were  eve 
issues,  price  one  penny.  The  Standard  and  Dayton  Leader  were  alsopnbl 
here  for  a short  time;  and  in  1866,  L.  D.  Reynolds  established  the  D; 
Chronicle , which  existed  less  than  a year.  In  1868,  he  began  to  publis 
Dayton  Weekly  Index,  which  ran  a year. 

The  following  houses  do  a general  line  of  commercial  printing  and  jol 
business:  Henry  D.  Stout,  27  South  Main  street  ; Reynolds  & Reynolds,!) 
east  corner  of  Second  and  Jefferson  streets  ; Odell  & Mayer,  133  East  7 
street  ; Holden  Manufacturing  Company,  38  North  Main  street  ; Wail 
Walker,  131  East  Third  street  ; Moosbrugger  Bros.,  corner  Sixth  and 
streets  ; C.  P.  Sweetman,  24  East  Fourth  street ; Amos  S.  Jones,  241  f 
Commercial  street  : G.  C.  Wise,  36  East  Fifth  street  ; John  Ralston,  on 
street,  in  the  old  Journal  building. 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


CHAPTER  X. 

SECRET  SOCIETIES. 

i onic — Odd  Fellows — Knights  of  Pythias— Ancient  Order  United 
Workmen — Order  United  American  Mechanics — Other  Orders. 

WOT  having  access  to  the  books  of  the  various  societies  of  the  city,  we  are 
_ enabled  to  give  only  such  information  as  can  be  obtained  from  outside 
.ices,  except  in  some  instances  where  the  secretaries  have  kindly  furnished 
s ith  data  for  more  complete  sketches.  Secret  orders  early  found  a footing 
: 'ayton,  and  have  since  increased  in  numbers  and  prosperity  with  the  growth 
fie  city. 

MASONIC. 

The  Masonic  order,  the  oldest  of  fraternities,  was  the  first  to  hold  raeet- 
i:  in  the  town  of  Dayton. 

In  early  years,  the  members  of  this  order  were  so  scattered  that  it  was  diffi- 
ij  to  obtain  a sufficient  number  to  organize  a lodge  in  one  place.  Accord- 
iffir,  we  find  that  Harmony  Lodge,  No.  9,  contained  all  the  members  of  the 
n r residing  at  Dayton,  Springfield  and  Ur  liana,  and  that  the  meetings  of 
u odge  were  held  in  each  of  these  places  once  a month.  The  first  record 
San  find  of  these  meetings  is  of  a communication  held  in  the  court  house, 
>ayton,  on  the  1st  day  of  Septemb  r,  1809.  In  Dayton,  the  lodge  met 
i t at  the  residence  of  Hugh  McCullom,  or  in  the  court  house. 

This  lodge  was  afterward  divided  by  the  members  living  near  Dayton  and 
r forming  a new  lodge  known  as  St.  John’s,  which  met  semi-monthly  in 
i<  of  the  above  places.  These  lodges  met  and  operated  under  special  dis- 
iratidns  from  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Ohio.  St.  John’s  Lodge  continued  to 
> its  sessions  alternately  at  Dayton  and  Troy,  until  it  was  permanently  es- 
il  shed  at  the  former  place. 

On  January  10,  1812,  the  following  members  residing  at  Dayton  obtained 
' liter  for  St.  John’s  Lodge,  No.  13:  Samuel  Shoap,  George  Grove,  Aaron 
rd.  Jerome  Holt,  Hugh  McCullom,  George  F.  Tenery,  Henry  Marquart, 
hander  Ewing,  William  Calhoun.  William  Smith,  John  Cox  and  David 
A6.  The  Lodge  now  numbers  139  members,  and  meets  in  Masonic  Temple, 
of  Fifth  and  Main  streets.  The  present  officers  (1881 ) are:  H.  A.  Billings, 
I. : W.  H.  Martin,  S.  W. ; J.  E.  Schonacker,  J.  AW ; Joseph  Light,  Treas. ; 
I.  AVhitehurst,  Secretary;  George  Blythe,  S.  D. : Phillip  Haas,  J.  D. ; C. 
.neisly,  Tiler;  George  L.  Roberts,  P.  L.  Snyder  and  D.  Iv.  Boyer,  Trus- 

Unity  Chapter,  No.  16,  was  chartered  January  7,  1829,  with  the  follow- 
- nembers : AVilliam  Fielding,  F.  Gosney.  John  C Underwood,  R.  J.  Skin- 
Henry  A.  Imlag.  Orris  Stearns,  Burnett  Lewis,  Robert  Hurd,  Charles 
(Kelly,  G.  A.  Schenk,  Elisha  Brotham,  AVilliam  Smith  and  Martin  Smith, 
h arst  officers  were  William  Fielding,  H.  P. ; Robert  Hurd,  King;  William 
"('ll,  Scribe.  The  Chapter  now  numbers  166  members,  with  the  following 
® rs  George  J.  Roberts,  H.  P. ; Eli  Fasold,  King;  R.  D.  Hughes,  Scribe; 
!h  T Haas,  Treas.;  J.  H.  Scheffel,  Sec.;  Thomas  Wyatt,  C,  H.;  W.  G.  AVhite- 


726 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


hurst,  P.  S. ; S.  J.  Bigler,  R.  A.  C. ; H.  A.  Billings,  G.  M.  3d  Y. ; AV.  A.  G 
lith,  G.  M.  2d  Y. ; J.  E.  Schonacker,  G.  M.  1st  V. ; Allen  Jeffers,  Guard. 

Reese  Council,  No.  9,  was  organized  by  charter  granted  October  24,  18 
to  A.  Death,  John  Sayre,  H.  Vinal,  M.  Simpson  and  associates.  There 
now  over  ninety  members.  The  officers  for  1881  are:  Thomas  Wyatt,  T.  I. 
S.  J Rigler,  D.  M. ; W.  G.  Whitehurst.  P.  C.  W. ; S.  M.  Sullivan,  Treas.; 
H.  Scheffel,  Recorder;  J.  E.  Schonacker,  C.  Gen.;  H.  A.  Billings,  C.  of  Coi 
cil;  Philip  Haas,  Steward;  Allen  Jeffers, Guard. 

Reed  Commandery,  No.  6,  Knights  Templar  was  organized  under  a < 
pensation  granted  by  Right  Eminent  Sir  Bela  Latham,  Grand  Master  of  01 
June  15,  1846,  and  was  opened  with  the  following  officers  Isaac  L.  Davis, 
C. ; George  Keifer,  G. : Samuel  Reed,  C.  Gen.  The  first  conclave  was  k 
in  the  old  Sayre  Building,  at  the  southeast  corner  of  First  and  St.  Clair  strei 
and  lasted  for  three  days  and  evenings,  during  which  time  the  orders 
Knighthood  were  conferred  on  nine  companions.  The  charter  was  recei 
and  the  permanent  officers  elected  under  it  October  27,  1846,  as  follows:  1 
William  H.  Raper,  E.  C. ; Thomas  C.  Mitchell,  G.;  John  Mills,  C.  Gen.;  Jc 
Sayre,  P. ; John  H.  Achey,  S.  W. ; John  Willson,  J.  W. ; D.  Eichelberj 
Treas. ; Peter  Baer,  Recorder;  James  Bolens,  Standard  Bearer;  William  Dai 
son.  Sword  Bearer;  M.  S.  Blossom,  W.;  S.  C.  Mitchell,  J.  W.  Kills,  N.  I 
jamin,  Guards;  and  L.  H.  Brown,  S.  There  are'now  185  members.  The  foil 
ing  are  the  present  officers  ( 1881)  of  the  Commandery:  Eli  Fasold,  E.  C.;  Mai  i 
J.  Houck,  G.;  John  A.  Miller,  C.  Gen.;  Yal.  Schaeffer,  P. ; William  L,  Ba 
S.  W. ; Thomas  Wyatt,  J.  W. ; Christian  F.  Kneisly,  Treas.;  John  N El 
Recorder;  Charles  A Phillips,  Standard  Bearer;  William  H.  Hvers,  Swji 
Bearer;  Horace  A.  Irvin,  W. ; Allen  Jeffei’s,  S. ; O.  Britt  Brown,  1st  G. ; Jo 
L.  Burkitt,  2d  G. ; James  Linden,  3d  G. : Jost  Durst,  S M.  Sullivan,  Gee; 
W.  Kneisly,  Trustees. 

Dayton  Lodge,  No.  147,  was  chartered  October  25,  1847,  and  matin 
with  seventeen  members,  and  the  following  lirst  officers:  John  Sayre,  M. 
Collins,  J.  W. ; J.  L.  Howard,  S.  W.  There  are  now  140  members, 
officers  for  1881  are  R.  D.  Hughes,  W.  M. ; James  Linden,  S.  W. ; J' 
Schuster,  J.  W. ; Peter  JoHantgen,  Treas. ; T.  B.  Hannah,  Sec. ; Ezra  Jeffn 
S.  D. ; James  W.  Mitchell,  J.  D.;  Allen  Jeffers,  Tiler;  Jost  Durst,  0.  M.  G 
schall,  S.  M.  Sullivan,  Trustees. 

Mystic  Lodge,  No.  405,  was  organized  by  charter  granted  January 
1868,  with  thirty-one  members.  The  first  officers  were:  Christian  Erorick, 
W.  B.  Wonderly,  S.  W. ; Ziba  Crawford,  J.  W.  The  Lodge  now  has  sixty-ei 
members,  and  the  following  officers:  C.  G.  Parker,  W.  M. ; Eli  Fasold.  8. 

J L.  Burkitt,  J.  W. ; J.  K.  Mclntire,  Treas.;  D.  G.  Wogamon,  Sec.;  Hi 
V.  Lytle,  S.  D. ; AY.  H.  Hoffman,  J.  D.;  AY.  L.  Bates,  Tiler;  George 
Kneisly,  Eli  Fasold  and  C.  A.  Phillips,  Trustees. 

Gabriel  Lodge  of  Perfection  (Scottish  Rite)  was  organized  with  sixty- 
members,  under  a charter  dated  September  22.  1880.  There  are  now  130  m 
bers.  The  present  officers  are:  Gabriel  B.  Harman,  T.  P.  G.  M. : Then 
Wyatt,  H.  of  T.  D.  G.  M.:  George  J.  Roberts,  Y.  S.  G.  W.;  Horace  A Ir 
Y.  J.  G.  AY.;  Eli  Fasold,  G.  O.;  Joseph  Light,  G.  T.;  Charles  E.  Swade: 
G.  S.,  K.  of  S.  and  A. ; John  A.  Miller,  G.  M.  of  C.;  Charles  AV.  Chamberl 
G.  C.  of  the  G.;  Orson  B.  Williams,  G.  H.  B. ; Allen  Jeffers,  G.  T. 

Miami  Council  Princes  of  Jerusalem  (Scottish  Rite)  was  chartered 
tember  22,  1880,  and  was  organized  with  sixty-five  members.  There  are  ; 
119  members.  The  following  is  a list  of  the  present  officers:  Charles 
Chamberlain,  M.\E. \S.\P.\G  ’ Mu. ; C.  C.  Kneisly,  G. \H.  ■ P.  \D.\G.\M 
George  A.  Archer,  M.  \E. \S.\G.  '.  AV. '. ; Fred  Reibold,  M.’.E.  ‘.  J.'.G.  .A 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


727 


ojjh  Light,  Val.  \G.\  Treas. ; Charles  E.  Swadener,  V.  \ G. '.Sec.,  K.  ■.  of  S.\ 
; John  A.  Miller,  V.  \G. \ of  C.  \ ; J.  M.  Weaver,  V.'.G.  \ A.  ■. ; John  N. 
e Y.'.G.'.  of  E.  \ ; Philip  Haas,  G.  T. 

Dayton  Chapter  of  Rose  Croix  (Scottish  Rite)  was  chartered  September 
2 P.880,  and  had  sixty -five  charter  members.  There  are  now  119  members, 
^following  is  a list  of  the  present  officers:  Charles  C.  Kiefer,  M.  \ W.  \ and 
Eli  Easold,  M. \ E. \ P.  \K.  \S.  ■.  W.  \ ; William  H.  Martin,  M.  \E.  •. 
k P. \ K. ’.  J. W. *. ; William  Earnshaw,  M.\E.\  and  P. \K.\G.  \0.  \ ; Joseph 
ji.t,  R. -.  and  P.  -.K.  '.Treas.;  Charles  E.  Swadoner,  R.\  and  P.  \K.  •.  Sec.; 
a iel  B.  Harman  R.\  and  P.’.K.  '.H. ; John  A.  Miller,  R.\  and  P.'.K. \AI.  \ 
Charles  W.  Chamberlain,  R.  . and  P.'.K.  \C.\  of  the  G.'. 

Freemasons'  Mutual  Benefit  Aid  Association  of  Dayton  was  organized  from 
nig  the  Masonic  fraternity  April  17,  1871.  with  about  sixty  members.  The 
. officers  were:  C.  C.  Kiefer,  Pres. ; O.  M.  Gottschal,  Sec. ; C.  C.  Kiefer, 
i h Jeffers,  D.  K.  Boyer,  James  M.  Matthews,  J.  H.  Waymire,  P.  L.  Snyder 
1.  M.  Gottschal,  Directors.  The  object  of  the  Society  is  to  create  a fund 
ctie  benefit  of  the  widows  and  children  of  deceased  members.  No  health  or 
.-qualification  is  necessary.  Any  Master  Mason  in  good  standing,  of  St. 
)1  ’s.  Dayton  or  Mystic  Lodges,  can  become  a member.  The  Association 
i’ numbers  140  members.  The  present  Board  of  Directors  (1881)  is  as  fol- 
v,  D.  K.  Boyer,  Pres.;  S.  J.  Riggler,  Vice  Pres.;  Allen  Jeffers,  Sec. ; Joseph 
i t,  Treas.;  George  Kemp,  Eli  Fasold,  Ira  Crawford. 

ODD  FELLOWS. 

The  first  meeting  of  Odd  Fellows  held  in  Dayton  was  at  the  residence  of 
,o;s  Simpson,  on  the  northeast  corner  of  First  and  St.  Clair  streets,  on  the 
1 ly  of  April.  1888.  The  members  present  were:  R.  N.  Comly,  Richard 
key,  Richard  Green,  Martin  Conklin,  John  Tothill  and  John  Sidle.  With 
ie  members  Montgomery  Lodge,  No.  5.  was  instituted  by  Grand  Secretary 
be,  under  a charter  dated  April  19,  1833.  The  first  officers  elected  were 
Hard  Green,  N.  G. ; Richard  Disney,  Y.  G. ; R.  N.  Comly,  Sec.;  and 
Lain  Conklin,  Treas.  The  first  members  initiated  were  William  Wise  and 
ji  J.  Lyons.  The  lodge  meetings  were  first  held  in  a room  over  Schoen- 
- i clothing  store,  on  Second  street,  between  Alain  and  Jefferson  streets, 
hr  meetings  are  now  held  in  Odd  Fellows  Temple,  corner  of  Third  and 
Yrson  streets.  The  lodge  now  contains  220  members.  The  officers  are 
Pampei,  N.  G. ; George  Wilson,  Y.  G. ; James  Anderson,  P.  S. ; James 
-ell,  Treas. 

Dayton  Encampment,  No.  2,  was,  as  its  number  indicates,  the  second  En- 
aiment  instituted  in  Ohio.  Its  charter  members  were:  William  F.  Comly, 
8p  Cook,  Henry  L.  Brown,  Elias  Favorite,  John  Sayre.  William  B.  Dicks 
v James  Yanaztram.  The  charter  was  granted  on  the  2d  day  of  August, 
There  are  now  247  members.  The  officers  for  1881  are  George  Wat- 
i C.  P.;  A.  Shinn,  H.  P.;  C.  H.  Stylar,  S.  W.;  John  Stales,  J.  W. : L.  S. 
a lose,  Scribe ; J ames  Anderson,  Treas. 

Vv  ayne  Lodge,  No.  10,  was  chartered  April  15,  1840,  and  instituted  with 
u ollowing  members : William  F.  Comly,  Richard  N.  Comly,  John  Sayre,  H. 
.tt,  L.  Wollaston,  Joseph  A.  Dusang,  J.  Bartlow,  D.  M.  Houk,  George  F. 
7er.  E.  Favorite  and  Lewis  Lindsley.  The  lodge  now  numbers  249  mem- 
;9,i  The  officers  for  1881  are  Albert  F.  Sparks,  N.  G.;  Charles  H.  Steiner,  Ah 
r- John  W.  Boren,  R.  S. ; Charles  Rench.  P.  S. ; Charles  A.  Starr,  Treas.; 
H 93  Turner,  A.  Shinn,  H.  Bates,  George  Parrott  and  Charles  W.  Raymond, 
hr.tees.  J 

Buckeye  Lodge,  No.  47,  was  organized  under  a charter  granted  August 


728 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


16,  1845,  with  twenty  charter  members.  The  lodge  now  has  a membershi]  > 
115.  The  following  are  the  officers  for  1881:  W.  D.  Gifford,  N.  G. : Join 
Riley,  Y.  G. ; W.  D.  McKemy,  P.  S. ; John  Merkle,  R.  S. ; H.  J.  Feicht,  Tr  - 

Schiller  Lodge,  JSIo.  206,  was  chartered  January  20,  1852,  and  ingtitin 
February  15,  1852.  The  charter  members  were:  George  Nauerth,  F.  W.  Bi 
John  Schaefer,  J.  C.  Lutzenberger,  C.  Knecht,  H.  Y.  Berk,  D.  Heinz,  C.  B] 
man,  John  V.  Nauerth  and  C.  Peeper.  The  lodge  works  in  the  German 
guage,  and  now  numbers  175  members.  The  officers  (1881)  are:  August  G,  ( 
N.  G. ; Fred  Kette,  Y.  G.,  Abrabam  Minchrod,  R.  S. ; August  Ebel,  P.  g. ; 
ward  Pape,  Treas. 

Dayton  Lodge,  No.  273,  was  instituted  in  the  hall  in  Ohio  Block,  on  T'  • 
street,  April  20,  1855,  by  R.  W.  G.  Master  Thomas  J.  McLain.  The  clia : 
members  were:  George  M.  Young,  William  Stover,  A.  E Underwood,  W.  1 
Wolf.  Joseph  Baird,  Thomas  J.  Green,  I.  N.  F.  Beaver,  John  M.  H'artle,  L 
Crawford  and  John  Graves.  The  first  officers  were:  George  M.  Young,  N. 
John  Graves,  V.  G. ; Ziba  Crawford,  R.  Sec;  Joseph  Baird,  P.  Sec.;  I.  N : 
Beaver,  Treas.  The  lodge  held  its  first  meeting  in  the  new  hall  in  Wall 
(now  Dickey’s)  Block,  on  July  2,  1859.  The  hall  was  publicly  dedicated  i: 
uary  19,  1860.  In  March,  1880,  they  purchased  a one-fourth  interest  in 
hall  on  the  corner  of  Fifth  and  Commercial  streets,  which  was  dedicated  A 
20,  1880.  The  lodge  now  has  a membership  of  286,  being  the  largest  lodg  i 
the  county.  It  is  a prosperous  and  enterprising  lodge,  and  is  characterize! : 
the  regular  and  full  attendance  of  its  members.  The  officers  for  1881  are:  1 

R.  Knaub,  N.  G. ; Y.  IT.  Butt,  V.  G. ; John  Roepkin,  R.  S. ; W.  L.  AUnckel  I 

S.  ; G.  Durst,  Treas. 

Turner  Encampment,  No.  116,  was  instituted  in  Dickey’s  Block.  East  F 
street.  May  21,  1869,  by  G.  P.  James  Turner.  The  charter  members  v 
J.  M.  C.  Matthews,  C.  P. ; George  B.  Hicks,  IT.  P. ; Adam  Weber,  S.  W. ; Job  I 
Lutz  J.  AY.;  J.  Malloway,  Scribe;  George  W.  Kemp,  Treas. ; Henry  Dornbi 
Ezra  Clark,  J.  R.  Mitchell  and  William  AY.  Patton.  The  encampment 
numbers  eighty-seven  members.  The  officers  for  1881  are:  H.  B.  Stanfer,  Ed 
Jacob  Perrine,  H.  P. ; Jacob  Riscly,  S.  AY ; George  A.  Smith,  J.  AY;  Joke' 
Knaub,  Scribe;  Adam  AVeber,  Treas. 

AVildey  Lodge,  No.  24.  Daughters  of  Rebekah,  was  instituted  by  On 
Master  James  Turner  January  7;  1870,  with  thirty- three  members.  The 
officers  were:  A.  AVeber.  N.  G. ; L.  Mueller,  V.  G.;  IT.  Riehl,  R.  j§.;  1 
Tschudy,  P.  S. ; IT.  Dornbush.  The  lodge  now  numbers  sixty-seven  mem* ' 
The  officers  for  1882  are:  Phillip  Dhein.  N.  G. ; Elizabeth  Miller,  V Go  1 
iel  Schroer.  Sec. ; Sophia  Sauer,  Treas. 

Temple  Lodge,  No.  80,  Daughters  of  Rebekah,  was  organized  with  li 
four  charter  members,  under  a charter  dated  May  15,  1872.  The  officers 
Ellen  Connell,  N.  G. ; Marie  R.  Neipraschk,  R.  S. ; Dr.  C.  H.  Leamau.  L 

Steubeu  Lodge,  No.  507,  was  organized  under  a charter  granted  May 
1872.  It  was  instituted  at  the  hail  of  Dayton  Lodge  by  James  Turner  k. 
M, , May  24,  1872,  with  twenty  members.  The  lodge  now  numbers  111  -no' 
bers.  The  officers  for  1882  are:  Ignatz  Franz,  N.  G. ; J.  G.  Miller.  V i 
M.  Seeger,  R.  S. ; Adam  AVeber,  P.  S. ; Henry  Riehl,  Treas.  The  lodge  1 
owns  a one-fourth  interest  in  the  Odd  Fellows  Building,  corner  of  F ifth  j 
Commercial,  which  they  purchased  of  the  Society  of  Harugari,  for  $2,100. 

Fraternal  Lodge,  No.  510,  was  organized  June  10,  1872,  with  nine  ck;|l 
members.  The  lodge  now  numbers  eighty- six  members.  The  officers  ) 
Webster  Fry,  N.  G. ; N.  P.  Zehring,  Y.  G. ; O.  P.  Carson,  P.  S. ; Will- 
Potts,  R.  S.  ; William  Gronnewig,  Treas. 

The  Odd  Fellows  Aid  Association  was  organized  June  23,  1869,  with 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


731 


‘(.owing  officers:  M.  Worman,  Prest. ; W.  W.  Lane,  Sec. ; John  Bettelon,  Treas. 
li  object  of  the  Association  is  to  aid  the  families  of  deceased  members  by  a 
)[q  of  mutual  insurance.  Each  member  pays  an  assessment  of  $1.10  at  each 
! th,  and  the  family  of  the  deceased  member  receives  $500,  and  $1  of  each 
afssment  paid  by  the  insure^  during  his  membership.  There  are  now  585 
jinbers.  The  officers  are:  Cyrus  Howell.  Prest.;  N.  R.  Bunker,  Vice  Prest.; 
LS.  La  Bose,  Sec. ; John  Bettelon,  Treas. 

The  District  Grand  Committee  of  Montgomery  County,  under  its  present 
king  was  organized  under  a law  passed  at  a session  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of 

0 in  May,  1874.  The  first  District  Deputy  appointed  was  John  Zehring, 
'friendship  Lodge.  The  first  meeting  held  after  his  appointment  was  Sep- 
rJber  15,  1875.  At  that  meeting  it  was  decided  to  hold  quarterly  meetings, 
v eh  has  since  been  done.  At  the  first  regular  meeting,  the  committee  organ - 
z . by  electing  A.  Shinn,  W arden ; Hiram  Lewis,  Sec. ; J ohn  Dieter,  Guar- 
ii.  W.  C.  Slifer,  of  Dayton  Lodge,  was  the  nest  District  Deputy;  J.  An- 
leon,  Warden;  J.  M.  Tressler,  Guardian.  The  next  officers  were:  James 
oner  of  Wayne  Lodge,  District  Deputy;  J.  Anderton,  Sec. ; D.  R.  Bosson, 
7 'den;  J.  M.  Tressler,  Guardian.  In  1878,  J.  J.  Antrim,  of  Friendship 
jige,  District  Deputy;  J.  Anderton,  Sec.;  John  Clingman,  Warden;  John 
Ink,  Guardian.  In  1879,  P.  G.  Adam  Weber,  of  Steuben  Lodge,  District 
liuty;  J.  Anderton,  Sec.;  Eddie  Fairchild,  Warden;  J.  Reedy,  Guardian. 

: nHSO,  Adam  Weber,  re-appointed;  J.  Anderton,  Sec. ; Simon  Spark,  Warden; 
aib  Perrine,  Guardian.  1881,  Jacob  Perrine,  of  Dayton  Lodge,  District 
)<uty;  A.  Weber,  Sec.;  Chris.  Schewitz,  Guardian;  J.  J.  Wyatt,  Warden. 

In  1870-71,  Montgomery,  Wrayne  and  Schiller  Lodges  and  Dayton  En- 
a.pment  built  the  magnificent  I.  O.  O.  F.  Temple  on  the  corner  of  Third  and 
Jeirson  streets.  The  building  is  three  stories  high,  52x107  feet  in  size,  and 

01  $47,000. 

Steuben  and  Dayton  Lodges  own  a half  interest  in  the  building  corner  of 
tjh  and  Commercial.  It  was  built  in  1873-74,  at  a cost  of  $7,000. 

KNIGHTS  OF  PYTHIAS. 

The  first  lodge  of  this  order  organized  in  Dayton  was  Miami  Lodge.  No.  32. 
Harter  was  granted  February  15,  1872,  and  the  lodge  was  instituted  with 
Hollowing  members:  George  T.  Mulford,  James  W.  Swope,  Benjamin  F. 
■>  h\  Louis  Keller,  George  M.  Smart,  J.  S.  Miles,  George  W.  Snyder,  Daniel 
- [asler,  F.  Riebold,  Charles  Anderton,  James  Clingman,  J.  Lacy,  Marquiss 
• tenson,  George  W.  Steig,  Joseph  Light,  B.  B.  Crosley,  H.  C.  Snodgrass, 
Ifebbert,  W.  H.  Ware,  and  others.  The  lodge  now  numbers  eighty-three 
-Hers,  and  is  officered  (1881)  as  follows:  E.  E.  Bovinger,  C.  C. ; George 
T>ig>  V.  C. ; J.  L.  Marquis,  P.  R.  E.  L. ; A.  F.  Smart,  M.  of  F. ; G.  M.  Smart, 
f E. ; W.  F.  Trebein,  K.  of  R.  & S. ; F.  W.  L.  Minderman,  M.  of  A. 
Humboldt  Lodge,  No.  58,  was  organized  and  instituted  September  9,  1873, 
11  twenty- four  members.  The  first  officers  were:  Peter  Reinhard,  P.  C. ; 
i'e.r  Weidner,  C.  C. ; Dr.  A.  Sheibenzuber,  V.  C.;  Robert  Georgi,  Iv.  of  R.  & 
'Edward  Sachs,  M.  of  F.;  Fred  Weis,  M.  of  E. ; J.  Renold,  Prelate:  George 
-mer,  M.  of  A. ; C.  C.  Waltermater,  O.  G. ; August  Wichgar,  I.  G.  Their 
pings  were  first  held  at  Tivoli  Gardens,  on  East  Fifth  street.  The  lodge 
• ^numbers  120  members.  The  officers  for  1881  are:  Henry  Sartor,  P.  C. ; 
m F.  Goetz,  C.  C.;  Henry  Ricker,  V.  C.;  John  Amur,  K.  of  R.  & S. ; 
Hies  Roesch,  Prelate;  Theodore  Neis,  M.  of  F. ; Peter  Reinhard,  M.  of  E. ; 
-®y  Vanderheide,  M.  at  A.  The  lodge  now  works  in  the  German  language, 
itn(?ow  meets  in  Castle  Hall,  Reibold  Block. 

Iola  Lodge,  No.  83,  was  instituted  on  March  24,  18/5,  at  Castle  Hall, 


732 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


North  Main  street,  by  Grand  Chancellor  James  W.  Swope  and  his  Grai 
Deputies,  and  other  prominent  members  of  the  order,  who  were  present  for  tl 
occasion.  The  charter  members  were  twenty-one  in  number.  The  first  office 
were:  Charles  O.  Iddings,  P.  C. ; E.  L.  Rowe,  C.  C. ; Charles  E.  Clark,  Y,  (. 
J.  C.  Young,  Prelate;  A.  H.  Whyte,  K.  of  R.  & S. ; D.  T.  Mills,  M.  of  F.;  Wi 
iam  Wolf,  M.  of  E. ; Thomas  S.  Felto,  M.  at  A. ; John  W.  Marshall,  J.  G. ; Hen 
Ha  as,  O.  G. ; Charles  0.  Iddings,  Representative.  The  present  officers  (188 
are:  Samuel  Johnson,  P.  C. ; George  H.  Wilcox,  C.  C. ; John  W.  Marsha 
Y.  C. ; A.  O.  Schenck,  Prelate;  J.  Daniel  Knerr,  M.  of  E. ; H.  W.  Lewis.  M 
F. ; Thomas  S.  Tilton,  K.  of  R.  & S;  G.  E.  Rogers,  M.  at  A.;  W.  J.  Obling 
Jr.,  I.  G. ; O.  D.  Casterline,  O.  G. ; Dr.  C.  H.  Leaman,  Member  Joint  Boa 
of  Relief;  PI.  W.  Lewis,  Representative  to  Grand  Lodge;  T.  Brown  Holxru 
District  Deputy  Grand  Chancellor;  Samuel  Johnson,  T.  B.  Holmes,  W. 
George,  W.  W.  Hales  and  Thomas  S.  Tilton,  Trustees.  The  present  membt 
ship  is  101.  The  lodge  now  occupies  New  Castle  Hall,  East  Fifth  street,  a 
meets  Wednesday  evening  of  each  week. 

Uniform  Rank  Division,  No.  5,  was  chartered  November  13,  1878,  a: 
organized  with  the  following  officers:  Charles  D.  Iddings,  Com.;  P.  Weidn 
Lieut.  Com. ; J.  P.  Marquardt,  Jr.,  Herald;  L.  H.  Reist,  Recorder;  J.  L.  M: 
quis,  Treas. ; Robert  Georgi,  Guard:  W.  S.  Star,  Sentinel.  The  Division  n< 
numbers  seventy-seven  members.  The  officers  for  1881  are:  William  F.  Ti 
bein,  C. ; T.  Brown.  L.  C. ; J.  P.  Marquardt,  Jr.,  Herald;  J.  L.  Marquis,  Record 

H.  H.  Hall,  Treas.;  J.  R.  Mitchell,  Guard;  C.  C.  Walternathe,  Sentinel. 

Endowment  Rank,  Section  416,  was  organized  May  18,  1880,  with  twen 
two  members.  There  are  now  thirty-nine  members.  The  officers  are:  Gcoi 
M.  Smart, Prest. ; H.  W.  Lewis,  Vice  Prest. ; J.  L.  Marquis,  Sec.  and  Treas.: 

P.  Marquardt,  Jr.,  Chaplain;  F.  W.  Berk,  Jr.,  Guard;  C.  C.  Walternathe,  Ser 
nel;  A.  C.  Rickey,  M.  D.,  Medical  Examiner;  Thomas  Tilton,  Thomas  D H 
and  John  Jennie,  Trustees. 

ANCIENT  ORDER  UNITED  WORKMEN. 

Miami  Lodge,  No.  16,  was  instituted  February  9,  1874,  with  twenty-tk 
charter  members,  and  the  following  officers:  Meyer  Lebensberger,  P.  M. 

M.  J.  Swadener,  M.  W. ; A.  Whitcomb,  Foreman;  W.  H.  Barbour,  0 verse 
W.  D.  McKemy,  Recorder;  Daniel  Leonhard,  Financier;  Joseph  Lebersbeq 
Receiver;  Phillip  Kerr,  Watchman.  The  first  meetings  of  the  lodge  were 
Gorman’s  Building,  East  Third  street.  The  lodge  now7  numbers  eigMy-f 
members,  and  meets  at  No.  Ill  South  Jefferson  street.  The  officers  for  1 
are:  Charles  Makenas,  P.  M.  W. ; Harry  B.  Keller,  M.  W. ; George  A.  Jewell, 
Charles  Gilliland,  O. ; James  O.  Arnold,  Guide;  D.  McKemy,  R. ; Daniel  Le 
hard,  Financier;  John  S.  Church,  Receiver;  Robert  Hempenstail,  I.  W.;  J< 

Q.  Salesbury,  O.  W. 

Teutonia  Lodge,  No.  21,  was  organized  April  15,  1874,  with  thirty- 
charter  members.  The  first  officers  were:  Phillip  Kern,  P M.  W. ; Louis  Hi 
M.  W. ; George  Happel,  Foreman;  Christ  Kronenthal,  Overseer;  Samuel  A 
ner,  Guide;  George  Hueber,  Recorder;  Henry  Keuler,  Financier;  George  I 
big,  Treas.;  Andrew  Metz,  Watchman.  The  first  meetings  wrnre  held  in 

I.  6.  B.  B.  Hall,  in  Gorman’s  Block.  The  present  officers  (1881)  are:  Jfi 
Franck,  P.  M.  W.;  Peter  Aman,  M.  W. ; Plenry  G.  Wetecamp,  Foreman;  Cor 
Beckel,  Overseer;  Frederick  Bender,  Guide;  Jonas  Rosenthal.  Recorder;  1 
Weismantel,  Financier;  Louis  Haas,  Treas.;  John  A.  \\  eismantel,  I. 
Joseph  Beh,  O.  G.  The  lodge  now  numbers  eighty -one  members,  and  in, 
in  S.  O.  N.  W.  Hall.  It  works  in  the  German  language,  and  is  in  a flour 
ing  condition. 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


733 


Concordia  Lodge,  No.  46,  was  instituted  by  D.  D.  G.  M.  W.  Louis  Haas 
Jjjch  25,  1875,  with  twenty-four  members.  The  first  officers  were:  John 
oen,  P.  N.  W. ; Peter  Lenz.  M.  W.  • Jacob  Gruenewald.  F. : William  Nauerth, 
i Charles  Wenzel,  G. ; Adolph  Abicht,  R. ; Louis  Stern,  Treas.  The  lodge 
c;  numbers  seventy-sis  members  and  meets  in  Druids  and  Odd  Fellows  Hall, 

0 er  of  Fifth  and  Commercial.  The  present  officers  (1881)  are:  Valentine 
!m,  P.  M.  W. ; Herrman  Meier,  M.  W. ; William  Kindel,  F. ; J.  C.  Vollkam- 

1 0.;  Gustave Schimel,  Guide;  John  Schoen,  Recorder;  Louis  Reiter,  Finan- 
: Fred  Henzel,  Receiver;  Adolph  Wortmann.  J.  W. ; Martin  Schellock,  O. 

\ this  lodge  also  works  in  the  German  language. 

Dayton  Lodge,  No.  48,  was  organized  June  11,  1875,  with  forty  charter 
cgibers,  and  the  foilwing  officers:  C.  P.  Rousch,  P.  M.  W. ; Charles  E.  Swade- 
M.  W. ; W.  F.  Trebein,  F. ; Albert  Cozine,  O. ; W.  W.  Lane,  R. ; John  D. 
[Jee,  Fin.;  Charles  E.  Clark,  Receiver;  F.  W.  Wood,  G. ; Jacob  Kinsel,  I. 

E.  F.  Wellemeyer,  O.  W. ; William  Seeley,  Fred  Weis  and  J.  D.  Arras, 
r lees.  The  present  membership  is  103.  The  lodge  meets  on  Friday  even- 
, in  A.  O.  U.  W.  Hall  (Charch's  Building),  Jefferson  street.  The  present 
ffsrs  are:  Jacob  Spindler,  P.  M.  W. ; John  Hauser,  Jr.,  M.  W. ; Henry 
Ltser,  F. ; Enoch  Travis,  O. ; Edward  Phillips,  R. ; J.  D.  Arras.  Fin.;  B.  FT, 

• er,  R. ; J.  W.  Russel,  G. ; William  Spickler,  I.  W. ; E.  T.  Wellemeyer,  O.  W. 

ORDER  UNITED  AMERICAN  MECHANICS. 

Fulton  Council,  No.  15,  was  organized  June  17,  1872,  in  Boslar’s  Hall, 
Youth  Main  street,  with  thirty-three  members,  and  the  following  officers: 
•ge  S.  Ball,  C.;  M.  V.  AVirich,  V.  C. ; Richard  Witcomb,  R.  S.;  W.  A. 
c;er,  F.  S. ; W.  H.  Rouzer,  Treas.  The  present  (1881)  officers  are:  David 
liter,  C.;  W.  H.  Smith,  V.  C. ; L.  J.  Moore,  R.  S. ; Isaac  S.  Moon,  F.  S. ; 
I Rouzer,  Treas. 

/ Mayflower  Council,  No.  35,  was  organized  in  Dickey’s  Block,  September 
i 875,  'with  about  thirty  members,  and  was  instituted  by  S.  A.  Wetzell. 
b first  officers  were:  J.  W.  Knaub,  C. ; George  A.  Smith.  V.  C. ; William  L. 
chell,  R.  S. ; C.  H.  Decker,  F.  S. ; IV.  C.  Sleiffer,  Treas.  The  Council 
has  112  members.  The  officers  for  1882  are:  R.  R.  Love,  C. ; George 
A . C. ; H.  B.  Stauffers,  R.  S. ; William  H.  Martin,  F.  S. ; B.  D.  Long- 
rh,  Treas. 

Niagara  Council,  No.  25,  was  instituted  May  30,  1873,  with  twenty-two 
er  members.  The  council  now  numbers  forty-three  members.  The  offi- 
■ifor  1881  are:  James  W.  Booth,  D.  S.  C.;  James  W.  Booth,  Sr.,  Ex.  C. ; 
iam  A.  Felker,  Jr.,  Ex.  C. ; J.  I . Lentz,  Jr.,  C. ; Charles  C.  Davidson,  V. 
E.  V.  Staley,  R.  S. ; William  A.  Lippy,  F.  S.;  D.  Sanders,  F. ; B.  F.  Ar- 
Ind.;  H.  V.  Houser,  Ex.;  J.  W.  McFarland,  I.  P. ; Levi  Hall.  O.  P. ; Jacob 
'Fes,  B.  F.  Arnold,  C.  C.  Davidson,  Trustees. 

Friendship  Council,  No.  15,  Junior  Order,  was  organized  December  17, 

! ' , with  eleven  charter  members.  It  was  a re-organization  under  a change 
ame,  of  a lodge  existing  for  four  years  previous  to  it  called  Surprise 
■ge,  which  was  organized  about  1872  or  1873.  The  first  officers  of  Friend- 
Lodge  were : J.  B.  Kuhns,  C. ; Arthur  Dieter,  V.  C. ; Charles  Weikel,  R. 
Fd  Dieter.  A.  R.  S.;  J.  W.  Ebd,  Treas.;  H.  A.  Silar,  F.  S.  The  lodge 
' has  sixty-seven  members.  The  following  are  the  present  officers:  William 
f thorn,  C.;  AVilliam  Smith.  V.  C.;  J.  O.  Arnold,  R.  S. ; H.  A.  Silar,  F.  S.; 
h les  S.  Durst,  Treas. 

Miami  Council,  No.  7,  Junior  Order,  was  organized  in  Arnold’s  Building, 
'8  South  Main  street,  October  18,  1872,  with  eleven  charter  members.  The 
^officers  were:  D.  P.  Clark,  C. ; H.  AV.  Lewis,  A7.  C. ; G.  R.  AVells;  R,  S.; 


734 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


H.  J.  Buvinger,  A.  R.  S. ; C.  W.  Bridenbaugh,  F.  S. ; B.  T.  Guion,  Ties 
The  lodge  now  has  a membership  of  seventy.  The  present  officers  are:  E. 
Swerer,  C. ; Ion  Hord,  V.  C. ; W.  Lutzenberger,  R.  S. ; C.  D.  Kidd,  Jr.,  A. 

S.  ; A.  W.  Hudson,  F.  S. ; B.  T.  Guion,  Treas. 

OTHER  ORDERS. 

Howard  Council,  No.  161,  Royal  Arcanum,  was  organized  in  Septembi 
1878,  with  nineteen  charter  members.  The  first  officers  were:  S.  Johnson. 
R. ; O.  M.  Gottschall,  R. : H.  E.  W.  Campbell,  V.  R.;  F.  M.  Hosier,  Orat< 

T.  B.  Holmes,  Sec.;  G.  R.  Wells,  Col.;  S.  L.  La  Rose,  Treas.;  James  W.  A 
derton,  Guide;  W.  F.  Snyder,  Sentry.  The  council  now  has  a members!) 
of  seventy-three.  The  present  officers  (1881)  are:  A.  Humphreys,  R. ; J. 
Viot,  V.  R. ; William  Watkins,  P.  R.;  J.  C.  Reber,  Orator;  A.  L.  Shear 
Chap.;  W.  E.  Crume,  Guide;  S.  H.  Hall,  Warden;  T.  B.  Holmes,  Sec.;  G. 
Wells,  Collector;  Y.  P.  Van  Horne,  Treas.;  S.  L.  La  Rose,  Sentry. 

Dayton  Lodge,  No.  23,  Knights  of  Honor,  was  instituted  July  13,  IS 
in  Ladow  & Winder’s  marble  shop,  North  Main  street,  by  Darius  Wilson, 
D.,  the  first  Supreme  Dictator  of  the  Order,  with  eleven  charter  members.  T 
following  officers  were  elected  and  installed:  W.  H.  Rouzer,  P.  D. ; John 
Winder,  D. ; G.  A.  Walkup,  Y.  D. ; J.  Hotsapillar,  A.  D. ; Thomas  W.  Harri 
R. ; W.  A.  Marietta,  F.  R. ; E.  Jennings,  Treas.;  R.  M.  Allen,  Guide;  W. 
Groneweg,  Guardian;  W.  L.  Blocker,  Sentinel.  The  first  meetings  were  In 
in  Ohio  Block,  and  in  the  following  November  they  took  a joint  lease 
Sheets’  Hall,  on  East  Second  street.  On  the  1st  of  October,  1880,  they  p 
cured  a lease  on  ClegMs  Hall.  East  Third  street,  and  made  it  one  of  the  Sn 
appointed  halls  in  the  city.  It  has  been  dedicated,  and  is  known  as  Knigl 
of  Honor  Hall.  The  lodge  meets  every  Friday  evening;  has  145  mornbe 
and  the  following  officers:  A.  B.  Reeves,  P.  D. ; C.  F.  Messner,  D. ; J. 
Dodd,  V.  D. ; Henry  S.  Steffy,  A.  D. ; W.  A Marietta,  R.;  R.  M.  Allen,  F.  1 
C.  R.  Heckler,  Treas. ; L.  Brussman,  Guide;  O.  P.  Wood,  Guardian;  Peter  A pi 
Sentinel.  In  the  seven  years  since  its  organization,  they  have  lost  but  ( 
member  by  death,  and  have  paid  into  the  Supreme  Treasury,  for  the  relief 
families  of  deceased  members,  $6,647.20. 

Franklin  Grove,  No.  2 (German),  United  Ancient  Order  of  Druids,  v 
organized  July  10,  1849,  with  the  following  charter  members:  Philip  Dke 
John  Kissner,  William  Groneman.  The  first  officers  were:  John  Kissneo 
A.;  Phillip  Walz,  V.  A.;  Frank  Schieble,  Sec  ; William  Groneman,  1.  <j 
Franz  Schieble  and  Phillip  Walz.  The  Grove  now  has  133  membeis,  and  I 
following  officers:  Henry  Hessler,  N.  A. : Henry  Horn,  Y.  A.;  Charles  Nag 
Sentinel;  George ‘Sauer,  Treas.;  Emil  Tiete,  I.  S.  G. 

Eshcol  Lodge,  No.  55,  Independent  Order  B’Nai  B’Rith,  was  orgauuj 
in  Red  Men’s  Hall  (Ohio  Block),  April  2,  1864.  Of  the  eighteen  c 
members  only  eight  are  now  members,  the  rest  having  died  or  withdrawn  li- 
the lodge.  The  first  officers  were:  Henry  Kline,  Pres.;  Joseph  Lebensfourg 
Y.  Pres.;  Alexander  Major.  R.  S. ; Morris  Wertheimer,  F.  S. ; Jacob  A 
Treas.;  Isaac  Pollack,  Monitor;  David  Meyer.  A.  M. ; Abraham  Ach,  Ward 
The  lodge  now  numbers  sixty-five  members,  and  meets  in  Gorman  s Bui  Mi 
It  is  a Jewish  organization,  but  works  in  the  English  language.  Gennec 
with  the  order  there  is  a plan  of  endowment  known  as  the  District  End< 
ment,  by  which  $1,000  is  paid  to  the  beneficiary  on  the  death  of  the  msu 
member.  The  present  officers  are:  Leopold  Baer,  Pres.;  Adolph  Lessner, 
Pres.;  Jonas  Rosenthal,  R.  S.  & F.  S. ; Leopold  Ranh.  Treas.;  David  Me) 
Monitor;  Tobias  Weinstein,  Warden;  Joseph  Beatus,  Guardian. 

Blackfoot  Tribe,  No.  46,  Improved  Order  Red  Men,  was  organized  w 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


735 


e members,  on  the  25th  Sun,  Worm  Moon,  G.  S.  D.,  378,  or  in  the  common 
,ri  March  25,  1869.  Adam  Sachs  was  the  first  Sachem.  The  first  Chiefs 
Tted  were:  Charles  Sagebath,  Sachem;  Peter  Reinhard,  Senior  Sagamore; 

' d Weis,  Junior  Sagamore;  John  Bettelon,  Chief  of  Records;  Ed  Pope,  Keeper 
if  Vampum.  The  tribe  now  numbers  107  members,  nine  having  died  since  the 
,nnization.  The  present  Chiefs  (1881)  are:  William  Sonneman,  Sachem; 
ppeyrich,  Sr.  Sag.;  Albert  Euchenhofer,  Jr.  Sag. ;.  Charles  F.  Tredten,  K.  of 
\ Daniel  Mentel,  C.  of  R.  The  tribe  is  in  good  financial  condition,  having 
■ $4,000  in  the  wampum  belt. 

Division  No.  1,  Ancient  Order  of  Hiberanians,  was  organized  in  Munday 
nvder’s  Hall,  corner  of  First  and  St.Clair  streets,  June  25,  1878,  with 
Men  members.  The  first  officers  were:  C.  P.  Sweetman,  C.  1). ; JohnO’Con- 
Pres. ; E.  J.  Ryder,  Y.  Pres.;  William  Fitzman,  F.  S.;  R.  W.  Ryder,  R. 
James  Daugherty,  Treas.  There  are  now  100  members.  The  present 
flers  are:  John  O’Connor,  C.  D. ; E.  J.  Burns.  Pres.;  R.  W.  Ryder,  Y. 
hi.:  J.  P.  Maddin,  F.  S. ; John  Sweetman,  R.  S. ; James  O’Neil,  Treas. 

The  German  Washington  Beneficial  Society  was  . organized  November  12, 
Sy  It  meets  in  Druid’s  Hall,  corner  of  Fifth  and  Commercial  streets,  and 
els  in  the  German  language.  The  present  officers  (1881)  are:  George  W. 
i-er,  Pres. ; William  Kopf,  V.  Pres.;  John  Aman,  1st  Sec. ; Julius  Miller, 
lee. ; Frederick  Hensel,  Treas.;  William  Rechner.  C.  B. ; C.  Hock,  M. 
Dayton  Typographical  Union,  No.  57,  was  organized  at  a meeting  held 
.11  18,  1862,  at  which  the  following  officers  were  elected:  E.  Lindlsey, 
hi.;  Joe  Schnebly,  Y.  Pres.;  Thomas  Shain,  Treas.;  S.  J.  Rigler,  R.  S. ; R. 
'/.Hark,  F.  S. ; G.  IV.  Matthews,  C.  S.  Diming  the  rebellion,  the  meetings 
v(3  so  slimly  attended  as  seldom  to  have  a quorum,  and  on  December  25, 
"B,  was  the  last  recorded  meeting  until  May  26,  1866,  when  the  Union  was 
rganized,  and  has  since  had  uninterrupted  esistence  as  a body.  The 
ijitional”  Typographical  Union  having  changed  its  name  to  “ International,” 
w charter  was  issued  for  Dayton  Typographical  Union,  No.  57,  dated  Jan- 
ie 24,  1872,  to  the  following  charter  members,  who  were  at  the  time  its  offi- 
1 : W.  R.  Eckley,  P.  C.  Fairchild,  E.  .J.  Farrell.  W.  I.  Mather,  William 
loover,  J.  R.  Hamilton,  John  Buchner. 

The  Union  has  been  valuable  to  its  members  in  maintaining  a fair  and 
dorm  scale  of  prices  in  the  better  printing  establishments  of  the  city;  and 
^protected  employers  against  incompetent  workmen  by  making  a four  years’ 
-i  ice  as  apprentice  a condition  of  membership.  At  present  (1881)  the  mem- 
dip  is  forty-two. 

The  present  officers  are:  L.  C.  Peacock,  Pres.;  R.  P.  Frampton,  V.  Pres.; 
Yin  Shivel,  R.  & C.  S. ; S.  T.  Maloney,  F.  S. ; W.  O.  Groneweg,  Treas. ; 
. Carson,  S.  at  A.;  H.  Carr,  John  Sexton.  W.  S.  Nixon.  Executive  Com- 
i.'ee:  time  of  meeting,  last  Saturday  in  each  month. 


736 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


CHAPTER  XI. 


Fire  Protection — Water  Works — Board  of  Health — Police — Work  Hoi 
— City  Prison — Insurance — Street  Railways — Dayton  Gas-Ligkt  a 
Coke  Company — Telegraphs. 


FIRE  PROTECTION. 


IN  the  early  history  of  the  city,  fires  were  fought  with  whatever  means  w 
suggested  at  the  time  of  need.  Often  the  flames  were  stayed  by  tearing  do 
either  the  burning  building  or  the  houses  adjoining  it.  The  male  portion  of 
village,  and  sometimes  the  female  portion,  promptly  responded  to  an  alarm  of  fi 
each  person  carrying  one'or  more  buckets,  in  which  water  was  passed  along  ali 
formed  from  some  convenient  water  supply,  and  thrown  on  the  burning  buildii 
There  was  but  little  loss  by  fire  in  the  village  previous  to  the  burning  of  tbe  hoi 
and  shop  of  George  C.  Davis  on  February  6,  1815,  and  no  arrangements  for  prot 
tion  from  fire,  other  than  those  mentioned  above,  were  made  until  after  the  burn 
of  the  Cooper  Mills  on  the  old  race,  on  the  north  side  of  Water  street,  just  east 
Mill  street.  This  fire  occurred  on  June  20,  1820,  and  in  addition  to  the  grist-m 
fulling-mill  and  machinery,  consumed  4,000  bushels  of  wheat  and  2,000  pounds 
wool.  It  was  a large  fire,  and  brought  before  the  people  the  necessity  for  tin 
efficient  means  of  protection  from  the  destructive  element.  Steps  were  soon  tali 
looking  to  the  organization  of  a fire  company.  Ladders  were  provided  by  i 
Town  Council,  that  were  to  be  kept  hanging  in  the  market  house  on  Second  str< 
ready  for  use  at  any  time  ; and,  by  ordinance  of  the  Council,  every  houseboli 
was  required  to  procure  two  “ leathern  buckets,”  with  his  name  painted  thereon 
be  kept  in  a convenient  place,  readily  accessible  to  any  one  when  an  alarm  of 
was  given.  These  fire  buckets  and  the  ladders  at  the  market  house  then  constitu 
the  total  apparatus  of  the  first  fire  department  of  the  village.  At  the  time  of 
burning  of  George  Grove’s  hat  store  and  J.  M.  Hollis’  jewelry  store,  November 
1824,  the  ladders  had  been  misplaced,  and  the  flames  were  so  fierce  that 
“ bucket  brigade  ” could  render  but  little  aid.  After  this,  Council  delenmned 
buy  a hand  engine,  and  accordingly,  in  the  spring  following,  placed  $226  in 
hands  of  a Dayton  merchant  who  was  going  Bast,  with  which  to  buy  an  engine 
Philadelphia.  The  engine  was  purchased,  but  did  not  reach  Dayton  until  a y 
afterward,  when  a company7  to  operate  it  was  organized.  This  company  was  orgi 
ized  as  the  Dayton  Fire  Engine  Company,  at  the  court  house,  on  Saturday,  Mu 
10.  1827,  at  which  time  the  following  officers  were  elected  : George  C.  Davis,  Ci 
tain,  S.  B.  Cleveland,  First  Engineer ; S.  Johnson,  Second  Engineer  ; Samuel 
Bacon,  Third  Engineer.  The  engine  was  fed  by  a bucket  line,  while  the  water  v 
thrown  out  by7  turning  a crank  at  the  side  of  the  engine. 

A hook  and  ladder  company  was  also  organized  at  the  same  time,  and 
following  officers  elected  : Joseph  Hollingsworth,  Captain  ; Thomas  Morris 
First  Director ; Oliver  Van  Tuyl,  Second  Director  ; James  Irwin,  Third  Birec 
The  hooks  and  ladders  were  kept  in  the  market  house,  where,  at  a time  o*  alai 
the  members  of  the  company  would  rally,  take  the  hooks  and  ladders  on  tb 
shoulders,  and  carry  them  to  the  fire. 


In  the  winter  of  1827-28,  Council  paid  $112.50  for  eighty-eight  leather  bu 
3,  one-half  to  be  kept  on  the  engine  and  the  rest  distributed  among  tbe  mend) 


ets,  r 0 

of  the  company7,  to  be  kept  at  their  homes,  at  all  times  ready  for  use.  "h 
buckets  were  kept  by  the  citizens  for  twenty  years,  inspected  in  April  of  e: 


1 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


737 


e - by  the  Fire  Wardens,  of  whom  the  first  were  James  Steele,  Abraham  Darst, 
» Job  Haines,  Alexander  Grimes  and  Matthew  Patton.  They  were  appointed 
Council  in  March,  1827,  as  the  First  Board  of  Fire  Wardens,  with  John  W.  Van 
’.  e as  Chief  Engineer  of  the  Fire  Department. 

The  engine  house  was  a small  frame,  built  on  the  county  lot  on  the  west  side 
i Iain  street,  just  south  of  the  first  alley  north  of  the  court  house.  It  was  after- 
v-  j moved  around  on  Third  street,  in  the  rear  of  the  court  house,  and  soon  after 
ij  ,as  taken  away  to  give  place  to  the  two-story  brick  engine  house  which  was 
tit  in  1833. 

At  the  burning  of  an  unoccupied  frame  house  at  the  upper  end  of  Main  street, 
uhe  night  of  September  10,  1833,  Charles  R.  Greene,  one  of  the  Fire  Wardens, 
fired  Matthew  Thompson,  a bystander,  into  the  “line”  passing  water  to  the 
! tie,  and  on  his  refusal,  Greene  struck  him  on  the  head  with  apiece  of  board. 

: he  Squire’s  office  next  day,  Thompson  struck  Greene  with  a club,  from  the 
1 ts  of  which  he  shortly  afterward  died. 

In  1833,  fire  cisterns  were  built  at  points  where  they  could  be  filled  by  wells 
- by.  In  November  of  the  same  year,  the  “ Safety,”  a hand  engine  with  suc- 
c hose  and  gallery  brakes,  was  bought  of  Chase  & Seymour,  Cincinnati,  for 
1 >0  ; five  hundred  feet  of  hose  were  purchased  at  the  same  time.  Soon  after- 
a!  the  “ Safety  Fire  Engine  and  Hose  Company  No.  1”  was  organized,  and  a 
t'i;:  engine  house  built  for  them  on  the  east  side  of  Ludlow  street,  half  way 
:ieen  Second  street  and  the  first  alley  south.  The  first  officers  of  the  company 
James  Perrine,  Foreman  ; Valentine  Winters,  Assistant  Foreman  ; J.  D. 
ojQis,  Secretary  ; T.  R.  Clark,  Treasurer  ; Thomas  Brown,  Leader  of  Hose 
ejchment;  Henry  Diehl,  Assistant  Leader ; William  P.  Huffman,  Jacob  Wilt, 
■ : Baer,  Henry  Buchler  and  Abraham  Overleas,  Directors. 

These  companies  were  followed  by  the  “ Independent  Fire  Engine  and  Hose 
> pany,”  the  “Enterprise  Fire  Engine  and  Hose  Company,”  and  other  volun- 
e companies,  in  whose  hands  the  safety  of  the  city  reposed  until  the  organ- 
a m of  the  paid  fire  department. 

In  April,  1836,  an  ordinance  was  passed  giving  50  cents  to  each  church 
. m for  ringing  an  alarm  of  fire. 

The  fire  at  the  Journal  building,  on  the  west  side  of  Main  just  south  of  Third 
fit,  in  July,  1863,  was  the  last  large  fire  fought  by  the  volunteer  companies 
Ij  haud-engines.  Owing  to  the  manifest  inefficiency  of  the  department  as 
dated  at  that  fire,  it  was  decided  to  establish  a paid  fire  department  in  the  city. 

rdingly,  in  the  latter  part  of  1863,  steam  fire-engines  were  purchased,  and 
< lay  ton  Fire  Department  organized,  with  William  Patton,  Chief,  one  Assistant 
V,  and  fifteen  regular  firemen.  Since  then,  the  following  gentlemen  have 
' das  chiefs  of  the  department:  William  Gill,  John  Chambers,  George  Vail, 

| ony  Stevens,  John  II.  Winder,  James  Lewis  and  D.  C.  Larkin,  the  latter  being 
resent  incumbent.  The  -department  now  consists  of  the  following  companies  : 
•ijal  Eng  ine  Company  No.  1,  whose  house  is  on  East  Fifth  street,  opposite 
( n ; it  is  the  office  of  the  Assistant  Chief,  who  is  also  Superintendent  of  the 
Alarm  Telegraph.  This  company  is  composed  of  six  men,  and  is  equipped 
da  chemical  engine,  two  horses,  swinging  harness  and  other  necessary  appur- 
i;ces  Hose  Company  No.  1,  located  at  the  same  house,  and  is  equipped  with 
■prse,  one  reel,  swinging  harness  and  1,500  feet  of  rubber  hose, 
pastern  Hose  Reel  Company  No.  2 is  composed  of  three  men,  and  located  on 
' jest  side  of  Webster  street  between  Second  and  Third.  The  company  has 
aje  of  the  following  property:  One  horse,  swinging  harness,  and  1,500  feet  of 

s,’500  rubber. 

Vestem  Engine  Company  No.  2 is  composed  of  eight  men  and  located  on  the 
u,j  s'de  of  Fifth  street,  west  of  Wilkinson.  The  equipments  consist  of  a two- 
' '■  hook  and  ladder  truck  containing  ten  ladders,  two  horses  and  swinging  har- 
neS5i  Engine  Company  No.  3 is  in  this  house,  and  has  charge  of  Engines  Nos.  1 


738 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


and  2,  and  Engine  No.  3 stationed  at  Hope  Hose  House  on  east  Third  street,  al 
two  horses  and  swinging  harness.  Hose  Reel  Company  No.  3,  located  at  tl 
house,  has  charge  of  one  hose  reel,  one  horse,  swinging  harness  and  1,600  feet 
hose.  This  building  was  erected  in  1876,  at  a cost  of  #10,000.  The  second  sto 
is  divided  into  a chief’s  office,  sleeping  apartments,  bath-room,  supply-roo 
work-room,  etc.  It  is  handsomely  furnished  throughout — largely  by  private  dm 
tion.  About  all  the  work  of  the  department  is  done  at  this  house  by  the  men. 

Main  Street  Hose  Company  No.  4 is  located  on  the  northeast  corner  of  M; 
and  Water  streets,  and  consists  of  three  men,  with  one  horse,  one  reel,  swiiim 
harness  and  1,500  feet  of  hose. 

Miami  Hose  Company  No.  5 consists  of  three  men,  and  is  located  at  1 
corner  of  Fifth  and  Baxter  streets,  West  Dayton.  They  have  one  horse,  swinoi 
harness,  one  hose  reel,  1,600  feet  of  hose  and  Hook  and  Ladder  Truck  No.  2. 

Hope  Hose  Reel  Company  No.  6 consists  of  three  men,  located  on  East  Tk 
street,  between  Terry  and  Morrison  streets.  They  have  one  horse,  swinging  k 
ness,  one  hose  reel  and  1,500  feet  of  hose. 

The  total  cost  ot  the  department  to  the  city  in  1881  was  #27,641.79.  The  to 
value  of  the  property  owned  is  #81,350.47. 

The  department  is  operated  by  the  Gatnewell’s  Fire  Alarm  Telegraph, 
which  a circuit  of  thirty  miles  of  wire  are  now  in  use.  The  following  is  a list 
the  signal  boxes  with  their  location  and  number;  4,  Eastern  Engine  House, 
Central  Engine  House  ; 6,  Western  Engine  House  ; 7,  Hope  Hose  House,  No. 
8,  Ludlow  and  Second  streets  ; 1-2,  St.  Clair  and  Kenton  streets  ; 1-3,  Jeffen 
and  Third  streets  ; 1-4,  Greer  & King’s  foundry  ; 1-5,  Main  Street  Hose  Hou 
1-6,  First  and  Foundry  streets  ; 2—1 , Keowee  and  Water  streets  ; 2-3,  Val 
street,  North  Dayton  ; 2-4,  Lowell  and  Second  streets  ; 2-5,  Montgomery  : 
Third  streets  ; 2-6,  Third  street  and  Linden  avenue  ; 2-7,  Fifth  and  Allen  strec 
3-1,  Wayne  and  Oak  streets;  3-2,  Wayne  and  Richard  streets;  3-4.  Fifth  ; 
Plum  streets  ; 3-5,  High  and  McLain  streets  ; 3-6,  Xenia  avenue  and  High  stre 
3-7,  Southern  Ohio  Lunatic  Asylum  ; 3-8,  Xenia  avenue  and  Allen  street;  ! 
Hickory  and  Brown  streets  ; 4-2,  Brown  and  Jones  streets  ; 4-3,  Jefferson  ; 
Chestnut  streets;  4-5,  Main  and  Stout  streets;  5-1,  Third  and  Clegg  strec 

5- 2,  Fifth  and  Main  streets  ; 5-3,  Germantown  and  Cincinnati  streets  : l 
Franklin  and  Ludlow  streets  ; 5-6,  Ludlow  and  Bayard  streets  ; 6—1,  First 
Bridge  streets  ; 6-2,  Third  and  William  streets  ; 6-3,  Third  and  Barnett  strec 

6- 4,  Miami  Hose  House,  No.  5 ; 7-1,  Main  and  McPherson  streets  ; 7-2,  Riven: 
and  Salem  avenues  ; 7-3,  Dayton  View  Hydraulic  ; 7-4,  Main  and  Rung  sin 

WATER  WORKS. 

An  ordinance  was  passed  by  the  City  Council  in  March,  1869,  to  submit  to 
people  the  question  whether  or  not  the  city  should  build  water-works  and  issue  be 
to  the  amount  of  $200,000  for  that  purpose.  This  was  voted  upon  at  the  am 
election  of  municipal  officers  held  on  April  5,  of  that  year,  and  resulted  in  a 
iority  of  833  votes  in  favor  of  the  construction  of  the  works  by  the  city,  j 
cordingly,  bids  were  advertised  for,  estimates  made,  and  on  the  29th  of  Octo| 
the  committee  entered  into  a contract  with  Anderson  & Kemp,  of  Dayton,  for! 
construction  of  an  engine  house  at  a cost  of  $8,217. 

On  the  7th  of  January,  1870,  the  board  of  water- works  trustees  was  < 
lisbed  by  ordinance,  and  the  salary  of  the  trustees  fixed  at  $200  per  am 
This  day  also  marked  the  arrival  of  the  first  machinery  for  the  works.  It 
sisted  of  two  of  Holly’s  Patent  Elliptical  Rotary  Pumps,  which  had  a maxii, 
capacity  for  pumping  2,000,000  gallons  of  water  in  twenty-four  hours.  Thecj 
machinery,  consisting  of  a gang  pump  with  a capacity  of  1,000,000  gallon 
twenty-four  hours,  condensing  engine  of  200-horse-power  and  a rotary  engh 
100-horse-power,  was  soon  afterward  received  and  the  whole  set  up.  Two  v 
each  twenty -five  feet  in  diameter,  were  sunk  September  24,  on  a lot  coruc 


DAYTON . 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


741 


iIA  and  Beacon  streets,  which  was  bought  for  the  purpose,  and  on  the  16th  of 
l:|Ch,  1870,  the  works  being  completed,  the  machinery  was  put  in  motion  and 
: i.'oipes  filled  for  the  first  time.  Ten  days  later  the  official  test  of  the  works  was 
r e.  and  resulted  most  satisfactorily  to  all  concerned. 

The  total  cost  of  construction  of  the  works  was  $230,083.14,  including  the 
>:  of  engine-house,  wells,  etc. 

The  board  of  water-works  organized  April  13,  1870,  by  electing  Samuel  Mar- 
, President;  A.  J.  Heller,  Secretary  ; H.  G.  Marshall,  Assistant  Secretary  and 
"elector;  George  McCain,  Superintendent;  Ezra  Thomas,  Assistant  Superin- 

■ ;ient ; E.  J.  Howard,  Engineer  ; Henry  Farnham,  Assistant  Engineer.  Their 

: report  for  the  period  ending  December  31,  1870,  shows  the  gross  receipts  to 
,t  been  $3,168.66,  and  the  running  expenses  $10,325.85.  In  the  same  period, 
120,560  gallons  of  water  were  delivered  into  the  pipes  and  6,948  bushels  of  coal 
s; tuned  in  the  delivery.  From  the  same  report  the  following  account  of  the 

■ /air  supply  is  taken  : “With  great  pleasure  we  have  often  noticed  that  Provi- 

de has  been  pleased  to  give  the  people  that  inhabit  this  portion  of  the  Miami 
:i ;y,  pure  water  in  great  abundance.” 

“It  was  not  to  be  wondered  at  that  the  site  at  the  corner  of  High  and 
an  streets  was  first  selected  for  the  location  of  the  pumping  works.  It  is 
e for  the  city  that  water  was  not  obtained  there  in  seemingly  great  abun- 
i iare  to  have  established  the  belief  of  being  sufficient  for  supplying  the  works. 
i experience  confirms  the  belief  that  the  change  of  location  to  the  south 
ti  of  Mad  River  was  a wise  plan.  Here  it  was  hoped  that  an  ample  supply 
id  be  obtained  by  filteration.  But  in  the  fall  of  1871,  when  the  consump- 
kad  increased  nearly  twofold,  the  prospects  were  less  promising. 

“ A long  trench  was  made  in  the  vicinity  to  serve  as  a kind  of  storage  reser- 
>i  and  connected  to  the  well  by  an  arched  conduit.  Observations  showed 
lathe  water  pumped  at  the  close  of  1872  was  fully  the  maximum  capacity  of 
c veil,  and  no  reserve  in  store  for  any  sudden  emergency  in  the  event  of  fire, 
e gnizing  the  vital  importance  of  pure  water,  the  City  Council  was  peti- 
d for  an  appropriation  May  30, 1873,  to  enable  the  board  to  take  the  future 
. honal  supply  of  water  from  Mad  River. 

“On  the  9th  of  June,  1873,  Council  authorized  the  Trustees  of  the  Water 
1 is,  in  connection  with  the  Standing  Committee  of  the  City  Council,  to 
pet  the  Water  Works  well  with  Mad  River,  so  controlling  said  connection 
ites  and  filters  as  to  exclude  all  impurities. 

The  general  plan  adopted  by  the  board  embraces  an  open  space  dug  through 
ihvee  bank  to  the  river,  of  about  twenty  feet  in  width,  ninety  feet  in  length, 
n<  m average  depth  of  thirty  feet.  All  the  earth  had  to  be  removed  on  carts 
'distance  perhaps  of  two  to  three  hundred  feet,  and  replaced  in  like  man- 

nflil 

“ Three  twenty-inch  lines  of  cast  iron  pipes  were  laid  through  to  the  river, 
driver  end  of  the  pipes  are  supported  by  a revetment  of  masonry  fifteen 
ajiigh,  and  fifty  feet  in  length.  Bowlders  of  various  sizes,  in  great  quanti- 
'i  are  placed  against  the  wall  of  masonry  to  within  four  feet  of  its  height, 
e.  the  water  will  be  strained  before  its  admission.  Inside  the  levee  these 
! ly  pipes  are  also  supported  by  a revetment  of  masonry,  from  which  they 
CjCt  some  three  feet,  with  valves  for  controlling  the  water  attached.  The 
4 chamber  is  arranged  to  command  delivery  of  water  from  the  river  into  a 
c fit  nine  feet  in  height,  and  eight  feet  in  width,  extending  parallel  with 
Aevee  107  feet  eight  inches,  and  passing  the  supply  well  built  in  1871, 
isat  eighteen  feet,  turning  southward  on  the  west  side,  and  parallel  with 
Aid  supply  well  sixty-one  feet  and  six  inches  to  its  terminus.  A wing 
;chesfrom  the  main  conduit  nine  feet  three  inches  east  of  the  well,  and 

BB 


742 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


rune  parallel  with  it  ninety  feet,  which  completes  the  surrounding  of  the  w 
The  entire  length  of  the  conduit  is  259  feet,  walled  up  and  arched  over  \ 
stone,  the  floor  in  the  gate-chamber  being  laid  with  stone  extending  into 
conduit  about  ten  feet.  There  are  four  ventilators  to  the  conduit  at  suit; 
distances. 

“ The  entire  work  was  completed  on  the  20th  day  of  September,  he 
eighty-seven  days  from  the  commencement  to  its  termination,  at  a cost  of 
240.12.” 

In  1874,  a new  engine  and  direct-acting  pump,  of  the  improved  ft 
patent,  with  a capacity  of  $4,000,000  gallons  in  twenty- four  hours  was  adc 
at  an  additional  cost  of  $32,927.19. 

The  following  statement  shows  the  entire  receipts  and  disbursements  fi 
the  commencement  of  the  Water  Works,  in  1870,  to  December  31,  1881: 


RECEIPTS. 

Received  from  sale  of  bonds,  taxation  and  temporary  loans  from  1870  to  Deceinh 
1881,  $570,771.77  ; received  from  water  rent,  sale  of  materials  and  excavatin'!  sei 
trenches  from  1870  to  December  31,  1880,  $196,263.84;  received  from  water  rent?  sal 
materials  and  excavating  service  trenches  from  December  31,  1880,  to  December  31,  i 
$26,233.98 ; total  receipts — 1870  to  December  31,  1881,  $793,259.59. 

DISBURSEMENTS. 

Expended  on  account  of  construction  to  April  13,  1870,  by  first  Committee  on  Y5 
Works  appointed  by  Council,  $216,289.60 ; appropriated  by  aud  paid  to  Council  in  187! 
construction  account,  $13,793.54;  appropriated  by  aud  paid  to  Council  in  1875  to  pa 
terest,  $12,000  ; expended  by  the  Trustees  for  extension  and  maintenance  (including 
porary  loans  made  in  1870,  1872,  1873  and  1874)  from  1870  to  December  31, 1880,  $475,83 
expended  by  Trustees  from  December  31, 1880,  to  December  31, 1881,  $26,826.23  ; txpwj 
by  Trustees  from  December  31,  1880,  to  December  31,  1881  (from  Water  Works  Imp:!; 
ment  Fund),  $4i;975.67 ; total  disbursements— 1870  to  December  31,  1881,  $786,7.19.70  , 
ance  in  treasury  January  1,  1882,  $6,539.89;  total,  $793,259.59.  j 

Cost  of  construction  and  maintenance  of  water  works  to  date  (Dece  nl 
1881),  exclusive  of  interest  on  bonds,  same  being  paid  by  Council  from  the 
eral  expense  fund  : 

Expended  by  Council,  $230,083.14;  expended  by  Trustees  (exclusive  of  tempi 
loans  paid),  $539,368.93  ; expended  by  Trustees  from  funds  advanced  by  property  ov 
for  street  extensions,  $722.69  ; total  expenditures  to  December  31,  1881,  $770, 174. 76  ; 
cash  income  of  works,  $222,487.82  ; amount  charged  to  accounts  of  parties  for  water 
to  offset  advancement  made  for  street  extension,  $70.87  ; total,  $222,558.69  ; net  cost  t< 
cember  31,  1881,  $547,616.07. 

The  following  table  shows  the  amount  of  water  rents  received  each  years 
commencement  of  the  water  works  : 


YEAR. 


1870 

1871 

1872 

1873 

1874 

1875 

1876 

1877 

1878 

1879 

1880 
1881 


Totals 


Regular  Water 
Rent 

Assessments. 

Street  Sprink- 
ling with  Carts. 

Building  Pur- 
poses, etc. 

Tc-t; 

$2932  60 

$224  56 

$11  50 

$31 

9059  70 

121  01 

480  14 

96 

12034  15 

264  95 

318  59  ■ 

126 

16797  87 

612  49 

406  03 

178 

18198  14 

1329  42 

337  33 

128' 

18526  24 

2042  97 

156  29 

207 

16811  88 

2290  02 

188  12 

192' 

17355  29 

2056  73 

71  06 

194 

16313  11 

2032  75 

74  03 

184j 

16873  64 

1670  34 

95  21 

186! 

17106  58 

1102  80 

67  61 

18g 

19571  43 

1435  14 

301  76 

2l3l 

$181580  63 

$15183  18 

$2507  67 

$1992 

CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


743 


The  following  shows  the  number  of'  service  connections  of  different  sizes 
a*  to  December  31.  1881  : 

1870  462  ■ 1871,  231  ; 1872,  129  : 1873,  44  ; 1874,  111 ; 1875,  44  ; 1876,  32  ; 1877,  42  ; 1878, 

: 879.  32;  1880,  -43;  1881,  72;  total,  1,283. 

The  total  bonded  debt  of  the  city  on  account  of  water  works  is  $555,000,  of 
hk  $505,000  is  payable  May,  1885.  with  seven  and  eight  per  cent  interest,  and 
>i  >00  (bonds  issued  August,  1880),  with  six  per  cent  interest  due  in  1895. 
he  following  is  the  Civil  Organization  of  the  Water  Works  from  their  commence- 
- i to  December  31,  1881  : 

COMMITTEE  ON  CONSTRUCTION  OF  WATER  WORKS. 


horge  Lehman,  Chairman;  Alexander  Gebhart  and  George  Niebert.  From  Septem- 
i , 1869,  to  April  4,  1870. 

ENGINEERS  AND  SUPERINTENDENTS  FOR  CONSTRUCTION. 

rm.  C.  Weir,  of  New  York.  Consulting  Engineer.  From  May  21, 1869,  to  April  4, 1870. 
>hn  Wiggim,  Superintendent  on  Construction  of  Wells.  Conduits,  etc.  P.  Leon- 
r<! William  ffifbhein,  George  W.  Hatfield  and  Michael  Gill,  Superintendents  of  Pipe 
From  October  8,  1869,  to  April  4,  1870. 


Lay 


WATER  WORKS  TRUSTEES. 


NAME. 


Date  o.  Expiration 
of  Term. 


1 1 Marshall . . . 

alTemple 

iH.  Balsley 

-S'  Demint 

a ian  Kenney. . 
ii  E.  Boyer. . . . 

■ Bennet 

J.  Roberts. . 
ms  B.  Hannah 

it  V.  Butt 

1 • Peters 


April  4,  1870 April  7, 

April  4,  1870 April  5, 

April  4,  1870 April  3, 

April  3, 1871 April  6, 

April  7,  1873 April  3, 

April  6,  1874 April  5, 

April  5,  1875 April  4, 

April  3,  1876 April  7, 

April  7,  1879 April  3, 

April  5,  1880 April  2, 
April  4, 1881 April  1, 

OFFICERS. 


1S73. 

1875. 
1871. 
1874. 

1876. 
1880. 
1881. 
1879. 
1882. 


Duration  in  Office. 


Three  yrears. 
Five  years. 
One  year. 
Three  years. 
Three  years. 
Six  years. 
Six  years. 
Three  years. 
Three  years. 

1883  [Three  years. 

1884  iThree  years. 


Date  of  Appointment. 

April 

13, 

1870 

April 

13, 

1870 

April 

13, 

1870 

April 

13, 

1870 

April 

13, 

1870 

May 

0, 

1870 

October 

1, 

1870 

February 

13, 

1871 

April 

19, 

1873 

April 

26, 

1873 

July 

19, 

1873 

April 

8, 

1874 

February 

8, 

1875 

March 

1, 

1875 

March 

14, 

1875 

May 

1. 

1875 

April 

16, 

1877 

May 

1. 

1879 

May 

1, 

1879 

J une 

1, 

1879 

July 

7, 

1879 

May 

i. 

1881 

May 

i. 

1881 

May 

i, 

1881 

May 

i. 

1881 

May 

i, 

1881 

August 

9, 

1881 

. T Tiller 

'i  McCain 

Coward 

u Farnkam. . . . 

a homas 

nlten 

Marshall 

8 Coknson 

r W.  Knecht. 

L.  Weaver. . 

_ It  endanner 

‘li'a  A.  Ivenney. 
In  H.  Dill.... 
> L.  Weaver. . 

u ’orter 

®auer 

f ■•Snowden.... 
Wiii  i Guinandt. . 
i\3.  Wilcox. . . 

' a Sacks 

fderheide 

d W.  Snyder. 
T y Decker.  .. 

'.  Crowell. 


•-  E.juchenhofer 

A jailer  Richmond. . . 
Bjfikellkouse 


Rank. 


Secretary  

Superintendent 

Engineer 

Assistant  Engineer. . 
Assistant  Superintendent 

Pipeman 

Assistant  Secretary  . 
Assistant  Engineer. . 
Assistant  Secretary  . 
Assistant  Engineer. . 
Assistant  Engineer. 
Assistant  Secretary  , 
Assistant  Engineer. . 

Engineer 

Assistant  Engineer. . 

Pipeman 

Pipeman 

Assistant  Pipeman.  . 

Secretary 

Pipeman 

Assistant  Engineer. . 

Secretary 

Assistant  Secretary. 
Assistant  Engineer. , 
Assistant  Engineer. 

JSupt.  Street  Department 
(Assistant  Engineer. 


March 

April 

March 

February 

April 

April 

April 

April 

April 

March 


Date  of  Expiration 
of  Term. 


24, 

14, 

1, 

13, 

14, 
22, 
13. 
26, 

1, 

1, 


1879 

1872 
1875 
1871 
1871 
1875 

1873 

1873 

1874 

1875 


January 

13, 

1875 

May 

1, 

1881 

May 

1, 

1881 

May 

ry 

/, 

1879 

April 

16, 

1877 

June 

1, 

1879 

May 

1, 

1881 

May 

1, 

1881 

May 

1, 

1881 

May 

1, 

1881 

August 

9, 

1881 

744 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


During  the  year  ending  December  31,  1881,  4,264  feet  of  20-inch  main,  1 
of  12-inch  main  and  1,612  feet  of  10-inch  main  were  laid,  and  machinery  wii 
pumping  capacity  of  8,000,000  gallons  per  day  was  purchased  at  a cost  of  $55.:: 
45.  There  were  499,069,770  gallons  of  water  pumped  and  distributed,  bciirj 
increase  of  111,572,040  gallons  over  the  year  previous,  and  yielding  a revenui 
$21,379.20.  There  were  also  72  new  service  connections  made,  showing  amai 
increase  in  the  demand  for  water.  There  are  now  laid  in  the  city  34  miie 
pipe  of  different  sizes,  and  296  fire  plugs  distributed  throughout  the  city. 

The  officers  and  employes  of  the  water  works,  January  1,  1882,  are  : Tru 
'Thomas  B.  Hannah  President  (term  expires  1882);  John  W.  Butt  (term  ex] 
1883)  ; Luther  Peters  (term  expires  1884).  Office  Department,  Charles  W. 
der,  Secretary  ; A.  Wiley  Decker,  Assistant  Secretary.  Pumping  House  De| 
ment,  M.  L.  Weaver,  Chief  Engineer  ; Edward  Euchenhofer,  Assistant  Engin 
B.  F.  Shellhouse,  Assistant  Engineer  ; Charles  B.  Fair,  Fireman  ; John  if  Wc 
Fireman  ; (4.  W.  Clark,  Wiper  ; John  Buckner,  Laborer.  Street  Depart ir 
Alexander  Richmond,  Superintendent  Street  Department  ; Peter  Lauer,  A( 
Assistant  Superintendent  Street  Department. 

BOARD  OF  HEALTH. 

This  board  was  established  in  Dayton  on  June  3,  1867,  under  an  act  of 
Legislature,  passed  on  the  29th  of  March,  1867,  and  entitled  “ An  Act  to  ere; 
board  of  health  in  any  city,  and  to  prevent  the  spread  of  diseases  therein. ' 

Its  duties  and  powers  are  described  to  be  such  as  are  necessary  to  secur 
•city  and  its  inhabitants  from  the  evils  of  contagious,  malignant  and  iafec 
diseases. 

It  is  composed  of  the  Mayor  of  the  city,  who  is  ex  officio  President  o 
board,  and  six  members,  appointed  by  Council.  They  appoint  a Clerk  and  at 
Health  Officer.  The  board  as  first  created  consisted  of  T.  D.  Mitchell,  M 
President,  W.  W.  Lane  and  B.  F.  Wait,  appointed  for  one  year,  L.  Patterson  j 
J.  W.  Dietrich,  appointed  for  two  years,  and  C.  Parker,  and  J.  W.  Butt,  appo 
for  three  years,  Thomas  L.  Neal,  Health  Officer,  and  J.  A.  Marley,  Clerk.  The  or! 
of  the  board  keep  a record  of  all  deaths,  from  whatever  cause,  and  of  the  I 
in  the  city  , cause  all  premises  to  be  regularly  visited,  and  those  considerei 
healthy  to  be  reported,  and  take  every  means  to  improve  the  sanitary  coir 
of  the  city. 

A meat  inspector  is  appointed  by  them,  whose  duty  it  is  to  see  that  no  ta 
•or  unhealthy  meat  is  sold  or  offered  for  sale  by  dealers,  and  who  is  requirt 
make  an  annual  report  of  his  doings  to  the  board.  In  the  first  report  of  the  b 
for  the  term  ending  March  1.  1868,  329  deaths  and  440  births  were  reported 
63  nuisances  reported  as  abated  ; 1869,  556  deaths,  721  births  ; 1870,  615  d< 
595  births;  1871,  596  deaths,  589  births  ; 1872)  636  deaths,  328  births  : 
816  deaths,  175  births  ; 1874,  694  deaths,  815  bh’ths  ; 1875,  637  deaths 
births  ; 1876,  653  deaths,  940  births  ; 1877,  514  deaths,  977  births  ; 1 
deaths,  927  births  ; 1879,  622  deaths,  899  births  ; 1880,  539  deaths,  1015  hi 
1881,  622  deaths,  1133  births;  1882,  750  deaths,  1110  births. 

The  present  officers  of  the  board  are  Hon.  F.  M.  Hosier,  Mayor  and  ex-c 
President,  Dr.  H.  S.  Jewett,  B.  F.  Wait,  Dr.  R.  Brundrett,  Dr.  J.  K.  Webst 
Parker,  Alfred  Pruder.  Dr.  Thomas  L.  Neal,  Health  Officers;  Dr.  E.  B. 
Clerk  ; John  W.  Craven  and  John  McCutcheon,  Sanitary  Police. 

POLICE. 

Previous  to  the  incorportion  of  the  town  of  Dayton,  in  1805,  the  pe:1 
the  then  hamlet  was  kept  by  the  Constables  of  the  township.  After  tl 
corportion  of  the  town,  on  the  12th  of  February,  1805,  a Marshal  was 
elected,  and  with  him  the  violators  of  the  law  had  to  deal  until  about 
teen  years  thereafter,  when  a Deputy  Marshal  was  appointed.  This  fo 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


715 


a4  conservators  continued  until  December,  1835,  when  the  Marshal  was 
it  prized  to  appoint  one  or  more  patrolmen  to  serve  as  night  watchmen — an 
mnce  for  the  appointment  having  been  passed  two  years  previous.  In 
d,  1837,  two  night  watchmen  were  appointed  in  each  ward.  In  1841, 
a h 27,  an  act  was  passed  by  the  General  Assembly  establishing  the  city  of 
a on,  and  merging  the  township  into  the  corporation.  At  this  time,  or 
t r in  the  latter  part  of  the  same  year,  an  ordinance  was  passed  providing 
rhe  election  of  two  City  Constables,  in  addition  to  the  City  Marshal.  In 
the  force  was  increased  to  sis  men  in  addition  to  the  Marshal  and  Con- 
a:3S.  In  this  state  the  force  continued  until  1866,  when  it  was  increased 
ine  men,  of  whom  one  was  to  be  Captain.  February,  1867,  provision  was 
- ■ for  the  appointment  of  special  policemen,  not  exceeding  live  to  each  ward- 
ay,  1868,  the  Metropolitan  force  was  organized  with  the  City  Marshal  as 
i E,  Second  Lieutenant,  and  twenty  regulars.  This  arrangement  lasted  but 
: nine  months,  when  it  was  abandoned,  and  the  old  form  was  adopted  and 
nnued  for  four  or  five  years,  or  until  1873,  when  the  Metropolitan  was 
. at  established,  with  a Chief,  First  and  Second  Lieutenants,  three  rounds- 
j three  turnkeys  and  twenty-six  patrolmen — -a  total  force  of  thirty-eight 
a This  was  reduced  to  twenty-eight  men  in  1876,  but  shortly  afterward 
vised  to  the  present  number  of  thirty-five  men  in  all.  The  first  Chief  was 
irStewart.  He  was  succeeded  by  William  H.  Morton,  and  he  by  the  present 
; abent,  Amos  Clark.  The  sum  of  $26,400  is  annually  appropriated  by  the 
y or  the  maintenance  of  the  police.  In  connection  with  the  police  force 
eijon  might  be  made  of  the  station  houses  and  workhouse. 

THE  WORK  HOUSE. 

Chis  house  was  established  by  the  city  in  connection  with  the  County 
missioners  in  1875,  the  “old  jail ’’being  appropriated  for  the  purpose, 
i on  the  corner  of  Sixth  and  Main  streets.  It  is  a massive  brick  building 
lining  two  tiers  of  sells  capable  of  holding  sixty  or  seventy  men,  and  the 
‘4  surrounded  by  the  tall  stone  wall  inclosing  the  grounds. 

The  men  are  brought  here  from  the  station  houses  and  jail,  and  are  corn- 
'd to  break  stone  for  the  streets  while  serving  out  their  time.  If  any 
ii'n  are  held  there,  they  are  put  to  work  washing,  ironing,  etc.  The  house 
iiharge  of  John  Wiggim. 

CITY  PRISON. 

-he  first  city  prison  on  record  is  one  in  the  south  end  of  the  old  Deluge 
g'e  house.  It  was  originated  in  December,  1858,  by  the  City  Council.  In 
pad  the  city  now  has  two  station  houses.  One  on  Sixth  street  east  of  the 
in  capable  of  accommodating  about  twelve  inmates,  and  the  other  on 
e Third  street,  which  is  somewhat  smaller.  It  is  at  these  places  that  the 
11  Devs  are  employed. 


INSURANCE. 

firemen’s  insurance  company. 

die  original  charter  of  this  company  was  granted  by  the  Legislature  in 
>ring  of  1835,  limited  to  twenty  years.  Early  in  June  of  that  year,  the 
'(■holders  met  and  elected  the  following  gentlemen  as  directors,  viz. : S.  T. 

1 u.  A.  Grimes,  John  Rench.  Thomas  Barrett,  David  Stevenson,  D.  Z.  Pierce, 
Perrine,  Valentine  Winters,  Ziba  Crawford,  Peter  Baer,  David  Davis 
' l(V  P-  Brown.  These  directors  met  June  5,  1835,  and  organized  by  chos- 
■ U Baer,  President  pro  tem.,  and  D.  Z.  Pierce.  Secretary  pro  tem.  On  the 
6 if  the  month  another  meeting  was  held,  when  David  Stone  was  regu- 


746 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


larly  elected  President  and  Henry  A.  Pierson,  Secretary.  The  company’s  £ 
vertisement  tirst  appears  in  the  Dayton  Journal,  under  date  of  July  7,  18 
with  the  last-mentioned  officers.  The  certificate  of  incorporation  of  the  pi 
ent  company  dates  from  1856.  The  capital  stock  paid  up  is  $250,000.  ] 
officers  for  1882  are:  S.  Craighead,  President;  J.  S.  Miles,  Secretary; 


Worman,  Assistant  Secretary;  V.  Winters,  Treasurer.  The  following 
will  show  the  present  condition  of  the  company: 

Aggregate  amounts  of  available  assets $434,009  00 

Total  liabilities  except  capital  and  net  surplus 100,357  00 

Paid  capital 250,000  00 

Net  surplus 52,339  00 

Income  during  past  year 179,531  00 

Expenditures  during  past  year 151,270  00 

Net  amount  of  risks  in  force  January  1,  1882 16,886,233  00 

Losses  since  1856  to  January  1,  1882 614,591  33 

Premiums  received  in  same  period 1,595,689  89 


The  building  owned  and  occupied  by  the  company,  located  at  the  sot: 
west  corner  of  Wayne  and  Second  streets,  is  a beautiful  structure,  the  on 
walls  of  which  are  of  the  famous  Zanesville  pressed  brick,  the  tiling  u 
having  also  been  obtained  at  that  place.  The  architects  were  Messrs.  Pe: 
and  limns,  of  Dayton.  The  building  is  125  feet  in  depth,  fronting  on  M 
street,  by  forty-nine  and  one-half  in  width;  is  four  stories,  a basement 
a mansard-roof  in  height,  and  is  one  of  the  most  elegant  structures  in 
city.  A beautiful  tower  rises  over  the  front.  The  interior  is  tastefully 
ished  and  decorated,  and  numerous  line  offices  have  been  titled  up,  that  of 
company  occupying  the  first  lioor,  with  the  main  entrance  at  the  north) 
corner.  The  foundation  was  laid  late  in  the  fall  of  1880,  and  in  Noveml 
1881,  the  company  took  possession  of  its  new  quarters.  The  value  of 
building  and  the  ground  on  which  it  stands  is  placed  at  $80,000. 

THE  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY  MUTUAL  FIRE  INSURANCE  COMPANY. 

This  company  was  organized  January  17,  1840,  with  the  following 
eers . William  J.  McKinney,  President,  and  E.  J.  Forsyth,  Secretary, 
company  commenced  doing  business  in  the  Secretary’s  office,  located  at 
southwest  corner  of  Main  and  Fifth  streets.  The  aggregate  amount  of  av 
able  assets  of  the  company  is  $300,000.  The  present  officers  are  Da: 
Keifer,  President,  and  Charles  D.  Iddings,  Secretary.  The  office  is  nov 
No.  32  North  Main  street. 

THE  DAYTON  FIRE  INSURANCE  COMPANY. 

This  company  was  organized  February  2,  1851.  It  is  one  of  the  ol< 
joint-stock  companies  in  the  State,  and  operates  under  a special  charter  grai 
March  5,  1851.  The  incorporators  of  the  company  were  Daniel  Beckel, 
seph  Clegg,  William  Dickey,  It.  Green,  W.  S.  Westerman,  R.  Chambers 
John  Harries.  The  first  officers  were:  Daniel  Beckel,  President,  and  J.  L.  Do- 
Secretary.  In  1854,  James  It.  Young  was  made  Secretary  pro  tern.,  and 
1855,  was  elected  permanent  Secretary,  which  position  he  filled  until  P 
when  he  resigned.  In  1S70,  the  company  bought  out  the  Fnion  Insure 
Company,  re-insured  their  risks,  and  succeeded  to  the  business  of  that  c 
pany.  The  capital  stock  of  the  Dayton  Company  is  $100,000.  The  prei 
officers  are:  Hon.  D.  A.  Haynes,  President,  and  J.  Harrison  Hall,  Secret 

The  office  of  the  company  was  first  located  on  Third  street,  between  Main 
Jefferson;  it  was  afterward  moved  to  the  Beckel  House  Block  for  a short  o 
and  then  to  its  present  rooms,  corner  of  Third  and  Jefferson  streets. 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


747 


THE  MIAMI  VALLEY  INSURANCE  COMPANY. 

This  company  was  organized  in  April,  1863,  and  commenced  doing  busi- 
in  the  month  following.  The  first  officers  were:  Jonathan  Harshman, 

r<  dent;  W.  R.  S.  Ayres,  Secretary;  D.  C.  Rench,  Treasurer.  The  office 
(Opened  at  No.  27  North  Main  street,  after  which  it  was  changed  to  No.  2 5 
oh  Main  Street.  The  paid-up  capital  stock  of  the  company  is  $100,000. 
h oresent  officers  are:  A.  Gebliart,  President,  and  W.  R.  S.  Ayers,  Secre- 

r The  following  figures  will  show  the  condition  of  the  company  at  the 
< annual  report  for  the  year  ending  December  31,  1880: 


Aggregate  amount  of  available  assets $180,883  13 

Total  liabilities  except  capital  and  net  surplus 26,271  00 

Paid  up  capital 100,000  00 

Net  surplus 54,612  18 

Total  amount  of  premiums  received  since  the  organization  of 

the  company 544,780  34 

Total  losses  paid,  same  time 157,483  43 

Cash  dividends  paid,  same  time 113,500  00 

r 


The  TEUTONIA  FIRE  AND  MARINE  INSURANCE  COMPANY. 

This  company  was  organized  and  incorporated  in  February,  1865,  and 
menced  doing  business  on  the  1st  of  March  following,  with  a capital 
100,000,  of  which  $20,000  was  paid  in  cash,  and  $80,000  in  stock  notes, 
nfirst  officers  were:  John  Hanitch,  President;  J.  V.  Nauerth.  Vice  Presi- 

r Henry  Miller,  Treasurer,  and  John  Stoppleman,  Secretary.  The  cash 
pal  of  the  company  is  now  $100,000,  and  the  cash  assets  over  $305,000. 
it  tnuary,  1872,  the  company  bought  out  and  assumed  the  risks  of  the  German 
is  ’ance  Company  of  Dayton,  which  had  then  been  in  existence  since  the  year 
it  In  the  same  year  the  company  paid  up,  in  cash,  its  full  capital.  The 
ent  officers  of  the  company  are:  Jacob  Decker,  President;  J.  B.  Finke, 

President;  J.  Linxweiler,  Jr.,  Secretary;  C.  Schenk,  Treasurer. 

The  total  amount  of  premiums  received  by  the  company  from 


its  organization  to  December  31,  1880,  was $630,559  78 

Total  losses  paid,  same  time 139,091  78 

Cash  Dividends  paid,  same  time  141,250  00 

Dividends  paid  in  stock,  same  time  20.000  00 


THE  OHIO  FIRE  INSURANCE  COMPANY. 

This  company  was  organized  in  February,  1865,  with  an  authorized  cap- 
I $150,000.  of  which  sum  the  Directors  allowed  only  $100,000  to  be  sub- 
red  for.  Afterward,  at  the  urgent  request  of  other  friends  of  the  organi- 
t u,  the  subscribed  capital  was  increased  to  107,500  (leaving  the  sum  of 
• '00  of  the  authorized  capital  unsold),  upon  which  the  stockholders  paid 
.eum  of  $4  per  share,  making  the  paid-up,  or  cash  capital,  $21,500.  With 
i sum,  after  deducting  the  expense  of  office  furniture,  safe  and  supplies, 
r ompany  commenced  issuing  policies  March  27,  1865,  with  the  following 
Irs:  William  Dickey,  President;  Jonathan  Ivecney,  Yice  President;  W. 

■ lillespie,  Secretary.  Directors — William  Dickey,  G.  A.  Grove,  P.  T. 
''ey,  H.  M.  Turner,  Joseph  M.  Turner,  John  Wiggim,  Jonathan  Kenney, 
ham  Cahill  and  C.  L.  Yallandigham. 

William  Dickey  served  as  President  from  the  organization  until  January, 
'Y,  when  failing  health  compelled  him  to  resign.  The  capital  was  increased 
'00,000  in  May,  1880.  The  present  officers  are:  President,  J,  A.  Wal- 
t Tice  President,  H.  O.  Graves;  Secretary,  W.  H.  Gillespie;  Assistant 
|J|hary,  Harry  Gillespie;  Directors,  J.  A.  Walters,  Jonathan  Kenney,  George 
h'ove,  H.  C.  Graves,  G.  B.  Harmon,  S.  M.  Sullivan,  Dr.  J.  C.  Reeve. 
1 r i the  organization  of  the  company  to  December  31,  1880,  they  received 


748 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY"  COUNTY. 


$724,478  in  premiums,  and  paid  losses  amounting  to  $248,528.25.  Cash  d 
idends,  amounting  to  $105,250,  were  paid  in  the  same  time,  and  $86,000 
stock  premiums. 

THE  COOPER  INSURANCE  COMPANY. 

This  company  was  incorporated  and  commenced  doing  business  in  Ft 
ruary,  1867,  with  a capital  stock  (which  is  now  paid  up)  of  $100,000.  1 
first  officers  were:  D.  E.  Mead,  President,  and  D.  W.  Iddings,  Secreta 

The  office  was  first  located  at  No.  32  North  Main  street;  then,  in  the  fall 
1871,  at  No.  8 North  Main,  and  now  in  the  Firemen’s  building,  corner  Mi 
and  Second  streets.  The  present  officers  are:  D.  E.  Mead,  President.  ; 

O.  J.  Gunckel,  Secretary.  The  following  is  a statement  of  the  company 
the  period  ending  December  31,  1880: 


Available  assets $232,031  73 

Liabilities .* 72,233  20 

Net  surplus 59,798  47 

Premiums  received  since  organization 008,281  86 

Losses  paid,  same  time 275,031  57 

Cash  dividends  declared,  same  time • 114,200  00 


The  business  of  the  company  is  almost  entirely  confined  to  the  State 
Ohio. 

THE  SOUTHERN  OHIO  MUTUAL  BENEFIT  ASSOCIATION. 

This  association,  as  its  name  implies,  is  a Mutual  Benefit  Associati 
paying  policies  of  deceased  members  by  making  assessments  on  the  living, 
was  organized  under  the  laws  of  the  State  on  the  22d  of  December,  1£ 
with  the  following  officers:  S.  B.  Smith,  President;  W.  Huffman.  Vice  Pn 

dent;  William  Sanders,  Treasurer;  C.  L.  Geiger,  Secretary;  Nicholas  M< 
General  Agent,  and  G.  H.  Geiger,  Medical  Director.  The  present  offie 
are  the  same  except  B.  E.  Hauser,  Vice  President,  and  John  Kennedy,  Tr< 
urer. 

THE  COLUMBIA  INSURANCE  COMPANY. 

This  company  was  organized  January  1,  1882,  with  a cash  capital 
$150,000,  and  cash  surplus  of  $50,000,  and  no  liabilities.  It  confines  its  bi 
ness  entirely  to  Ohio.  The  officers  since  its  organization  are,  E.  M.  Thresl 
President;  O.  J.  Gunckel,  Secretary;  C.  L.  Seeley  and  W.  H.  Fuller,  Spe< 
Agents,  andE.  M.  Thresher,  George  W.  Kneisly,  James  Linden,  R.  C.  Setter 
Jr.,  Eugene  J.  Barney,  Albert  Thresher,  Samuel  W.  Davies,  D.  L.  Bike. .Oka: 
F.  Gunckel,  Directors.  The  company  occupy  rooms  on  the  northeast  cor 
of  Main  and  Second. 

STREET  RAILWAYS. 

The  Dayton  system  of  street  railways  comprises  four  routes  each,  c 
trolled  and  operated  by  a distinct  joint-stock  company. 

The  first  is  called  the  Third  Street  Route,  running  the  whole  length 
Third  street,  a distance  of  three  and  three-fourths  miles.  It  was  built 
1869-70,  and  has  since  been  in  successful  operation.  The  following-nan 
gentlemen  are  the  officers  of  the  company,  they  having  held  their  several 
sitions  since  the  organization  of  the  company:  W.  P.  Huffman,  Preside 

H.  H.  Williams,  Vice  President;  J.  W.  Stoddard,  Secretary;  George  W.  P 
ers,  Treasurer,  and  J.  A.  Kreidler,  Superintendent. 

The  second,  or  Dayton  View  Route,  was  built  in  1874,  by  a stock  ci 
pany,  but,  proving  a failure,  it  was  sold  in  1876,  to  the  present  compa 
which  consists  of  Messrs.  Clegg,  Perrine,  Stout  and  Wood.  It  is  three  . 
one-half  miles  long  and  cost  $45,000  per  mile.  It  runs  from  Dayton  Viev 
Main  street;  thence  to  Fifth;  thence  to  Brown;  thence  to  Warren,  and 
Warren  to  Oakwood.  The  only  officers  of  the  company  are  C.  B.  Clegg,  Ik 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


749 


1 


[i.t,  and  A.  C.  Sayer,  Superintendent.  They  employ  eleven  men,  thirty 
0|6s,  and  thirteen  cars. 

The  Water  Works  and  Asylum  Route  runs  from  the  Water  Works  to  Jef- 
n>n  street;  thence  to  Fifth;  thence  to  Wayne,  and  on  Wayne  to  the  Lu- 
a : Asylum.  It  was  built  in  the  latter  part  of  1871,  by  a company  whose 
ipal  stock  was  $100,000.  The  first  officers  were,  Samuel  D.  Edgar,  Presi- 
de?; Thomas  Shaffer,  Secretary;  George  W.  Short,  Treasurer.  The  present 
Sirs  are,  George  W.  Short,  President;  M.  Ohmer,  Vice  President;  Eugene 
,'nhet,  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  The  cost  of  construction  was  $44,000  per 
The  company  employs  thirteen  men  and  have  twenty-eight  horses  and 
viive  cars. 

The  Fifth  Street  Route  extends  along  the  full  length  of  Fifth  street,  and 
iree  and  one-quarter  miles  long.  It  was  completed  October  24,  1881, 
i the  first  cars  were  run.  It  is  owned  by  a stock  company,  incorporated 
list  16,  1881,  with  $200,000  capital  stock.  The  first  officers  were:  A.  A. 
i aas,  President;  D.  B.  Corwin,  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  They  employ 

< ty  men,  and  have  fifty-five  horses  and  fifteen  cars.  The  present  officers 
i eh  A,  Thomas,  President;  D.  B.  Corwin,  Secretary;  R.  I.  Cummin,  Treas- 
ie  M.  H.  Rawson,  Superintendent. 

DAYTON  GAS  LIGHT  AND  COKE  COMPANY. 

This  company  was  incorporated  by  an  act  passed  February  4,  1848,  the 
porators  being  : J.  D.  Phillips,  Valentine  Winters,  Robert  W.  Steele, 
idol  W.  Wheelock,  Daniel  Beckel,  Israel  F.  Howells,  Jacob  W.  Griswold, 

1 Mills,  David  Winters,  J.  D.  Loomis,  David  Stout  and  Peter  Voorhees. 
iipapital  stock  was  not  to  exceed  $50,000,  but  the  work  was  begun  on  a 
her  capital  and  under  many  discouragements  and  difficulties,  the  works  were 
■4d  and  about  one  mile  of  gas  main  laid  before  December  15,  1848.  Every 
:o.  was  made  to  have  the  gas  ready  for  use  by  January  1,  1849,  but  the 
- vJg  away  of  the  large  cistern  of  the  works  prevented  the  company  from  ac- 
dishing  their  object.  After  repeated  discouragements,  the  apparatus  was 
' lit  brought  into  complete  working  order,  and  February  5,  1849,  gas  was 

• for  consumption.  During  the  first  few  months,  applications  were  made 
ore  than  600  burners,  and  the  company  intended  putting  down,  in  the 

1 4 two  miles  of  mains.  Mr.  F.  C.  Macy  was  mainly  instrumental  in  agitat- 

< ,i6  gas  subject,  with  which  he  was  thoroughly  acquainted,  and  his  readiness 
nraunicating  any  information  called  for  greatly  facilitated  the  accom- 

• 9 hen t of  the  enterprise.  The  gas  manufactured  by  this  company  was  called 
ipchett’s  Patent  Solar  Gas,”  and  on  the  5th  of  February,  1849,  “the 
town  was  astir,  that  the  first  sight  of  this  brilliant  and  beautiful  light 
A not  be  missed.  The  city  hall  was  handsomely  lighted  by  thirteen  burn - 
’ splendid  chandelier  with  eight  burners  was  suspended  near  the  entrance 
1 tall,  for  exhibition,  by  Mr.  Lockwood.  It  is  gratifying  to  know  that 

• |s  company  has  surmounted  all  the  obstacles  which  have  so  impeded  the 
‘pssof  their  enterprise,  and  it  is  now  about  to  enter  the  full  tide  of  sire- 
s' The  above  is  quoted  from  the  daily  papers  of  February  6,  1849,  and 
castrates  the  excitement  which  the  new  light  created.  The  works  were 
1 y Mr.  John  Lockwood,  of  Cincinnati,  the  assignee  of  Crutchett,  and  the 
Much  was  made  from  grease  did  not  prove  such  a gratifying  success  as  ■was 
^pated.  The  company  lost  money  in  the  experiment,  and  the  works  -were 
1 " destroyed  by  fire.  In  1851,  new  gasworks  were  erected  after  plans  fur- 

( M by  John  Jeffrey,  of  Cincinnati,  a distinguished  gas  engineer,  and  the 
; 1 Divas  done  under  the  direction  of  J.  P.  Hadley.  The  principal  building 
‘ri  d 49|  feet  on  Water  street,  the  center  was  occupied  as  an  office  for  the 


750 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


business  of  the  company,  the  wings  for  purifying  and  the  retort  house  in  i 
rear  of  the  main  building.  There  was  a coal-house  100x30,  a tank  for  < 
holders  thirty  feet  in  diameter  and  twelve  feet  deep,  a gas  holder  thirty  fee' 
diameter  and  thirteen  feet  deep,  with  a capacity  of  13,000  cubic  feet  of  . 
and  a tar  tank  capable  of  holding  1,000  barrels.  The  works  cost  $11,000,  ; 
their  capacity  was  36,000  cubic  feet  of  gas  per  day,  but  so  constructed  as 
admit  of  enlargement  so  as  to  generate  100,000  cubic  feet  per  day.  This  . 
was  manufactured  from  coal,  and  the  completion  of  the  works  was  coianu 
orated  by  a supper  at  the  Swaynie  House,  on  Tuesday  evening,  September 
1851.  The  first  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Dayton  Gas  Light  and  Coke  Cc 
pany  were  Daniel  Beckel,  David  Stout,  I.  F.  Howells,  C.  G.  Swain  and  J< 
Lockwood.  On  the  7th  of  August,  1848,  I.  F.  Howells  was  elected  Presid 
of  the  company,  and  M.  B.  Walker,  Secretary,  but  they  soon  resigned,  and 
August  28,  Daniel  Beckel  became  President  and  I.  F.  Howells  Secretary, 
latter  of  whom  served  until  August  10,  1849,  when  G.  W.  Rogers  was  elec 
Secretary.  On  the  23d  of  May,  1849,  C.  G.  Swain  became  President,  sul 
quently  resigned  and  Daniel  Beckel  was  elected  August  7,  and  on  the  2 
of  the  same  month  was  succeeded  by  S.  B.  Brown,  who  remained  Presid 
until  the  election  of  William  Dickey,  May  26,  1853.  J.  M.  Kerr  became  f 
retary,  November  12,  1849;  was  succeeded  by  H.  Strickler,  March  14,  18 
and  lie  by  John  Garner  in  September  of  the  same  year.  The  latter  gentler 
served  until  the  electiou  of  Samuel  T.  Evans,  August  17.  1855;  R.  R.  Die 
was  elected  President  August  17,  1855,  and  served  in  that  capacityunt.il  Aug 
2,  1858,  when  William  Dickey  was  again  chosen  to  fill  that  position,  and 
mained  continuously  as  President  of  the  company  until  May  10,  1877.  at  ot 
time  he  resigned.  He  was  succeeded  by  his  son,  Samuel  A.  Dickey,  who  sei 
up  to  the  date  of  his  death,  which  occurred  August  9,  1880.  On  the  13th  | 
August,  R.  R.  Dickey  was  elected  President,  and  is  at  present  filling  that  p 
tion.  In  November,  1877,  George  M.  Smart  became  Secretary,  and  is  now 
cupying  that  office.  The  present  officers  are  : R.  R.  pickev,  President;  H. 
Graves,  Vice  President ; George  M.  Smart,  Secretary  ; Joseph  Light,  Supe:; 
tendent,  the  latter  of  whom  began  his  duties  in  1855,  and  has  ever  since  t 
connected  with  the  works.  The  present  Board  of  Directors  are:  R.  R.  Die. 
Joseph  Clegg,  H.  C.  Graves,  W.  P.  Callahan,  Simon  Gebhart,  Charles  A.  1 
lips  and  John  Harries.  The  old  gas  building  erected  in  1851  is  now  used 
a condenser  and  washers.  The  present  buildings  were  erected  in  1868, 
are  located  on  Water  street,  between  St.  Clair  and  Mill  streets.  They  coi 
of  two  two-story  brick  structures,  one  of  which  is  used  as  a meter  house 
Superintendent’s  office,  and  the  other  for  a purifying  house  and  engine  ri 
In.  1880,  the  last  gas  holder  was  built  with  a house  covering  it.  Its  caps 
is  100,000  cubic  feet  of  gas,  while  the  old  one  holds  110,000  cubic  feet, 
capital  stock  is  now  $450,000,  the  capacity  of  the  works,  350,000  feet  of 
per  day,  and  they  have  a coal  house  capable  of  holding  4,000  tons  of  coal, 
company  have  now  about  thirty-eight  miles  of  mains  and  1,000  city  gas  pi 
the  city  appropriating  $19,000  per  year  for  gas.  The  Dayton  National  I 
is  the  Treasurer  of  the  company,  and  their  office  is  120  East  Third  str 
which  is  neatly  fitted  up  and  occupies  two  rooms.  The  company  is  iu  a h 
ishing  condition,  and  under  the  administration  of  the  last  three  Presidents 
prospered  beyond  the  most  sanguine  expectations  of  its  warmest  friends. 

TELEGRAPHS. 

The  first  telegraph  message  received  at  this  place  was  one  from  the 
structor,  O’Rielly,  congratulating  the  people  on  having  the  telegraph  to  j 
town.  It  was  sent  September  17,  1847. 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


751 


In  1850,  there  was  another  line  built,  and  shortly  thereafter  another.  In 
v,,  there  were  the  Wade  line,  the  National  or  Pittsburgh,  Cincinnati  & Lou- 
vle  line,  the  Ohio,  Mississippi  & Illinois,  or  O’Rielly  line,  and  the  House 
rting  line,  all  doing  business  in  one  room  on  the  coi'ner  of  Third  and  Main 
r ts.  In  1857,  the  Wade  and  House  Printing  Companies  consolidated,  forming 
^Western  Union,  and  in  the  year  following  the  two  remaining  companies 
e merged  into  it.  The  first  manager  was  W.  •I.  Delano,  who  was  also  Su- 
u itendent  of  the  district.  He  served  as  manager  one  year,  when  he  was  suc- 
3,  H by  J.  H.  Kiersted.  E.  J.  Lane  became  the  manager  in  1867,  and 
aid  until  1881,  when  he  was  succeded  by  John  Yoorhes,  the  present  incumbent. 

The  Atlantic  & Pacific  Telegraph  Company  opened  an  office  here  in  1870, 

. room,  No.  10,  North  Jefferson  street.  It  was  successively  managed  by 
Dunning,  W.  G.  Whitehurst,  John  Yoorhes,  Lowe  and  W.  H.  Kiefer.  It 
, was  purchased  by  the  Western  Union,  and  merged  into  that  company. 

The  American  Union  opened  their  office  here  in  February,  1880,  at  No. 

' ruth  Jefferson  street,  under  the  management  of  John  Yoorhes.  In  1881, 
a company  consolidated  with  the  Western  Union,  the  office  remaining  under 
Alger  Yoorhes’  supervision,  at  No.  16  South  Jefferson  street,  to  which  place 
e Vestern  Union  was  moved. 

In  1882,  the  Mutual  Union  Telegraph  Company  completed  their  lines  to 
1 a on,  and  on  the  9th  of  March  of  that  year,  they  opened  an  office  in  the  old 
ejern  Union  stand, funder  W.  H.  Kiefer.  There  are  now  but  two  offices  in 
ftity. 


752 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

St.  Elizabeth  Hospital — Woodland  Cemetery — Calvary  Cemetery— 
scriptive  Review  of  the  City  of  Dayton. 

ST.  ELIZABETH  HOSPITAL. 

LPOR  a number  of  years  prior  to  the  founding  of  this  charitable  institut 
-L'  the  Rev.  Father  J.  F.  Hahne,  pastor  of  Emanuel’s  Church,  had  beea 
sirous  of  seeing  a hospital  of  the  Sisters  in  Dayton,  and  had  repeatedly  invi 
the  attention  of  the  Mother  Superior  of  the  Sisters  of  the  Poor  of  St.  Fra! 
to  the  lack  of  hospital  accommodations  in  the  city,  and  solicited  her  aid 
kindly  offices  toward  the  establishment  of  such  an  institution  here  under 
care  of  her  order. 

In  1878,  his  prayer  was  answered,  and  soon  thereafter  there  appearei 
our  midst  two  strange  faces,  whose  appearance  on  our  streets,  clothed  in  at 
of  brown,  with  an  embroidered  red  cross  in  front,  and  black  veil  and  ck 
attracted  the  attention  of  our  people.  These  were  the  forerunners,  and  th 
the  mission  of  founding  St.  Elizabeth’s  Hospital.  Prior  to  this  time  no 
tematic  accommodations  for  the  receiving  and  caring  of  the  indigent  sick, 
unfortunate  victims  of  accidents,  existed  in  this  city,  other  than  the  “ p 
house,”  a habitation  which,  in  name  and  associations,  and  its  restricted  acc 
modations,  were  alike  objectionable  and  insufficient  to  properly  and  satisfa 
rily  care  for  the  varied  class  and  character  of  applicants  for  hospital  treatm 
This  condition  of  things  had,  at  different  times  for  many  years  past,  suggei 
various  propositions  on  the  part  of  public-spirited  citizens,  and  the  introc 
tion  of  resolutions  into  the  City  Council  for  the  creation  of  an  establish) 
equal  to  the  wants  and  dignity  of  the  city. 

No  decisive  steps,  however,  were  ever  taken  by  the  City  Council,  01 
than  a mere  discussion  and  a reference  to  future  action.  As  the  undertal 
seemed,  moreover,  too  large  and  expensive  for  individual  enterprise,  the 
ject  had  never  as  yet  taken  any  definite  shape. 

The  task,  then,  of  filling  so  great  a void  and  establishing  such  an  u 
tution  in  our  midst,  has  devolved  upon  a small  number  of  women,  belong 
to  the  Order  of  the  Sisters  of  the  Poor  of  St.  Francis,  whose  mission  is 
alleviation  and  care  of  the  sick  and  helpless,  and  whose  motto  is  that  of 
untary  and  absolute  poverty. 

The  Sisters  referred  to  were  Emilie  and  Columba,  who,  on  the  2d  of  ■ 
of  that  year,  rented  a moderately-sized  two-story  brick  building  on  Fn 
lin  street,  near  Ludlow,  and  commenced  to  prepare  the  premises  for  bos] 
purposes.  July  25,  a railroader,  with  a crushed  arm,  the  result  of  an  accid 
was  brought  to  their  doors  for  treatment.  He  was  received,  although,  in 
language  of  our  informant,  “ they  were  compelled  to  go  to  housekeeping 
fore  they  were  quite  ready.” 

Then  commenced  an  active  solicitation  on  their  part  for  assistance  and 
couragement.  Sufficient  aid  to  furnish  the  house  and  devote  it  to  its  purp 
was  soon  obtained. 

A staff  of  physicians,  who  devote  their  time  and  services  gratuitoi 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


758 


>;  selected.  Applicants  of  admission  came  pouring  in,  and  the  hospital 
barne  a fixed  fact. 

At  once  an  additional  two-story  frame  house  was  erected  on  the  premises, 
.hi two  houses  accommodating  forty-one  patients.  Sister  Emilie  was  the  Su- 
itor in  charge  for  about  one  and  a half  years,  and  was  succeeded  by  Sis- 
:.e:  Columba,  who  is  still  the  Sister  Superior,  assisted  by  fourteen  resident 
r.  ers. 

The  necessities  of  the  institution  demand  more  room,  and,  in  fact,  a more 
nnsive  base  for  a full  display  of  its  great  usefulness.  The  Sisters  have 
epted  six  acres  of  land,  known  as  the  Patterson  Brown  property,  in  Brown- 
mi,  and  began  the  erection  of  a building  that  will  presumably  accommodate 
! 'equirements  for  many  years  to  come. 

The  corner-stone  of  the  building  was  laid  September  17,  1881,  by  the 
israble  Father,  John  F.  Hahne,  it  having  been  his  last  official  act.  The 
tiding  is  constructed  of  brick,  with  stone  trimmings.  The  main  building 
3 )x46  feet,  five  stories  and  an  attic.  Wings  on  either  side  of  main  build- 
n 40x35  feet. 

Two  rear  wings  25x26  feet,  four  stories  and  an  attic. 

In  rear  of  hospital  is  a building,  43x45,  for  kitchen,  laundry  and  boiler- 
x,se  purposes. 

The  interior  arrangements  and  the  various  floors  will  be  used  as  follows: 

First  story  will  be  devoted  to  work  room,  linen  room,  apothecary,  waiting 
■ i,  physician’s  room,  parlor,  five  bed-rooms,  offices. 

Second  floor  will  have  one  large  ward  and  one  small  ward,  both  for  men. 
Vr  private  rooms  for  men,  accident  ward,  operating  room  and  two  surgeons’ 
rids. 

Third  floor,  consists  of  two  wards  for  men  and  two  wards  for  women,  and 
file  private  rooms  for  women. 

F oui’th  floor,  two  wards  for  women,  two  wards  for  men,  also,  three  private 

as  for  men. 

Fifth  floor  will  be  devoted  to  bed-rooms  for  the  Sisters.  There  will  be  an 
i'ator  from  the  basement  to  the  attic. 

Entering  the  main  entrance,  the  visitor  pases  through  a hall  nine  by  nine- 
J1  feet  into  the  main  staircase  hall,  which  is  22x23  feet,  and  which  continues 
o le  top  of  the  building.  Branching  off  from  each  side  of  this  hall  is  a cor- 
hr  eight  feet  wide,  running  through  to  each  end  of  the  building,  with  stair- 
w;s  at  each  end. 

Each  floor  will  have  two  pantries,  with  dumb  waiter  in  each  from  base- 
j't,  through  which  all  meals  will  be  served. 

There  will  be  two  bath-rooms  in  each  story,  also  water-closets  and  wash 
t;  ds. 

The  building  will  be  heated  by  steam,  and  ventilated  in  the  best  manner, 
’Ci  by  natural  and  artificial  means.  There  will  be  covered  piazzas  on  each 
fi  J of  the  two  rear  wings  for  the  accommodation  of  convalescent  patients. 

Store  and  other  rooms  will  be  located  in  the  basement. 

The  building  will  cost  $65,000. 

The  hospital  is  under  the  management  of  the  Sisters. 

The  foil  owing- named  physicians  have  constituted  the  medical  staff  of  the 
aitution  since  its  establishment: 

President  of  Staff.  J.  C.  Reeve,  M.  D..;  Consulting  Physicians  and  Sur- 
Ajis,  E.  Pilate,  M.  D.,  T.  L.  Neal,  M.  D.,  John  Davis,  M.  D. ; Visiting  Phy- 
!;s  and  Surgeons,  W.  J.  Conklin,  M.  D. , J.  D.  Daugherty,  M.  D.,  H.  S.  Jew- 


754 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


The  number  of  Patients  received  and  treated  during  the  year  endin<>  i 
ust  31,  1881,  is  given  as  follows: 


In  Hospital  September  1,  1880 

September 

October 

November 

December 

January 

February 

March 

April 

May 

June 

July 

August 

Grand  Total 


Male. 

Female. 

14 

10 

28 

6 

14 

2 

12 

i 

13 

4 

11 

14 



10 

2 

19 

3 

17 

9 

23 

5 

24 

4 

33 

9 

232 

64 

Civil  condition — Married  and  widowed,  100;  Unmarried,  172.  Total,  ' 

Religion — Catholic,  146;  Protestants,  126.  Total,  272. 

Nationalities — United  States,  133;  Germany,  78;  Ireland,  42;  Engl; 
6;  Switzerland,  4;  Prance,  3;  Wales,  2;  Denmark,  1;  Holland,  1;  Canada 
Bavaria,  1.  Total,  272. 

Ages — Under  twenty  years,  32;  between  twenty  and  thirty  years,  74; 
tween  thirty  and  forty  years,  57;  between  forty  and  fifty  years,  40;  betwcci 
ty  and  sixty  years,  30;  between  sixty  and  seventy  years,  22;  between  sovo 
and  eighty  years,  9;  between  eighty  and  ninety  years,  4;  unknown,  4.  T( 
272. 


Recovered 

Improved 

Unimproved 

Died 

Remaining  in  Hospital  August  31,  1881 


.Since  the  opening  of  the  hospital,  824  patients  have  been  admitted 
treatment. 


WOODLAND  CEMETEBY. 


This  hallowed  spot  is  conveniently  and  beautifully  located  on  an  elevi 
tract  of  ground  a little  southeast  of  the  city.  Though  within  the  corpo 
limits,  it  is  so  situated  as  likely  never  to  be  disturbed  by  the  onward  grc 
and  progress  of  the  city.  It  comprises  nearly  one  hundred  acres  of  groi 
whose  surface  is  composed  almost  entirely  of  hills  and  valleys,  which 
covered  with  numerous  forest  trees,  with  here  and  there  numbers  of  the  ch 
est  evergreens  and  deciduous  trees.  The  ground  rises  continually.  the 
gradually;  yet  in  some  places  the  ascent  is  steep,  from  the  entrance  to 
summit  of  the  main  hill,  about  two-thirds  of  the  distance  of  the  cemetery  t 
north  to  south.  There  are  a number  of  neat  and  spacious  avenues  traven 
the  entire  grounds,  rendering,  by  their  numerous  intersections,  each  lot 
of  access.  These  avenues  are  sixteen  in  number,  and  are  appropriately 
prettily  named,  a number  receiving  their  appellations  from  the  kind  ot  ' 
skirting  their  borders,  and  are  as  follows:  Red  Oak.  Walnut,  Van  Cleve,Ri| 
Maple,  North,  West,  Cherry,  Sycamore,  Ash,  Locust,  Cottonwood,  South;  Ss 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


755 


fr;  Monument  and  Valley,  tlie  latter  being  the  principal  one,  and  passes 
a ugh  the  great  valley  from  the  northeast  to  southwest.  The  grounds  are 
-allied  with  running  water,  water-works  having  been  built  in  1877,  at  a cost 
f 1,300.  On  the  summit  of  the  hill,  in  the  northern  part  of  the  cemetery, 
e reservoir,  holding  about  four  hundred  barrels,  into  which  the  water  is 
l id  a distance  of  184  feet,  by  means  of  a steam  force  pump  of  twelve- horse- 
on-.  The  supply  is  furnished  from  a well  below.  Twenty- two  self-closing 
v unts  are  distributed  throughout  the  grounds,  and  a beautiful  little  lake, 
a low  pipe  fcuntaiu  in  its  center,  is  gently  nestled  in  a low  and  valley - 
kspot  by  the  surrounding  hills.  The  numerous  hills,  forming  on  either 
ci  of  the  many  avenues,  terraces  of  great  natural  beauty,  affording  excellent 
Mi  for  bank  tombs  or  vaults,  of  which  the  cemetery  has  many.  The  “public 
atb”  is  of  this  kind,  and  is  situated  in  the  southwestern  part  of  the  cemetery, 
■i  the  entrance.  Many  artistically  designed  and  costly  monuments  dot 
it  grounds.  On  the  brow  of  a hill  near  the  lake  is  situated  “ De  Graff 
inel.”  It  is  a very  imposing  structure  of  one  apartment,  probably 
2: 2 feet,  built  entirely  of  stone  and  marble,  with  copper  door,  and  con- 

the  remains  of  two  of  that  family,  deposited  in  massive  marble, 
of  Gothic  architecture,  and  its  peculiarity  calls  forth  this  mentioning, 
dun  the  grounds  is  what  was  formerly  the  Superintendent’s  residence,  situ- 
- e at  the  entrance,  not  far  from  which  has  just  been  erected  a fine  brick 
Oing,  more  commodious  for  the  purpose,  at  a cost  of  over  $4,000.  The 
mthe  steps  toward  the  establishment  of  a rural  cemetery  where  every  pos- 
-h  safeguard  should  be  thrown  around  the  resting-place  of  the  dead,  were 
ki  in  1840  by  Mi’.  John  W.  Van  Cleve,  to  whom  more  than  to  any  other 
on  are  the  people  of  Dayton  indebted  for  their  beautiful  cemetery,  and  for 
prosperity  which  has  attended  the  enterprise  from  the  beginning.  At  his 
j;k,  in  1858,  the  Trustees  expressed  their  sense  of  obligation  to  him  in  a 

I pie  memorial  which  is  recorded  in  the  minutes  and  appears  in  this  sketch. 
t Srst  graveyard  of  Dayton,  located  at  the  northeast  corner  of  Main  and 

I I streets,  was,  after  a few  years’  occupation,  abandoned,  and  the  shocking 
peacle  was  often  witnessed  of  human  remains  exposed  to  view,  in  excavating 

k:s  for  the  business  houses  which  now  cover  the  whole  ground.  In  1805, 

■ el  C.  Cooper  donated  a tract  of  land  for  the  use  of  the  Presbyterian  and 

■ odist  Churches,  and  the  town  of  Dayton,  for  burial  purposes.  It  was  situat- 

West  Fifth  street,  and  was  thought  to  be  so  remote  from  the  town  that  it 
1 never  be  encroached  upon.  In  less  than  thirty  years,  it  was  found  to 
jisuitable  for  the  purpose,  and  in  the  course  of  time  interments  were  for- 
®|nj  in  it  by  city  ordinance.  It  was  with  this  view  that  the  question  of  a rural 
:eJs§W  ar°se.  Articles  of  association  were  drawn  up  by  Mr.  Van  Cleve  in 

■ ary,  1841,  and  fifty  signatures  were  obtained,  the  subscribers  forming 
selves  into  an  association  under  the  name  and  style  of  “The  Woodland  Cem- 
■i  Association,’’  and  purchased  of  Augustus  George,  for  the  establishment  of 
i il  cemetery  in  the  vicinity  of  the  town,  forty  acres  of  ground,  to  be  taken 
Square,  at  the  price  of  $60  per  acre.  A meeting  of  the  subscribers  was 
V at  the  office  of  the  Firemen’s  Insurance  Company,  on  Thursday  evening, 
Dary  18,  1841.  James  Steele  was  appointed  Chairman,  and  David  C. 
.h  Secretary,  at  which  meeting  was  organized  the  Woodland  Cemetery  As- 
iion  by  the  election  of  the  following  officers:  Trustees,  Job  Haines,  James 
rie>  Edward  W.  Davies,  J.  D.  Phillips  and  John  W.  Van  Cleve;  Secretary, 

1 -t  C.  Schenck;  Treasurer,  David  Z.  Peirce.  At  a subsequent  meeting  of 
be  Trustees,  John  W.  Van  Cleve  was  elected  President  of  the  Association. 

Jl  m order  of  time,  began  the  third  rural  cemetery  of  any  magnitude  estab- 
m the  United  States,  preceding  Spring  Grove,  at  Cincinnati,  three 


lish 


756 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


years.  On  the  29th  of  April,  1841,  a deed  was  received  from  Augustus  G( 
for  the  forty  acres  of  ground  above  referred  to.  This  tract  of  land  was  co1 
with  a dense  growth  of  forest  trees,  many  of  them  of  the  largest  size 
ground  was  at  once  inclosed,  and  suitable  carriage  ways  laid  out,  and  tke\ 
subdivided  into  burial  lots,  seventeen  by  twenty-two  feet  each.  This  m< 
of  division  has  not  been  followed  by  the  Trustees  in  platting  new  grt 
The  act  to  incorporate  the  cemetery  was  passed  February  28,  1842,  and  adi 
by  the  association  April  16  of  the  same  year.  On  the  7th  day  of  June, 
the  cemetery  was  opened,  and  the  lots  offered  at  public  sale,  and  on  fir 
of  the  same  month  the  grounds  were  dedicated  with  the  following  order  o 
ercises:  Prayer  by  Rev.  James  C.  Barnes;  hymn — Old  Hundred;  addre 
Rev.  John  W.  Hall;  hymn — Pleyel’s  German  hymn;  dedication and  pray t 
Rev.  Ethan  Allen;  hymn — Dundee;  benediction.  The  first  interment 
made  July  11.  1843,  when  were  interred  the  remains  of  Allen  Cullum, 
near  the  center  of  the  cemetery.  It  has  been  the  aim  of  the  Trustees  t 
crease  the  size  of  the  grounds  by  the  purchase  of  adjacent  land  when  opj 
nity  offered.  Contiguity  to  the  city,  while  an  advantage  in  some  respect; 
rendered  large  additions  of  ground  impossible;  however,  the  cemetery 
comprises  more  than  twice  the  amount  of  the  original  purchase,  and  it  is 
mated  that  over  thirty  acres  of  available  ground  remain  unsold.  The  [ 
lence  of  fine  forest  trees  very  appropriately  gave  the  name  of  Woodland  t 
cemetery.  The  sylva  of  the  grounds,  in  1843,  as  recorded  by  Mr.  Van  ( 
exhibited  forty-one  different  kinds  of  trees.  Before  the  opening  of  the  gro 
such  trees  as  were  thought  unsuitable  were  removed,  and,  up  to  1870,  no 
further  had  been  done,  and  owing  to  the  growth  and  decay  of  trees,  ii 
thought  best  to  remove  a large  number,  which  work  was  superintended  b; 
James  Kidd,  who  proved  himself  thoroughly  competent.  The  same  yes 
Trustees  planted  in  suitable  places  large  numbers  of  the  choicest  evergreer 
deciduous  trees,  heretofore  spoken  of. 

The  following  officers  were  elected  for  the  years  indicated.  Pres 
John  W.  Van  Cleve,  elected  February  18,  1841,  deceased  September  6, 
Secretary,  Robert  C.  Schenck,  elected  February  18,  1841;  term  expired 
ruary  18,  1853.  Robert  W.  Steele,  elected  Secretary,  February  18, 1853;  e 
President  September  14,  1858.  Edwin  Smith,  elected  September  14. 
term  expired  September  11,  1865.  Ziba  Crawford,  elected  September  11. 
Treasurer — D.  Z.  Peirce,  elected  February  18,  1841;  deceased  August  15, 
V.  Winters,  elected  March  4,  1861.  Superintendent  of  Grounds — G 

Lane,  appointed ; deceased  September  5, 1860.  William  W.  Ban 

pointed  September  5,  1860;  resigned  June  14,  1869.  J.  0.  Cline,  appt 
June  14,  1869.  Trustees,  1841  to  1882 — John  W.  Van  Cleve,  elected  I 
ary  18,  1841;  deceased  September  6,  1858.  Job  Haines,  elected  Februa 
1841;  deceased  July  16,  1860.  James  Perrine,  elected  February  18, 
deceased  January  22,  1864.  J.  D.  Phillips,  elected  February  IS,  184. 
ceased  February  13,  1871.  Edward  W.  Davies,  elected  February  18,  | 
deceased  December  11,  1873.  Robert  W.  Steele,  elected  September  14, 
Thomas  Brown,  elected  March  4,  1861;  term  expired  September  If,  18b 
G.  Lowe,  elected  April  16,  1864.  Andrew  Gump,  elected  September  11, 
term  expired  February  18,  1875.  John  H.  Winters,  elected  March  io, 
Thomas  Brown,  re-elected  January  12,  1874.  S.  W.  Davies  elected  I1  els 
18,  1875.  Present  officers  and  Trustees  as  follows:  Robert  W.  Steele, 
dent;  Ziba  Crawford,  Secretary;  Valentine  Winters,  Treasurer;  John  G. 
Superintendent;  Robert  W.  Steele,  John  G.  Lowe,  John  H.  Winters,  T 
Brown  and  Samuel  W.  Davies,  Trustees. 

The  ground  now  comprising  the  cemetery  cost  about  $30,000,  ar 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


757 


eji  purchased  in  quantities  (excepting  the  first  forty  acres),  from  a fraction 
Mot  to  ten  acres,  from  the  following- named  persons:  Johnson  V.  Perrine 
aes  Stover,  Mary  George,  Nathaniel  Hast,  Prosser  & Snider,  P.  Hamilton, 
Bradford,  S.  Boltin,  Master  Commissioner,  W.  Eichelberger,  M.  M.  Dodds, 
~H.  Gill,  Dr.  J.  Coblentz,  estate  J.  Y.  Perrine,  M.  Bodem’s  heirs,  Daniel 
-;erer,  Sarah  D.  Beckel  and  S.  N.  Brown,  and  in  about  ten  different  years, 
be  were  removed  from  the  old  graveyards  about  fifteen  hundred  remains, 
aup  to  May  1,  1882,  there  have  been  interred  (including  all  removals  from 
olr  cemeteries),  11,092  bodies.  The  statement  below,  gives  the  number  of 
lUmeuts  from  1843  to  February  1,  1882:  1843.  10;  1844,  58;  1845,  101; 
h,  88;  1847,  93;  1848,  119;  1849,  188;  1850,  187;  1851,  141;  1852,  180; 

219;  1854,  412;  1855,  328;  1856,  292;  1857,  193;  1858,  257;  1859, 

;i  I860,  317;  1861,  318;  1862,  318;  1863,  300;  1864,  381;  1865,  300; 

if,  325;  1867,  264;  1868,  324;  1869,  404;  1870,  396;  1871.  339;  1872. 

S(  1873,  383;  1874,  353;  1875,  391;  1876,379;  1877,  405;  1878,  356;  1879. 
II  1880,  421;  1881  (to  February  1,  1882),  465. 

CALVARY  CEMETERY. 

On  the  9th  of  July,  1872,  Calvary  Cemetery  Association  was  organized, 
acjfche  following  first  Board  of  Trustees  elected;  Revs.  J.  F.  Hahne,  William 
arey,  F.  J.  Goetz  and  H.  Stuckenborg,  for  the  term  of  three  years;  Will- 
nlEelfrich,  N.  Ohmer,  John  Stephans  and  Henry  Hilgefort,  for  two  years. 
icRobert  Chambers,  Severin  Wiegert,  Theodore  Barlow  and  Henry  Schlaman. 
me  year;  Jacob  Stephans,  elected  Clerk.  Soon  thereafter  were  purchased 
ay  acres  of  ground  two'  and  a half  miles  south  of  the  city,  and  the  name 
ilvary  Cemeteiy  given  it.  It  is  beautifully  situated  on  the  bluffs  of  the 
ret  Miami.  It  has  been  regularly  laid  out  into  lots,  and  is  dotted  with 
.nbery.  The  cost  of  the  ground  was  $25,000.  The  following  table 
iO,  the  number  of  interments  thus  far  made  in  the  cemetery:  July  1,  1875, 
ly  1,  1876,91;  July  1,  1876,  to  July  1,  1877.  151;  July  1,  1877,  to  July  1, 
175;  July  1,  1878,  to  July  1,  1879,  181;  July  1,  1879,  to  July  1,  1880, 
1 July  1,  1880,  to  July  1,  i881,  265;  July  1,  1881,  to  May  23,  1882,  270; 
e 1,347.  Of  this  number,  315  were  removed  from  St.  Henry’s  Cemetery, 
e lsewhere.  The  cemetery  is  exclusively  a Catholic  burying-ground. 

Present  officers  are  as  follows:  N.  Ohmer,  Vice  President;  John  H.  Finke, 
ctary;  A.  Froendhoff.  Treasurer;  William  Irvin,  Superintendent. 

Executive  Committee — N.  Ohmer,  M.  Walter,  Henry  Hilgefort,  S.  Wiegert. 
Trustees  or  Directors — Emanuel's  Church,  Michael  Walter  and  A.  Froend- 
£ St.  Joseph’s  Church,  Rev.  J.  J.  O' Donohue,  Nicholas  Ohmer,  James 
(nett.  St.  Mary’s  Church,  Rev.  H.  Stuckenborg,  Severin  Wiegert,  Franz 

■ Holy  Trinity  Church,  Rev.  T.  J.  Goetz,  Henry  Hilgefort,  Sebastian 
r ihle. 

ST.  henry’s  cemetery. 

-he  first  burying-ground  of  the  Catholics  bore  this  name.  In  September, 
t one-half  of  what  was  known  as  Outlot  No.  27,  was  pm-chased  by 
'ishop  Purcell  of  Thomas  Morrison,  for  $305.  March  2,  1853,  the 
h half  of  the  same  lot  was  purchased  by  the  same  gentleman  of  E.  W. 
L As,  for  $800.  These  two  pieces  of  ground  with,  perhaps,  later  additions, 
isjtute  St.  Henry’s  Cemetery.  Interments  were  made  therein  soon  after 

■ 'eparation  of  the  ground  for  a graveyard.  It  is  like  the  other  burying- 
"ds  located  south  of  the  city,  yet  is  within  the  corporate  limits.  The 

-■'Ads  are  inclosed  by  a high  board  fence,  and  contain  many  beautiful  shade 
11  v ind  evergreens,  with  shrubbery.  Few  interments  are  now  made  in  it. 

cc 


758 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


as  pretty  much  all  of  the  space  has  been  taken  up,  and  it  is  considered 
abandoned. 

HEBREW  CEMETERY. 

Situated  south  of  Dayton,  and  nearly  opposite  Woodland  Cemetery, 
the  burying-ground  of  the  Hebrew  Congregation.  We  failed  to  find  the  d 
at  the  court  house,  or  from  other  sources  to  learn  of  whom  and  when 
ground  was  purchased;  however,  it  is  evident  that,  from  interments  made  th> 
the  ground  must  have  been  purchased  and  used  for  burial  purposes  soon  a 
the  organization  of  the  congregation  in  the  city.  There  are  several  acres 
ground  in  the  yard,  which  is  partially  surrounded  by  a high  stone  fenct 
wall.  Many  tasty  and  beautiful  stones  dot  the  grounds,  which  are  kept  in 
feet  order. 

DESCRIPTIVE  REVIEW  OF  THE  CITY  OF  DAYTON. 

This  city,  from  its  favorable  location;  its  advantageous  surroundings; 
commercial  facilities,  natural  and  acquired;  its  business  opportunities; 
manufactures;  its  solidity;  its  advantages  as  a shipping  and  distributing  pc 
its  wealth;  the  intelligence,  culture,  taste,  refinement  and  moral  advancer 
of  its  people;  its  public  and  private  enterprise ; its  excellent  sanitary  condit 
its  metropolitan  advantages — in  short,  the  thousand  and  one  things  that 
to  make  a city  a desirable  place  for  residence  or  for  business,  are  beginnin 
attract  the  attention  of  people  from  abroad,  who  have  learned  of  the  p] 
As  a result,  a tide  of  capital  and  business  industry  and  enterprise  is  gradn 
settling  in  this  direction,  and  which  will  assist  very  materially  in  buxldin<! 
at  this  point  a city  destined  at  no  distant  day  to  take  a prominent  place  an 
the  important  inland  cities  of  America.  Dayton  now  numbers  about  f 
thousand  inhabitants,  comprised  very  largely  of  those  belonging  to  the  wor! 
or  industrial  classes,  mechanics,  tradesmen — the  “ sons  of  toil.”  Dayton  ii 
sentially  a busy  city.  There  are  few  drones  residing  here.  That  is  to 
there  are  few,  indeed,  who  do  not  labor  in  some  useful  sphere.  There  ar 
course,  many  men  of  wealth — capitalists — but  they  generally  are  actively 
busily  engaged  in  business.  Perhaps  no  city  in  this  country,  of  the  same 
can  boast  of  its  wealth  being  so  equally  distributed  among  its  citizens  as  is 
case  in  Dayton.  Among  all  its  wealthy  citizens,  there  is  not  a millionaire, 
then  none  in  abject  poverty.  It  has  many  wealthy  men,  and  but  few  r< 
poor  ones. 

The  importance  of  Dayton  as  a business  center  is,  perhaps,  not  prof 
appreciated,  except  by  those  who  have  made  the  city  a residence  for  a gri 
or  less  length  of  time,  or  by  those  who  have  maintained  business  relal 
with  her  merchants,  which  would  afford  them  fair  opportunity  of  ju<k 
Situated  in  the  midst  of  the  beautiful  and  fruitful  Miami  Valley,  at  the 
Hue  nee  of  the  Stillwater  and  Mad  River  with  the  Miami,  and  surrounde< 
all  sides,  far  and  near,  by  the  most  populous,  wealthiest  and  best  agTiculi 
country  to  be  found  in  Ohio,  Dayton  enjoys  a local  or  domestic  revenue 
beyond  her  limits  unequaled  anywhere.  The  surrounding  country  is  peo 
with  a class  of  farmers  who  have  grown  wealthy,  and  are  as  valuable  to 
chants  of  Dayton  as  they  would  be  if  residents  of  the  city.  From  Pa 
radiate  roads  or  pikes  graded  and  graveled,  and  all  of  them  free  of  toll,  t 
parts  of  this  wealthy,  agricultural  region,  or  grand  garden,  we  might  ca 
and  along  these  roads  pour  into  the  city  continuous  streams  of  farm  prod 
which  here  find  ready  sale  at  good  prices,  owing  to  the  splendid  shipping 
distributing  facilities  afforded  by  the  canal  and  numerous  railroads  gom- 
to  all  points  of  the  compass.  The  estimated  value  of  farm  products  anm 
brought  to  Dayton  and  disposed  of  for  cash  is  $8,000,000.  The  solidity  o 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


759 


tof  Dayton  in  point  of  healthy  growth,  socially,  morally,  as  well  as  archi 
cirally  is  perhaps  not  so  fully  estimated  by  the  general  public  as  it  should 
The  business  of  the  city  has  steadily  increased.  It  has  been  a healthy 
vth,  speaking  well  for  the  prudence  and  foresight  of  its  capitalists,  mer- 
i;  ts,  manufacturers  and  others  engaged  in  business  pursuits.  The  volume 
usiness  has  kept  steady  pace  in  growth  with  the  increase  in  population, 
h h,  for  the  past  forty  years,  has  been  on  an  average  about  seventy-five  per 
i for  each  decade. 

Socially  and  morally,  Dayton  will  compare  favorably  with  any  city  in  the 
1 1.  Its  citizens  are  in  the  main  a church-going  people  and,  as  a result, 
ity  is  adorned  with  so  many  elegant  and  costly  places  of  worship  as  to 
x;  it  to  be  spoken  of  by  travelers  as  “the  city  of  churches.”  All  denomina- 
and  creeds  are  represented,  whether  Christian  or  Hebrew.  The  public 
b >ls  of  Dayton  are  of  a character  to  cause  her  citizens  to  speak  of  them  with 
k There  are  also  numerous  private  schools,  academies  and  seminaries  of 
e ighest  order.  As  a result  of  all  this,  the  people  are  of  high  moral  and 
•cl  standard.  The  arts  and  sciences  are  cultivated  and  fostered,  and  evi- 
1 3S  are  to  be  seen  upon  every  hand  of  culture  and  refinement,  not  only  of 
p rate  character,  coupled  with  wealth,  but  of  a public  character  as  well. 

ibraries  and  art  galleries,  her  fountains  and  gardens,  all  attest  the  culti- 
t a of  the  people  of  this  beautiful  city.  The  city  embraces  about  ten  square 
1 of  territory,  containing  nearly  two  hundred  miles  of  streets  regularly 
'out  and  finished.  The  gravel  obtained  here  in  abundance  is  the  best  ma- 
: in  the  world  for  street- making,  as  will  be  seen  by  a drive  through  any  of 
3 loroughfares.  Most  of  the  principal  streets  and  avenues  are  very  broad, 
h.  level  and  lined  on  either  side  by  flagged  sidewalks  and  rows  of  thrifty 
on  and  ornamental  trees,  making  them  inviting  for  driving  or  the  prome- 
fl  and  they  are  daily,  in  fair  weather,  thronged  with  elegant  turnouts, 
oasts  innumerable,  handsome  residences,  many  of  them  of  the  truly  pala- 
! t’der,  situated  both  in  the  city  proper  and  in  the  suburbs,  to  say  nothing 
■ ! many  elegant  villas  crowning  the  hills  surrounding  and  overlooking  the 
} The  lawns  environing  the  more  elegant  mansions  make  the  avenues  in 
portions  of  the  city  devoted  principally  to  residences  as  inviting  and  at- 
'■  ve  as  can  be  found  anywhere.  The  business  portion  of  the  city  is  com- 
v-r  and  substantially  built  of  brick,  stone  and  iron.  Many  of  the  blocks 
rge  and  attractive.  The  celebrated  Dayton  marble  is  quarried  near  the 
imits,  and  as  a building  material  is  unequaled  for  beauty  and  durability. 
I-1  < did  on  to  the  many  large  blocks  now  in  use,  several  new  ones,  large  and 
’initial,  are  in  process  of  construction,  to  meet  the  demands  of  increasing 
?:ess. 


’he  public  buildings  of  the  city  and  county  are,  as  well  as  the  private 
ngs,  of  the  most  costly,  elegant  and  attractive  character.  In  the  imrne- 
' vicinity  of  the  city  are  the  National  Soldiers’  Home — the  “ Hotel  de  Inval- 
•mf  America — the  Southern  Ohio  Asylum  for  the  Insane,  and  many  other  like 
options  of  lesser  magnitude.  The  view  of  the  city  and  valley  to  be  ob- 
1 from  the  surrounding  hills  is  indeed  grand.  Its  equal  cannot  be  ob- 
u!  from  any  other  point  in  Ohio.  The  city  is  supplied  with  an  abundance 
fellent  well  water,  yet  it  has  in  addition  Holly  water- works,  which,  by 
‘ °f  about  thirty- four  miles  of  mains,  now  down,  supplies  the  city  with  a 
" article  of  water  for  culinary  purposes  and  for  fire  protection  The  paid 
Department  of  this  city  is  one  of  the  most  admirable  and  efficient  in  the 
oy.  and  no  other  city  in  Ohio  can  boast  of  a more  thoroughly  organized 
ficient  police  force.  Well-regulated  street  railroads  extend  to  all  parts 
| city  ° F 


760 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Nine  different  railroads  center  here.  This  statement  will  of  itself  clef 
indicate  the  advantages  of  Dayton  as  a point  for  distribution  and  shipmi 
The  shipping  facilities  of  Dayton,  either  by  rail  or  by  canal,  could  not  well 
improved;  nor  could  the  opportunities  for  rapid  and  convenient  travel.  I 
senger  trains  to  and  from  all  points  of  the  compass  leave  and  arrive  aim 
hourly  during  the  day  and  night.  To  points  North  and  South  the  canal  affo 
very  cheap,  though  rather  slow  means  of  freight  transportation.  The  ma 
facturing  interests  of  the  city,  which,  for  many  years  were  neglected,  have 
cently  taken  new  life,  and  already  are  rapidly  growing  in  volume  and  inij 
tance.  The  car  works,  employing  many  hundreds  of  men,  the  many  manu: 
tories,  foundries,  planing-mills,  screw-works,  iron  shops,  turbine  water-wl 
works,  tool  works,  in  short,  the  numberless  mills  and  machine  shops  afford  ; 
stant  employment  for  thousands  of  industrious  mechanics  at  fair  wages, 
the  proprietors  are  all  prosperous.  The  hydraulic  water-power  of  this  plac 
among  the  best  in  the  State.  The  mechanics  and  laboring  men  of  Day 
generally  own  houses  of  their  own,  and,  as  a consequence,  houses  can  be  rer 
at  reasonable  rates.  Shabby  or  unsightly  tenement  houses  are  unknowr 
Dayton.  With  her  40,000  population,  the  populous  surrounding  country, 
the  innumerable  small  towns  within  a radius  of  a few  miles,  and  ail  of  wl 
are  tributaries  to  Dayton,  her  business,  both  retail  and  wholesale,  already  la 
is  rapidly  increasing,  and  affords  a splendid  field  for  the  capitalist  seeking 
opportunity  in  that  direction.  Her  manufacturing  facilities,  with  her  op 
tunities  and  advantages  as  a shipping-point,  afford  the  capitalist  and  manuf 
urer  a brilliant  prospect,  while  her  educational,  moral,  social  and  sanitary 
vantages  render  Dayton  a most  desirable  place  for  residence. 


BOOK  III. 

PART  FIRST. 


'OWNSHIP  HISTORIES. 


TOWNSHIP  HISTORIES. 


WASHINGTON  TOWNSHIP. 


BY  JOSEPH  NUTT. 


WASHINGTON  TOWNSHIP  is  situated  in  the  southeastern  part  of  the 
' county,  and  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Van  Buren  Township,  on  the 
tby  Greene  County,  on  the  south  by  Warren  County,  and  on  the  west  by 
a i Township. 

t was  organized  as  a township  probably  as  early  as  May,  1803,  and  most 
aly  some  time  between  March  and  June  of  that  year.  It  at  first  extended 
once  of  seven  miles  north  and  south,  and  from  Greene  County  to  German 

■ hip  east  and  west.  On  December  9,  1829,  Miamisburg,  with  a part  of 
u Township,  which  at  that  time  belonged  to  Washington,  was  stricken  off. 
to  24th  of  June,  1841,  a strip  of  land  a mile  in  width  was  taken  off  the 
tiirn  end  of  this  township  and  added  to  Yan  Buren  Township.  These  suc- 
sil)  spoliations  have  reduced  the  township  to  an  area  of  thirty  square  miles, 

stance  of  six  miles  north  and  south  and  five  miles  east  and  west, 
"aslfington  Township  was  one  of  the  first  settled  points  in  the  county, 

: February,  1796,  two  months  before  a settlement  had  been  made  at  Dav- 
1 is  find  a company  of  men  from  Kentucky,  among  whom  were  Aaron  Nutt, 
j fin  Robbins  and  Beniamin  Archer,  surveying  near  the  present  site  of 
t ville.  The  first  camp  struck  by  these  adventurous  civil  engineers  was 
farm  now  owned  by  William  Weller,  just  on  the  outskirts  of  town, 
ter,  they  only  remained  a short  time  in  this  place,  for,  upon  the  discovery 

■ idian  signs,”  the  camp  was  hastily  vacated,  and. they  removed  two  miles 
It  northeast  and  took  up  a position  on  the  farm  now  owned  by  Samuel 

• Here  they  found  a secure  retreat,  just  south  of  the  old  Pardington 
digs,  in  a ravine,  and  here  they  remained  in  undisputed  possession  until 
id  completed  their  survey.  How  long  this  was  we  cannot  say,  but  they 
t ly  did  not  hasten  the  completion  of  their  work  for  lack  of  meat,  as  a 
eurkey  roost  was  discovered  on  what  is  now  'he  farm  of  Alonzo  Mont- 
- , and  the  party  hunter  had  an  easy  time  of  it,  except,  perhaps,  carrying 
leathered  denizens  of  the  forest.  After  the  survey  had  been  completed, 
i pt  was  laid  down  in  the  woods,  and  these  primitive  surveyors  proceeded 
■ r;r  cuts  for  first  choice  of  land.  Benjamin  Robbins  was  the  first  lucky 
ad,  influenced  by  the  springs  discovered,  immediately  selected  the  half 
of  land  which  lay  on  the  west  of  Centerville,  and  which  embraced  the 
\ow  owned  by  Benjamin  Davis,  Mason  Allen  and  others.  Aaron  Nutt, 
bn  fate  ordained  the  last  choice,  always  maintained  that  “Benny  had 
'‘  poor  choice,”  as  better  springs  were  afterward  discovered  on  his  own 
s Benjamin  Archer,  who  had  second  choice,  selected  the  half  section 
hJst  of  Centerville,  and  Aaron  Nutt  took  the  same  amount  of  land  directly 
0ils  ■ town. 

Aer  the  selection  of  lands,  they  mounted  their  horses  and  returned  to 
1 unifies  in  Kentucky,  well  pleased  with  the  country  which  they  were 


4 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


soon  to  make  their  home.  They  say  of  the  fertility  of  the  soil  at  this  t 
“that  while  surveying  they  found  wild  rye  up  to  their  horses’  sides.” 

Benjamin  Robbins  was  thefh-st  to  take  possession  of  the  land  thus  obtaii 
and,  in  the  spring  of  the  same  year,  came  with  his  wife  and  several  chile 
to  Ohio,  and  built  a log  cabin  near  where,  years  afterward,  the  stone  In 
now  occupied  by  William  Davis  was  erected. 

Two  years  later,  Aaron  Nutt  came  to  join  the  fortunes  of  his  brothei 
law,  Robbins,  and  established  for  himself  a home  in  the  Ohio  forest.  Rob 
pressed  him  to  unload  and  share  his  cabin  until  he  had  erected  one  of  his  < 
“ No,”  said  Mr.  Nutt,  “ I’ll  never  unload  until  I can  carry  my  goods  intc 
own  house.”  He  had  to  go  to  Franklin,  nine  miles  away,  for  assistance, 
as  he  was  particular  to  tell  every  one  that  he  had  brought  six  gallons  of  1 
tucky  whisky  with  him,  on  the  day  appointed  there  were  many  willing  b 
and  kind  hearts  to  give  the  stranger  a lift.  Before  evening,  the  logs  had 
cut,  the  clapboards  made  and  the  cabin  finished,  and  that  night  Mr.  Nutt 
family  were  securely  established  in  their  new  home  and  slept  beneath  1 
own  roof. 

It  is  probable  that  Benjamin  Archer,  the  last  of  the  three  surveyors,  i 
out  about  the  same  time,  bitt  it  is  not  definitely  known.  There  are  some  pi 
in  the  history  of  Mr.  Archer,  or  Judge  Archer,  as  he  was  always  called,  wc 
of  note,  and,  as  he  did  not  remain  permanently  in  the  settlement,  we  will 
them  here. 

A native  of  New  Jersey,  he  removed  to  Philadelphia,  where  he  was  cr< 
Judge  of  one  of  the  courts.  From  that  city,  he  removed  to  Kentucky 
from  there  to  Washington  Township.  Here  he  remained  until  1821,  ant 
one  of  the  leading  men  in  the  community,  at  one  time  being  Associate  J 
of  the  Montgomery  County  Court  of  Common  Pleas.  From  this  State,  he 
to  Fort  Wayne,  Ind.,  where  he  seems  to  have  been  satisfied  to  give  n] 
travels  and  permanently  locate.  Judge  Archer  was  distinctively  a progrt 
man.  for,  besides  his  pioneer  work  in  this  State,  we  find  him  engaged  in 
.able  enterprises  wherever  he  was  located.  It  is  generally  conceded  th 
made  the  first  brick  and  built  the  first  brick  house  in  Fort  Wayne,  whe 
died  in  1830. 

The  settlement  having  been  established  in  Washington  Township, 
were  soon  others  to  recognize  the  fertility  and  advantages  of  the  place,  ai 
the  course  of  a very  few  years,  many  families  were  located  in  the  vicin: 
the  present  town  of  Centerville. 

Among  these  was  the  family  of  Dr.  John  Hole,  who  is  believed  to 
been  a native  of  Virginia.  In  1796,  he  was  living  in  New  Jersey,  and  < 
mined  to  penetrate  the  wilderness  west  of  the  Ohio.  He  first  stopped  al 
cinnati,  where  he  remained  one  year,  and  removed  to  this  township  i 
spring  of  1797.  He  located  three  and  a half  miles  northwest  of  Cent® 
where  he  entered  a section  and  a half  of  land,  on  what  he  named  Silver  ( 
but  what  soon  came  to  be  known  far  and  near  as  Hole’s  Creek,  a name  wt 
retains  at  the  present  day.  He  erected  the  first  two  saw-mills  in  the  tow: 

Dr.  Hole  was  the  first  practitioner  in  the  township,  and  was  well  knoi 
his  liberality  and  hospitality.  His  cabin  was  always  open  to  traveler, 
many  recipients  of  his  bounty  relate  that  when  asking  for  their  bill 
night’s  lodging,  they  were  told  to  “go  and  do  likewise.” 

While  studying  for  his  profession,  he  was  appointed  Assistant  Surge 
his  preceptor  at  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  and  was  afterward  one  of  the  n 
Surgeons  in  the  army  of  Montgomery  and  Arnold  at  the  storming  of  Q 

In  this  battle  he  says:  “I  dressed  the  wounds  of  the  soldiers  benea 
walls  of  the  fort  by  the  Hash  of  the  cannon.”  At  one  time  in  the  bs 


WASHINGTON  TOWNSHIP. 


b 


oj  er  was  carried  in  and  laid  on  the  table  before  the  doctor.  “ I can’t  do  any- 
j r for  this  man;  his  head  is  gone,’’  he  exclaimed  with  his  usual  prompt- 
It  was  a mistake  which  might  easily  occur  in  the  darkness  of  the  night 
ffionfusion  of  the  battle.  He  was  near  Gen.  Montgomery  when  the  latter 
i c ved  his  death  wound,  and  saw  him  reel  and  spin  round  like  a top  while 
kncing  on  the  ice. 

Dr.  Hole’s  cabin  stood  on  the  spot  where  David  Gephart  lately  erected  a 
■ae  house,  just  below  Eno  Belloman’s  mill.  It  was  a round-log  cabin,  with 
a ward  roof  and  loft,  puncheon  floor  and  cat  and  clay  chimney,  that  is,  made 
nail  sticks  and  tilled  in  with  clay.  He  died  January  6,  1813,  aged 
ft  eight  years. 

John  Ewing.  Sr.,  better  known  as  Judge  Ewing,  came  here  in  the  same 
u with  Dr.  Hole,  and  settled  on  adjoining  land.  His  descendants  are  still 
eg  in  the  neighborhood.  His  son  Joseph  was  one  of  the  first  surveyors  in 
o gomery  County,  in  which  capacity  he  served  fifteen  years.  His  son  John 
e January  30,  1882,  on  the  old  homestead  farm,  a few  rods  from  his  birth - 
lai>,  eighty  years  before.  He  has  a daughter  still  living  in  Dayton. 

Henry  Stansell  first  came  to  Ohio  in  1801.  He  built  a log  cabin  and  then 
ned  to  Kentucky  for  his  family,  whom  he  removed  to  their  new  home  the 
living  year.  Another  prominent  but  later  settler  was  Daniel  Wilson,  who 
nlved  from  Greene  County  in  1811.  Mr.  Wilson  was  born  in  New  Jersey, 
« 21,  1759.  He  was  married  to  Sarah  Sutton,  September  23,  1781,  and 
izabeth  Price,  February  17,  1807.  He  died  September  7,  1847.  He  re- 
o'd  from  New  Jersey  to  Pennsylvania,  and  thence  to  Greene  County,  Ohio, 
e he  built  the  first  house  in  that  county,  April  7,  1796.  When,  in  1799, 
lelrst  church  was  built  in  Washington  Township,  the  trees  were  blazed  from 
r Vilson’s  to  this  church,  in  order  that  the  Greene  County  settlers  might  at- 
ilhe  Lord’s  service  without  danger  of  beino-  lost  in  the  woods. 

Among  the  other  pioneers  were  the  three  Baileys — John,  Andrew  and 
rl  (M.  D.).  These  men,  the  fruits  of  whose  industry  we  to-day  enjoy  with- 
tninking  of  the  labor  it  cost  to  clear  and  improve  the  land,  had  many  diffi- 
: l|s  to  contend  with,  not  the  least  of  which  was  the  matter  of  moving.  We 
1 jive  one  or  two  instances  illustrative  of  this  part  of  this  work. 

denry  Stansell,  assisted  by  Jerry  Allen,  and  accompanied  by  his  wife  and 
ephildren,  left  Kentucky  for  Ohio  in  1802.  Their  worldly  store  was  not 
or  very  valuable,  but  part  of  it  was  bulky  and  cumbersome.  In  addition 
Air  live  stock,  which  consisted  of  three  horses,  one  hen  and  a few  geese, 
-.brought,  with  them  all  the  household  and  kitchen  furniture  and  farming 
■ nmments  necessary  to  set  up  housekeeping  and  commence  farming  in  a new 
W-  One  of  the  horses  was  detailed  to  carry  Mrs.  Stansell,  a saddle,  a 
Hr  bed  and  a baby  four  months  old.  Each  of  the  remaining  horses  carried 
>iepf  the  men,  two  children,  cooking  utensils,  provisions  for  the  journey, 
’rng  implements,  etc.  The  geese  were  compelled  to  travel  on  foot,  but  the 
’managed  to  dead-head  it  on  one  of  the  horses.  A sad  misfortune  befell 
ie!  in  Cincinnati,  for  one  of  the  geese  strayed  from  the  flock  and  was  lost 
■ tp  streets  of  that  city.  It  was  afterward  discovered,  however,  and  brought 
lj  in  triumph. 

fbe  settlers  were  not  by  any  means  all  from  the  same  locality  or  even 
'like  same  State,  New  England  contributed  her  share,  and,  in  1797,  Jona- 
fimd  Edmund  Manger  and  Benjamin  Maltbie  left  Middleburg,  Yt. , with 
! ’'families,  for  the  territory  northwest  of  the  Ohio  River.  They  traveled 
0 three-horse  wagons,  the  wheel  horses  being  driven  with  lines  and  the 
lJ  ridden  by  a boy.  While  coming  through"  Pennsylvania  and  moving 
" >i  at  a brisk  trot,  by  a sudden  jolt.  Jonathan  Munger,  who  was  riding  on 


6 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


one  of  the  wagons,  was  thrown  under  the  wheels,  and,  before  the  horses  con 
be  checked,  or  he  could  extricate  himself,  both  wheels  passed  over  him.  Su 
bold  spirits  were  not  to  be  thwarted  by  a little  accident  like  that,  and  th 
moved  ou  to  Marietta,  where  they  remained  for  a time  in  the  stockade.  Frc 
there,  they  dropped  down  the  river  to  Belpre,  where,  in  1799,  they  raised  cc 
siderable  corn  and  transported  it  to  Columbia  in  pirogues.  In  1800,  Jonath 
and  Edmund  Munger,  with  the  families  of  all  three  men,  moved  down  t 
river  in  pirogues.  Benjamin  Maltbie,  with  some  of  the  boys,  brought  t 
horses  down  by  land.  The  harness  and  wagons  were  carried  in  the  boats, 
some  point,  one  of  the  pirogues  was  overturned  and  a feather  bed,  containi 
a baby,  floated  down  with  the  current.  The  bed  was  somewhat  dampened,  b 
the  pirogue  was  not  injured  and  the  baby  was  saved.  They  landed  at  Cinch 
nati.  harnessed  their  horses,  hitched  to  their  wagons,  and,  having  loaded  tin 
with  as  much  of  their  goods  as  they  could  haul  over  the  unbroken  rqaj 
started  for  Washington  Township.  The  women  and  all  the  children  who  wc 
able  to  walk  performed  their  journey  on  foot. 

The  settlers  were  greatly  troubled  by  venomous  snakes.  Benjamin  II 
bins  discovered  a den  in  close  proximity  to  his  house,  and  called  in  the  neio 
bors  to  help  exterminate  the  pests.  About  a dozen  backwoodsmen  came  in  1 
make  a day’s  work  of  it,  and  the  result  of  the  hunt  was  400,  mostly  rattlesnak  , 
and  having  from  sixteen  to  twenty-four  rattles  each. 

The  woods  were  full  of  game  of  all  kinds,  but  bears,  deer  and  wild  ti 
keys  were  most  abundant,  as  well  as  most  valuable,  as  to  these  they  looked  : 1 
their  meat.  Many  interesting  stories  are  told  of  bear  hunts,  deer  chases  a 1 
big  turkey  hauls,  and  a few  of  these  we  will  give. 

One  day,  Boston  Hoblet  was  paying  his  friend,  Benjamin  Robbins,  a visj, 
and  while  at  dinner  a loud  squealing  was  heard  in  the  direction  of  the  pig-1 
Both  men  sprang  from  the  table  and  seized  their  guns,  for,  as  was  customa 
in  those  days,  Hoblet  had  brought  his  along.  Hoblet  led  the  way,  and  i 
nearing  the  lot,  discovered  a large  bear  tearing  away  at  a sow’s  shoulders,  an 
by  a well-directed  shot,  succeeded  in  bringing  bruin  to  the  ground.  ‘ ' ISIo 
Boston,”  said  Robbins,  who  at  that  moment  came  up  and  saw  what  his  fide 
had  done,  “ I’ll  give  you  a pig  for  that.”  So  he  did.  “And  that  pig,”  s< 
Hoblet,  “was  the  first  one  I ever  owned.”  That  one  lucky  shot  gave  bin 
start  in  the  pig  line  and  he  became  a successful  hog-raiser. 

Shortly  after  the  settlers  from  New  England  had  established  themseh 
on  the  head-waters  of  Hole's  Creek,  some  of  the  younger  members  of  the  famr 
of  Jonathan  Munger  reported  to  their  father  that  they  had  seen  a “ mons 
black  cat-’  run  up  a tree.  Without  waiting  for  his  gun,  the  father  promp 
climbed  the  tree,  and,  with  a good  stout  club,  invited  the  “ black  cat  ’’  do  wn 
forcibly  that  he  quickly  accepted  the  invitation  and  descended  to  the  grou 
rather  more  hurriedly  than  gracefully,  where  he  was  hospitably  received  by  t1 
family  dog  and  the  children.  In  relating  the  incident  afterward,  Mr.  Mung 
was  free  to  admit  that  he  would  have  been  in  some  danger  had  Mrs.  Brn 
made  her  appearance  on  the  battle-field;  but,  as  he  was  unacquainted,  with  be 
habits  at  that  time,  he  always  wound  up  his  story  by  characteristically  sayii 
“ High,  la  me;  them  that  knows  nothin’  fears  nothin'.” 

One  fall,  after  Mr.  John  Ewing  had  put  up  his  hogs  for  fattening,  he  cai 
across  a large  bear  in  the  woods,  and,  after  following  him  all  day  to  the  Lit 
Miami  and  back,  succeeded  in  killing  him  close  to  his  house.  This  was  cc 
sidered  an  extra  good  day’s  work,  and  he  was  so  well  satisfied  with  the  amovl 
of  meat  thus  obtained  that  his  hogs  were  turned  out  to  be  kept  for  the  n<  I 
year’s  fattening. 

So  much  for  bear  stories.  The  last  bear  killed  in  the  township  was  in  t 


WASHINGTON  TOWNSHIP. 


7 


1 1 of  1826,  on  the  farm  of  Daniel  Hines.  Louis  Taylor  says  that  this  be  ai- 
l's shot  almost  simultaneously  by  Simon  H.  Douglass  and  William  Russell, 
I t that  he  thinks  Russell’s  gun  cracked  first. 

A man  by  the  name  of  Clawson,  who  was  a celebrated  hunter,  once  went  to 
t ; shop  of  Edmund  Munger  to  have  some  blacksmithing  done,  but  was  told  by 
] •,  Munger  that  he  could  not  do  the  work,  as  his  family  was  out  of  meat  and 
1 must  go  to  the  woods  and  kill  some  turkeys.  “ I can  kill  more  turkeys  than 
i can,”  said  Clawson,  “and  if  you'll  go  into  the  shop  and  do  my  work,  I’ll 
c into  the  woods  and  do  your  hunting.”  The  proposition  was  accepted,  and 
(iwson,  with  an  old  horse  and  a boy,  started  into  the  woods.  In  the  evening, 
L returned  and  made  good  his  boast,  for  the  old  horse  was  loaded  down  with 
tenty-one  fine,  fat  turkeys. 

One  night,  Jonathan  Munger,  hearing  a noise  in  the  top  of  an  elm  which 
had  felled  near  his  house,  fired  his  rifle  in  the  direction  of  the  sound  and 
riurned  the  gun  to  its  place.  By  the  nest  day,  he  had  forgotten  all  about  the 
ecumstance,  and  did  not  go  near  the  tree  until  noon,  when  he  discovered  the 
] )-s  eagerly  devouring  the  carcass  of  a deer,  which  his  random  shot  had  killed. 
'J  is  was  the  man  who,  it  is  said,  has  been  known  to  climb  a tree,  transfer  a 
s irm  of  bees  to  a sack  and  return  stingless  to  the  ground. 

Gradually,  however,  the  larger  animals  were  driven  off  or  killed,  and  be- 
i e the  close  of  the  first  quarter  of  the  present  century,  most  of  them  had  dis- 
wared.  The  last  “porcupine,”  or  American  hedgehog,  was  killed  one  Sun- 
cl!''  morning  in  the  summer  of  1880,  while  crossing  the  street  in  Centerville, 
jflt  below  the  present  residence  of  Dr.  Lamme. 

The  amusements  of  our  pioneer  forefathers  was  much  the  same  in  every 
ivnship,  and  were  adapted  to  their  free  and  open  manner  of  living.  The  ap- 
p cuttings,  spinning  frolics,  quiltings,  corn  huskings  and  log  rollings  were 
n versally  attended  and  enjoyed  by  everybody.  They  always  combined  the 
u ful  with  the  pleasant,  and  their  seasons  of  enjoyment  were  seasons  of  profit 
a well.  Their  play  was  their  work.  There  were  no  social  bickerings  and  no 
elect  crowds.”  Society  acknowledged  but  one  class,  and  the  open  sesame  of 

i I doors  was  honesty,  uprightness  and  a good  appetite  for  work.  The  aris 
racy  of  wealth,  the  aristocracy  of  good  looks  and  the  aristocracy  of  good 
dies  all  ranked  below  the  aristocracy  of  physical  manhood.  Probably  one 
'their  most  popular  enjoyments  was  their  “spinning  frolics,”  as  upon  these 
t j depended  for  their  year’s  clothing.  Preparatory  to  the  “ frolic,”  however, 

flax  must  be  pulled  by  the  boys  and  girls;  next,  it  was  spread  and  watered 
the  purpose  of  hastening  disintegration;  after  it  had  lain  for  some  time,  so 
ado  be  readily  broken,  it  must  be  “winded”  or  “scutched;”  next,  the 

ii  king  process  must  be  gone  through  with,  after  which  came  the  “ spinning 
d .’  not  the  least  agreeable  part  of  which,  to  the  boys  at  least,  was  carrying 

girls'  spinning-wheels  to  and  from  the  party.  After  the  spinning,  came 
weaving,  which  latter  process  was  generally  performed  by  a few  families 
iohe  neighborhood,  for  some  slight  compensation.  This  was  because  looms 
ve  expensive  and  weaving  required  some  practice. 

In  this  line  we  might  add  that  the  champion  flax-dresser  in  the  neighbor- 
ed was  David  Bowlbv,  who,  in  two  days,  dressed  236  pounds — 120  the  first 
<d  116  the  second. 

Washington  Township  is  not  to-day  anything  but  distinctively  agricultural 
iijts  pursuits.  There  are  but  two  streams  and  their  tributaries,  which  have 
e r afforded  any  water-power,  and  since  the  country  has  been  cleared  up  and 
fOe  have  been  greatly  diminished  in  volume,  and  especially  since  the  appli- 
es on  of  steam  has  become  so  universal  as  to  render  water-power  machinery 
a ost  useless,  the  goodly  amount  of  machinery  once  employed  in  this  town- 


8 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


ship  has  fallen  into  disuse,  and  the  mills  and  factories  have  been  torn  do’ 
and  destroyed. 

Almost  every  conceivable  industry  has  at  some  time  been  carried  on  with 
the  limits  of  the  township.  Hole’s  and  Sugar  Creeks  have  afforded  employmc 
for  no  less  than  seven  saw-mills,  live  flouring-mills,  one  cotton  factory,  one  fu 
ing-mill  and  one  oil-mill.  Besides  this  water-power  machinery,  there  h; 
been  in  use  at  different  times,  two  horse-power  carding  machines  and  thi 
steam  saw-mills. 

One  of  the  first  men  identified  with  the  manufacturing  interests  of  1 
township  was  Isaac  Harrison,  who  came  to  Ohio  in  1802,  and  settled  twe 
miles  above  Cincinnati.  By  trade,  he  was  a carder  and  fuller,  and,  removi 
to  Washington  Township  in  1808,  he  purchased  land  on  Hole’s  Creek,  n 
Woodburn,  upon  which  there  was  a saw  mill  in  operation.  This  mill  he  c< 
tinued  to  run  until  he  enlisted  in  the  war  of  1812.  After  returning  from  i 
war,  he,  in  1813  or  1814,  converted  his  saw-mill  into  a carding  and  full] 
mill.  This  was  the  second  mill  of  the  kind  in  the  county,  and  was  operated 
Mr.  Harrison  until  1833,  when  it  was  abandoned,  and  a stone  factory,  for 
manufacture  of  cloth,  stocking  yarn,  etc.,  took  its  place.  This  factory  1 
Harrison  continued  to  operate  until  his  death  in  December,  1842,  and  then 
property  fell  into  the  hands  of  his  son  William,  by  whom  the  business  i 
prosecuted  two  years  longer,  when  it  was  suspended. 

Probably  the  most  extensive  and  at  the  same  time  the  least  profitable  bi 
ness  ever  carried  on  in  the  township  was  the  manufacture  of  woolen,  eott  i 
hemp  and  linen  goods  by  the  “ Farmers’  and  Mechanics'  Manufacturiug  Cc 
pany,  of  Centerville,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio.”  Excessive  length  of  title  a. 
have  been  fatal  to  the  company,  for,  although  it  is  believed  that  the  firms  v : 
leased  the  company’s  property  all  made  money,  the  venture  was  a decii. 
financial  failure  to  the  company  itself,  some  members  of  which  lost  $20,000  | 
fore  the  factory  was  abandoned. 

In  October,  1815,  a meeting  of  the  respectable  gentlemen  of  the  con 
was  called  at  the  house  of  John  Archer,  Centerville,  to  discuss  the  feasihi 
of  establishing  a woolen  and  cotton  factory  on  Hole’ s Creek.  Books  for  st 
subscription  were  opened  immediately  after  the  meeting,  and,  January 
1816,  the  trustees  met  at  the  same  place  to  elect  a superintendent  and  let  c 
tracts  for  building  the  factory,  digging  the  race,  making  the  dam  and  for  ir 
wright  work. 

It  was  not  the  design  of  the  company  to  run  the  factory  theuisebes, 
to  lease  it  to  reliable  manufacturing  firms  or  men.  The  first  lessees  were  Is 
Hodgson  & Co.,  aud  they  commenced  operations  some  time  in  1817.  Anot 
leasee  was  Michael  Canady,  who  held  the  property  for  several  years. 

The  following  is  believed  to  be  a complete  list  of  the  stockholders:  J< 
Archer,  James  S.  Blair,  William  Blair,  John  Bailey,  Jacob  Benner,  Afcral 
Buckles,  Aaron  Baker,  James  Chatham,  Abner  Crane,  Thomas  Clawson,  J 
Gephart,  Abner  Girard,  John  Harris,  Amos  Irvin,  William  Irvin,  V,  ill 
Long,  William  Luce,  Edmund  Monger,  Richard  Mason,  Benjamin  Malt 
Thomas  Newton,  Aaron  Nutt,  Sr.,  George  Nultz,  William  Newman,  James  1 
sell,  Thomas  Rue,  Peter  Sunderland,  Henry  Stansell,  William  Stephen,  Rob 
Scott,  John  Taylor,  Asher  Tibbals,  Samuel  Wilson,  John  Whitsell,  Jonat. 
Watkins,  Jacob  Yazel,  David  Yazel. 

The  first  managers  of  the  company  were  Benjamin  Maltbie,  Thomas  01 
son  and  Thomas  Newton.  We  insert  a copy  of  the  notification  to  Mr.  Malt 
of  his  appointment: 

Sir  : I would  inform  you  that  the  Trustees  of  the  Farmers'  and  Mechanics  Ma 

facturing  Company  of  Centerville,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  have  unanimously  appoin 


WASHINGTON  TOWNSHIP. 


9 


u to  assist  in  the  management  and  superintending  the  business  of  the  factory  in  concert 
■ h Thomas  Newton  and  Thomas  Clawson,  and  will  give  such  compensation  as  shall  be 
r'/med  reasonable  for  such  services.  Yours  with  respect, 

Mr.  Benjamin  Maltbie.  John  Archer,  Prest. 

The  following  instructions  were  given  to  the  managers: 


The  managers  of  the  Factory  company  are  directed  to  superintend  to  all  the  differ 
e Branches  of  The  Building  of  the  Factory,  and  are  empowered  to  Purchase  such  neees- 
, y articles  and  tools  as  are  absolutely  wanted  for  the  use  of  Said  Company — and  they 
i also  directed  to  attend  to  the  carding  meshein,  take  account  of  all  wool  that  may  be 
ught  to  be  carded,  and  to  receive  and  account  for  all  monies  or  other  Pay  for  carding 
make  A report  to  the  Trustees  at  their  monthly  meeting.  The  aforesaid  managers 
a Authorized  to  contract  for  such  Laborers  as  shall  be  wanted  to  carry  said  Building 
i:5)  effect  agreeable  to  former  contract  and  they  are  to  Procure  A Desk  to  Deposit. 

John  Archer,  Pres. 

John  Harris,  > r f 

William  Luce,  1 1 ' ustees 


Richard  Mason, 
Jacob  Benner, 


of 

Factory. 


The  following  items  are  taken  from  the  memorandum  of  Benjamin  Malt- 

fc: 


June  10,  1816.  Began  to  superintend  the  factory.  The  hands  that  worked  to-day 
we  Robert  Russell,  William  Russell  and  Abraham  Clawson,  by  the  month. 


Joseph  Platts,  by  the  day. $ .621 

Andrevv  McNeal,  by  the  day 62l 

Jonathan  Mills,  by  the  day 62£ 

John  Wolf,  by  the  day 50 

John  Cole,  by  the  day 75 

Edward  Smith,  by  the  day 56 


June  13,  1816.  This  Day  agreed  with  Mr.  Stags  of  Middletown  to  Come  next  Mon- 
, and  Put  up  the  machienes  if  Trustees  will  uot  Imploy  him  he  is  to  have  Pay  for  one 
1 - that  is  Two  Dollars  he  is  to  have  Two  Dollars  and  his  Board  Per  Day. 

Got  one  quart  of  whiskey  on  the  credit  of  the  company. 

The  first  order  issued  by  this  company  was  in  favor  of  Aaron  Nutt,  Sr., 
f<  hauling,  amount,  810.011;  date,  January  27,  1816.  Abner  Crane  furnished 
I company  at  different  times  806,290  bricks,  at  a total  cost  of  8L378.30.1,. 

The  lime  used  in  constructing  the  factory  was  obtained  from  Amos  and 
lliam  Irvin  and  amounted  to  4,671  bushels. 

One  of  the  Treasurers  of  the  company  was  James  Russell,  and  the  amount 
' Honey  which  passed  through  his  hands  while  serving  in  that  capacity  was 
I056.78J.  Mr.  Russell’s  books  show  that  on  settlement  he  had  always  paid 

more  money  than  he  had  taken  in. 

In  1819,  the  property  of  the  company  changed  hands,  and  we  append  the 
1 cle  of  agreement  between  the  old  and  new  companies: 

Articles  of  Agreement  made  between  the  Farmers’  and  Mechanics’  Manufacturing 
1 ipany  of  Centerville,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio — in  the  first  part  and  John  Harris,  John 
‘[lor,  Jacob  Benner,  William  Luce  & Francies  Dilts  their  Heirs  and  Assigns  on  the 
•*  id  part  witnesseth  that  the  said  Farmers’  and  Mechanics’  Manufacturing  Company  of 
Cjterville  &c.,  do  agree  and  bind  themselves  to  transfer  all  their  right  and  title  to  their 
hd  and  Factory  lying  and  standing  on  the  waters  of  Hole’s  Creek  Adjoining  to  Isaac 
“jrison’s  Land  with  all  the  Privileges  and  Appurtenances  thereunto  belonging  for  and  in 
1 ^.deration  of  ten  thousand  Dollars  to  be  Paid  to  the  aforesaid  company — it  is  under - 
'Id  by  the  Parties  that  the  said  Harris  Luce  Taylor  Benner  and  Dilts  have  assumed  all  the 
D ts  against  said  company  and  are  to  Pay  the  remaining  part  of  the  ten  thousand  Dollars 
1 \Y  remains  in  six  equal  annual  Payments  the  first  payment  to  be  paid  by  the  first  day  of 
■jo  1821 — and  the  aforesaid  Manufacturing  Company  hold  the  aforesaid  Property  as 
• rity  until  those  of  the  second  part  have  complied  with  the  aforesaid  contract  in  testi- 
fy hereof  we  have  set  our  hands  and  seals  this  third  day  of  July  1819. 

Test  I Edmund  Munger,  .John  Harris,  [Seal.] 

I John  Minturn.  Jacob  Benner,  [Seal.] 

.John  Taylor,  [Seal.] 

William  Luce,  [Seal.] 

Fransis  Dils,  [Seal.] 

It  will  be  seen  by  a comparison  of  the  names  of  the  parties  to  this  agree- 
riJ  t with  the  names  of  the  original  stockholders  that  there  were  no  new  mem- 


10 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


bers  admitted  to  the  company,  but  only  one  part  of  the  original  owners  boue 
the  interest  of  certain  others,  who  were  wise  enough  to  see  that  they  had  mr 
a bad  financial  investment. 

The  factory  was  in  operation  until  about  1840,  when  it  was  closed  up  a 
the  building  torn  down.  This  company  is  supposed  to  have  organized  uuc 
tlie  following  general  law,  passed  in  1812  and  limiting  to  live  years: 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Ohio,  that  at  any  time  wit 
five  years,  any  two  or  more  persons  who  should  be  desirous  to  form  a company  for 
purpose  of  manufacturing  woolen,  cotton,  hemp,  yarn,  etc. 

The  first  houring-mill  built  within  the  present  limits  of  the  township  i 
by  a man  by  the  name  of  Waup.  This  mill  was  located  on  a tributary 
Hole’s  Creek,  in  the  northwestern  part  of  the  township.  At  this  mill  wh 
was  ground  for  the  army  in  the  war  of  1812. 

In  the  days  of  buckskin  breeches  and  coonskin  caps,  tanning  green  hit 
was  one  of  the  important  industries,  and  we  find  that  there  were  four  tanya 
sunk  in  'this  township,  all  of  which  enjoyed  more  or  less  patronage. 

When  the  first  one  was  sunk,  we  are  unable  to  determine,  but  it  must  b; 
been  as  early  at  least  as  1802,  as  the  following  items,  taken  from  Aaron  Ni 
Sr.’s,  memoranda,  go  to  prove: 

Aug.  It,  1802.  Johnathan  Manger  brought  a cows  hid  marked  J.  M. 

Aug.  13,  1802.  James  Snowden  brought  a horses  hid  marked  J.  S. 

March  23,  1803.  Justice  Luce  brought  a Steer  hid  marked  J.  L. 

March  23,  1803.  Peter  Borders  brought  a bull  hid  marked  P.  B. 

March  23,  1803.  Peter  Sunderland  brought  a calfskin  marked  P.  S. 

April  11,  1803.  John  Cotrel  brought  a deerskin  marked  J.  C. 

April  13,  1803.  Andrew  Boyle  brought  a hid  and  a pease  and  a bearskin. 

.June  4,  1803.  Conrod  Carter  brought  a cow  a calf  four  hogs  a dog  and  a bearski) 

Among  other  items,  we  find  mentioned  “ heffir,”  sheep  and  ground-1: 
skins.  Truly,  if,  as  they  say,  “ Variety  is  the  very  spice  of  life,”  the  tany< 
must  have  furnished  its  share  of  enjoyment  to  Mr.  Nutt. 

The  other  tanyards  were  owned  by  David  Miller,  Joseph  Sunderland  ; 
John  H.  Martin,  but  they  were  of  a later  date,  and,  like  the  first,  have  cea: 
to  exist. 

In  1819,  there  was  erected  at  Woodburn  a shop  for  the  manufacture 
stoves,  pots,  kettles  and  machinery  of  all  kinds.  This  was  the  only  foundry 
the  county  until  1828. 

In  1820,  at  Woodburn,  Anthony  Jones  had  an  establishment  for  print 
bedspreads,  quilts,  pocket-handkerchiefs,  etc.  He  was  the  only  calico  nrii 
who  ever  carried  on  his  trade  in  the  township.  I 

In  1835,  one  of  the  first  shops  in  the  county  for  the  manufacture  of  s 
carriage-springs  was  in  operation  at  Stringtown. 

John  Irons  was  the  first  man  in  Centerville  to  make  the  old  wooden  me 
board  plows.  He  always  declared  there  was  no  rule  to  make  them  by  and  j 
just  had  to  “ cut  and  fit  and  fit  and  cut.” 

About  1835,  and  continuing  four  or  five  years,  the  cooper  trade  was  a 
profitable  in  Centerville.  There  were  probably  not  more  than  two  priuci 
shops,  but,  as  pork-packing  was  then  at  its  height,  these  gave  employment 
great  many  hands.  Abraham  Nixon  and  Nathan  Reid  were  the  principal  i 
engaged  in  this  trade,  and  their  work  was  all  taken  by  James  Harris,  the  pi 
cipal  pork- packer.  This  last-mentioned  occupation  was  at  that  time  very  j 
ular,  and  besides  the  gentlemen  mentioned  above,  there  were  engaged  in 
business  James  Brown  & Co.,  about  1830,  and  later,  such  men  as  the  Harr: 
father  and  two  sons,  John  C.  Murphy,  Benjamin  Hatfield,  N.  S.  Sunderl? 
Harris  & Allen,  Harris  & Maxwell  and  Harris  & Fisk. 

The  first  goods  sold  in  the  township  were  brought  here  by  Benjamin 
•cher  and  sold  in  a log  cabin,  two  miles  northeast  of  Centerville,  on  the  fn 


WASH  INGTON  TOW  NS  H IP. 


11 


i.,v  owned  by  Alonzo  Montgomery.  These  goods  were  hauled  from  Cincin- 
rl.  and  Judge  Archer  paid  for  the  hauling  at  a certain  price  per  hundred 
vight.  One  winter,  when  there  was  good  sleighing,  he  sent  several  sleds 
aer  a new  stock  of  -goods  he  had  just  purchased.  As  the  pay  was  in  propor- 
s q to  the  size  of  the  load,  of  course  there  was  considerable  rivalry  among  the 
t rasters  for  heavy  burdens.  On  this  occasion,  the  man  who  was  the  least  fort- 
i ate  only  succeeded  in  getting  one  box  of  hats,  weighing  thirty  pounds.  In 
t spring  of  1827,  a number  of  unsalable  hats  were  found  in  the  loft  of  the 
cabin,  and  they  were  supposed  to  a part  of  this  veritable  thirty-pound  box, 
\ icli  had  required  two  horses  and  a sled  to  bring  it  from  Cincinnati. 

The  first  store  in  Centerville  was  kept  by  Aaron  Nutt,  Sr.,  on  the  same  lot 

■ which  the  only  dry  goods  store  in  the  town  now  stands.  His  first  stock  of 
.'ids  Mr.  Nutt  hauled  in  a cart  from  Baltimore.  This  was  in  the  spring  of 

1.  Previous  to  this,  Mr.  Nutt  had  lost  the  money  with  which  he  expected 
tijpay  for  his  Ohio  property  by  lending  it  to  an  irresponsible  man  in  Kentucky. 
1 1810,  seeing  he  must  make  some  extra  exertion  in  order  to  discharge  his  ob- 
1 i ition,  Mr.  Nutt  raised  all  the  produce  he  was  able  to  and  purchased  as  much 
nre  as  his  means  would  permit.  In  company  with  John  Price,  Peter  Sunder- 
ifd  and  others,  he  loaded  this  on  two  fiat-boats  at  Cincinnati,  on  the  13th  of 
E'jember,  1810,  and  started  to  “coast”  down  to  New  Orleans.  They  had 
my  queer  experiences  with  the  Southern  “ aristocracy.”  At  one  point,  when 
■mnerating  his  commodities  to  a Southern  lady,  Mr.  Nutt  mentioned  lard, 
■ave  you  lard!  ” quickly  asked  this  daughter  of  the  South.  Upon  his  as- 
siling  her  that  he  had  it  both  in  quantity  and  quality,  she  responded:  “ If 

■ have  lard,  I’ll  take  a barrel;  so  many  of  those  dirty  fiat-boatmen  come 
dig  here  and  want  to  sell  me  hog’s  fat,  and  I won’t  have  that  dirty  stuff.” 
Hiassured  her  that  he  had  genuine  lard,  and  she  said  she  would  send  the 

jggers”  down  to  bring  it  up.  This  she  did,  and  Mr.  Nutt  received  his  pay, 
igratulating  himself  that  he  had  learned  to  call  things  by  their  right  names, 
vie  the  lady  was  not  a little  pleased  to  find  one  boatman  who  did  not  sell 
he’s  fat. 

Arriving  at  New  Orleans,  these  gentlemen  sold  their  remaining  stock  at 
vf  advantageous  prices.  Peter  Sunderland  found  that  he  had  sold  so  much 
Tis  goods  on  credit  that  he  had  scarcely  money  enough  to  bring  him  home. 
3 Mr.  Price  and  Mr.  Nutt  had  fared  better,  and,  happening  to  meet  with  a 
■<  Captain  from  Baltimore,  who  told  them  of  fabulous  prices  paid  for  produce 
n bat  city,  Mr.  Nutt  determined  to  invest  in  a fiat-boat  load  which  had  just 
1 e in  and  take  it  there.  The  Captain  who  gave  them  information  as  to 
Pips  carried  them  both  and  Mr.  Nutt’s  merchandise  to  Baltimore,  where  he 
ad  prices  even  better  than  had  been  represented.  Having  again  sold  out 
1 produce,  Mr.  Nutt  invested  in  a horse  and  cart  and  a cart  load  of  dry 
;<ls.  These  he  hauled  overland  to  Centerville,  in  the  spring  of  1811,  fat 
n hearty  from  his  sea  voyage,  and  with  enough  money  in  his  pocket  to  pay 
his  debts. 

We  give  below  a copy  of  the  “permit”  which  gave  him  the  authority  to 
'U  a store  in  Centerville: 


;ie  State  of  Ohio 
-pITGOMERY  Com? 


TY.  f 


To  ALL  WHO  SHALL  SEE  THESE  PRESENTS: 


, Be  it  known  that  by  virtue  of  the  power  m me  vested  by  a law  of  this  State  en- 
11  I "An  act  for  grantin  license  and  regulating  ferries  taverns  and  stores.”  Permission 
- reby  granted  to  Aaron  Nutt  Sr  of  Washington  Township  in  this  county  to  keep  a 
l(  and  vend  merchandise  at  his  house  in  said  township  from  the  date  hereof  until  the 
le  term  of  our  court  of  Common  Pleas  to  be  holden  at  Dayton  on  the  second  Monday  of 
’>c Amber  next  according  to  the  statute  in  such  case  made  and  provided. 

, in  Testimony  whereof  1 have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and  affixed  the  seal  of  our  said 
' °t  of  Common  Pleas  at  Dayton  the  twentieth  day  of  May  one  thousand  eight  hundred 
;l|Pleven.  B.  Van  Cleve.  elk..  M.  C.  P.  p.  t. 


12 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Mr.  Nutt  was  still  in  the  business  in  1815,  and  we  find  this  list  of  who 
sale  prices  for  that  year:  Lead  pencils,  31  cents:  British  oil,  371-  cents  j 
bottle;  peppermint,  28  cents  per  bottle;  Godfrey’s  cordial,  374  cents  per  b 
tie;  Bateman’s  drops,  371-  cents  per  bottle;  camphor,  50  cents  per  bottle;  n 
megs,  18  cents;  darning-needles,  6^  cents;  allspice,  75  cents  per  pound:  api 
check,  50  cents  per  yard;  linsey,  $1  per  yard;  pink  cambric,  75  cents  perya 
cambric,  $2.25  per  yard;  jackanett,  $1.02  per  yard;  pewter  dish.  $2.25. 

Among  other  things  we  notice  that  the  retail  price  of  tea,  in  1813,  \ 
$2.50  per  pound;  of  8-penny  nails,  21  cents  per  pound;  coffee,  50  cents  i 
pound;  calico,  871-  cents  per  yard. 

But  probably  the  most  expensive  article  which  the  early  settlers  had 
buy  was  salt.  Benjamin  Maltbie  paid  $26.87-|  for  a barrel  of  salt  in  Cine 
nati 


The  first  tavern  kept  in  the  township  was  by  Aaron  Nutt,  Sr. 
house,  or,  more  properly,  log  cabin,  was  opened  up  about  1800,  just  north 
the  town  plat,  where  Frank  Harris  now  resides.  Its  sign  was  a pair  of  but 
horns,  and  it  enjoyed  a moderate  share  of  patronage,  but  was  only  continue 
short  time. 

John  Archer  opened  up  the  first  tavern  in  Centerville,  with  the  sign  of 
“ cross  keys.” 

Since  that  time,  there  have  been  many  taverns  in  the  township,  good, 
and  indifferent,  with  probably  a predominance  in  favor  of  the  good.  The  n 
famous  was  that  of  Enos  Doolittle,  and  it  soon  came  to  be  known  far  and  l 
as  the  best  stopping-place  for  travelers  west  of  the  Alleghanies. 

This  gentleman,  who  was  a genuine  type  of  the  New  England  Yanl 
came  to  the  town  in  1820  as  a peddler.  With  keen  Yankee  foresight,  he  sav 
opening  for  trade  in  the  town  and  immediately  opened  up  a dry  goods  sot 
This,  however,  did  not  agree  with  him,  and,  purchasing  suitable  property 
opened  a tavern  in  1832.  In  1822  or  1828,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Bathshj 
Robbins,  and  continued  in  the  place  until  after  her  death,  in  1845,  when  he 
moved  to  Columbus. 

There  is  one  more  industry  which  we  must  not  pass  over  in  silence, 
though  its  existence  would  not.  be  creditable  to  the  township  to-day.  This 
the  still-house  built  by  Ashel  Wright.  It  was  in  operation  in  1817,  and 
sides  distilling  liquor  of  several  kinds,  Air.  Wright  was  engaged  in  the  ma 
facture  of  the  oil  of  peppermint.  His  building  stood  on  the  land  now  ow 
by  Benjamin  Davis. 

Washington  Township  has  not  had  much  experience  with  slaves,  but  tl 
are  one  or  two  incidents  worthy  of  mention  which  occurred  in  the  earlier  d 
There  was  a law  in  Ohio  in  the  forepart  of  this  century  under  which  indh 
persons  were  sold  to  the  lowest  bidder,  not  as  slaves,  but  as  paupers,  kej 
public  expense.  We  take  the  following  entry  from  Aaron  Nutt,  Sr.'s,  join 
relative  to  one  of  these  public  sales: 

“June  20,  1819. — Seel  was  advertise  July  3;  was  sold  to  the  Loesfc  Bail 
wich  was  Levy  Nutt;  sold  for  $50  by  Aaron  Nutt,  Sener,  & Isack  woodwj 
oversers  of  the  Poor  for  Washington  township.” 

This  could  in  no  case  be  called  a sale  for  the  personal  liberty  of  the  ab 
mentioned  person,  who,  by  the  way,  was  a colored  woman,  but  the  Overseer 
the  Poor  merely  let  out  the  contract  of  keeping  her  to  the  person  who  was  d 
ing  to  do  it  for  the  least  money. 

There  was  one  genuine  fugitive  slave  case  in  the  township.  In  the  ra 
1826,  there  were  various  reports  that  a “nigger"  had  been  seen  in  the  w< 
near  Centerville.  One  man  by  the  name  of  Lawrence  reported  that  he 
seen  him  scooping  up  parched  corn  from  the  ground,  and  that,  he  “ looked 


WASHINGTON  TOWNSHIP. 


13 


\i  devil.’’  One  morning,  as  the  children  of  Peter  Sunderland  were  going  to 
siiool,  they  suddenly  ran  across  him  “ in  camp,  ” and  immediately  returned 
jme  and  reported  to  their  father.  Mr.  Sunderland’s  men  went  out  and  found 
in  roasting  a duck.  He  was  protected  from  the  cold  only  by  a sack,  which 
had  found  in  the  road  and  which  he  drew  on  over  his  head,  having  first 
oped  it  sufficiently  to  make  arm-holes.  By  these  men  he  was  taken  to  the 
;meof  Mr.  Sunderland  and  there  made  to  understand  that  he  was  among 
: ends.  He  gave  his  name  as  Black  John,  and  soon  proved  himself  to  be  an 
nest  and  trustworthy  hand. 

One  of  Mr.  Sunderland’s  daughters  had  a Kentucky  suitor,  and  this  gen- 
rman  reported  the  circumstance  of  Black  John’s  capture  to  some  of  his  friends 
no  had  lost  a slave.  One  morning  in  the  next  summer,  the  household  of  Mr. 
bnderland  was  in  unusual  commotion,  and  it  was  evident  that  visitors  were 
Jpected  whose  advent  was  not  agreeable  One  of  the  boys  was  sent  out  to  the 
id  of  the  lane  to  watch  for  them,  but  the  cherry  trees  were  too  tempting  and 
on  he  was  so  busily  engaged  that  he  did  not  notice  two  strangers  who  walked 
Istily  and  quietly  toward  the  house.  When  near  the  house,  they  were  met 
i the  brawny  Peter  Sunderland,  who,  with  a drawn  corn-cutter,  commanded 
jialt.  One  of  the  men  he  grabbed  by  the  collar,  and,  while  he  held  the  wea 
n over  his  head,  threatening  every  minute  to  crash  it  into  his  brain,  he  called 
i John  to  nlake  his  escape.  John  needed  no  second  bidding,  and,  with  a few 
jjoid  strides,  reached  the  woods  and  was  soon  out  of  harm’s  way,  it  is  hoped, 
he  was  never  heard  from  after.  The  treacherous  Kentuckian  who  had 
i ought  about  the  event  was  forbidden  the  house  of  Mr.  Sunderland,  as  he 
ffily  deserved  to  be. 

We  take  the  following  entry  from  James  Russell’s  journal: 

April  9,  1828.  Abel  Morseman  commenced  work  at  $75  per  yr.  washing  and  mend- 
.;  to  be  done  in  the  bargain. 

I)r.  May  29.  1828.  To  making  2 pair  of  pantaloons  at  25c  per  Ann,  50c. 

May  29,  1828.  Paid  Simon  H.  Douglass  25c  for  soleing  shoes. 

Sept.  27,  1828.  Making  cambric  shirt  by  Polly,  75c. 

Sept.  29.  1828.  To  ditto  25c  each  50c.  At  the  end  of  the  year  there  were  21  days  lost 
he  at  26c,  $5. 46c. 

Wages  overdrawn  $1.02. 

We  give  the  following  wages  in  1842:  Making  rails,  50  cents  per  day; 

tking  hay,  50  cents  per  day;  reaping  and  mowing,  62  cents.  Flour,  $2  per 
4.;  pickled  pork,  14  cents  per  pound;  rye,  20  cents  per  bushel;  corn,  20 
nts  per  bushel ; two-horse  team,  $1.50;  carriage  hire,  in  1840,25  cents  per 
y;  cider,  $1  per  barrel. 

Washington  Township  takes  the  lead  in  the  matter  of  public  officials  and 
[sal  government.  It  has  always  been  run  in  the  interests  of  economy  and  at 
e same  time  law,  order  and  social  and  intellectual  development. 

The  first  election  held  in  the  county  was  June  21,  1803,  and  this  town  - 
ip  cast  ninety-five  votes  for  Governor.  The  township  has  been  reduced  since 
en,  but  the  number  of  voters  now  is  440.  The  first  election  for  Justice  of 
e Peace  was  on  the  second  Tuesday  in  October,  1805,  when  the  following 
tes  were  polled:  John  McCabe,  35;  John  McGrew,  32:  Richard  Mason.  1; 
jtal,  68. 

Among  our  township  officers,  we  number  the  following:  James  Russell 

d James  McGrew,  Justices  of  the  Peace,  1811;  John  McGrew  and  W illiam 
uig,  Justices  of  the  Peace,  1812. 

Township  Clerks — Edmund  Munger,  1809—26;  Hugh  Alexander,  1826- 
j'i  John  Woodman,  1828-30;  R.  S.  McGrew,  1830-33;  James  Wilson,  1833- 
; Daniel  Crosley,  1855-61;  Clark  Prim,  1861  to  the  present  time  (1882). 
Treasurers — Thomas  Clawson, to  1809;  James  Russell,  1809-11; 


14 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Richard  Mason,  1811-25;  Goldsmith  Chandler,  1825-26;  James  Harris,  182' 
29:  John  Benham,  1829-31:  James  C.  Anderson,  1831 ; John  Juning,  1831-4 
James  Harris,  1840-42;  N.  V.  Maxwell,  1842-65;  R.  M.  Anderson,  1865-6 
N.  Y.  Maxwell,  1867  to  the  present  time  (1882). 

Postmasters — John  Archer,  appointed  March  1,  1815;  Enos  Doolittl 
December  2,  1823;  Nathaniel  Strong,  July  12,  1827;  James  Brown,  Aim 
19,  1829;  Thomas  Creighton,  November  2,  1832;  James  Harris,  May  3.  184 
John  H.  Campbell,  May  12,  1843;  Enos  Doolittle,  February  6,  1844;  Jain 
Brown,  July  14,  1845;  Israel  Harris,  July  6,  1846;  R.  M.  Anderson,  Mar 
29,  1855;  Wayland  P.  James,  April  10,  1857;  W.  G.  Stewarts,  July  15,  185 
Samuel  Clutch,  August  24,  1858;  James  C.  Anderson,  August  25,  1859;  N. 
Maxwell,  November  2,  1863;  All’s.  Albina  Benham,  January  7,  1867. 

It  is  interesting  to  notice  the  difference  in'the  township  expenses  of  a fi 
years  back  and  those  of  to-day. 

The  total  expenses  for  the  year  1808  were  $102.63,  and  of  this  amount  $’ 
were  for  the  support  of  the  poor. 

In  Alarch,  1829,  the  trustees,  in  settlement  with  the  Treasurer,  made  t! 
statement:  “We  find  now  in  the  Treasurer’s  hands  one  note  of  hand  and  sever 
depreciated  bank  notes,  which  are  considered  of  no  value,  to  the  amount 
$19,814;  amount  in  Treasurer’s  hands,  914  cents. 

“ 1839 — Total  receipts,  $25,244;  total  expenses,  $25,234;  amount  on  han 
1 cent.  Of  the  expenses  this  year,  the  Treasurer  received  as  his  per  cent,  7- 
cents.” 

Between  this  date  and  the  present,  the  wants  of  the  county  must  have  i 
creased  wonderfully,  if  we  are  to  judge  from  the  general  exhibit  of  the  Trea 
urer’s  books  for  March,  1881 : 

Disbursements — School  funds,  $4,930.04;  incidental  expenses,  $4,038.9 
roads,  $1,345.34;  cemetery,  $17.80;  total,  $10,332.14;  Treasurer’s  per  cec 
$144.34. 

This  wide  difference  is  not  an  indication  of  extravagance,  but  of  ge 
eral  improvement.  For  instance,  in  1839,  if  the  report  is  to  be  relied  o 
there  could  have  been  no  public  schools,  while  in  the  report  of  1881  we  find 
large  share  of  total  expenses  was  for  school  purposes. 

In  1865,  Russia  sent  an  agent  to  the  United  States  to  inquire  into  tl 
principles  and  workings  of  our  Government.  As  a matter  of  course,  lie  came 
Ohio,  and,  not  finding  just  what  he  wanted  at  Columbus,  he  came  down 
Dayton.  At  Dayton,  he  said  he  wanted  to  get  at  the  very  bottom  of  the  roe 
ter,  and  asked  what  township  was  best  governed,  as  he  intended  going  in 
the  matter  to  its  foundation.  “ Washington  Township,  of  course,”  respondi 
the  county  officials.  He  came  out,  hi  inging  a letter  of  introduction  to  tl 
Treasurer,  and  spent  some  time  in  examining  the  township  books.  The  i 
title  of  this  interesting  Russian  was  J.  Kapnist,  attache  a la  II  Section  de 
chancellerie  particuliere  de  S.  Al.  l’Empereur  de  Russie. 

AVashington  Township  has  always  been  noted  for  the  liberality  of  k 
citizens.  Their  hearts  are  large  and  an  appeal  for  help  has  never  been  mat 
to  them  in  vain.  In  the  late  war,  a call  was  made  by  the  soldiers’  famiii 
in  Dayton  for  wood.  The  first  call  was  not  generally  known  in  the  townski 
and  consequently  the  response  was  not  very  large.  At  the  second  call,  hi'1 
ever,  the  entire  township  was  quick  to  heed,  and  seventy  loads  of  wood,  mea 
uring  out  seventy-five  cords,  were  hauled  into  town  on  the  same  day.  Tit 
was  more  wood  than  was  contributed  by  the  entire  county  outside  of  4Y  ashinj 
ton  Township.  The  wood  was  hauled  in  procession,  Benjamin  Davis  beiij 
Marshal  for  the  day. 

Not  only  has  she  been  willing  to  contribute  of  her  means,  but  her  citize: 
have  not  hesitated  to  stake  their  lives  for  their  country’s  freedom  or  rights. 


WASHINGTON  TOWNSHIP. 


15 


In  the  war  of  1812  were  tlie  following  men  from  the  township:  Gen.  Ed- 
mjid  Hunger,  Capt.  John  Harris,  Oapt.  William  Luce,  Capt.  Joseph  Ewing, 
Kiser.  Benjamen  Maltbie,  recruiting  officer,  Harvey  Munger,  William 
gjsey,  Henry  Stansell,  Daniel  McNeil,  teamsters;  Truman  Munger,  Amos 
jn,  Lieutenants ; William  Duncan,  William  Newman,  rangers;  Oliver  Tol- 
)(l|1)  James  Tolbert,  Daniel  Shaw,  Richard  Duncan,  Richard  Sunderland, 
•. >r  Sunderland,  Abraham  Russell,  James  Russell,  Peter  Clawson,  William 
f'Bwing,  David  Lamme;  Thomas  Kelsie,  John  Shank,  Thomas  Hatfield,  John 
i field,  James  White,  Joseph  White,  Thomas  Bigger,  John  C.  Murphy,  Rich- 
r Benham,  John  Benham,  John  Wilson,  Simeon  Wilson,  Austin  Webb,  George 
ii,  Robert  Silvers,  Isaac  Harrison,  William  Irvin,  privates. 

In  the  Wolverine  war  of  1835,  when  the  regiment  was  called  together  at 
l nisburg,  and  the  list  of  volunteers  taken,  it  presented  the  following  names: 

; i lard  Benham,  Jr.,  and  Newton  Fleming,  of  Washington,  and  Col.  William 
ayer,  of  Miami  Township. 

In  the  Mexican  war,  John  Woodyard  and  James  Pope  represented  this 
j-iship,  or  would  have  represented  it  had  they  succeeded  in  getting  to 
lico. 

In  the  war  of  1861,  the  township  furnished  her  full  quota  of  soldiers,  but, 
s ,eir  names  are  soon  to  be  recorded  on  the  soldiers’  monument  at  Dayton, 
epave  their  record  to  the  sculptured  marble,  which  will  be  more  enduring 
n|  the  feeble  lines  of  this  pen. 

Although  Washington  T wnship  has  not  made  as  rapid  advancement  in 
national  matters  as  her  progress  in  other  directions  would  lead  us  to  expect, 
f long  the  dark  passages  of  her  illiteracy  there  have  been  glimmerings  of 
g:  whose  beams  have  penetrated  to  her  farthest  borders,  and  in  their  influ- 
k are  destined  to  live  for  years  yet  to  come. 

One  of  these  points  in  her  history  was  the  establishment  of  a public  li- 
1 i'u  as  early  as  1810.  This  library  was  kept  up  for  thirty  years,  and  was  a 
>n  e of  much  intellectual  improvement  to  the  township.  It  was  in  the  hands 
joint-stock  company,  incorporated  under  the  following  law: 

feb.  19,  1810.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Ohio,  that 
u nd  Munger,  Daniel  Bradstreet,  Noah  Tibbals,  John  Harris,  Israel  Harris,  Benjamin 
uifie,  Amoni  Maltbie,  Ethol  Kellogg,  Jeremiah  Hole,  Elihu  Kellogg,  Freeman  Munger, 
'I'  nd  K.  Munger,  Reuben  Munger,  Ezra  Kellogg,  Jonathan  Munger  and  Harvey  Mun- 
- r and  they  are  together  with  such  other  persons  as  shall  be  by  them  hereafter'admit- 
1 eated  and  made  a Corporation  and  body  politic  with  perpetual  Succession  and  Shall 
J'rrfter  he  Known  by  the  name  and  title  of  the  Washington  Social  Library  Company. 

" Edmund  Munger,  Benjamin  Maltbie,  Daniel  Bradstreet,  Noah  Tibbals,  John  Harris, 
b|  Kellogg  and  Jeremiah  Hole  be  and  they  are  hereby  appointed  directors  until  the 
Janual  meeting  of  said  corporation.  This  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from 
d fter  the  passage  thereof.  Meeting  of  the  members  for  Election  of  Officers  1st  Tues- 

^ April  annually  in  the  Township  of  Washington  and  county  of  Montgomery. 

Edward  Tiffin, 

Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives . 
Duncan  McArthur, 

Speaker  of  the  Senate. 

larrison  Maltbie,  son  of  Judge  Benjamin  Maltbie,  makes  a very  clear 
lent  concerning  the  above  charter.  “About  1840,  a stranger  went  through 
1 - wnship,  bought  the  shares  of  the  stockholders,  and  kept  everything  secret 
' f had  full  control ; he  then  came  to  my  father  to  buy  his  two  shares.  My 
1 said  to  him,  ‘You  want  to  establish  a bank  on  this  charter?’  He  ac- 
1ao  edged  that  was  the  calculation.  My  father  told  him  when  the  charter 
ts  Gained,  a pledge  was  given  that  it  should  not  be  so  used;  he  replied  that 
hi  the  power  already  to  control  it,  and  he  would  use  it,  and,  to  avoid  trouble, 
'laid  give  my  father  $30  foBliis  two  shares.  My  father  took  it.  This  man 
IU°A  the  concern  to  Miamisburg  and  started  the  Washington  Bank.” 


16 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Its  life  was  a brief  one,  but  long  enough  for  some  persons  to  lose  la 
amounts  of  money.  Israel  Harris  and  his  son  James,  of  Centerville,  v 
invited  to  take  stock  in  the  bank;  they  visited  Miamisburg  and  examined  : 
it  far  enough  to  satisfy  themselves  that  it  would  not  do. 

In  1848,  a joint-gtock  company  was  organized  in  Centerville  for  the  es 
lishment  of  an  academy.  Property  was  purchased  and  a substantial  two-si 
stone  building  was  erected  at  a cost  of  $8,000.  Prof.  Johnson,  now  of  Jei 
sonville,  Ind. , was  the  first  Principal,  and  under  his  management  the  sc] 
prospered  for  a few  years  very  remarkably.  Besides  the  languages,  ina 
matics  and  sciences,  there  was  taught  book-keeping,  surveying  and  history. 

The  school  was  closed,  however,  in  1861,  and  the  building  was  afieru 
sold  to  the  Baptists,  who  erected  a church  on  its  site. 

There  is  at  present  a decided  improvement  in  the  schools  all  over 
township.  The  district  schools  are  better  than  they  ever  were  before,  and 
feeling  now  is  that  Washington  is  going  to  come  out  of  the  woods  and 
her  proper  position  among  her  sister  townships.  Besides  this  general  iropr 
ment,  a select  school  was  opened  up  in  Centerville,  in  the  fall  of  1881,  \v 
promises  to  be  very  successful. 


There  are  three  villages  in  the  township,  which  were  once  places  of 
siderable  importance,  but,  since  the  decline  of  the  mills  and  factories,  w 
gave  them  life,  the  once  active  and  noisy  streets  have  become  silent  and  ah 
deserted,  and  the  towns  are  all  very  quiet  and  inoffensive  in  their 
acter.  The  interest  has  been  entirely  transferred  to  the  country,  whose  ri 
young  men  and  women  are  the  true  bone  and  sinew  of  the  township. 

Woodburn,  in  the  northwestern  part  was  once  a place  of  considerable  1 
ness  capacity.  Here  the  manufacturing  company  located  their  factory,  and,  i) 
palmy  days  of  that  establishment  Woodburn  carried  on  a brisk  trade  wifcl 
surrounding  farmers.  Besides  the  factory  and  private  dwellings,  the 
boasted  of  a tavern,  familiarly  known  as  “ Townsley’s  Tavern,”  a foundry 
machine  shop  and  the  calico  printer’s  establishment  before  referred  to. 
a number  of  years,  it  also  supported  a good  country  store. 

The  town  was  the  outgrowth  of  the  factory,  for  we  find  that  the  first 
were  sold  in  May,  1818,  two  years  after  the  organization  of  the  company, 
present,  there  remains  nothing  to  mark  the  place  except  a few  dwelling-ln 
and  a new  brick  church. 

Stringtown,  in  the  southeastern  part  of  the  township,  dates  back  to 
the  same  time,  but  never  attained  any  particular  importance,  except  as  tl 
cation  of  David  Miller’s  tannery  and  a few  shops  of  divers  kinds.  Thei 
mains  of  it  at  present  its  classical  appellation  and  a few  good  farmer  citi 

Centerville,  about  midway  between  Woodburn  and  Stringtown,  receivi 
name  from  its  location — being  seven  miles  from  Miamisburg,  Springbon 
Ridgeville,  nine  from  Dayton,  Upper  Shaker  Village,  Waynesville  and  F 
lin,  and  fourteen  from  Middietowm,  Xenia,  Lebanon  and  Lower  Shaker  A i 
It  is  located  on  the  highest  point  between  Lebanon  and  Dayton,  on  the  vj 
shed  of  the  Miamis. 

It  dates  earlier  than  either  of  the  other  places,  and  was  probably  lai 
for  a town  as  early  as  1805  or  1806.  We  know  of  lots  having  been  sd 
1808,  and  there  was  a town  there  at  that  time.  In  1811,  a store  was  0] 
up  on  Main  street,  and  since  then  Centerville  has  never  failed  to  be  v 
upon  by  one  or  more  of  the  necessary  emporiums  of  trade.  It  has  been 
incorporated — once  in  1830  and  again  in  1879.  The  first  officials  und| 
earlier  incorporation  were:  Samuel  S.  Robbins,  Mayor;  Henry  W.  Kj 
Marshal;  Robert  G.  McEwen,  Clerk.  These  officers  served  some  time  w| 


WASHINGTON  TOWNSHIP. 


17 


I ving  a case,  when  the  boys  made  up  a pony  purse  and  hired  J oseph  Beck  to 
i d his  horse  on  the  pavement  before  the  Mayor.  A warrant  was  immediately 
iiiedby  that  functionary  and  the  playful  Joseph  was  arrested  and  lined  50 
i its,  the  Mayor  declaring  with  great  gusto  that  order  and  the  dignity  of  the 
cy  should  be  preserved  at  all  hazards.  The  first  officials  under  the  new  in- 
cporation,  which  declares  that  Centerville  is  a hamlet,  were:  William  Dodd, 
issident  of  the  Council:  W.  H.  Lamme,  M.  D.,  and  S.  G.  Stewart,  M.  D., 
las  tees ; Joseph  Nutt,  Clerk  and  Treasurer;  Joseph  Loy,  Marshal. 

In  1812.  as  Gen.  Harrison  was  marching  north  to  retrieve  the  fortunes  of 
; ill,  he  passed  through  the  town  and  encamped  two  miles  to  the  north,  on  the 
vst  side  of  the  pike,  a little  to  the  southwest  of  Whip’s  tobacco  shed. 

As  he  came  up  from  the  south,  he  observed  a girl  making  desperate  efforts 
r mount  a fractious  colt,  and,  supposing  the  music  was  making  matters  worse 
her,  he  ordered  it  stopped.  In  the  meantime,  the  girl  had  succeeded  in 
runting  and  flew  past  like  a shot,  bareback  and  vigorously  applying  the  birch, 
trike  up,”  shouted  the  General,  “there  is  no  danger  of  that  girl’s  being 
down.”  When  he  came  intq  town,  he  ordered  a halt,  while  he  went  into  the 
' el  to  inquire  the  name  of  the  female  equestrian  and  compliment  her  on  her 
a'.'semanship.  The  girl’s  name  was  Sallie  Archer,  afterward  Mrs.  Thomas 
I.vis. 

At  the  same  time,  one  of  Gen.  Harrison’s  soldiers,  a Frenchman,  discovered 
line  fat  cat  basking  in  front  of  the  tavern.  Mrs.  Archer,  the  owner  of  the  cat, 
iring  given  him  permission  to  take  the  cat  with  him,  he  immediately  shot 
S Thomas,  and,  having  skinned  it,  put  it  in  his  haversack.  It  is  supposed 
llit  he  enjoyed  a good  roast  that  night. 

Centerville  was  once  a place  of  some  importance,  but,  like  Woodburn  and 
Singtown,  began  to  grow  old  when  the  manufacturing  interests  were  permitted 
'ball  into  disuse.  It  has  to-day  a population  of  about  275,  and  supports  one 
l goods  store,  three  groceries,  a meat-shop,  two  stone  shops,  three  blacksmith 
sips,  two  wagon-makers,  a hotel  and  a good  post  office.  The  health  of  its  cit- 
As  is  looked  after  by  W.  H.  Lamme  and  S.  G.  Stewart;  its  morals  are  attend- 
H’to  by  the  Methodist  Episcopal  and  Baptists,  both  Old  and  New  School,  un- 
i the  leadership  of  Bev.  Deem  and  Elders  Thompson  and  AVilson. 

BAPTISTS. 

Copy  of  the  article  for  the  ground  upon  which  the  first  meeting-house  in 
Vshington  Township,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  was  built: 

We  promis  to  pay  or  cause  to  be  paid  unto  Aaron  Nutt  or  Order  the  just  and  full  sum 
’ifteen  Dollars  and  that  in  behalf  of  the  Baptist  church  of  Sugar  Creek,  it  being  a eom- 
i>wation  for  a lot  purchased  to  build  a Meeting  House  On  and  to  be  paid  as  follows.  By 
} e Dollars  in  plank,  three  Dollars  in  Glass,  one  Dollar  in  a pare  of  I — L Hinges  all  to 
•>  Delivered  and  paid  to  the  said  Nutt  when  the  Meeting  House  is  ready  to  receive  them 
n Eight  Dollars  on  or  before  the  twenty -fifth  day  of  December  Next  Insueing  the  (late 
ilsof  as  AVitnessOur  Hands  and 'Seals  the  first  Day  of  June  One  Thousand  Eight  Hun- 
s'I and  two.  Note  above  characters  represent  the  word  Hook. 

Testis:  John  McIntosh.  Benjamin  Archek,  [Seal.] 

Nathaniel  Knotts.  Deacons. 

The  following  credits  appear  on  the  above  article  without  dates:  Received 
Lt  of  the  within  bill;  ditto  $3.-J.  Credit  for  350  feet  of  plank. 

The  church  proceeded  to  build  a house  of  worship,  and  empowered  the 
"iding  committee  to  pay  for  hewing  the  logs  in  country  produce.  The  build - 
'i  of  the  house  was  contracted  for  £50,  for  which  the  contractor  was  to  take 
" le  or  work,  if  paid  within  a specified  time;  if  otherwise,  it  was  to  be  paid 
'pash,  and  said  house  to  be  ready  for  use  by  June  1,  1803.  Some  of  the 
t1  cheons  for  floor  in  said  house  are  still  in  existence  (February,  1882). 

The  house  being  finished,  a way  through  the  wilderness  must  be  prepared 


18 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


for  the  scattered  members  and  their  friends  to  go  up  to  the  house  of  the  Lo: 
Accordingly,  committees  were  appointed  to  mark  trees  from  the  meetii 
house  to  Wilson’s  and  McGrew's  settlements,  each  distant  about  live  miles, 
opposite  directions.  Rev.  Charles  McDaniel,  Baptist  missionary,  sent  by 
English  society,  was  the  first  minister  in  Washington  Township.  This  chui 
was  raised  and  constituted  in  1799,  under  the  labors  of  Elder  Daniel  Cla 
who  was  the  only  minister  within  many  miles.  As  near  as  can  now  bo  asc 
tained,  as  some  records  are  lost,  there  were  nine  members — four  males  and  1 
females.  It  was  constituted  in  a private  house  of  one  of  the  members,  an* 
printed  covenant  was  adopted,  which  had  been  brought  from  Kentucky  by  c 
of  the  members.  The  first  church  meeting  on  record  was  held  November 
1799.  Monthly  meetings  for  business  were  then  appointed,  and  these  have  c< 
tinned  till  the  present  time.  The  first  addition  was  by  letter,  January  1, 18' 
and,  in  June  following,  was  the  first  addition  by  baptism,  Mary  Etchasc 
Dr.  John  Hole  was  the  first  person  baptized  in  Hole’s  Creek,  September 
1801.  In  this  year,  the  church  united  with  the  Miami  Association.  Early 
the  present  century,  Elder  Joshua  Carman  settled  near  this  church,  and, 
the  1st  of  January,  1802,  the  church  employed  him  to  preach  a part  of  1 
time.  In  this  year  was  the  first  subscription  for  the  support  of  the  Gosp 
When  the  church  was  organized,  the  country  was  a wilderness,  the  first  sett 
ment  not  two  years  previous.  Yet,  before  the  close  of  1802,  her  members! 
had  increased  twenty-one  by  letter  and  eight  by  baptism.  Frequent  cases 
discipline  are  mentioned,  and  the  first  exclusion  is  mentioned  in  March,  18l 
In  April  of  this  year,  the  church  employed  Elder  John  Mason  to  preach  tw 
a month,  till  September,  1823.  The  first  member  regularly  dismissed  was 
1800;  first  restoration  in  1808;  from  then  until  1811  the  records  are  poo 
kept.  In  1812,  Elder  Jacob  Mulford  was  employed  to  preach  once  a mon 
till  1823  or  1824.  In  ISIS,  an  effort  was  made  to  build  a new  house  of  w 
ship  of  brick,  but  the  effort  failed.  In  1824,  Elder  Hezekiah  Stites  was  e 
ployed  to  preach  one  Sabbath  in  each  month,  and  a subscription  was  raised 
be  paid  in  sugar  for  part  of  his  services.  In  1827,  Eider  Samuel  Catte: 
preached  for  the  church  a portion  of  the  time.  In  1830,  they  employed  Elc 
Peter  Webb  as  pastor,  which  relation  he  sustained  till  1835.  Purchased 
addition  to  the  graveyard  this  year.  In  May,  1831,  agreed  to  build  a n 
house  of  worship.  Brother  Daniel  Wilson  was  appointed  agent  and  buildi 
committee;  in  1832,  the  house  was  finished  and  committee  discharged  w id)  c 
tire  approbation  and  hearty  thanks.  January,  1836,  called  Elder  "Robert  M 
sildine  to  preach  one-half  the  time,  but,  proving  himself  unworthy  the  cor 
dence  reposed  in  him,  he  was  dismissed.  After  September,  1836,  preaching 
part  of  the  time  by  different  ministers — by  Elder  Muncier  Jones,  Brotl 
Orasmus  Osgood  and  Brother  Lewis  Osborn,  Elder  William  Sutton  and  Elc 
John  Blodget.  In  April,  1842,  Elder  John  Blodget  was  settled  as  pastor; 
October,  his  health  failed  and  Elder  Henry  Ward  was  engaged  until  the  paste 
health  was  restored;  in  1852,  the  pastor  closed  his  labors  with  the  entire 
Elder  Zelora  Eaton  employed  to  preach  semi-monthly  for  six  months. 
1853,  Elder  Samuel  Marshall  employed  one-half  the  time,  till  1856.  In  Js 
nary,  1857,  Brother  Seth  D.  Bowker;  with  him  the  church  made  its  first . 
rangement  for  preaching  every  Sabbath.  In  March,  1859,  the  church  call 
Elder  J.  W.  Weatherby  to  the  pastorate;  continued  till  1865.  H.  Wai 
pastor  from  May  1,  1866,  to  May,  1868.  John  E.  Craig,  Jaunary  9,  1869, 
November,  1870.  H.  Ward,  from  July  1,  1871,  to  April,  1874.  J.  0.  Ar 
strong,  from  April  4,  1874,  to  May  15,  1876.  Watson  Dana,  from  Noveml 
19.  1876,  to  May  15,  1878.  J.  H.  Wilson  since  October  1,  1878. 

The  present  house  of  worship  was  built  in  1871  and  dedicated  in  18 
The  above  represents  the  New  School  Baptist  Church. 


WASHINGTON  TOWNSHIP. 


19 


In  reference  to  the  above  church,  the  following  enactment  of  the  Legisla- 
te is  found : 

Feb.  4,  1815.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Ohio,  that  Beu- 
j.iiu  Archer  Aimer  Gerard,  and  Edward  Mitchel  and  their  associates  for  the  time  being 
1 and  they  are  hereby  created  and  declared  a body  politic  by  the  name  of  the  Regular 
F otist  called  Sugar  Creek,  and  as  such  shall  remain  and  have  perpetual  succession,  sub- 
iy,  however,  to  such  future  alterations  as  the  Legislature  may  think  proper  to  make. 

OLD  SCHOOL  BAPTISTS. 

After  the  division  of  the  Baptist  Church,  which,  from  the  records,  seems 
r iave  been  somewhere  between  1821  and  1824,  the  two  bodies  were  then 
tiwn  respectively  as  Old  and  New  School  Baptist.  The  following  are  the 
res  of  the  Elders  who  have  served  the  Old  School  in  Centerville  from  the 
ision  to  the  present  time:  Elder  Wilson  Thompson,  Jacob  Mulford,  Stephen 

id,  Thomas  Childers,  Moses  Frazee, Kingham,  Elihu  Moore,  Samuel 

'lliams  (preached  sixteen  years),  William  Butler,  John  A.  Thompson,  Grigg 
Timpson,  John  M.  Thompson  (since  January,  1877).  About  1828.  built  a 
die  meeting-house,  which  was  occupied  until  a few  years  ago,  when  they 
sited  a neat  frame  house.  John  A.  Thompson  preached  the  dedication  ser- 
ial. Regular  preaching  the  foru-th  Sunday  in  each  month  and  Saturday  be- 
V • in  Centerville. 

UNIVERSALISTS. 

The  Universalists  commenced  preaching  here  about  1826  or  1827,  the  first 
■ion  by  Jonathan  Kidwell.  in  the  old  pioneer  log  meeting-house,  after  that 
itching  sometimes  in  private  houses,  and  quite  frequently  in  the  school- 
K3e;  there  they  organized  and  prospered  for  many  years,  having  regular 
aJings,  the  ministers  full  of  zeal  and  full  of  debate.  Elder  Samuel  Will- 
a 3,  of  the  Old  School  Baptist,  and  Elihu  Moore,  Universal]' sc,  had  debate  for 
las  in  the  Baptist  Church  of  Centerville;  at  the  conclusion,  both  parties 
lined  the  victory.  Jonathan  Kidwell  was  said  to  be  very  generous  to  his  op- 
>o;nts.  After  a sermon,  it  is  said  he  would  extend  the  privilege  to  any  one 
i rent  to  make  known  their  opposition  to  his  doctrine.  On  one  occasion  in 
'i >lo  County,  an  old  German  rose  up  and  said:  “Mr,  Kidwell,  if  your  doe- 
n)  ish  true,  we  has  got  enough  of  it,  and,  if  it  ish  not  true,  we  wants  no 
i®  of  it.  ” And  down  he  sat. 

ORTHODOX  FR1EXDS. 

At  an  early  date,  Thomas  Horner  and  four  sons — John,  David,  Joseph 
n Jacob — with  their  families,  all  members  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  settled 
> lis  township,  and,  for  awliite.  attended  the  Friends’  meetings  in  Wavnes- 
il.  On  New  Year’s  Day,  1816,  Solomon  Miller  and  family,  from  Pennsyl- 
i a,  also  Friends,  moved  into  the  neighborhood  and  a meeting-  was  soon  or- 
a zed  on  Sugar  Creek,  one  and  a half  miles  southeast  of  Centerville.  About 
J came  Abijah  Taylor  and  family  and  Goldsmith  Chandler  and  family, 

1 "Virginia.  Then  Amos  Kinworthv,  from  Pennsylvania,  and  David  Miller. 
4 sunk  a tanyard  and  built  the  brick  house  at  the  cross  roads  in  Stringtown. 
in  came  Job  Jennings  and  family,  from  New  Jersey.  Caleb  Miller  came 
G 1822  or  1823;  Nathan  Ballard  about  the  same  time;  he  was  a cooper  and 
is  hop>  was  on  the  lot  adjoining  the  township  hall  in  Centerville,  on  the  east 
u Later,  came  the  Haines  family,  we  think,  from  New  Jersey;  Paul  Sears 
icamily,  from  North  Carolina;  Joseph  and  Solomon  Hollingsworth,  from 
n.nia.  We  are  not  certain  about  the  Horners’  native  State,  but  it  is  now 
■fipsed  to  be  North  Carolina.  Isaac  Hasket  came  in  at  a later  date,  and  was 
a,x ' the  last  member  of  the  meeting,  which  is  now  entirely  among  the  things 
l‘iaire  past.  For  years,  monthly  meetings  were  held  alternately  at  Sugar 


20 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


“Creek  and  Springboro.  By  1860,  meetings  had  about  ceased,  Isaac  Hasket  a 
the  Sears  family  being  the  sole  representatives  of  that  once  pleasant  socie 
Hasket  moved  to  Iowa.  The  Sears,  with  the  exceptions  of  Charles  and  Ma: 
attached  themselves  to  other  societies.  The  old  meeting-house,  after  its  ab; 
donment  as  such,  was  occupied  a few  years  as  a dwelling,  when  it  was  burr 
down.  Nothing  now  marks  the  spot  but  the  old  burying-ground.  Thou 
Miller,  son  of  the  above-named  Solomon,  is  a prominent  minister  in  the  Sect 
of  Friends;  residence,  Springboro,  Warren  Co.,  Ohio.  The  writer,  as  well 
all  acquaintances  of  James  C.  Anderson,  will  be  surprised  to  learn  that  he  v 
not  a member;  such  is  the  case,  he  was  not. 

WASHINGTON  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH. 

The  earliest  record  that  we  have  of  the  Washington  Presbyterian  Chu 
is  a record  of  a congregational  meeting,  held  November  29,  1813,  Rev.  Willi 
Robison,  presiding,  at  which  three  trustees  were  chosen,  viz.,  Jonathan  M: 
ger,  Edmund  Munger  and  Ira  Mead.  On  August  20,  1817,  the  first  record 
a meeting  of  a church  session  occurred, constituted  as  follows:  Ministers,  h 
Grey,  Rev.  Burgess;  Elders,  Messrs,  Tunis  Vandevere,  Zebulon  Baird  ; 
Fergus  McClane.  At  this  meeting,  the  following  persons  were  admittec 
full  membership:  Noah  Tibbals,  Benjamin  Maltbie,  George  Reeder,  Pc< 
Reeder.  Edmund  Munger.  Eunice  Munger,  Jonathan  Munger,  Elizabeth  M 
ger.  Seth  Kellogg,  Eunice  Kellogg,  Andrew  Bailey  and  Olive  Porter.  At  t 
meeting,  the  following  persons  were  elected  by  the  congregation  Elders  of 
church:  George  Reeder,  Edmund  Munger  and  Benjamin  Maltbie.  and.  on  . 
31st  of  August,  the  same  year,  these  Elders  were  ordained  by  the  Rev. 
Hughs.  At  this  period,  it  was  the  custom  to  hold  two  services  on  the»Si 
Sabbath,  the  people  taking  lunch  with  (hem.  The  records  do  not  show  wl 
the  meetings  were  held,  but  most  likely  from  house  to  house.  Subsequen 
•out-door  meetings  became  quite  common,  and  a great  many  added  to  the  dun 
this  was  especially  true  of  a camp-meeting,  which  was  held  some  time  betw 
the  years  1829  and  1833  or  1831,  under  the  preaching  of  the  Rev.  Jdjhr 
Belville.  recently  deceased,  one  of  the  most  talented  and  eloquent  divine 
that  day.  He  became  the  pastor  of  this  church  March  24,  1830,  and  contin 
in  this  office  up  to  1840;  during  this  period,  upward  of  120  persons  were  ad 
to  the  church.  The  first  division  in  the  church  seems  to  have  grown  out  of; 
sale  of  pews,  part  of  the  church  being  opposed  to  the  plan,  and,  in  eonseque 
several  of  the  most  liberal  and  efficient  members  withdrew  or  were  disciple 

The  next  occasion  of  a division  was  the  question  of  dispute  in  refen 
to  doctrine,  which  ended  in  the  split  into  Old  and  New  School.  A small 
nority  of  the  members  withdrew  and  made  an  attempt  to  organize  a churcl 
the  New-School  doctrine,  but  did  not  succeed.  The  majority  of  the  mem! 
continued  their  adherence  to  the  original  organization,  and  the  organiza 
has  been  kept  up  with  varying  success  up  to  the  present  time.  The  orig 
plan  was  to  build  the  church  in  Centerville,  and  $906  were  raised  by  sabsc 
tion  for  this  purpose.  Subsequently,  a subscription  was  started  to.  bail'd 
church  at  or  near  the  high  bridge,  which  succeeded  in  raising  only  $80, 
what  they  lacked  in  money  they  seem  to  have  made  up  in  energy,  for  we 
that  they  finally  carried  the  point.  This  was  a compromise;  part  of  the  j 
congregation  lived  at  Miamisburg,  and  it  was  argued  that  the  church  ougl 
be  located  so  as  to  accommodate  both  sections.  So  the  church  was  located  i 
the  bridge.  The  records  of  this  church  show  that  near  400  names  appej' 
upon  its  roll  from  its  organization  up  to  the  present  time.  The  first  Sab 
school  in  this  township  was  organized  in  this  church. 


WASHINGTON  TOWNSHIP. 


21 


METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH. 

The  denomination  which  embraces  the  largest  number  of  members  in  the 
wnship  is  the  Methodist  Episcopal,  but,  owing  to  the  fact  that  they  have 
:sver  kept  an  official  record,  their  history  is  somewhat  curtailed  in  this  work. 

The  following  facts,  however,  we  are  enabled  to  lay  before  our  readers 
.rough  the  kindness  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Abner  Harris,  who  are  members  of  the 
urch  of  long  standing,  and  were  acquainted  with  many  of  the  earliest  Meth- 
lists  of  the  township.  Mr.  Harris  himself  is  a native  of  the  township  and 
rs.  Harris  removed  here  from  Kentucky  in  1806. 

The  first  Methodist  in  the  township  was  Henry  Opdyke.  whose  cabin 
ood  on  the  farm  now  owned  by  Mrs.  Eleazer  Williamson,  three  miles  north - 
st  of  Centerville.  At  his  cabin,  in  1809,  Eev.  John  Collins  preached  the 
1st  Methodist  sermon  in  the  township.  He  also  organized  a class-meeting, 
e first  leader  of  which  was  Aaron  Nutt,  Jr.  In  this  cabin  Mr.  Harris  says. 
: witnessed  a more  exciting  love  feast  than  he  has  ever  seen  since.  The 
jsetings  were  held  here  until  Mr.  Opdyke  donated  a lot  to  the  congregation, 
pon  which  their  ready  hands  and  keen  axes  soon  put  up  a log  church.  This 
is  used  for  several  years  for  public  worship,  but  finally  was  permitted  to  be 
rn  down,  and  was  never  rebuilt. 

The  next  church  put  up  was  a log  building  on  land  donated  by  Mathias 
.parson,  about  three  miles  south  of  Centerville,  on  the  present  Dayton  & Leba- 
n pike.  The  date  given  to  this  church  is  1813  or  1814,  and  the  appointment 
is  called  Eehobeth.  There  was  a good  congregation  here  for  those  days,  and. 
uong  the  members  we  note  the  following:  Mathias  Pearson.  John  Roberts, 

iomas  Swift, Rhodes, Conley.  The  old  log  building  was  used  for 

ijreral  years,  when  it  was  torn  down  and  a neat  brick  church  erected  in  its 
cad.  This  church  was  continued  to  within  the  last  few  years,  when  it  shared 
“0  same  fate  as  its  more  humble  predecessor.  At  present,  there  is  no  building 

the  lot. 

Shortly  after  the  establishment  of  Rehobeth  appointment,  David  Watkins- 
• nated  a lot  for  church  proposes  on  the  farm  now  owned  by  George  Sears, 
i out  three  miles  southeast  of  Centerville,  on  Sugar  Creek.  A log  church  was 
•so  erected  here  and  the  appropriate  name  of  Hopewell  given  to  the  appoint- 
bnt.  It  is  worthy  of  note  that,  with  the  exception  of  the  Presbyterians,  every 
''nomination  has  begun  its  evangelical  work  in  this  township  in  log  build- 
igs.  Hopewell,  like  Rehobeth,  enjoyed  several  years  of  prosperity,  but,  like 

church  at  Opdyke’s,  never  passed  into  a second  existence.  The  following 
!,3  some  of  the  members:  David  Watkins,  Daniel  Watkins.  Jonathan  Watkins, 
'urge  Watkins,  James  Proud  and  Jeremiah  Allen. 

At  the  time  of  the  establishment  of  the  church  in  this  township,  Miami 
ficuit  was  under  the  control  of  the  conference  in  Kentucky,  by  whom,  in 
10,  the  circuit  was  divided,  the  northern  division  retaining  the  old  name  of 
. ami,  while  the  southern  was  called  Union  Circuit.  At  this  time,  services 
’ rc  held  at  the  various  appointments  only  once  in  every  five  or  six  weeks. 

1 1811,  Union  and  Miami  Circuits  were  joined  together,  but  this  arrangement 
vs  only  continued  until  October  1,  1812,  when  Union  was  again  set  off  by 
b conference  at  Chillicothe. 

The  early  Methodists  were  not  wealthy,  and,  although  they  gave  what 
% could  to  maintain  the  ministry,  yet  the  remuneration  was  scarcely  suffi- 
; nt  to  support  these  apostles  of  Christ.  That  their  pastorate  was  no  sinesure 
'll  be  seen  by  the  following  collections,  taken  at  nine  appointments  in  1811: 
lion,  $31.95;  Xenia,  $8.50;  Campbell.  $3;  Baumgardner's,  $2;  Widow 
> kith’s,  $3,374;  Lebanon,  $32.25;  Dvche's.  $1.18|  ; Hasberger’s,  $3.75; 
bud’s.  $3.40;  total,  $89. 3 If 


22 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


We  are  unable  to  give  a complete  list  of  the  various  ministers  who  ha 
been  on  this  circuit,  but  some  of  the  following  names  are  yet  familiar  in  mai 
Methodist  households:  Solomon  Langdon,  first  Presiding  Elder;  Marcus  Liu 
sey,  Joseph  Tatman,  Moses  Crutne  and  Jacob  Miller,  regularly  ordained  min 
ters,  and  Bennet  Maxey,  helper,  in  1813  and  1814;  Amos  Sparks  and  Robe 
Burns,  local  preachers  in  1816  and  1817.  Among  other  names  are  the  folio 
ing:  John  Strange,  John  Sale,  John  P.  Durbin  (afterward  a Bishop),  Russi 
Biglow,  AVilliam  Dixon,  Arthur  Elliott,  Albert  Goddard,  George  Maly,  Mich: 
Marley. Hardy, Parson,  — Sullivan. Brook. 

Previous  to  1833,  there  was  no  church  in  Centerville,  and  their  services  ; 
to  that  time  were  held  in  the  schoolhouse  and  the  Baptist  Church.  In  t 
summer  of  that  year,  a stone  building  was  erected,  which  continued  to  be  us. 
for  divine  services  until  1867,  when  a brick  building,  costing  $12,000,  wasp 
up  in  its  stead.  Since  then,  a fine  two-story  frame  parsonage  has  been  erect 
on  the  church  lot. 

At  present,  the  church  is  in  a flourishing  condition,  and  under  the  spirit:' 
guidance  of  Rev.  Reuben  K.  Deem. 


CONCLUSION. 

Many  changes  have  taken  place  in  the  township  since  its  first  settleme: 
and  especially  within  the  last  few  years,  the  spirit  of  progress  has  taken  p: 
session  of  the  people.  The  old  log  huts  of  our  pioneer  forefathers  have  lo 
been  torn  dowm;  the  buildings  erected  in  their  stead  have  also  been  slupt 
S9ded;  moderately  good  houses  have  been  remodeled  and  refitted,  and  to  d; 
attractive  and  even  elegant  dwellings  adorn  and  beautify  every  road.  The  o 
log  stables  and  rail  corn-pens  have  passed  from  sight,  and  in  their  stead  i 
find  that  commodious  barns  and  well-ai’ranged  granaries  have  sprung  up  as 
by  magic  on  every  farm.  And  not  these  conveniences  alone  has  the  farmer  c 
tained,  which  serve  to  make  life  pleasant  and  agreeable  when  indoors,  but 
keeps  fully  up  with  the  spirit  of  the  age  in  the  matter  of  machinery  to  light: 
labor.  The  old  sickle  has  been  hung  up,  the  cradle  has  been  laid  away  a: 
the  most  improved  self-binder  is  seen  ready  oiled  in  the  barn  of  every  farm: 
Everything  is  done  with  neatness  and  dispatch,  and,  as  a consequence,  he  1: 
more  time  to  attend  to  those  little  matters  of  improvement  which  make  up  t! 
grand  total  of  our  development. 

These  things  show  no  place  more  plainly  in  the  relative  valuation  of  lai 
now  and  seventy  or  eighty  years  ago.  In  1804,  Aaron  Nutt  paid,  on  the  l1 
acres  of  the  north  end  of  his  half-section  of  land,  a tax  of  50  cents.  A f< 
years  later,  he  sold  the  land  for  $4  per  acre.  The  present  owner  of  the  sar 
land,  Benjamin  Davis,  paid  $140  per  acre  for  it,  and  his  tax  for  1880  amount 
to  $70.04. 

Not  only  private  but  public  improvement  is  rife  among  her  citizens.  T 
churches  have  been  overhauled,  repainted,  refitted  or  rebuilt  without  except! 
in  the  last  few  years.  The  Methodists  led  off  in  this  line  by  putting  up  a fi 
brick  building  in  1867.  Since  then,  both  Baptist  Churches  have  follow 
their  example,  and  the  New  School  have  added  also  a parsonage. 

In  1879,  the  Trustees  of  the  township  submitted  the  question  of  a tov 
hall  to  the  voters,  and,  with  an  overwhelming  majority,  they  responded  ‘*Ae: 
The  building  was  erected  in  1880,  and  is  quite  a model  for  neatness  and  sen 
1 de  arrangement. 

The  T. , D.  & B.  R.  R.  passes  through  the  township  one  mile  east  of  Ce 
terville,  and  a side  track  has  been  graded  from  this  road  to  the  stone  quarry 
John  E.  Allen.  This  quarry  has  been  leased  to  a Xenia  man,  and  it  is  e 
pected  to  take  out  400  perch  of  stone  daily  as  soon  as  the  road  is  in  success! 
operation. 


WASHINGTON  TOWNSHIP. 


23 


Statement  of  Mi\  Joseph  Manuel  as  to  the  quality  and  quantity  of  stone  in 
.ashington  Township.  He  is  at  present  and  has  been  a worker  in  stone  for  a 
riod  of  forty-five  years ; he  has  worked  in  many  different  quarries,  so  that  his 
i inion  is  a valuable  one.  He  says  the  basis  of  our  limestone  is  the  Hudson 
lift,  or  blue  limestone.  The  next  is  the  Clinton  formation,  or  coral  rock, 
•med  in  salt  water.  The  next  is  the  Niagara  group.  Our  stone,  he  says,  is 
a superior  quality  to  any  limestone  formation,  and  the  reason  why,  its  base 
formation  is  the  crystal  of  lime,  formed  by  pressure  and  heats.  As  to  its 
lauty,  it  is  susceptible  of  the  finest  polish;  the  color  is  a bright  gray;  it  will 
j lish  like  glass.  For  durability,  no  superior.  To  resist  pressure,  it  cannot 
I,  battered.  It  will  resist  all  the  effects  of  frost  or  water.  The  above  stone 
, i here,  not  merely  by  the  load  or  perch,  but  by  the  acre.  The  stripping  is 
i'ht  compared  with  other  quarries  in  the  county,  generally  from  two  to  six 
fit  stone  are  then  taken  out  of  any  desirable  thickness  or  length.  Mr.  Manuel 
;|/s  there  are  5,600  perch  to  the  acre.  Upon  his  lot,  about  one-half  an  acre 
which  he  is  quarrying  stone  from,  in  the  last  twenty  years,  with  his  labor 
■ ded,  he  has  sold  not  less  than  $5,000  worth  of  stone. 

The  following  statement  from  W.  H.  Lamme,  M.  D. : The  situation  of 
Washington  Township  is  generally  elevated,  except  the  southwest  corner,  where 
t>  tributaa’ies  of  Hole’s  Creek  take  their  rise,  and  a small  strip  of  the  western 
p-t  of  the  township,  which  lies  alongside  of  Hole’s  Creek,  which  creek  trav- 
ges  the  entire  length  of  that  part  of  the  township.  The  summit  land  between 
t > Great  and  Little  Miami  Rivers,  is  in  the  center  of  the  township,  about 
vere  the  town  of  Centerville  lies.  From  the  absence  of  large  streams,  we  are 
i:  subject  to  fogs,  as  they  are  upon  the  river  bottoms;  nor  are  we  subject  to 
tjj  ague,*  although  fever’s  of  a malarious  and  epidemic  character  often  prevail 
(ring  the  autumn  season  of  the  year.  What  is  known  as  goitre,  or  enlarge- 
nt  of  the  thyroid  glands  of  the  neck,  commonly  called  big  neck  by  the  peo- 
i,  seems  to  prevail  to  an  unusual  extent  in  this  township.  No  cause  has  ever 
I m assigned  for  this.  The  temperature,  both  winter  and  summer,  does  not 
Aerially  differ  from  that  of  the  river  bottoms,  although  vegetation  is  usual - 
! two  weeks  or  more  later  here  than  they  are  there — a circumstance  which 
i nore  attributable  to  soil  than  location.  We  have  a subsoil  of  clay,  while 
>y  have  one  of  gravel. 


! 


24 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


GERMAN  TOWNSHIP.* 

r JHHIS  rich  and  populous  district  is  situated  in  the  southwest  corner  of  Mon 
JL  gomery  County.  It  adjoins  on  its  west  side  Pi’eble  County,  on  its  sou 
side  Butler  and  Warren  Counties,  on  the  east  Miami  Township,  and  on  il 
north  Jackson  and  Jefferson  Townships.  It  embraces  a territory  of  thirt 
seven  sections  and  a fraction  of  a section,  and,  according  to  the  last  offici 
census,  contains  a population  of  3,451.  In  the  spring  of  1803,  shortly  aft 
the  law  took  effect  by  which  Montgomery  County  ’ was  formed,  the  Assccia 
Judges  of  the  County  Court  established'  the  four  original  townships  of  tl 
county — Washington,  German,  Dayton  and  Elizabeth. 

German  Township  included  all  of  the  territory  west  of  the  Miami  River 
the  State  line,  parallel  to  and  two  or  three  miles  south  of  the  present  southei 
boundary  of  Miami  County.  On  the  10th  day  of  June,  1805,  the  records  rea 
“German  Township,  bounded  at  present  by  the  Miami  River  on  the  oast,  Butl 
County  on  the  south,  the  line  east  of  third  range  on  the  west,  and  the  nor’ 
side  of  first  tier  of  sections  in  south  side  of  third  township,  fifth  range,  ai 
fourth  township,  foiu’th  range,  as  the  north  boundary  line,  elections  to  be  he 
at  Philip  Gunckel’s  Mill,  on  Twin  Creek.”  At  a session  of  the  County  Cod 
missioners,  February  3,  1806,  it  was  ordered  that  two  tiers  of  sections  on  t] 
south  side  of  Jefferson  Township  be  attached  to  German  on  the  north.  Man 
7,  1809,  a portion  of  German  was  added  to  Jefferson;  and  upon  the  erection  ■ 
Jackson  Township,  December  7,  1814,  the  lines  were  again  changed,  and 
part  of  German  used  in  the  formation  of  that  township.  Thus  the  lines  on  tl 
north,  south  and  west  have  remained  up  to  the  present;  but,  March  7,  183 
about  ten  full  sections  were  cut  off  its  eastern  portion  to  form  a part  of  Miai 
Township,  and  the  section  line  between  Sections  4 and  5,  Township  2,  Rant 
5,  became  its  eastern  boundary. 

Big  Twin  Creek  divides  German  Township  into  tw'o  nearly  equal  part 
passing  across  its  territory  from  northwest  to  southeast.  It  has  two  classes  < 
lands — uplands  and  bottom  lands.  The  latter  are  situated  in  the  valleys  of  tl 
streams,  and  constitute  about  one-third  of  its  soil,  while  the  former  he  on  tl 
elevated  parts  of  the  township,  are  less  productive,  and  hence  also  less  va  uab 
than  the  bottom  lands.  The  average  value  of  uplands  is  $50  per  acre;  that 
bottom  lands,  $100.  The  surface  of  the  uplands  is  rolling,  and  their  soil 
yellow-brown  clay,  producing  all  the  cereals,  fruit  and  tobacco.  The  botto 
lands  are  level,  their  soil  a black  alluvial  mold  of  vegetable  origin  and  vei 
productive.  This  township  is  well  watered,  having  many  fine  springs  and 
number  of  good  streams,  among  which  are  the  two  Twins,  Shawnee  Creel 
Dry  Run  and  Mud  Lick.  Timber  is  still  sufficiently  abundant,  consisfcin 
mainly  of  maple,  oak,  beech  and  poplar.  A great  deal  of  fine  walnut  existe 
here  at  one  time,  but  it  has  now  almost  entirely  disappeared.  Thousands  < 
tall,  smooth  trees  of  it  have  been  felled,  cut  up  for  firewood,  split  into  fenc 
rails,  or  appropriated  to  other  similar  purposes. 

TWIN  VALLEY. 

Twin  Yalley  derives  its  name  from  two  streams,  one  of  which  is  calk 
Big  Twin,  and  the  other  Little  Twin,  and  the  junction  of  these  streams  into  or 

*The  history  of  German  Township  was  prepared  by  the  publishers,  from  an  elaborate  manuscript  furnished  by  tl 
Rev.  J.  P.  Flentz,  of  Germantown,  Obio. 


GERMAN  TOWNSHIP. 


25 


a’ Germantown  has  given  them  the  name  of  Twins.  From  Germantown,  the 
i ted  stream  continues  in  its  course  southward  for  the  distance  of  about  six 
lL  es,  and  then  empties  into  the  Miami  River.  Taking  the  mouth  of  the  Twin 
;i:;h6  starting-point,  and  proceeding  along  its  course  to  Germantown,  thence 
T ut  two  miles  more  along  both  of  its  branches,  we  pass  through  the  entire 
Tin  Valley  and  reach  its  northern  terminus.  The  valley  itself  is  formed  of 
d!  bottoms  contiguous  to  the  Twins  and  the  hills  by  which  they  are  inclosed, 
i)  is  from  one  to  two  miles  in  width.  Underneath  the  outer  soil  of  this  val- 
b there  is  found  a deposit  of  gravel  from  one  to  three  feet  in  thickness  which 
■gates  as  an  underdrainer,  as  well  as  furnishing  cheap  material  for  making 
■(id  roads.  In  addition  to  their  natural  fertility,  these  bottom  lands  possess 
h advantage,  that  they  do  not  suffer  as  much  as  other  lands  from  a want  or  a 
cbrabundance  of  rain,  and  produce  whether  the  summer  season  be  wet  or  dry 
-ivantages  seldom  found  combined,  and  which  give  these  lands  their  chief 
vale.  Two  miles  south  of  Germantown,  upon  a high  bluff  overlooking  the 
aby,  are  found  the  remains  of  an  ancient  fort,  covering  a space  of  about 
,vity-five  acres.  The  trees  that  but  recently  grew  on  it  have  been  cut  down, 
r its  site  forms  a part  of  a well-cultivated  farm.  By  means  of  the  plow  and 
sow,  its  embankments  have  been  reduced  to  a level  with  the  adjoining  sur- 
a , so  that,  to  the  eye  of  the  casual  observer,  not  much  remains  to  be  seen  of 
h once  vast  inclosure,  yet  there  is  enough  left  to  trace  all  its  outlines, 
ire  are  many  similar  works  in  Southwestern  Ohio,  but  who  were  their  build- 
R what  use  and  purpose  did  they  subserve?  and  what  is  their  age?  are  ques- 
ics  which  are  difficult — perhaps  impossible — of  solution.  The  geology  of 
v valley  is  likewise  highly  interesting.  Beneath  its  soil,  on  the  hillsides,  is 
bestone  rock  of  animal  origin  and  a marine  deposit.  It  is  simply  a con- 
i ation  of  shell  animals  (Mollusks)  that  live  in  the  ocean.  The  shells  in 
li  fossil  rock  are  as  well  and  clearly  defined  in  form  and  outline  as  any  shell 
b y thrown  up  by  the  waves  from  the  ocean  bottom.  There  is  the  greatest 
nj.ty  of  species  of  them,  and  one  may  count  a dozen  or  two  varieties  in  a rock 
e size  of  a man’s  hand.  The  gravel  deposit  of  this  valley  affords  no  less 
it  est  than  its  fossil  rock,  a handful  of  its  sand  or  pebbles  containing  at  least 
d en  different  kinds  of  rocks,  coming  from  formations  which  are  far  removed 
e one  another.  These  pebbles  are  rounded  off  to  almost  the  regularity  and 
a tkness  of  marbles,  giving  evidence  of  having  been  subjected  to  friction, 
u ips  by  being  carried  great  distances  by  some  unknown  process  or  catastro- 
and  large  bowlders  are  found  lying  on  the  outside  surface,  which  have 
' .brought  here  from  great  distances.  Here,  then,  in  this  valley,  upon  Its 
' d ides  and  fields  aud  by  its  streamlets,  both  the  antiquarian  and  the  geolo- 
* vill  find  a promising  field  of  research  and  study. 

GERMANTOWN. 

Germantown  is  situated  in  the  Twin  Yalley,  with  Little  Twin  Creek  on  its 
ide,  and  Big  Twin  on  its  west  and  south  sides,  being  in  the  forks  of  these 
r|  ns.  It  was  laid  out  by  Philip  Gunckel,  who,  on  the  4th  day  of  October. 
G certified  that  the  plat  as  recorded  was  correct.  The  first  sale  of  lots  oc- 
October  21,  1814,  and  the  second  sale  November  15,  1815.  It  was 
•1  Germantown  because  the  people  who  built  up  the  town  and  lived  around 
f e Germans.  Howe,  in  his  “ Historical  Collections  of  Ohio,”  says  “ Ger- 
n iwn  was  named  from  Germantown,  Penn.,”  but  in  this  he  is  mistaken;  the 
n was  given  for  the  reason  just  stated.  Its  site,  as  well  as  its  sur- 
fings, are  in  a high  degree  beautiful.  The  valley  immediately  around 
H Yn  is  on  almost  all  sides  inclosed  by  hills,  which  are  in  large  part  cov- 
"iet|)y  trees,  forming  a forest- crowned  wall,  presenting  a very  pleasing  pict- 


26 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


are.*  The  town  is  regularly  laid  out;  its  streets  are  wide,  well  graded  and  m 
adamized.  The  climate  is  most  salubrious,  the  drainage  admirable,  malark 
diseases  unknown,  and  the  health  of  the  people  excellent.  The  post  office  v 
established  in  October.  1818,  Peter  Shaeffer  being  the  first  Postmaster.  G 
mantown  has  no  railroad,  but  has,  nevertheless,  good  railroad  facilities 
means  of  omnibus  lines  to  the  C.,  H.  & D.  and  C.,  C. , C.  & I.,  at  Carlisle  g 
Miamisburg,  which  points  are  each  but  four  miles  distant.  The  town  posses 
good  public  buildings  ; the  schoolhouse  is  a very  substantial,  three-stor 
structure,  overlooking  the  valley,  containing  twelve  rooms,  four  on  each  He 
the  Town  Hall  is  an  edifice  that  would  do  credit  to  a much  larger  town;  g 
the  armory,  originally  built  for  an  academy,  engine  house  and  prison,  are 
quite  new,  capacious  and  attractive.  There  are  four  churches  of  good  arc 
tectural  style,  some  of  them  finished  and  furnished  with  taste  and  elegan 
The  town  also  has  what  many  large  places  lack — a public  park,  contain; 
about  five  acres  of  ground,  which  has  been  but  recently  laid  out.  Germanfco 
has  at  present  three  dry  goods  stores,  four  grocery  stores,  two  hardware,  t 
furniture,  two  tin  and  stove  stores,  a number  of  other  mercantile  establishme 
possessed  by  such  towns,  three  hotels  and  one  banking  house.  The  Exck;u!i 
Bank  was  established  by  Col.  John  Stump,  and  did  business  a few  years,  wl 
it  was  merged  into  the  First  National  Bank  of  Germantown,  which  was  org 
ized  July  .18,  1868,  by  Christian  Rohrer,  William  Gunckel,  John  Stump,  J< 
F.  Kern  and  others,  beginning  business  September  1 of  that  year,  with  a ca 
tal  of  $50,000,  which  has  since  been  increased  to  $75,000.  John  F.  Kern  i; 
elected  President,  and  John  Stump,  Cashier;  the  former  serving  as  Presid! 
of  the  bank  until  January  10,  1882,  when  he  resigned,  and  was  succeeded  ,j 
Joseph  W.  Shank.  Col.,  Stump  was  succeeded  as  Cashier  by  J.  H.  Cross,  vl 
was  elected  January  16,  1869;  began  his  duties  February  1 of  that  year,  wlf 
position  of  trust  and  confidence  he  has  filled  up  to  the  present.  During  m;| 
years,  the  German  was  the  only  language  spoken  among  the  people  of  it 
town,  but  the  English  language  has  almost  entirely  supplanted  it  as  a inedi 
of  social  and  business  intercourse.  • ( 

sunsbubv.  I 

Sunsbury  is  but  a small  village  of  about  forty  dwellings;  is  separaj 
from  Germantown  by  a space  of  .about  a quarter  of  a mile,  and  is  located 
rectly  south  of  the  latter  town,  on  the  Carlisle  & Germantown  piko.  It 
very  old  place,  being  the  first  point  settled  in  German  Township,  and  f<| 
number  of  years  was  the  only  village  or  place  of  business  in  the  Twin  Val 
It  was  not,  however,  platted  until  March  18,  1825,  according  to  the  cod 
records.  Its  people  form,  to  some  extent,  a community  by  themselves,  yet  t. 
interests  are  largely  identified  with  those  of  the  people  of  Germantown.  £ 
though  small  in  size  and  population,  some  of  the  most  prominent  men  in 
township  have  lived  here,  such  as  the  Emericks,  Catrows  and  Liggets.  It 
never  given  much  prospect  of  growth,  and  to-day  has  no  more  houses  tka 
had  forty  years  ago.  and  is  beginning  to  show  its  age  by  its  external  appj 
a nee. 

EAKLY  SETTLEMENT.  ii 

German  Township  has  had  two  classes  of  settlers,  who  have  succeeded! 
another,  the  first  of  whom  were  the  squatters,  who  remained  but  a few  ve 
and  the  second  the  pioneers,  who  stayed  and  became  the  permanent  occupj 
of  the  soil.  The  squatter  period  begins  with  the  year  1798,  and  ends  with 
year  1804.  Previous  to  the  former  period,  the  Indians  held  undisputed  a; 
in  the  Twin  Valley,  and  lingered  here  with  fond  attachments  even  after. i 
croaching  civilization  had  robbed  them  of  their  means  of  support.  As  lati 
1804,  the  Shawnees  had  a town  on  Shawnee  Creek,  on  land  now  adjoin 


GERMAN  TOWNSHIP. 


27 


Lsbury,  from  which  tribe  that  stream  takes  its  name,  and  it  is  said  of  Torny 
vlbuck,  who  was  one  of  their  number,  that,  for  a long  time,  he  utterly  refused 
.save  the  country.  He  built  nimself  a hut  on  the  west  side  of  the  Big  Twin, 
in-  the  site  of  Conovers  Mill,  and  for  years  no  amount  of  persuasion  could 
a e him  to  abandon  the  land  of  his  birth  and  the  scenes  of  his  earlier  years; 
r when  at  last  he  yielded  to  the  inevitable  fate  of  his  race  and  concluded  to 
u'e  on  westward,  he  did  so  with  great  reluctance  only,  and  left  very  sad  and 
U icted. 

The  first  white  settlers  came  to  this  township  in  the  year  1798,  from  Ken- 
icy,  but  they  were  not  all  natives  of  that  State;  perhaps  but  few  of  them 
up.  Some  were  natives  of  Pennsylvania,  others  of  Maryland,  "Virginia  and 
hth  Carolina.  The  names  of  some  of  these  people  have  been  preserved,  and 
■as  follows:  Benjamin  Smith,  James  Griffith,  John  Pauly,  William  Cutler, 

aes  Hatfield,  Robert  Hardin,  Lickum  Hardin,  James  Hardup,  James  Porter, 
.i’ge  Worthington,  Samuel  Hawkins  (who  had  been  a Colonel  in  the  Revo- 
ll'.nary  army,  and  was  a man  of  superior  intelligence),  John  Winegardner, 
7 iam  Polk,  John  Bundaker,  Richard  Brown,  John  Herman,  William  East- 
ol,  Eden  Hardin,  John  Cutler,  Martin  McGrea,  Nathaniel  Lyon,  Conrad 
; i e,  Anthony  Richard  and  Abraham  Hartzel.  These  people  were  not  actual 
■r  urs,  but  squatters  only,  but  as  soon  as  the  land  was  ottered  for  sale,  some 
ii  based.  Many  were  too  poor,  and  had  not  the  means  to  buy,  whilst  others 
ii  the  means,  but  were  not  willing  to  purchase  and  to  remain.  These,  as 
>i  as  circumstances  permitted  or  necessity  impelled,  moved  away  and  made 
k for  those  who  became  actual  settlers.  The  land  upon  which  Germantown 
i: subsequently  laid  out  was  entered  and  owned  by  James  Hatfield  and  Rob- 
tlardin,  who  sold  it  to  Philip  Gunckel  in  the  year  1804,  at  the  price  of  $10 
■!  :cre. 

On  the  west  side  of  this  were  two  tracts,  each  of  sixty  acres.  The  north 
cme  (now  the  site  of  the  park  and  armory)  was  entered  by  James  Porter, 
u he  southern  by  Ahraham  Hartzel,  the  latter  of  whom  lived  on  the  spot  at 

■ nt  occupied  by  the  residence  of  Lewis  Stump.  Both  these  tracts  were 
i j ujiased  by  Leonard  Stump  and  combined  into  one  farm.  Porter  owned  also 

o I’ act  of  land  to  the  west  of  this,  which  later  passed  into  the  possession  of 
i amEmerick.  All  west  of  this  last,  as  far  as  Twin  Creek,  was  entered  by  Con- 
1 lisele,  George  Worthington  entering  the  land  north  of  Germantown,  known 
* as  the  George  Emerick  place.  John  Winegardner  never  owned  any  land, 

■ ved  on  a tract  now  the  property  of  the  Kemps,  on  the  Dayton  pike,  which 
long  time  was  called  the  “Winegarden,”  in  imitation  of  its  first  occupant’s 

>•  Anthony  Richard  lived  east  of  town,  on  the  east  side  of  Little  Twin. 

I Bundaker  owned  George  S.  Gebhart’s  farm  on  Dry  Run,  and  John  Har- 
ithe  farm  of  Jacob  Brunner,  on  the  same  run.  None  of  the  uplands 
T entered  by  these  first  comers,  and  not  even  all  the  bottom  lands  were 
■'  up  by  them.  Richard  Brown  lived  on  the  run  that  now  bears  his  name, 
lifter  v?hom  it  was  called.  Brown’s  Run  was  then  confined  to  a narrow 
h:  el,  and  the  bottoms  adjoining  it  were  quite  as  good  as  those  of  the  Twin 
G;  but  when  the  timber  along  its  banks  wras  cut  down,  the  stream  began 
Gen  until  the  rich  surface  soil  of  its  bottoms  was  entirely  washed  away. 

t niel  Lyon  is  the  only  one  of  all  these  people  who  remained  here  perma- 

II  '•  He  owned  the  land  adjoining  Germantown  on  the  northwest,  lived  in 
wn  to  the  day  of  his  death,  and  was  buried  in  the  Lutheran  Grave- 

■ ai'0j  Recently,  when  the  workmen  were  widening  the  street  on  which  this 

■ a'ury  joins,  Mr.  Lyon’s  grave  fell  into  the  street,  and  his  body  was  re-in 
r,j  the  same  burial-place,  a marble  slab  marking  the  spot  where  now  his 

1 a;,ls  repose.  These  first  settlers  are  said  to  have  been  a quiet,  orderly  and 


28 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


peaceable  class  of  people,  and,  religiously,  were  mostly  of  the  Baptist,  pen 
sion;  at  least,  the  only  minister  who  labored  among  them,  the  Rev.  Mr.  1 
was  a Baptist  preacher.  They  ei’ected  a house  of  worship  on  the  farm  1 
owned  by  Christopher  Emerick.  It  stood  in  the  wToods  on  the  hill,  was  a 
structure,  and  was  never  quite  finished.  The  second  class  of  settlers  have  sc 
times  become  the  permanent  occupants  and  owners  of  the  soil,  and  this  1 
pened  to  be  the  case  in  German  Township.  But  in  many  instances,  these  1 
again  sold  out,  and  a third  class  only  have  come  to  remain. 

The  first  of  the  second  class  of  settlers  were  principally  from  Berks  Con 
Penn.,  who,  later,  were  re-enforced  from  the  same  and  other  States.  In  1' 
Philip  Gunckel,  Christopher  Emerick,  David  Miller  and  George  Kern,  all 
fives  of  Berks  County,  Penn.,  came  to  Ohio  on  a prospecting  tour.  After  v 
ing  different  localities,  they  concluded  to  purchase  land  about  sixty  miles 
of  Cincinnati,  on  Bull’s  Skin  Creek,  near  its  junction  with  the  Ohio  River. 
Gunckel  was  a miller  by  trade,  and,  in  the  selection  of  land,  aimed  to  seen 
site  for  a mill,  and  the  others  deferred  to  Mr.  Gunckel’s  judgment  in  tbeij 
lections  of  land.  The  four  contracted  for  1,000  acres  on  this  stream,  from 
agent  of  a Virginian  named  Bedford,  which  land  was  a part  of  the  Virjj 
Military  Survey.  They  started  for  Virginia  to  see  Bedford  and  secure  i 
him  deed  and  title  of  the  land  which  they  had  bought  from  his  agent,  bul 
an-ivi ng  at  the  man's  residence,  they  found  that  he  was  dead,  and  the  exec 
lived  150  miles  further  off.  They  therefore  abandoned  the  project  of  settiin; 
Bull's  Skin,  and  returned  to  Pennsylvania,  still,  however,  with  the  intentio 
moving  to  Ohio.  Their  glowing  account  of  the  beauties  of  this  State  creat. 
“Western  fever”  in  their  locality,  and  twenty- four  families  concluded  to ; 
out  and  move  to  Ohio  during  the  following  spring,  all  of  whom  were  na" 
of  Berks  County,  Penn.,  although  a few  were  then  living  in  Center  Count 
the  same  State.  They  set  out  on  their  westward  journey  in  the  spring  of  1 1 
met  at  Pittsburgh,  as  previously  agreed  upon,  where  they  loaded  their  w;i; 
and  goods  upon  flat-boats,  and.  with  their  families,  floated  down  the  Oh 
Cincinnati,  arriving  at  that  town  June  20,  1804.  From  there  they  wer 
Reading,  a hamlet  not  far  from  the  former  place,  where  they  tarried  a 
night,  considering  what  to  do  or  whence  to  direct  their  steps.  A few  f< 
employment  and  remained;  the  rest  continued  their  journey  toward  the  n< 
intending  to  locate  in  the  Miami  Valley,  of  •which  they  had  heard,  but  wit 
special  objective  point  in  view,  trusting  rather  to  fortune  and  the  guidam 
providence.  Passing  through  the  Miami  A^alley,  they  were  delighted  wit-1 
country  which  they  saw.  Anally  arriving  at  “ Hole's  Station,”  near  which  1 
a wealthy  German  farmer  named  Alexander  Nutz,  whom  they  were  very  gk 
meet,  for  he  spoke  their  own  tongue.  They  encamped  on  his  farm,  and 
weather  being  warm  and  pleasant,  they  took  up  their  abode  in  the  woods,  w| 
they  lived  in  wagons  and  temporary  huts  for  about  two  weeks. 

Mr.  Gunckel  was  looked  upon  by  these  people  as  their  leader,  being  a 
of  superior  intelligence,  and  the  only  person  among  them  who  spoke  the 
glisli  language  with  any  degree  of  fluency;  therefore,  they  were  inclined  1;h 
low  his  fortunes,  and  locate  wherever  he  did.  He  explored  the  countrji 
miles  around,  and  finally  concluded  to  settle  on  Big  Twin  Creek,  within 
present  corporate  limits  of  Germantown,  and  the  rest  of  the  colony  ma< 
their  minds  to  locate  around  him.  Mr.  Gunckel  was  influenced  in  this  d 
tion  by  the  fact  that  the  stream  afforded  a good  mill  site,  as  it  was  Ins  iij 
tion  to  erect  a mill  as  soon  as  properly  settled.  Those  who  followed  Mr.  Gum 
leadership  crossed  to  the  west  bank  of  the  Miami  River,  traveled  on  k 
direction  of  Twin  Creek,  which  they  reached  August  1,  1804;  and  her 
the  side  of  this  stream,  they  rested  as  the  end  of  a long  and  wearisome 


GERMAN  TOWNSHIP. 


. 29 


k,  and  here  was  now  their  future  home.  The  earlier  settlers  who  lived  in 
,b  valley  were  ready  to  sell  out  to  the  Pennsylvanians,  and  those  of  the  latter 
,v|i  had  the  means  at  once  purchased  land,  while  a few  found  unentered  Gov- 
ment  land  and  secured  that.  Before  winter  set  in,  the  newly  arrived  imini- 
, -cits  had  secured  land,  built  their  cabins  and  begun  the  battle  of  life  in  the 
n,nitive  forest  of  the  Twin  Yalley.  Such  was  their  enterprise  and  industry 
1 j they  did  more  for  the  improvement  of  the  country  in  one  year  than  their 
alecessors  had  done  in  half  a dozen  of  years,  and  at  the  end  of  twelve 
Liiths,  they  had  attained  such  a condition  of  independence  and  thrift  that 
v t or  suffering-  was  unknown  among  them.  Religiously,  they  were  either 
jherans  or  Reformed,  and  in  those  days  it  used  to  be  said  that  all  the  differ- 
•V3  between  the  two  denominations  was  that  in  the  Lord’s  Prayer,  the  one  said 
iter  IJnser  and  the  other  IJnser  Vater,”  hence  there  was  little  occasion  for 
1 nation  between  them.  After  the  first  arrivals,  came  others,  and  the  immi- 
i .ion  hither  continued  steadily,  so  that  in  1S08,  German  Township  was  pretty 
akly  populated,  and  the  land  in  the  entire  township,  excepting  some  swampy 
it, ions,  had  been  entered  and  occupied.  The  following  are  the  names  of 
be  heads  of  families  who  came  to  this  valley  from  Pennsylvania  in  the  1804 
copy,  some  of  whom,  however,  settled  outside  the  present  limits  of  German 
L’cnship : Philip  Gunckel,  Christopher,  John  and  William  Emerick  (who 

to  brothers),  George  Kiester,  Jacob  Bauer,  George  Moyer,  John  Gunckel 
vio  subsequently  returned  to  Pennsylvania),  John  and  Christopher  Shuppert, 
Yr  Gebhart,  George  Stettler  and  his  five  sons,  William,  Henry,  Daniel, 
flfge  and  Jacob,  John  Barlet,  Abraham  Puntius  and  George  Ivern  (who  came 
iit  them  as  far  as  Cincinnati,  where  he  remained  two  years,  coming  to  this 

0 iship  in  1806).  There  were  twenty-four  families  of  them  when  they  started 
in  Pennsylvania,  but  they  did  not  all  get  to  the  Twin  Yalley.  Some  dropped 
fin  their  way  hither  and  settled  elsewhere,  while  others  remained  so  short  a 
in  that  they  cannot  be  claimed  as  pioneers  of  this  valley.  The  names  of  ail 

i have  been  omitted  from  the  above  list,  and  those  alone  appear  who  became 
c al  settlers. 

The  people  who  came  to  this  valley  between  the  years  1804  and  1808  were, 
vii  perhaps  a few  exceptions,  natives  of  Germany,  or  of  German  descent,  most 

1 hem  belonging  to  the  latter  class  hailing  from  Pennsylvania,  while  a few 
as  from  Maryland  and  other  States;  but  wherever  they  came  from,  they  were 
! f the  same  stock  of  people,  and  may  all  be  ranked  under  the  general  category 
' 'ennsylvania  Germans.  These  pioneers  were  well  adapted  for  the  life  which 
it  had  chosen,  being  brave  and  adventurous  in  spirit,  and  strong  and  healthy 
| tody.  They  were  true  and  hardy  sons  of  the  soil,  relishing  sport  no  less 
;u  labor  and  adventure. 

BRIEF  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES  OF  PIONEERS. 

THE  GUNClvELS. 

Philip  Gunckel,  in  his  day  more  familiarly  known  as  Judge  Gunckel,  was 

tive  of  Berks  County,  Penn.,  born  April  7,  1766.  When  yet  a man  young 
I 2ars,  he  went  to  reside  in  Center  County,  in  the  same  State,  from  where  he 
<;ap  t°  Ohio.  He  was  a man  of  intelligence,  enterprise  and  activity,  of  clear 
< j bight  and  shrewd  business  capacity.  He  brought  some  money  with  him  to 
k State,  which  he  invested  judiciously,  thus  laying  the  foundation  of  future 
'Oh.  In  purchasing  his  land,  he  saw  the  advantages  of  its  location,  and  in 
h'  began  the  erection  of  a mill,  which  was  finished  in  1806,  and  this  was 
k nucleus  of  the  future  town,  which  he  laid  out  in  1814,  and  was  the  first 
‘Ronly  mill  for  many  years  in  a district  of  maoy  miles  in  extent.  By  means 


30 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


of  the  income  derived  from  this  mill,  the  proceeds  realized  from  the  salt 
town  lots,  and  from  other  good  investments,  he  soon  accumulated  a k 
amount  of  property,  so  that  in  his  day  he  was  the  wealthiest  man  in  Gera 
Township.  For  a number  of  years,  he  served  as  Associate  Judge  of  the  Co 
of  Common  Pleas;  was  also  chosen  as  a delegate  to  one  of  the  constitutio 
conventions  of  Ohio,  and  served  one  term  as  a Representative  in  the  State  L 
islature.  In  all  these  positions  he  acquitted  himself  with  honor  to  hims 
and  his  constituents.  He  was,  moreover,  a leader  in  all  the  more  import 
public  movements  of  his  township  and  county.  Many  improvements  were  s 
ported  by  him,  and,  by  the  aid  of  his  influence,  brought  to  a successful  iss 
Providence  had  bestowed  upon  him  a sound  body  and  a vigorous  mind,  and 
them  he  made  the  best  possible  use  which  his  circumstances  permitted  hi 
As  a citizen  and  an  official,  he  has  done  more  than  any  other  man  of  his  ti 
in  his  community  to  promote  the  interest  and  prosperity  of  this  section 
country. 

Mr.  Gunckel  was  a member  of  the  Reformed  Church,  yet  favored  8 
aided  other  denominations  in  securing  places  of  worship  in  his  town.  He  \ 
married  thrice,  but  left  no  issue  except  by  his  first  wife.  This  lady’s  maic 
name  was  Catharine  Schaeffer,  and  she  was  the  mother  of  eight  children, 
these,  John,  Michael,  Catharine,  Philip,  Jacob  and  Sarah  were  born  in  Pe) 
sylvania,  whilst  David  and  Elizabeth  were  born  in  Ohio.  Catharine  beca 
the  wife  of  Lewis  Shuey;  Sarah  was  married  to  Henry  Zellers,  and  Elizafi 
to  Dr.  C.  G.  Espich.  The  most  prominent  among  his  descendants  of  the  pr 
ent  generation  are  William  Gunckel,  banker,  and  Lewis  B.  Gunckel,  atton 
at  law  and  ex-Member  of  Congress,  both  residents  of  Dayton,  Ohio. 

Mr.  Gunckel’s  wife  Catharine;  was  born  in  Berks  County,  Penn.,  July 
1760,  and  died  August  2,  1836,  he  surviving  about  twelve  years,  and  dyi 
May  24,  1848.  The  remains  of  both  were  buried  in  the  Lutheran  Graveyf 
in  Germantown,  but  subsequently  exhumed  and  re-interred  in  the  Gemanr.o 
Cemetery,  where  their  resting-place  is  marked  by  a marble  tombstone. 

Daniel  Gunckel  was  a brother  of  Philip's,  and  came  to  this  township 
1811;  was  a man  of  rather  retired  disposition  and  quiet  habits  of  life;  bt 
and  operated  a fulling-mill  on  Mud  Lick,  where  at  present  stands  the  disi 
lery  of  David  Rohrer.  He  was  a member  of  the  Reformed  Church,  but  chan<j 
while  here  to  the  United  Brethren.  A nephew  of  his,  by  the  same  name,  ca: 
still  later,  and  was  a miller  by  occupation.  All  three  of  the  above  Gtrack 
have  left  issue,  and  from  them  all  of  the  name  in  Montgomery  County  are  < 
scended. 

THE  EMERICKS. 

There  were  four  brothers  of  them  who  came  to  this  township — Joi| 
Christopher,  William  and  Michael — all  natives  of  Berks  County,  Penn. — a 
George,  a distant  relative  of  these. 

Christopher  was  one  of  the  four  men  who,  in  1803,  came  to  Ohio  on  a pr 
pecting  tour.  He  was  married  and  had  several  children  when  he  settled  i 
this  township.  He  was  called  by  his  German  friends  “ Stoffel;  ” entered  G( 
ernment  land  on  Shawnee  Creek,  adjoining  Sunsbury,  and  lived  here  until  I 
hour  of  his  death.  He  was  born  January  23,  1771,  and  died  January  ■ 
1837.  Of  his  children,  four  are  still  living,  viz.,  William,  Christopher,  M. 
Christian  Rohrer  and  Mrs.  Christian  Eshelman. 

John  was  an  elder  brother;  was  never  married,  and  lived  in  Christopher 
family.  As  late  as  1810,  he  entered  about  one  thousand  acres  of  land  on  I 
Run,  which  was  considered  valueless,  being  wet  and  swampy;  but  it  is  n 
among  the  best  in  the  township.  Both  he  and  Christopher  were  go.od  mu- 
cians;  brought  with  them  the  first  pipe  organ  ever  seen  in  Twin  Valley,  a I 


GERMAN  TOWNSHIP. 


31 


frward  manufactured  a number  of  similar  ones,  some  of  which  are  still  in 
cd  repair.  From  far  and  near,  the  pioneer  fathers,  with  their  families, 
dd  gather  at  their  house  for  the  purpose  of  enjoying  the  harmony  of  song 
rbh  there  prevailed,  as  well  as  to  take  part  in  the  social  dance,  and  on  this 
c unt  the  name  of  Emerick  became  a household  word  throughout  the  valley, 
tliam  Emerick  bought  land  west  of  Germantown,  of  James  Porter,  and  lived 
now  stands  the  residence  of  Christian  Dechant.  He  was  born  July!. 
7 ; reared  a numerous  and  respectable  family — most  of  whom  have  passed 
v — and  died  February  10,  1842. 

Michael  was  a man  of  means,  who  came  in  1806  and  bought  land  about 
nmile  west  of  Germantown,  upon  which  Conover’s  Mill  now  stands;  born 
uarv  10,  1756;  died  October  14,  1820.  Those  brothers  were  members  of 
it  Lutheran  Church;  were  among  the  founders  of  the  congregation  in  Ger- 
a own,  and  helped  to  build  the  first  church  located  here.  The  most  remark - 
■ i among  the  Emericks  at  this  time  is  William,  the  son  of  Christopher,  born 
j )rks  County,  Penn.,  June  29,  1794;  he  is  consequently  near  eighty-eight 
■;  i old.  His  memory  is  wonderfully  vigorous  and  retentive,  his  form  erect. 
s;ep  as  elastic  and  firm  and  his  movements  as  quick  as  if  still  in  the  prime 
fe.  He  was  married,  in  1820,  to  Sarah  Gunckel,  daughter  of  Daniel 
i i :kel,  who  yet  remains  to  cheer  and  comfort  him.  It  is  due  to  Mr.  Emerick 
rto  state  that  many  of  the  facts  here  recorded  were  obtained  from  him.  He 
.sjcept  a record  of  names,  dates  and  events,  which  he  kindly  placed  at  our 
rue,  and  without  which  this  history  would  be  incomplete,  as  many  historical 
cl  would  have  long  since  passed  into  oblivion. 

leorge  Emerick  lived  on  land  entered  by  George  Worthington,  adjoining 
u.antown  on  the  north.  He  was  born  in  Dauphin  County,  Penn.,  October 
789;  came  to  Ohio  previous  to  1810;  was  a prominent  member  of  the  Lu- 
ll Church;  was  twice  married;  reared  a large  and  respectable  family,  and 
April  12,  1859.  His  mother,  who  came  to  Ohio  with  him,  and  who  died 
' n her  ninetieth  year,  had  been  an  Indian  captive  when  young,  and  had  a 
^heart-rending  story  to  tell  of  her  sorrow  and  sufferings  during  her  cap- 
tivij, 

JOHN  GEORGE  KERN. 

ohn  George  Kern  was  one  of  those  who  came  to  Ohio  in  1803,  with  Philip 
riel.  He  was  born  in  Berks  County,  Penn.,  February  8,  1775;  was  a mill- 
et by  trade,  and  remained  working  at  his  trade  in  Cincinnati  from  1804 
1 f6,  when  he  followed  his  friends  to  German  Township  and  made  the  buhrs 
finckel’s  mill,  which  was  finished  in  that  year.  .Shortly  after  coming,  he 
cd  the  quarter-section  of  land  now  the  property  of  his  son  William,  upon 
i(  he  ever  afterward  lived.  Mi-.  Kern  belonged  to  the  Lutheran  Church; 

5 consciencious  and  honest  man  in  all  his  dealings,  and  died  in  January, 
,raged  eighty-two  years. 

GEORGE  MOYER. 

eorge  Moyer  started  from  Pennsylvania  with  the  others,  but  parted  from 
1 t it  Pittsburgh,  from  where  he  took  a different  route,  and  reached  this 
1 iip  before  any  of  his  friends,  taking  up  his  temporary  residence  on  a 
I'i'-section  of  land  about  two  miles  north  of  Germantown,  on  Little  Twin 
i' later  owned  by  his  son  Jonathan.  After  a brief  stay,  he  bought  land 
9 Miami  Kiver,  near  where  Carrollton  Station  now  is,  and  there  died  in 
ok,  1804.  His  son  Jonathan,  now  in  his  eighty-fourth  year,  is  the  only 
T|,r  of  his  family  who  resides  in  this  valley. 

GEORGE  KI  ESTER. 

eorge  Kiester,  one  of  the  settlers  of  1804,  lived  in  this  valley  a number 
1,1  y.'-’s,  when  he  moved  to  Darke  County,  Ohio,  and  there  found  a home. 


32 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Peter,  his  brother,  came  out  some  years  later,  and  from  him  all  of  the  n; 
living  in  German  Township  are  descended.  He  had  served  as  a scout  iu 
Continental  army,  had  often  been  taken  prisoner,  and  had  passed  thru 
many  perils.  Both  he  and  George  were  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 

JACOB  BAUER. 

Jacob  Bauer  came  to  this  township  from  Center  County,  Penn.,  in  If 
and  owned  the  farm  at  present  the  property  of  the  Keedy  brothers.  His  a 
was  the  daughter  of  the  Rev.  Ilgen,  a Lutheran  minister.  Mr.  Bauer  was 
of  the  founders  and  supporters  of  the  Lutheran  Church  at  Germantown.  8 
after  some  years’  residence,  moved  away,  since  which  time  the  name  has 
tirely  disappeared  from  this  township. 

GEORGE  BOYER. 

George  Boyer  was  a native  of  Berks  County,  Penn. , hut,  previous  to 
removal  to  Ohio  in  1805,  had  resided  in  Center  County,  Penn.  His  wife 
a sister  of  Mrs.  Philip  Gunckel,  and  their  two  eldest  children  were  bor; 
Pennsylvania.  Mr.  Boyer  purchased  a tract  of  land  east  of  Germantown,  f 
Anthony  Richard.  He  was  the  father  of  live  sons  and  live  daughters,  of  wl 
two  sons  and  two  daughters  are  still  living.  William  is  the  only  one  at  prei 
residing  in  German  Township.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Boyer  were  members  of  the 
theran  Church,  and  the  remains  of  both  lie  buried  in  front  of  the  Latin 
Church  in  Germantown. 

PETEK  CATEROW. 

Peter  Caterow,  father  of  Zephenia  and  Middleton  Caterow,  locate< 
German  Township  in  1804.  His  parents  were  natives  of  Germany,  who  set 
in  Frederick  County,  Md. , and  there  Peter  was  born  in  the  year  178.1,  and  ti 
his  father  died.  In  1S02,  Mrs.  Caterow,  her  son  Peter,  and  her  two  dat 
ters,  with  their  husbands,  Walter  Cox  and  Zachariah  Selby,  started  for  0 
arriving  in  Warren  County  in  January,  1803,  and  in  the  spring  of  that 
located  on  land  in  Butler  County.  Peter,  being  unmarried,  lived  with 
and  Selby  until  Charles,  his  brother,  came  to  Ohio,  and  the  two  entered  a 1 
section  of  land  in  German  Township,  about  two  and  one-half  miles  to  the  si 
of  Germantown,  which  they  occupied  in  the  spring  of  1804.  On  the  is 
January,  1805,  Peter  married  Christina  Loy,  daughter  of  Adam  Loy,  ant 
sided  on  his  farm  until  1850,  then  moved  to  Sunsbury,  where  he  died  ir 
seventy-third  year  of  his  life.  The  remains  of  himself  and  wife  are  inte 
on  Sunsbury  Hill,  where  sleep  so  many  of  the  pioneers  of  German  Towns 

HENRY  CRIST. 

Henr,  Crist,  a native  of  Berks  County,  Penn.,  came  to  this  townshi 
1804,  and,  soon  after  his  arrival,  purchased  the  farm  yet  owned  by  his  desc 
ants.  He  was  not  only  a good  farmer,  but  a skillful  worker  in  iron;  be 
good  character,  and  was  a member  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 

LEONARD  STUMP. 

Leonard  Stump  came  to  Ohio  in  1805,  in  company  with  Martin  Shuey 
Michael  Cotterman.  He  was  married  when  he  came  and  bought  and  settle 
land  adjoining  on  the  west  side  the  tract  which  subsequently  became  the  si 
Germantown,  where  he  lived  until  he  was  called  away  by  death,  July  29,  1 
He  was  born  in  Berks  County,  Penn.,  July  11,  1767,  and  left  three  chile 
John  and  George,  who  lived  and  died  in  Germantown,  and  a daughter, 
married  a Mr.  Lanig,  with  whom  she  moved  to  Darke  County,  Ohio,  be 
fell  heir  to  the  homestead,  married  a daughter  of  the  Rev.  John  C.  Dill, 


GERMAN  TOWNSHIP. 


33 


, ir  his  death  the  farm  was  divided  between  his  children.  -John  became  a 
Mininent  business  man  of  Germantown,  and  lived  to  a high  old  age. 

Leonard  Stump  had  two  brothers,  George  and  Michael,  who  came  to  this 
nship  in  1810.  They  were  all  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  and  all 
l Stumps  living  in  and  about  Germantown  are  descendants  of  these  three 
others. 

MATHIAS  SCIIAWAKTZEL. 

Mathias  Schawartzel  came  from  Somerset  County,  Penn. , in  1805,  and 
Mired  a section  of  land  on  Dry  Run,  a part  of  which  is  still  in  possession  of 
n son  Frederick.  He  died  a few  years  after  his  arrival,  and  his  widow  as- 
ued  the  management,  of  the  farm;  was  very  successful,  and  accumulated  a 
<re  amount  of  property.  His  brother,  who  came  the  same  year,  located  some 
lance  north  of  Germantown,  but  soon  exchanged  his  land  for  a part  of  Ma- 
lls’ tract,  where  he  passed  the  balance  of  his  days. 

MARTIN  SIIUEY. 

Martin  Shuey.  another  of  the  pioneers  of  1805,  was  born  in  Lebanon 
'Pity,  Penn.,  January  20.  1750,  and  brought  with  him  to  Ohio  a large  sum 
Honey,  with  which  he  purchased  land  just  beyond  Sunsbury,  on  the  Franklin 
pi,',  which  became  later  the  Beard  farm.  Mr.  Shuey,  although  coming  to 
h valley  with  an  abundance  of  means,  met  with  adverse  fortune.  He  was  a 
i;  of  good  mind  and  excellent  character,  and  his  financial  reverses  were 
wig  to  causes  over  which  man  has  little  or  no  control.  He  was  a member  of 
.1,  Reformed  Church,  and  one  of  the  founders  of  that  congregation  in  Ger- 
njown,  and  was  the  father  of  ten  children,  most  of  whom  became  residents  of 
x county.  Mary  became  the  wife  of  Capt.  John  C.  Negley;  is  in  her  eighty  - 
•igth  year,  and  a resident  of  Germantown.  Adam  resides  in  Dayton,  and  is 
Mather  of  the  several  Shuey  families  of  that  city.  Martin  served  as  a Cap- 
li  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  later  ranked  as  Brigadier  General  of  militia;  he 
it  in  California  in  his  ninetieth  year. 

LEWIS  SHUEY. 

Lewis  Shuey  was  a nephew  of  Martin;  was  born  in  Dauphin  Coimty, 
"i,  November  17,  1785,  and  when  yet  quite  young,  his  father  moved  to  Au- 
na,  Va.,  where  Lewis  passed  his  early  years.  In  1806,  he  came  to  this 
nship,  and  in  1808  married  Catharine  Gunckel,  daughter  of  Judge  Philip 
ckel,  by  whom  he  had  foiu  children — Philip,  Lewis,  Jacob  and  Michael, 
hjbtained  the  mill  property  of  his  father-in-law,  which  he  rebuilt  and  im- 
r ed. 

Mr.  Shuey  was  a man  of  wealth  and  influence,  and  a member  of  the  Re- 
i ed  Church,  but,  late  in  life,  became  a Methodist.  After  the  death  of  his 
i , he  was  again  married,  to  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Espich.  widow  of  Dr.  Espich, 

> 'sister  of  his  first  wife.  The  Shueys  of  Montgomery  County,  of  whom  there 
■ x,  great  many,  are  descended  from  these  two — Martin  and  Lewis. 

ANDREW  ZELLER. 

Andrew  Zeller,  the  founder  of  the  Zeller  connection  in  this  county,  was 
1 A in  Berks  County,  Penn.,  and  came  to  this  township  in  1805,  settling  on 
!l  one  mile  to  the  north  of  Germantown,  where  he  resided  until  the  day  of 
t-leath.  In  Ohio,  he  identified  himself  with  the  United  Brethren  Church, 
T'  became  a Bishop  of  that  denomination.  His  home  was  for  many  years 
'headquarters  of  the  followers  of  Otterbein  in  this  part  of  Ohio,  and  his  de- 
~ ’Gants  are  numerous  and  respected  people. 


34 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


•TORN  CASPER  STOEYER. 

John  Casper  Stoerer,  the  patriarch  of  the  name  in  German  Township,  \ 
born  in  Dauphin  (now  Lebanon)  County,  Penn.,  and  in  1806  came  to  the  T; 
Valley,  and  then  already  an  old  man.  There  came  with  him  his  three  so 
Frederick,  Casper  and  John,  all  of  whom  were  at  that  time  heads  of  famili 
and  all  settled  in  German  Township,  where  they  spent  the  balance  of  tl 
days.  Casper  lived  on  a farm  on  the  Dayton  pike,  about,  one  mile  from  G 
mantown;  Frederick’s  farm  was  about  one  mile  further  to  the  northeast;  wi 
John  purchased  a farm  on  the  Little  Twin,  where  his  son  Samuel  now  resit 
The  father  of  these  three  died  at  the  residence  of  his  son  Casper,  at  an 
vanced  age,  and  was  buried  in  the  Lutheran  Graveyard  at  Germantown, 
which  church  the  family  were,  and  are  to-day.  members. 


JONATHAN  LINDAMUTII. 

Jonathan  Lindamuth  came  to  this  township  with  his  father-in-law, 
chael  Emerick,  in  1806,  and  secured  land  one  mile  west  of  Germantown,  u] 
which  he  lived  and  died.  Fie  reared  a large  family,  consisting  of  nine  s 
and  two  daughters;  two  of  the  former  settled  in  Darke  County,  Ohio;  the  i 
all  settled  about  Germantown.  He  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Luthe 
congregation  in  Germantown,  and  his  remains  are  buried  in  the  Luthe 
Graveyard. 

GEORGE  COLEMAN. 

George  Coleman  was  here  on  a visit  in  1806;  entered  land  and  went  b 
to  Pennsylvania.  In  1809,  he  returned  to  this  township,  bringing  his  fan 
with  him,  aDd  settled  on  his  land,  which  lay  about  one  mile  northeast  of  G1 
mantown.  He  was  a member  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  and  was  the  father j* 
seven  children,  all  of  whom  are  still  living. 

FREDERICK  KIMMERLING,  SR. 

Frederick  Kimmerling,  Sr.,  resided  in  Frederick  County,  Md . previ 
to  his  removal  to  Ohio  in  1808.  In  that  year,  with  his  family,  consisting 
his  wife  and  four  children,  he  located  on  a farm  adjoining  George  Colema 
which  became  his  future  home.  His  son  Frederick  inherited  the  place, 
also  spent  his  life  here,  dying  February  15,  1880,  at  the  age  of  seventy 
years.  Both  the  father  and  son  were  Lutherans. 


THE  SCHAEFFERS. 

The  only  family  of  this  name  who  can  be  called  pioneers  are  the  child 
of  Peter  and  Catharine  Schaeffer,  of  whom  there  were  eight,-  viz. , Mrs.  Pk 
Gunckel,  Mrs.  George  Boyer,  Mrs.  Pressler,  Jacob,  Michael,  Peter,  John 
Henry,  all  born  in  Pennsylvania,  and  all  came  to  German  Township  and  c 
here.  The  daughters  came  out  in  1804  and  1805;  the  sons,  not  until  at 

1814.  John  and  Henry  became  farmers;  Jacob  was  a wagon  maker,  and  resi 
in  the  town;  Michael  built  the  Schaeffer  Hotel,  which  was  afterward  kepi) 
his  son  George;  Peter  was  an  able  man.  taught  school,  practiced  law,  wa; 
first  Postmaster  of  Germantown,  and  served  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  his  wici 
who  is  still  living,  receives  a pension  from  the  Government  for  his  service 
that  struggle.  The  mother  of  this  family  has  a very  romantic,  history,  hai 
been  captured  by  the  Iadians  when  about  seven  years  old.  and  held  a cap 
for  seven  years.  She  was  adopted  by  the  tribe,  and  assigned  as  servant  tc 
old  Indian  chief,  who  was  no  longer  able  to  follow  the  chase.  She  was  finj 
recaptured  by  some  whites,  who  were  building  a boat  not  far  from  the  IncJ 
camp,  one  of  whom  took  her  to  an  Eastern  city,  educated  and  supported  hej 
his  own  child  until  she  reached  womanhood.  She  wrote  a letter  about  this 


GERMAN  TOWNSHIP. 


35 


, here  she  supposed  her  early  home  had  been,  addressing  the  same  to  her  fa- 
i . who,  with  her  little  sister,  had  been  captured  at  the  same  time,  but  sub- 
i.ently  released,  her  mother  having  been  brained  by  an  Indian  for  resisting 
licapture  of  her  little  ones.  To  her  great  joy,  she  received  an  answer  to  her 
-t r,  sought  out  her  father,  and  again,  after  many  years’  separation,  became 
hof  his  household.  Soon  afterward,  she  married  Peter  Schaeffer,  and  bore 
i eio-ht  children.  Her  husband  died  in  Pennsylvania,  after  which  she  lived 
her  daughter,  Mrs.  George  Boyer,  and  removed  with  that  family  to  the 
vi  Valley  in  1805.  During  her  captivity,  she  learned  the  Indian  language, 

- ell  as  the  medicinal  properties  and  uses  of  herbs  and  roots,  and  always 
i.  practiced  the  .healing  art,.  She  died  August  16,  1818,  in  the  seventy-third 
■I  of  her  life,  and  her  remains  are  resting  in  the  Lutheran  Graveyard  in  Ger- 
, a own,  to  which  denomination  she  ever  tendered  a loving  fealty.  The  num- 
4f  descendants  of  Mrs.  Catharine  Schaeffer  cannot,  by  this  time,  fall  far 
c of  one  thousand,  for  at  least  five  hundred  of  the  people  of  Germantown 
descended  from  her. 

With  this  closes  the  chapter  of  pioneer  sketches.  A few  more  families 
•e  nown  to  have  come  to  this  township  during  this  early  period,  such  as  the 
ttees,  Oldf athers  and  Cottermans,  but  nothing  more  has  been  learned  of  them 
e writer  than  their  names.  To  the  pioneers  of  this  valley  is  owing  a great 
; and  hence  their  memory  should  be  gratefully  cherished.  The  people  who 
psent  live  in  the  Twin  Valley  have  many  reasons  to  be  thankful  to  a kind 
•c  dence,  who  has  cast  their  lot  in  so  favorable  an  age  and  such  a pleasant 

! y. 

CHURCHES. 

Che  people  who  settled  in  German  Township  between  the  years  1804  and 
1 were,  with  few  exceptions,  Lutherans  and  German  Reformed,  who  erected 
i;  is  known  as  “ union  churches,”  and  worshiped  in  the  same  building, 
epus  to  1809,  there  was  no  regularly  organized  congregation  in  German 
' ship,  but  there  had  been  preaching  and  other  pastoral  work  performed 
'siting  ministers.  In  the  year  1809,  the  Lutherans  and  Reformed  organ - 
• iihemseives  into  an  association,  purchased  ground  for  a building  and 
iward  horn  Philip  Gunckel,  who,  together  with  William  Emerick.  Leonard 
isp  and  Jacob  Weaver,  were  chosen  by  the  members  of  both  congregations 
a kidding  Committee,  the  Trustees  of  the  property  being  Casper  Stoever 
T'eter  Recher,  to  whom  the  ground  was  deeded  in  trust  for  both  churches, 
graveyard  was  open  to  all  religious  creeds,  but  a suicide  or  a criminal 
nl  not  find  burial  there.  The  articles  of  union  were  signed  July  30,  1809. 
h to  following  members  of  both  congregations: 

’asper  Stoever,  Sr.,  Philip  Gunckel,  Peter  Recher,  Conrad  Eisele,  Jacob 
Hi,  Leonard  Stump,  William  Emerick,  Jacob  Schwank.  Michael  Emerick, 

1 n Stoever,  George  Boyer,  George  Gener,  Frederick  Stoever.  Jonathan  Lind- 
a,  William  Emerick,  Jr.,  Christopher  Emerick,  John  Gunckel,  John  Em- 
4 Martin  Shuey,  Henry  Holler,  Michael  Gunckel,  Casper  Stoever,  -Jr. 
he  church  was  a log  structure,  was  finished  in  1810  at  a cost  of  $500,  and 
11 ! few  yards  to  the  southwest  of  the  present  Lutheran  Church.  During 
fet  few  years,  the  congregations  were  ministered  to  by  no  regular  pastors, 
1815  the  Reformed  people  called  to  their  pastorate  the  Rev.  Thomas 
firs,  and  about  rhe  same  time  the  Lutherans  were  supplied  with  a minister 
4 person  of  the  Rev.  John  Casper  Dill.  From  that  date  to  the  present, 
b ■ongregations  have  been  regularly  served  by  pastors  of  their  own  creed 
: 4 jioice.  This  union  between  these  two  chinches  continued  for  about 
; D years,  each  using  the  building  every  alternate  Sabbath,  but  the  audience 
" ' ' vays  the  same,  the  Lutherans  attending  the  Reformed  services,  and  the 


36 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY . 


Reformed  the  Lutheran.  In  the  course  of  time,  this  log  building  erectec 
1810  became  too  small,  and  in  1818  Judge  Gunckel  undertook  to  erect,  at 
own  expense,  a large  and  commodious  brick  structure  at  the  west  end  of  } 
ket  street,  of  which  he  sold  one-half  to  each  denomination,  to  be  used  by  tl 
as  a church.  It  was  not  finished  until  1828,  and  in  that  year  both  abando 
the  old  log  structure  for  the  more  roomy  and  modern  one,  which  stood  no; 
on  the  same  site  as  the  present  Reformed  Church.  In  the  year  1830.  ai 
understanding  occurred  between  Judge  Gunckel  and  the  Lutheran  comm 
tion,  and  the  latter  abandoned  this  church,  went  back  to  their  old  plae 
worship,  and  soon  thereafter  erected  a new  building.  By  this  act,  Hie 
congregations  were  finally  separated  so  far  as  worship  was  concerned,  but  1 
still  held  the  one  acre  of  ground  purchased  of  Judge  Gunckel  as  common  pi 
erty,  and  this  joint  ownership  continued  up  to  the  year  1879,  when  an  ag 
ment  was  reached  by  which  the  Lutherans  became  sole  owners  of  this  grot 

The  Reformed  Church  of  Germantown. — This  congregation  was  organ 
about  the  year  1809.  Previous  to  this  time,  however,  there  had  been  di' 
services  conducted  in  private  houses  throughout  this  whole  valley.  The 
guage  then,  and  for  many  years  thereafter,  used,  was  the  German.  Am 
the  early  Reformed  ministers  who  thus  labored  here  are  found  the  name 
Jacob  Christman  and  John  Jacob  La  Rose.  The  former  came  to  Ohio  f 
North  Carolina,  some  authorities  say  as  early  as  1803,  while  others  cla 
later  period  as  the  time  of  his  arrival.  There  are  certificates  of  baptism  ex 
signed  by  him  which  bear  the  date  of  1806,  so  that  it  appears  he  must 
come  to  this  State  in  or  before  this  year.  He  resided  in  Clear  Creek  T< 
ship,  Warren  County,  Ohio,  and  is  reputed  to  have  been  the  first  German; 
formed  minister  in  this  part  of  the  State.  He  died  in  1810,  aged  sixty j 
years.  The  Rev.  La  Rose  having  settled  in  Miami  Township,  close  to  “Hi 
Station,”  a ske  ch  of  him  will  be  found  in  the  history  of  that  township. 

Whilst  hus  pastoral  work  was  performed  during  the  earliest  years  o 
settlement  of  the  Twin  Valley  among  the  Reformed,  it  was  not  until  1815 
the  congregation  in  Germantown  enjoyed  the  ministrations  of  a regularlj 
tied  pastor.  In  this  year,  they  called  the  Rev.  Thomas  Winters,  who  was 
in  the  State  of  Maryland  in  the  year  1778.  His  parents  were  native  Goriii1 
Avho  immigrated  to  the  colonies  and  found  a home  in  Maryland,  that  coloi 
religious  liberty  founded  by  the  Calverts,  a noble  Catholic  family  of  Engl 
Mr.  Winters  came  to  Ohio  in  1809  and  located  in  Greene  County  where  h 
some  preaching,  but  served  no  regular  charge,  having  no  organized  eong 
tion  under  his  care.  From  Greene  he  moved  to  Montgomery  County,  and 
for  awhile  in  the  vicinity  of  Dayton,  and  soon  after  this  was  called  to  the 
torate  of  the  Germantown  charge.  He  had  received  license  to  preach  the 
pel  from  the  Rev.  Otterbein,  who  is  generally  regarded  as  the  founder  o 
United  Brethren  denomination,  but,  inasmuch  as  the  constitution  of  the 
maatown  congregation  required  its  pastor  to  be  a regularly  ordained  mu 
and  a member  of  the  Reformed  Synod,  he  was  obliged  to  seek  ordinatioi 
apply  for  membership  in  this  body,  and  for  this  purpose  had  to  repair  to  1 
sylvania.  He  was  licensed  to  preach  by  the  said  synod,  whilst  convem 
Eastern  Pennsylvania,  in  the  year  1815,  and  was  ordained  by  the  same  bo 
1819,  during  its  convention  in  this  year  at  Lancaster,  Penn.  Pastor  W t 
took  charge  of  the  Germantown  Church  in  the  fall  of  1815,  but.  like  a 
ministers  of  his  day  in  this  Western  country,  served  a large  field.  He  pre 
.in  Germantown,  and  in  the  Slifer  Church  in  Montgomery  County,  at 
Creek  in  Warren  County,  at  West  Alexandria  and  Lewisburg  in  Preble  Cc 
and  at  Beaver  Creek  in  Greene  County,  his  labors  extending  over  four  cou 
and  his  parishioners  were  scattered  over  all  this  vast  space  of  territory. 


GERMAN  TOWNSHIP. 


37 


\ ances  over  which  he  had  to  travel  to  reach  his  preaching-points  were  very 
hat,  sometimes  forty  and  fifty  miles  removed  from  one  another,  and  his  trav- 
] g was  all  done  on  horseback.  By  reason  of  these  facts,  the  labors  of  Mr. 
'Inters  were  very  arduous,  and  left  him  but  little  leisure  for  reading  and 
ylv;  but,  notwithstanding  these  disadvantages,  he  acquired  a large  stock  of 
(t  wledge  and  became  a well-informed  theologian.  He  was  a man  of  tact  and 
njd  practical  sense,  had  made  human  nature  a study,  and  had  acquired  the 
q of  influencing  and  controlling  men.  He  also  had  the  natural  gift  of  lan- 
_ige,  did  not  lack  for  words,  and  clothed  his  thoughts  in  graceful  and  digni- 
lit  phrase.  By  means  of  these  gifts  and  acquirements,  he  proved  himself  a 
,ait  efficient  and  successful  pastor,  and  sustained  himself  with  credit  in  all  his 
•r.Vregations.  He  served  the  same  field  with  acceptance  until  his  retirement 
a his  ministerial  duties  in  1840,  which,  of  itself,  is  proof  of  his  ability,  for 
uinan  of  inferior  talent  can  do  this.  He  was  equally  proficient  in  the  Gen 
u and  English  languages,  and  preached  acceptably  in  either.  Though  ag- 
ajisive  in  his  pastoral  work,  yet  he  was  a man  of  a most  pacific  turn  of  mind 
uj  conciliatory  temper,  who  would  much  rather  suffer  wrong  than  do  wrong, 
^regards  his  character  and  life,  he  enjoyed  the  utmost  confidence  of  not  only 
umembers  of  his  own  parish,  but  of  all  others  with  whom  he  was  brought 
a contact,  and  exemplified  in  his  own  life  the  doctrines  and  precepts  which 
u'aught  to  others.  Mr.  Winters  became  preceptor  to  some  four  or  five  young 
uj,  who  qualified  themselves,  under  his  care  and  direction,  for  the  pastoral 
TO,  among  whom  were  his  two  sons,  David  and  Thomas.  After  his  retire- 
ait  on  account  of  old  age  and  infirmities,  he  spent  the  last  years  of  his  life  at 
ahome  of  his  daughter,  in  West  Alexandria.  Preble  Co.,  Ohio,  where  he  died 
ntie  year  1863,  at  the  age  of  eighty-five  years.  His  remains  were  brought  to 
Liston  and  interred  in  Woodland  Cemetery.  Mr.  Winters  was  the  father  of 
ten  children,  two  of  whom,  David  and  Thomas,  entered  the  Reformed  min- 
#.  They  are  both  still  living,  and  active  in  their  calling.  The  former 
e:ides  in  Dayton;  has  now  passed  the  allotted  time  of  man’s  existence,  but 
iivs  the  health  of  body  and  vigor  of  mind  of  ci  m u in  the  prime  of  life.  He 
n preaches  with  acceptance,  his  thoughts  are  clear  and  forcible,  and  his  man- 
eqf  speaking  animated  and  impressive.  He  has  been  honored  with  the  de- 
T of  D.  D.,  of  which  honor  he  is  eminently  deserving.  Valentine,  another 
o also  residing  in  D-  yton,  is  a h.nker,  a man  of  wealth  and  excellent  busi 
<L  capacity.  He  began  life  from  an  humble  st-.rt,  but.  by  habits  of  industry, 
ojiety  and  honesty,  and  by  close  application  to  his  business,  he  has  raised 
hi  self  to  one  of  the  first  positions  in  society. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Winters’  successor  in  office  was  the  Rev.  George  Long. 
W after  the  coming  of  this  gentleman,  he  began  the  introduction  of  new 
Hr jures  into  the  church  service,  such  as  prayer  meetings,  etc.,  which  some  of 
hpeopie  looked  upon  as  dangerous  innovations,  whilst  others  favored  them, 
-i  causing  a division  of  sentiment  that  finally  led  to  a split  in  the  congre- 
-ton.  One  Sunday,  at  the  close  of  his  services,  he  made  use  of  the  follow- 
!l; language.  Said  he:  “If  I am  not  permitted  to  hold  prayer  meetings  in 

l'hurch,  I will  hold  them  in  private  houses;  and  if  I am  not  permitted  to 
'>  them  in  private  houses,  I will  go  out  into  the  fields  and  hold  them  there.” 

I ;e  words  only  added  fuel  to  the  slumbering  fire,  for  when,  at  the  close  of 

II  service,  he  -walked  away  from  the  church,  the  doors  were  locked,  never 
gjti  to  be  opened  to  him.  Those  who  sympathized  with  him  when  excluded 
Kj  the  chinch  withdrew  from  the  congregation,  organized  for  themselves  and 
Ul  a new  church,  with  the  Rev.  Long  as  their  pastor,  in  which  position  he 
ft.ated  for  about  six  years.  The  same  trouble  spread  to  the  congregations 

m -e  country,  and  for  many  years  was  a source  of  much  trouble  to  the  Re- 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


38 

formed  Church.  The  old  portion  of  the  Germantown  congregation  contim 
worshiping  in  the  old  building,  and  was  served  by  neighboring  ministers.  ] 
church  erected  by  the  Rev.  Long  was  burnt  down  the  last  year  of  his  minist 
and  he  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Thomas  H.  Winters,  a son  of  Father  Thor 
Winters,  who  failed  in  doing  much  for  the  congregation,  and  left  after  a y 
or  two.  The  building  was  rebuilt  whilst  Rev.  Winters  had  charge,  but 
congregation  was  unable  to  pay  for  it,  and  it  was  sold  to  private  parties, 
members  scattered  among  other  churches,  some  returning  to  the  old  conore 
tion,  but  the  majority  joined  the  Methodist  and  United  Brethren  denominatic 
and  thus  ended  the  existence  of  the  Long  congregation.  The  building  i 
afterward  used  by  different  sects  as  a preaching- place,  but  has  at  last  ccm< 
an  inglorious  end,  being  now  used  as  a whisky  and  tobacco  warehouse. 

Thomas  H.  Winters  was  here  during  the  years  1846-47.  The  Rev.  S< 
mon  K.  Denius  was  now  called  to  the  pastorate  of  the  Reformed  Church.  ; 
his  selection  proved  to  be  a fortunate  event  for  these  people.  Mr.  Denius  i 
a man  of  great  amiability,  and  of  a kind  and  conciliatory  disposition.  He  ’ 
the  very  man  qualified  to  pour  oil  upon  the  troubled  waters  and  cause  the  1 
toration  of  peace  and  harmony.  Since  the  time  of  his  ministry,  the  cong-re 
tion  has  enjoyed  uninterrupted  peace,  has  made  steady  advancement,  is  at  pi 
ent  a united  body  and  in  a prosperous  condition.  After  Rev.  Denius,  wli 
ministry  continued  for  about  half  a dozen  years,  the  succession  of  minister? 
this  congregation  is  as  follows:  John  Kercher,  1852-56;  Aaron  Warn 

1857-62;  George  W.  Willard,  1862-66;  H.  G Comfort,  1866-67;  J.  R S 
maker,  1867-68;  Joseph  H.  Apple,  1869-73;  Charles  W.  Good,  1873- 
Peter  C.  Prugh,  1876  to  the  present  time,  who  is  a worthy  gentleman  and; 
efficient  pastor.  This  congregation  is  now  worshiping  in  its  third  ehun 
The  first  was  the  log  structure  erected  as  a union  church  in  18.10;  the  seen 
was  the  building  erected  by  Judge  Gunckel,  and  which  they  occupied  fi 
1828  to  1866,  in  which  year  it  was  taken  down  and  the  present  building  erei  ' 
in  its  | dace,  partly  on  new  ground.  It  remained  unfinished  until  1370, 
congregation  using  the  basement  room  as  a place  of  worship;  but  in  that  j 
the  audience  room  was  finished  and  furnished,  and  the  church  was  dedica 
during  the  summer  of  the  same  year.  It  is  a commodious  edifice,  and  spt 
well  for  the  congregation  and  pastors  who  labored  in  the  erection  of  this  be 
liful  house  of  divine  worship. 

The  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church.  This  congregation  dates  its  or: 
back  to  the  year  1809,  and  at  the  time  of  its  organization  it  used  the  Gen 
exclusively  iu  its  public  worship.  Its  members  were,  without  a single  ex< 
tion,  either  native  Germans  or  their  descendants,  and  most  of  them  came  1 
Berks  County,  Penn.  Among  the  ministeis  of  this  faith  who  were  here  p: 
to  the  year  1814  appear  the  names  of  Paul  Henkel,  Markert,  Forster,  Mau  . 
Simon.  The  former  was  the  father  of  Andrew  Henkel,  and  lived  and  labc 
mainly  in  Virginia,  and  was  one  of  the  most  remarkable  men  of  his  age  m 
missionary  field.  In  what  year  he  visited  this  point  is  not  known  at  presi 
Of  Markert  nothing  is  known  but  the  name,  and  the  same  can  be  said  of  1 
ster.  Mau  was  a native  of  Pennsylvania;  had  been  a Revolutionary  sold 
lived  many  years  in  the  Twin  Valley,  and  finally  died  here.  He  was  a so 
what  eccentric  man,  with  a limited  education,  changing  his  church  re! at 
several  times,  but  died  a member  of  the  Lutheran  denomination.  And 
Simon  officiated  as  pastor  for  the  churches  in  German  and  Miami  Townsl 
for  a number  of  years — probably  up  to  the  year  1812.  He  resided  in  Mij 
Township,  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  Gebhart  Church,  settling  there  as  e; 
as  1808.  Greatly  lacking  the  gift  of  language,  he  was  not  very  popular 
successful,  and,  abandoning  the  ministry,  he  turned  his  attention  to  thep1 
tice  of  medicine,  removed  to  Indiana,  and  there  closed  his  life. 


GERMAN  TOWNSHIP. 


39 


After  Mr.  Simon  left,  the  congregation  remained  without  a pastor  for 
■oral  years,  but  in  the  year  1814  they  extended  a call  to  the  Rev.  John  Cas- 
„ Dill,  who  took  charge  in  the  fall  of  1815,  and  may  be  said  to  have  been  the 
ii , regular  pastor  of  the  Lutheran  Church  at  Germantown. 

Rev.  John  Casper  Dill  was  born  in  Wertheim,  in  the  Grand  Duchy  of 
Pen,  Germany,  February  2,  1758.  and  his  parents  were  worthy  members  of 
Ij  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church,  and  well  to  do  in  the  affairs  of  this  world. 
Ii  n Casper  received  a thorough  literary  and  scientific  education,  his  collegiate 
•crse  being  taken  at  the  then  noted  University  of  Giessen,  in  Hesse,  at  that  time 
i!  of  the  best  of  Germany’s  institutions.  In  1790,  he  embarked  at  Amsterdam 
othe  United  States,  whither  an  elder  brother  had  preceded  him,  and  landed 
Baltimore,  Md. , September  4 of  that  year,  and,  a few  weeks  subsequently, 
oed  his  brother  in  Philadelphia,  where  he  was  engaged  in  mercantile  pur- 
ns.  Here  he  remained  for  some  time,  but  in  1792  his  brother  fell  a victim 
j re  yellow  fever,  and  for  the  following  ten  years  our  subject’s  residence  and 
eltpation  are  not  now  known,  but  it  is  thought  that  a portion  of  that  time  was 
pit  in  preparation  for  the  ministry.  On  the  16th  of  June,  1802,  he  was  or- 
iaked  a minister  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  by  the  Synod  of  Penn- 
mnia,  convened  at  Reading,  in  that  State.  At  the  time  of  his  ordination, 
eiad  charge  of  several  congregations,  and  no  doubt  had  been  preaching  for 
o,3  years  as  a licentiate.  During  his  residence  in  Pennsylvania,  he  married 
: Maria  Seiberling,  of  Northampton  County.  As  previously  stated.  Mr. 

!i  came  to  Germantown  in  the  fall  of  1815,  and  in  his  day  occupied  the  most 
n.  tier  position  among  Lutheran  pastors,  his  mission  extending  over  a vast 
ojbn  of  this  portion  of  Ohio  and  Indiana.  Mr.  Dill  preached  at  from  six  to 
■volaces,  but  his  main  congregations  were  at  Germantown  and  Miamisburg, 
a he  may  be  justly  called  the  father  of  Lutheranism  in  and  around  these 

0 ts.  The  first  church  he  preached  in  at  Germantown  was  the  log  structure 
rded  in  1810.  He  was  an  accomplished  scholar  and  theologian,  a close  and 
«?al  thinker,  a refined  and  chaste  writer,  well  read  in  ancient  and  modern 
: sics,  and  as  a speaker,  clear,  practical  and  impressive.  He  was  connected 
s the  Synod  of  Pennsylvania  until  the  organization  of  the  Ohio  Synod  in 
8 !,  at  which  he  was  present,  and  thus  became  one  of  its  founders,  subse- 
uitly  holding  different  official  positions  in  this  body.  Rev.  Dill  lived  and 
h a poor  man,  being  possessed  of  but  an  humble  dwelling,  with  a few  acres 
t round  surrounding  it,  and  when  he  died,  in  August,  1824,  he  left  his  fam- 
) ittle  else  than  God’s  blessing.  His  wife  survived  him  many  years,  but  the 
■:  fins  of  both  now  rest  side  by  side  in  the  Germantown  Cemetery.  After  the 
e h of  Mr.  Dill,  the  Germantown  congregation  were  unable  to  secure  a pas- 
n until  1826,  in  which  year  they  secured  the  services  of  the  Rev.  Andrew 
uttel,  of  Somerset,  Perry  Co.,  Ohio,  whose  paternal  ancestor  in  this  country 
athe  Rev.  Gerhart  Henkel,  a native  of  Germany,  who  came  to  this  land  at 
a.arly  period  and  located  in  Germantown,  Penn.  This  was  in  the  year  1740, 

■i  he  died  soon  after  his  arrival,  and  is  said  too  have  been  the  first  settled 
a 3r  of  the  Lutheran  Church  in  Philadelphia  and  Germantown,  Penn.  The 

1 md  grandson  of  Gerhart  Henkel,  from  whom,  in  direct  line,  Andrew  de- 
' his  descent,  were  Justice  and  Jacob,  the  latter  being  the  father  of  the 
“ Paul  Henkel,  already  referred  to  on  a previous  page.  Paul  Henkel  was 
'’  in  North  Carolina  December  15,  1754.  and  served  in  the  Revolutionary 
< subsequently  becoming  a Lutheran  minister,  to  which  his  life  was  ever 
Pward  devoted.  Five  of  his  sons  became  Lutheran  ministers  under  his  care 
:j  instruction,  viz. , Ambrose,  Philip,  David,  Charles  and  Andrew,  the  latter 
, 'tom,  for  more  than  forty  years,  was  pastor  of  the  Lutheran  Church  in 
'viantown,  Ohio.  He  was  born  in  New  Market,  Ya.,  October  21,  1790,  and 


40 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


grew  up  under  the  careful  training  of  his  pious  parents.  He  learned  the 
of  printing  under  the  direction  of  his  brother  Ambrose,  but  after  a short,  : 
prenticeship,  began  the  study  of  theology  under  the  supervision  and  instri 
tion  of  his  father  and  his  brother  Philip.  He  was  licensed  to  preach  the  G 
pel  by  the  Synod  of  Pennsylvania  in  the  year  1811,  and  shortly  afterward  ca 
on  a visit  to  Ohio  in  company  with  his  brother  Ambrose,  traveling  the  ent 
distance  on  horseback.  In  1812,  Mr.  Henkel  came  to  Ohio  to  remain,  taki 
charge  of  congregations  and  preaching-points  in  Perry,  Muskingum,  Mors 
and  adjoining  counties,  his  held  of  labor  extending  over  probably  ten  count! 
spending  fourteen  years  in  this  held,  during  which  time  lie  resided  in  Somen 
Ohio.  In  1815,  he  married  Miss  Margaret  Trout,  daughter  of  George  ; 
Margaret  Trout,  of  Somerset,  Ohio.  In  September,  1818,  he  was  one  of  1 
chief  movers  in  the  organization  of  the  Synod  of  Ohio,  but  was  not  ordaii 
until  1823  or  1824.  remaining  a licentiate  up  to  that  time. 

During  his  residence  in  Somerset,  Mr.  Henkel  trained  a number  of  yoi 
men  for  the  ministry,  and  labored  hard  to  build  up  his  church,  laying  a df 
and  solid  foundation  that  subsequent  religious  storms  failed  to  effect. 

In  the  year  1826,  Air.  Henkel  received  a call  from  the  Germantown  c 
gregation  and  vicinity,  which  he  accepted,  entering  upon  his  duties  in  the  i 
of  that  year,  and  here  he  spent  the  remainder  of  his  life.  Up  to  this  per 
the  services  had  been  conducted  in  German,  but  there  had  been  a growing 
maud  for  services  conducted  in  the  English  language  as  well,  and  this  I 
Henkel,  who  was  proficient,  in  both  tongues,  hastened  to  comply  with  bv  ini 
ducing  English  services  into  all  of  the  churches  under  his  charge.  A few  ye 
after  his  arrival  in  Germantown,  a new  brick  edifice  was  built,  which  was 
garded  as  one  of  the  best  churches  in  this  part  of  the  country.  Like  most 
the  pioneer  preachers.  Mr.  Henkel  engaged  in  other  pursuits  outside  of  ' 
pastoral  calling,  for  the  purpose  of  winning  a more  comfortable  livelihood  th 
his  salary  as  a minister  afforded  him;  and  thus,  coming  in  contact  with 
classes,  he  became  extensively  known  and  appreciated  as  a zealous  advocate 
important  enterprises  and  public  improvements.  He  was  also  a leading  mo 
ber  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  and  did  much  in  establishing  and  organiz  \ 
lodges.  But  it  was  in  the  field  of  controversial  debate,  in  defense  of  his  elm 
and  her  teachings,  that  he  attained  the  greatest  distinction,  vanquishing  I 
opponents  who  had  the  temerity  to  offer  him  the  gauge  of  battle. 

In  1844,  Mr.  Henkel  removed  to  Goshen.  Ind.,  but  in  1847  returned 
Germantown:  yet  during  his  absence,  the  Rev.  Abraham  Reck,  who  was  wi 
was  known  as  a New- Measure  Lutheran  preacher,  labored  in  this  field,  letiri 
however,  upon  the  return  of  Air.  Henkel.  During  the  period  that  Mr.  Hei 
had  charge  of  the  Germantown  congregation,  he  resided  a year  or  two  in  L 
isburg,  Ohio,  but  the  troubles  experienced  by  his  church  through  all  these  ye: 
and  the  dissensions  existing  in  it.  even  up  to  this  date,  is  history  foreign 
this  short  sketch.  Air.  Henkel  enjoys  the  honor  of  having  been  one  of  . 
founders  of  the  first  Synod  in  Ohio,  as  also  of,  the  first  theological  seinim, 
The  institution  out  of  which  have  grown  Capitol  University  and  the  h i 
Synods,  Theological  Seminary,  was  established  under  his  leadership  andthroi 
his  influence.  In  personal  appearance,  Mr.  Henkel  was  tall,  straight  and  ei 
as  an  Indian,  his  step  firm  and  his  bearing  dignified.  He  was  a man  of  I 
resolution  and  wonderful  tenacity  of  convictions,  never  shrinking  from  an  o 
avowal  or  defense  of  his  views  and  principles.  He  was  of  a kind  and  tors, 
ing  nature,  always  exceedingly  lenient  and  forbearing  toward  the  frailtiej 
erring  humanity,  yet  in  his  Lutheranism,  Masonry  and  Democracy,  he  wat; 
immovable  as  a rock.  As  a friend,  companion  or  pastor,  he  was  genial 
affable,  but  in  his  public  ministrations,  he  was  always  serious,  earnest  and 


GERMAN  TOWNSHIP. 


41 


at.  Mrs.  Henkel  died  June  1,  1S66,  and  about  this  time  Mr.  Henkel  began 
t'feel  old  age  creeping  on  apace,  and  liis  son-in-law,  Rev.  J.  L.  Stirewalt,  was 
cled  as  an  assistant  in  1865,  their  charge  at  that  time  consisting  of  German- 
tm,  Farmersville  and  Slifer’s  congregations.  In  August,  1868,  Mr.  Henkel 
rried  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Schwartzel,  with  whom  he  lived  about  two  years  in 
vj'dded  life.  Just  two  weeks  before  he  died,  he  moved  to  Farmersville,  where 
passed  away  April  23,  1870,  in  his  eightieth  year,  triumphant  in  his  faith 
nd  calm  to  the  last  moment.  His  remains  were  interred  in  Germantown,  where 
1 had  labored  so  many  years,  loved,  honored  and  respected. 

Mr.  Henkel  was  the  father  of  eleven  children,  seven  of  whom  are  still  liv- 
i>.  He  labored  in  the  ministry  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  of  Ohio 
%-eight  years,  forty-four  of  which  were  spent  in  his  second  and  last  charge, 
1 during  his  labors  in  this  last  field,  he  performed  1,003  baptisms,  877  con- 
imations,  495  marriages,  and  officiated  at  683  funerals.  The  death  of  Pastor 
lukel  left  his  associate  sole  incumbent  of  the  Germantown  charge,  but  soon 
aprward  a division  was  made,  resulting  in  the  formation  of  two  pastorates, 

; Farmersville  and  Slifer  congregations  forming  one,  and  the  Germantown 
t other,  the  latter  retaining  the  Rev.  J.  L.  Stirewalt  as  their  pastor.  He 
hs  the  second  son  of  the  Rev.  John  and  Hannah  Stirewalt,  and  was  born  in 
viynesboro,  Augusta  Co.,  Va,,  April  12, 1832.  His  mother  was  a sister  of  the 
Rjv.  Andrew  Henkel,  and  he  therefore  came  of  a long  line  of  Lutheran  minis- 
(|i  on  his  mother’s  side.  His  father  died  when  our  subject  was  quite  young, 
lelnng  three  sons  to  the  care  of  the  widowed  mother,  with  a dying  wish  ex- 
posed to  h r that  they  should  be  consecrated  to  the  work  of  the  Gosp  l min- 
islv.  Their  educational  facilities  being  limited, *their  good  mother  became 
Hr  teacher,  and  she  lived  to  see  all  inducted  into  the  sacred  calling  of  their 
Tier ; yea,  more;  she  lived  to  see  them  all  laid  in  the  peaceful  grave,  and, 
sn  after,  was  laid  beside  her  son,  Julius  L.,  and  her  brother,  Andrew,  in  the 
Gj-mantown  Cemetery,  this  event  occurring  in  May,  1874. 

In  the  years  1845-47,  Julius  L.  was  employed  as  a dry  goods  clerk  in 
Chichester,  Va.,  and  from  1848-49,  he  attended  school  at  the  New  Market 
V demy  in  the  same  State.  He  first  began  the  study  of  medicine,  then  turned 
i , attention  to  law,  but  this  was  also  abandoned  by  him,  and  he  then  decided 
nter  upon  the  study  of  theology.  He  went  to  Columbus,  Ohio,  where  he 
-]atthe  years  1851-52  in  the  college  and  seminary  of  the  Joint  Synod,  but. 

; health  failing,  he  left  Columbus  in  1853  and  returned  to  New  Market,  Va., 

' ire  he  completed  his  theological  studies  under  the  direction  of  his  uncles, 
1! . Ambrose  Henke1  and  Jacob  Stirewalt.  In  1854,  he  was  ordained  a Deacon 
The  Tennessee  Synod,  and  became  an  assistant  to  his  uncle.  On  the  10th  of 
1 1 ember.  1854,  he  was  married  to  Vandalena,  daughter  of  the  Rev.  Andrew 
-3ikel,  of  Germantown,  Ohio,  and  soon  after  was  elected  Principal  of  the  New 
>’’ket  Female  Seminary  for  one  year,  his  wife  assisting  him  in  teaching. 
Os,  together  with  his  duties  in  the  ministerial  field,  proved  too  laborious  for 

feeble  constitution,  and  he  accordingly  resigned  his  principalship.  In 
05,  he  accepted  a call  from  Wayne  County,  Ind.,  where  he  entered  upon  a 
1 ire  of  labor  more  congenial  to  his  tastes,  and  better  adapted  to  the  exercise 
I is  gifts.  In  1856,  he  was  fully  ordained  to  the  ministry,  and  in  1858  sue- 
1 led  his  brother  Paul  in  the  Lima  charge,  the  latter  having  been  removed 
'death.  After  a year’s  labor  at  this  point,  failing  health  compelled  him  to 
j 4n>  and  he  then  accepted  an  agency  in  the  Southern  States  for  the  Lutheran 
n idard,  during  which  time  he  was  a regular  contributor  to  its  columns, 
i s change  not  proving  beneficial  to  his  health,  he  resigned  the  agency  and 
'wed  to  his  mother’s  farm  in  Virginia.  Soon  afterward,  the  rebellion  broke 
1 and.  living  amidst  the  scenes  of  constant  conflict  between  the  armies. 


42 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


suffered  great  annoyance  and  loss,  yet  lie  was  always  a friend  to  the  Union,  bi 
labored  to  alleviate  distress  among  the  suffering  and  wounded  of  both  armiei 
In  August,  1865,  the  English  district  of  the  Joint  Synod  of  Ohio  held  its  sei 
sions  in  Germantown,  Ohio,  the  Rev.  Stirewalt  being  present  as  a visitor.  T1 
Germantown  congregation  extended  to  him  a call  as  associate  pastor  to  the  Re 
Andrew  Henkel,  and  in  November  of  that  year  he  moved  to  Germantown  1 
divide  with  Mr.  Henkel  the  labors  of  this  charge.  His  ministry  was  very  sui 
cessful,  and  the  church  flourished  and  grew  strong  under  his  fostering  car 
In  1867,  the  old  church,  which  had  been  built  in  1880,  was  remodeled  and  ei 
larged,  the  execution  and  direction  of  which  undertaking  devolved  upon  M 
Stirewalt.  In  1869,  the  General  Council  appointed  him  as  its  home  miadoj 
ary,  to  travel  and  labor  chiefly  in  the  State  of  Indiana,  and  to  this  work  1 
devoted  one-half  of  his  time,  giving  the  other  half  to  his  charge  in  Germantow 
and  vicinity.  This  appointment  he  filled  several  years  with  commendable  ii 
dustry  and  success.  For  years,  Mr.  Stirewalt  had  suffered  from  disease,  ye 
amidst  constant  ill  health,  he  never  lost  his  patience  or  cheerfulness,  and  win 
at  last  the  end  came,  his  death  was  a grand  triumph  for  the  principles  wki( 
he  had  always  advocated  and  practiced.  He  died  June  16,  1872,  in  his  fortie 
year,  beloved  and  regretted  by  all,  admonishing  with  his  last  breath  thoi 
who  stood  around  him  to  be  faithful,  to  revere  and  obey  the  Word  of  Go 
His  remains  were  borne  to  the  grave,  attended  by  a vast  concourse  of  peopl) 
who  assembled  in  sadness  to  pay  him  the  last  respect  of  earth.  The  congr 
gation  remained  vacant  about  one  year,  but  having  occasional  preaching  1 
neighboring  pastors.  In  the  fall  of  1872,  the  congregation  called  the  Rev 
P.  Hentz  to  Germantown,  and  in  this  year  he  paid  them  a visit,  finally  takii 
charge  as  pastor  in  April,  1873. 

Rev.  J.  P.  Hentz  was  born  in  the  village  of  Beuern,  six  miles  distant  fro 
the  city  of  Giessen,  in  Hesse-Darmstadt,  Germany,  May  5,  1832.  He  left  k 
native  land  in  June,  1852,  for  the  United  States,  landing  at  Baltimore  in  A! 
gust  of  that  year,  but  removed  immediately  to  Pennsylvania,  and  for  sever 
years  following  lived  in  different  parts  of  this  country.  He  Anally  concliut 
to  study  for  the  ministry,  and,  with  this  purpose  in  view,  entered  Pennsylvan 
College,  Gettysburg,  Penn.,  from  where  he  graduated  in  1861.  He  studi 
theology  in  the  Theological  Seminary  of  the  same  place,  and,  in  the  fall 
1862,  entered  the  ministry  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church.  For  seve) 
years,  he  labored  in  different  fields  in  Western  Pennsylvania,  and,  as  previous 
stated,  took  charge  of  the  Germantown  congregation  in  April,  1873  whore 
has  remained  up  to  the  present.  His  family  consists  of  himself,  wife  and  f 
children. 

What  remains  to  be  told  of  the  history  of  the  Lutheran  Church  of  Genua 
town  can  be  recorded  in  a few  sentences.  In  July,  1867,  was  laid  the  conn 
stone  of  the  present  house  of  worship,  and  by  December  15  of  this  year , t 
building  was  so  far  completed  as  to  enable  the  congregation  to  hold  services 
the  basement  room.  It  was  dedicated  May  15,  1870,  but  its  spire  was  not  co 
pleted  until  1880,  the  latter  costing  about  $1,100. 

The  services  were,  from  1809  to  1826,  conducted  in  the  German  langua* 
but  since  the  latter  year,  both  English  and  German  have  been  used  as  necess 
prompted.  Its  communicants  number  from  three  hundred  to  four  hundrt 
and  the  Sunday  school  has  a membership  of  from  two  hundred  to  two  hundr 
and  fifty. 

The  United  Brethren  Church. — The  history  of  this  denomination  in  G< 
man  Township  dates  back  near  the  beginning  of  the  present  century,  as  it  w 
here  that  the  first  organization  west  of  the  Alleghanies  was  effected.  ^ In  18( 
Andrew  Zeller  settled  in  German  Township,  about  one  mile  north  of  Genua 


GERMAN  TOWNSHIP. 


43 


tsra.  on  Little  Twin  Creek.  He  was  an  active  Christian  man  of  sound  sense, 
;p  piety  and  liberality,  and  contributed  much  toward  the  development  and 
uVth  of  Christianity  in  this  valley.  His  house  was  one  of  the  first  estab- 
liied  preaching-places  among  the  United  Brethren;  the  first  organization  of 
embers  was  there  effected,  and  that  was  the  nucleus  of  the  many  societies  now 
ejsting  in  this  valley.  For  a period  of  twenty-five  years,  this  denomination 
1 its  regular  preaching  services  in  private  houses,  and  their  annual  and 
l irterly  conferences,  as  well  as  their  protracted  meetings,  were  held  in  barns. 

( ! Brown’s  Bun  and  elsewhere  were  also  established  places  for  the  holding  of 
»p  meetings  annually.  Preaching-points  were  established  at  the  houses  of 
tl  following  members:  Jacob  Garst,  Gabriel  Thomas,  Walter  Cox,  Daniel 

liner,  George  Bruner,  Peter  Zehring,  Rev.  Jacob  King  and  others. 

In  1815,  the  Rev.  Andrew  Zeller  was  a delegate  to  the  first  General  Con 
lienee  of  the  United  Brethren  Church,  held  at  Mt.  Pleasant.  Penn. , and  at  that 
Terence  he  was  elected  a Bishop.  In  his  work  throughout  this  portion  of  Ohio 
a;was  greatly  assisted  by  such  men  as  Bishop  Christian  Newcomer,  Daniel 
Tiyer,  Henry  Evinger,  Henry  Kumler,  Sr.,  Dewalt  Mechlin,  John  McNamar, 

1 n Russell,  S.  S.  Spieer,  William  Stubbs,  A.  Shingledecker  and  John 
i<  ferkoff. 

Christian  Newcomer  was  elected  Bishop  about  six  months  prior  to  the 
Idth  of  the  Rev.  William  Otterbein,  who  was  the  founder  of  the  United  Breth 
i.'tj  Church,  and  he  was  formally  ordained  as  an  Elder  only  a few  days  previous 
che  Rev.  Otterbein’s  death.  Rev.  Newcomer  did  noble  work  for  his  church 
i ts  first  years  in  this  part  of  the  country,  having  crossed  the  Alleghanies 
neteen  times  on  horseback  after  he  had  passed  his  sixty-first  year. 

The  Rev.  Daniel  Troyer  came  to  this  valley  as  early  as  1806.  He  was  a 
wa  and  prudent  man,  and  a faithful  Christian.  His  wholesome  influence  has 
winded  down  to  the  present,  as  many  of  to-day  cherish  fond  remembrances 
This  life  and  labors.  In  1819,  Jacob  Antrim  became  identified  with  church 
Uk  in  this  township.  He  was  a good  singer,  an  ingenuous  preacher,  a great 
carter,  had  tact,  energy  and  buoyancy  of  spirit,  which  bore  him  onward  where 
finger  men  would  have  sunk  down  in  discouragement,  and  in  the  Miami  Yal- 
e'he  was  remarkably  successful  in  gathering  members  into  the  church.  At  a 
■ r day  came  the  Bonebrakes,  six  brothers,  all  ministers — George  and  Fred- 
•vk  preaching  on  Twin  Circuit,  which  included  Germantown.  George  and 
in  Hoffman,  S.  Doubler,  Thomas  Thompson,  Isaac  Robertson,  H,  Surface, 
k)b  Emerick  and  others  labored  for  this  church  in  the  Twin  Valley.  The 
i building  erected  for  church  purposes  by  the  United  Brethren  denomination 
of  the  Alleghanies  was  built  in  1829,  in  Germantown.  The  Board  of 
stees  were  Daniel  Bruner,  Jonathan  Spoon,  Rev.  Jacob  King,  Andrew  Zeller 
i George  Bruner.  The  lot  was  deeded  to  them  May  6,  1829,  by  Philip 
nickel  and  wife.  The  building  on  Warren  street,  occupied  by  the  congrega- 
1(  for  fifty  years,  is  the  original  one,  though  somewhat  enlarged  and  modern - 
in  after  years.  Among  the  active  ministerial  workers  now  we  find  Revs. 

: >b  King,  W.  S.  Rinelieart,  John  Coons,  William  Davis,  Francis  Whitcomb, 
Rinchbaugh,  John  and  Jacob  Kemp.  The  growth  of  the  Germantown 
° 3ty  has  been  rapid.  Its  results  are  not  limited  by  the  township,  county  or 
'te,  but  throughout  the  whole  West  are  found  many  who  were  brought  to 
eij  Christian  lives  through  the  efforts  of  this  society.  As  near  results  of  the 
jiency  of  this  organization,  we  have  the  following  churches  within  a radius 
'five  miles  of  Germantown:  Twin  Chapel,  Union  Chapel,  Brown’s  Run  and 

R.e  Road  Chapels,  with  a membership  in  all  of  300.  while  the  Germantown 
'°'pfy  has  315  members,  and  Montgomery  County  twenty -five  organized  socie- 
't:  with  houses  of  worship,  aggregating  a membership  of  3,000  souls.  This 


44 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


church  has  from  the  first  embraced  among  its  membership  some  of  the  mo 
influential  families  of  the  township  and  county.  The  present  handsome  ar 
commodious  house  of  worship,  located  on  Cherry  street,  was  built  by  the  coi 
gregation  in  the  year  1879,  at  a cost  of  $10,000.  The  work  was  successful 
carried  to  completion  under  the  direction  of  a Board  of  Trustees,  consisting  < 
William  D.  Emerick,  O.  M.  Oblinger,  Ezra  Kemp,  Joseph  W.  Shank  and  l 
K.  Burtner.  Valuable  services  were  rendered  by  Mr.  Kemp  in  soliciting  fun< 
and  giving  the  work  his  personal  supervision.  This  church  has  under  its  ca 
a flourishing  Sabbath  school,  thus  guarding  well  the  interests  of  youth.  T1 
life  and  activity  of  this  society  in  religious  work  is  also  evidenced  by  its  lina 
cial  exhibit.  More  than  $1,000  is  annually  expended  for  the  various  church  ii 
terests,  $635  toward  ministerial  support,  $120  for  the  support  of  the  Sabbat 
school,  $200  for  church  expenses,  $100  for  missions,  and  $100  for  Presidii 
Elder  and  annual  conference  collections,  besides  occasional  special  donations  f 
missions,  church  erection  and  educational  work.  With  an  increase  of  ruembc 
ship,  and  a moral  and  financial  ability  to  do  good,  there  is  a disposition  upon  tl 
part  of  the  membership  to  increase  the  usefulness  of  the  church,  and  to  cultiva 
well  this  portion  of  the  Lord’s  heritage.* 

The  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. — This  is  the  youngest  of  alt  the  congi 
gations  in  Germantown.  Ordinarily,  the  Methodists  are  the  first  at  work 
any  new  settlement;  but  here  they  came  in  last.  The  reason  of  this  was  th 
the  people  who  settled  in  this  township  were  Germans,  and  for  many  years  t; 
German  was  the  only  language  spoken  by  them,  and  as  this  denomination  roi 
long  time  confined  its  labors  to  the  English-speaking  portion  of  the  people 
this  country,  they  made  no  effort  to  build  up  a congregation  in  Germantoi 
until  the  English  language  had  come  into  use.  Somewhere  about  the  ye 
1834,  they  began  to  talk  of  organizing  a congregation.  At  this  time,  th 
held  service  regularly  in  Germantown,  and  worshiped  in  the  United  Brethr 
Church.  They  gained  ground  rapidly,  and.  in  the  year  1837,  were  able  to  bu: 
a house  of  worship,  and  this  is  the  same  edifice  which  the  congregation  is  st 
occupying.  It  was  not  finished  at  once,  and  for  some  time  services  were  in 
in  the  basement  room.  It  w7as  remodeled  and  enlarged  in  the  year  1865,  a 
is  at  present  a commodious  and  comfortable  place  of  worship.  At  one  tin 
this  congregation  had  a numerous  membership,  gathering  them  in  from  difii 
ent  sources,  but  at  present  it  is  numerically  the  weakest  of  all  the  chinches 
Germantown.  About  1S48,  a part  of  this  congregation  split  off  and  orgamz 
a Protestant  Methodist  Church,  one  of  the  leaders  of  this  movement,  Mr,  Wi 
iam  Gunckel,  having  previously  purchased  the  building  which  had  be 
erected  by  the  New-Measure  Reformed,  and  this  church  they  occupied  a1 
place  of  worship.  For  awhile  they  flourished,  received  numerous  accessic 
and  made  rapid  progress,  but,  after  running  a short  race  of  seeming  prosperi 
they  began  to  grow  less,  unt  il,  after  the  lapse  of  a few  years,  the  organizati 
was  disbanded.  Owing  to  these  and  other  causes,  the  Methodist  Episeoj 
Church  in  this  township  is  not  strong,  but  what  it  will  be  in  the  future,  ti 
will  reveal.  Of  the  pastors  of  this  congregation,  so  little  is  known  and  reme 
bered  that  it  is  impossible  to  give  any  reliable  account  of  them.  They  In 
come  and  gone  in  such  quick  succession  that  they  have  made  no  history 
themselves;  and  where  there  is  no  history,  there  remains  none  to  be  written 

SUNDAY  SCHOOLS. 

There  are  at  present  Sunday  schools  connected  with  all  the  Christian  » 
gregations  of  Germantown,  and,  although  all  of  them  have  a definite  date 
origin,  and  each  its  own  history,  they  are  much  involved  in  obscurity. 

*The  sketch  of  the  United  Brethren  Church  was  furnished  by  Revs.  Swain  and  Burket  ol  said  church. 


GERMAN  TOWNSHIP. 


45 


•itten  records  have  been  preserved,  and  the  little  that  is  here  recorded  are  the 
jittered  fragments  which  have  been  gathered  from  a few  aged  people  who  still 
:tnain  from  among  the  first  Sunday  school  teachers.  Among  these,  Mrs.  Eliz- 
; eth  Bohrer  and  Mrs.  M.  Ayers  deserve  special  mention,  because  it  was  they 

10  organized  the  first  Sunday  school  in  Germantown,  labored  for  it  and  taught 
it.  They  have  been  teachers  during  a period  of  fifty  years,  and  are  still  at 
eir  post,  and,  though  approaching  fast  their  fourscore  years,  they  are  rarely 
sent  from  their  classes  on  Sunday,  or  from  the  teachers’  meeting  on  week 

,js.  Both  teach  in  the  Lutheran  Sunday  school.  The  first  Sunday  school 
is  organized  in  1828,  in  the  Lutheran  Church,  mainly  through  the  agency 
,d  exertions  of  the  two  ladies  just  mentioned.  They  called  a meeting,  at 
lich  officers  were  elected  and  the  school  organized.  It  was  the  only  school 
the  kind  that  existed  in  Germantown  for  some  years,  combined  all  the  re- 
pious  elements  of  the  community,  and  had  no  denominational  character, 
hen  the  school  was  organized,  Mrs.  Bohrer  and  Mrs.  Ayers  canvassed  the 
i vn  for  funds  to  procure  the  necessary  books,  but  their  efl’orts  met  with  small 
-icess.  The  people  at  that  time  knew  little  of  Sunday  schools,  and  were 
brefore  suspicious  of  their  character  and  aims.  They  treated  the  efforts  of 
use  enterprising  ladies  with  coolness,  fearing  that  the  movement  was  some 
iw  innovation  in  the  church.  The  Lutherans  and  Beformed  especially  mis- 
usted  the  movement,  for  the  reason  that  the  first  Superintendent,  John  Pear- 
r,  was  a zealous  Methodist.  The  school,  not  having  the  hearty  support  of  a 
ujority  of  the  people,  did  not  flourish,  and  in  1830  was  discontinued.  About 
35,  the  subject  was  again  agitated,  and  a school  started  in  the  United  Breth- 

11  Church.  This  was  a union  Sunday  school,  controlled  by  the  LTnited  Breth- 
1 1 and  Methodist  denominations,  but  the  names  of  the  founders  and  first  teach- 
• s have  passed  into  oblivion.  From  1830  to  1844.  no  Sunday  schools  existed 
i either  the  Lutheran  or  Beformed  Churches,  but  in  the  latter  year  an  agent 
I the  American  Sunday  School  Union  organized  a school  in  the  Lutheran 
Curch,  which  was  attended  by  the  children  of  both  congregations,  and  this 
siool  has  existed  up  to  this  time,  but  for  many  years  was  undenominational, 
i what  year  the  Beformed  separated  and  organized  a Sunday  school  of  their 
<fn  church  has  not  been  learned.  Since  1865,  the  Sunday  school  in  the  Lu- 
bran  Church  has  been  in  a process  of  change,  and  now  if  is  an  exclusively 
ltheran  school.  Before  that  year,  the  Superintendents  had  belonged  to  dif- 
■ent  creeds,  but  none  were  Lutherans. 

It  is  useless  to  attempt  to  give  correct  statistics  of  the  number  of  teachers 
d scholars  in  the  different  Sunday  schools  of  the  town.  The  basis  of  caleu- 
] 'ion  and  method  of  computation  differ  very  widely  from  one  another.  The 
limbers  reported  can  convey  no  correct  idea  of  the  real  or  comparative  strength 
( these  schools.  This  much,  however,  may  be  said  of  them:  They  stand 

Jmerically  as  follows:  Lutheran,  United  Brethren.  Beformed  and  Methodist. 

EDUCATION. 

It  was  not  until  the  year  1821  that  a law  was  passed  authorizing  taxation 

■ school  purposes,  and,  as  for  some  years  the  school  lands  were  comparatively 
■productive,  teachers’  salaries  had  to  be  paid  and  schoolhouses  had  to  be  built 
' means  of  voluntary  contributions,  and  this  was  particularly  the  case  in  Ger- 
!n  Township.  The  schools  were  here  for  many  years  simply  subscription 

■ lools.  There  was  originally  a school  section  in  German  Township,  but  it  was 
ta,  and  Section  21,  Jefferson  Township,  was  ptu’chased  with  the  proceeds 
1 ^ized.  The  first  schoolhouse  in  German  Township  stood  on  the  south  side  of 
; imp’s  Hill.  It  was  a log  structure,  and  had  originally  been  erected  by  Will- 
u Eastwood,  a squatter  from  Kentucky,  who  occupied  it  as  a dwelling.  The 


46 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


first  teacher  who  taught  in  it,  and  who  was  probably  the  pioneer  teacher  of  t 
township,  was  the  Rev.  A.  S.  Man.  The  second  schoolhouse  stood  on  t 
Franklin  pike,  a short  distance  beyond  the  present  site  of  Sunsbury.  Like  t1 
other,  it  was  built  of  logs,  and  for  a long  time  received  its  light  throiu 
greased-paper  windows,  glass  being  too  expensive.  To  this  school  the  childr 
came  from  three  or  four  miles  distance.  The  first  teacher’s  name  was  <Tol 
McNamar,  who  later  became  a United  Brethren  preacher.  He  lived  in  a gan 
room  in  the  schoolhouse.  He  was  succeeded  by  Jacob  Lesley,  a Kentuckia 
The  teachers  of  this  early  period  were  men  generally  of  inferior  ability,  ai 
were  able  to  teach  nothing  more  than  the  merest  rudiments  of  the  'owe 
branches  of  a common-school  education.  Add  to  this  that  the  schools  were 
operation  but  three  months  out  of  twelve,  and  it  will  readily  be  seen  that  t 
children  could  not  learn  very  much.  Soon  after  Germantown  had  been  la 
out,  schoolhousos  were  erected  within  its  limits.  The  first  of  these  stood  < 
the  site  at  present  occupied  by  the  Reformed  Church,  and  another,  erected 
a somewhat  later  date,  stood  on  the  site  of  Mr.  H.  Bear’s  residence,  on  Mr 
berry  street.  In  these  two  buildings  the  youth  of  the  town  were  taught  uni 
the  year  1847;  while  in  the  country,  sclioolhousss  were  built,  one  after  anothi 
as  the  wants  of  the  people  demanded.  In  the  year  1846,  the  two  small  bri 
schoolhouses  in  town  were  sold,  with  a view  to  the  erection  of  a large  unic 
school  building.  After  its  completion,  all  the  children  of  Germantown  we 
collected,  and  were  taught-  in  different  rooms.  The  following  gentlemen  servi 
as  Principals  of  this  school:  Rev.  J.  Pentzer,  1852-53;  F.  C.  Guppy,  1 853-5 

J.  W.  Legg,  1854-55;  A.  Beal,  1855-56;  Collins  Ford,  1856-60.  This  buil 
ing  was  long  ago  vacated  by  the  schools,  and  is  at  present  used  as  a planin 
mill.  In  i860,  the  public  schools  were  re-organized  aud  placed  under  tl 
management  of  six  Directors,  and  in  this  same  year,  the  site  of  the  prese 
school  building  was  chosen  by  vote  of  the  people,  and  the  following  year  tl 
structure  was  erected.  It  is  three  stories  high,  has  four  rooms  on  each  Hot 
a rotunda  in  the  center  connecting  ail  the  rooms,  and  two  side  wings  for  stai 
cases.  Its  cost  of  erection  was  $17,000.  The  gentlemen  who  have,  since  186 
occupied  the  position  of  Principal,  or  what  is  now  known  as  Superintended 
are:  Hampton  Bennet,  1860-64;  he  enlisting  in  the  army.  P.  S.  Turner  fill 

out  his  unexpired  term;  J.  M.  Clemens,  1864-65;  H.  Bennet,  1865-66;  Ar 
brose  Temple.  1866—70;  W.  H.  Scudder,  1870—72;  A.  J.  Surface.  1872-7 
E.  C.  Harvey.  1874-76;  C.  L.  Hitchcock,  1876-78;  G.  C.  Dasher,  1878-8 
Benjamin  B.  Harlan.  1880-82,  and  is  the  present  incumbent.  The  school 
now  in  a flourishing  condition,  and  is  a credit  to  the  town. 

INSTITUTIONS  OF  A HIGHER  GRADE. 

The  first  of  these  was  the  Germantown  Academy,  which  was  organize 
October  11,  1841.  Its  officers  were:  Rev.  J.  B.  Findley,  President;  I 

James  Comstock,  Vice  President;  and  Jacob  Koehne,  Treasurer. 

Rev.  Jacob  Pentzer  was  elected  its  first-  Principal.  This  institution  co 
tinued  in  existence  about  ten  years,  and  enjoyed  a high  degree  of  prosper!! 
It  occupied  first  the  basement  part  of  the  Methodist  Church,  and  later  tl 
church  on  Main  street.  After  it  closed,  a Miss  Coffroth  taught  a school 
higher  grade  in  the  basement  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  eonti 
ued  it  for  about  three  years.  In  1855,  J.  W.  Legg  organized  a school  uad 
the  name  of  Germantown  Academy,  and  conducted  it  successfully  for  abo 
two  years,  he  giving  instruction  in  the  English  branches,  and  the  Rev.  Lew- 
in  Latin  and  Greek  languages  and  literature.  In  1874,  the  District  Synod 
Ohio  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  met  in  annual  convention  in  Gt 
mantown,  and  dining  the  convention,  an  agreement  was  entered  into  betwei( 


GERMAN  TOWNSHIP. 


47 


t)  citizens  of  the  town  and  the  synod  to  establish  an  academy,  the  citizens 
Seeing  to  furnish  the  ground  and  building,  and  the  synod  to  organize,  con 
o'jjt  and  support  the  school.  A tract  of  land  known  as  Stump’s  Hill,  and  em 
being  live  acres,  was  purchased  in  the  year  1875,  and  in  the  summer  of  the 
sae  year  the  foundation  for  the  building  was  laid.  During  1870,  the  struct- 
n>  was  erected,  and  so  far  completed  that  school  was  opened  in  December  of 
tit  year.  The  building  and  ground  cost  about  $6,000,  and  the  money  was 
iected  from  the  citizens  by  voluntary  subscriptions.  The  academy  had  been 
L ding  school  since  April,  1875,  in  an  upper  room  of  the  engine  house.  The 
imitation  was  under  the  control  of  nine  Trustees,  chosen  by  the  synod,  and 
Use  elected  Prof.  G.  C.  Dasher,  of  Capitol  University,  Columbus,  Ohio,  as  the 
; ncipal.  It  prospered  beyond  the  expectations  of  its  Mends,  entering  on  its 
,<ond  year  with  forty  students.  In  the  spring  of  1877,  the  synod,  without 
> vious  notice,  and  without  assigning  any  reason  for  their  action,  abandoned 
1 school  and  thus  terminated  its  career,  much  to  the  surprise,  chagrin  and 
1 appointment  of  the  citizens  of  Germantown,  who  had  hoped  to  see  it  grow 
r|  a first-class  college.  The  building  was  sold  under  the  Sheriff’s  hammer, 
I'.ght  in  by  the  corporation  of  the  town,  and  is  at  present  used  as  an  armory 
>d  militia  company.  The  academy  conducted  in  this  building  was  chartered 
rer  the  name  of  the  Germantown  Institute. 

' 

PLACES  OF  SEPULTURE. 

There  are  in  German  Township  live  places  set  apart  for  the  burial  of  the  dead 
— jae  at  Schaeffer’s  Church;  the  second  is  on  the  farm  of  Jacob  Judy,  at  the  head 
■Brown’s  Run;  the  third  is  on  Sunsbury  Hill;  the  fourth  is  the  graveyard  in 
pjmantown;  and  the  fifth  is  Germantown  Cemetery.  Of  these,  the  Sunsbury 
i.  Graveyard  is  the  oldest,  and  was  donated  for  the  purpose  by  Christopher 
mrick,  on  whose  farm  it  is  located.  The  first  persons  who  died  in  the  Twin 
fley  were  buried  here,  and  in  it  rest  the  remains  of  many  of  the  pioneers. 

' 3n  Germantown  Cemetery  was  laid  out,  many  persons  removed  their  dead 
Ai  the  older  burial  places  to  the  new  cemetery,  and  thus  many  bodies  were 
lib  from  Sunsbury  Hill,  most  of  which  were  found  petrified.  The  graveyard 
'i  xermantown  is  next  in  age,  and  contains  one  acre  of  ground,  which  was 
'Phased  from  Philip  Gunckel  in  1809.  It  was  open  to  all  who  desired  to 
ur  in  it  except  suicides  and  murderers.  At  the  time  of  its  establishment,  it 

outside  the  village  limits,  but  as  the  town  grew  it  came  to  be  situated  in 
amidst  of  residences,  and  therefore  objectionable  to  the  majority  of  the  peo- 
l‘is  a burial-place.  Much  trouble  was  caused  by  those  who  still  desired  to 
s it  as  a graveyard.  A few  private  individuals  bought  a tract  of  land  on  the 
p side  of  Twin  Creek  for  a cemetery,  but,  after  a few  interments,  it  urns 
' d subject  to  inundation  during  high  water,  and  was  therefore  abandoned, 
ully,  after  much  bickering,  a cemetery  association  was  formed  July  1,  1849, 
Ustitution  adopted,  and  the  following  officers  chosen:  John  F.  Kern,  Will- 

ti  McKeon,  John  Stump,  Samuel  Rohrer,  Jacob  Eminger,  Jacob  Koehne, 
r.erick  Kimmerling,  John  D.  Gunckel  and  Henry  S.  Gunckel  as  Directors; 
>■;  Stump,  President;  William  McKeon,  Vice  President;  Henry  S.  Gunckel, 
‘-Vtary ; John  F.  Kern,  Treasurer.  At  a meeting  held  July  3,  1849,  a com- 
1 was  appointed  to  select  suitable  ground,  and  at  a.  subsequent  meeting, 

" ’Urchase  of  a ten-acre  tract,  located  one-half  mile  west  of  town  and  owned 
' • Koehne,  was  recommended  by  this  committee.  At  a meeting  held  Au- 
:ll;  1,  1849,  the  Directors  agreed  to  purchase  the  said  tract  at  the  price  of 
A per  acre,  and  this  was  subsequently  effected,  and  the  tract  laid  out  for 
1 mjtery.  In  1861,  a dwelling  house  for  the  sexton  was  erected  on  the  ground, 

11  1878  an  addition  of  over  eight  acres  was  purchased  on  the  north  side, 
1,0  the  farm  of  the  Rev.  P.  C.  Prugh. 

O 


48 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


This  cemetery  is  at  present  almost  the  exclusive  place  of  burial  in  1 
township.  In  the  graveyard  in  town,  no  dead  have  been  interred  since  18( 
and  in  the  remaining  ones,  only  an  occasional  burial.  Germantown  Cemeti 
is  a handsome  resting-place  for  the  dead,  being  nicely  planted  with  trees  a 
dotted  with  beautiful  monuments.  In  all  these  cemeteries  lie  buried  the 
mains  of  the  fathers  and  founders  of  this  township,  whose  names  and  gra1 
should  be  honored  and  esteemed  as  sacred. 

NEWSPAPERS  AND  PRINTING. 

The  first  newspaper  published  in  Germantown  was  called  the  Germauto 
Gazette , and  was  started  in  1826  by  Conrad  Schaeffer,  a German,  from  Alsal 
France.  He  was  a pioneer  newspaper  man,  and,  previous  to  his  advent  hi 
had  published  papers  in  Lancaster  and  Canton.  Ohio.  One-half  of  the  Gaz 
was  printed  in  German,  and  one-half  in  the  English  language.  He  remai. 
here  but  one  year,  then  went  to  Hamilton,  Ohio,  and,  in  partnership  with  J< 
Woods,  established  the  Hamilton  Intelligencer.  In  1889,  George  W alike 
German,  came  to  Germantown,  and,  in  partnership  with  Dr.  Espich,  be; 
printing  the  Laws  of  Ohio  in  the  German  language.  They  issued  several 1 
times,  but  found  few  purchasers,  and  the  enterprise  proved  a failure,  and  tl 
labor  and  investment  a total  loss.  This  was  the  only  attempt  at  the  pnbl 
tion  of  books  in  Germantown. 

The  next  attempt  in  this  line  was  made  by  William  Gunckel  in  1845 
partnership  with  Moses  B.  Walker,  but  the  latter  soon  withdrew  from  the  fi 
and  Gunckel  continued  the  work  alone.  He  began  doing  job  work,  and,  a; 
an  experience  of  three  years  in  job  printing,  started  the  Germantown  Gan 
which  was  a large-sized,  well-conducted  weekly  journal.  It  was  regarded  i 
good  family  newspaper,  and  hence  enjoyed  a large  circulation.  In  1849, 
Gunckel  disposed  of  this  paper  to  -Joseph  Reeder  and  Josiah  Oblinger. 
firm  of  Reeder  & Oblinger  changed  the  name  to  Western  Emporium , but,  a 
a two-years'  trial,  they  sold  out  to  Solomon  Miller  and  Henry  Brooks,  wl 
partnership  continued  until  1854,  in  which  year  Brooks  retired  and  Miller 
came  sole  proprietor.  It  was  in  1854  that  the  question  of  building  a raili 
was  agitated,  and  work  was  soon  begun  on  the  road,  but,  after  a large  amt 
of  money  was  expended,  the  scheme  fell  through  and  was  abandoned.  Imt 
with  the  excitement  which  the  proposed  railroad  created,  Miller  changed 
name  of  his  paper  to  Twin  Valley  Locomotive.  About  this  time,  the  Kn 
Nothing  craze  struck  the  country,  and,  the  railroad  failing.  Miller  put 
Locomotive  on  the  Know-Nothing  track,  but,  after  one  year’s  trial,  it  ran 
the  ground  and  became  a wrreck.  The  Twin  Valley  Railroad,  the  Twin  Vo 
Locomotive  and  the  Know-Nothing  party  all  “played  out”  about  the  same  t: 
and  all  three  left  behind  them  an  equally  ugly  stench.  What  was  saved  of 
Locomotive  from  the  wreck  was  sold  to  a man  named  Pepper,  who  changec 
name  and  advocated  the  principles  of  the  Democratic  party;  but,  not  mee 
with  sufficient  encouragement,  its  publication  was  discontinued  after  a yes 
two.  In  1855,  the  same  Miller  who  had  previously  failed,  started,  the  A. 
ican  Republican,  which  was  stongly  partisan  in  its  political  views.  M 
issued  this  paper  until  1857,  when  he  moved  his  press  to  Kansas,  there  to 
a hand  in  the  contest  then  raging  in  that  quarter.  The  press  owned  by  Pe 
was  purchased  by  -J.  F.  Meyers  in  1858,  who  this  year  started  the  Germant 
Independent , which  he  operated  until  1860,  when  he  sold  out  to  James  C 
back,  who  continued  the  publication  of  the  Independent  until  1863,  whe 
moved  his  press  to  Shelbyville,  Ind.,  and  there  published  the  Shelbyville 
publican. 

Soon  after  Cumback  left  Germantown,  Cyrus  Heister  and  James  Gra} 


GERMAN  TOWNSHIP. 


49 


■;  doing  job  work  on  a second  hand  press  which  they  had  purchased,  finally 
si  ing  a small  paper.  In  1869,  they  disposed  of  their  interests  to  C.  W.  Dun 
f,  who  started  the  Dollar  Times,  which  he  sold  in  1874.  The  Germantown 
was  established  in  1875  by  its  present  editor  and  proprietor,  F.  D.  Hark- 
<r,  who  has  exhibited  much  tact  and  energy,  and  made  the  Press  one  of  the 
newsy  papers  of  the  Miami  Valley. 

The  above  account  would  be  incomplete  without  the  mention  of  the  name 
f ,ewis  Dill,  who  has  been  a compositor  on  every  paper  that  has  been  pub- 
,-3d  in  Germantown,  and  who  can  still  be  found  at  his  post  in  the  office  of 
111 Bulletin,  in  Miamisburg.  He  is  the  son  of  the  Rev.  John  Casper  Dill,  and 
a'e  to  Germantown  with  his  father  in  1815.  He  learned  the  printer’s  trade 
ia  quite  young,  and,  though  approaching  his  fourscore  years,  his  health  is 
ji  st  and  his  mental  faculties  are  as  vigorous  as  ever.  He  remembers  as 
nh  as  any  man  now  living  of  Germantown  history,  his  position  as  printer 
il  ding  him  opportunities  of  becoming  familiar  with  current  events,  and  with 
.(  and  their  doings. 

MANUFACTURERS. 

The  distillery  of  D.  Rohrer  & Co.,  located  one  mile  southwest  of  German- 
s' l,  was  established  in  1864,  but  was  the  legitimate  offspring  of  the  distillery 
ut  by  his  father,  Christian  Rohrer,  about  1847,  and  which  was  operated  by 
n for  many  years.  There  David  learned  the  art  of  distilling,  finally  succeed- 
j his  father  in  the  business.  The  present  distillery  has  a capacity  for  man- 
fituring  daily  thirty  barrels  of  choice  whisky,  which  has  an  enviable  reputa 
jo  all  over  the  country.  The  buildings  cost  $60,000,  and  the  capital  invested, 
:usive  of  real  estate,  is  $150,000.  It  employs  thirty  workmen,  fattens 
bit  400  head  of  cattle  and  1,200  hogs  annually,  and  the  daily  expenses  of 
r ing  the  establishment  amount  to  about  $1,  150.  Mr.  Rohrer’s  partner  is 
hies  Hofer,  of  Cincinnati,  who  attends  to  the  sale  of  the  liquor,  while  he 
'he  the  manufacturing  interests  his  personal  supervision. 

The  manufacture  of  cigars  has  been  a leading  business  of  this  town  for 
Ay  years,  and  the  tobacco  from  which  they  are  made  is  almost  entirely  pro- 
rid  in  German  Township,  a small  quantity  only  of  Connecticut  and  Havana 
tlfcco  being  used  for  flavoring  purposes.  More  than  three  million  cigars 
A been  annually  manufactured  in  Germantown,  employing  a large  corps  of 
robnen,  clerks  and  salesmen,  the  Government  revenue  amounting  to  over  $180,- 
11  annually.  The  revenue  collected  by  the  Goveimment  from  the  industrial 
Olishments  of  this  township  have  amounted,  during  one  year,  to  $545,000 
dte  a snug  sum  for  Uncle  Sam’s  money  drawer  to  receive  from  one  small 
1 oqship. 

The  sash,  door  and  blind  factory  of  Holcomb  Snyder  was  begun  by  him  in 
He  employs  six  or  eight  hands,  is  a first-class  mechanic,  and  enjoys  an 
oifiive  patronage. 

THE  LEGAL  PROEESSION. 

John  Kelso,  who  came  to  Germantowm  in  1828,  was  the  first  of  Black 
Ci’a  disciples  who  located  in  this  town.  In  connection  with  his  practice,  he 
yht  school  from  necessity,  and  in  1836  removed  to  Iowa.  A lawyer  by  the 
a3  of  Wright  lived  a year  or  two  in  Germantown  during  Kelso’s  time,  but. 
Me  to  eke  out  a living,  he  left  the  town  in  discouragement.  In  1841, 
t >s  B.  Walker  made  his  appearance  in  Germantown,  and  had  charge  of  an 
."emy  for  the  first  two  years,  after  which  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  and 
Alp  practicing  law.  For  some  years  he  was  in  partnership  with  H.  V.  R. 
0|„  who  was  an  able  lawyer.  From  1848-49,  Mr.  Walker  held  the  seat  of  a 
oRor  in  the  State  Legislature,  and  in  1861  he  raised  the  Thirty -first  Regi- 
lue|  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  of  which  he  was  appointed  Colonel.  At  the 


50 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


battle  of  Chickamauga,  he  was  wounded,  and  soon  after  was  promoted  to 
rank  of  Brigadier  General  of  volunteers  for  gallant  services.  When  the 
closed,  Gen.  Walker  went  to  Texas.  From  there  he  returned  to  Ohio 
began  his  law  practice  in  Findlay,  at  which  place  he  still  resides. 

G.  F.  Walker  was  a uephew  of  Gen.  Walker;  practiced  law  in  Germant 
previous  to  the  rebellion ; became  Captain  of  a company  of  his  uncle’s  r 
ment;  served  throughout  the  war,  after  which  he  abandoned  law  and  entt 
the  ministry,  and  is  now  preaching  in  Iowa. 

J.  Sharts  opened  a law  office  in  Germantown  in  1868,  remained  a 
years,  and  then  removed  to  Kansas.  William  Shuey,  a native  of  Dayton,  c 
shortly  after  Sharts  left,  in  order  to  supply  his  place,  but,  after  a residenc 
a year  or  two,  he  returned  to  Dayton. 

Adam  Frank  is  at  present  attending  to  a such  legal  business  as  Gem 
town  requires,  and  is  giving  entire  satisfaction  to  his  patrons. 

THE  MEDICAL  PROFESSION. 

Dr.  Boss  is  the  first  physician  who  is  known  to  have  practiced  median 
German  Township.  He  was  a German,  who  came  from  Kentucky  to  this  to 
ship  in  1805  and  resided  with  John  Pauly,  who  lived  where  Sunsbury 
stands.  He  died  in  1807,  and  was  buried  on  Sunsbury  Hill. 

Adam  and  Michael  Zeller  came  from  Pennsylvania  in  1805;  opened  a c 
store  in  1824,  and,  although  not  regular  physicians,  they  gave  medical  ad 
and  practiced  the  healing  art.  To  Dr.  Adam  Zeller  we  are  indebted  for 
discovery  of  extracting  oil  from  the  hickory  nut,  which,  in  those  days,  was" 
lieved  to  possess  great  healing  qualities. 

Dr.  George  W.  Miller  came  to  this  place  in  1816.  He  was  a Germajj: 
birth,  a fine  classical  scholar  and  a good  physician.  The  practice  of  medi 
not  proving  remunerative  in  this  field,  after  a residence  of  three  years  he 
turned  to  Pennsylvania. 

Dr.  Emanuel  Husk  was  a single  man,  who  located  here  in  1820,  and  ( 
in  1823.  He  had  been  a Surgeon  in  the  army  of  Napoleon  the  Great,  but  n 
ing  further  is  known  of  his  history,  and  he  sleeps  in  an  unmai’ked  grave  in 
Lutheran  Graveyard  of  Germantown. 

Dr.  C.  G.  Espich  is  the  first  physician  who  acquired  a long  and  pei 
nent  residence  in  Germantown.  He  came  here,  a single  man,  about  the  s 
time  as  Dr.  Rusk  made  his  appearance,  but,  soon  after,  was  married  to  Ei 
beth,  youngest  daughter  of  Philip  Gunckel.  He  was  a popular  and  sncces 
practitioner,  and  died  November  24,  1853.  Dr.  Brasacker  was  a native  ( 
man,  a partner  of  Dr.  Espich,  and  practiced  here  from  1824  to  1827. 

Dr.  M.  Trout  began  practice  here  in  1831;  removed  soon  after  to  Indii 
returned  in  1837,  and  has  lived  here  ever  since. 

Drs.  Bossier  and  Pennel  located  in  Germantown  in  1835,  remaining  b 
short  time. 

Dr.  Watson,  soon  after  the  last  two  left,  made  his  appearance,  but.  hat 
no  love  for  his  calling,  his  success  was  indifferent,  and  he  left  after  a few  ye 
residence. 

Dr.  James  Comstock  was  a native  of  Connecticut,  who  located  in  this  p 
in  1838.  He  lived  and  practiced  in  Germantown  twenty-two  years,  and  hi 
previous  practice  of  nearly  thirty  years.  He  was  a man  of  great  energy, 
was  thoroughly  devoted  to  his  profession.  He  was  identified  with  the  Methcj 
Church,  and  died  in  I860,  in  the  seventy-eighth  year  of  his  life. 

Dr.  James  Lawder  began  his  practice  here  in  1836;  was  a son-in-la' 
Dr.  Espich,  and  died  in  1849.  During  a part  of  this  period,  he  was  in  p 
nership  with  Dr.  Espich. 


GERMAN  TOWNSHir. 


51 


Dr.  W.  B.  McElroy  practiced  medicine  in  Germantown  from  1843  to  1847. 
tin  removed  to  Franklin.  Ohio,  where  he  is  still  residing. 

Dr.  J.  E.  Donnellon  came  in  1853;  was  a partner  of  Dr.  Espich’s  until 
r|  latter’s  death,  since  which  time  he  has  continued  alone,  and  enjoyed  a lu- 
abive  practice. 

Dr  Daniel  Eckert  practiced  his  profession  in  Germantown  from  1854  to 
1116,  then  moved  to  Indiana. 

Drs.  Longenecker  and  Miller  were  here  from  1850  to  1860. 

Dr.  J.  J.  Antrim  commenced  his  practice  in  Germantown  in  1857,  and  is 
nng  special  attention  to  cancer  patients. 

Dr.  John  Robinson  located  here  in  1869.  In  1875,  he  was  elected  County 
T-k,  and  re-elected  in  1878,  living  in  Dayton  during  his  official  career.  He 
u now  resinned  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  Germantown. 

Dr.  J.  W.  Cline  began  practice  here  in  1869,  and  has  since  continued  his 
r essional  duties  at  this  place. 

Dr.  J.  A.  Brown  opened  his  office  in  1878,  and  has  a good  practice. 
Sketches  of  Drs.  Trout,  Donnellon,  Antrim,  Robinson  and  Brown  will  be 
old  elsewhere  in  this  work. 

The  following  prominent  dentists  practiced  here: 

J.  Jones,  from  1836  to  1841;  G.  W.  and  William  F.  Gunckel.  for  several 
es;  John  H.  Payn.  from  1857  to  1864;  V.  B.  Stephens,  since  1866;  and  W. 
!'l.|Iineman,  who  was  associated  for  several  years  with  Dr.  Stephens,  then  re- 
i<  id  to  Indiana. 

A number  of  other  dentists  came  from  time  to  time,  but  they  did  not  ac 
aje  permanent  residence,  and  were  merely  squatters  in  this  dental  field. 

JUSTICES  OF  THE  PEACE. 

There  has  been  some  difficulty  experienced  in  obtaining  a complete  list  of 
officials  and  their  time  of  service.  The  following,  however,  is  all  that 
mow  be  gathered  of  the  names  and  dates  for  German  Township  magis- 
ra!s: 

(Philip  Gunckel.  from  1805  to  1812;  Henry  Duckwall,  John  S.  Schenck. 
1S..-19;  G.  W.  Miller.  1816;  George  Rowe,  1819—1840;  W.  Schwartz,  John 
iclure,  1826-1835  ; William  C.  Emerick.  1835-1850  ; Jacob  Emminger, 
v -58;  William  Gunckel,  Christopher  Taylor,  Daniel  Izor.  John  F.  Kern, 
'1  Zehring  and  Adam  Frank,  the  last  of  whom  is  the  Mayor  of  Germantown, 
ay  respected,  popular  official. 

PROMINENT  MEN. 

3-erman  Township  has  many  citizens  who  have  done  much  toward  the 
th  and  development  of  its  best  interests,  whose  names  will  not  appear  in 
• cist,  for  to  give  every  name  would  require  more  space  than  we  have  at  our 
qsal,  would  make  very  monotonous  reading,  and  history  would  not  gain 
i by  it.  In  the  following  are  the  names  of  those  whom  we  have  selected 
' 5 men  who  have  done  most  to  build  up  Germantown,  outside  of  the  pioneer 
Mrs: 

'ol.  John  Stump,  born  in  Berks  County,  Penn.,  March  29,  1794,  came  to 
i-  ownship  with  his  father,  Leonard,  in  1805,  and  served  in  the  war  of  1812. 

3 tarried  Maria  C.  Emerick,  daughter  of  Michael  Emerick,  and  followed 
cug  for  some  years.  He  erected  a residence  and  grist-mill  one  mile  south - 

I -s,)f  Germantown,  at  present  the  property  of  Christian  Rohrer,  and  there 
IB  kind  of  hotel.  He  raised  a family  of  five  daughters  and  one  son.  About 

4 he  engaged  in  mercantile  pursuits,  which  he  followed  about  twenty  years 

II  ( mantown.  He  then  sold  out,  and  established  the  Germantown  Exchange 


' 


52 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Bank.,  which,  in  18(38,  was  merged  into  the  First  National  Bank,  of  which  C 
Stump  served  as  Cashier  until  1809,  when  he  retired  to  private  life.  He  wa: 
life-long  adherent  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  and  died  April  10,  1875. 

Col.  Michael  Gunckel,  the  second  son  of  Philip  Gunckel,  was  born 
Berks  County,  Penn.,  September  22,  1787,  and  came  to  this  township  with 
father  in  1801.  He  married  Barbara  Shuey,  daughter  of  Martin  Shuey,  w 
bore  him  a large  family,  among  whom  are  William,  Lewis  B. , Henry  S.  a 
Michael  S.  Gunckel,  the  latter  of  whom  raised  a company  during  the  rebellic 
and  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  Major.  He  erected  the  building  now  occupi 
by  John  Zehring,  in  which  he  conducted  his  business.  During  the  war  of  18 
he  served  as  a Captain  in  the  army;  was  afterward  brevetted  as  Colonel,  a 
was  always  a prominent,  influential  and  useful  man.  He  also  served  one  te 
in  the  State  Legislature,  and  died  September  17,  1857. 

Capt.  John  C.  Negley  came  to  the  Twin  Valley  from  Kentucky  in  18 
but  was  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  born  in  Cumberland  County  July  21.  17 
He  removed  to  Mercer  County,  Ky. , with  his  parents,  when  but  twelve  years 
■age,  and  there  remained  until  his  removal  to  this  county.  He  was  marriec 
Mary  Shuey,  daughter  of  Martin  Shuey,  October  11,  1811,  and  settled  easi 
Germantown,  on  land  which  he  and  his  father,  Philip,  had  previously  enter 
Early  in  1812,  Mr.  Negley  entered  the  service  as  Second  Lieutenant  in  C 
Sunderland’s  company,  and  was  stationed  at  Greenville,  Ohio.  After  the  1 
closed,  he  was  chosen  as  Captain  of  a militia  company,  and  hold  many  offii 
positions,  such  as  Township  Trustee  and  County  Commissioner.  During 
whole  life,  he  was  active  and  prominent  in  township  affairs,  until  old  age 
feeble  health  impaired  his  usefulness.  Capt.  Negley  died  in  his  eight) 
year,  leaving  a widow,  who  still  survives  him.  His  children  are  Mrs.  He; 
Hoffman.  Mrs.  Abia  Zeller,  William  H.  Negley,  Mrs.  J.  S.  Artz  and  Mrs.  M 
iam  H.  Schaeffer. 

Tobias  Van  Skoyk  was  of  Dutch  descent,  and  came  here  from  Pranljj 
about  the  year  1812.  He  was  for  some  year  engaged  in  the  saddler’s  bus.in 
and  later  in  the  dry  goods  trade.  He  became  wealthy,  was  a man  of  enterpi 
and  took  an  active  part  in  building  up  the  town.  His  only  child  married  C 
Moses  B.  Walker. 

Charles  O.  Wolpers  was  born  in  Germany  in  1795,  and  came  to  Gern 
town  in  1817.  He  opened  a store  near  Gunckel’s  Mill,  on  a small  scale,  j 
after  a few  years,  erected  a more  commodious  building  on  the  lot  at  preij 
occupied  by  Wolper  & Oblinger’s  dry  goods  store.  About  1824,  he  mar 
Louisa  Schwartz,  and  died  in  December,  1868. 

Henry  S.  Gunckel  was  the  second  son  of  Col.  Michael  Gunckel,  and 
born  in  Germantown  September  20,  1810.  Early  in  life,  he  entered  upon  i 
-cantile  pursuits,  and  for  some  years  clerked  in  the  store  of  Col.  John  Ski 
whose  daughter,  Sarah,  he  married  in  1834,  and  soon  after  became  a parka 
Col.  Stump’s.  He  early  became  prominent  in  public  affairs,  being  a clear 
forcible  speaker,  and  taking  a warm  interest  in  State  and  national  poli 
He  was  a well-read  man,  familiar  with  the  history  and  laws  of  his  com 
courteous  in  manners,  possessed  of  rare  conversational  powers,  and  enjoyed 
versal  popularity  in  the  community  where  he  lived.  In  1842,  he  was  ele 
to  the  State  Legislature,  and  i'e-elected  in  1844,  serving  his  constituents 
entire  satisfaction.  During  the  last  twenty  years  of  his  life,  he  gave  Ins  at 
tion  to  the  purchase  and  sale  of  leaf  tobacco.  He  died  February  8,  1878, 
thus  terminated  the  carrer  of  one  of  Germantown’s  most  eminent  and  us 
citizens,  a man  who  was  beloved  by  all  who  knew  him  in  life.  His  only  s< 
Patrick  H.  Gunckel,  of  Dayton,  Ohio. 

Besides  those  mentioned,  the  names  of  the  following  are  given  as  men 


GERMAN  TOWNSHIP. 


o '3 

f;i  their  share  in  building  up  the  moral  as  well  as  the  material  interests  of 
( rmantown : 

Augustus  Schwartz,  George  Howe,  Jacob  Emminger,  Jacob  Koehne,  Samuel 
Ihrer,  Lewis  Schenek,  Lewis  Hasselman,  Albert  Stein,  Elias  Ligget.  These 
we  all  worthy  and  highly  influential  men,  who,  by  the  part  which  they  have 
,,  ed,  exerted  influences  which  will  not  soon  die.  They  have  aided  in  giving 
section  to  the  affairs  and  in  shaping  the  character  of  the  people  who  at 
pisent  reside  in  this  township,  and  for  that  reason  their  names  deserve  a place 
he  pages  of  its  history.  To  the  above  list  might  have  been  added  the  names 
opther  men  equally  worthy  of  mention,  some  of  whom  are  still  living,  but  the 
wit  of  space  compels  us  to  close  the  list  by  saying  that  all  are  men  who  do 
lor  to  the  pioneer  fathers  of  the  Twin  Valley. 

STATISTICS  OF  THE  YEAR  1881. 

According  to  the  last  official  census,  the  population  of  Germantown  is  1,- 
!;  of  Sunsbury,  185;  and  of  the  township  outside  the  corporate  limits,  1,698, 
•mantown  has  four  public  buildings,  valued  at  $20,000;  four  churches,  at 
- ,150;  and  a public  school  building,  at  $8,500.  The  township  outside  the 
n contains  twelve  public  schoolhouses,  valued  at  $13,671.  and  three 
irches,  at  $1,300.  There  are  24,132  acres  of  land  in  German  Township, 
;ied  at  $204,703.  The  above  valuations  are  those  of  the  Assessor,  and  are 
(jsiderably  below  their  real  value. 


54 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


RANDOLPH  TOWNSHIP. 

BY  K.  F.  WARNER. 

rpHIS  subdivision  was  formed  from  Elizabeth  Township,  by  the  (Jou; 

_L  Commissioners,  November  6,  1804,  and  elections  were  ordered  to  be  h( 
at  the  house  of  David  Hoover.  On  the  7th  of  March,  1809,  a portion  of  Rs 
dolph  was  taken  in  the  formation  of  Madison  Township,  and,  October  7,  18 
all  of  Randolph,  lying  east  of  Stillwater  River,  was  used  in  the  erection 
Butler  Township.  Thus  the  township  remained  until  June  8,  1825,  at  win 
time  all  of  its  territory,  in  the  original  surveyed  Township  6,  Range  4 ea 
was  erected  into  a new  township,  called  Clay,  since  which  time  no  changes  h; 
been  made  in  the  boundaries.  Randolph  Township  is  situated  in  the  north* 
part  of  the  county  with  the  township  of  Butler  on  the  east,  and  Clay  on  i 
west;  Madison  Township  forms  its  southern  boundary,  while  Miami  Com 
forms  its  northern  one.  It  is  six  miles  long,  from  north  to  south,  and,  on 
average,  about  four  and  a half  miles  wide,  from  east  to  west,  containing  abc 
twenty-six  square  miles.  The  surface  is  undulating  and  the  drainage  amp 
Stillwater  River  draining  it  on  the  east  and  Baker’s  Creek  on  the  north,  I 
latter  emptying  into  Stillwater  near  the  county  line.  The  central  part  of 
township  is  drained  by  Bowman’s  Creek,  which  empties  into  Wolf  Creek, 
Madison  Township,  while  the  western  and  southwestern  portions  are  drain! 
by  Little  Wolf  Creek  and  its  tributaries.  These  creeks  and  small  streams 
all  fed  by  never-failing  fresh-water  springs.  Near  Union  are  a large  numlj 
of  springs,  which  are  noted  far  and  near  for  the  beautiful,  clear,  fresh,  p> 
water,  that  has  proven  a blessing  to  all  who  reside  in  that  locality. 

These  springs  nearly  all  unite  in  a branch  near  Union  and  form  ( 
branch  which  affords  excellent  water-power,  but  at  present  is  not  utiliz 
Yet,  the  day  is  not  far  distant  when  capitalists  will  have  control  of  said  wal 
power  and  the  hum  of  machinery  will  again  be  heard  in  the  vicinity  of  Unii 
as  it  used  to  be  in  the  past. 

There  are  other  springs  dotted  all  over  the  township;  the  largest  is  owr 
by  H.  W.  Morehead,  near  the  center  of  the  township.  The  most  noted  spr 
is  near  Salem,  in  the  western  part  of  the  township,  known  as  the  Rattlesn 
Spring,  and  took  its  name  from  the  great  number  of  those  reptiles  lurking 
its  vicinity  in  the  early  history  of  the  township. 

Mr.  John  Bench  killed  at  one  time,  on  the  same  day,  thirty-three  mom 
rattlesnakes,  and  was  compelled  to  leave  his  task  unfinished  on  account  of 
strong  odor  emitted  by  the  dead  and  living  reptiles  near  him. 

There  are  nearly  one  hundred  living  springs  of  fresh  water  in  the  to’ 
ship,  no  doubt  being  the  banner  township  of  the  county  in  this  particu 
There  are  steep  bluffs  on  Baker’s  Creek,  Wolf  Creek  and  Stillwater  Rh 
The  soil  is  very  fertile,  producing  wheat,  corn,  oats,  flax,  rye,  potatoes  and1 
kinds  of  fruit,  from  the  apple  to  the  finest  variety  of  small  fruit.  The  to 
ship  was  heavily  timbered  before  the  primeval  forest  was  disturbed  by 
husbandman’s  ax. 

The  writer  of  this  article  has  before  him  a letter  written  by  Capt.  Mas 
a relative  of  his  in  North  Carolina,  from  which  the  following  quotations 
taken:  _ !j 

“ We  let  down  here  in  the  wildest  and  the  heaviest  timbered  woods  in 


RANDOLPH  TOWNSHIP. 


55 


/He  world,  from  the  one  inch  to  the  six-foot  oak,  ash,  poplar,  walnut,  hickory, 
. air- tree,  maple,  beech,  buckeye,  elm,  dogwood,  ironwood,  spice  and  nettles.” 
The  giant  oak  and  the  other  timber  mentioned  above  have  nearly  all  sue- 
ubed  to  the  axman’s  stroke.  There  is  not  timber  enough  left  now  to  refence 
■:q  rebuild,  should  such  a thing  ever  become  necessary.  The  same  letter 
i s the  following  description  of  the  animals  and  reptiles,  when  he,  with  his 
tier,  landed  on  Stillwater:  “Snakes,  wolves  panthers,  wild-cats,  muskrats, 

gome  bear,  wild  turkeys,  pheasants,  squirrels,  raccoon,  opossums  and  In- 
iis  by  the  score.” 

The  animals  have  long  since  disappeared,  at  the  crack  of  the  hunter’s 
t and  the  Indians  have  gone  toward  the  setting  sun. 

The  township  now  has  an  enterprising  community  of  intelligent  farmers 
L own  splendid  farms,  have  them  under  a high  state  of  cultivation  and  farm 
all  th«  modern  improvements  applied  to  the  science  of  agriculture.  It  is 
uig  the  foremost  townships  in  the  Miami  Valley,  in  raising  wheat,  in  its 
1 to  the  acre. 

The  stone  quarries  are  a notable  feature  of  its  products.  The  quarry 
\ -d  by  Mr.  David  Shaw,  near  Union,  belongs  to  the  Niagara  formation,  and 
ids  an  excellent  material  for  building  purposes  of  all  descriptions. 

Mr,  John  Stolts,  in  the  north  part  of  the  township,  has  an  exceedingly 
X quarry,  also  of  the  Niagara  formation,  and  sells  large  quantities  of  stone 
>rvery  variety  of  purposes  to  which  stone  can  be  applied. 

There  are  other  quarries,  but  not  yet  developed  to  the  same  extent  as  those 
(Do  mentioned.  Mi'.  H.  M.  Turner  has  opened  a quarry  near  Salem,  of  the 
a formation  as  the  others,  and,  from  appearances  or  indications,  stone 
<ui  be  obtained  equal  to  the  best  of  the  “Dayton  stone,”  which  is  noted  as 
i of  a superior  quality  all  over  Southwestern  Ohio. 

THE  FIRST  SETTLEMENT. 

The  writer  will  again  quote  Capt.  Mast’s  language:  “ On  the  10th  of  Sep- 
’[  er,  as  I well  remember  (I  was  three  years  old  the  20th  of  the  next  No- 
er),  my  father,  with  four  of  his  sisters  and  their  husbands,  bid  adieu  to 
1 orth  Carolina,  in  company  with  one  or  two  more  families.  They  resided 
mdolph  County,  on  the  Hewary  River.  They  were  all  in  low  circum- 
n s;  had  money  enough  to  make  their  entries,  and  to  buy  some  provisions 
vg  the  winter.  They  halted  for  winter  quarters  at  what  is  now  called 
eville,  eight  miles  north  of  Lebanon;  rented  a log  cabin  of  Luther  and 
I n Ball,  old  bachelors,  near  neighbors  to  George  Harlan,  who  was  soon 
>f||nted  Judge;  was  so  called  for  years,  or  until  he  died.  Our  Carolina 
i>5s,  or  families,  left  Ridgeville  vicinity  on  the  4th  day  of  March.  1802. 

I proceeded  to  the  Stillwater  woods,  where  they  had  previously  made  their 
’ 1 ions,  and  on  my  father’s  purchase  the  first  house  or  cabin  was  raised  or 

itied.” 

luch  was  the  language  of  Capt.  Mast,  who  was  well  known  to  the  writer, 
'Oho  was  a little  boy  of  five  or  six  years  of  age  when  the  first  settlement 
-nade.  Capt.  Mast  died,  in  West  Milton.  Miami  County,  in  1878,  aged 
- y-one  years. 

To  those  who  know  nothing  about  pioneer  life,  the  following  extract  from 
4 Mast’s  diary  is  taken  to  show  the  patriotism  of  the  early  or  first  settlers 
t)  township,  when  they  celebrated  our  natal  day: 

’ This  being  the  birthday  of  our  freedom,  God  be  thanked,  on  the  4th 
y*f  July,  1806,  I,  with  my  mother,  father,  four  of  his  sisters  and  his 
ro!9rs-in-law,  had  a 4th  of  July  celebration.  For  dinner,  we  had  plenty  of 

II  iy,  pork,  beef,  johnny-cake,  turkey,  deer,  pheasants,  fish  and  squirrels.” 


56 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


The  writer  visited  Mi’s.  Mary  Sheets,  whose  maiden  name  was  IIooi 
She  corroborates  the  statement  of  Capt.  Mast’s  diary,  concerning  the  yeai 
the  first  settlement,  and  makes  this  statement:  David  Mast,  Daniel  Hoo 
her  father,  David  Hoover,  and  Daniel  Hoover,  her  cousin,  with  their  f ami  1 
on  the  20th  day  of  March,  1802,  landed  on  their  respective  purchases  and  c 
menced  erecting  cabins  immediately.  David  Mast  settled  on  the  northv 
quarter  of  Section  3,  Daniel  Hoover.  Sr.,  on  the  southeast  quarter  of  Seel 
10,  David  Hoover  on  the  northeast  quarter  of  Section  10,  and  Da 
Hoover,  Jr.,  on  the  northwest  quarter  of  Section  10.  They  had  to  cut  a r 
from  Dayton  north,  through  the  wilderness,  as  they  moved  on  their 
tries  of  land,  which  were  purchased  in  1798.  In  that  year,  several  ger 
men  came  from  North  Carolina  and  explored  the  Stillwater  bottoms  as 
as  to  where  Covington  now  stands.  They  encountered  no  Indians  on  t, 
trip,  but  the  old  lady  recollects  that  a short  time  after  they  had  pitched  t 
tents,  an  Indian  made  her  appearance  at  her  father’s  camp.  Her  father 
mother  were  both  absent.  She  was  not  frightened,  but  her  younger  sister 
very  much  frightened  and  sought  her  parents  immediately,  and  told  them 
there  was  a man  in  the  camp.  The  Indians  were  numerous  then  but  never 
lested  the  settlers  of  this  township,  although  as  settlers  arrived  and  rumor 
Indian  depredations  were  being  committed,  there  were  block-house3  built 
the  neighbors  were  collected  in  them  at  night  for  mutual  protection  agr 
the  Indians,  but  every  morning  the  settlers  would  disperse  to  their  respec 
clearings. 

Robert  and  James  Ewing,  John  and  Abraham  McClintock  came  from  1 
t.ucky  in  1805.  David,  William  and  Martin  Sheets  came  from  North  Caro 
in  1806.  About  this  time  settlements  sprang  up  in  every  part  of  the  town? 
Jacob  Smith  settled  on  the  northeast  quarter  of  Section  19;  David  Kinse; 
the  northwest  quarter  of  Section  32;  Daniel  Fetters  settled  on  the  north 
of  Section  29;  Peter  Fette  s on  Section  21,  both  in  1806.  The  Ellers 
Fouts  came  about  the  same  year.  In  the  year  1811,  there  was  a heavy  emi 
tion  from  Pennsylvania.  The  Rasors,  Warners  and  Brumbaughs,  with  otl 
came  and  all  of  them  opened  clearings  for  themselves.  Jacob  Brumbaugh 
Samuel  Brumbaugh  are  yet  living.  The  fii’st  child  born  was  Daniel  Hoove; 
1803,  and  is  now  living  on  the  farm  where  he  was  born. 

EDUCATION. 

The  educational  facilities  for  the  youth  of  the  land  were  meager 
1805,  the  first  schoolhouse  was  built,  north  of  Union,  and  James  Wright 
employed  to  teach  the  children.  Schools  were  kept  up  by  subscription,  A 
Edwards  was  the  second  teacher,  near  Salem,  in  1807.  William  Smith 
living,  was  one  of  his  pupils.  The  ordinance  of  1787  made  provision  for 
schools  in  the  Northwest  Territory,  and  the  people  of  this  township,  as  soc 
practicable,  made  use  of  the  fund  from  Section  16. 

When  the  present  beneficent  school  law  was  passed,  to  have  six  mo) 
school  in  each  subdistrict,  the  people  took  advantage  of  it  immediately,  j 
have  complied  with  its  provisions  ever  since.  The  schools  are  admirably 
advantageously  kept  for  the  benefit  of  our  youth.  The  teachers  employe1 
able  and  competent,  keep  up  with  the  times  and  stand  at  the  head  of  tne 
fession.  The  township  is  divided  into  nine  subdistricts,  having  four'  gr 
schools  under  the  supervision  of  the  Board  of  Education,  and  five  school 
graded.  Thirteen  teachers  are  employed  to  carry  on  our  schools. 

MANUFACTURING. 

The  manufacturing  interests  of  the  township  have  been  somewhat  db 
fied.  Mr.  Martin  Sheets,  Mr.  William  Sheets  and  others  carried  on 


RANDOLPH  TOWNSHIP. 


57 


aitliing  for  many  years  in  the  early  history  of  Union  They  made  rifles  for 
.e  settlers  for  great  distances  around,  and  did  a great  deal  of  work  for  the 
dians.  JVlr.  Henry  Sheets,  who  is  still  living  and  making  rifles.  I’emembers 
*11  when  the  Indians  used  to  come  to  his  father’s  shop  for  rifles. 

The  milling  interest  was  attended  to  at  an  early  date.  The  first 
11  was  constructed  m 1808  by  Daniel  Hoover.  In  1806,  there  was  a mill 
lit  in  Salem  by  John  Wertz,  and  rebuilt,  in  1820,  by  John  Bench,  and  lately 
med  by  James  Heck.  It  burned  down  on  the  20th  of  December,  1880. 
miel  Easor  built  a mill  in  an  early  day  near  Union.  Two  more  mills 
ire  built  near  the  same  place,  and  later  still,  William  and  Andrew  Sheets 
lilt  a large  and  commodious  mill  on  Stillwater.  At  present,  it  is  owned  by 
idrew  Hoover.  Benjamin  Engle  owns  a mill  on  Stillwater,  near  the  south - 
<st  corner  of  the  township.  Flour  used  to  be  an  important  staple  for  export. 

' was,  in  early  days,  with  corn,  bacon,  etc. , sent  down  Stillwater  in  flat-bottom 
. ats,  to  Dayton,  and  sometimes  to  New  Orleans. 

There  are  only  two  mills  in  operation  at  this  time,  both  on  Stillwater,  and 
ither  one  is  doing  anything  at  shipping  flour  out  of  the  county,  having  only 
: ocal  trade. 

Saw-mills  were  erected  at  an  early  date — one  on  Baker’s  Creek,  owned  by 
bury  Baker  at  this  time,  has  been  in  successful  operation  for  about  sixty-five 
)ars.  It  was  built  by  John  Baker,  father  of  the  present  owner.  Martin 
Sleets  built  one  near  Union  about  the  same  time,  but  it  has  not  been  used  for 
; jut  thirty  years.  There  were  several  saw- mills  on  Wolf  Creek,  but  have  long 
s ee  been  discontinued.  There  is  one  portable  saw-mill  at  Salem,  owned  by 
.rner  & Hubley,  and  one  at  Union,  owned  by  David  Shaw.  Moses  Spiller 
i ns  one  and  moves  anywhere  to  suit  customers.  Jacob  lams,  at  Harrisburg, 
uo  owns  a stationary  saw  mill. 

The  distilling  industry  received  attention  at  an  early  day.  Benjamin 
hman  built  the  first  distillery,  but  when,  it  is  not  definitely  known.  H.  M. 
rner,  Jacob  Heck  and  Joseph  Turner  operated  a distillery  at  Salem  for  sev- 
.1  years.  Mr.  Heck  sold  his  interest  to  Turner  & Bros,  about  1846,  and,  in 
>47,  Turner  & Bros,  built  a large  distillery  at  Salem,  which  burnt  down  in 
7)4,  but  was  rebuilt  the  same  year,  by  H.  M.  Turner  and  Joseph  M.  Turner, 
seph  M.  Turner  sold  his  interest  to  H.  M.  Turner  shortly  afterward,  and  the 
tsiness  was  continued  by  H.  M.  Turner  until  1877.  Mauy  thousand  barrels 
high- wines  were  shipped  from  the  Salem  distillery  during  its  operation  by 
I M.  Turner.  The  last  run  was  made  in  February.  1877.  There  is  no  like- 
ood  that  there  will  ever  be  another  gallon  manufactured  in  the  township. 

William  Sheets  had  a distillery  for  many  years  near  Union.  So,  also,  had 
J T.  Smith  & Son.  John  W.  Turner  built  a distillery  near  where  Engle’s 
Cl  now  stands  about  1850.  but  discontinued  operating  it  when  the  duty  on 

0 tilled  spirits  was  put  above  20  cents  per  gallon.  The  building  is  in  ruins. 

1 are  all  the  other  distilleries,  except  the  Salem  distillery,  which  stands  yet 
i act. 

There  used  to  be  a carding  machine  near  Salem,  owned  by  Michael 
1 adis:  also  a woolen  manufactory,  near  Union,  owned  by  Jesse  Yount.  But 
t y aie  things  of  the  past. 

G.  W.  Purcell  and  Dr.  Hawkins,  at  Union,  have  a crockery  ware  and  tile 
r tory.  They  carry  on  the  business  extensively,  and  manufacture  everything 
h heir  line. 

PHYSICIANS. 

The  medical  profession  was  not  represented  in  the  early  history  of  the 
r<  nship.  People  would  doctor  the  sick  with  herbs  and  roots  indigeous  to  the 
8(  ■ In  the  winter  of  1825  and  1826,  an  epidemic,  supposed  to  have  been  ty- 


58 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


phoid  fever,  made  its  appearance  in  the  township,  and  many  persons  died  fc 
want  of  proper  medical  treatment.  Dr.  Powell,  a farmer,  appears  among  tl 
hrst  as  a physician;  but  has  long  since  passed  away.  Dr.  Martin,  of  Salem, 
the  next  who  attended  to  the  necessities  of  the  sick  and  was  an  able  physiciai 
He  moved  to  Illinois  in  1838,  and  is  yet  living.  Drs.  Hibbard  and  Gish  wei 
very  successful  practitioners  for  many  years.  Dr.  Hibbard  went  to  Richmon 
many  years  ago;  is  practicing  medicine  yet.  Dr.  Gish  went  to  Brookvilli 
where  he  resides,  practices  some,  but  is  engaged  mostly  in  farming. 

Dr.  Samuel  Hawkins,  of  Union,  was  the  next  physician,  coming  aboi 
1846.  He  is  a man  of  ability,  has  a successful  practice,  a man  of  large  e; 
perience  and  unsullied  reputation,  and  stands  at  the  head  of  the  professioi 
Dr  Thompson,  his  partner,  is  a young  man,  but  has  already  gained  a repati 
tion  as  a successful  practitioner  and  a gentleman.  Dr.  Gillis  practiced  i 
Salem  from  1858  to  1870  with  marked  success.  Dr.  Kimmel,  now  of  Lfberb 
Jefferson  Township,  a gentleman  of  experience,  was  a practitioner  in  Salem  fi 
several  years,  and  met  with  great  success.  Drs.  Levi  and  Samuel  Spitler  wei 
located  in  Salem  from  1869  to  about  1879.  They  were  very  successful  in  the 
practice;  they  had  an  extensive  field  to  operate  in  while  here;  are  gentlerw 
of  ability  and  experience,  self-made  men;  have  extensive  information  on  near 
all  subjects  that  intei'est  mankind;  they  now  are  partners  in  their  profession 
Dayton. 

There  were  other  physicians  here  from  time  to  time,  whose  names  tl 
writer  has  forgotten.  Dr.  G.  W.  Hous,  of  Salem,  came  in  1878;  has  an  e: 
tensive  practice;  a self-made  man;  has  remarkably  good  success — a gentlems 
of  experience  and  education.  He  is  young  yet,  and  is  destined  to  make  h 
mark  in  his  profession.  Dr.  AV.  C.  Smith,  who  came  to  Salem  in  1880.  is 
young  gentleman  just  starting  in  the  profession;  has  competent  requ iremen 
— a man  of  education,  and  has  before  him  a bright  career,  and  is  successful ; 
his  professional  callings  and  services.  Dr.  Boone,  of  Harrisburg,  is  a genii  j 
man  of  education  and  experience,  and  meets  with  good  success  in  his  practic 
which  is  extensive.  This  township  is  well  supplied  now  with  the  M.  D.  pr 
fession.  Dr.  Hawkins,  Dr.  Thompson,  Dr.  Hous,  Dr.  W.  C.  Smith  and  D 
Boone  are  all  competent  in  their  profession  to  attend  to  the  wants  of  the  sic 
room.  Dr.  John  W.  Pence  is  a graduate  of  the  regular  profession,  but  has  r 
tired  from  it,  makes  chronic  cases  a specialty  and  practices  by  animal  raagrn 
ism, 

OFFICERS  OF  THE  TOWNSHIP,  ETC.  j 

Who  organized  a civil  government  is  not  known  to  us,  as  the  townsk 
records  are  lost.  David  Hoover  was  the  first  Justice  of  the  Peace;  Danil 
Hoover  was  elected  a member  of  the  Legislature,  in  1810,  John  W.  Turner 
1830,  and  Dr.  Hibbard  in  1846.  The  voting-place  for  many  years  was  at  Jaoj 
Smith’s  house  in  Section  19.  Union  then  became  the  voting-place  and  i 
mained  so  for  many  years.  About  ten  years  ago,  the  Trustees  saw  fit  to  chan, 
the  place  to  vote,  and  Harrisburg  being  more  centrally  located,  is  now  the  caj 
tal  of  the  township.  The  present  incumbents  (1881)  are  E.  D.  Hublev,  Lav 
Shaw  and  John  Tucker,  Trustees;  Thomas  P.  Eby,  Treasurer;  E.  E.  Smil 
Clerk:  J.  R.  Weddle  and  Isaac  Fetters,  Constables.  Andrew  Hoover  ana 
F.  Warner  officiate  as  Justices  of  the  Peace.  The  population  is  2,330. 

In  the  war  of  1812,  this  township  furnished  its  quota  of  soldiers,  b 
there  were  no  commissioned  officers  that  lived  within  its  borders.  In  the  w 
with  Mexico,  it  sent  several  soldiers  to  participate  in  the  glories  and  honors 
that  war.  who  were  present  when  the  army  of  occupation,  under  Gen . Sci 
entered  the  ‘‘Halls  of  the  Montezumas.  ’’ 

In  the  war  of  the  rebellion,  the  sons  of  this  township,,  cheerfully  gave  tin 
services  for  the  restoration  of  the  Union. 


RANDOLPH  TOWNSHIP. 


59 


ROADS. 

“There  are  bat  few  things  that  add  more  to  the  general  comfort  and  con- 
, ience  of  a community  than  good  roads,  or  an  easy  method  of  social  and 
imercial  intercommunication.  ” 

There  is  no  record  when  the  first  road  was  established,  but  at  an  early 
hi)  a road  was  established  running  from  Union  to  Dayton;  also  from  Dayton 
Greenville,  running  through  Salem;  also  from  Salem  to  Union. 

In  1838,  the  national  road  was  cut  out  from  east  to  west  through  the  cen- 
e;r>f  the  township,  but  was  never  macadamized  by  the  General  Government. 
All  be  a completed  turnpike  this  year. 

“In  1838,  the  capitalists  and  business  men  of  Dayton,  seeing  the  impor- 
ts of  holding  the  rapidly  increasing  trade  of  the  Stillwater  Yallev,  which 
:j  had  heretofore  enjoyed,  and  foreseeing  the  danger  of  its  being  diverted 
points  along  the  Miami  Canal,  then  just  completed  to  Piqua,  organzied  the 
)i  ton  & Covington  Turnpike  Company,  secured  the  necessary  stock  and  began 
: work  of  construction  in  1839.” 

The  road  runs  through  the  eastern  part  of  the  township  for  about  seven 
Jjs,  on  the  bluffs  of  Stillwater,  and  is  of  incalculable  advantage  to  the  people 
kg  the  road,  who  used  to  go  many  miles,  especially  farmers,  with  loads  of 
rjn  to  reach  the  “ Covington  pike  ” going  to  Dayton.  About  1847,  the  Salem 
upike  was  organized  and  a road  built  from  Salem  to  intersect  the  Dayton  & 
ktngton  Turnpike  at  a distance  of  five  miles  from  Salem.  These  two  roads 
nsoll-pikes.  In  1869,  steps  were  taken  to  build  a pike  from  Salem  to  Air 
li,  and  the  next  year  it  was  built.  The  Dogleg  pike,  from  Salem  to  Trot- 
id,  was  built  the  same  year.  The  Heckman  pike  was  built  shortly  after. 
..year  the  Skyles  pike  was  completed.  The  National  road  pike  was  sold 
Wear  and  partly  completed,  and  a branch  road,  running  to  Salem,  built. 
1 township  has  twelve  miles  of  toll-pike  and  seventeen  miles  of  free  pike, 
b mud  roads,  as  they  are  called,  are  well  improved  by  the  local  authorities, 
<ing  gravel  hauled  on  them  every  year. 

Every  road  running  east  and  west  but  one  is  a turnpike — all  feeders  of 
ii  Dayton  & Covington  Turnpike.  Some  of  the  roads  running  north  and 
'h  are  having  a great  deal  of  gravel  hauled  on  them. 

There  are  five  bridges  across  Stillwater  within  the  limits  of  the  township, 
i near  Hoover’s  mill,  one  east  of  Union,  one  at  Harrisburg,  one  at  Little 
1 : and  one  at  Engle’s  mill.  All  the  creeks  have  good  bridges  across  them, 
i-Ler  on  pike  or  mud  roads.  Most  of  the  bridges  were  built  by  the  County 
1 missioners — all,  in  fact,  but  a very  few  small  ones.  There  is  a pike  being 
ij  from  Salem  to  Brookville. 

There  was  no  railroad  in  this  township  until  the  Dayton,  Covington  & 
1 do  Narrow-Gauge  Railroad  Company  built  its  road.  The  people  took 
'4  interest  in  the  road.  The  farmers  donated  the  right  of  way  to  the  com- 
The  road  passes  from  north  to  south  across  the  township.  Kinsey’s 
; on.  Harrisburg,  Union  and  Becker’s  Station  are  shipping-points  on  the 
Large  quantities  of  produce  are  shipped  from  these  points. 

In  1879,  the  first  railroad  track  reached  the  township,  and  was  rapidly 
| down  until  it  reached  Covington.  There  is  an  outlet  now  south  to  Dayton 
north  to  Covington,  Versailles,  Delphos  and  Toledo. 

CHURCHES. 

Among  the  first  settlers  on  Stillwater  was  a considerable  of  neighborhood 
L e Friends.  A church  organization  and  meeting  was  granted  them  by  West 
L,ri  Quarterly  Meeting  of  Union  Township,  Miami  Co., Ohio,  and  services  were 
’s'leldin  the  summer  of  1807.  They  erected  a meeting-house  called  “ Rocky 


60 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Spring.”  about  three- fourths  of  a mile  west  of  the  Dayton  & Covington  Turn] 
on  Section  36,  where  services  were  held  for  about  twenty-five  years,  but  nothi 
now  remains  to  mark  its  site  except  a small  neglected  cemetery,  which  has 
been  used  for  many  years.  Some  of  the  early  members  of  this  organizat 
were  Moses  Kelley,  Frederick  Waymire,  Benjamin  Owen.  William  Earn 
with  his  sons  William  and  John,  Jonathan  Justice,  Benjamin  and  Isaac  Coo} 
Jacob  Wisener,  David,  William  and  Jonathan  Cox,  Nehemiah  Thomas 
Ephraim  Owen,  most  of  whom  were  heads  of  families,  who  also  belonged  to 
faith  of  this  worthy,  peace-loving  people. 

German  Baptists. — The  Dunkers,  or  Dunkards,  as  they  are  commc 
called,  were  the  next  to  organize  a church  inside  of  the  present  limits  of  R 
dolph  Township.  In  the  year  1800.  Jacob  Miller  came  from  Flat  Rock  Vali 
Ya. . and  settled  on  the  west  side  of  the  Miami  River,  near  Dayton,  Ohio, 
was  born  in  Pennsylvania  in  1735;  was  a man  of  ability  and  labored  earne 
for  his  church.  He  was  much  revered  by  the  red  sons  of  the  forest,  who  e 
that  he  was  “ the  good  man  the  Great  Spirit  sent  from  the  East.”  He  rai 
a family  of  nine  sons  and  three  daughters,  three  of  the  former  becoming  s 
ministers  in  the  Duulter  Church.  The  earliest  pioneer  Dunker  preache 
Randolph  Township  was  Emanuel  Flory,  who,  in  1810,  organized  a congn 
tion  of  his  co-religionists.  For  many  years,  they  had  no  house  to  worship 
and  held  service  every  alternate  Sabbath  at  the  dwelling-house  of  some  on 
its  members.  Every  member  that  was  able  to  have  meeting  would  take,  hi 
her  turn,  “so  to  speak,”  in  having  the  meeting  at  his  or  her  residence, 
took  about  two  years  time,  until  it  came  back  to  the  starting-point  The  <1 
gregation  were  served  refreshments  by  the  individual  at  whose  house  the  ml 
ing  was  held.  All  who  wished  to  stay,  after  the  meeting  was  adjourned,  vf 
made  welcome  to  partake  of  the  hospitalities  of  the  brother,  who  always  b[! 
bountiful  table. 

They  have  two  churches,  one  in  Randolph  Township,  the  other  in  0 
and  are  known  as  Stillwater,  near  Dayton,  and  Salem  Congregations;  1; 
each  a membership  of  275.  The  former  is  presided  over  by  the  Rev.  Abrallj 
Flory.  Rev.  Samuel  Kinsey.  Rev.  John  Smith  and  Rev.  George  Carver ; 
latter  by  Rev.  Abraham  Deitrich,  of  Miami  County,  Rev.  Samuel  Shellebar 
Rev.  John  Sollenbarger  and  Rev.  Jesse  Kinsey,  “ all  gentlemen  of  ability 
refinement,  and  are  doing  good  work  in  the  advancement  of  Christianity 
enlightenment.”  The  Dunkers  are  an  agricultural  people,  quiet,  inoffen 
and  unostentatious,  making  no  display  in  wearing  apparel,  and  living  st: 
temperate,  industrious  lives,  taking  little  or  no  interest  in  Governmental  afi 
and  few  of  them,  especially  among  the  older  members,  casting  a vote.  A g 
many  strictly  opipiose  a collegiate  education,  or  even  a higher  education  of 
masses,  on  religious  grounds,  and  are,  therefore,  looked  upon  as  out  of  barn: 
with  the  spirit  of  this  age;  yet  they  are  model  farmers,  good  neighbors 
honest  and  conscientious  to  a fault.  They  have  three  colleges  in  the  Un 
States,  under  the  control  of  the  church — -one  in  Illinois,  one  in  Pennsyivi 
and  one  in  Ohio,  where  a higher  education  may  be  obtained  and  where  stud| 
are  welcomed  regardless  of  creed,  so  long  as  they  conform  to  the  moral  stain 
required  and  enforced  in  these  institutions. 

Methodist  Church, — The  Methodists  had  no  organized  society  in  this  to 
ship  until  1819.  In  that  year  an  announcement  was  made,  and  the  follow;; 
named  members  of  that  faith  assembled  at  the  house  of  the  Rev.  George  I 
man  and  formed  a class:  Rev.  George  Hoffman.  Jesse,  William  and  John 
mer,  Stephen  Bender,  Mr.  Kennedy,  John  Waymire  and  Mr.  Hollingswt 
They  held  their  meetings  at  the  house  of  the  Rev.  George  Hoffman  until  1 
when  the  Concord  Meeting-House  was  built,  which  yet  ^retains  that  n< 


RANDOLPH  TOWNSHIP. 


61 


jioord  Circuit  was  widely  known  and  wielded  great  influence  for  good  in  its 
p.miest  days.  But  its  territorial  limits  are  c rcu inscribed  now  by  other  de 
lunations,  so  that  its  influence  is  narrowed  down  in  territorial  jurisdiction. 
1)  congregation  is  as  zealous  in  the  cause  of  religion  as  it  ever  was  and  does 
at  good.  The  first  ministers  were  Rev.  Jesse  Stubbs  and  John  Durbin.  Its 
pit  has  been  filled  by  the  Rev.  M.  P.  Gaddis,  Thomas  Gursuch,  Daniel  Da- 
son,  Raper,  Tipton,  Fiddler  and  many  others.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Keek  now  oc- 
ijies  the  pulpit.  It  has  a membership  of  about  fifty  at  this  writing.  The 
sent  meeting-house  was  built  in  1849.  There  is  a cemetery  connected  with 
1 church.  John  Barnett  donated  one  acre  of  land  for  the  purpose.  Jacob 
Vgoner  was  the  first  person  buried  there,  in  1825.  They  had  for  many  years  a 
•ills  at  Salem,  under  the  supervision  of  the  same  ministers  that  were  at  Con- 
4 but  have  no  organization  there  now.  They  also  have  a society  at  Union 
,i  a membership  of  about  seventy-five.  The  organization  was  effected  in 
85,  and  a large  and  commodious  meeting-house  built.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Tipton 
u Rev.  Mr.  Hartley  were  the  first  ministers.  There  is  a parsonage  at  Union, 
ore  the  ministers  live  who  preach  here  and  at  Concord. 

United  Brethren. — The  United  Brethren  Church  organized  a class  at  Salem 
i 869.  The  Rev.  T.  W.  Bushong  helped  to  bring  about  a permanent  organi- 
cs on,  and  was  its  first  minister.  The  Revs.  John  Miller,  George  Gilbert, 
ttsinger  and  Samuel  Holden  have  filled  the  pulpit.  They  worship  in  the 
ton  Church,  built  for  the  accommodation  of  all  denominations,  who  wish  to 
it  it  for  public  worship.  The  United  Brethren  Church  has  the  ascendency 
03,  having  a membership  of  115  at  Salem. 

Presbyterians — The  Presbyterians  had  a large  following  at  one  time  but 
lie  no  church  or  membership  here  now. 

Baptists. — The  Baptists  are  well  represented;  they  have  an  organization 
itlalem,  and  worship  in  the  Union  Church,  and  the  Rev.  Samuel  Pence  is  its 
piitor. 

Brethren  in  Christ.  — The  Brethren  in  Christ  have  three  distinct  branches 
ohe  township;  on  what  they  differ,  the  writer  could  not  ascertain,  but  each 
>nch  has  its  own  ministers,  church  officers  and  hold  worship  at  different  times, 
ft  branch  known  as  River  Brethren  is  claimed  originated  in  Upper  Switzer - 
a'l,  Europe,  and  were  members  of  the  Mennonite  persuasion.  In  1885,  six 
ailies  emigrated  from  Pennsylvania  to  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  and  or- 
ized  as  a church.  John  and  Daniel  Coffman,  Samuel  Hen-,  Sr,,  and  John 
iker,  Sr.,  were  ministers;  Isaac  Cassel  wa3  Deacon  until  his  death,  in  1880. 
above-named  ministers  have  all  been  gathered  to  their  Fathers  years  ago. 
y have  a neat  and  commodious  church  edifice,  near  the  center  of  the  town- 
in.  They  are  a plain  an  unassuming  people.  Their  membership  is  about 
hty-five  in  the  county.  They  are  among  the  best  citizens  we  have.  Samuel 
1 r,  Jr.,  John  Hocker,  Jr.,  and  Abraham  Engle  are  the  ministers;  Adam 
Aker  and  Jacob  Cassel  are  Deacons.  Their  meeting-house  is  called  “Fair- 
viy,” 

Another  branch  of  the  Brethren  in  Christ  has  a church  organization  and 
interest  in  a meeting-house  at  Harrisburg.  The  church  is  locally  known  as 
1 “ Swankites.”  They  have  a large  congregation  at  Harrisburg,  presided  over 
’i he  Rev.  Jabez  Swank.  Another  resident  minister  is  Samuel  Longnecker, 
''"preached  at  Swanktown,  Clay  Township,  There  are  congregations  of  the 
! reh  in  Darke  and  Miami  Counties  and  other  portions  of  the  State;  also  in 
knsylvania,  Indiana  and  other  States.  The  history  “of  this  body”  as  it  now 
«ts  was  formed  by  the  uniting  of  several  branches,  which  took  rise  near 
‘lit  the  same  time,  of  which  dates  there  is  no  account.  A general  conference 
’ called  and  convened  in  May,  1861,  at  Crooked  Creek  Church,  Armstrong 


62 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


County,  Penn.  The  ministerial  delegations  were:  From  Ohio.  Jacob  Swai 
John  Swank  and  David  Rasor:  from  Pennsylvania,  George  Shoemaker 
Deford,  H.  G.  Marsh  and  J.  Shoemaker,  with  a number  of  lay  dele^ati 
They  adopted  a constitution  and  appointed  another  general  conference  to  me 
in  Harrisburg,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  in  October,  1865.  This  body  met  pi 
suant  to  appointment  at  Harrisburg,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  in  Octobi 
1865,  and  completed  its  organization.  Of  the  ministers  present  who  wore 
the  former  conference  were  Jacob  Swank,  John  Swank,  George  Shoemaker  a 
J.  Shoemaker  and  a legal  number  of  lay  delegates,  Brothers  D.  Rasor  and 
G.  Marsh  having  died  in  the  meantime. 

The  other  branch  of  the  Brethren  in  Christ  is  locally  known  as  “ Won<u 
ites, ” whose  founder’s  name  was  the  Rev.  John  Monger.  They  have,  al; 
a large  congregation  at  Harrisburg,  and  worship  in  the  same  meeting-hor 
that  the  Swankites  do,  but  not  at  the  same  hour.  They  have  three  churches 
Clay  Township,  and  have  congregations  at  other  places.  The  names  of  t 
ministers  could  not  be  ascertained.  Why  these  three  branches  of  the  s'EU 
name  at  least  do  not  unite,  the  writer  could  not  ascertain. 

There  are  other  denominations  represented,  such  as  the  Menists,  Albrigk 
Universalists,  Spiritualists,  Free-Thinkers,  etc.,  but  have  no  organizations  he: 
So  we  will  close  this  article  by  saying  nearly  every  creed  can  have  members 
sympathy  with  it.  All  are  welcome  and  every  thing  moves  along  smoothly  wi 
religious  people. 

SECRET  SOCIETIES. 

Randolph  Lodge , No.  98,  I.  O.  O.  F. , was  instituted  January  81,  1848, 
Salem.  Its  charter  members  are  John  W.  Turner,  Thomas  F.  Wieser,  Jose 
M.  Turner,  Michael  Cline,  Albert  G.  Hadden  and  James  F.  Hibbard.  T 
lodge  has  furnished  the  majority  of  the  members  for  several  other  lodges 
neighboring  villages.  The  officers  at  present  are:  William  Landis,  N.  C 
John  W.  Roof,  V.  G. ; O.  P.  Swartzel,  Secretary;  E.  F.  Warner,  P.  Secretin 
John  F Rowe,  Treasurer;  J.  R,  Weddle,  W. ; W.  H.  Carl,  C.;  Wiliam  Luc; 
R.  S.  N.  G. ; John  O’Rourke,  L.  S.  N.  G. ; L.  C.  Herr,  O.  G. ; William 
Geist,  I.  G.,  and  numbers  sixty-four  members. 

Grace  Lodge , No.  504 , I.  O.  O.  F.,  was  instituted  November  23,  1871, 
Union.  Its  charter  members  are  William  A.  "West,  George  Sinks,  Sami 
Hawkins,  George  Lockert,  John  A.  Hawkins,  O.  P.  Waymire,  Eli  Wayrni: 
Austin  Waymire,  David  Baker,  E.  W.  McMurray,  Alex  Waymire.  The  office 
who  first  filled  the  chairs  were:  George  Lockert,  N.  G. ; George  Sinks,  vr.  ( 
Samuel  Hawkins,  Recording  Secretary;  Edward  Eby,  P.  Secretary;  Jae 
Stockslager,  Treasurer.  The  present  officers  are : D.  M.  Flick,  N.  G. ; John 
Hawkins,  V.  G. ; Thomas  Becker,  Recording  Secretary;  W:  A.  West,  P.  Sec: 
tary;  John  S.  Becker,  Treasurer.  Its  membership  is  100.  It  is  in  a flourit 
ing  condition. 

Randolph  Encampment,  No.  220,  1.  0.  O.  F.,  was  instituted  July  9, 18t 
at  Union.  The  charter  members  are  George  Sinks,  William  A.  West,  D.  Ska 
E.  D.  Kubley,  J.  E.  Wanner,  L.  R.  Pfoutz,  David  Skyles,  W.  E.  Geist  a 
WTlliam  Flick.  The  officers  are:  E.  D.  Hubley,  C.  P. ; William  Sherer,  H.  1 
D.  Shaw,  S.  W. ; J.  E.  Winner,  J.  W. ; W.  A.  West,  Scribe,  and  Thou 
Newman,  Treasurer.  The  membership  numbers  thirty-three. 

VILLAGES.  |j 

Salem  was  laid  out  in  seventy-five  lots,  January  15,  1816,  by  John  Leath 
man.  Who  built  the  first  house  cannot  be  ascertained.  Its  population,  J 
1880,  was  about  350.  It  has  two  stores,  one  blacksmith-shop,  one  wage] 
maker,  one  tin-shop,  one  cabinet-maker  and  undertaker,  one  grocery  sto. 


RANDOLPH  TOWNSHIP. 


03 


tee  doctors,  three  boot  and  shoe  shops,  one  saddler,  one  harness-maker,  one 
Cj>per,  three  carpenters,  four  school-teachers,  three  butchers,  one  saw-mill,  two 
sue  and  brick  masons,  two  milliner  stores,  one  flour  exchange,  one  union 
c irch,  one  schoolhouse,  one  hotel,  two  painters,  three  millers  and  one  ditcher. 
Te  village  at  one  time  had  a large  trade;  from  about  1830  to  1865,  there  were 
a reat  many  goods  sold  yearly.  H.  R.  Smith  was  the  first  merchant,  but  wheu 
h commenced  business  is  not  known.  Michael  Reouk  sold  goods  in  an  early 
r.  The  merchants  then  succeeded  each  other  about  as  follows:  Kinsey  & 
Biple,  Redebaugh  & Heck,  Warren  Estabrook  came  about  fifty-five  years  ago. 
E cut  up  pork  for  several  years  extensively,  and  built  a large  storeroom  in 
1M;  sold  to  H.  M.  Turner  in  1846,  and  he  also  did  a very  large  business  un- 
1860.  He  sold  to  Beachler  & Heverling.  Their  successors  were  S.  L.  Herr, 
iters  & Herr,  Schaeffer  & Baker,  Baker  & Young;  then  S.  L.  Herr  again: 
in  Herr  & Smith,  the  present  proprietors.  David  Swank  started  a store 
iljat  1846,  and  was  succeeded  by  -Joseph  Studybaker,  William  Hurley,  S.  G. 
dislich,  Tobias  Q.  Landis,  S.  G.  Masslick  and  J.  H.  Landis,  the  present 
lorietor.  Warren  Estabrook  built  the  first  hotel,  and  sold  to  Willaim 
-!  imerset  about  1847.  Then  David  Borden  kept  it,  George  Geist,  Samuel 
u lire,  H.  Teissel,  John  Vatter  and  Mrs.  E.  A.  Stoker,  the  proprietress  at 
pent.  The  blacksmiths  were  Messrs.  Emerick,  Edwards,  James  Cart-- 
gilt,  John  Nolan,  Robert  Turner,  John  Compton,  Jacob  Saylor,  Fred 
ijiley,  Hezekiah  Hull  and  Jacob  Saylor.  The  wagon-makers  were  Leon- 
i’  Billmyer,  Samuel  Smith,  Jacob  Rauch,  William  Bandon  and  Joseph 
kith.  John  Lizet  is  carrying  on  the  business  now.  The  cabinet  busi- 
-8  and  undertaking  was  carried  on  first  by  Augustus  Haskins,  William 
Gride,  George  Shell,  Emanuel  F.  Warner,  W.  Schaeffer  and  W.  H.  Carl, 
1 is  now  engaged  in  the  business.  The  saddle  and  harness  making  was 
Led  on  by  James  Ivlepser  and  Steele  Smith,  who  is  yet  in  the  business.  A 
h Harris  first  manufactured  boots  and  shoes  on  an  extensive  scale  in  early 
ns.  He  employed  many  hands  and  supplied  the  whole  country.  Among 
e mployes  was  Emanuel  Schultz,  the  member  elect  to  represent  this  Con- 
viional  district  in  the  Forty-eighth  Congress,  who  lives  at  Miamisburg. 
bother  shoemakers  were  Morgan  Stillwell,  Gottlieb  Wahl,  G.  M.  Williams, 
'A.  Steele.  Those  who  are  now  engaged  in  the  business  are  Timothy 
utley,  J.  L.  A.  Smith.  John  Vicroy  and  Samuel  Goodyear.  The  tinners 
■a  Samuel  Frantz,  succeeded  by  Henry  Beachler;  Jonathan  H.  Kline  is 
r ly  engaged  in  the  business  at  this  time.  Coopering  was  an  extensive 
mess  at  one  time.  D.  H.  Wilson  is  the  only  cooper  here.  The  tailors 
e T.  F.  Wieser  and  David  Woodrow. 


Union — Was  laid  out  February  12,  1816,  by  Daniel  Rasor  and  David 
o er.  The  first  house  built  is  yet  standing.  The  village  at  this  time  has 
r stores,  two  blacksmith -shops,  one  wagon-maker  and  carriage  shop,  one 
mge  trimmer,  one  cooper  shop,  two  shoemaker  shops,  two  grocery  stores, 
v.entist,  two  doctors,  one  gunsmith,  one  tile  factory,  two  butchers,  one  ho- 
‘■'Ae  church,  one  schoolhouse,  two  school-teachers,  one  preacher,  one  painter 
'-■me  saw-mill.  The  Narrow  Gauge  Railroad  runs  through  it,  and  its  for- 
^activity  will  very  likely  revive  again.  Thei’e  are  two  large  warehouses 
r | and  is  a grain  market  again,  and  new  buildings  are  being  erected  every 
11  There  is  no  other  village  in  the  county  that  has  better  water-power 
a Union  has,  but  it  is  not  now  utilized  for  any  purpose.  The  I'ailroad  will 
mbtedly  bring  capital  and  energy  to  the  place  and  set  machinery  humming 
1 a for  it  had  extensive  manufacturing  interests  at  one  time. 

lr.  Skinner  was  among  the  first  merchants.  D.  K.  Boyer,  William  and 
Anyw  Sheets,  Alfred  Hoover  and  other  merchants  have  done  business  in  the 


64 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


place.  J.  Slockstager,  John  Sheets  and  John  Young  have  stores  now.  T 
tailors  were  M.  Bear,  Jacob  Dewey,  Charles  Cartwright  and  Jerry  Skelli 
George  Sinks  and  Mr.  Hawthorne  are  carrying  on  blacksmithing.  Theo 
Eby  is  a dentist  and  commands  an  extensive  trade.  A Mr.  Protzman  was  t 
first  hotel -keeper;  the  hotel  business  was  good  in  early  days:  William  Sto 
is  the  hotel  proprietor  now,  and  has  been  engaged  in  it  for  many  years.  Geoi 
Lockert  is  a wagon  and  carriage  maker.  W.  A.  West,  carriage  trimmer  a 
painter.  David  Shaw  and  John  Sheets  are  grain  merchants.  Pat  O’Brien 
a cooper.  Tennessee  Flack  is  a brick-maker.  Henry  Sheets  is  a gunsmi 
Henry  Beck  and  Lewis  Reedy  are  shoemakers  and  have  been  here  for  ma 
year's.  It  has  one  huckster  in  the  person  of  Jacob  McCarter.  Solomon  He 
chelrode  was  a cabinet-maker;  also  John  Wolf.  Leicester  Smith,  in  18 
carried  on  chair-making  extensively.  Samuel  Young  is  a plasterer;  Edw: 
McMurray,  mason;  George  Stokes,  carpenter. 

Harrisburg — Was  laid  out  by  Mathias  Gish  and  others  May  6,  1841; 
also,  was  the  first  merchant.  David  Bowers,  Tucker  & Report,  Silas  Coble. 
Beard,  Harvey  lams,  D.  L.  Tate,  C.  Donson  and  Lamen  lams  were  its  a 
chants  in  the  past.  James  Vorhi.s,  H.  C.  Weaver  and  Josiah  Miller  are  p 
prietors  of  stores  respectively.  Mathias  Gish  built  the  first  hotel.  Jc 
Walker,  Henry  Frantz,  F.  O’Niel,  Frank  Lesh  and  Jeremiah  Kopp  were  la 
lords  in  the  past.  Jacob  Becker  is  proprietor  of  the  hotel  now.  Mr.  Lai 
was  the  first  blacksmith,  succeeded  by  Reese,  Blackburn  and  Wallace.  Jc 
Kopp.  Christian  Stuckhart  and  his  son  Lewis  are  having  a shop  at  this  tii 
Pierce  Bryant  has  a shop  too.  Murray  was  its  first  wagon-maker.  Oelest 
Lieber  is  carrying  on  the  same  business.  Rasor  & Liebert  had  a hub  and  sp 
factory  atone  time,  but  burnt  out  some  years  since  and  have  not  rebuilt.  Ja 
lams  runs  a saw  mill  and  planing-machine.  Jacob  Witwer  was  the  first  s 
die  and  harness  manufacturer;  Obediah  Jackson  bought  his  stock.  Jost 
Rasor  followed  the  same  occupation  until  recently.  Jacob  Wey bright  bui 
large  warehouse  on  the  railroad  and  handles  a large  amount  of  grain. 
Narrow  Gauge  Railroad  has  a station  and  telegraph  office  here,  which  ma 
it  very  convenient  for  the  surrounding  country.  It  has  a church  and  a sell 
house.  At  Harrisburg  lives  the  veteran  car  [ tenter  and  builder,  Michael  Lc 
necker,  who  has  put  up  more  buildings  of  a substantial  character  than  any  i 
in  the  township.  It  has  a huckster  in  the  person  of  A.  G.  Roof,  who  hat 
extensive  trade. 

Taylorsburg. — This  is  a small  hamlet  in  the  southern  part  of  the  to 
ship;  was  laid  out  many  years  ago  by  Adam  Rodebaugh.  The  first  mercl 
was  John  Wagner,  followed  by  Philip  Grove,  Samuel  Fetters,  H.  Weis: 
baugh,  M.  Kinsel,  W.  H.  Conover  and  Henry  W agner,  who  has  a store  i 
The  first  blacksmith  was  Fred  Wolf.  Reuben  Saylor  is  now  a disciple  of 
can.  John  Zichnor  was  the  first  wagon-maker.  Mr.  Wagner  has  a good  ti 
now  in  that  line.  The  first  shoemaker  was  John  Wagner.  Joseph  Sam 
yet  follows  St.  Crispin’s  occupation.  Moses  Spittler  has  a saw-mill.  Will, 
Lutz  is  a huckster. 


JEFFERSON  TOWNSHIP. 


65 


JEFFERSON  TOWNSHIP. 

\ T a session  of  the  Commissioners,  held  June  10,  1805,  the  township  bear- 
ing the  above  name  was  formed  from  German  Township,  and  embraced 
i;  ollowing  territory:  Bounded  by  the  Southwest  Branch  of  the  Miami  and 
: a continuing  west  from  the  north  boundary  of  the  eighth  range,  between  the 
i li  River  on  the  north;  by  the  Miami  River  on  the  east;  by  the  line  run- 
i j west  between  the  fifth  and  sixth  tier  of  sections  in  the  township,  begin- 
n on  the  river  between  Sections  25  and  36,  in  the  third  township,  fifth 
tb,  and  continuing  west  to  the  line  between  the  third  and  fourth  ranges  (on 
ine  of  Harding  Township);  thence  north  with  said  line  to  the  hrst-men- 
n d line,  eomprising  an  extensive  tract  of  land,  from  which  several  other 
v,  blips  were  afterward  formed.  The  township  assumed  its  present  form 
::st  ‘21,  1841,  and  is  the  territory  between  Madison  on  the  north,  Harrison, 
iui  and  the  Miami  River,  on  the  east,  Miami  and  German  Townships  on  the 

u , and  Jackson  on  the  west.  The  appellation  was  given  it  in  honor  of 
laas  Jefferson,  one  of  the  signers  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence  and 
. Iiird  President  of  the  United  States.  It  is  well  watered  by  the  following 
ms:  Big  Bear  Creek,  flowing  in  a southeasterly  direction,  through  the 
stm  half  of  the  township,  from  north  to  south;  Little  Bear  Creek,  crossing 
mithwest  corner,  and  “Possum”  Creek,  flowing  in  a southern  direction 

gh  the  eastern  part  of  the  township  and  emptying  into  the  Great  Miami 

v,  which  makes  a horseshoe-like  curve  in  the  southeastern  corner  of  the 
'vision.  The  township  is  traversed  by  improved  pikes  intersected  by  nu- 
ns dirt  or  summer  roads,  by  means  of  which  all  points  throughout  the  sur- 
ging country  can  be  reached.  Of  these,  the  most  important  are  the  Day- 
x Germantown,  Dayton  & Western  and  the  Farmersville  & Carrollton. 

irst-named  crosses  the  township  diagonally,  extending  from  the  Soldiers’ 
>4,  in  Section  1,  in  a southwestern  direction,  to  the  corner  of  Section  33, 

> files  from  the  Jackson  Township  line;  the  Dayton  & Western  crossing 
wnship  from  east  to  west,  forming  the  dividing  line  between  this  and 
xion  Township;  the  Farmersville  & Carrollton  crossing  the  southern  part 
t township  from  west  to  east.  The  C. , H.  & D.  R.  R.  also  passes  through 
■ 1 utheastern  corner  of  the  subdivision,  running  parallel  with  the  Great 
ai  River.  The  surface  of  the  country  is  varied,  being,  in  general,  rather 
1%  or  undulating,  and,  in  some  places,  quite  hilly.  The  highest  land  of 
wnship  is  probably  along  the  center  of  its  northern  part,  which  elevation, 

■i  b decreasing  in  height,  extends  some  distance  southward,  from  which  the 
* m either  side  slopes  eastward  and  westward  to  the  limits  of  the  township, 
eiills  are  principally  confined  to  the  region  about  Bear  Creeks,  while  a 
" ful  ralley  stretches  across  the  southern  part  of  the  subdivision,  where  is 
11  quite  a broad  expanse  of  level  country.  The  soil  is  very  fertile,  es- 
dy  in  the  rich  bottom  lands,  and  is  well  adapted  for  agricultural  purposes, 
curing  favorably  in  point  of  fertility  with  any  of  Montgomery  County,  the 
hiss  of  which  with  its  yielding  properties  is  hardly  surpassed  by  any  in 
' tate.  It  has  a variety  of  timber,  such  as  sugar,  hickory,  walnut,  ash, 
'Unn,  beech,  etc.,  sugar  greatly  predominating,  while  but  little  beech  is 
u.  which  is  confined  to  the  higher  elevations,  and  in  the  lowlands  are  much 
;!-ii  id  walnut.  The  staple  productions  are  corn,  wheat  and  tobacco,  the  lat- 
1 kng  raised,  in  great  quantities,  as  is  evidenced  by  the  numerous  sheds 


66 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


dotting  the  township,  where  it  is  prepared  for  the  market.  The  people  are 
dustrious  and  law-abiding,  and,  if  we  are  to  judge  from  the  number  of  churc 
a religious  community,  and  are  mainly  tillers  of  the  soil,  there  beino-  but 
town  and  village  in  the  subdivision — Liberty  and  Gettersburg,  the  for 
situated  in  Section  9,  near  the  center,  and  the  latter  on  Big  Bear  Creek,  in  i 
tion  28,  in  the  southern  part  of  the  township.  The  National  Soldiers’  Hi 
is  located  in  this  township,  of  which  the  people  have  great  reasons  to  be  pr< 
they  having  been  so  highly  honored  by  the  location  of  this  important  and 
neticent  institution — a Natiqn’s  gift  to  her  defenders,  within  their  scop 
country,  the  natural  beauty  of  whose  lands  furnished  the  grand  site  overlool 
the  city  of  Dayton  and  the  lovely  Miami  Yalley  for  miles  around.  It  is 
only  the  largest  and  most  flourishing  institution  of  the  kind  in  this  country, 
one  of  the  largest  in  the  world.  A full  description  of  this  will  be  given  t 
where  in  this  work.  Also  in  this  township  is  located  the  county  infirmary 
the  school  section  belonging  to  German  Township. 

EABLY  SETTLEBS  AND  SETTLEMENTS. 

“Never,”  says  an  early  writer,  “since  the  golden  age  of  poets,  did 
Syren  song  of  peace  and  of  farming’  reach  so  many  ears,  and  gladden  so  rr 
hearts  as  after  Wayne’s  treaty  at  Greenville  in  1795.  ‘The  Ohio,’ as  it 
called,  seemed  to  be,  literally,  a land  dowing  with  milk  and  lionov. 
farmer  wrote  home  of  a soil  ‘richer  to  appearance  than  can  possibly  be  n 
by  aid;’  of  plains  and  meadows  without  the  labor  of  hands  sufficient  to  sup'J 
millions  of  cattle  summer  and  winter;  of  wheat  lands  that  would  vie  with 
Island  of  Sicily;  and  of  bogs  from  which  might  be  gathered  cranberries  eaci 
to  make  tarts  for  all  New  England,  while  the  lawyer  said  that  as  he  rodel: 
circuit,  his  horse’s  legs  were  dyed  to  the  knee  with  the  juice  of  the  wild  stil 
berry.  At  that  time  the  diseases  and  hardships  of  frontier  life  were  not  d 
upon;  the  administration  of  Washington  had  healed  the  divisions  among 
States;  the  victory  of  Wayne  had  brought  to  terms  the  dreaded  savages, 
as  the  dweller  on  the  barren  shore  of  the  Atlantic  remembered  these  things 
the  wonderful  facts,  in  addition,  that  the  inland  garden  to  which  he  was 
vited  was  crossed  in  every  direction  by  streams  even  then  counted  on  as  afi| 
ing  means  for  free  commercial  intercourse,  and  that  it  possessed  besides  nej 
700  miles  of  river  and  lake  coast,  the  inducements  for  emigration  became 
strong  to  be  resisted;  the  wagon  was  tinkered  up  at  once,  the  harness  pate | 
anew,  and  a few  weeks  found  the  fortune-seeker  looking  down  fromi 
Chestnut  ridge  or  Laurel  Hill  upon  the  far-reaching  forests  of  the  We 
Such  glowing  accounts  were  not  without  results,  for  so  soon  as  the  treat 
Greenville  and  the  cessation  of  the  Indiau  war  had  removed  the  last  obsi 
to  the  peopling  of  this  extensive  region,  the  active  spirit  of  emigration 
strained  during  the  years  of  hostilities,  was  now  set  free  and  the  living  col 
began  its  Westward  movement  with  an  impetus  that  was  destined  steadi 
increase  till  the  whole  vast  area  should  be  possessed  and  peopled.  During 
year  1766,  nearly  1,000  flat-boats  passed  Marietta  laden  with  emigrant; 
their  way  to  the  more  attractive  regions  of  the  Miami  in  the  Southwest, 
beo-an  the  tide  of  emigration,  the  effects  of  which  are  before  us.  To  att< 
giving  much  of  the  very  early  history  of  J efferson  Township,  compr:  ang 
did  originally  much  of  the  land  of  the  county  upon  which  settlers  began  sq: 
ting,  many  remaining  permanently,  as  early  as  the  close  of  the  eighteenth 
tury,  at  this  late  day  more  than  three-quarters  of  a century  ago,  when  the 
band  of  pioneers  came,  and  that  generation  having  long  since  disappet 
would  be  impossible.  However,  after  diligent  research,  we  trust  to  be  ab 
present  many  points  connected  with  the  early  history  of  the  township.  ; 


JEFFERSON  TOWNSHIP. 


67 


e'ly  pioneers  settling  in  this  township  did  not  deviate  from  what  has  proved 
P o-eneral  custom  to  have  been,  viz.,  to  have  sought  elevated  land  along  some 
seam  or  in  the  vicinity  of  a spring;  this,  as  is  apparent  to  the  reader,  was  for 
aSwofold  purpose,  for  we  find  that  the  earliest  settlement  of  which  any  knowl- 
re  can  be  obtained  along  Big  Bear  Creek,  in  the  vicinity  of  Liberty,  where, 
aearly  as  the  beginning  of  the  century,  amid  the  song's  of  birds,  could  be 
burd  the  ax  of  John  Gripe,  who,  at  that  early  day,  actuated  by  a desire  or 
1,  o-ing  to  better  his  condition,  bade  adieu  to  the  regions  of  the  Keystone 
Site,  turning  his  face  to  the  direction  whither  the  “ Star  of  Empire  ” takes 
i(  way,  determined  to  hew  out  for  himself  and  family,  from  the  wilderness  of 
tl  West,  a home.  Here  his  cabin  was  built,  and,  for  years,  with  his  better 
hi  and  little  ones  about  him.  this  sturdy  man  began  the  task  incumbent  upon 
anew-comers  to  the  West.  At  about  the  same  time,  from  Virginia,  came 
; m Miller  and  one  Gingerick — brothers -in daw — both  effecting  settlements 
whin  the  present  limits  of  this  subdivision.  They,  too,  through  the  buoyancy 
lope,  left  the  land  of  their  childhood  and  friends  dear,  to  try  their  fortune 

“ Where  rolls  the  tranquil  waters 
Of  the  blue  Miami.” 

Their  families  accompanied  them,  but  of  what  they  consisted  we  are  un- 
to to  say.  They  effected  settlements  along  Bear  Creek.  Among  those  com- 
e a.  little  later  were  George  Hoffman  and  family.  Hoffman  came  from  off 
aurel  Hill,”  eager  to  leave  the  land  of  chestnuts  for  a home  in  the  Western 
ost,  beneath  whose  boughs  and  shaded  turf  lie  hidden  untold  wealth.  He 
nisred  a half-section  of  land  east  of  Liberty,  and  at  once,  with  the  assistance  of 
. inestimable  wife,  built  in  the  forest  primeval  a rude  shed,  which  served  as  a 
pile  of  abode  for  all  until  time  and  circumstances  permitted  of  a change, 
ffman  had  been  united  in  marriage  with  Fannie  Enimert,  and  the  union  was 
Isedwith  thirteen  children — Barbara,  Betsey,  Susie,  Jacob,  John,  Fannie, 

, i a,  Katie,  Sarah,  Ester  and  Mary;  the  three  first  named  were  born  in 
' nsylvania. 

Jacob  Mullendore,  a native  of  Virginia,  settled  on  the  present  site  of 
Toersburg  in  1802,  and  there  lived  for  many  years.  During  the  war  of 
4,  he  hauled  flour  to  the  soldiers  al  Greenville.  In  1803,  Michael  Myers 
“ od  within  the  present  limits  of  the  township  in  question. 

As  early  as  the  year  1804,  Maryland  responded  to  the  call  and  sent  forth 
Ihael  Moyer,  who  settled  in  Section  27.  We  give  the  date  from  tax  dupli- 
a of  1804,  not  otherwise  being  able  to  arrive  at  such  period;  that  year  he 
" taxed  on  614  acres  of  land,  located  in  the  section  above  mentioned. 

Michael  Weaver,  another  of  Pennsylvania’s  sons,  emigrated  to  Ohio  with 
Family  in  1804,  and  located  on  Little  Bear  Creek,  three  miles  north  of 
fnisburg,  where  he  lived  and  died.  His  son  Peter,  who  was  eleven  years 
tovhen  hia  father  came  to  this  State,  became  a carpenter  by  trade  and  was  a 
firal  mechanic,  being  able  to  make  almost  anything  from  wood.  He  made 
ue  a leading  business  of  manufacturing  wind-mills  for  many  years,  and 
r e and  put  up  tee  first  one  ever  erected  in  Ohio,  at  that  time  being  nineteen 
e>3  old.  He  was  for  sixty  years  or  more  a member  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 
k?as  twice  married,  his  second  wife  being  Cassidiana  Fisher,  daughter  of 
rlerick  Fisher,  who  was  also  an  early  settler  here,  but  came  a few  years 
11  than  the  Weaver  family.  Mr.  Weaver  died  July  20,  1879,  aged 
Tty-six  years,  leaving  his  wife,  who  still  survives  at  the  age  of  eighty  years, 
Q'! three  children,  viz.,  John,  Henry  P.  arid  Peter  S. , the  two  first  named 
by  his  first  wife. 

This  same  year  came  from  Pennsylvania  another  family  of  Weavers,  viz.. 


68 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Jacob  Weaver,  who,  on  the  24th  of  October,  1786,  was  united  in  marriage  wi 
Margaret  Gebhart,  both  being  natives  of  that  State.  Jacob  entered  a tract 
land  on  Little  Bear  Creek;  their  children  were  Henry,  Michael,  Jacob,  Pet 
Philip,  John  S.,  Mary  M.,  Margaret,  Eva  and  William,  of  whom  John  ai 
Margaret  are  the  only  survivors. 

Another,  whose  name  we  omitted  above  as  belonging  to  the  number,  wl 
in  the  early  days  of  the  year  1800,  reached  the  Miami  and  crossed  its  swell 
waters  in  search  of  a home,  was  Jacob  Miller,  “ a very  exemplary  man,  and  o 
that  played  a conspicuous  part  in  the  early  history  of  the  township.  At  t 
time  of  his  arrival  in  Ohio,  the  country  was  a dense  forest,  inhabited  bynurn 
ous  tribes  of  Indians.  He  was  an  Elder  in  the  German  Baptist  Church,  a: 
it  is  said  of  him  that  he  frequently  visited  them  in  their  wigwams,  and  wor 
sing  and  pray  with  them,  which,  together  with  his  kind  and  friendly  treatme 
toward  them,  led  them  to  reverence,  respect  and  protect  him  under  all  circui 
stances.  They  called  him  ‘ the  good  man  the  Great  Spirit  sent  from  the  Eat 
He  was  born  in  Franklin  County,  Penn.,  in  the  year  1735;  his  parents  ca; 
from  Germany;  he  united  with  the  church  in  early  life  and  was  set  apart 
the  ministry.  He  married  young  and  moved  to  Franklin  County,  Va.,  int 
year  1765;  he  there  labored  in  his  official  calling,  and  built  up  a large  chur< 
which  still  remains  to  this  day.  He  located  in  Sections  35  and  36,  possessi 
286  acres.  He  was  the  first  Elder  of  the  German  Baptist  persuasion  to  set 
west  of  that  river;  he  labored  assiduously  in  the  cause  of  Christ,  and,  afte 
useful  and  well -spent  life  of  fourscore  years,  he  was  summoned  to  meet 
God,  whose  cauae  he  had  so  long  espoused,  dying  in  the  year  1815,  in  si; 
of  the  residence  of  Elder  John  Holler.  He  raised  a very  exemplary  family 
children,  some  of  whom  became  eminent  ministers  in  the  church.” 

We  are  of  the  opinion  that  the  John  Miller  herein  mentioned  is  of  1 1 
family,  as  the  oldest  son  of  the  venerable  Elder  bore  that  name;  if  so,  he  ml 
ried  Phoebe  McClure,  raised  a large  family  and  died  in  Union  City,  Ind.  1 
other  children  by  name  were  Jacob,  Tobias,  Abraham,  Isaac,  Daniel,  Samu 
Aaron,  David,  Mary,  Eva  and  Anna. 

Among  those  who  came  in  the  year  1805,  were  the  Weavers,  Stovers,  Re 
ers,  Crulls,  Kripes  and  Kritzers;  the  latter,  whose  “head”  was  Andrew,  e; 
grated  from  Pennsylvania;  Crull  (John)  and  Joseph  Kripe  settled  in  the  vioj 
ity  of  Liberty.  Jacob  Flory  was  another  settler  of  this  year,  and  in 
vicinity  just  named.  His  wife  was  Mary  Overhulser;  they  moved  into  C 
Township  in  1817.  The  Rechers,  consisting  of  Peter  and  Elizabeth  Reel 
emigrated  from  Frederick  County,  Md.,  by  means  of  a four-horse  wag 
bringing  with  them  six  children,  viz.,  Jacob,  John,  Mary,  Peter,  Joseph  i 
Daniel.  The  following  three  were  born  in  Jefferson  Township;  Eliae  Fr 
erick  and  Louis.  The  mother’s  maiden  name  was  Protzman.  Recher  bou 
land  second -handed,  purchasing  240  acres,  lying  in  Main,  about  one  mile  M 
of  Liberty,  of  John  Miller.  He  became,  before  many  years,  a large  la 
owner,  possessing  at  one  time  over  1,100  acres.  Joseph,  who  now  resides 
the  home  place,  is  quite  an  old  yet  well-preserved  man;  was  born  in  Fredei 
County,  Md.,  in  1801.  He  married  Catharine  Staver,  some  lifty-odd  y( 
ago,  and  has  ever  since  lived  as  located.  Peter  Weaver,  with  his  good  w 
Elizabeth,  whose  maiden  name  was  Heist,  and  with  three  children — Ja< 
Henry  and  John,  came  from  Pennsylvania  and  settled  on  Bear  Creek,  enter;; 
Section  18,  where  the  rude  cabin  was  erected  and  pioneer  life  begun.  Of 
children  were  here  born  unto  them,  by  name,  Peter,  Abraham.  Ester,  Eliza! 
and  Barbara.  The  boys  all  remained  in  this  region  and  assisted  in  clear' 
much  of  the  land  in  their  several  localities.  Of  the  grandchildren  of  tijj 
venerable  parents,  Abraham,  familiarly  known  as  “Uncle  Abe,”  though  r 


JEFFERSON  TOWNSHIP. 


69 


Lit,e  an  old  man,  having  passed  man’s  allotted  years,  is  living  on  the  old 
limestead,  where,  in  the  year  1808,  light  for  the  first  time  dawned  upon  his 
sion.  He  has  for  years  been  a close  observer  of  the  weather’,  and  more  re- 
,'atly  been  connected  with  the  Dayton  Journal  in  preparing  for  it  meteoro- 
>ical  weather  reports,  and  is  sometimes  styled  the  “Weather  Prophet.”  He 
ills  us  that  a decided  change  in  the  winters  of  now  and  then  has  taken  place, 
wing  “ that  when  snow  fell  it  usually  remained  all  winter.”  Frederick  Staver, 
rose  parents,  Adam  and  Fannie,  with  a number  of  children,  settled  in  Jack- 
fii  Township,  bought  land  of  Mr.  Gingerick,  240  acres,  adjoining  the  Peter 
Jfccher  tract,  entered  by  Miller.  He  had  quite  a large  family,  as  did  most  of 
0 pioneers.  His  wife’s  name  was  Elizabeth,  and  the  children,  viz.,  Frederick, 
hn,  Tobias,  Casper,  Daniel,  William,  Elias,  Catharine,  Elizabeth,  Mariah, 

; rah  and  Eebecca.  Each  succeeding  year  brought  new-comers,  and  additional 
coins  graced  the  hillsides  of  the  dense  wood,  and  the  sound  of  the  pioneer’s 
was  heard,  and  the  smoke  of  his  cabin  chimney  ascended  from  more  than 
c|  peaceful  settlement,  and  little  by  little  civilization  was  making  good  its 
, ranee. 

Henry  Hepner,  Isaac  Miller,  John  Snepp  and  Jacob  Diehl  came  in  1806. 
Lpner  and  wife  (Mai’y  Hyser)  emigrated  from  Virginia;  both  were  originally 
fm  Pennsylvania,  Lancaster  County,  where  Henry  was  born  in  1762.  He 
;ered  160  acres  of  land  in  the  northeastern  part  of  Jackson  Township,  bor- 
cij'ing  on  Jefferson,  and  built  his  first  cabin,  which  was  rude  indeed,  in  the 
t/nship  first  spoken  of.  In  the  building  of  this  a happy  thought  struck  him, 
uch  he  took  advantage  of.  A huge  oak  stood  on  the  site  located  for  his  place 

0 abode,  and,  in  felling  it,  great  care  was  exercised  to  leave  the  stump  a cer- 
tu  height;  this  was  properly  dressed  and  the  cabin  raised  over  it;  suffice  to 
s,  it  was  the  table  of  that  home  for  years,  and,  while  it  was  not  one  of  the 
Leered  tables  of  to-day,  it,  nevertheless,  was  a substantial  one,  and  must 
are  worn  an  air  of  solidity  that  was  charming — thus  illustrative  of  the  old 

lorism — “Necessity  is  the  mother  of  invention.”  Mr.  Hepner  soon  added 
his  farm  by  pm’chasing  a tract  of  land  in  Jefferson,  adjoining  that  entered 
' him.  In  a few  years,  he  built  again,  and  this  time  in  Jefferson  Township, 
tj  parents  accompanied  them,  they  being  natives  of  Germany.  His  father 
id  in  1813.  Henry  was  a blacksmith  and  a very  ingenious  kind  of  a man; 
ale  his  own  knives  and  forks  and  proved  a very  useful  and  much-needed 

1 lition  to  the  settlements  for  miles  around.  How  fitting  here  the  lines  of  the 
Pit: 

“The  smith,  a mighty  man  is  he, 

With  large  and  sinewy  hands.” 

He  died,  aged  seventy-three,  his  wife  living  to  be  ninety-seven;  they  had 
1 children — George,  Polly,  John,  Sophia,  Lydia  and  Diana,  the  two  first  and 
v last-mentioned  being  twins.  His  daughter,  “Aunt  Lydia”  Shanefelt,  a 

type  of  the  pioneer  women,  is  now  residing  on  the  homestead,  where  the 
(thful  days  of  her  childhood  were  passed,  having  seen  the  frosts  of  over 
diescore  and  ten  winters.  Isaac  Miller  and  family,  composed  of  his  wife 
Labeth  and  several  children,  came  with  the  Hepners  from  Virginia,  and  en- 
efd  a quarter-section  of  land  on  what  is  known  as  the  Jacob  Hoover  place. 
f<o’b  Diehl  and  family  arrived  this  year  from  Pennsylvania  and  settled  in  the 
'mity  of  Liberty,  entering  160  acres  in  Section  7.  John,  Jacob,  Jr.,  Abra- 
aH>  Nancy  and  Elizabeth  are  the  children  who  were  born  to  them  in  the  Key- 
J e State,  and  came  thither  with  them.  The  family  here  resided  many 
7t;-s,  when  they  removed  into  Perry  Township,  where  the  father  died,  in 
b l,  in  his  eighty-fifth  year.  By  trade,  he  was  a cabinet  maker,  and  did 
pe  an  extensive  business  in  making  coffins  for  the  pioneers.  His  son  John 


70 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


was  about  seventeen  years  of  age  when  they  arrived  in  Montgomery  Count 
He.  later,  married  Susanna  Miller,  daughter  of  Isaac  Miller  above  mentioned 
Mr.  Miller  served  in  the  Revolutionary  war.  John  Diehl  was  the  father  of  te 
children,  seven  of  whom  are  now  living.  He  died  August  26,  1874. 

John  and  Margaret  Snepp,  with  two  children — Leonard  and  Eve— can 
from  Lancaster  County,  Penn.,  and  temporarily  lived  on  the  Joseph  Rechi 
farm,  but,  in  a few  years,  settled  near  Liberty,  on  the  farm  now  owned  1 
Simon  Gebhart.  on  which  now  resides  William  Getter.  In  after  years,  tin 
were  blessed  with  two  more  children — Sarah  and  John,  the  latter  born  in  ISO! 
and  now  resides  on  a very  tine  tract  of  land  near  Gettersburg.  As  early 
1798  could  be  seen  one  of  Jefferson  Township’s  pioneers  in  the  person  of  Dav: 
Bowman,  whose  name  will  long  be  remembered  in  connection  with  the  ear 
religious  history  of  this  section  of  Ohio,  drifting,  as  it  were,  with  his  got 
wife  and  rudely  constructed  raft  down  tlip  Ohio,  on  his  way  to  the  count] 
about  the  Little  Miami  River,  whither  he  was  going,  to  build  a mill  for  parti 
who  had  preceded  him.  The  mill  was  erected,  and,  Bowman,  impressed  \vi 
the  country,  remained,  and,  after  living  in  the  locality  and  milling  sever 
years,  removed  to  the  neighborhood  of  Miamisburg  and  there  lived  sever 
years,  thence  to  Jefferson  Township,  buying  a quarter-section  of  land  of  Geor; 
Kunz,  in  the  northwestern  part  of  the  subdivision.  He  was  a minister  of  tl 
Gospel,  belonging  to  the  denomination  called  German  Baptists.  He  was  i 
struinental  in  establishing  several  churches  west  of  the  Great  Miami  and  1 
bored  faithfully  for  the  cause  of  Christ.  He  was  born  uear  Hagerstown,  Me 
March  30,  1775,  and,  at  the  age  of  eighteen,  went  to  Frankstown,  Penn.,  ui 
learned  the  trade  of  a cabinet-maker.  He  was  united  in  marriage  with  B; 
bara  Bouser,  and  there  were  born  to  them  six  children — Ester,  John,  Pol! 
Katie,  David  and  Betsy.  He  died  April  20,  1860,  and  his  wife  February 
1865,  in  her  ninety-first  year. 

Andrew  Noffsinger  lived  on  land  next  to  David  Bowman,  Sr. , John  ai 
Dan  Noffsinger  living  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Noffsinger  Church;  all  were  o 
pioneers.  In  the  year  1812  came,  from  Morrison  Cove.  Penn.,  Adam  Sho 
and  family,  and  settled  where  Jonas  Shock  now  lives.  The  children  wt 
Martin,  Jacob,  Daniel,  Jonas,  Adam,  Catharine,  Nancy,  Barbara,  Micha 
Lucy  and  Elizabeth. 

About  the  year  1815,  Daniel  Neff,  a Kentuckian,  was  added  to  the  sett 
ment.  His  wife  was  a daughter  of  Peter  Weaver.  Mrs.  Neff  died  in  18- 
and  he  in  1851.  The  following  year  came  from  Pennsylvania  Jacob  Harp  a 
wife,  Elizabeth  Bowman.  He  served  in  the  war  of  1812.  In  1818,  Day1 
Wertz  and  family  settled  on  land  to  the  south  of  Abram  Weaver.  Wertz  hai! 
from  Berks  County,  Penn.,  in  the  year  1812,  but  stopped  a few  years  in  W;| 
ren  County.  George  and  Catharine  (Marker)  Patten  settled  in  the  easte 
part  of  the  township  in  the  year  1819,  having  purchased  154  acres  of  land 
David  Bowman.  They  were  from  the  Middletown  Valley,  Frederick  Coun 
Md.  In  1820,  came  John  Getter,  from  Pennsylvania.  Thus  is  given  a br 
sketch  of  some  of  the  hardy  sons  of  toil,  who  sacrificed  the  comforts  oi  no; 
and  friends,  and  encountered  the  hardships  and  braved  the  dangers  oi  a fro 
ier  life,  converting  the  forests  into  the  fine  farms  of  the  present  and  maki 
possible  the  high  state  of  civilization  and  advancement  attained. 

CHURCHES. 

Tho  earliest  denominations  to  effect  church  organizations  in  the  towns! 
were  the  German  Baptists,  the  Lutherans  and  German  Reformed.  These  beg 
their  labors  at  the  same  time  the  first  ray  of  civilization  illumined  the  gr 
forest.  Elder  Jacob  Miller,  a sketch  of  whose  life  is  given  above,  was  the  fi 


JEFFERSON  TOWNSHIP. 


71 


j reach  to  the  pioneers  of  this  vicinity.  Services  were  then  held  in  the 
Ties,  which  were  “God’s  first  temples,”  and  in  each  other’s  cabins,  until  after 
unhiding  of  schoolhouses  and  meeting-houses.  The  Rev.  David  Bowman 
■a; also  one  of  the  very  early  German  Baptist  ministers,  a colleague  of  Miller, 
h first  meeting-house  of  the  township  was  a union  one,  built  jointly  by  the 
neran  aud  German  Reformed  people  in  the  year  1812.  It  was  constructed 
f ewed  logs,  one  story  high,  with  an  extensive  gallery,  and  was  a model 
i’iture  for  the  day,  each  of  the  male  members  hewing  his  share  and  haul- 
i<  ,hem  to  the  site  selected.  This  was  known  as  Salem  Church  and  stood  in 
! eastern  part  of  Section  28.  The  organization  of  the  Lutheran  denomina- 

0 was  effected  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Dill,  who  was  their  first  minister.  Some  of 
j;  early  families  were  the  Snepps,  the  Gebliarts,  the  Stavers,  the  Weavers 
bpb’s  family),  the  Apples  and  the  Heeters.  Of  the  Reformed  denomination 
el  the  Rechers  and  the  Leichtys.  Organized  by  the  Rev.  Thomas  Winters. 

Boi  sects  worshiped  in  this  church  until  the  erection  of  the  present  brick 

1 lia^  in  1860.  This  stands  a little  south  of  the  old  site,  and  is  likewise 
r story  in  height,  with  a gallery;  has  a spire  and  bell;  the  latter  was  cast  at 
uduckeye  Foundry,  Cincinnati,  costing  $200.  The  church  cost  about  $3,000. 

C Albrecht  and  Rev.  Peter  Prugh  are  the  present  pastors  of  the  Lutheran 
i!  German  Reformed  Churches  respectively. 

Returning  again  to  the  German  Baptists,  of  whom  we  can  say  but  little 
■Acting  their  early  church  history,  as  no  records  are  in  existence,  and  those 
> lorn  such  details  were  familiar  have  taken  their  last  sleep.  However,  we 
ujiafely  say  that  as  early  as  the  year  1808,  several  societies  were  organized 

is  section.  About  that  time,  Elder  David  Bowman  effected  the  organiza- 
oinow  at  the  Bear  Creek  Church,  and  Elder  Jacob  Miller  the  one  at  the 
oer  Church,  formerly  known  as  the  Noffsinger  Church.  It  would  be  well 
j jld  that  the  Bear  Creek  Church  is,  perhaps,  better  known  as  the  Bowman 
h'ch.  The  Bowmans,  Diehls,  Wolfs,  Ullerys,  Shiveleys  and  Metzgers  were 
oil  of  the  early  families  belonging  to  the  Bowman  society.  Also  the  Wea- 
: . And  to  the  other  society,  the  Noffsingers,  Huffmans  and  Claglors.  The 

0 nan  society  built  their  first  church  in  the  year  1838.  It  was  of  brick,  but 
ul.  and  was  replaced  in  about  1850  by  the  present  building,  which  is  like- 
i-  of  brick,  one  story,  having  a basement,  valued  at  $2,000.  Preachers  in 
district  who  serve  the  charge  are  Revs.  Mr.  Fitzgerald,  Isaac  Bright  and 
B Bowman,  Jr. ; membership  about  100.  The  Miller  society  erected  their 
; church  in  about  the  year  1847,  on  ground  donated  by  Eli  and  Samuel 
ojinger.  This  was  a one-story  brick,  and  was  replaced  by  the  present  com- 

1 ous  one  in  1871.  It  is  a very  substantial  building,  one  story  in  height, 
I has  a basement.  It  is  constructed  of  brick  and  cost  in  the  neighborhood 

3,500.  Elder  George  Holler  is  in  charge;  membership  over  100.  The 
I'Aards,  as  they  are  generally  called,  are  frugal  and  industrious,  and  are  also 
f in  and  good  class  of  people,  and,  in  demeanor,  are  very  much  like  the 
"ids  or  Quakers.  The  German  Reformed  Chmch,  called  the  “Mount  Car- 
t Church,”  located  on  Section  12,  on  the  Dayton  & Germantown  pike,  was 
.aized  in  1853,  by  the  Rev.  David  Winters,  and  the  present  brick  edifice 
fed  m 1873,  at  a cost  of  nearly  $2,000.  In  the  year  1853,  a one-story 
i:  church  was  built  within  a mile  of  this  site  by  the  organization  in  ques- 
° which  served  them  during  the  intervening  years.  Rev.  Adam  Hawker  is 
n present  pastor,  and  the  membership  is  eighty.  St.  Peter’s  Evangelical 
i.eran  Church  was  organized  and  the  honse  built  in  1872.  It  is  a one- 
o brick  and  cost  $3,000.  Prior  to  the  year  1872,  the  members  of  this 
Tich  worshiped  at  Providence  Church,  in  Perry  Township,  but  the  distance 
’ Woe  members  in  this  locality  being  so  far,  and  especially  for  the  aged,  for 


72 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNT!. 


convenience"  sake  many  withdrew  and  established  the  one  named,  which  is 
catecl  in  the  northern  part  of  Section  5,  on  the  Eaton  pike.  The  present 
cumbent  is  Rev.  C.  H.  Albrecht. 

SCHOOLS. 

Among  the  early  schoolhouses  in  the  township  were  the  following,  sta 
ing  on  the  sites  designated:  One  at  the  intersection  of  the  Farmersville  & ( 
mantown  pikes,  near  Gettersburg,  which  was  the  first,  as  far  as  we  have  t 
able  to  learn,  built  in  the  township.  School  was  held  here  as  early  as  ISO 
18 10,  taught  by  a Mr.  Brown.  At  a little  later  date,  there  was  a school'll, 
on  the  Eli  Ebberly  farm,  in  which  both  German  and  English  were  ta'Ugh 
one  Clinger.  Another  of  the  early  schoolhouses  stood  on  Section  18,  on 
Peter  Weaver  place.  One  Oblinger,  a Jew,  was  the  teacher.  Prior  to 
building  of  this,  he  held  school  in  a cabin,  having  been  vacated  by  Peter  AY. 
er.  These  schools  were  all  sustained  by  subscription,  there  being  then  no  o 
mode  of  supply.  The  first  law  enacted  in  Ohio  making  any  provisions! 
public  schools  was  in  1821,  but  nothing  was  accomplished,  and,  in  1825,  a 
ther  act  was  passed  mandatory  in  its  character,  commanding  the  districtin 
each  township.  In  1838,  provision  was  made  for  the  building  of  dial 
schoolhouses.  However,  as  numerous  as  were  the  laws  on  this  subject,  it 
a number  of  years  before  the  cessation  of  subscription  schools  and  the  adop 
of  rthe  present  public  school  system;  and  for  years  intervening  between, 
schools  were  partially  carried  on  by  subscription,  some  public  money  b<j 
used.  There  are  now  eleven  districts  in  the  township,  with  as  many  substai } 
brick  buildings,  in  which  school  is  held  from  six  to  eight  months  each  y 
The  amount  appropriated  annually  for  school  purposes  is  about  $6,000. 
school  property  in  the  township  is -valued  at  $16,000.  The  enrollment  is  I 
913  scholars.  The  house  in  District  No.  11,  a one-story  building,  was  ere 
in  the  summer  of  1880,  on  ground  purchased  of  Daniel  Peffly,  for  $170, 
cost  of  $1,490;  that  in  No.  10  was  built  in  1874,  and  cost  about  $3,000 
Districts  2 and  4,  the  houses  are  two  stories  in  height. 

EARLY  ENTERPRISES. 

Big  Bear  Creek  furnished  excellent  water  privileges,  which  were  taken 
vantage  of  and  utilized  by  the  pioneers.  A carding  and  fulling  machine  j| 
in  operation  on  this  stream  on  the  old  Abraham  Mullendore  farm  at  a 
early  day,  but  when  and  by  whom  built  is  lost  to  the  memory  of  the  few 
of  old  who  are  yet  with  us.  The  first  saw  and  grist  mills  for  the  town: 
were  built,  the  first  about  the  year  1807  or  1808,.  and  the  latter  several  y 
later,  by  Henry  Weaver;  they  were  located  in  Section  18,  on  Big  Bear  Or 
The  water-wheel  of  the  grist-mill  was  constructed  by  Martin  Saylor.  It 
one  set  of  buhrs  made  of  “gray-heads;”  the  bolt  was  turned  by  hand.  r 
mills  stood  a long  time  and  were  afterward  rebuilt  by  “ Uncle  Abe  ” Wes 
who  was  the  miller  for  some  time  at  the  Weaver  Mill.  The  saw-mil!  is 
carried  on,  but  the  other  is  idle;  Not  long  after  the  year  1810,  John  SO 
built  a fulling-machine  in  connection  with  a mill  on  Bear  Creek,  at  the  pre 
site  of  the  saw-mill  at  Gettersburg.  As  early  as  1806,  a Mr.  Myers  carnet 
a still-house  in  the  vicinity  of  Gettersburg.  Jacob  Weaver  was  also  eng; 
in  distilling  liquors.  Jacob  Mullendore  carried  on  quite  an  extensive  tan; 
in  the  days  of  the  early  pioneers,  on  Bear  Creek,  on  the  farm  now  occupier 
John  Snepp,  Jr.  Here,  either  this  man  or  his  father  erected  a log  cabin,  w 
still  stands,  though  it  has  long  since  been  weather- boarded,  and  is  prob 
the  oldest  house  in  the  township.  Henry  Hepner,  as  we  have  before  intirns; 
was  the  first  blacksmith,  and  gave  attention  to  the  needs  of  the  pioneers  ltj 
line. 


JEFFERSON  TOWNSHIP. 


73 


GRAVEYARDS. 

It  was  generally  customary  with  the  early  settlers  to  inter  their  dead  on 
i sir  own  land.  This  custom  was  observed  for  years,  but  in  time  it  was  given 
h to  a certain  extent,  and  land  was  set  apart  for  burial  purposes.  There  are 
i e of  these  grounds  in  the  township.  The  largest  and  probably  first  was  the 
: aveyard  at  the  Lutheran  and  Reformed  Church  at  Gettersburg.  The  ground 
v,s  purchased  by  these  people  of  a Mr.  Brown  for  the  purpose  of  a burying - 
pund  and  erecting  a church.  It  was  never  regularly  laid  out  into  lots,  and 
;ywere  at  liberty  to  bury  there.  Several  additions  were  made  to  this,  the 
i est  in  the  year  1878,  when  an  acre  of  ground  was  purchased  of  George  Mil- 
for  $400.  This  has  been  laid  out  into  lots,  which  are  sold  as  those  in  the 
neteries  of  the  day.  In  the  deed  of  the  original  tract,  it  was  stipulated 
i it  no  lots  were  to  be  sold.  Interments  were  made  here  before  the  erection 
( the  first  church.  The  entire  grounds  are  thrown  together  and  include  about 
to  acres,  neatly  fenced.  It  is  beautifully  situated  and  will  soon  be  classed  as 
05  of  the  handsomest  cemeteries  of  the  county.  It  is  now  dotted  with  fine 
numents,  beneath  whose  columns  and  marble  slabs  sleep  many  of  the  pio- 
mrs.  While  strolling  through  this  peaceful  city  of  the  dead,  our  attention 
vi  attracted  by  the  following  epitaph,  which,  to  our  mind,  seemed  singular; 

' ice,  we  give  it: 

“ Remember,  friends,  as  you  pass  by, 

As  you  are  now,  so  once  was  I; 

As  I am  now  so  you  must  be; 

Prepare  for  death  and  follow  me.” 


The  person  to  whose  memory  these  lines  were  inscribed  was  one  of  the  old 
1 neers  who  departed  this  life  in  June,  1817. 

What  is  known  as  the  Forney  Graveyard,  comprising  about  one-half  acre 
ground,  lying  west  of  Liberty,  is  also  one  of  the  very  early  burying-grounds. 
b Nicholas  yard,  near  that  church,  is  second  in  size,  and  interments  were 
bwise  made  there  in  early  days.  The  remaining  two,  one  at  the  United 
bthren  Church,  in  Liberty,  and  the  other  south  of  that  town,  are  small.  Of 
1 origin  of  these,  we  have  been  unable  to  derive  any  knowledge. 


TOWNS  AND  VILLAGES. 

The  little  town  of  Liberty  is  situated  near  the  center  of  the  township,  and 
tains  a population  of  about  225.  Although  several  cabins  were  clustered 
bl  ut  the  site  of  the  town  for  years  prior  to  1815,  it  was  not  laid  out  into  town 
and  platted  until  December  of  that  year.  The  land  was  owned  by  Peter 
3 her,  and  by  him  laid  out.  Why  it  was  so  named  is  buried  in  the  past,  but 
v e we  permitted  to  offer  a solution  it  would  be  that  the  word  expressed  to 
! pioneers  a sentiment  most  dear.  They  were  lovers  of  freedom.  Originally, 
be  were  seventy-two  lots.  A bachelor  by  the  name  of  William  Brown  built 
l first  of  a cluster  of  cabins  referred  to  and  in  it  dwelt  in  lonely  bliss,  and 
i ’e  opened  the  first  store  in  the  township.  He  was  not  contented  to  remain 
’cfined  to  the  trade  of  the  neighborhood,  and  so  occasionally  went  on  a tour 
oeddling.  This  was  about  the  year  1809.  In  1819,  there  were  probably 
ten  houses  in  the  town;  among  them  was  the  brick  tavern  now  kept  by  John 
Ji  er,  but  then  by  John  A.  Mikesell,  and  later,  by  one  Deardorf.  It  has  been 
‘ vern  stand  ever  since.  A log  schoolhouse  stood  in  the  town,  in  which 
4°1  was  taught  by  a Yankee  named  Cocase.  Soon  after  this  date,  Solomon 
kford  opened  a store  in  the  west  end  of  town.  Henry  Hippie  then  came  to 
b front,  and,  in  a few  years,  opened  out  and  carried  on  a store  surpassing 
iy;  in  Dayton  at  that  time.  The  post  office  was  established  there  in  April, 
with  Henry  Hippie  as  Postmaster.  Hippie  was  a very  enterprising  and 


18: 


74 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


useful  man,  and,  in  later  years,  became  Judge  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pie; 
The  blacksmith  of  the  town  then  cannot  now  be  named.  Sanford,  too,  w 
one  of  the  live  men  of  the  community.  John  Turner,  a resident  of  Liberl 
represented  the  county  in  the  State  Legislature  at  an  early  period.  Jo] 
Houtz,  John  Burnett  and  Henry  Hippie  were  early  Squires,  or  Justices  of  t 
Peace,  of  the  township.  Prior  to  the  establishment  of  the  post  office  at  Li 
erty,  a Mr.  Skinner  was  employed  by  the  pioneers  of  that  vicinity  to  car 
their  mail  matter  to  and  from  Dayton.  This  was  done  on  horseback.  The 
are  now  in  Liberty  two  stores,  a shoeshop,  two  blacksmith-shops,  a wago 
making-shop,  one  hotel,  post  office,  a schoolhouse  (two-story  brick)  and  t\ 
churches  -Lutheran  and  United  Brethren.  In  1819,  there  were  two  rehgio 
societies  worshiping  here — the  United  Brethren  and  New  Light;  the  latter  w 
short-lived.  Their  meetings  were  held  at  private  residences  and  in  the  sc, bn 
house.  Bev.  Antrim  was  the  pastor  of  the  former  and  Rev.  “ Dady  ” Worl 
of  the  latter  denomination.  The  United  Brethren  continued  their  services 
this  wise  until  the  year  1844,  when  they  built  a one-story  brick  church  on  t 
site  of  the  present  building,  which  is  also  a one-story  brick,  erected  in  1874, 
a cost  of  about  $3,000.  The  present  pastor  is  Rev.  J.  W.  Boby.  The  n< 
building  was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Weaver.  About  the  year  1845,  the  Lutki 
an,  New  Light  and  Methodist  denominations  (and,  possibly,  others)  built  t 
old  frame  church  still  standing  as  a union  church.  Here  they  all  worship 
and  here,  also,  their  “lights”  went  out.  A re-organization  of  the  Luther 
Church  as  St.  Paul’s  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  was  effected  at  the  c 
frame  church  May  10,  1879,  with  forty-six  members.  Present  pastor.  R 
James  Swick.  In  1880,  the  present  church  building  was  erected,  costing  $1 
500.  It  is  a very  imposing  structure,  one  story  high,  with  a spire  and  b< 
The  village  of  Gettersburg  is  located  in  the  southern  part  of  the  township,  j 
Big  Bear  Creek.  It  derived  its  name  from  Jacob  Getter,  who  formerly  own. 
the  land  on  its  present  site,  and  who  sold  the  lots  for  the  purpose  of  beginni 
the  village.  These  lots  were  sold  about  the  year  1855.  Several  years  af 
John  Snepp,  Sr.,  made  an  addition  to  the  village.  The  post  office  is  Ellert 
established  in  October,  1879,  with  George  Winder  as  Postmaster.  It  has  t 
wagon-making-shop  and  a tobacco-box  manufactory,  a steam  saw-mill,  a churi 
a two-story  schoolhouse.  (of  brick),  two  blacksmith  shops,  one  store  and  a sale 


5 


4 


MADISON  TOWNSHIP. 


75 


MADISON  TOWNSHIP. 


'N  the  7th  of  March.  1809,  this  subdivision  was  formed  from  the  townships 
of  Jefferson  and  Randolph,  and  was  named  in  honor  of  President  Madi- 
Its  boundary  lines  were  changed  in  the  year  1820.  and  have  not  since 
be*j  altered,  namely:  On  the  north  by  Randolph,  on  the  east  by  Harrison,  on 

it  south  by  Jefferson,  and  on  the  west  by  Perry  Township.  In  size,  it  is  a 
a township,  comprising-  thirty-six  square  miles,  or  28,040  acres  of  land,  and 
: 'town  as  Township  4,  Range  5.  The  face  of  the  country,  generally  speak- 
i is  level,  sloping  to  the  east,  in  which  direction  flows  the  main  body  of  Wolf 
r k,  the  principal  stream  within  its  borders,  draining  a large  scope  of  coun- 
vind,  on  entering  the  township,  assumes  great  proportions.  The  land  is 
rt  m in  some  portions,  and  in  others  a little  hilly,  the  latter  being  confined 

i e northeastern  and  northwestern  tracts.  W olf  Creek  and  Little  Bear  Creek, 

ii  their  tributaries,  abundantly  water  this  section  of  the  county. 

The  soil  is  fertile  and  well  adapted  for  agricultural  purposes.  The  bottom 
is  of  Wolf  Creek,  extending  for  probably  a half-mile  on  either  side,  are 
n rich,  being  composed  of  that  black,  mucky  soil  characteristic  of  such  re- 
. ies.  The  soil  of  the  higher  country  is  of  a clayey  nature.  One  of  the  pe- 
el r features  of  this  subdivision  is  noticed  in  its  topography,  there  being  a 
d:t  of  limestone  (made  up  in  part  of  sandstone)  extending  across  its  domain 
o'  northwest  to  southeast,  averaging  in  width  nearly  two  miles  Along  its 
>v?e  are  numerous  stone  quarries,  some  of  which  have  been  extensively 
> ed.  The  most  important  and  valuable  are  the  Miller  and  List  quarries — the 
rer,  located  south  of  Amity,  producing  the  best  stone  (a  brown  limestone) 
i luilding  purposes,  an  1 the  latter,  situated  south  of  Trotwood,  Tarnishing 
oest  flagging  for  paving  uses.  Advantage  was  taken  of  the  abundance  of 
0;  in  this  region  by  the  early  settlers,  as  will  be  seen  further  along.  The 
tier  is  of  that  kind  and  variety  usually  known  to  the  character  of  the  soil, 
u le  bottom  lands  are  oak,  sugar,  hickory,  blue  ash  and  walnut,  the  latter 
travailing.  On  the  higher  and  poorer  lands  grew  sugar  and  beech.  The 
■do,  Delphos  & Burlington  Railroad  crosses  the  northeastern  portion  of  the 
"ship,  and  the  Dayton  & Western  runs  diagonally  through  the  center  from 
e outheast  to  the  northwest  corner. 

The  inhabitants  are  composed  almost  exclusively  of  the  German  extraction. 

1 are  industrious,  frugal  and  honest.  In  politics,  the  majority  of  these  peo- 
1 ire  Democrats.  The  total  number  of  votes  polled  at  the  November  elec- 
1880,  was  476 — Demo -ratio,  318;  Republican,  158.  The  Democratic  ma- 
' r for  the  Legislature  in  1841  was  51,  and  the  majority  for  Governor  in 
1 was  58.  The  population  of  the  township,  as  given  by  the  census  of  1880, 


Throughout  the  township  may  be  found  many  evidences  of  that  mysterious 
in  who  dwelt  in  this  fair  land  long  before  the  Indian  made  his  appearance, 
iC  4 whose  antiquity  nothing  is  known  but  that  little  which  is  gleaned  by 
ecologists  from  these  curious  mounds,  fortresses  and  other  earthworks  scat- 
l'(  over  the  country,  and,  as  footprints  of  time,  showing  the  great  antiquity 
11  people  whose  hands  formed  them,  as  well  as  their  warlike  nature  and 
ueijanical  skill.  These  works  are  sometimes  of  monstrous  size,  and  built  of 
- n or  gravel,  in  some  cases,  in  localities  where  neither  sand  nor  gravel  can 
e tained  within  a mile  of  where  they  were  built.  Of  these  people,  or  the 


76 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


various  theories  advanced  as  to  their  customs,  etc.,  we  have  not  now  to  d 
suffice  it  to  say  that  the  works  of  their  hands  still  exist,  and  that  the  Indi 
knew  nothing  of  them  further  than  that  they  had  among  them  legends  han 
down  through  countless  generations  to  the  effect  that  a mighty  and  war 
people  lived  here,  who  built  houses,  worked  metals,  and  were  otherwise  aa 
white  men  are  to-day,  and  were  driven  away  by  their  forefathers.  On 
these  mounds  stands  on  the  south  side  of  the  railroad,  one  and  three  foir 
miles  below  Trotwood,  on  Stephen  Ullery’s  farm.  It  was  five  feet  in  hei 
and  thirty  feet  in  diameter.  Growing  out  of  its  exact  center  there  w 
scrubby  tree,  three  feet  in  diameter,  its  roots  occupying  the  whole  mound, 
extending  through  it  to  the  ground  below,  as  was  discovered  by  Dr.  Ska 
who,  with  the  aid  of  two  horses,  scoops,  shovels  and  men,  made  an  exten 
excavation  of  it  for  scientific  purposes.  His  search  was  rewarded  by  find 
at  various  depths,  six  or  eight  human  skeletons,  with  their  feet  concentra 
in  the  center.  Under  them  there  were  quantities  of  charcoal  in  a perfect  s 
of  preservation.  There  is  another  mound  about  a mile  east  of  Trotwood,  c 
posed  entirely  of  sand  so  far  as  has  yet  been  discovered,  but  no  excavation 
been  made.  Another  is  to  be  seen  in  Maj.  Count’s  woods,  one  and  a half  u 
southeast  of  Trotwood,  and  still  another  on  the  farm  of  William  Patton 
latter  is  the  largest  in  the  township,  being  fifteen  feet  high.  They  are  1 
mostly  of  sand,  but  one  of  them  has  some  fine  gravel  mixed  in  with  the  s; 
The  last  three  of  these  have  not  yet  been  fully  explored,  but  it  is  to  be  he 
that  they  will  soon  be  examined,  and  the  secrets,  if  any,  that  are  buriec 
their  bosoms  may  be  brought  to  light  for  the  benefit  of  science. 

PIONEERS. 

“They  came  to  the  West  when  the  forest  stood 
Mighty,  and  solemn  and  grand, 

And  built  their  homes  in  the  shade  of  the  wood, 

That  covered  our  Western  land, 

When  the  blue,  wide  waters,  crystal  clear, 

Flowed  onward,  swift  and  free, 

As  the  unchained  love  of  the  pioneer 
Gushed  forth  for  liberty.” 

From  tradition  has  been  handed  down  the  name  of  John  Williams  as 
of  the  first  settlers  in  the  territory  now  comprising  Madison  Township; 
in  1800,  Mr.  Williams  lived  on  land  on  Wolf  Creek,  which,  later,  was  ent 
by  him.  He  became  a prominent  and  influential  man.  David  Ward  wa;- 
other,  who,  with  his  family,  settled  on  Wolf  Creek,  in  the  same  vicinity,  u 
year  1800,  and,  on  the  opening  of  the  land  offices,  entered  that  tract  of  1 
In  1801,  Leonard  Wolf  and  family  left  Lancaster  County,  Penn.,  for  a h 
west  of  the  Alleghanies,  and,  after  several  weeks  of  slow  travel,  reached 
country  now  known  as  Montgomery  County,  settling  in  Jefferson  Towns 
Here  they  remained  a few  years,  then  crossed  over  and  entered  Section  2 
what  is  now  Madison  Township.  A saw  mill  was  erected  in  this  section 
carried  on  by  one  of  his  sons  in  an  early  day.  About  the  year  1 
John  H.  Williams,  a native  of  Dover,  Del.,  settled  on  Wolf  Creek,  where  h< 
tered  a tract  of  land,  upon  which  he  lived  until  1812,  when  he  removed 
what  is  now  Harrison  Township,  in  the  history  of  which  more  will  l>e  sai 
him.  Let  not  the  reader  confound  this  man  Williams  with  the  one  month 
above,  for  they  are  different  men.  Among  these  advance  guards  is  ciassec 
name  of  Peter  Dietrick,  who,  with  his  family,  composed  of  his  wife,  Bari 
and  eight  children,  settled  this  same  year  in  Section  1,  entering  the  land. 
1803  were  added  to  the  thinly  settled  region  the  Ullerys,  including  three  1 
families,  hailing  from  the  Keystone  State,  county  of  Huntingdon  ban 


MADISON  TOWNSHIP. 


77 


me  and  John.  Samuel  married  a Gripe,  and  to  them  were  born  nine  chil- 
, namely,  Elizabeth,  Barbara,  Sue,  Ester,  Sarah,  Catharine,  Hannah,  John 
n Samuel.  He  entered  the  northwest  quarter  of  Section  35;  Isaac  entered 
northeast  quarter  of  Section  34,  and  John  the  south  half  of  Section  35. 
ms’s  family  included  his  wife,  Barbara,  and  five  children,  namely,  Elizabeth, 
-r,  David,  John  and  Stephen.  Valuable  accessions  were  made  to  the  little 
xiy  in  the  year  1804,  when  came  the  families  of  George  and  Jacob  Kunz. 
L>e,  too,  were  Pennsylvania’s  sons,  and  men  of  means,  especially  the  former 
t speculated  extensively  in  land,  and  in  an  early  period  possessed  several 
k sand  acres  in  the  county.  George  entered  Section  28,  and  there  lived  in  a 
ace,  comparatively  speaking,  for  in  those  days  few  were  the  places  of  abode 
Jr  than  the  rude  cabin  with  its  calpboard  roof,  held  with  weight  poles,  its 
a iney  of  sticks  and  mud,  and  the  puncheon  floor,  and  door  on  large  wooden 
les.  Yet  these  humble  but  comfortable  and  substantial  cabins  were  their 
cos,  where  bright  eyes,  rosy  cheeks  and  lusty  frames  were  possessed  by  the 
uites,  and  hard  work  and  happiness  and  sweet  contentment  reigned  supreme, 
i house  to  which  we  refer  was  erected  in  1808,  of  stone  quarried  on  that  sec- 

0 It  was  two  stories  high  and  neatly  finished,  being  then  “ the  house  ” of 

1 lis  region.  It  is  still  standing,  and  is  now  occupied  by  Esquire  I.  Gulick, 
of  the  substantial  farmers  of  the  present.  George  Kunz  was  a native  of 
e s County,  Penn. , where  he  married  Elizabeth  Gripe,  and  to  them  were 

the  following  children:  John,  Jacob,  Daniel,  David,  Joseph,  Polly  Eliza- 

1 Ester,  Susan  and  Hannah.  The  other  brother,  Jacob,  entered  portions 
ictions  16  and  17.  He  was  the  grandfather  of  J.  T.  Kunz,  now  a worthy 
m respected  citizen  of  the  township,  in  which  he  has  held  several  offices  of 
;r  and  trust,  and,  in  the  stormy  days  of  1861-65,  was  chosen  Major  of  the 
h 1 Regiment  of  Montgomery  County  militia.  The  year  1805  witnessed  ad- 
ms  to  the  settlement  in  the  persons  of  the  Shi  veleys,  embracing  several 
ulies — Christian  and  Susana,  with  seven  children — Christian,  Jacob,  Dan - 
i,  ohn,  David,  Elizabeth  and  Susana — the  boys  all  being  married  except 

I d and  John.  They  left  their  Pennsylvania  homes  with  high  hopes  of  find- 
peyond  the  Ohio  their  share  of  the  unquestioned  wealth  slumbering  in  the 
•b  of  that  land.  Going  by  wagon  from  Huntingdon  County  to  McKeesport, 
i e they  boarded  a flat-boat,  called  a “ broad-horn,”  thence  to  Cincinnati,  and 

agon  to  the  Wolf  Creek  settlement,  where  they  were  hailed  with  joy,  and, 
b their  families,  clustered  around  the  little  nucleus  already  formed,  adding 
strength  and  social  comfort,  as  well  as  facilitating  labor.  They  were  in- 
H'ious,  and  of  that  hardy  class  coming  from  the  Keystone  State — large  of 
- a re  and  well  developed  physically  and  equal  to  the  occasion  of  surmounting 
many  obstacles  and  braving  the  dangers  incumbent  upon  those  destined  to 
eeopling  of  a new  country.  Christian,  Jr.,  married  Susan  Gripe,  and  on 
t arrival,  the  family  was  composed  of  four.  He  entered  the  southeast 
1:  jer  of  Section  27,  and  there  built  his  cabin,  and  the  work  of  clearing  be- 

II  Daniel  settled  on  the  tract  just  west,  entering  160  acres;  David,  on  the 
om  adjoining  on  the  east,  entering  the  same  amount  of  land;  John  and  his 
t r,  in  Jefferson  Township,  entering  Sections  3 and  4 respectively.  The 
i r was  a native  of  Maryland,  and  his  father  of  Switzerland.  Christian, 
’• ras  a very  useful  man  among  the  colonists;  his  strength  and  activity  were 
t led  by  none,  giving  him  precedence  over  all  at  log-rollings  and  raisings, 
1 bich  occasions  he  was  generally  chosen  Captain.  He  was  of  an  ingenious 
i being  a “ jack  of  all  trades,”  and  serving  as  the  cabinet-maker  and  under - 
b of  the  neighborhood;  also  as  the  physician,  being  a natural  bone-setter. 
Pp  this  period,  there  was  no  grist-mill  in  this  section  of  the  country,  and 
-0  ioneers  were  obliged  to  go  to  Middletown  for  their  grinding.  The  grain 


78 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


was  conveyed  to  and  from  the  mill,  of  course,  in  a manner  in  keeping  with 
times.  Two  horses  were  made  use  of,  'one  for  the  rider  and  the  other  to  cs 
the  grain,  which  was  fastened  on  securely  by  means  of  straps  or  thono-s,  ; 
the  horse  led  through  the  unbroken  paths  of  the  dense  forest  by  the  ride) 
the  other.  On  these  journeys  an  occasional  bear  was  seen  prowling  about,  ; 
the  yelp  of  the  wolf  heard,  which,  doubtless,  tended  to  quicken  the  steps  of 
pioneer’s  horse.  Christian,  Jr.,  resided  in  his  first  rudely  built  cabin  u 
1811,  when  he  contracted  with  David  Baker,  of  Dayton,  to  build  him  a t 
story  stone  house  for  the  sum  of  $100.  It  was  in  war  times,  and  mechai 
had  but  little  to  do,  hence  the  exceedingly  low  price.  There  was  a good  ee 
dug  and  a fine  house  erected,  covered  with  lap  shingles;  the  stone  were  fa 
from  the  quarry  in  Section  28.  It  is  now  standing,  being  occupied  by  Ds 
H.  Oliver.  In  this  house  was  born  Owen  G.  Shiveley,  a well-to-do  farmer 
Jefferson  Township,  and  one  of  the  thinking  and  reading  men  of  the  coin 
who  is  highly  respected  by  its  citizens.  In  the  year  1805  also  came  fr 
Huntingdon  County,  Penn.,  John  Gripe  and  family;  his  wife  was  Cathar 
Wolf,  and  their  children  as  follows:  Susan,  Mary,  Elizabeth,  Hannah,  Jo 

Stephen  and  David.  He  entered  160  acres  of  land  in  Section  26.  During 
same  year,  John  Wogaman,  Sr.,  and  family,  emigrated  from  Somerset  Oou 
of  the  State  thus  far  supplying  so  abundantly  this  locality  with  her  atu 
yeomanry,  and  entered  land  in  the  vicinity  of  the  village  of  Amity.  Of 
five  children  of  this  household,  but  one  survives  to  reheai’se  to  his  children 
children’s  children  the  events  of  the  days  of  yore — by  name,  “Uncle  J-j 
Wogaman,”  as  he  is  known  far  and  near,  who,  upward  of  sixty  years  ago, 
the  paternal  roof  and  made  happy  the  heart  of  Mary  Burkett.  This  vener; 
couple  were,  until  recently  separated  by  the  death  of  Mrs.  Wogaman,  the] 
neer  twain  of  the  township,  each  close  on  to  the  goal  of  fourscore  years  i 
ten  of  well-spent  time,  having  resided  where,  more  than  half  a century  i 
they  reared  the  log  cabin  on  the  brow  of  a hill  overlooking  a beautiful  stre 
the  gentle  murmur  of  whose  rippling  waters  these  many  years  comforted  tlj 
in  their  lonely  moments.  Here  together  these  aged  folks  have  shared  ii 
cares  and  joys,  and  here,  too,  were  they  permitted  to  pass  together  the  ever 
of  their  lives.  Her  death  occurred  March  2,  1881. 

This  same  year,  from  Frankstown,  Penn.,  came  John  Yaniman  and  f 
ily,  and  entered  Section  33  and  portions  of  Sections  28  and  29.  His  wi 
name  was  Catharine,  and  their  children  were  John,  Jacob,  Catharine,  Be « 
Anna  and  Polly.  The  father  died  on  the  home  farm  in  1823,  and  his  ram; 
were  interred  on  the  homestead. 

Two  more  of  Pennsylvania’s  sons  resisted  no  longer  the  entreatiei 
friends  and  former  neighbors  in  the  old  Keystone  State,  but  now,  in  the  far 
West,  and  in  the  year  of  1807,  found  them  tinkering  up  the  wagon  and  pre] 
ing  generally  to  join  the  tide  of  emigration  moving  westward.  These  were 
Florys — Joseph  and  Emanuel.  They  came  from  Somerset  County.  EinaD 
entering  160  acres  of  land  in  the  western  part  of  the  township.  In  1810, 
colony  was  augmented  by  the  family  of  David  John,  coming  from  Lithe  Of 
Franklin  Co.,  Penn.,  in  which  State,  in  the  year  1785,  Mr.  John  and  Elea 
Powell  were  married,  and  became,  prior  to  emigrating  to  Ohio,  the  parent 
thirteen  children.  In  the  spring  of  the  year  above  mentioned,  they  setilei 
the  green  woods,  entering  land  near  the  school  section.  During  the  wa 
1812,  Mr.  John  died,  leaving  this  pioneer  woman  in  a new  countiy,  with 
charge  of  a large  family,  to  encounter  all  the  privations  of  such  a situatio: 
best  she  could ; but,  being  a woman  of  hale  constitution,  industrious  and  ec 
omical  habits,  with  a confiding  trust  in  God,  she  was  enabled  to  bring  up 
family  respectably,  and  see  them  settled  in  life.  She  was  a religious  won 


MADISON  TOWNSHIP. 


79 


al,  on  coming  here,  became  one  of  the  constituent  members  of  the  Wolf  Creek 
Iptist  Church,  and  the  only  one,  at  her  death  (1848).  At  this  time,  her  own 
cidren  were  thirteen  ; grandchildren,  seventy-one  ; great-grandchildren, 
tirty-seven — making  her  descendants  121.  She  was  familiarly  known  as 
‘[other  John.”  She  was  extensively  loved  and  respected  by  both  rich  and 
pir. 

This  year  also  came  Benjamin  John  and  wife,  Bhoda.  the  former  of  Welsh 
al  the  latter  of  English  descent,  from  Fayette  County,  Penn.,  coming  by  way 
Cincinnati,  where  they  landed  in  April,  thence  traveling  by  horseback  to 
tlj  vicinity  of  the  village  of  Trotwood,  where  he  entered  land,  and  there  died 
iphe  year  1814,  from  exposure  in  the  war  of  1812,  in  which  he  served.  Mr. 
An  was  born  May  19,  1786,  and  his  wife  April  18  of  the  same  year;  she  died 
4835.  Joseph  John,  now  a resident  of  Yan  Buren  Township,  who  was  born 
uthis  county  in  1813,  is  their  son. 

The  spring  of  1811  brought  another  from  Pennsylvania,  John  Olinger  and 
aily,  settling  near  what  is  now  Post  Town,  on  the  John  Vaniman  farm,  en- 
*-ng  the  southwest  quarter  of  Section  22.  The  land  patent,  which  is  now  in 
mtence,  was  granted  by  President  Madison,  and  bears  date  of  1812,  given 
ivr  his  signature.  Olinger  was  united  in  marriage,  before  leaving  the  East, 
ai  Eve  Hay.  and  to  them  were  born  eight  children — two  in  Pennsylvania, 
u the  others  in  the  State  of  their  adoption.  The  stone  house,  two  stories  in 
hffiht,  now  occupied  by  John  Yaniman,  another  model  piece  of  architecture 
if'  ye  olden  times,”  was  built  by  Father  Olinger  in  the  year  1816.  Beneath 
hsod  of  the  Bowman  Burying-Ground  rest  his  remains. 

Virginia  responded  to  the  call  from  the  West,  and  sent  forth  a son  in  the 
a of  1811,  David  Heck  and  family  coming  to  join  former  acquaintances.  He 
;e.ed  on  eighty  acres  of  land  formerly  entered  by  his  father-in-law,  Jacob 
Ipler,  situated  in  the  southwest  corner  of  the  township.  Heck  built  his  cabin 
■i  cleared  some  two  or  three  acres,  but,  becoming  dissatisfied,  and  likely  a 
he  timid  at* the  aspect  of  things — it  being  a period  when  numerous  reports 
.i,3  in  circulation  as  to  all  manner  of  depredations  that  would  be  perpetrated 
vhe  Indians  during  the  war — left  for  his  native  State  during  the  winter, 
h/ever,  he  again  returned  to  his  cabin  in  1818,  and  in  this  vicinity  ended 
i lays,  living  a life  of  usefulness  through  the  long  period  of  fourscore  years, 
u:  children  were  Samuel,  John  D.,  David  L.,  Annie,  Elizabeth,  Susan,  Polly 
a Andrew.  Mr.  Heck  was  a very  stout  and  active  man,  and,  with  his  sons 
s settled  around  him,  cleared  much  land.  On  his  way  to  this  locality  in  the 

1811,  he  was  offered,  when  passing  through  Dayton,  the  corner  lot  where 
a Phillips  House  now  stands  for  a fine  gray  horse,  included  in  his  team, 
ustian  Heeter  and  family  came  from  Huntingdon  County,  Penn.,  in  1814, 
i purchased  160  acres  of  land  in  Section  32,  of  John  Wertz.  Heeter  married 
labeth  Rarich,  and  to  them  were  born  fifteen  children.  The  descendants  of 
a couple  were  over  one  hundred,  many  of  whom  settled  in  this  township  and 
’ ty,  and  did  much  toward  converting  the  former  wilderness  into  the  culti- 
'-1  fields  of  the  present.  The  father  died  in  1846,  and  the  mother  in  1867, 
a atter  reaching  the  remarkable  age  of  ninety  years.  A family  of  Garbers 
m with  Heeter.  The  Stutsmans  and  Martins  were  early  settlers.  Prior  to 
1 ear  1813,  from  Bedford  County,  Penn.,  came  the  Metzgers;  among  them 

the  families  of  Jacob,  Andrew  and  Henry;  also  the  Whitmores  and  Brum- 
es and  Wagners  were  here  in  an  early  day.  It  appears  of  record  that 
i'ig  those  entering  land  prior  to  1812  in  what  was  then  Madison  Township 
e the  following  named:  Robert  Wilson,  Philip  Bowser,  James  Bowman, 

0 Miller,  John  Gripe,  Henry  Hess,  Jacob  Kunz,  John  Miller,  Daniel  Mur- 
cidam  Replogel.  Daniel  Miller,  Martin  Wibricht,  David  Gripe,  William 


80 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Bowser,  Leonard  Wolf,  J.  Ditmer,  George  Kunz,  William  Bruce,  Andrew  Hoo 
Peter  Krumine,  Ephraim  Owen,  Benjamin  Owen,  Jacob  Shiveley,  Steph* 
Ullery,  William  Wilson. 

We  here  end  a brief  sketch  of  some  of  the  early  settlers,  who  have  near 
all  been  called  from  their  toils  and  privations  to  final  rest.  Peace  be  to  the 
memories.  May  the  present  generation  preserve  inviolate  and  carry  toperfe 
tion  the  sacred  heritage  bequeathed  by  them. 

EARLY  ENTERPRISE. 

In  this,  as  in  nearly  all  newly  settled  countries,  the  industries  deptnde 
upon  trade  were  slow  of  development.  Pioneer  wants  were  proportionate 
their  abilities  to  satisfy  them.  Milling  was  principally  done  on  Wolf  Ore? 
One  of  the  early  mills — and  this  appellation  is  scarcely  applicable  to  it — w 
erected  on  a branch  of  this  stream,  in  Section  18,  by  a Mr.  Fryman,  but  it  w 
nothing  more  than  what  was  in  those  days  styled  a “ corn- cracker.”  Anoth 
of  the  ancient  mills  was  the  Isaac  Hyer,  later  known  as  the  Weybright  Mi 
which  stood  in  that  vicinity;  and  still  another  was  the  old  grist,  saw  mill  a: 
still  house  combined,  erected  about  the  year  1824,  in  Section  15.  “ To  be 

not  to  be  ” seemed  with  this  enterprise  a question  for  several  years.  Its  cc 
struction  was  commenced  by  Daniel  Weymeyer,  but  ere  the  frame-work  was  r 
he  was  overtaken  by  misfortune,  and  the  mill  sold  at  Sheriff’s  sale,  and  pi 
chased  by  Jerry  John,  who  added  a little  toward  its  completion,  roofing  it  a: 
placing  one  set  of  chopping  stones — the  old  gray,  or  nigger-heads;  then 
went  into  the  hands  of  Amos  Higgins,  who  pushed  it  to  completion,  giving  t 
neighborhood  the  benefit  of  a good  mill.  This  mill,  though  somewhat  remc 
eled,  is  still  standing  and  in  operation,  now  known  as  the  Trotwood  Mill,  c; 
ried  on  by  Fred  Herter.  A carding  and  fulling  mill  was  operated  in  Secti 
14  by  Joseph  TJllery,  and  one  of  the  very  early  saw-mills  by  Leonard  Wo 
Samuel  Ullery  was  probably  the  first  blacksmith  in  the  township.  His  sbj 
stood  on  the  northwest  quarter  of  Section  35.  Blacksmiths  of  later  yeai'3  w< 
Jacob  Kimmel  and  John  Marker. 

CHURCHES. 

The  earliest  religious  societies  in  this  section  were  those  of  the  Germ 
Baptists  and  the  old  Regular  Baptists.  Of  the  latter  we  know  but  little 
merely  that  such  an  organization  existed  in  the  early  settlement  of  the  to\ 
ship.  In  the  pioneer  cabins  and  barns,  the  people  of  old  met  and  raised  tk 
voices  in  unison  and  praise  in  magnifying  the  name  of  their  Great  Preserv! 
The  names  of  Jacob  Miller  and  David  Bowman,  a sketch  of  whose  lives  is  gh 
in  the  history  of  Jefferson  Township,  were  early  Elders  in  the  German  Bapt 
Church.  The  first  meeting-house  in  the  township  was  built  by  this  d6nomi: 
tion  in  about  the  year  1832.  It  was  a brick  building,  and  stood  in  Section 
Joseph  Garber  was  then  the  Elder  in  charge.  This  church,  in  the  course 
time,  was  deemed  too  small,  and  a larger  one  was  erected,  which,  when  ab< 
ready  for  occupancy,  was  destroyed  by  fire,  but  was  soon  rebuilt,  just  over 
line  in  Harrison  Township.  The  Christian  Church  was  organized  with  i 
members,  namely,  Solomon  Bookwalter,  Joseph  Smallwood  and  wife  and  Is 
Piatt  and  wife,  in  August,  1848.  The  following  year,  a small  brick  chu 
was  erected  in  Section  9,  which  was  dedicated  by  Rev.  Isaac  N.  Walter, 
regular  pastors  being  Caleb  Worley  and  Thomas  Wells.  Here  they  worsbi] 
until  the  building  of  the  new  church  at  Trotwood,  in  1872,  costing  $4. 01 
The  lot  upon  which  this  building  stands  was  purchased  of  William  Worl 
The  present  minister  is  Rev.  B.  F.  Yaughm,  and  membership,  eighty-thi 
The  former  building  of  this  sect  was  sold  in  1872,  to  a congregation  knowi 
the  “Albrecht  Church,  ” who  occasionally  hold  services  there.  Many  of 
people  in  this  region  worship  at  other  churches  in  the  adjoining  townships 


MADISON  TOWNSHIP. 


81 


SCHOOLS. 

The  pioneers  early  began  to  realize  the  importance  of  giving  attention  to 
if  raining  and  education  of  their  children,  and,  as  soon  as  they  made  proper 
i nisi  on  for  more  pressing  wants,  began  the  erection  of  the  rnde  log  house  as 
temple  of  learning.  We  are  unable  to  give  the  first  house  built  in  the 
■V  ship,  but  one  among  the  first  stood  in  Section  35,  in  which  was  taught 
, English  and  German,  by  John  Singer.  The  Shiveley  Schoolhouse  was 
-aider  early  one,  built  prior  to  1818,  and  the  “ masters”  were  Peter  Bri  gM, 
later,  Jesse  Higgins.  These  crude  schools  have  steadily  advanced,  until 
if  have  reached  a high  degree  of  excellence,  there  being  now  twelve  school 
nets  in  the  township,  and  as  many  fine  brick  buildings,  three  of  which  were 
ii  in  1880,  two  containing  two  rooms  each.  The  value  of  school  property  is 
( >00.  The  annual  appropriation  for  school  purposes  is  83,500.  School  is 
•1  eight  months  during  the  year. 

VILLAGES. 

Unity,  a small  village  located  in  the  western  part  of  the  township,  was 
mut  October  6,  1840,  by  William  Towman.  The  original  plat  shows  six- 
lots.  The  land  was  purchased  by  Robert  Brooks,  who  was  instrumental  in 
\ g the  town  laid  out.  This  gentleman  was  the  first  merchant  of  the  place, 
David  Stillwell  the  first  blacksmith.  There  are  now  in  the  village  about 
H n houses,  among  them  one  general  store,  it  answering  the  purpose  of  a 
wry,  shoe  shop,  post  office,  etc.  The  post  office  was  established  here  in 
7 the  first  Postmaster  being  G.  Weidman. 

frotwood,  another  village,  or  hamlet,  is  situated  in  the  center  of  the  town- 
ij  on  the  Dayton  & Western  Railroad.  It  is  indebted  for  its  existence  to 
Pfoutz,  who,  in  1854,  after  the  completion  of  the  railroad  mentioned, 
a business  house,  opened  a store  and  inaugurated  the  village.  He  became 
rst  Postmaster,  and  is  still  in  office.  The  American  Express  Company 
cl  an  office  here  in  1866,  and  the  United  States  Company  a few  years 
e There  is  quite  an  extensive  warehouse  for  storing  away  grain  previous  to 
' ient  at  this  station.  J.  B.  Piatt  was  the  first  blacksmith,  and  his  hammer 
llebounds  against  the  heavy  anvil.  A carriage  manufactory  was  opened  in 
The  village  can  boast  of  a first-class  hotel,  kept  by  E.  Sleight,  the 
]o|  Englishman,”  and  of  a job  printing  office,  carried  on  by  J.  W.  Sleight, 
drhill  is  a small  station  on  the  same  road,  in  the  northwestern  part  of 
wnship. 

MC  AFFEE  MUKDER. 

n the  year  1824.  the  John  Keener  farm  was  the  scene  of  the  murder  of 
splcAffee  by  her  husband,  John  McAffee.  This  grew  out  of  the  intense 
f*f  the  man  for  a Miss  Hettie  Shoup,  then  a resident  of  the  neighborhood. 

0 eed  was  committed  while  the  wife  lay  sick  in  bed.  and  was  accomplished 
iking  her.  McAffee  was  tried  and  found  guilty  of  murder  in  the  first 

n,  and  hanged  at  Dayton,  near  the  Great  Miami  River,  in  the  presence 

1 10  people,  the  execution  taking  place  at  3 o’clock  in  the  afternoon  of  the 
I lay  of  March  (Monday),  1825. 

'he  prisoner  addressed  the  crowd  from  the  scaffold,  confessing  his  guilt. 
Sentence  was  pronounced  by  Judge  Crane,  and  the  execution  performed 
1 priff  George  C.  Davis.  This  was  the  first  murder  in  the  township,  and 
'St  public  execution  occurring  in  the  county. 

F 


8-2 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


WAYNE  TOWNSHIP. 

BY  HENRY  CUPPY. 

THIS  is  the  northeastern  corner  of  Montgomery  County,  and  joins  M 
and  Clark  Counties  on  the  north,  Greene  County  on  the  east,  Greene  Coi 
and  Mad  River  Township  on  the  south,  with  the  Miami  River  as  its  was 
boundary.  On  petition  of  a number  of  inhabitants  residing  in  the  novt 
part  of  Dayton  Township,  the  Commissioners,  January  1,  1810,  ordered 
the  four  northern  tiers  of  sections  in  eighth  range  east  of  the  Great  M 
River,  within  this  county,  and  the  third  tier  of  fifth  range  west  of  the  Mi 
excepting  two  fractional  tiers  of  sections  of  the  same  township,  compose  a 
township,  to  be  called  Wayne;  and  the  election  for  township  officers  wj 
the  same  be  held  at  the  house  of  Benjamin  Van  Cleve,  on  the  Staunton  r 
on  the  20th  day  of  January,  1810.  Upon  the  formation  of  Butler  T'otof 
October  7,  1817,  all  that  part  of  Wayne  west  of  the  Miami  River  was  use 
the  erection  of  Butler  Township.  At  the  election  held  January  20,  1 
twenty-one  votes  were  cast,  and  James  Miller  and  William  Snodgrass 
elected  Justices  of  the  Peace.  On  the  second  Tuesday  in  October,  181 
meeting  of  the  Trustees  was  held  to  consider  a petition  for  “ a road  to  be 
out  from  the  Staunton  road,  between  James  Black  and  Samuel  McFadde 
the  middle  of  Section  30,  Township  2,  Range  8,  running  past  the  cent 
Section  18,  and  thence  passing  James  and  Robert  Miller’s  the  nearest  and  , 
way  to  Greene  County  line  at  the  east  end  of  John  Ainsworth’s  lane.” 
Viewers  appointed  were  James  Miller,  John  Ainsworth  and  Shaphat  Me( 
Samuel  Archer  appointed  as  Surveyor.  : 

At  a subsequent  meeting  on  the  17th  of  the  same  month  the  record  s 
that  “ by  the  consent  of  James  Miller  ope  of  the  Justices  of  the  Peace  of 
township,”  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  of  Wayne  Township — John  Ainsv 
and  Peter  Sunderland — “doth  bind  John  Slider,  a Poor  child,  aged  foui 
years  against  the  1st  day  of  April  next  ensuing  this  date  (17th  October,  V 
to  James  Forgas,  of  Miami  County,  Tanner,  to  Learn  the  art  and  miste 
the  Tanning  business,  for  the  term  of  seven  years,”  at  the  expiration  of  w 
all  the  covenants  of  each  party  being  fulfilled,  he  was  to  receive  “ his  fret 
and  one  suit  of  Superfine  clothing  and  one  suit  of  Coarse  Clothing,  ant 
horse,  saddle  and  bridle,  to  be  worth  $75.”  A horse,  saddle  and  bridle  r 
$75  seems  also  to  have  been  stipulated  for  in  every  indenture  of  apprentsci 
of  “ poor  ” males,  who  were  to  be  instructed  “ in  the  Trade  of  Husbam 
and  who  were  to  be  taught  “ Reading,  writing  & arithmetick  as  far  as  tin 
common  rules,”  and  to  receive,  when  their  time  expired,  “one  good  si 
hollowday  cloths  of  the  vallue  of  $30,  two  other  good  suits  for  every  Jay  ’ 
and  one  new  Bible.  ” (Indenture  of  Hiram  Huffman  before  Justice  ul 
Peace  John  D.  Campbell,  June  17,  1815.) 

Upon  what  terms  females  were  bound  to  serve  is  shown  from  the  reco 
an  indenture  dated  October  5,  1817,  in  which  it  is  recited  that  the  Over 
“ Do  put  & place  Sarah  Keiser,  a poor  child  of  the  county  and  Township  a 
said,  with  them  to  Dwell  & serve  from  the  Day  of  the  Date  of  these  pres 
untill  she  shall  arrive  to  the  full  age  of  Eighteen  years.  * * 

During  all  which  Time  the  said  apprentice  her  said  Master  shall  faith 
serve  on  Lawful  Business  according  to  her  Power,  wit  and  ability,”  for  v 


WAYNE  TOWNSHIP. 


83 


i le'tlier  parties  covenanted  ‘ ‘ to  learn  her  to  Spin,  sew  & to  Do  common  house 
■ o',  and  one  year’s  schooling  and  one  Spinning  wheel  and  one  second  rate 
o'  and  two  suits  of  Clothing  of  a good  Decent  quality  and  a freedom  suit 
[Led  at  $18,  and  one  good  Bed  and  Bedding  & one  new  Bible.” 

It  would  seem  that  the  township  officers  were  not  uniformly  elected  by  its 
jt [O*  inhabitants,  but  that  the  Trustees  then  in  office  sometimes  named  them. 
Th|: 

,|“At  a meeting  of  Trustees  of  Wayne  Township  at  the  house  of  James 
hi,  April  14,  1814,  the  following  appointments  were  made: 
r Trustees — John  Holderman,  George  Hayney,  Levi  Jennings. 

“Clerk — Samuel  Pett.icrew. 

“Overseers  of  the  Poor — John  Fryback,  Moses  Miller. 

‘ Fence  Viewers — Richard  Sunderland,  Jacob  Brenner. 

“Supervisors  of  Highways — James  Black,  Benjamin  Keiser.  Jacob  Ar- 
1 Sr.,  John  D.  Campbell, 
j!  ‘ Constable — Eli  Compton. 

Constable  and  Lister — John  Ainsworth. 

■ ‘ Treasurer — Jonathan  Knight.” 

From  that  date  up  to  the  present  time,  the  following-named  have  served 
! 3 various  township  offices : 

Trustees — John  Holderman,  Levi  Jennings,  Moses  Miller,  Richard  Sun- 
• r rad,  James  Miller,  Sr.,  John  Hacker,  John  Duncan  Campbell,  Jacob  Mat- 
t'i  el  Jerome  Holt,  James  Malcom,  Elias  Matthews,  Samuel  Archer,  John  F. 

. me,  Thomas  Crook,  Samuel  McPadden,  Henry  Jennings,  Samuel  Morgan, 
h Miller,  James  Petti  crew,  Edward  McDermott,  Samuel  Favorite,  Walter 
tv,  Peter  Kellenberger,  Moses  Shearer,  Samuel  Longsfreth,  Robert  Me 
- Cess,  Joseph  Bond,  John  Ainsworth,  John  Matthews,  John  A.  Deam,  John 
hler,  John  Allen,  Dennis  Dougherty,  Beniah  Tharp,  William  Oram,  Charles 
a;b,  William  H.  Sturr,  James  Bartlow,  Robert  Sloan,  Levi  Booher,  John 
a r,  Charles  Crook,  Franklin  P.  Grimes,  Henry  H.  Bond,  David  Barkman, 
u.min  Fovier,  Daniel  Kneisly,  John  Finlay,  David  P.  Oram, 
township  Clerks — Samuel  Petticrew/  James  Miller,  Jr.,  James  Tamplin, 
loss  Shearer,  John  F.  Aughe,  Henry  Deam,  Elias  Matthews,  William  H. 

1 D.  S.  Zediker,  Henry  Cuppy,  Samuel  Sullivan,  Joseph  Bond,  George 
mith,  George  W.  Shearer,  Christian  Hower,  John  B.  Patton,  Thomas  Min- 
nie! 

Assessors — John  Ainsworth,  Jacob  Stoker,  James  Miller,  Jr.,  Jacob  Evertz, 
Hayney,  Samuel  'Longstreth,  Shaphat  McCrea,  George  lvephart,  John 
Eon,  Henry  Brandenburg,  John  Hacker,  William  Van  Cleve,  James  Black, 
nel  B.  Dover,  Joseph  Light,  - Wesley  Noland,  Hugh  McFadden,  Moses 
e er,  John  Prill,  William  Sawyer,  William  H.  Sturr,  Levi  Booher,  John 
Jkenny,  Hemy  Foster,  David  Sclencker,  James  Jordan,  John  B.  Patton, 

'•  M.  Tippy. 

keasurers — Jonathan  Knight,  Lewis  Brenner,  Jacob  Arnold,  Valentine 
eer,  Hemy  Brandenburg,  Festus  E.  Munger,  Beniah  Tharp,  Daniel 
l*ker,  Bartholomew  Wilson,  Thomas  J.  Johnson,  Dr.  J.  R.  Moist,  Stephen 
Jen,  Isaiah  Wilson. 

justices  of  the  Peace — James  Miller,  William  Snodgrass,  Samuel  Archer. 
‘•'  Matthews,  John  D.  Campbell,  Jerome  Holt,  Samuel  Favorite,  John  F. 
up,  Henry  Brandenburg,  Joseph  Bond.  Thomas  Crook,  Daniel  S.  Zediker, 
Dm  H.  Sturr,  Jacob  Beyl,  Samuel  Sullivan.  Joseph  C.  McElhenny,  Peter 
1 11  an.  John  Dille,  John  Powell,  Joshua  Oram,  George  W.  Smith,  Charles 
' °t,  John  B.  Patton.  Thomas  Minnich,  VThaley  James. 

mong  those  who  occupied  other  places  of  trust  in  the  township  might  be 


84 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


named  Henry  Enoch,  Israel  Enoch,  John  Slagle,  Andrew  Russell,  John 
iker,  John  Shafer,  Jacob  Evans,  William  Courtney,  Isaac  Read,  Peter  Shi 
David  Martin,  John  Booker,  David  Archibald,  Samuel  Koogler,  Adam  D< 
John  Miller,  John  Cuppy,  Abraham  Powers,  Philip  Shafer,  Simon  Bra 
Abraham  Cossler,  George  Favorite,  Samuel  Fulton,  Amos  Gray,  Henrv  B 
James  Barnitz,  Peter  Filbrun,  Samuel  A.  Andrews,  Cyrus  Kellenberger,  A 
lorn  Enoch,  William  McNair,  Peter  Light,  Henry  Shoeperd,  Daniel  Km 
William  Lewis,  Alexander  Sloan,  James  Kay,  Enoch  McCord,  Jacob  L 
Andrew  Puterbaugh,  John  Shroyer. 

Among  the  early  settlers  of  the  township,  the  following-named  lot 
prior  to  the  year  1810:  Rev.  Joseph  Tatman,  John  Ainsworth,  Robert  M 

James  Miller,  John  Booher,  John  Duncan  Campbell,  John  Hacker,  Henry 
nings,  Peter  Sunderland,  John  Slagle,  Jacob  Arnold,  Valentine  Shearer, 
John  Cuppy,  nee  Lydia  Oilar,  Henry  Oilar,  Levi  Jennings,  Simon  Bre: 
Jacob  Brenner,  Lewis  Brenner,  Samuel  Petti  crew,  John  Petti  crew,  John  Sh 
Joseph  H.  Johnson,  Nathan  Maddux,  Ignatius  Maddux.  Henry  Deam,  J 
Black,  John  Booher  and  John  McFadden. 

During  the  next  decade,  there  were,  with  other  accessions  to  the  immi« 
population,  James  Black,  Jonathan  Knight,  George  Favorite,  Elias  Mattl 
John  Matthews,  Robert  Archibald,  David  Archibald,  James  Kay,  Abr; 
Buckley,  John  Slagle,  William  Hoover,  John  Zediker. 

Of  these  early  pioneers,  Rev.  Joseph  Tatman  immigrated  from  Kent 
and  located  in  1800.  He  was  an  earnest  and  devout  minister  of  the  Met-h 
Episcopal  Church,  and  had  charge  of  the  congregation  of  the  first  orga 
tion  in  the  township,  of  which  further  notice  will  be  taken  in  this  his 
sketch.  He  was  afterward  a Representative  in  the  General  Assembly  of  < 
and  is  remembered  as  a man  of  strict  probity  and  large  common  sense,  corn'll 
with  Christian  benevolence.  It  is  related  of  him  that,  when  driving  his  j 
to  Cincinnati,  in  company  with  his  neighbor,  John  Hacker,  in  passing  the< 
of  a poor  widow,  he  was  importuned  by  her  to  sell  her  a little  flour— tha 
had  not  the  means  to  purchase  a barrel.  In  the  condition  of  the  roads  in 
days,  a trip  to  the  city  and  return  took  some  eight  or  ten  days,  and  it  was 
day  when  the  widow’s  request  was  made.  He,  however,  rolled  out  a bane 
received  what  mite  she  could  spare  in  full  pay  for  it.  On  their  return,  Ha 
who  was  a member  of  his  church,  reported  him  for  violating  the  Sabba 
selling  flour  on  the  Lord’s  Day! 

Jacob  Arnold  emigrated  to  Ohio  from  near  Boonesboro,  Ky. , in  the  s] 
of  1806.  Mr.  Arnold  was  a tailor  by  occupation,  but  abandoned  the  ‘ 
board,  goose  and  scissors,”  after  purchasing  a half-section  of  land  on  w! 
now  known  as  the  Brandt  Turnpike  road,  where  he  commenced  the  woi 
clearing  and  putting  up  such  buildings  as  were  deemed  sufficient  for  the 
fort  of  hardy  pioneers.  By  industry  and  perseverance,  he  succeeded  in  < 
ing  and  cultivating  one  of  the  best  and  most  productive  farms  in  the  towr 
As  an  evidence  of  the  esteem  of  his  neighbors  and  the  confidence  they  p 
in  him,  he  held  various  township  offices  from  its  organization  until  h: 
vanced  age  compelled  him  to  retire  from  active  business  pursuits.  Of  its 
ily  of  nine  children,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Shafer  only  survives,  and  who  is  the  ( 
person  in  the  township,  having  completed  her  eighty-fifth  anniversary  cl 
birth,  and  with  seemingly  a prospect  of  “ many  returns  of  the  same,” 

John  Shafer,  also  from  Kentucky,  arrived  in  1806,  and  located  on  the 
now  owned  and  occupied  by  Col.  John  Allen.  Mi-.  Shafer’s  lands  were  boi 
on  the  east  by  those  of  J acob  Arnold,  and  their  nearest  neighbor  was  th 
Leonard  Hain,  of  Clark  County,  who  resided  five  miles  distant,  h 
-schoolhouse  was  erected  on  his  premises,  on  the  banks  of  Dry  Rim.  in  th 


WAYNE  TOWNSHIP. 


85 


u,i  of  1809,  and  the  first  teacher  who  occupied  it  was  James  Miller,  father  of 
luenerable  James  Miller,  of  Mad  River  Township,  who  has  been  for  nearly 
uite  half  a century  engaged  in  teaching.  In  a beautiful  grove  on  the 

i :s  of  Dry  Run,  near  Mr.  Shafer’s  log  cabin  residence,  the  venerable  pio- 
% minister,  Rev.  David  Winters,  preached  his  first  sermon  on  a Sabbath 
t noon  in  June,  1822.  There  were  about  two  hundred  persons  in  attendance, 
bh  included  very  nearly  all  the  inhabitants,  old  and  young,  for  many  miles 

id.  Mr.  Winters  on  that  occasion  filled  an  appointment  which  his  reverend 
f r was  unable  to  meet,  and,  that  fact  having  been  bruited,  there  was  a curi- 
;i , natural  to  a rural  community,  to  know  how  the  young  W inters  would  do. 
f he  assemblage  then  present,  but ' two  are  known  to  be  living — Mrs. 
liibeth  Shafer  and  Thomas  Chinn — the  latter  a septuagenarian  of  African 
sint,  who  rejoices  in  the  Fifteenth  Constitutional  Amendment,  and  supports 
nolitical  party  through  whose  advocacy  it  was  adopted. 

Joseph  H.  Johnson,  a native  of  Hampshire  County,  Va.,  figured  conspicu- 
- among  the  early  settlers.  He  left  the  Old  Dominion  in  March,  1806, 
e ipanied  by  his  wife,  on  horseback.  While  he  took  care  of  his  rifle  and  a 
.i;  package  of  clothing,  she,  in  her  side-saddle,  carried  in  her  lap  their  only 
. After  a toilsome  ride  through  an  almost  unbroken  wilderness,  they  ar- 
f safely  on  the  banks  of  the  Great  Miami,  and  erected  a cabin  on  the  pres- 
itjte  of  Taylorsville.  Mr.  Johnson  was  an  active,  industrious  and  enter- 
ing man,  endowed  by  n a time  with  a powerful  physique,  brave,  generous 
hospitable.  He  was  widely  known  and  universally  esteemed.  Game  of  all 

ii  in  those  days  was  very  plenty,  and  Mr.  Johnson  had  the  reputation  of 
u “ a crack  shot  ” among  the  woodsmen  of  the  Miami  Valley.  A sketch  of 

fe  and  experience  as  a hunter,  his  numerous  hair-breadth  escapes  from 
li  animals  of  the  forest,  would  be  of  great  interest  to  those  who  knew  him 
1 prime;  but  few  now  remain  who  have  a personal  recollection  of  the  noble- 
md  Virginian  who  cleared  and  cultivated  one  of  the  finest  farms  on  the 

0 ■ of  the  Miami. 

Mias  Matthews,  from  Maryland,  who  located  in  1814,  was  one  of  the  use- 
1 : an  of  the  township,  repeatedly  serving  as  one  of  its  officers,  magistrate, 
Dupe,  Clerk,  etc.  He  served  one  term  in  the  General  Assembly,  and,  later 
b,  was  one  of  the  three  County  Associate  Judges  as  provided  under  the 
ar  constitution  of  the  State.  His  untimely  decease,  in  1844,  caused  by  a 

1 rom  an  apple  tree,  was  sincerely  regretted  throughout  the  county.  His 
•:  son,  George  W.,  married  the  mother  of  Schuyler  Colfax,  who  afterward 
;;  ice  President  of  the  United  States. 

’homas  Crook,  who  arrived  about  the  same  time,  and  brother-in-law  of 
latthews,  was  the  father  of  Gen.  George  W.  Crook,  U.  S.  A.  George 
v‘  ite,  father  of  the  venerable  Capt.  Elias  Favorite,  of  Dayton  ; Henry 
1 a John  McFadden,  James  Black,  John  Booher  and  John  Cuppy,  a soldier 
1 American  Revolution,  an  Indian  scout  in  Capt.  Brady’s  company  in  Gen. 
Ha’s  army  from  1791  to  1794,  were  among  the  most  highly  esteemed  citi- 
' The  latter,  who  was  the  last  survivor  of  Brady’s  scouts,  died  in  1861 , at 
e of  one  hundred  years  and  four  months. 

ames  Kay,  an  Englishman  by  birth,  purchased  a large  portion  of  the 
0.  section  (16),  on  the  Bellefontaine  road.  Industrious  and  economical,  he 
l8p  haste  slowly  ” in  accumulating  wealth.  Farming,  fattening  and 
? ring  cattle,  hogs  and  sheep  was  his  occupation,  and  for  a circumference 
£3s  he  furnished  fresh  meat  to  the  inhabitants.  Among  his  eccentricities 
''as  • affectation  of  skepticism  (for  his  honest,  kindly  heart  forbade  the  idea 
1 ‘ J 3 was  unchristian),  and  he  did  not  attain  the  social  standing  he  otherwise 
have  <Ione  }n  consequence. 


86 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Had  he  followed  the  teachings  of  Beecher  and  Talmage,  instead  of  P 
and  Voltaire,  his  social  standing  and  usefulness  would  have  been  equal  to 
of  any  other  citizen  of  the  township.  His  reputation  of  being  ‘ ‘ ungodly  ” 
not  a barrier  to  his  honesty  and  fair  dealing  among  his  neighbors.  He 
his  companion  through  life  lived  long  enough  to  celebrate  their  golden  \ 
ding. 

Mr.  Kay  was  a man  of  fine  physique,  great  nerve  and  iron  will, 
countenance  and  general  contour  of  features  had  a remarkable  resemblam 
the  portrait  of  Shakespeare. 

John  Duncan  Campbell,  one  of  the  early  magistrates  and  useful  serv 
of  the  township  in  other  offices,  was  the  father  of  the  first  male  white  c 
born  within  its  limits,  namely,  John  Campbell,  Jr.,  born  August  28,  1807. 

Mr.  Campbell  was  the  son  of  Capt.  John  Campbell,  who  was  taken  j 
z oner  by  the  Indians,  near  Sandusky  in  1784,  and  bound  at  the  stake,  whei 
subject  of  this  sketch  was  but  ten  months  old.  He  came  to  Ohio  with  his 
owed  mother  in  1804,  and  purchased  the  north  half  of  Section  4,  on 
River,  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  township,  and  sixty  of  a fractional  ssctic 
Greene  County,  bounded  on  the  east  by  Mad  River  and  on  the  west  lr 
lands  in  the  township.  The  locality  is  considered  the  garden  spot  of  the 
River  Valley,  and  is  owned  and  occupied  at  this  time  by  his  son,  James  0; 
bell,  Jacob  Kissinger  and  Capt.  Jacob  Beyl.  Mr.  Campbell  kept  a horn 
entertainment  for  the  accommodation  of  the  traveling  public  for  many  y 
His  kind  and  hospitable  nature  anil  fine  social  qualities  combined  to  make 
universally  esteemed  among  the  early  pioneer  settlers  of  the  Mad  River  Ya 
Benevolent  and  charitable  to  a fault,  his  death  cast  a gloom  over  the  e: 
township  and  the  surrounding  country. 

SCHOOLS  AND  CHURCHES. 

Besides  the  log  schoolhouse  erected  on  Mr.  John  Shafer’s  land,  of  v 
mention  has  been  made,  a schoolhouse  was  built,  and  the  first  one  in  thees 
part  of  the  township,  in  the  same  year  (1809),  on  the  farm  at  present  o 
and  occupied  by  Abraham  Kendig,  and  the  first  teacher  in  charge  of  i 
Daniel  Harman,  uncle  to  Hon.  Samuel  Sullivan,  of  Miami  County.  The  s 
was  open  in  the  winter  of  1809-10,  and  its  average  attendance  about  thir 
Its  only  pupil  now  living  is  Miss  Rebecca  Tatman,  daughter  of  Rev  .J< 
Tatrnan,  hereinbefore  noticed.  That  pioneer  structure  was  destroyed  by  f 
the  summer  of  1813,  but  a new  and  more  commodious  building  was  ereete 
ensuing  autumn  on  the  premises  now  owned  and  occupied  by  Henry  Ci 
This  primitive  edifice  was  used  for  religious  service,  and  the  first  chur< 
ganization  in  the  township  (Methodist  Episcopal)  held  their  meetings 
nately  in  it  and  at  the  residence  of  John  Slagle,  near  where  Palmer’s  C 
now  stands.  The  congregation  was  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Revs.  Sa 
Malay  and  Joseph  Tatman.  In  this  schoolhouse,  under  the  superihtem 
of  the  latter  named,  the  pioneers’  children  attended  their  first  Sabbath  s( 

The  edifice  first  erected  for  public  worship  exclusively  was  on  the  M< 
den  farm,  now  owned  by  Thomas  Smith.  The  precise  time  cannot  be  delb 
ascertained,  but,  from  the  best  information,  that  rough  log  structure  was  p 
in  1816,  and  was  used  as  a place  of  worship  by  the  Methodist  Episeopa 
other  orthodox  deuominatious  until  the  schoolhouse  was  built  on  the  old 
road  in  District  No.  3.  In  1846,  the  Methodists  built  Wayne  Chapel,  onj 
adjoining  that  upon  which  the  school  building  stood.  The  lot  was  donat 
a pioneer,  James  Black.  It  may  be  observed  that,  prior  to  the  buildi 
church  edifices,  a large  number  of  the  inhabitants  of  Wayne  Township  atti 
public  worship  in  churches  contiguous  to  the  township  line,  but  in  adjo 


WAYNE  TOWNSHIP. 


87 


n ties.  These,  with  the  sehoolhouses,  afforded  for  the  time  being  ample 
<1  ities  for  “ stated  preaching.” 

Montgomery  Chapel  was  erected  in  1852,  at  a cost  of  $1,250,  cash  sub- 
:))fcion.  exclusive  of  donations  of  labor  and  materials  to  the  amount,  prob- 
i , of  $150.  The  aggregate  cash  subscriptions  of  the  persons  named  in  the 
j]  wing  list,  as  nearly  as  can  be  ascertained,  was  $850.  The  lot  upon  which 
m church  was  built  was  donated  by  the  late  venerable  Thomas  Crook,  who 
nbribed  $100  in  addition  to  the  building  fund.  Except  for  the  subscrip 
r ot  of  these  liberal-minded  citizens,  the  church  could  not  have  been  built;  but 
the  unpleasant  task  of  writing  a few  pages  of  discreditable  history  might 
r been  avoided.  The  list  of  names  before  referred  to  is : Thomas  Smith, 

dfard  Smith,  Wheatly  Smith,  William  Johnson,  Abraham  Stoker,  Thomas 
tv  k,  Daniel  Carles  and  David  Carles. 

iNeither  of  these  public-spirited  and  enterprising  citizens  were  ever  con- 
n d with  any  religious  sect.  Except  David  Carles,  all  have  seen  ‘ ‘ the  last 
irth.” 

The  deed  donating  a site  for  the  edifice — ten  rods  by  eleven — after  recit- 
ghe  metes  and  bounds,  conveys  “one  hundred  and  ten  rods  for  the  pur- 
est and  uses  of  a house  of  public  worship  and  burial-ground,  said  lot  of  land 
to  dong  to  said  Trustees  and  their  successors  in  office,  under  the  name  and 
i of  ‘The  United  Brethren  in  Christ,’  for  devotional  exercises,  or  other  bus- 
e pertaining  to  church  matters,  to  be  open  and  free  to  all  other  Christian 
otninations.” 

The  district  schoolhouse  near  the  church  was  destroyed  by  fire  in  March, 
w and  the  School  Trustees,  by  the  permission  of  those  in  authority,  leased 
hurch  until  a new  building  could  be  erected. 

The  conditions  stipulated  in  the  conveyance  of  the  site  that  the  building 
idd  be  free  to  all  Christian  denominations,  and  the  large  congregations  as- 
■n  led  when  the  Methodists  and  other  sects  held  service,  excited,  perhaps,  a 
a nsy  among  the  United  Brethren  officers.  Whatever  it  was  that  prompted 
in  their  sacrilegious  proceedings,  in  the  month  of  April  following,  a well- 
gin  zed  mob  of  self-styled  guardians  of  the  Lord’s  property  assembled  at  the 
adh  and  ordered  the  teacher  (Miss  Alice  Brentlinger)  to  dismiss  the  school. 
- then  began  the  work  of  unroofing  and  demolishing  the  building.  The 
a rial  was  laden  on  wagons  and  divided  among  the  spoilsmen,  who  drove  to 
1 homes  and  reported  the  great  victory  they  had  achieved  over  the  “ ungodly 
ale”  (the  unsectarian  subscribers  to  the  building  fund),  who  had  built  a 
1 iL  in  such  a benighted  region!  The  brick  were  sold  to  Mr.  Troup,  who 
a [he  contract  for  rebuilding  the  schoolhouse,  and  the  residue  of  the  promis- 
< sly  scattered  material  was  disposed  of  at  a mock  auction,  held  under  the 
i >ings  of  “ Golden  ” Chapel,  near  the  Brandt  Turnpike.  It  is  something 
Conundrum  as  to  what  use  was  made  of  the  proceeds  of  the  sale. 

The  materials  of  which  the  altar  and  pulpit  were  composed  were  used  in 
1 instruction  of  hog-pens  by  some  members  of  the  secretly  organized  mob 
wazed  the  religious  (?)  temple,  and  a portion  of  the  brick,  not  used  in  re- 
i ing  the  schoolhouse,  were  taken  to  Tippecanoe,  Miami  County,  and  used 
! lb  building  of  a saloon.  That  the  participators  in  this  disreputable  busi- 
saad  secretly  arranged  their  plan  of  operation  is  not  a matter  of  doubt,  and 
rd  off  suspicion  of  their  contemplated  action,  one  of  their  party  adopted 
e nesse  of  sending  his  children  to  the  school  on  the  very  morning  he  after - 
appeared  with  his  team  to  carry  away  his  portion  of  the  spoil.  Yet  these 
■ bu h-destroyers  claimed  to  be  “United  Brethren  in  Christ,”  though  their 
> ® act  on  this  occasion  demonstrates  that  they  were  actuated  and  stimulated 
spirit  totally  different  from  and  at  variance  with  the  spirit  of  Him  who 


88 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


taught  men  to  love  one  another,  to  render  good  for  evil,  and,  if  need  bo, 
suffer  even  “persecution  for  righteousness’ sake.”  Possibly  these  misgnic 
(if  not  viciously  inclined)  men  imagined  they  were  fulfilling  a mission,  ; 
were  really  illustrating  in  a tangible  form  the  expression  of  the  religious  poe 

“God  moves  in  a mysterious  way' 

His  wonders  to  perform.” 

TOPOGRAPHY. 

W ayne  Township  is  a fractional  portion  of  what  was  included  in  Day 
Township  by  the  original  survey  of  the  Government  lands,  and  derived 
name  from  that  celebrated  hero  who  was  so  highly  esteemed  by  the  early  t 
tiers  of  the  Miami  and  Mad  River  Yalleys. 

The  surface  of  the  soil  is  gently  rolling,  being  higher  and  more  rolling 
the  central  portion  of  the  township,  extending  from  the  extreme  northern  to 
southern  boundary,  than  the  eastern  and  western  portions. 

The  early  settlers  in  the  Miami  and  Mad  River  Yalleys  experienced  gr 
inconvenience,  and  frequently  suffered  sepious  loss,  from  the  destruction 
their  crops  by  the  overflow  of  these  rivers.  The  channels  of  these  streams  w 
often  so  completely  obstructed  and  gorged  by  large  accumulations  of  drift  at 
inundate  what  is  now  the  finest  agricultural  portion  of  the  county.  The  ea 
emigration  waif,  with  but  few  exceptions,  would  only  purchase  such  lands 
in  his  opinion,  would  not  be  liable  to  overflow  from  the  Miami  or  Mad  Bi\ 
and  for  this  reason  the  central  portion  of  the  township  was  much  more  attre 
ive  to  the  early  pioneer  and  land  speculator. 

During  the  summer  months  following  the  great  spring  freshets,  causing 
rivers  to  inundate  large  tracts  of  land  in  the  bottoms,  the  pioneer  famil 
suffered  severely  from  malarious  fevers  and  chills,  and  it  was  no  unconm 
thing  to  find  the  dispenser  of  calomel  and  quinine  in  the  humble  cabins  of  i 
unfortunate  sufferers  every  week  during  the  period  that  was  known  and  des 
nated  as  the  “sickly  season.”  The  only  remedies  used  and  known  among 
learned  disciples  of  Esculapius  at  that  time,  and  recommended  as  a cert; 
panacea  for  all  ills  that  flesh  was  heir  to,  was  the  lancet,  blister,  calon 
quinine  and  antimonial  wine. 

The  topography  of  the  township  when  undeveloped,  and  its  natural  st 
as  described  by  the  early  pioneers,  was  unusually  attractive  to  the  backwoo 
man  and  those  seeking  homes  on  the  borders  of  civilization;  game  of  all  kir 
was  abundant,  and  the  enterprising  hunter  and  trapper  realized  some  pro 
from  the  sale  of  skins  of  the  wild  animals  that  fell  an  easy  prey  to  the  or: 
shots  of  the  hardy  and  daring  pioneers. 

Among  the  many  privations  and  hardships  that  the  early  settlers  of 
township  had  to  endure,  there  was  none  that  they  felt  more  keenly  than  I 
lack  of  mills.  The  great  distance  they  were  compelled  to  travel  in  order 
have  the  little  grain  they  raised  manufactured  into  meal  or  flour,  and  the  rof 
during  the  greater  portion  of  the  season  impassable,  and  the  streams  with; 
bridges  or  any  other  means  of  crossing,  made  it  necessary  for  every  family 
times  to  make  use  of  the  limited  means  at  their  command  to  manufacture  th 
breadstuff’s  at  home. 

A hominy  block  was  made  from  the  trunk  of  a tree  by  squaring  the  end 
the  log  and  burning  a basin  of  sufficient  size  to  hold  about  three  gallons, 
iron  wedge  or  an  ax  was  then  inserted  into  a pole  about  two  feet  in  length,  a 
with  this  simple  arrangement  the  best  of  hominy  could  be  made.  The  hoim 
block  could  be  found  at  the  cabin  of  every  pioneer  in  the  township,  and  v 
a household  necessity  that  could  not  be  dispensed  with. 

The  first  mill  erected  in  the  township  was  built  by  Mr.  Robert  Miller, 


WAYNE  TOWNSHIP. 


89 


S Mile  Run,  near  the  old  Troy  road  (now  known  as  the  Kellenberger  Mill), 
a)  was  known  for  many  miles  around  as  “ Miller's  Corn-Cracker.”  Here  the 
fibers  came  for  many  miles  around  and  had  their  corn  ground  on  the  old  rac- 
4n  buhr.  This  mill  was  built  in  1809.  Shortly  after  this  (the  exact  date 
j ,vhich  we  are  unable  to  ascertain),  a structure  similar  to  that  of  Mr.  Miller’s 
■ erected  and  operated  by  Mr.  Lewis  Brenner  on  Spring  Run. 

These  mills  ground  no  other  cereal  than  corn,  and  the  meal  had  to  be  used 
iihe  family  without  sifting.  John  Campbell,  Esq.,  on  Mad  River,  rejoiced 
l he  ownership  of  the  first  corn-meal  seive  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  town- 
fj),  which  was  used  for  some  time  afterward  by  the  entire  populace  of  the 
ghborhood. 

The  introduction  of  the  seive  made  the  johnny-cake  board  a necessary 
d hen  utensil,  and  the  kitchen  furniture  of  no  cabin  was  considered  complete 
h was  not  provided  with  this  useful  baking  apparatus. 

An  amusing  pioneer  anecdote  is  related  of  a neighbor  of  Squire  Campbell’s 
i called  at  his  house  a few  days  after  his  arrival  in  the  neighborhood  to 
>®ure  assistance  in  raising  his  cabin.  The  female  members  of  the  family 
vO  preparing  the  dinner,  and  the  long  johnny-cake  board  occupied  nearly  the 
are  space  in  front  of  the  cabin  fire.  The  new  neighbor,  after  taking  a sor- 
:ul  view  of  the  board,  inquired  if  the  other  members  of  the  family  who  were 
opresent  were  all  sick,  and  was  answered  in  the  negative,  and  informed  that 
j were  all  in  the  enjoyment  of  their  usual  good  health.  “ Well,”  said  he, 
car  madam,  what  are  you  going  to  do  with  all  these  poultices  you  are  warm- 
rby  the  fire?  ” 

The  early  pioneer  was  compelled  to  use  corn  bred  for  many  years,  and  not 
n 1 about  1811  was  flour  manufactured  from  wheat  and  buckwheat  on  Mad 
or.  A man  by  the  name  of  Robinson  erected  and  put  into  operation  a small 
i on  the  premises  now  owned  and  occupied  by  Mi’.  G.  W.  Harshman,  in  Mad 

i r Township,  about  the  same  time  Mr.  John  McCormick  commenced  the 
aafacture  of  flour  in  Greene  County,  six  miles  northeast,  on  the  site  where 
a ate  John  Kneisley,  in  1855,  erected  the  large  merchant  mill  and  distillery 

owned  by  Mr.  John  Harries. 

The  ax,  grubbing-hoe,  maul  and  wedge,  with  the  wooden  mold-board  plow, 
-'the  old  “snake-killing”  corn  hoe,  were  about  the  only  implements  of 
vandry  used  in  preparing  the  ground  for  the  seed. 

The  good  housewife  had  her  spinning-wheels  and  roughly  constructed 
o,  upon  which  she  manufactured  the  wearing  apparel  of  the  family.  Wa.1- 

ii  ,nd  oak  bark  were  used  for  coloring  material  of  the  homespun  linsey-woolsy, 
ih  constituted  the  wardrobe  of  both  sexes,  old  and  young.  The  young  lady 
hwas  the  fortunate  possessor  of  a calico  dress  was  the  cynosure  of  all 
t at  corn-husking  frolics  or  places  of  public  worship. 

The  first  blacksmith  shop  in  the  township  was  built  by  Mr.  Stoffel  Coon, 
1 '3  fall  of  1807,  on  the  premises  now  owned  and  occupied  by  Mr.  Daniel 
t’elck.  Mr.  Coon  did  the  ironwork  on  the  plows  that  were  used  in  his  neigh - 
r >od,  and  Squire  Campbell,  who  was  styled  the  jack-of- all- trades,  manu- 
hed  the  wooden  mold-boards  and  put  the  finishing:  touches  on  the  “ ma- 
il, 

f|b out  the  year  1812,  Mr.  John  Zediker  emigrated  from  Maryland  and 
td  on  the  farm  now  owned  and  occupied  by  his  son,  Mr.  Jacob  Zediker, 
Q Mr.  Zediker  was  a blacksmith  by  profession,  and  brought  his  kit  of 
>lwith  him,  with  the  exception  of  anvil  and  bellows.  A huge  stone  with 
rl  sriOth  surface  was  used  for  an  anvil,  and  his  neighbors  furnished  him  with 
8 ' deer  skins  with  which  he  managed  to  construct  a bellows.  A pit  of 


90 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


charcoal  was  burned,  and  Mr.  Zediker  then  commenced  the  work  of  makii 
and  repairing  the  few  rough  agricultural  implements  used  by  his  neighbors. 

The  manufacture  of  lime  and  the  working  of  the  stone  quarries  are  t: 
leading  and  most  profitable  branches  of  industry  in  the  central  part  of  t 
township.  The  quantity  and  quality  of  the  lime  produced  excels  by  far  th 
of  any  other  township  in  the  county,  and  affords  employment  to  a large  run 
ber  of  laborers  at  remunerative  wages.  No  finer  article  of  building  stone  c 
be  found  in  this  part  of  the  State  than  are  taken  from  the  Booher  quarries 
the  old  Troy  pike.  The  stone  used  in  building  the  cathedral  in  Cinciun; 
was  taken  from  this  quarry. 

PUBLIC  KOADS. 

There  are  about  sixty-two  miles  of  authorized  public  roads  in  the  towush: 
including  five  miles  of  toll  road,  eight  miles  of  free  turnpike,  and  four  mi 
on  the  south  boundary  line,  one-half  of  which  is  kept  in  repair  by  Mad  Pin 
Township  and  Greene  County;  they  are  generally  kept  in  good  repair.  Si 
stantial  bridges  and  stone  culverts  have  been  built  where  they  were  consider 
necessary  by  those  in  authority.  An  anuual  road  tax  of  $1,000  has  been  levj 
since  1865,  for  the  purpose  of  keeping  the  roads  in  repair.  As  no  portion 
this  fund  is  used  in  building  and  keeping  in  repair  the  bridges  and  culverts, 
would  seem  that  the  roads  of  general  utility  should,  by  the  expenditure  of  tl 
enormous  sum,  in  connection  with  the  two  days’  labor  required  by  law  of 
able-bodied  men  between  the  ages  of  twenty-one  and  fifty-six,  should  all  be 
as  good  repair  as  any  toll  road  in  the  county. 

The  township  is  what  might  be  designated,  in  the  very  fullest  sense  o:  ( 
term,  a rural  township,  as  it  is  the  only  township  in  the  county  without  a 4 
lage  within  its  limits,  unless  you  choose  to  apply  that  appellation  to  Sulpl 
Grove,  n6e  Kildeer,  or  Taylorsville.  The  customs  and  habits  of  the  people 
marked  with  great  simplicity,  as  the  good  habits  of  the  early  settlers,  unci  I 
taminated  by  modern  degenerate  practices  that  are  now  too  prevalent  to  o 
duce  to  a healthy  state  of  morals  were  not  indulged  in.  The  children  of 
pioneers  found  amusement  and  sociability  at  home;  there  were  no  grog-sir 
or  gambling  dens  to  lure  them  from  their  forest  homes  to  spend  their  evenh! 
in  debauchery  and  cultivate  habits  of  vice  and  dissipation  and  the  census  tal 
show  that  the  township  is  made  up  more  from  the  descendants  of  the  pion 
settlers  than  any  other  in  the  county  and  contains  a much  less  foreign  nopi 
tion  than  any  rural  township  in  the  Miami  Valley.  The  few  foreigners  liv| 
here  are  a sober,  industrious,  frugal  class  of  people,  chiefly  engaged  in  a< 
cultural  pursuits.  Their  manners,  customs  and  religion  harmonize  with 
native-born  citizen. 

One  of  the  greatest  and  most  annoying  inconveniences  experienced  by 
pioneer  inhabitants  of  the  township  was  the  lack  of  mail  facilities  and  the| 
mote  distance  from  any  post  office.  The  only  office  accessible  to  the  early  ] 
neer  was  at  Dayton,  where  a semi-weekly  mail  was  received.  When  the  oi 
was  first  established,  in  1803,  the  mail  was  carried  from  Cincinnati  on  hoiji 
back,  and  was  very  irregular  during  the  winter  and  spring  season,  owing  to 
condition  of  the  roads  and  the  difficulty  experienced  in  crossing  the  streamr 

The  first  post  office  established  in  the  township  was  at  Taylorsville. 
1846,  and  the  Hon.  Samuel  Sullivan,  who  was  then  engaged  in  mercantile  j 
suits,  received  the  appointment  of  Postmaster.  In  1857,  an  office  was  esl| 
lished  at  Toll  Gate  No.  2,  on  the  old  Troy  pike,  in  the  southwestern  part  of 
township,  known  as  Fishburg.  In  1879,  the  department  established  a ] 
route  between  Dayton  and  New  Carlisle,  in  Clark  County,  over  the  Dayto 
Brandt  Turnpike  and  National  road,  and  a new  office  was  established  on 
route,  near  the  geographical  center  of  the  township,  known  as  Sulphur  Gr< 


WAYNE  TOWNSHIP. 


91 


In  less  than  two  years  after  the  office  at  Fishburg  had  been  established, 
3.  John  Prill,  the  Postmaster,  resigned  the  position  and  moved  to  Miami 
(Itaty,  and  the  office  was  abolished,  for  the  reason  that  no  person  could  be 
f md  in  the  immediate  vicinity  who  would  accept  the  appointment.  As  a rule, 
t ' inhabitants  are  liberal  patrons  of  the  post  offices.  In  almost  every  family 
v 1 be  found  the  leading  newspapers  and  periodicals  of  the  country,  and  many 
bie  large  and  well-selected  libraries  of  the  standard  historical  and  miscella- 
mus  publications  of  the  times. 

The  people  of  the  township  have  good  reason  to  feel  proud  of  their  school 
anization,  of  their  comfortable  and  well- furnished  schoolhouses,  and  their 
(dent  school  officers.  It  is  not  going  beyond  the  bounds  of  truth  to  say  that 
ti  schools  will  compare  favorably  with  those  of  any  rural  township  in  the 
imi  Valley.  We  give  below  the  report  of  the  Clerk  of  the  Board  of  Education 
V the  past  year,  which  will  be  interesting  and  instructive  to  the  friends  of 
ication  in  the  county : 

Number  of  schoolhouses,  5;  number  of  scholars  in  attendance,  303;  whole 
a nber  between  the  ages  of  six  and  twenty-one  years — males,  200 ; females,  168 ; 
tell,  368;  total  amount  expended  for  school  purposes,  including  pay  of  teach - 
e and  incidental  expenses,  $2,027.51.  Township  school  fund  for  the  year 
l|0,  $1,602.19;  in  addition  to  the  township  school  tax,  the  State  tax  and  in- 
' pat  on  Section  16  is  $646.10.  making  a total  fund  of  $2,248.49.  A two-story 
wooihouse  has  recently  been  built  in  Subdistrict  No.  2,  and  a juvenile  school 
-:ept  in  the  basement  story  during  about  one-half  of  the  school  season.  Es- 
iated  value  of  school  buildings,  $10,000;  average  wages  paid  teachers  per 
mth  for  the  year  1880,  $42.10.  In  Subdistricts  No.  1 and  2,  instruction 
it  been  given  in  natural  philosophy  and  the  higher  branches  of  mathematics 
i past  winter. 

As  evidence  of  the  economical  manner  in  which  the  finances  of  the  town- 
do  were  managed,  we  quote  from  the  record  a settlement  that  was  made  by 
ue  in  authority  on  the  5th  of  March,  1820: 


To.  John  Sliafer  Jr  Constable  for  advertising  Election  of  township 

officers $ 1 00 

To  Shaphat  Macrea  warning  in  the  township  officers  to  be  sworn  1 00 

Levi  Jennings  services  overseer  of  Poor 1 00 

Moses  Shearer  making  out  two  duplicates  for  poor  tax  an  one  da}r 

services  for  Levying  the  Same  for  the  year  1821 2 00 

To  Elias  Mathews  trustee  for  his  services  for  township  purposes..  2 50 

Do  to  one  day  laving  poor  tax 1 00 

To  Jerome  Holt  one  day  laying  poor  tax 1 00 

Do  Services  as  trustee 2 50 

To  John  D.  Campbell  services  as  trustee  & one  day  laying  poor 

tax 3 50 

John  Slagel  Supervisor  1st  Dist.  returned  in  full 2 00 

Henry  Brandenburgh  2d  Dist.  returned  in  full 3 00 

Peter  Slutman  3d  Dist.  returned  in  full 1 00 

Samuel  Koogler  4th  Dist.  returned  in  full 1 00 


Total $24  50 

Settled  with  Jacob  Arnold  Treasurer  and  there  remains  in  his 

hands  the  sum  of $4  69 

It  was  further  agreed  on  representation  of  David  Archibald  and  John  Zediker  over 
,J'ji  of  the  poor  that  a tax  be  levyed  for  the  support  of  John  Steward  a pauper  of  said 
0 Jshijj,  and  that  the  clerk  be  ordered  to  make  out  a list  of  poor  tax  and  deliver  the 
a { to  Samuel  Longstreth  for  collection,  taking  his  bond  with  two  freeholders  as  secure tys 
jumble  the  amount  of  tax  to  be  collected.  Said  tax  to  be  40  cents  for  each  Horse  beast, 
A 15  ceDts  for  each  head  of  neat  cattel.  The  following  bill  was  presented  by  John 
Uworth  for  necessarys  furnished  John  Steward  a paupei-,  and  order  granted: 


3 Yards  of  lincey  for  briches $1  50 

7 yards  of  flannel  for  shirts 2 80 

2 Coon  Skins  for  cap 40 


92 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


1 Pair  of  Sauks 25 

1 Pair  of  nit  gallowses 25 

Haff  Soalin  Shoes 25 

Mending  briches  and  Shirts 25 

Flannel  for  wamus 1 00 

Moses  Shearer,  Clerk.  $6  70 

Elias  Matthews  ) 
Jerome  Holt  - Trustee. 


John  D Campbell  ) 

There  being  but  $4.69  remaining  in  the  treasurer  Mr.  Ainsworth  was  compeled 
wait  the  return  of  the  collector  before  his  order  could  be  cashed. 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP. 


93 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP. 

TUTS  political  subdivision  was  originally  included  in  what  was  then  known 
as  Jefferson  and  German  Townships,  which  contained  most  of  the  land 
v in  Jefferson,  German,  Miami,  Jackson,  Perry,  Madison  and  Harrison 
ivnships.  On  the  6th  of  June,  1814,  a petition  was  presented  to  the  County 
umissioners  praying  for  the  formation  of  a new  township,  and,  December 
.814,  it  was  accordingly  ordered  by  them  that  the  prayer  of  their  petitioners 
) granted,  and  that  the  new  township  should  be  known  as  Jackson  Township, 
was  originally  eight  miles  long  and  six  miles  wide,  containing  forty-eight 
c are  miles.  The  original  boundaries  were  as  follows,  viz. : Beginning  on  the 
P'ble  County  line  at  the  corner  of  Townships  3 and  4,  Range  4;  thence  east 
the  township  line  six  miles  to  the  line  between  the  fourth  and  fifth  ranges; 
l ace  north  eight  miles  to  the  northeast  corner  of  Section  25,  Town  5,  Range 
whence  west  on  section  line  six  miles  to  the  Preble  County  line  at  the  north- 
rt  corner  of  Section  30,  Town  5,  Range  4;  and  thence  south  on  said  county 
r.'i  eight  miles  to  the  place  of  beginning.  It  contained  eight  square  miles 
.(  included  in  Perry  Township,  which  were  detached  in  1820,  when  Perry 
v formed  and  the  present  boundaries  of  Jackson  established.  The  township 
((  contains  thirty-six  square  miies  of  rich  arable  land,  well  timbered,  deep 

0 3(1  and  bountifully  watered.  It  is  bounded  by  Perry  Township  on  the  north, 
uerson  Township  on  the  east,  German  Township  on  the  south  and  Preble 
knty  on  the  west,  being  known  as  Township  4,  in  Range  4.  It  received  its 
e ie  in  honor  of  Andrew  Jackson,  or  “Old  Hickory,”  as  he  was  familiarly 
a 3d,  the  seventh  President  of  the  United  States  and  the  hero  of  New  Orleans, 
t i watered  by  several  large  creeks  and  their  tributaries,  which  flow  through 
i country  in  all  directions,  forming  a perfect  network  of  streams,  thoroughly 
•gating  the  rich  bottom  lands  that  lie  for  a mile  on  either  side  of  them  and 
dishing  some  admirable  mill-sites,  which,  as  yet,  have  not  been  utilized, 

which  promise  ultimately  to  be  occupied  by  all  kinds  of  water-propelled 
diinery.  Among  these  creeks,  mention  might  be  made  of  a few  and  of  the 
e ration  of  their  names,  which  are  all  historical  facts  and  rest  now  in  the 
4s  of  the  old  residents,  who  will  soon  pass  from  among  us,  and,  unless  res- 
it 1 by  the  pages  of  history,  are  likely  to  be  buried  in  oblivion.  The  largest 
' hese  is  called  Big  Twin,  from  the  Indian  name  it  formerly  bore,  which 
)<nt  “one  of  two.”  This  flows  through  the  southwestern  corner  of  the  town- 
4)  near  the  southern  line.  “Little  Twin”  received  its  name  as  being  the 
tlr  “one”  of  the  “two,”  indicated  by  the  Indian  name;  it  flows  through  the 
a’e  township  from  north  to  south,  near  the  center.  Wolf  Creek  was  so 
u 3d  on  account  of  the  number  of  wolves  that  infested  the  thick  timber  on 
; tanks  in  early  days.  “Tom’s  Run”  was  named  after  Tom  Ivilbuck,  an 
■ an  chief,  who  trapped  and  hunted  along  its  borders  before  and  during  early 
«eer  days.  The  branches  of  these  creeks  bear  only  local,  if  any  names,  with 
1 pparent  significance.  They  are,  in  the  summer  months,  nothing  more  than 
“runs”  or  brooks,  but,  during  the  spring  freshets,  they  are  swollen  into 
) nts  of  great  power,  overflowing  their  banks  and  carrying  before  them  every - 

1 of  a floatable  nature  that  is  in  or  near  their  channels.  There  were  also 
1137  beautiful  springs  bubbling  from  the  hillsides  and  flowing  in  picturesque 

hto  the  creeks.  A piece  of  land  containing  one  of  these  unfailing  springs 
ftsure  to  allure  an  early  settler.  It  is  a notable  fact  that  these  pioneer  fa- 


94 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


there  always  chose  a hillside  near  a spring  on  which  to  raise  their  cabins  ai 
commence  their  farm  operations.  And  their  choice  was  not  without  reasr 
The  spring  furnished  them  their  water  supply  and  the  hillside  afforded  suital 
land  for  the  immediate  sowing  of  crops,  as  soon  as  it  was  cleared  of  the  timb 
which  was  not  the  case  with  the  level  land,  where  water  stood  the  year  rou 
to  the  depth  of  several  inches,  and,  of  course,  had  to  be  drained  and  allow 
to  dry  before  it  could  be  cultivated.  But  it  is  these  lands,  with  their  Mac 
mellow  soil,  formed  from  the  decayed  debris  of  the  forest,  that  are  uow 
eagerly  sought  after.  The  taste  of  any  settler  could  be  satisfied  by  the  land 
this  township,  as  it  furnishes  a great  variety  of  soil.  There  is  the  uplands,  t 
low  or  bottom  lands,  the  hilly  lands  and  the  undulating  prairie.  Could  o 
ask  for  a larger  variety  from  which  to  choose"?  It  would  seem  not,  and  t 
facts  warrant  that  inference.  Few,  indeed,  were  the  settlers,  who,  having  or 
settled  here,  left  in  search  of  more  favorable  country.  In  the  southwssfi 
part  of  the  township  there  is  some  very  hilly  land,  which  is  a continuation 
the  hills  along  Big  Twin  Creek  in  German  Township,  extending  up  into  Ja< 
son.  Near  this  hilly  ground,  there  is  a round  earthen  mound,  fifteen  feet 
height.  It  is  supposed  to  be  either  a fortification  or  a burial  mound  of  tl 
almost  mythical  nation  that  inhabited  this  country  before  the  Indians.  It  L 
never  been  explored,  but  it  is  believed  by  the  people  of  the  neighborhood  tl 
under  and  in  it  lie  the  bones  of  many  of  those  people,  who  have  left  us  so  ma 
manifestations  of  their  warlike  propensities.  Within  the  memory  of  some 
the  early  settlers,  this  mound  and  vicinity  was  a favorite  hunting  resort 
the  Indians.  The  mound  itself  was  a great  deer-lick,  and  these  animals  woi 
come  for  miles  to  their  pleasant  lick  only  to  meet  their  death  at  the  bauds 
the  red  hunter.  Before  the  entrance  of  the  white  man,  the  country  now  co 
posing  Jackson  Township  was  covered  with  a forest  of  oak,  beech,  walnut,  as 
sugar  and  some'poplar  trees,  with  a dense  undergrowth  of  prickly  i 
and  other  shrubbery.  This  timber  has  now  been  largely  removed  and  the  pi 
lar  has  become  entirely  extinct.  The  prevailing  species  is  sugar,  with  a r 
sonable  quantity  of  the  other  classes. 

A noticeable  feature  in  the  geology  of  this  township  is  the  immense  nu 
ber  of  large  bowlders  of  glacial  deposit  that  underlie  the  soil  in  some  pi  a 
and  lay  piled  in  fantastic  shapes  in  the  forest  and  along  the  creeks.  Th 
bowlders  resemble  red  granite,  and  some  of  them  are  of  great  size.  They  hi 
been  found  on  almost  every  farm  in  the  township,  and,  in  some  instances 
labor  required  in  removing  the  timber  has  been  exceeded  by  that  required 
clearing  the  land  of  these  huge  rocks  that  seem  to  belong  to  some  other  wo 
than  ours,  and  look  like  lonely  sentinels  awaiting  the  coming  of  their  kind. 

EARLY  SETTLEMENTS. 

To  write  the  history  of  the  early  settlement  of  a township  is  a matter 
more  difficult  accomplishment  than  would  at  first  be  supposed.  Although 
settlers  were  few,  yet  they  knew  little,  if  anything,  of  their  fellow-pionef 
who  might  be  living  within  six  or  seven  miles  of  them.  And  when  asked  v[ 
the  first  settler  in  the  township  was,  they  invariably  tell  you  who  was  the  t 
in  their  immediate  neighborhood,  possibly  not  knowing  that  long  prior  to  t 
some  dauntless  frontiersman  had,  with  his  family,  settled  in  the  same  towns! 
four  or  five  miles  through  an  almost  impenetrable  forest  from  him.  Such  1 
the  case  in  this  township.  Settlements  were  made  along  the  extreme  north 
and  also  along  the  extreme  southern  borders;  which  of  these  was  first  can  o: 
be  known  by  the  accounts  of  the  pioneers  or  of  their  children.  In  either  c; 
we  are  dependent  upon  the  memory  of  man.  So  far  as  can  now  be  learn 
three  families,  named  severally,  Stoner,  Oldfather  and  Pfoutz,  were  the  firs' 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP. 


95 


b ak  the  solitude  of  the  present  township  of  Jackson  and  war  with  the  savage 
lasts  and  not  less  savage  men  for  a home  in  their  midst.  They  all  came  from 
Flnsylvania,  bringing  large  families  with  them,  and  were  here  a short  time 
bore  1801,  but  whether  they  came  together,  or  if  not,  which  one  came  first, 
ciinot  now  be  learned.  The  most  diligent  research  and  inquiry  fail  to  dis- 
oer  anything  further  of  them  than  that  they  all  settled  together  in  what  was 
apward  known  as  the  “ Swartzell  Settlement”  near  the  site  of  the  present 
ivn  of  Farmersville. 

The  next  to  follow  these  intrepid  Pennsylvanians  was  Abraham  Swartzell, 
a o a son  of  the  Keystone  State.  He  left  his  home  in  the  East  in  1801,  and, 
bcompaay  with  his  brother  Henry  and  a man  named  Boomershine,  came  to  this 
tcnship  and  entered  360  acres  of  land,  where  Farmersville  now  stands.  He 
■j[  a family  consisting  of  his  wife  and  four  children,  viz.,  Anna,  Matthias, 
Pilip  and  Elizabeth.  He  built  a small  cabin  of  round  logs,  with  three  sides, 
1 front  being  open.  The  fire  was  built  in  front  and  the  only  heat  received 
he  cabin  was  from  this  fire,  which  was  kept  overnight,  from  day  to  day,  in 
i irge  iron  kettle.  In  these  days  of  matches,  we  cannot  realize  what  a terrible 
•amity  it  was  to  our  forefathers  to  have  their  fire  go  out.  But.  yet  these 
Tidy  settlers  were  “happy  as  larks,”  and  their  children  were  born,  raised,  and 
idly  of  them  died,  without  knowing  of  any  other  than  this  primitive  mode  of 
i|.  Here,  in  this  rude  and  to  us  seeming  uncomfortable  hut,  Abraham  Swart - 
< had  born  to  him  nine  children,  all  of  them  healthy  and  robust  as  the  trees 
Jiind  them.  They  were  named  severally  John,  Sarah,  Abraham,  Polly, 
Jury,  Daniel,  Joshua,  Susan  and  Enos.  The  father,  immediately  after  his 
an  was  built,  commenced  felling  trees,  girdling  others  and  clearing  away  and 
biting  the  underbrush  preparatory  to  sowing  a crop  from  which  his  little 
:a  ily  were  to  derive  their  sustenance.  He  thus  cleared  some  four  or  five 
bis  of  land,  and,  after  turning  the  soil  by  his  personal  labor,  as  was  then  the 
u om,  he  planted  the  first  crop  on  his  new  and  primitive  farm.  He  was 
trabled  some  by  wolves,  which  were  then  thick,  but  they  did  no  damage 
Ur  than  an  occasional  scare  to  some  member  of  his  family.  No  sooner  was 
i farm  in  shape  than  he  commenced  lending  his  aid  to  the  improvement  and 
ping  of  the  country  around  him  by  assisting  other  settlers  in  raising  their 
a ns,  clearing  their  land,  rolling  logs  and  in  other  ways  which  were  custom 
r in  that  early  day.  His  children  all  grew  up  to  manhood  and  womanhood, 
Pried  and  scattered  over  the  United  States.  He  died  in  1840,  at  the  age  of 
' W-six  years.  His  son  John,  the  oldest  of  the  children,  bom  in  the  open 
an  spoken  of  above,  is  still  living  ; he  was  boim  in  1807.  When  large 
nigh,  he  attended  a subscription  school  in  a little  log  schoolhouse  near  his 
ei’’s  farm,  where  the  neighbors,  all  being  of  German  extraction,  were  having 
Orman  school  taught  by  a man  named  Johns.  He  afterward  married,  and 
aicontinued  to  reside  in  this  township  during  the  whole  of  his  life,  now  being 
Hn  seventy-five  years  of  age.  He  lives  with  one  of  his  children  in  Farmers- 
i.  Henry  Swartzell  and  Mr.  Boomershine,  the  men  who  came  with  Abraham 
v rtzell,  both  brought  very  large  families  and  settled  near  Abraham,  on  land 
' ining  his.  They  all  entered  land  from  the  Government.  Apropos  to 
lubove,  mention  might  be  made  of  the  singular  fact  that  very  few  of  the 
ay  settlers  had  small  families.  And  it  reflects  greater  credit  on  them,  that, 

1 these  large  families  to  sustain,  they  succeeded  so  well.  They  seldom  had 
)fjthan  ten  children,  and  often  as  many  as  sixteen,  and  yet,  such  was  their 
P'  -heartedness  that  if  a family  of  children  should  be  deprived  of  their  par- 
p the  settlers  were  always  ready  to  divide  the  little  ones  among  them  and 
' a'i  adopt  his  quota. 

In  1803,  Mathias  Swartzell,  a native  of  Germany,  and  the  father  of  the  two 


96 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


mentioned  heretofore,  came  to  this  county,  where  he  died  about  1820,  leavi 
a family  of  four  sons  and  five  daughters.  He  was  an  old  Revolutionary  soldi 
and  was  one  of  those  liberty- loving  heroes  who  assisted  in  crushing  Engl 
tyranny  and  driving  the  minions  of  despotism  from  this  fair  land.  About  t 
same  year,  John  Kinsey  settled  in  this  vicinity,  marrying  Elizabeth  Mulls 
dore,  daughter  of  Jacob  Mullendore,  finally  locating  in  Section  32,  where 
son  David  now  resides.  He  was  the  father  of  eight  children,  three  of  wh 
are  yet  living,  viz.,  Mary,  David  and  Jonas;  he  died  in  March,  1819,  and 
widow  married  Jacob  Myers,  by  whom  she  had  five  children;  she  died  in  18! 

Two  families  came  in  the  spring  of  1804,  viz.,  the  Colemans  and  Vane 
coming  from  Somerset  County,  Penn.  Coleman  brought  his  wife  Katie  a 
nine  children,  four  boys — Daniel,  John,  Henry  and  William — and  five  girls 
Betsy,  Rebecca,  Sarah  and  two  smaller  ones;  he  settled  just  east  of  the  presi 
site  of  “ Staver  Church.”  Michael  Yance  had  a wife  and  small  family,  a 
settled  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  others;  his  son  Manuel  married  Elizab 
Sayler,  daughter  of  John  Sayler,  a native  of  Virginia,  who  was  also  one  of 
pioneers  of  Jackson  Township,  and  his  grandson,  John  Vance,  is  now  a u 
dent  of  Dayton.  In  1805,  Adam  Swihart  and  Michael  Long,  two  sturdy  s( 
of  Pennsylvania,  settled  in  this  township  with  their  families,  and  both  have  1 
many  descendants  Swihart’ s son  Jonathan  married  Sophia  Cloyd,  a native 
Virginia,  and  falling  heir  to  a portion  of  his  father-in-law’s  estate,  selec 
that  which  lay  in  Jackson  Township,  and  here  he  spent  his  entire  life,  dyi 
in  1876,  aged  seventy-four;  he  was  the  father  of  eight  children;  six  now  s| 
vive;  his  widow  is  residing  upon  the  old  homestead,  aged  seventy-seven.  Is  j 
Long,  the  son  of  Michael,  was  boirn  in  this  county;  married  Esther  Mill 
daughter  of  Daniel  Miller,  also  an  early  pioneer.  They  have  had  ten  chi  Idr 
both  are  living  and  now  enjoying  the  fruits  of  their  early  industry  and  1 
affection  of  their  many  descendants.  All  of  those  pioneer  families  were  h 
est,  frugal  and  industrious,  and  all  came  imbued  with  the  same  purpose,  v[ 
to  make  for  themselves  a home  in  the  Western  wilds,  and  give  to  their  child 
a start  in  life. 

Several  families  arrived  during  the  year  1805,  among  whom  were 
Schidelers,  the  Izors  and  the  Albaughs.  They  were  of  the  stanch,  energt 
sons  of  Pennsylvania — men  inured  to  hardships  of  all  kinds,  making  them  v 
adapted  to  enter  a new  and  wild  country  and  endure  the  discomforts  of  pion 
life.  Fearlessly  they  traversed  unknown  forest  paths,  cut  new  roads  wh 
there  were  none,  forded  strange  rivers,  and,  with  their  wives  and  little  0’ 
commenced  changing  the  wilderness,  filled  with  the  deep,  unbroken  silence 
solitude,  into  a scene  of  life,  activity  and  enterprise.  The  Schideler  mentioi 
above  was  Henry,  the  fifth  son  of  a family  of  thirteen;  he  was  born  in  Wa 
ington  County,  Penn.,  on  the  24th  day  of  June,  1793.  As  his  name  indica' 
he  was  of  German  descent,  his  grandparents  both  having  come  from  Derma1 
he  removed  to  Ohio  with  his  parents  in  1805,  in  his  twelfth  year.  They  loca 
on  land  in  Section  30,  chosen,  no  doubt,  on  account  of  its  elevated  posit 
and  close  pi’oximity  to  Tom’s  Run,  both  of  which  considerations,  as  we  h 
before  said,  being  great  inducements.  He  was  married,  in  1826,  and,  as  .a 
suit  of  the  union  with  his  estimable  wife,  had  thirteen  children,  nine  of  tl 
being  boys  and  four  girls.  He  lived  on  his  old  farm  until  his  death,  wh 
occurred  in  July,  1879.  In  early  life,  he  manifested  an  absorbing  interest 
politics,  and,  as  he  grew  in  years,  his  interest  in  that  subject  grew  with  h 
He  was,  politically,  a Jeffei'sonian  Democrat,  and  never  during  his  life  vcj 
any  other  than  the  Democratic  ticket.  In  1832,  he  was  chosen  by  the  peC| 
of  his  county  to  represent  them  in  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State,  and 
re-elected  in  1834.  He  also  served  in  the  capacity  of  County  Commissio 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP. 


97 


t Justice  of  the  Peace,  which  latter  office  he  held  for  twelve  years.  Of  the 
zrs  and  Albaughs  who  came  this  year,  nothing  can  be  learned. 

These  men  were  continually  writing  to  the  East,  telling  their  friends  what 
,rfect  country  they  had  found  and  the  magnificent  crops  the  lands  produced, 
il  fina  lv,  they  persuaded  Adam  Staver  to  emigrate.  He  was  born  in  Lan- 
aer  County,  Penn.,  in  1767,  and,  at  the  time  of  his  emigration,  was  possessed 
, 1 ,vo  good  mills  and  300  acres  of  land  in  his  native  State.  These  he  aban- 
io>d  for  an  unimproved  home  in  the  West,  to  which  he  came  in  the  spring  of 
t3,  bringing  with  him  his  wife,  Fannie  Staver  (nee  Daups)  and  seven  children 
- dm,  Barbara,  Frederick,  Henry,  Jacob.  Valentine  and  Adam.  He  landed 
Herman  Township,  Montgomery  County,  and  rented  a farm  on  Twin  Creek 
3i,he  summer,  on  which  he  left  his  wife  and  children,  who  fattened  the  hogs, 
r ai id  geese,  butchered  and  otherwise  prepared  for  winter,  while  the  father 
> inued  his  journey  up  into  Jackson  Township,  where  he  entered  a half  sec- 
c of  land  and  bought  a half-section  of  a man  who  had  entered  it,  but  could 
coaythe  entrance  fee  and  sold  his  bargain  to  Staver  for  $20.  In  the  follow- 
jwpring  (having  built  a cabin  in  the  meantime),  he  moved  his  family.  He 
lil  a very  useful  place  in  society  during  his  life  and  died,  in  1854,  at  the  ripe 
ic  ige  of  eighty-seven  years.  His  sou  Henry  is  the  only  one  of  the  children  now 
g in  the  State.  He  is  on  the  old  farm,  having  added  to  it  considerably 
uig  his  lifetime.  He  has  in  all  700  acres  of  very  fine  farm  land;  he  is  a 
ua|  well  preserved,  being  eighty-seven  years  old.  and  still  carries  on  the  work 
t i6  “ place.”  Though  his  hair  is  silvered  by  the  frosts  of  eighty-eight  win- 
sr  his  eye  is  bright,  his  hand  steady  and  his  step  as  firm  as  men  much  young 
;ie  has  lived  a life  of  moral  integrity  and  is  now  enjoying  the  well-merited 
nrd,  in  the  affection  of  his  family,  a peaceful  old  age  and  a perfect  use  of  all 
; a acuities.  In  his  treatment  of  friends  and  strangers,  the  writer  hereof  can 
il  verify  that  he  retains  all  the  hospitality  for  which  his  family  is  so  much 
. red.  His  brother  John  was  appointed  a Captain  in  the  war  of  1812,  but 
b 'i'e  his  term  of  service  commenced,  the  war  closed.  No  others  of  his  family 
9 in  the  war.  This  family  was  the  means  of  bringing  into  the  township 
irst  preacher  who  ever  raised  his  voice  in  praise  of  the  “Whiteman’s 
o'”  in  the  district  now  so  thickly  dotted  with  churches  of  all  denominations: 
same  was  Samuel  Mow;  he  was  brought  by  Mr.  Staver  from  Hamilton, 
h ; he  commenced  farming  on  a quarter-section  of  land  which  had  been  en- 
for  him  by  Mr.  Staver;  he  preached  for  the  Staver  Church  a great  many 

'9i;S. 

In  1806.  Gqorge  and  Margaret  Rumbarger,  natives  of  Pennsylvania, 
ti  with  a family  of  two  children  and  located  in  Section  35,  and  there  died, 
i : son  John  was  but  ten  years  old  when  his  parents  came  to  this  county, 
Wig  been  born  in  Pennsylvania.  July  2,  1798;  he  was  married  August  24, 
0,  to  Elizabeth  Miller,  who  bore  him  eleven  children,  nine  of  whom  are 
1 ''living;  she  died  March  23,  1874,  and  her  husband  is  still  residing  on  the 
r which  his  father  settled  seventy-six  years  ago.  In  the  same  year  as  Rum- 
ir>r,  came  Christian  Cook,  also  of  the  Keystone  State,  and  settled  in  Sec 
C3,  where  he  died  in  1814,  being  buried  on  the  farm,  his  wife  surviving 
until  1863;  they  had  eleven  children — Maragret,  Frederick,  Christian, 

’ up.  and  Michael  being  the  only  survivors.  At  this  time,  the  township  be- 
njilling  up  rapidly,  and  it  would  be  utterly  impossible  to  give  the  records 
*'■  who  came  in  the  following  ten  years,  but  among  those  who  can  be  called 
: ‘flers,  and  of  whom  we  have  been  able  to  collect  anything  reliable,  may  be 
stoned  Evan  Hoops,  who,  in  1811,  settled  with  his  family  in  Section  7; 

■ J as  born  in  Pennsylvania,  was  married  twice — first,  to  Catharine  Kinsey, 
rginia,  who  bore  him  seven  children,  three  now  living — Jane,  John  and 

G 


98 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Christian;  his  wife  dying  December  25,  1814,  he  was  married  in  1816  to 
sanna  Sheets,  also  of  the  “Old  Dominion,”  to  whom  were  born  seven  childi 
five  yet  living,  viz.,  Daniel,  Sarah,  Minerva,  Henry  and  Solomon.  Mr.  He 
was  a tailor  and  worked  at  his  trade  day  and  night,  being  overrun  with  b 
ness  from  the  pioneers  of  his  vicinity;  he  hired  the  clearing  of  his  land,  wl 
he  paid  for  from  his  earnings  on  the  bench;  he  died  in  June,  1862,  a 
eighty-two;  his  wife  is  still  living  at  the  age  of  ninety.  In  1813,  Samuel 
Barbara  (Ruby)  Rodeheffer,  of  Virginia,  settled  on  the  farm  now  owned 
David  Bowman,  in  Jackson  Township,  where  he  resided  until  his  death,  lea' 
to  his  family  a nice  well-improved  farm;  he  was  the  father  of  nine  child 
six  of  whom  survive,  viz.,  Catharine,  John,  Joseph,  Samuel,  Abraham 
Mary.  Another  early  settler  of  Jackson  was  Peter  Drayer,  of  Pennsylva 
who  located  with  his  family  in  Section  7,  in  the  year  1818,  where  ho  d 
His  son  Daniel  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  August  27,  1809;  came  with 
father  to  this  township,  and  was  married  to  Elizabeth  Gantz,  a native  of  M 
land,  born  September  19,  1808;  they  had  thirteen  children,  nine  of  whom 
now  living.  Mr.  Drayer,  Jr.,  died  in  1876;  his  wife  still  survives  him. 
township  was  now  thickly  settled;  land  was  bought  and  sold;  deer  and  o 
game  retreated  to  the  deeper  fastnesses  of  the  forest,  where  the  white  man 
not  yet  penetrated,  and  the  township  began  to  wear  the  appearance  of  a ci 
ized  territory.  It  was  soon  taken  from  Jefferson  and  became  its  own  rule 
township  affairs,  the  first  elections  in  it  being  held  at  the  house  of  J; 
Wench,  Jr. 

CHUKCHES. 

Previous  to  1810,  the  Lutherans  residing  in  the  Staver  neighbor!] 
would  assemble  in  the  little  schoolhouse  near  them,  where  the  “St 
Church”  now  stands,  and  would  there  hold  their  meetings  or  be  addressei 
any  minister  available.  In  1809,  Adam  Staver  was  the  prime  mover  in  the 
ganization  of  a church,  which  was  the  first  in  the  township.  There  had  1 
previously  purchased  three  and  a half  acres  of  ground  to  be  used  as  a bury 
ground,  and  upon  this,  in  1810,  a church  was  built,  tearing  down  a log  seh 
house  that  stood  there,  in  which  they  had  been  worshiping  in  union  with 
German  Reformed  people.  The  church  was  at  first  a one-story  log,  but  it 
afterward  covered  with  clapboards  and  raised  one  story.  The  seats  were 
arranged  in  tiers,  one  above  the  other,  when  the  church  was  remodeled, 
still  standing,  but  no  services  have  been  held  in  it  since  1871.  The 
preacher  was  Andrew  Mow;  he  was  followed  by  Andrew  Simon  and  Ant 
Hinkle.  The  church  was  then  without  a preacher,  but,  hearing  of  one  d 
the  Ohio  River  150  miles,  a delegation  was  sent  to  secure  him;  became, 
did  not  stay  long.  The  burying- ground  near  the  church  was  started  in  1 
when  the  settlers  purchased  three  and  one-fourth  acres  of  land  and  fenct 
off  for  a cemetery.  The  first  burial  in  it  was  in  the  fall  of  1807,  and  nc 
is  well  filled  with  the  graves  of  the  old  settlers,  whose  bones  rest  in  the  b 
earned  land,  while  their  children  enjoy  the  fruits  of  their  labor.  The  memj 
of  the  Lutheran  and  German  Reformed  faiths  were  given  a quarter  of  an 
of  ground  by  Philip  Slifer,  and,  in  1825,  built  a union  church  out  ot  1 
It  was  torn  down  and  a brick  one  built  in  1861  for  $500.  Revs.  Winters 
Saul  Hinkle  were  the  first  pastors.  The  Methodist  Episcopal  Ohurel 
Johnsville  was  organized  and  a house  built  in  1830.  The  society  was  an 
but  succeeded  in  maintaining  the  church  until  1877,  when  the  services 
discontinued  and  the  property,  a frame  building,  valued  at  $200,  put  id 
hands  of  the  conference.  The  German  Reformed  Church  was  organized  a 
1850,  and,  in  1852,  the  first  church  was  built  on  ground  donated  by  Ge, 
Clemmer.  It  was  on  Lot  No.  14.  and  was  a one-story  brick  building, 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP. 


99 


shii^le  roof  and  cupola.  It  was  built  by  Jacob  Coleman,  contractor.  This 
Hiding  was  replaced  in  1879  by  a very  imposing  church  edifice,  built  of 
rk,  one  story  high,  with  a spire  containing  the  bell  taken  from  the  former 
iiL'ck.  It  was  erected  at  a cost  of  $4,000,  and  has  a seating  capacity  of  about 
It  is  quite  elegantly  finished  and  furnished  within,  and  certainly  reflects 
nit  credit  upon  those  through  whose  efforts  it  was  erected:  present  member- 
h'  about  100;  pastor,  Rev.  Joseph  G.  Shoemaker;  his  predecessor  was  Rev. 
■fM,  Herman,  who  had  served  this  people  for  twenty  years.  The  dedicatory 
lion  was  preached  May  2,  1880,  by  Rev.  J.  H.  Reiter. 

The  "United  Brethren  Church  is  on  Lot  No.  1,  which  is  valued  at  $100. 
r as  built  in  1854  at  a cost  of  $1,600.  The  ground  was  bought  by  a man 
a ed  Hendricks,  in  Darke  County,  for  $65.  The  church  organization  took 
lie  in  1838.  There  are  other  churches  in  the  township  which  are  not  sta- 
rs in  the  circuit,  but  merely  houses  of  worship  built  for  the  convenience  of 
shin  neighborhoods,  where  services  are  only  occasionally  held.  As  they 
e not  the  first  built  and  are  not  of  the  first  importance,  it  will  not  be  neces- 
a to  mention  them  here. 

SCHOOLS. 

Previous  to  the  passage  of  the  first  school  act,  in  1821,  the  schools  were 
ftfflat  are  now  called  subscription  schools.  In  those  days  they  knew  no  other. 

. bi  first  school  taught  was  in  a little  log  schoolhouse  which  stood  where 
liir’s  Church  now  is,  in  Section  23.  It  was  taught  for  twelve  weeks,  five  and 
b f days  each  week,  and  eight  hours  each  day.  The  farmers  subscribed  twenty  - 
li)  scholars,  at  $2  each,  payable  in  money  and  produce.  In  1810,  the  Lu- 
it  m minister.  Rev.  Mow,  taught  a school  for  a year  in  a log  schoolhouse 
h'e  the  Staver  Church  now  stands.  In  1813,  another  log  schoolhouse  was 
ii  near  the  Swartzell  neighborhood.  It  was  a German  school  and  was 
uat  by  a traveling  German  teacher.  In  1818,  a house  was  built  on  Tom’s 
u one  and  one-half  miles  from  where  Farmersville  now  stands,  in  which 
sebjfl  was  taught  by  an  Englishman  named  Graham.  Schools  now  commenced 
4 * kept  every  year  and  in  almost  all  neighborhoods,  and  indeed,  the  transition 

0 subscription  to  district  schools  was  so  gradual  that  it  cannot  be  said 
hi  the  one  entirely  ceased  or  the  other  generally  commenced.  For  long 
t<  the  law  of  1825  was  passed,  which  commanded  the  districting  of  each 
wsHip,  the  subscription  schools  continued.  In  1838,  when  provision  was 
hi  for  the  building  of  district  schoolhouses,  and  for  some  time  thereafter, 

were  many  subscription  schools,  but  they  soon  began  to  be  discontinued, 
i-  |p  district  schools  opened,  until  now  there  has  not  been  one  in  the  township 
raany  years.  There  are  now  eleven  districts  with  a comfortable  brick 

1 ing  in  each  and  school  taught  for  eight  months  in  each  year.  The  total 
i<jnt  appropriated  annually  for  school  purposes  is  from  $3,000  to  $3,500. 

ROADS. 

Che  first  roads  in  the  township  were  the  paths  which  the  early  settlers 
1 1 trough  the  thick  and  matted  underbrush  of  the  forest  to  allow  the  pass- 
e 1 their  teams  and  families  as  they  laboriously  worked  their  way  to  their 
up  homes.  These  were,  however,  not  entitled  to  the  name  ‘‘road.”  The 
d eal  road  made  in  the  township  was  the  Germantown  road  through  Farrn- 
Oe  to  Tom’s  Run;  it  was  established  in  1805.  The  next  was  a road  from 
- ns  Run,  about  a mile  from  its  month,  to  Nesbitt’s  mill,  on  Twin  Creek, 
raP  County,  established  1805.  The  Dayton  & Eaton  to  the  State  line,  thirty- 
1 Tjmiles  long,  running  through  Harrison,  and  between  Madison  and  Jeffer- 
BOn  Perry  and  Jackson,  was  established  in  1806.  The  road  from  Salem 
6 P seventeen  miles  to  Germantown,  1808.  The  road  from  the  Dayton  & 


100 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Germantown  pike  southwest  twelve  miles,  through  Liberty  and  Farmersvilh 
the  county  line,  1809.  From  the  northwest  to  the  southwest  corner  of  I 
county,  1823.  From  this  time  on,  roads  were  rapidly  surveyed  and  establish 
until  now  the  township  is  a complete  network  of  tine  hard,  maeadami 
pikes  and  beautiful  summer  roads,  almost  every  section  line  being  marked 
a road.  • 

TOWNS  AND  VILLAGES. 

This  township  does  not  boast  of  having  as  many  towns  as  some  of 
neighbors,  but,  in  point  of  size  and  beauty,  they  compare  favorably  with  th 
of  any  township  in  the  county.  There  are  but  three  of  them,  viz.,  Fir  mi 
ville,  one  and  a half  miles  south  of  the  center  of  the  township,  in  Section 
and  Johnsville  and  New  Lebanon,  both  on  the  extreme  northern  border, 
these,  the  largest  is  Farmersville.  It  was  laid  out  by  Oliver  Dalrymple,  Am 
30,  1832,  and  so  named  on  account  of  his  selling  the  lots  to  farmers.  He 
been  keeping  a store  there  for  some  years,  before  having  himself  built  the 
house  in  1822,  which  is  still  standing  and  occupied  by  his  widow.  The  c 
dren  went  to  school  in  a little  schoolhouse,  where  Jacob  Aulbach  now  lives 
1830.  Then  to  a brick  schoolhouse  just  below  the  German  Reformed  Chui 
There  is  now  a large  two-story  brick  schoolhouse,  employing  three  teachers 
furnishing  educational  advantages  for  all  the  children  of  the  town.  The 
physician  was  Dr.  Livengood,  in  1833,  while  the  town  was  still  a mere  ban 
The  first  liquor  sold  in  the  town  was  in  1822,  by  Mr.  Dalrymple,  who,  in 
dition  to  his  store,  had  a quasi  tavern.  In  March,  1849,  A bill  was  introdr 
in  the  Legislature  and  passed,  incorporating  the  town  under  its  original  m 
The  following  is  the  first  board  of  officers:  Mayor,  Jonathan  Burz;  Recor 
J.  Zehring;  Council,  Manassel  Coolman,  James  Archer,  O.  Wysong,  S.  H 
and  J.  H.  Butt,  the  first  election  being  held  on  the  14th  of  April,  1849.  T 
are  several  fine  stores  in  town,  including  groceries,  drug,  hardware  and 
goods  stores,  two  hotels,  two  carriage  manufactories,  which  make  about 
vehicles  per  annum,  barber-shops,  blacksmith-shops,  etc.  The  first  ck 
built  was  the  United  Brethren.  The  society  was  organized  in  183.1,  and 
meetings  in  the  houses  of  Jacob  Crider  and  John  Reel  until  1841,  when 
bought  a half  acre  of  ground  of  Dalrymple,  for  $36,  and  built  a churcl 
$700.  The  first  pastor  was  Frederick  Bauubreak.  The  present  pastor  is 
Bowey.  The  church  is  a station  in  the  circuit  and  numbers  twenty-five  n 
bers.  The  German  Reformed,  the  next  in  order,  was  organized  iu  March,  1 
with  thirty  members.  The  organization  was  the  direct  result  of  a difdcul' 
the  Slifer  Church.  The  new  organization  employed  Rev.  George  Long, 
held  services  in  the  United  Brethren  Church  until  1841,  when  Lots  40  an 
were  purchased  of  Elizabeth  Hollenbach  for  $70,  and  an  $800  church,  31 
feet,  built  in  1848,  by  W.  Wysong,  the  contractor.  It  was  dedicated  Mi 
1848,  by  Rev.  Henry  Crow,  in  German,  and  Henry  Milliard,  in  English.  A 
church  was  jirojected  in  1869,  on  account  of  the  incapacity  of  the  old  buik 
The  corner-stone  was  laid  with  impressing  ceremony,  May  12,  1870.  an< 
church  formally  dedicated,  Sunday,  Jan.  1,  1871,  by  Rev.  D.VanHorn,  of  Da 
It  is  an  imposing  one-story  brick  structure,  costing  $4,500;  it  has  a ga 
across  one  end,  a belfry  and  bell,  and  a capacity  for  seating  400  people, 
chiu’ch  now  has  a membership  of  175.  The  following  is  a list  of  the  pa 
in  the  order  of  service:  George  Long,  W.  K.  Le  Fever,  J.  H.  Reiter, 
Comfort,  Levi  Rike  and  M.  F.  Frank,  the  present  incumbent  of  the  paste  j 
The  church  also  owns  a pleasant  two -story  frame  parsonage  of  seven  roj 
adjoining  the  church,  which  was  built  at  a cost  of  $1,300.  The  St.  And 
Lutheran  Church  is  a branch  of  the  old  Staver  Church,  formed  in  185( 
the  purpose  of  giving  the  town  members  a convenient  place  of  worship 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP. 


101 


wight  a lot  of  Mr.  Hollenbach.  and  built  a small,  one-story  brick,  where  they 
v,rshiped  until  1872,  when  a new  lot  was  procured  and  a large  two-story  brick 
j commenced,  which  was  completed  and  dedicated  June  7,  1874,  by  (1.  W. 
iphling.  It  is  the  most  imposing  building  in  town;  it  cost  $10,000,  has  a 
cilacity  to  seat  500,  with  an  organ,  gallery,  belfry  and  940-pound  bell;  the 
amber  ship  now  numbers  150.  Some  of  the  preachers  were  Andrew  Bowman, 
i k'ew  Hinkle,  Revs.  Stairwalt,  Hinkle  and  Amos  Poorman,  the  present  pastor. 
1?  Methodist  Episcopal,  generally  the  pioneer  of  all  churches,  was  not  here 
anized  until  1840,  and,  until  1861,  the  little  band  of  worshipers  held 
.stings  in  their  private  houses  and  in  other  churches.  But  in  that  year, 
C Leslie  donated  a lot,  and  the  church  built  a one-storv  brick  for  $800. 

• en  organized,  it  consisted  of  about  thirty  members,  but,  for  some  reason, 
i decreased  to  eighteen  members.  It  is  a station  in  the  Germantown  Circuit 
r l is  ministered  to  by  the  preachers  on  that  circuit.  The  New  or  Masonic 
Irkeran  Church  was  organized  in  1879,  with  fourteen  members,  and  took  the 
)i  church  which  the  St.  Andrew’s  Church  vacated,  and  which  has  since  been 

I led  to  them  by  the  owner.  Mr.  Swartzell.  In  1867,  a “split”  occurred  in 
b higher  courts  of  the  Lutheran  Church  on  questions  of  doctrine,  and  this 
■'arch  belongs  to  the  new  branch  formed  by  that  schism.  They  retain  the 
ginal  number  of  members. 

■Johnsville. — This  is  a small  town  not  incorporated  and  lies  in  the  north 
)it  of  the  township  on  the  Eaton  road.  Though  as  many  houses  are  on  the 
ich  side  of  the  road  as  on  the  south,  the  south  side  is  the  only  part  that  is 
u fully  entitled  to  the  name,  as  it  is  the  only  part  platted.  It  was  platted  in 
by  John  W.  Becker.  There  has  been  a tavern  here  for  over  fifty -five 
p’s.  When  the  stages  ran  through  this  place,  it  was  a station  of  some  im- 
:»ance,  but  is  now  only  a small  wayside  town.  It  has  three  stores,  a hotel,  a 
a on,  blacksmith-shop,  a shoeshop,  etc.  In  the  neighborhood  are  two  tile 
lories,  which  were  started  a short  time  ago  and  are  now  doing  a good  busi- 
if'.  There  are  also  some  churches,  which  will  be  duly  noticed  in  the  history 
!ke  churches  of  the  township. 

The  next  and  last  town  to  mention  is  New  Lebanon,  which  is  composed  of 
vi  additions  in  Jackson  Township  and  one  in  Perry.  The  Jackson  Township 
■J.tions  were  made  June  3,  1843,  by  John  Brouse,  and,  in  1854,  by  Mr.  J.  J. 
^iver.  This  town  will  be  fully  spoken  of  under  the  head  of  Perry  Township, 
rise  towns  contain  all  the  business  interests  of  the  township,  which  are  not 
f issarily  great,  as  the  city  of  Dayton  is  within  easy  driving  distance  of  all 
>r;s  of  the  township. 

We  will  now  close  this  sketch  with  a word  concerning  the  early  settlement' 
r settlers,  and  their  conveniences  in  life.  Among  the  early  civil  officers,  we 
r the  name  of  Schideler,  a Justice  of  the  Peace  for  fourteen  years;  Kenne- 
a ■ and  Stuxley,  also  Justices  of  the  Peace  in  early  days.  The  first  mill  was 
■ w-mill  on  Tom’s  Run,  built  by  Adam  Staver  in  1813;  previous  to  that  time 

II  work  was  done  with  an  ax.  This  closes  a sketch  of  one  of  the  first  set- 
1<  townships  in  the  county.  The  cabins  of  the  pioneers  have  disappeared 
r<i  among  us,  and  their  bones  lie  moldering  in  the  little  graveyards  that  dot 
li township.  Their  children,  now  grown  to  old  age  in  many  cases,  enjoy  the 

■forts  of  large  brick  houses  and  improved  farm  machinery.  Indian  villages 
iaP  given  way  to  white  towns;  wild  beasts  are  replaced  by  domestic  animals; 
wnps  by  meadows;  thickets  by  orchards,  and  the  silence  of  the  wilderness  bw 
h train  of  civilization. 


102 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


BETLER  TOWNSHIP. 

HE  who  attempts  to  present  with  unvarying  accuracy  the  annals  of  a tow 
ship  the  history  of  which  extends  back  through  a period  of  more  tli 
th  ree- quarters  of  a century  imposes  upon  himself  a task  beset  with  difficult,  | 
on  every  hand.  In  the  absence  of  records,  these  difficulties  are  often  augmei 
ed  by  statements  widely  at  variance  furnished  by  early  settlers  and  their  c 
scendants  as  data  from  which  to  compile  a true  record  of  the  past.  To  cla: 
for  a work  of  this  character  perfect  freedom  from  the  slightest,  or,  in  so: 
cases,  even  grave  inaccuracies,  would  be  implying  to  arrogate  to  one’s  self  tl 
degree  of  wisdom  which  alone  resides  in  the  councils  of  the  Omniscient, 
therefore,  the  time  and  place  of  recorded  events  do  not  in  every  instance  agi 
with  the  individual  opinion  of  the  reader,  please  bear  in  mind  we  have  alwa 
inclined  to  those  statements  which  seem  best  supported.  To  give  facts  a 
facts  only  should  be  the  highest  aim  and  ambition  of  every  writer  who  profes: 
to  deal  with  incidents  of  the  past.  This  shall  be  our  goal,  this  our  guiding  st; 

The  township  in  question  is  in  the  northeastern  part  of  the  county,  a 
comprises  the  territory  between  the  two  rivers,  Stillwater  and  Miami, 
northern  boundary  is  Miami  County,  and  Harrison  Township  ad  joins  it  on  t 
south.  Its  shape  is  somewhat  irregular,  following,  as  it  does,  for  its  eastf 
and  western  boundaries,  the  windings  of  the  rivers.  Its  extreme  width  is  abc 
seven  miles,  and  length  six  miles,  and  contains  about  forty-five  sections  a 
fractional  sections  of  land,  which  formerly  belonged  to  the  townships  of  Re; 
dolph  and  Wayne.  The  Commissioners  of  the  county,  at  their  session  h( 
October  7,  1817,  ordered  that  those  parts  of  Wayne  and  Randolph  Towns! 
which  lie  between  the  Miami  River  and  Stillwater  be  erected  into  a now  tov 
ship  by  the  name  of  Butler.  The  latter  title  was  given  it  in  honor  of  a fi( 
officer  of  the  militia.  The  surface  of  its  territory  is  level,  excepting  the  pa 
contiguous  to  the  rivers  and  that  which  follows  the  meanderings  of  Pop 
Creek,  yet  any  part  is  easily  susceptible  of  drainage.  In  the  early  history 
the  township,  the  north  central  part  was  denominated  swamp  land,  and  whi 
once  wild  geese  and  ducks  in  countless  numbers  swam  lazily  about,  whj 
squirrels  and  pigeons  gamboled  or  fluttered  overhead,  we  now  see,  by  artific 
drainage,  finely  cultivated  fields,  teeming  with  the  fast  ripening  harvest.  I 
many  years,  however,  this  portion  was  entirely  neglected,  or  rather  avoided, 
the  interior  could  not  be  drained  until  sufficient  outlets  were  furnished  by  th' 
living  on  the  borders.  The  soil  of  this  section  is  a rich  black  loam,  with  j 
low  or  blue  clay  subsoil,  and  is  exceedingly  fertile  and  productive.  This  : 
pervious  clay  subsoil,  however,  renders  tiling  absolutely  necessary  in  mi 
parts.  The  land  adjoining  the  streams  has  loam  or  clay  surface,  under! 
with  gravel.  Water  is  easily  obtained,  even  in  the  highest  portions,  at  adej 
of  from  twenty  to  thirty  feet.  Originally,  the  whole  country  was  covered  w 
heavy  timber,  consisting  of  walnut,  oak,  poplar,  ash,  maple,  beech,  sugar,  t 
and  hickory  chiefly,  the  greater  portion  of  which,  during  the  past  half-eentn 
has  succumbed  to  the  ax  of  the  woodman.  Within  the  township  are  seve, 
small  streams,  the  largest  of  which  is  Poplar  Creek,  flowing  southeasterly  frj 
the  vicinity  of  Yandalia,  emptying  its  water  into  the  Great  Miami.  This  tor 
ship  is  crossed  in  either  direction  by  several  well-built  pikes,  among  which 
the  National  road,  extending  east  and  west  through  its  center.  The  D.  & 
R.  R.,  running  parallel  with  the  Great  Miami,  passes  through  its  extre 


BUTLER  TOWNSHIP. 


103 


a era  border.  The  villages  of  Yandalia,  Little  York  and  Chambersburg  are 
rjin'n  its  domain;  also  the  stations  Tadmor  and  Johnson’s,  on  the  railroad 
a<  tioned. 

EARLY  SETTLEMENT. 

At  about  the  beginning  of  the  century,  Martin  Davenport  and  David  Hoo- 
e Sr.,  came  from  North  Carolina  to  the  Stillwater  region,  prospecting  for 
ii  , and,  on  examining  that  in  the  vicinity  of  the  present  village  of  Union, 

i andolph  Township,  were  suited.  Davenport  died  before  reaching  his  home. 
Line  summer  of  1801,  several  families  from  the  same  vicinity  of  North  Caro- 

including  David  Hoover  and  family  and  David  Mast  and  family,  with 
fcl  L-s,  left  their  native  State  for  this  region,  and  stopped  south  of  Dayton,  and 
k 3 spent  the  winter,  moving  in  the  early  spring  to  the  land  selected.  While 

ii  settlement  was  made  in  what  has  since  become  Randolph  Township,  the 
lament  just  over  the  river  was  made  about  the  same  time,  and  so  closely 
>i  ected  with  it  that  it  is  necessary  to  mention  it  in  order  to  properly  intro- 
u the  pioneers  of  Butler  Township.  Hoover  was  so  delighted  with  the  ap- 
: nice  of  the  country  that,  on  his  return,  vivid  descriptions  of  it  were  given 

e entire  neighborhood,  which  excited  them  to  a desire  for  a home  in  the 
■/( John  Quillan,  theD  a young  man.  accompanied  these  first  familes  to  the 
A water  region,  driving  thither  the  team  of  David  Mast,  and,  soon  after  their 
r al,  was  united  in  marriage  to  Obedience,  a daughter  of  Mr.  Mast,  and  set- 
<<on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river  (in  Butler  Township)  to  those  families, 
lf/ing  the  northeast  quarter  of  Section  11.  Quillan  spent  his  life  in  this 
c ity,  living  to  a ripe  old  age,  dying  during  the  late  civil  war.  He  became 
ather  of  quite  a number  of  children,  who  assisted  in  converting  the  wilder- 
*sof  that  period  to  the  cultivated  fields  of  the  present.  Mi’.  Quillan  served 
e war  of  1812.  His  son  William  is  said  to  have  been  the  first  child  bom 
is  township.  It  is  held  by  some  that  Thomas  Newman  came  with  these 
■scamilies,  to  whom  be  was  related,  having  married  a Hoover,  and,  with  his 
n.y,  settled  along  the  east  side  of  Stillwater.  We  failed  to  verify  this,  but, 
•conversation  with  Aunt  Mollie  Sheets,  who  was  a Hoover,  and  came  with 
e advanced  families,  that  Newman  came  very  soon  afterward,  if  not  with 
l.  The  families  of  George  Sinks  and  Henry  Yount,  hailing  from  the  same 
uborhood  in  North  Carolina,  immigrated  to  the  Stillwater  settlement  that 
i year  (1802),  locating,  the  former  in  Section  2,  Township  5,  Range  5, 
h e he  entered  320  acres  of  land;  and  the  latter  in  Section  25,  same  town- 
: i and  range,  entering  the  full  section.  He  also  entered  one-half  of  Section 
'ownship  3,  Range  6,  land  adjoining  the  other  tract.  Mr.  Yount  had  been 
11  ed  in  North  Cai’olina,  to  Mary  Waymire,  and  had  grown  children  on 
aig.  George  Yount  entered  Section  3,  Township  5,  Range  5,  lying  partly 
1 hler  and  partly  in  Randolph  Townships;  also  a quarter  of  Section  1, 
r iship  5,  Range  5.  The  sons  and  daughters  of  Henry  Yount  were  John, 
1(pw,  Daniel  and  Sarah.  In  November,  1805,  the  families  of  Daniel  Way- 
i and  Philip  Plummer,  coming  from  Guilford  County,  N.  C.,  moved  on  the 
fif  Yount  land  in  Section  25.  Yount  vacating  and  going  down  into  Warren 
1 ty,  on  Clear  Creek,  where  he  remained  two  years  and  returned,  and  dur- 
Qs  absence  Waymire  farmed  his  land,  there  being  two  fields  of  about  eight- 
acres  cleared.  Plummer  only  remained  until  spring,  and  then  went  fur- 
hortli,  entering  the  northwest  quarter  of  Section  13.  After  raising  two 
')  on  the  Yount  land.  AVaymire  moved  on  the  section  to  the  north  (24),  and 
>i  there  to  the  Plummer  land,  which  he  purchased.  These  early  families 
"'-’rail  related,  and  were  neighbors  in  the  State  of  North  Carolina.  The  par- 
witsjif  Daniel  Waymire  were  from  Germany,  and  while  crossing  the  ocean. 
Hij°  the  year  1735,  the  mother  died,  and  her  remains  were  given  to  the  mighty 


104 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


deep.  Tlie  father's  sisters  were  sold  for  their  passage,  and  never  afterwar 
heard  of.  The  father  settled  in  North  Cai'olina,  and  again  married,  and  lroi 
the  two  unions  have  since  descended  over  three  thousand  persons.  Fatht 
Waymire  died  in  1800,  and  his  children  all  came  to  Ohio.  Daniel  marrie 
Sophia  Plummer,  and  to  them  were  born  Davis,  Mary,  Solomon,  Daniel,  Join 
Catharine,  Elizabeth,  Henry,  Sarah,  Rebecca,  Rosana  and  Isabelle,  several  c 
whom  are  now  residing  in  the  township.  Davis,  the  oldest,  was  born  in  tl 
year  1802,  is  hale  and  hearty,  and  has  resided  in  the  township  longer  than  an 
one  in  it,  and  for  a period  of  nearly  forty  years  served  the  people  as  a Jusfch 
of  the  Peace,  and  was  their  Clerk  for  thirty  years.  The  father,  Daniel  W;n 
mire,  died  July  3,  1825,  and  was  buried  in  the  old  Lutheran  Graveyard  o 
“Independence  Day;’’  the  mother,  too,  was  buried  there.  The  Plummt 
family  was  large,  none  of  whom  are  now  residing  in  this  locality.  The  chi 
dren,  as  nearly  as  we  could  learn,  were  Sophia,  John,  Catharine,  Sarah,  Bets 
Susan,  Delilah  and  Philemon.  Turning  your  attention  to  the  eastern  pari,  c 
the  township,  where,  in  Sections  13  and  14,  Township  3,  Range  6,  in  the  ye? 
1806,  Richard  Sunderland  and  William  Compton  settled,  having  together  ei 
tered  707  acres  of  land.  Sunderland,  in  company  with  two  brothers,  had,  pric 
to  the  year  1804,  entered  160  acres  each  in  Section  20,  Washington  Townshij 
where  he  had  been  twice  burned  out.  Thence  he  went  to  the  land  above  d< 
scribed.  The  Sunderlands  were  from  Pennsylvania.  The  wife  of  Richard  w t 
Nancy  Martin,  a native  of  the  Keystone  State;  their  children  were  William  an 
Elizabeth,  twins;  the  latter  married  Isaac  Miller,  the  father  of  the  Millers  no 
residing  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  subdivision;  William  Sunderland  married 
daughter  of  James  Miller,  and  to  them  were  born  six  children.  The  parent! 
Richard  and  Nancy  Sunderland,  died,  and  were  buried  on  the  farm,  in  the  yea! 
1863  and  1846  respectively.  Their  remains  have  since  been  removed  to  th 
cemetery  in  Miami  County.  William  Compton  was  from  North  Carolina.  Hi 
family  was  quite  lai’ge,  wife’s  name  was  Martha.  They  belonged  to  the  societj 
of  Friends,  or  Quakers.  Both  were  interred  on  the  homestead.  Mr.  Compton! 
share  of  the  above  described  entry  was  303  acres,  lying  in  the  southern  part  d 
the  sections  named.  Abijah  Jones  and  family,  from  North  Carolina,  settled  i] 
the  southern  part  of  the  township  in  1805.  He  was  a minister  of  the  Friend? 
society,  and  his  name  is  the  first  recorded  as  such  on  the  books  of  the  old  uRai 
dolph  meeting,”  an  account  of  which  will  be  given  under  the  topic  of  chuichei 
Mr.  Jones  died  in  1852,  in  his  eighty-hfth  year.  Sylvanus  Swallow  and  wife 
Elizabeth  (Barnard),  and  family,  emigrated  from  North  Carolina  in  the  sprin 
of  1807,  and  settled  in  the  northeast  quarter  of  Section  29,  on  land  entered  b 
him.  Mr.  Swallow  was  a native  of  Delaware,  where  he  was  born  February  2c 
1776,  and  his  wife  of  North  Carolina,  born  June  4,  1782.  On  reaching  th 
above  tract  of  land,  Mi'.  Swallow  pitched  his  tent,  in  which  the  family  reside 
for  several  months.  Their  children  were  James  O.,  John  A.,  Sampson  B| 
Cynthia,  Belinda,  Catharine  and  Priscilla.  This  was  a family  of  Friends,  an 
the  remains  of  the  parents  were  interred  at  the  Friends’  meeting-house  grave 
yard.  Some  time  prior  to  this,  the  father,  John  Swallow,  came  to  this  locahtj 
and  entered  160  acres  in  Section  19.  The  Barnards,  consisting  of  mother  an] 
son,  accompanied  the  family  of  Sylvanus  Swallow  and  settled  in  Section  A 
The  son  was  a single  man,  Samuel  by  name,  and  late  in  life  married  Rebecc. 
Compton.  Benjamin  Hutchins,  Sr.,  of  English  descent,  with  a numerous  fain 
ily,  settled  in  Section  29,  there  entering  160  acres  of  land,  he  having  com 
from  Rockford  County,  N.  C.  Isaac  Hutchins,  a son  of  Benjamin,  marriei 
Rebecca  Jones,  eldest  daughter  of  the  old  patriarch,  Abijah.  Their  son,  Dan 
iel  K.  Hutchins,  was  a minister  of  the  Friends’  Society,  and  served  thepeopl 
of  this  vicinity  many  years.  Joseph  Pearson  and  wife,  Margaret  Carnmacl; 


BUTLER  TOWNSHIP. 


105 


migrated  from  South  Carolina  in  1808,  and,  after  stopping  for  awhile  on  land 
,waed  by  George  Yount,  on  the  west  side  of  Stillwater,  crossed  that  stream  and 
atered  one-half  of  Section  1,  Township  5,  Range  5.  They  raised  a large 
iniily  of  children,  two  of  whom  are  the  wives  of  Davis  and  Henry  Waymire. 
r.  Pearson,  as  likewise  did  other  of  the  above-named  families,  left  the  South 
ainlyon  account  of  slavery.  He  did  not  want  to  raise  his  children  under  its 
ifluences.  Father  Pearson  died  January  17,  1840,  and  the  mother  July  17, 
154.  Prior  to  the  year  1809,  the  following-named  had  settled  between  the 
fo  rivers,  but  at  what  date  they  came  we  cannot  establish,  but  it  is  evident 
.at  they  were  here  before  the  beginning  of  the  second  decade  of  the  century : 
>hn  Curtis,  Joseph  Beeson,  Daniel  and  Stephen  Jones,  John  Holderman,  the 
itbles,  Henry  Crowel,  Henry  Woodhouse,  James  Insco,  James  Reed,  William 
allohan,  Joseph  Evans,  John  Mooney,  Benjamin  Kiser,  Jacob  Stokes,  John 
ryback,  David  Fox.  William  Miller,  Jacob  Rhodelhamer,  John  Sloan  and 
ichael  Engle.  Mr.  Curtis  was  from  North  Carolina,  and  entered  one-quarter 

Section  1,  Township  5,  Range  5.  He  died  at  the  close  of  the  late  war,  at 
e advanced  age  of  eighty-five  years.  Beeson  was  from  the  same  neighbor- 
ed in  North  Carolina  that  the  Swallows  came  from,  and  settled  in  the  vicin- 

of  where  Chambersburg  now  is.  His  wife  was  Mary  Barnett.  Daniel  and 

I ephen  Jones  were  from  North  Carolina,  and  the  former  entered  160  acres  of 

Action  32,  Township  3,  Range  6.  Holderman  was  a Pennsylvanian,  and  mi- 
red 477  acres  in  Section  11,  Township  3,  Range  6,  and,  before  he  was  mar- 
id,  lived  with  Richard  Sunderland.  His  wife  was  Elizabeth  Blickenstaff. 
he  Cobles  were  from  North  Carolina.  The  father  was  Nicholas  Coble,  and 
Id  the  following  sons  and  daughters:  Anthony,  Nicholas,  Emanuel,  Margaret 

fji  Hannah,  some  of  whom  were  married  prior  to  their  settling  here.  They 
vre  also  from  North  Carolina.  Anthony  entered  160  acres  in  Section  18, 
iwnship  3,  Range  6,  and  a quarter  of  Section  1,  Township  5,  Range  5. 
(owel  was  from  Virginia,  and  had  there  married  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Jo- 
sili  Cress,  and  to  them  were  born  sons  and  daughters  seven,  namely:  John, 

-\ry,  Jacob,  David,  Polly,  Abraham  and  Henry.  He  entered  a quarter  of  Sec- 
t a 12,  Township  5,  Range  5.  Woodhouse  was  from  the  South.  His  entry 
ys  a tract  of  160  acres  in  Section  33,  Township  3,  Range  6.  Insco  was  from 

0 ■ of  the  Carolinas,  and  entered  a quarter  of  Section  1,  Township  5,  Range 
'>  James  Reed,  whose  wife  was  Mary  McMahon,  emigrated  from  North  Caro- 
ls, settling  in  Section  3,  Township  2,  Range  6,  where  he  entered  160  acres  of 
Ld.  Both  were  buried  in  the  Reed  Graveyard.  In  1817,  the  Gallohans, 
v lliam  and  his  brother  Ned,  lived  on  the  farm  now  occupied  by  the  Grays, 
fans  was  from  one  of  the  Southern  States,  and  entered  several  hundred  acres 

and  in  the  township.  Mooney  was  from  Virginia.  Kizer  and  Stokes  set- 

II  in  the  vicinity  of  Section  23.  Fryback  entered.  534  acres  in  Sections  23 

1 24,  Township  3,  Range  6.  Fox  was  from  New  Jersey.  William  Miller 
svled  in  Section  35,  on  the  Great  Miami.  Rhodelhamer  entered  160  acres  in 
3 tion  24,  Township  5,  Range  5,  and  160  acres  in  Section  34,  Township  3, 
tfrge  6.  John  Sloan  was  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  from  where  he  emigrated 
u settled  on  the  southwest  quarter  of  Section  28,  Township  3,  Range  6,  which 
w entered  by  him.  His  wife  was  Elizabeth  Rummage,  and  their  children 
we  Martha,  Jane,  Mary,  John,  Elizabeth,  William  and  Sarah.  The  father 
11  mother  died  in  1833  and  1832  respectively.  Michael  Engle  settled  in  Sec- 
i 13,  Township  5,  Range  5,  where  he  entered  160  acres  of  land.  In  1810, 
Jy  Johnson,  a widow,  with  four  children,  John,  Jesse,  David  and  Mary,  came 
fri  North  Carolina  and  located  in  the  northeastern  part  of  the  township. 
V'.e  time  prior  to  this,  two  daughters  had  settled  in  Miami  County.  William 
N 'man  entered  the  northeast  quarter  of  Section  13,  Township  3,  Range  6, 


106 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


prior  to  1811.  This  same  year,  the  Thomas  Newman  above  spoken  of  owm 
the  old  John  Quillan  tract  in  Section  11.  Jacob  Staley  owned  forty-three  acn 
of  land  in  the  township  as  early  as  the  year  1811.  William  Anderson,  a nath 
of  Pennsylvania,  settled  here  that  year.  His  wife  was  a native  of  Warn 
County,  Ohio,  born  in  1798.  She  died  January  28,  1881.  Mr.  Anderson  di< 
November  23,  1867.  Not  later  than  the  war  of  1812,  Abraham  Cox,  the  M 
Knights,  John  and  Alexander,  John  Williams.  William  Kennedy,  Robe 
Hosier,  William  Mason  and  William  Snodgrass,  had  settled  here.  Kennec 
came  from  Pennsylvania  in  the  year  1812,  and  entered  the  northeast  quarter 
Section  28.  He  served  for  a number  of  years  as  County  Surveyor.  Hosii 
was  from  Virginia.  His  father,  Abram,  entered  land  at  an  early  day  in  t] 
vicinity  of  the  present  village  of  Beavertown,  where  Robert  was  married 
Nancy  Compton.  Robert’s  family  was  quite  large,  several  of  whom  now  rash 
in  the  vicinity  of  the  old  homestead.  Kennedy  and  Hosier,  as  will  be  se< 
further  along,  laid  out  Chambersburg.  Isaac  Hosier,  a brother,  entered  1( 
acres  in  Section  27,  Township  3,  Range  6,  adjoining  the  tract  entered  byRo 
ert.  In  1797,  Smith  Gregg,  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  immigrated  to  the  pre 
ent  site  of  Shakertown,  in  Van  Buren  Township,  settling  on  Beaver  Cree 
where  he  remained  until  1814,  when  he  removed  his  family  to  what  is  no 
Butler  Township,  having  entered  160  acres  of  land  in  Section  32,  Townsh 
3,  Range  6.  Mr.  Gregg  served  in  the  war  of  1812.  His  wife  was  Sarah  Bar 
sey,  who,  too,  was  a native  of  the  Keystone  State,  and  their  children  we.; 
James,  Martha,  Margaret,  John,  William,  D.  H.,  Andrew,  Smith,  Julia,  Eliz 
beth  and  Sarah.  William  is  residing  near  the  Friends’  Meeting-House.  Job 
Fm-nas  emigrated  from  the  State  of  South  Carolina  in  1818,  with  his  fathe 
who  settled  in  Miami  County.  He  was  born  April  12,  1796,  and  died  July  1 
1874.  His  wife  was  Sarah  Evans.  In  1835,  Mr.  Furnas  was  the  Whig  canc 
date  for  the  Legislature,  and  was  defeated  by  one  vote.  However,  afterwar 
he  was  elected  to  the  Legislature,  and  served  one  term;  also  served  as  Conn 
Commissioner.  Samuel  Wells,  a native  of  Maryland,  emigrated  from  Alb 
marie  County,  Va. , in  1817,  and  located  in  Miami  County,  and  in  several  yea 
removed  into  what  is  now  Butler  Township,  of  which  he  has  ever  since  been 
resident.  His  wife  was  Mary  Johnson,  a daughter  of  the  Widow  Johnson  b 
fore  mentioned.  They  were  married  September  18,  1822,  and,  should  tb 
live  until  the  coming  September  (1882),  will  have  been  sharing  together  lift 
joys  and  cares  for  a period  of  sixty  years. 

The  following- named  persons  were  the  original  proprietors  of  the  land  o 
posite  their  names,  which  had  been  taken  up  or  entered  prior  to  1818:  Prj 
dence  McMunn,  160  acres  in  Section  18,  Township  5,  Range  6;  Thomas  Ja 
160  acres  in  Section  2,  Township  5,  Range  5;  Conklin  Miller,  160  acres 
Section  34,  Township  3,  Range  6;  John  Miller,  162  acres  in  Section  32,  Tory 
ship  3,  Range  6;  Adam  Coffin,  342  acres  in  Section  28,  Township  3,  Range 
Robert  Scott,  160  acres  in  Section  14,  Township  5,  Range  5;  John  Cox,  1( 
acres  in  Section  19,  Township  3,  Range  6;  William  Lowe,  160  acres  m Sc 
tion  19,  Township  3,  Range  6;  Joseph  McKinney,  158  acres  in  Section 
Township  3,  Range  6;  Joseph  Cooper,  162  acres  in  Section  32,  Township 
Range  6;  James  Lowrey,  160  acres  in  Section  23,  Township  3,  Range  6;  Dav 
Sidwell,  160  acres  in  Section  24,  Township  5,  Range  5;  Joseph  Miller,  1 
acres  in  Section  19,  Township  3,  Range  6;  J.  Woods,  160  acres  in  Section  - 
Township  3,  Range  6;  Samuel  Dinwoody,  160  acres  in  Section  10,  Townsh 
3,  Range  6;  Jesse  Johnson,  160  acres  in  Section  3,  Township  3,  Range  6;  J 
siah  Lamb,  160  acres  in  Section  12,  Township  5,  Range  5;  Edward  Thom; 
160  acres  in  Section  12,  Township  5,  Range  5. 


BUTLER  TOWNSHIP. 


107 


JUSTICES  OF  THE  PEACE. 

The  following- named  persons  were  elected  Justices  of  the  Peace  of  the 
•nvnship  as  set  forth  below: 

William  Kennedy.  June  12,  1818;  James  Miller.  October  12,1819;  James 
.isley,  April  2,  1821;  re-elected  April  5,  1824;  James  Reed,  December  3, 
;‘25;  James  Ensley,  April  2.  1827;  Samuel  Maxwell,  October  28.  1828;  James 
nsley,  April  5,  1830;  Davis  Waymire,  October  11,  1831;  John  Hale,  April  1, 
133;  Davis  Waymire,  re-elected  October  14, 1834;  John  Hale,  re-elected  April 
1836;  John  Pearson,  October  11,  1836;  Benjamin  Furnas,  April  20,  1839; 
j.vis  Waymire,  October  12,  1839;  Robert  Brown,  April  4,  1842;  Davis  Way- 
re,  re-elected  October  11.  1842;  Benjamin  Furnas,  re-elected  November  19, 
42;  Davis  Waymire  and  Benjamin  Furnas,  October  14, 18457  Levi  Hamaker, 
( tober  12,  1847;  Davis  Waymire,  November  7,  1848.  James  O.  Swallow,  Oc- 
1 er  8,  1850;  John  R.  Limbert,  October  14,  1851;  James  O.  Swallow,  October 
* 1853;  Davis  Waymire,  October  10,  1851;  James  O.  Swallow,  October  10, 
46;  Davis  Waymire,  October  13,  1857;  James  O.  Swallow,  October  13,  1859; 
I vis  Waymire,  October  9,  1860;  James  O.  Swallow,  October  14,  1862; 
Ids  Waymire,  October  13,  1863;  James  O.  Swallow,  October  10,  1865 
pedal  election);  Davis  Waymire,  October  9,  1866;  James  O.  Swallow, 
C'ober  13,  1868  (special  election);  Davis  Waymire,  October  13,  1869;  John 
'll  Underwood,  October  10,  1871;  James  O.  Swallow,  October  8,  1872;  Jacob 
S'ith,  December  16,  1S73;  J.  W4  Underwood,  October  13,  1874;  Davis  Fur 
n,  April  5,  1875;  J.  W.  Underwood,  October  9,  1877;  Davis  Furnas,  April 
878;  J.  WT.  Underwood,  October  12,1880;  Jeremiah  Sebold,  April  -.  1881. 

SCHOOLS. 

The  Stillwater  and  Miami  settlements,  like  all  others  dating  back  to  the  be- 
lling of  the  century,  had  many  difficulties  to  overcome  before  much  progress 
d be  attained  in  the  way  of  education.  Lessons  in  the  rudimentary 
>i  iches  were  at  first  given  in  the  cabins  of  the  pioneers,  and,  in  some  instances 
Tidoned  cabins  were  used  as  places  of  holding  school.  In  the  western 
>; . of  what  is  now  Butler  Township — that  part  next  to  the  Stillwater  known 

- ’ownship  5,  Range  5 — there  stood  at  an  early  day  a house  in  the  northeast- 
•t  quarter  of  Section  12,  in  which  school  was  kept  by  Edward  Easton.  An- 
ti' of  the  early  schoolliouses  of  this  vicinity  was  built  in  the  northeastern 

'ter  of  Section  24.  John  Hutchins,  William  Milikin  and  Jim  Wright 
vp  the  teachers.  Davis  Waymire,  whose  name  is  frequently  mentioned  in 
oiection  with  the  sketch  of  the  township,  received  instruction  under  their 
airship.  This  was  the  first  school  he  remembers  of  attending,  and  these 
vols  the  first  that  he  had  any  knowledge  of.  He  was  born  in  the  year  1802, 
ii  became  a resident  of  that  vicinity  in  the  year  1806.  We  leave  the  reader 
pi  the  dates  of  these  schools.  Along  the  Miami,  in  the  eastern  part  of  the 
■ 'ship,  on  the  Jacob  Stokes  farm,  there  was  a school  in  session  in  the  year 
' , taught  by  a Mr.  Brown.  His  given  name  cannot  now  be  recalled  by  the 
'loft  who  were  once  his  pupils.  Mrs.  Samuel  Wells,  one  of  Butler  Town- 
11  s pioneers,  who  came  in  the  year  1810  as  “ Mary  Johnson,”  was  an  attend  - 
u it  this  school,  and  well  remembers  the  fact  that  on  one  occasion  a problem 
i ithmetic  was  too  much  for  Master  Brown,  and  was  finally  solved  by  Billy 
ulerland,  who  retired  himself  to  an  old  stump  just  in  the  rear  of  the  school- 
pa,  where  the  task  was  accomplished.  Mary  Johnson,  as  it  was  then,  board- 
Lhile  attending  that  school,  with  Uncle  Billy  Snodgrass,  the  distance  from 
neihome  to  the  school  being  too  great  to  walk.  In  the  southern  part  of  the 

- ‘V  ship,  school  was  taught  in  the  Friends’  Meeting-House,  which  was  erected 
''h  a now  stands  their  brick  church,  about  the  year  1809  or  1810.  The  first 


108 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


who  pedagogued  there  of  whom  we  have  any  account  was  a Mr.  Bratton,  v> 
was  succeeded  by  the  following  named,  and  in  the  order  given:  Christopl 

Furnas,  Benjamin  Coffin  and  John  Huff. 

W e have  given  above  the  several  schools  of  what  is  now  the  territory  un< 
consideration  as  nearly  as  the  facts  could  be  arrived  at  for  the  period  embr 
ing  the  first  decade  of  the  century.  To  undertake  to  give  anything  like  an 
curate  account  of  the  numerous  schools  of  this  region  from  that  period  to 
present  would  be  almost  impossible,  as  the  records  kept,  until  of  late  ye; 
were  meager  indeed.  Therefore,  we  close  what  further  is  to  be  said  under  t 
head  with  the  schools  of  to-day.  There  are  now  in  the  township  ten  sch 
districts,  besides  the  Yandalia  District,  which  is  independent.  District  No. 
in  which  are  the  schools  of  the  village  of  Chambersburg,  has  two  schooltiou 
— one  brick,  having  two  rooms,  and  the  other  a frame,  the  latter  being  for 
colored  youth  of  the  township.  In  each  of  the  other  districts  there  is  'a  o 
story  brick  building.  The  average  cost  of  the  houses  is  about  $1,200  ea 
The  average  number  of  months  in  which  school  is  held  during  the  year  iseig 
the  number  of  scholars  enrolled  (January,  1882),  about  500;  daily  average 
tendance.  78  per  cent.  The  appropriation  for  school  purposes  for  the  y 
1881  was  $4,200 — 1.  e. , for  the  ten  districts,  the  independent  district  be 
supplied  by  the  corporation  of  Vandalia  and  immediate  neighborhood. 

CHURCHES  AND  GRAVEYARDS. 

The  pioneers  gave  early  attention  to  religious  matters.  The  Friends  | 
Quakers  of  the  settlement  not  too  remote  from  the  Stillwater  region  worship 
prior  to  the  year  1809,  on  the  west  side  of  the  river,  where  had  been  organiz 
two  years  before,  a meeting  known  as  “ Rocky  Springs.  ” The  Friends  atte 
ing  services  there  requested  a meeting  among  themselves,  which  was  granj 
by  West  Branch  Quarterly  Meeting  of  Miami  County,  and  a meeting  was 
here  in  1809.  and  a rude  log  meeting-house  erected  the  same  year  or  the  y 
following  (1810),  and  stood  a little  west  of  the  present  brick  church,  on  grov 
deeded  to  them  by  Sylvanus  Swallow  for  church  and  graveyard  purposes- 
all,  about  four  acres.  The  small  one-story  brick  now  standing  near  the  cer 
of  Section  29  was  built  in  1824  or  1825,  and  is  quite  antique  in  appearai 
having  an  entrance  on  either  end  and  on  one  side,  and  its  windows  be 
“square.”  Some  of  the  names  of  those  composing  the  second  meeting  we 
Abijah  Jones,  Benjamin  Hutchins  and  his  sons  Isaac  and  Benjamin,  Jr.,  JobnC 
tis,  James  Hutchins,  Sylvanus  Swallow,  Joseph  Beeson,  Christopher  Furnas,  E 
phen  Macy,  Stephen  Jones,  Isaac  Cooper,  Henry  Yount  and  Samuel  Barnaid.  r. 
reader  will  notice  that  many  of  these  were  a part  of  the  early  fathers,  who  were 
first  residents.  Subsequently,  others  moved  in,  and  the  meeting  was  increai 
and  became  large,  but  of  late  years  it  has  been  weak,  and  is  now  languish! 
Many  of  the  members  coming  as  they  did,  from  North  Carolina,  it  recer 
the  name  of  Randolph  Meeting,  from  one  of  that  name  there.  The  first 
corded  minister  was  Abijah  Jones;  next  came  Prudence  (Cooper)  Teague,  i 
is  still  living,  and  now  resides  in  Grant  County,  Ind. ; Isaac  Jay,  son  of 
D.  Jay,  follows;  other  names  are  Daniel  H.  Hutchins  and  Smith  Gregg 
connection  with  this  church,  we  will  say  a word  or  two  relative  to  the  gri 
yard,  inasmuch  as  they  are  almost  one.  The  ground,  as  has  been  seen, 
deeded  for  both,  and  it  is  reasonable  to  infer  that  burying  began  there  as  s 
as  deaths  occurred.  Assuming  this  to  be  the  case,  it  is  certainly  the  ole 
burying- ground  in  the  township.  We  know  interments  were  made  in  it  p 
to  1814,  when  William  Gregg  came  to  that  vicinity.  It  is  said  that  the  1 
wife  of  Benjamin  Hutchins,  Sr.,  was  the  first  person  buried  there.  The 
mains  of  many  of  the  pioneers  rest  by  that  little  brick  church  on  the  hill, 


BUTLER  TOWNSHIP. 


109 


jath  whose  roof  they  had  so  often  raised  their  voices  in  praises  to  Him,  the 
iver  of  every  good  gift,  and  who  ever  doeth  all  things  well,  and  the  appear  - 
ice  of  whose  crumbling  walls  reminds  us  that  they,  too,  are  mutable,  and  to 
e coming  generations  will  be  lost.  Probably  the  nest  earliest  church  organ- 
ation  effected  in  the  township  was  that  of  the  Lutheran  denomination.  Of 
is  there  are  no  records  that  we,  after  diligent  search,  could  learn  of,  and  of 
e few  yet  surviving  who  were  in  that  vicinity  in  the  early  years  of  the  society, 
me  can  remember  much  about  it.  From  Davis  Waymire  we  learn  that,  as 
rlyas  1816,  there  stood  at  the  old  burying-ground  in  the  southeastern  corner 
Section  IB,  Township  5,  Range  5,  a hewed  log  church  known  as  the  Lu- 
eran  Church,  but  how  long  prior  to  this  the  society  worshiping  there  was 
ganized,  or  by  whom,  he  cannot  state.  The  ground  upon  which  this  meet- 
g-house  was  constructed,  and  the  graveyard  thereabout,  was  deeded  by  Eman- 
1 Coble.  Among  the  early  ministers  who  preached  for  these  people  were 
;jws.  Mow,  Henecker  and  Spence,  and  of  the  early  members  were  Nicholas 
nble  and  wife,  Jacob  Staley  and  family,  Jacob  Frybarger,  John  Cotner  and 
ibther  and  the  Crowel  family.  Services  were  held  in  the  log  meeting-house  until 
] t far  from  1830,  when  it  was  replaced  by  a frame  church  building,  and  this, 
1842,  by  a one-story  brick,  under  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  D.  P.  Rosenmiller.  In 
is  summer  of  1873,  this  was  torn  down,  and  the  material  taken  to  what  is 
I own  as  Spankertown,  about  one  mile  and  a quarter  southeast,  and  there  re- 

I ilt  that  same  summer.  The  church  at  the  graveyard  was  called  Stillwater 
htheran  Evangelical  Church.  The  new  building  at  Spankertown,  a one- 

iry  brick,  having  a spire  and  bell,  the  latter  weighing  600  pounds,  and  was 
:?t  at  the  Johnson  Foundry,  in  Dayton,  erected  at  a cost  of  13,000,  is  known 
i Si  Paul’s  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church,  and  was  dedicated  November  30, 
73,  by  Elder  D.  Summers,  assisted  by  Rev.  Dr.  Ort,  of  Wittenberg  College, 
-ice  which  the  charge  has  been  served  by  the  following  pastors:  D.  Sum- 

ms,  E.  D.  Smith.  W.  M.  Smith  and  A.  M.  Barrett,  the  present  incumbent, 
.e  membership  now  is  about  sixty. 

July  30, 1816,  was  organized  a religious  society,  by  Elders  George  Shideler 
and  John  Plummer,  known  as  the  Lower  Stillwater  Church  of  Christ, 
•nathan  Newman  and  William  Pearson  were  chosen  first  Deacons,  and  Fred- 
ck  Hoover,  Clerk.  The  original  members  were:  George  Sinks  and  wife, 

bah;  Samuel  Martindale  and  wife,  Elizabeth;  John  Quillan.  Richard  Cox, 
Imnuel  Coble  and  wife,  Rachel,  Fanny  Cox,  Mahala  Newman,  William  Skin- 
t-,  Anna  Gallohan,  Mary  Millin,  Anthony  Coble,  Nancy  Pearson,  Catharine 
Gss,  Margaret  Reed,  Elizabeth  Millin,  and  Mary  and  Sophia  Waymire. 

' vices  were  held  at  the  residences  of  the  different  members  and  in  the  old  school - 
Mise  formerly  standing  on  the  site  of  the  one  now  at  Polk  Church.  The  cabin 
tne  of  old  Daniel  Waymire,  now  the  Henry  Waymire  homestead,  was  the 
£j>at  preaching-place  for  this  society,  and,  in  later  years,  at  Emanuel  Coble’s. 
!e  church  was  re-organized  by  Elder  Caleb  Worley  July  6,  1839,  and  in  the 
samer  of  1844,  a one-story  brick  building  was  erected  on  the  west  half  of 
Ction  13,  Township  5,  Range  5,  and,  while  in  state  of  building,  was  called 
iik  Church,  which  name  it  still  bears.  This  was  owing  to  the  fact  that  the 

II  jority  of  the  men  engaged  in  its  construction  were  for  James  Tv.  Polk,  whose 

r ne  was  then  before  the  national  convention  held  at  Baltimore,  as  a candidate 
i President  of  the  United  States.  On  receipt  of  the  news  of  his  nomination, 
fee-berry  bushes  or  branches  were  waved  from  the  scaffolding  and  walls,  and 
8 pended  therefrom  in  great  profusion;  hence  the  name.  In  this  connection, 
1 mit  us  to  state  a fact  that  will  bear  repetition  in  this  and  in  all  coming  his- 
f-  es,  namely:  The  convention  by  which  Air.  Polk  was  nominated  was  held 

8 Baltimore,  Md.  On  the  29th  of  May.  1844,  the  news  of  the  nomination  was 


110 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


sent  to  W ashington  by  the  magnetic  telegraph.  It  was  the  lirst  dispatch  e 
so  transmitted,  and  the  event  marks  an  era  in  the  history  of  civilization.  C 
acre  of  ground,  upon  which  the  church  was  built,  was  deeded  in  1848  to  j 
Trustees  for  church  and  public  burying-ground,  by  Anthony  Coble.  In  18 
the  building  was  enlarged  and  remodeled,  and  it  is  now  a model  church, 
was  dedicated  on  the  second  Sabbath  of  November  of  that  year;  sermon 
Elder  William  Gross,  who  is  yet  serving  the  charge.  The  membership  is  n 
in  the  neighborhood  of  sixty.  The  following  is  a list  of  pastors  since  18' 
Elders  Elisha  Ashley,  Peter  Banta,  Elijah  Williamson,  Alexander  McCla 
Richard  Brandon,  Asbury  Watkins,  William  Pearson,  Albert  Long,  Hir, 
Simonton,  Thomas  Wells  and  William  Gross. 

Sugar  Grove  Christian  Church,  located  in  the  center  of  Section  1,  To\ 
ship  5,  Range  5,  was  organized  August  24,  1850,  by  Elder  William  Furnas, 
the  one-story  frame  church  building  now  standing  there,  built  in  18‘ 
The  original  members  were  William  Pearson  and  wife,  Nancy,  Henrietta  H; 
Elizabeth  Campbell,  Dortha  Wolverton,  Joshua  Hall,  Mary  Stucksberg 
Cynthia  Macy,  Jane  Hall,  Nancy  Stoner,  Amy  Pearson  and  John  Davis.  1 
pastors  of  this  congregation  have  been  William  Furnas,  J.  G.  Reeder  a 
William  Jay.  In  1878,  the  year  of  the  building  of  the  church  at  Frederl 
in  Miami  County,  this  society  went  thither,  where  they  now  worship.  1 
ground  upon  which  the  frame  church  stood,  including  that  of  the  gravey? 
(one-half  acre  in  all),  was  deeded  to  the  church  by  John  Furnas.  The 
maining  religious  history  of  the  township  will  be  given  in  the  respect 
villages. 

In  addition  to  the  burying- grounds  about  the  several  churches  spoken  ii 
above,  and  those  following  given  under  the  head  of  villages,  are  those  in  S 
tions  3 and  11  of  Township  3,  Range  6.  The  former,  known  as  the  Rc  I 
Graveyard  from  its  situation  on  the  Reed  land,  is  quite  ancient,  and  in  it  sk 
a number  of  the  first  settlers.  The  wife  of  James  Reed,  having  selected  i 
spot  where  she  was  desirous  of  interment,  was  the  first  buried  there,  and  i'r 
this  fact  it  became  a place  for  burials.  The  latter  is  for  the  same  reason  sty' 
the  Holderman  Graveyard,  John  Holderman  having  given  about  a quarter 
an  acre,  to  which  was  added  by  purchase  another  quarter,  and  the  yard  rej 
larly  laid  out  into  lots.  On  the  18th  of  April,  1879,  a cemetery  associati 
was  formed,  and  a purchase  of  seven  acres  of  ground,  lying  in  Section  13,  < 
joining  the  graveyard  at  Polk  Church,  made  of  Solomon  Coble  for  $700.  T 
following  officers  were  elected:  President,  O.  P.  Waymire;  Directors,  Isa 

John  and  O.  P.  Waymire,  John  Ludy,  Robert  Martindale  and  Charles  >Ja< 
son;  Secretary,  Henry  Waymire;  and  Treasurer,  Isaac  Waymire.  The  grou 
is  rolling,  and  has  natural  beauty,  and  is  also  beautifully  located.  It  is  re< 
larly  laid  out  into  lots,  and  has  wide  avenues  leading  through  its  various  par 
Already  steps  have  been  taken  in  the  direction  of  adding  to  and  increasi 
its  natural  beauty  by  the  planting  of  trees  and  shrubbery,  and  in  it  have  be 
placed  several  fine  and  substantial  monuments.  It  is  styled  Maple  Grc 
Cemetery. 

MILLS,.  DISTILLERIES,  ETC. 

Butler  Township  seems  to  have  had  its  full  quota  of  mills,  distilleries  a 
woolen  factories,  for  along  Stillwater  and  the  branch  forming  the  dividing  h 
between  Township  5,  Range  5,  and  Township  3,  Range  6,  and  emptying  ii 
the  river  below  Little  York,  are  numerous  evidences  of  such  enterprises, 
early  as  the  year  1807  or  1808,  Abijali  O’Neal  and  Joseph  Cooper  built  a sa 
mill  on  the  river  in  the  vicinity  of  the  grist-mill  at  Little  York.  Several  yeij 
thereafter,  Andrew  Waymire,  having  purchased  O’Neal’s  interest  in  the  sa 
mill,  and,  later,  that  of  Cooper,  built  a grist-mill  on  the  site  of  the  prese. 


BUTLER  TOWNSHIP. 


Ill 


liver  Heck  mill.  Waymire  operated  it  for  some  years,  and  it  passed  into  the 
ands  of  Daniel  and  Andrew  Yount  and  Benjamin  Iddings,  who  erected  and 
aerated,  in  connection  therewith,  a distillery,  and  at  about  the  same  time, 
obert  Russell  built  a still-house  near  by,  which,  years  later,  was  converted  by 
eorge  Huffman  into  a tannery.  The  Younts  and  Iddings  replaced  the  old 
•ist-mill  by  a new  one,  the  work  being  done  by  Felty  Waymire.  The  saw- 
ill  was  then  abandoned.  The  mill  passed  through  various  hands,  and  finally 
11  into  the  possession  of  Oliver  Heck,  who  is  now  the  miller  at  the  old  Way 
ire  mill  at  Little  York'.  John  Heikes  also  built  and  carried  on  a distillery 
ere.  Daniel  Yount  built  an  early  saw-mill  on  the  branch  named,  which  was 
him  operated  for  a number  of  years,  then  carried  on  by  Richard  Sandham, 
10  built  there  a large  woolen  factory.  On  this  branch,  south  of  the  above- 
med  mill,  Andrew  Yount  erected  a grist-mill,  which  was  converted  into  a 
>okn  factory  by  John  Wenger.  Sandham  also  built,  above  the  Sandham 
; itory,  a grist-mill,  which  is  still  in  operation.  Prior  to  this,  a saw-mill  had 
lien  built  on  the  same  site  by  Andrew  Waymire.  Still  further  north,  on  the 
me  branch,  John  Mast  erected  a saw-mill,  now  the  Coover  mill.  Above  the 
iter  was  built  a saw-mill  by  Joseph  Staley,  which  became  the  property  of 
hnry  Waymire.  William  Long  was  carrying  on  a saw-mill  and  corn-cracker  in 
t.i  western  part  of  the  township,  on  Stillwater’.  On  the  other  side  of  the 
trnship  were  also  numerous  mills.  David  Pox  operated  a saw-mill  near  the 
rjuth  of  Poplar  Creek.  Eli  Compton  built  a saw-mill  in  the  southeast  quarter 

0 Section  22.  Such  mills  were  also  built  by  John  Mills,  James  O.  Swallow, 
al  the  Sunderlands,  Richard  and  James.  Copper  stills  were  operated  by  John 
IjMerman,  James  Miller  & Son,  David  Fox,  Samuel  Maxwell,  and  many 
ojers,  as  such  stills  were  numerous  and  in  almost  constant  use. 

VILLAGKS. 

The  village  of  Little  York,  situated  in  the  southwestern  part  of  the  town 
rip,  was  laid  out  by  Andrew  Waymire  October  13,  1817,  and  is  by  far  the 
>.pst  village  of  the  subdivision.  The  plat  shows  that  the  original  number  of 
kj  was  forty-eight.  Davis  and  John  Waymire  were  present  at  the  sale  of  the 
k(.  The  village  sprang  i into  existence  from  the  fact  of  the  presence  of  the 
■s  at  that  point.  A house  or  two  had  been  erected  by  Andrew  Waymire  for 
1 miller  previous  to  the  laying  out  of  the  lots.  The  first  merchants  of  the 
pipe  were  Christopher  Coon  and  a Mr.  Sloan.  Among  the  early  inn-keepers 
ye  Meredith  Hutchins  and  Abraham  Fry.  Henry  Huntsinger  was  then  the 
dlge  blacksmith.  As  to  when  the  post  office  was  established,  and  who  was 

1 first  Postmaster,  we  have  been  unable  to  learn.  We  failed  to  find  a record 
It,  and  all  knowledge  of  the  fact  seems  to  have  been  lost  to  the  yet  remaining 
'fleers  of  that  vicinity.  It  was  not,  however,  until  several  years  after  the 
ang  out  of  the  village.  The  present  Postmaster  is  Perry  Rankin,  who  keeps, 
c onnection  with  the  office,  a general  store.  A grist-mill  is  there  in  opera- 
",  owned  by  Oliver  Heck.  Gartner  & Brussman  are  dealers  in  agricultural 
ulements;  George  Fair  is  the  grocer,  Charles  Dresdo  the  shoemaker,  and 

E)b  Brussman  the  blacksmith. 

Chamber sburg.  —Is  situated  in  the  southern  part  of  the  township,  and  was 
a;  out  by  Robert  Hosier  and  William  Kennedy,  January  26,  1830.  The 
’bon  & Troy  pike  passes  through  it  from  north  to  south.  The  object  of 
Q'3  men  was  to  secure  a post  office  and  other  conveniences,  such  as  stores,  a 
ktsmith,  etc.,  as  a village  would  afford.  It  was  so  named  after  a town  of 
C'iame  name  in  Pennsylvania.  Early  inn-keepers  of  the  “burg  ” were  Peter 
1 and  John  McDargh,  the  latter  holding  forth  where  the  post  office  now  is, 
a Fox  on  the  present  site  of  the  hotel  kept  by  William  Harlow,  who  has  also 


112 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


a grocery.  The  first  merchants  of  the  village  were  Peter  Fox  and  Ben j an 
Wilhelm,  and  the  blacksmith  was  William  Martin.  Other  interests  are  n 
carried  on  by  William  Compton,  a grocer;  Washington  Barnhart  and  Isai 
Broomscotch,  both  “ smiths,”  giving  attention  to  repairing  in  their  line.  1 
Christian  Church  located  here  is  a one-story  brick,  and  was  erected  in  the  su 
mer  of  1849.  The  organization  was  effected  in  November  of  the  same  year, 
Elder  Peter  Banta.  The  following-named  ministers  have  since  served  1 
charge:  Elders  C.  Morse,  Peter  McCullough,  David  Johnson,  Hiram  Simc 

ton,  Warren  Weeks  and  William  Gross.  This  church,  though  at  present  wi( 
out  a pastor,  and  with  a membership  of  only  about  thirty,  was  once  in  a v< 
flourishing  condition,  having  upward  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  enrolled.  T 
church  was  built  by  subscription,  and  was  to  be  a neighborhood  place  of  w 
ship,  its  doors  to  be  open  to  the  various  denominations.  The  post  office  v 
established  at  this  village  in  1834,  with  John  McDargh  as  Postmaster.  Sii 
then,  so  numerous  have  been  the  Postmasters  that  it  would  be  almost  impos 
ble  to  give  them  by  name  in  proper  order,  since  there  has  been  no  record 
them  kept  in  the  county.  The  present  incumbent  is  Henry  Westerman,  v 
has  been  in  office  the  greater  part  of  the  time  since  1862.  His  predecessor  \ 
William  Jackson,  who  served  many  years. 

Vandalia. — This,  the  largest  village  of  the  three,  is  located  in  the  east* 
part  of  the  township.  It  is  regularly  laid  out,  and  its  streets  are  at  right  i 
gles.  There  is  considerable  of  the  spirit  of  enterprise  manifested  by  the 
habitants,  as  is  evidenced  in  the  several  manufactories,  imposing  church  bui 
ings,  new  dwellings,  etc.  The  village  dates  back  to  August  1,  1838,  wlj 
thirty-three  lots  were  laid  out  by  Benjamin  Wilhelm,  who  was  the  first  nr 
chant  of  the  village,  and  subsequently  became  its  first  Postmaster  and  May 
In  the  fall  of  1838,  Jonathan  Skinner,  a blacksmith,  erected  one  of  the  f 
houses,  which  stood  on  the  present  site  of  the  residence  of  William  Murp 
Here  Skinner  carried  on  his  trade,  and  was  the  first  in  that  line,  Abram  Ej 
hart,  of  the  same  pursuit,  coming  next  in  order.  William  Baggot  and  one  K 
were  early  tavern-keepers.  Vandalia  was  visited  by  the  cholera  during 
year  of  1849,  and  probably  suffered  as  much  by  that  scourge  in  proportion 
the  number  of  inhabitants  as  did  any  place  in  the  Enited  States,  as  the  foil* 
ing  figures  will  doubtless  show.  The  village  then  had  a population  of  ab 
two  hundred  inhabitants,  some  fifty  of  whom  took  flight  for  safety  and  of 
remaining  one  hundred  and  fifty,  fifty  fell  victims  to  the  disease,  leavmg 
per  cent  that  withstood  the  calamity.  The  act  incorporating  the  village  ' 
passed  February  7,  1848,  and  the  first  election  for  corporation  officers  \ 
held  March  22,  1848,  when  Benjamin  Wilhelm,  the  chief  “figure-head 
the  village,  became  its  Mayor.  His  re-election  occuri’ed  on  the  same  day  < 
month  in  the  following  year’,  and  again  at  such  date  in  1850.  Other  May 
as  far  as  could  be  obtained  from  records,  elected  as  the  dates  following  tl 
names  show,  have  been:  Ezra  T.  Leggett,  March  22,  1851;  re-elected  Ma 

22,  1852.  In  August,  1852,  Mr.  Leggett  resigned,  and  on  the  11th  of  t 
month,  William  Huffman  was  appointed  to  fill  the  vacancy.  Otho  E.  Eu, 
was  elected  April  4,  1853,  and  on  the  2d  of  April,  1855,  William  Huffman 
again  chosen.  Mr.  Huffman  was  again  elected  in  the  spring  of  1856,  and 
re-elected  the  following  April;  I.  C.  Felter,  April  5,  1858,  and  April  4,  .18 
I.  R.  Bittinger,  April  1,  1861;  J.  T.  Roll,  April  7,  1862;  J.  N.  North  A| 
15,  1863;  William  Jennings,  April  12,1869;  John  Kunkle,  in  April.  1871 
1872;  James  O.  Swallow,  April,  1873,  who  died  in  office,  and  was  succeeded 
William  H.  Murphy;  Mr.  Murphy  was  re-elected  in  1874  and  1875;  Rich 
Krewson,  in  1877;  Daniel  Foreman,  in  1878;  and  William  H.  Murphy,1 
present  incumbent,  in  1879. 


BUTLER  TOWNSHIP. 


113 


It  was  not  for  several  years  after  the  laying  out  of  the  village  that  the  people 
iiereof  had  the  benefit  of  a post  office.  We  are  unable  to  give  the  exact  year, 
it  can,  from  reliable  source,  state  that  Benjamin  Wilhelm,  the  first  Postmas- 
r,  was  serving  in  such  capacity  in  the  year  1845.  Mr.  Wilhelm’s  successor 
as  William  Baggott,  and  in  regular  order  came  the  following-named:  Will- 

m Satcamp,  J.  W.  Murphy,  Dr.  A.  Curtis,  J.  W.  Murphy,  and  the  present  in- 
umbent,  Mrs.  Rebecca  Weidman,  who  took  possession  October  1,  1865.  There 
e three  churches  here,  which  are  given  below  in  their  chronological  order. 

two  of  these,  no  record  can  be  found,  hence  a brief  sketch  only  can  be 
wen,  and  that  alone  from  the  memory  of  some  of  the  old  members.  About  the 
ar  1839  or  1840,  the  United  Brethren  society  erected  a one-story  brick  church,  on 
:ound  deeded  to  them  by  Benjamin  Wilhelm.  This  church,  at  completion, 
ms  dedicated  by  the  Rev.  William  Collins.  The  society  was  organized  some 
jars  prior  to  the  building  of  the  church,  and  meetings  held  at  the  house  and 
irnof  Christopher  Shupp,  also  at  other  private  residences,  but  at  that  one 
gen  more  frequently.  Some  of  the  early  families  of  this  society  were  the 
upps,  Wilhelms,  Covers  and  Beards,  and  among  early  ministers  that  served 
f>m  were  Joseph  Hoffman  and  William  Collins.  During  the  years  1834, 
135,  1836  and  1837,  extensive  camp  meetings  of  the  United  Brethren  denom- 
i ition  were  held  in  this  vicinity.  The  church  building  was  rebuilt  in  1868. 
Ins  a very  neat  one-story  brick  structure,  with  spire  and  bell;  cost  about  $4, - 
(pi  The  charge  is  in  a very  flourishing  condition;  membership,  about  two 
i ndred;  pastor,  Rev.  Swaim. 

The  German  Evangelical  Church  society  was  organized  in  1844  or  1845, 
ail  among  the  first  members  were  the  families  of  Henry  Klauer.  Henry  Erber, 
Uderick  Shaeffer  and  M.  Kronemiller,  and  the  first  pastors  were  Revs.  Peter 
Getz,  G.  Wolpert  and  John  Honecker.  Preaching  was  done  at  the  residences 
u the  members  until  the  building  of  the  present  one-story  brick  church,  in 
H3.  It  was  dedicated  in  the  spring  of  1854;  sermon  by  Rev.  A.  Shaeffer. 
fb.  Jacob  Miller  is  the  present  pastor;  membership,  about  twelve. 

Lutheran  Church,  erected  in  1864,  is  a one-story  brick,  with  cupola  and 
'of.  The  society  formerly  was  a part  of  the  membership  of  the  old  Lutheran 
birch  before  mentioned,  and,  in  1858,  withdrew  for  convenience,  and  effected 
'’  organization  under  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  Jacob  Shower,  and,  up  to  the  erec- 
it  of  the  building  at  Yandalia,  worshiped  occasionally  in  the  United  Brethren 
Arch  there.  The  following  families  were  among  those  constituting  the  or - 
g ization : Ryders,  Kunkles,  Stoffers,  Tobias,  Ratcliffs,  Randals  and  Alspachs. 
Us.  A.  S.  Sink,  Solomon  Wiles,  D.  W.  Smith,  J.  J.  Welch,  Sanders,  D. 
1 uers,  Ritz,  E.  D.  Smith,  W.  M.  Smith  and  A.  M.  Barrett,  the  present  in- 
Gibent,  have  served  the  charge.  Present  membership,  about  fifty.  The 
Itch  was  dedicated  in  October,  1864,  by  Rev.  T.  T.  Titus,  of  Springfield. 

The  graveyard  is  as  old  as  the  village,  the  proprietor  of  which,  having 
(led  to  the  Trustees  of  the  United  Brethren  Church  two-thirds  of  an  acre  of 
pmd  for  bui'ial  purposes,  but  not  to  be  used  exclusively  by  that  denomination, 
t as  never  thought  to  be  a very  choice  place  of  burial.  However,  it  has  been 
aty  well  filled,  but  it  is  now  abandoned,  and  the  new  cemetery  used.  This  is 
t ed  Poplar  Hill  Cemetery,  and  is  comprised  of  eight  acres  of  ground,  lying  about 
Le- quarters  of  a mi  le  south  of  the  village,  on  the  Miami  and  Montgomery  road, 
Biased  of  John  Farrell  at  a cost  of  $652.  The  association  was  formed  and 
’■Mnized  in  March,  1874,  and  the  following  Trustees  elected:  Henry  Kunkle, 

j'U  Eby,  D.  J.  Brandenburg,  W.  C.  Randal  and  J.  D.  Kenney,  with  R.  L. 

,nan  as  Clerk.  The  grounds  are  regularly  laid  out  into  lots,  leading  to 
'Uh  are  walks  and  avenues.  Trees  and  shrubbery  are  being  planted,  and  the 
? is  not  far  distant  when  it  will  become  a beautiful  spot. 

it 


114 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


As  was  stated  under  the  head  of  schools,  Yandalia  is  an  independc 
school  district,  in  which  is  located  a two-story  brick  building,  erected  in  181 
costing  $8,300.  The  teachers  now  employed  are  J.  P.  Nine  and  Lizzie  We] 
and  have  enrolled  (in  January,  1882)  thirty-six  and  forty-six  scholars  respe 
ively.  The  common,  along  with  some  of  the  higher  branches,  are  tacH 
There  are  located  here  two  lodges  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.— Yandalia  Lodge,  i 
657,  instituted  August  25,  1876,  with  twelve  charter  members,  under  the  f 
lowing  officers:  John  B.  Fagor,  N.  G. ; John  Kunkle,  Y.  G.;  Michael  B< 

nerd,  11.  S. ; George  C.  Waymire,  F.  S. ; and  Isaac  Brandenburg,  Treasur 
The  lodge  now  numbers  eighty-one.  The  present  officers  are:  George  Kim 

ner,  N.  G. ; Joseph  H.  Taylor,  Y.  G. ; John  Y.  North,  Pi.  S. ; Charles  Maxti 

F.  S.  Eden  Lodge,  No.  123,  was  instituted  July  20,  1880,  with  twenty-o 

charter  members,  and  the  following  officers  elected:  George  C.  Waymire, 

G.  ; Anna  Jackson,  Y.  G. ; Kate  Dabler,  R.  S. ; Mollie  Sinks,  F.  S.;  prest 

membership,  sixty;  and  officers  elect  are:  Hettie  Wells,  N.  G. ; MolJie  Sin 

V.  G. ; Mary  Anderson,  R.  S. ; Sarah  Altermer,  F.  S. ; and  Cynthia  Nor 
Treasurer. 

The  physicians  of  to-day  are  Drs.  Corbin  and  Patton.  There  are  two  1 
tels,  namely,  Eagle  House,  kept  by  La  Fayette  Westerman,  and  the  Emery, 
J.  M.  Agenbrond.  Two  carriage  shops  are  carried  on,  one  by  J.  & T.  Nor 
and  the  other  by  D.  J.  Brandenburg,  and  a wagon  shop  carried  on  by  Rich; 
Krewson.  Other  busiuess  interests  are  as  follows:  A grocery  and  dry  goo 

by  North  & Briggs;  a steam  saw-mill,  by  J.  I.  Anderson;  a boot  and  shoe  sto 
by  Alexander  Jordan;  a grocery  and  store,  by  Davis  Brothers;  blacksmitkii , 
by  J.  W.  Wells;  drug  store,  by  H.  W.  Emrick;  grocery,  by  La  Fayette  We 
erman;  meat  store,  by  Henry  Reuss;  another,  by  John  Kees;  custom  work  i 
boot  and  shoe  line,  by  E.  Surrell;  merchant  tailoring,  by  J.  Eschbaek;  a 
barbering  by  the  tonsorial  artist,  Henry  Garrison. 

STATIONS. 

On  the  Dayton  & Michigan  Railroad  are  two  stations,  namely,  Tadu 
and  Johnson’s.  At  the  former  is  kept  one  store,  which  serves  as  depot  and  p 
office.  There  is  also  at  this  station  a grain  elevator.  At  Johnson’s  is  one  sfcc 

There  is  another  post  office  at  a place  kuown  as  Spankertown.  In 
neighborhood  of  twenty-five  years  ago,  Branston  Hutchins  established  a c 
riage  shop  a little  east  of  Little  York.  Here  were  manufactured  what  w> 
known  some  years  ago  as  the  “Spanker’’  wagons,  hence  the  name  which 
cluster  of  houses  afterward  built  at  this  point  received.  The  office  was  est: 
lished  here  April  14,  1880,  with  Isaac  Brandenburg,  Postmaster,  who,  gbor 
after  Mr.  Hutchins  was  established,  became  his  successor,  and  has  since  carr 
on  the  business.  The  merchant  of  this  place  is  Peter  Fetters. 


TERRY  TOWNSHIP. 


115 


PERRY  TOWNSHIP. 

rO  write  the  history  of  a single  township  may  to  some  appear  like  a matter 
of  small  moment,  while  to  others  it  is  considered  very  desirable  that  some 
<je  should  do  so  in  each  township  of  the  whole  United  States.  How  else  are 
ip  names,  memories  and  deeds  of  oui-  early  settlers  and  friends  to  be  preserved? 
Id  who  is  there  that  would  not  be  pleased  to  look  back,  or  to  have  his  chil- 
en  look,  upon  some  record  of  his  early  days,  and  of  departed  friends?  And 
lw  else  should  strangers  settling  in  a township  so  readily  obtain  knowledge 
cits  affairs  as  by  some  such  local  publication?  Many  historical  facts,  of 
val  importance  to  our  people,  are  now  living  only  in  the  memories  of  a few 
our  early  settlers,  who  are  drawing  near  the  evening  of  life;  their  race  will 
sn  be  run,  and  after  they  have  passed  from  among  us,  these  facts  will  be  bur- 
i in  the  oblivion  of  the  past,  unless  rescued  now  by  the  pages  of  history, 
le  object  of  the  following  pages  is  to  preserve  for  the  people  of  Perry 
Iwnship  an  imperishable  record  of  these  facts,  and  although  they  may  not 
uv  realize  the  full  importance  of  this  step,  their  children  and  their  children’s 
'ildren  will  fully  appreciate  the  value  of  this  work,  which  alone  preserves  to 
tm  an  account  of  the  customs  and  early  days  of  their  ancestors  and  the 
entry  they  wrested  from  the  savage  grasp  of  the  red  man,  when  the  “ star  of 
spire”  reached  this  State  in  its  westward  flight.  This  township  in  form  is 
pjfectly  square,  being  sis  miles  on  either  side,  containing  thirty-six  square 
ires,  and  is  the  full  Congressional  Township  5,  Range  4.  It  was  formed 
boa  the  townships  of  J ackson  and  Madison  in  1820,  the  order  being  issued 
bjthe  County  Commissioners  March  7,  and  was  named  in  honor  of  Com. 
Ppi  of  Lake  Erie  fame.  It  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Clay  Township,  on 
rl  east  by  Madison,  on  the  south  by  Jackson,  and  on  the  west  by  Preble 
mty.  In  appearance  its  land  was  not  the  most  inviting  to  the  pioneer  who 
Nght  land  suitable  for  immediate  cultivation,  as  they  seldom,  if  ever,  brought 
rce  than  barely  enough  provisions  to  sustain  them  until  a crop  could  be 
'<  ed.  There  was  very  little  ground  here  that  would  suit  them,  consequently, 
t major  part  of  the  township  was  not  settled  until  all  the  side-hill  land  in 
1 neighboring  territory  had  been  entered.  The  most  of  the  country  was 
el,  and  accordingly  very  wet,  water  standing  in  some  places  all  the  year, 
11  in  the  southeastern  part  and  along  the  eastern  line  there  was  rolling  and 
‘ lull  land,  which  was  early  and  eagerly  taken  by  prospecting  settlers.  The 
< consists  of  a sandy  clay  on  the  higher  ground,  while  in  the  flats  it  is  a 
i black  alluvial,  composed  of  the  decayed  matter  of  the  forest.  Underlying 
tunost  of  the  soil  there  is  a thick  strata  of  good  brown  limestone,  very  use- 
n for  building  purposes.  This  has  been  quarried  to  some  extent  by  citizens 
a i variable  success.  About  fifty  years  ago,  Shank’s  Quarry  at  Amity  was 
lied,  and  some  good  stone  obtained,  ,but  it  was  not  worked  deeper  than  fif- 
1 feet,  as  the  water  at  that  depth  became  a barrier  to  further  proceedings. 
'<-\i  stopped  them  just  as  they  had  reached  the  best  of  the  stone.  Another 
fiery  was  opened  by  Frederick  Muhl  shortly  after  this.  His  experience  was 
At  as  Shank’s,  and  his  enterprise  was  blocked  by  the  same  unwelcome  ele- 
a' t.  A ready  market  was  found  in  the  surrounding  country  for  all  the  stone 
''  hied,  and  large  quantities  of  it  might  have  been  disposed  of  in  the  same 
ae  hborhood  for  a reasonable  price,  as  the  demand  was  good.  The  timber  of 
h part  of  the  county  is  that  usually  found  throughout  Southern  Ohio,  viz. : 


116 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


On  the  high  ground  sugar,  beech,  hickory,  walnut,  ash  and  others,  and  in  th 
lower  land  swamp  maple,  scrub  oak,  prickly  ash,  etc.  The  whole  of  the  towr 
ship  was  originally  a dense  forest,  only  broken  by  the  channels  of  the  creeks 
These  are  quite  numerous,  and  from  their  beds  large  quantities  of  gravel  ai 
obtained  for  macadamizing  the  highways.  They  also  furnish  a few  very  goo 
mill-sites,  some  of  which  were  early  occupied  by  saw  mills.  Along  the  ban! 
of  these  creeks  in  early  days  a dense  undergrowth  of  willow,  prickly  ash  an 
spicewood  flourished,  making  it  almost  impossible  to  cross  only  in  the  patl 
kept  open  by  the  wild  animals  as  they  came  to  drink.  The  name-bearin 
creeks  are  Wolf  Creek,  running  across  the  northeast  corner  of  the  townshi] 
Bear  Creek,  running  from  the  center  to  the  southeastern  corner;  Little  Twii 
running  from  north  to  south,  west  of  the  center;  Tom’s  Bun,  in  the  south  we: 
corner,  and  Leslie’s  Run,  which  was  so  named  because  a man  bearing  the  r am 
of  Leslie  was  drowned  in  it.  These  each  have  numerous  branches,  but  c 
course  they  bear  no  names  and  play  a very  unimportant  part  in  the  township 
history.  The  D.,  II.  & W.  Railway  runs  across  the  northeastern  corner,  and  is  tl 
only  railroad  in  the  township.  But  with  turnpike  roads  it  is  well  suppliei 
Of  these,  the  first  one  was  the  Eaton  Pike,  built  in  1840.  It  is  a part  of  01 
continuous  pike  extending  from  Cumberland,  Md. , to  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  ar 
forms  the  southern  boundary  of  the  township.  The  next  was  the  Wolf  (free 
Pike,  built  in  1848-49,  and  running  from  Brookville,  in  Clay  Township, 
Dayton.  The  first  road  in  Pyrmont  was  the  “old  Sled  road,”  built  in  tl 
spring  of  1812.  The  above  dates  are  those  of  piking  these  roads;  some 
them  were  established  before  the  township  was  formed.  We  see  by  the  o 
records  that  the  Dayton  and  Eaton  road  was  established  in  1805;  a road  fro 
Salem  south  seventeen  miles  to  Germantown  in  1808,  and  others  in  1811,  181 
1815  and  1819,  until,  now,  the  country  is  almost  a network  of  roads. 

Perry  Township  in  politics  is  slightly  Democratic,  the  vote  being  235  R 
publican  and  315  Democratic,  thus  giving  to  the  Democrats  a majority 
eighty  votes.  There  is  but  one  voting  precinct,  “Election  Sclioolhouse,”  as 
is  called.  This  township  began  to  be  settled  ten  or  twelve  years  before  it  w 
made  a separate  body  politic,  mostly  by  people  of  German  descent,  from  Pen 
sylvania,  and  a better  class  of  people  cannot  be  found.  They  are  plain,  fran 
honest  and  religious,  and  the  embodiment  of  health,  strength  and  energy.  I 
deed,  just  such  people  as  are  best  capable  of  coping  with  the  many  obstacl 
encountered  in  subduing  a wilderness.  If  they  had  to  fight,  they  fought 
they  met  obstacles  they  overcame  them,  and  the  more  and  greater  the  barriei 
the  more  determined  they  seemed  to  press  on  until  they  reached  the  land  th 
sought,  and  now  many  of  them  who  came  here  penniless,  have,  by  industry  a) 
frugality,  left  their  children  large,  cultivated  farms,  furnished  with  all  mode 
improvements.  Little  do  we,  the  children  of  civilized  prosperity,  realize  t. 
manifold  hardships  overcome  b}  our  fathers  when  they  planted  their  standa 
in  the  forest  of  the  Miami  Valley,  and  reared  their  primitive  cabin  m t 
haunts  of  savage  men  and  beasts.  The  first  death  and  burial  was  that  of  Mat! 
House.  The  first  grist-mill  in  Perry  Township  was  built  by  Andrew  Cletnrw 
on  Tom’s  Creek,  in  Section  32,  which  was  erected  about  1816.  The  first  Mac 
smith  was  Samuel  Rodeheffer.  He  had  a small  shop,  and  did  work  for  hims| 
principally,  but  worked  for  others  when  they  wanted  it.  The  first  schoolhoui 
was  a small,  unchinked  log  cabin,  in  the  northern  part  of  Section  29.  It  'V 
taught  by  a German  named  Miller.  It  was  at  that  time  in  Jackson  Townskj 
none  other  being  in  that  section  of  the  country,  and  thither  the  youth  of  t; 
surrounding  settlements  would  come  for  twelve  or  thirteen  weeks  in  the  ye 
It  was  kept  up  by  subscription,  $2  beiug  paid  by  parents  for  each  schol: 
This  was  paid  in  money,  produce  or  board,  as  Mr.  Miller  had  to  “ board  rouno 


PERRY  TOWNSHIP. 


117 


nong  the  neighboring  settlers.  Speaking  of  “neighboring,  ” reminds  ns  that 
iiat  word  had  a different  meaning  seventy  years  ago  from  the  meaning  of  to- 
ky.  When  John  was  told  to  go  to  neighbor ’s  to  borrow  his  iron  oven, 

■ to  get  some  salt,  it  meant  generally  for  him  to  go  from  sis  to  ten  miles 
rough  forests  and  over  creeks,  guided  only  by  his  idea  of  the  direction, 
hd  one  old  father  tells  us  that  the  boys  did  not  grumble  then  when  sent  miles 
i an  errand  half  as  much  as  they  do  now  when  they  only  have  to  cross  one 
4d  to  get  to  the  neighbors.  The  next  schoolhouse  was  built  in  1814,  about 
ree-quarters  of  a mile  west  of  the  present  residence  of  Jacob  Shank.  This 
as  to  have  been  built  on  land  adjoining  Mr.  Shank’s  farm,  the  logs  were 
mled  and  the  house  partly  built  when  some  dissatisfied  neighbors  objected, 
id  had  it  moved  up  the  creek.  A schoolhouse  was  built  in  Section  36,  about' 
quarter  of  a mile  east  of  New  Lebanon.  Jacob  Diehl  went  to  school  there 

early  as  about  1823.  Teachers,  Robert  Scatton,  John  H.  Holsmiller  (a  (rer- 
an). These  subscription  schools  continued  regardless  of  the  various  school 
ws  enacted  in  the  State  from  time  to  time,  nor  did  they  disappear  until  the 
w law  became  a fixed  fact,  the  township  districted  and  houses  put  up  by  the 
ate.  At  present  there  are  eight  school  districts,  with  a schoolhouse  in  each, 

; d two  in  District  No.  6.  The  house  in  Pyrmont  has  four  rooms,  and  cost 
•1,000.  The  other  eight  cost  in  the  aggregate  $14,000.  They  are  all  brick, 

■ th  one  exception,  which  is  a frame  in  District  No.  6.  There  is  from  eight 
mine  months  of  school  held  in  each  per  annum.  When  we  see  an  old  man 

th  no  education  we  pity  him,  for  we  think  of  the  very  few  advantages  avail- 
de  in  his  day;  but  when  our  children  see  any  of  us  uneducated,  what  will 
lay  think  of  us  when  they  see  by  the  pages  of  history  that  every  hillside  in 
<lr  fair  land  is  dotted  with  schoolhouses,  and  learning  is  free  as  the  air  we 
Lathe? 

The  first  church  of  which  we  can  find  any  record  was  organized  about 
24.  It  was  called  the  Presbyterian  and  Lutheran  Congregation.  In  1825, 
’illiam  McCormick  gave  nearly  two  acres  of  ground  in  Section  11,  to  be  used 
1 them  as  a burying  ground  and  churchyard,  and  shortly  afterward  a church 
vs  built  thereon  by  the  congregation,  numbering  in  all  about  thirty-five  mem- 
irs.  The  first  Trustees  were:  John  Cox,  John  Venus  and  Obediah  Reinhart. 
They  were  also  among  the  first  members.  In  October,  1838,  another  church 
vs  commenced  in  Section  2.  It  was  of  the  German  Baptist  denomination, 
d still  exists.  The  ground  was  donated  by  Peter  Berst,  who  gave  a littR 
3r  an  acre  and  a half.  Some  of  the  first  members  were  Peter  Berst,  Eliza- 
1&  Berst,  Samuel  Muncy,  David  Kreider  and  John  Munich.  The  two  latter, 
v th  Mr.  Berst,  were  the  first  Trustees.  In  the  same  year  Samuel  Muncy  do- 
’ :ed  another  piece  of  land  in  the  same  Section  to  them.  In  1841,  D.  A.  Rig- 
'■>,  D.  Spellman  and  Hezekiah  Tobey,  acting  as  the  first  Board  of  Trustees  of 
t ) Bethel  Congregation,  received  a lot  from  Michael  Tobey  on  which  to  build 
;<hurch,  which  was  done  in  the  year  following.  In  1850,  the  Lutherans, 

1 ited  Brethren  and  Methodists  built  a little  frame  church  on  Bixler  and 
' ank's  farms.  There  were  about  fifty  of  them  in  all.  This  church  was  in 
frtion  13.  In  1860,  the  Lutherans  bought  a lot  of  Bixler’s  heirs  and  built 
a rick  church  at  a cost  of  $2,000,  in  which  they  still  worship.  There  are  now 
s,enty-five  members.  In  1880,  they  bought  six  and  twelve  one  hundredths  acres 
ground  for  $612  (across  from  the  church),  of  Adam  Harmon,  which  they  con  - 
v ted  into  a graveyard.  But  few  bodies  have  as  yet  been  interred  there,  the  first 
Mai  being  that  of  a daughter  of  Rev.  Graws,  a Lutheran  minister  at  Brook- 
v e.  In  1872,  a German  Baptist  Church  was  built  on  the  Eversole  farm  in 
*-  tion  35,  for  the  accommodation  of  a few  of  the  older  members  of  the  neighbor- 
t >d  who  could  not  travel  so  far  to  church,  the  ground  being  donated  byr  Mr.  Ever- 


118 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


sole.  There  are  other  churches  in  the  township,  built  recently,  with  no  re<mk 
preaching,  of  which  we  give  no  history.  Of  those  in  Pyrmont  we  will  treat  unde 
that  head.  , 

EARLY  SETTLERS. 

Who  the  very  first  settler  in  this  township  was  it  would  he  difl 
cult,  if  not  utterly  impossible,  to  say,  as  men  would  sometimes  settle  withi 
what  is  now  the  limits  of  the  township,  and  not  being  perfectly  satisfied,  woul 
move  a little  in  the  direction  of  some  settlement  without  those  who  had  aftci 
ward  moved  into  the  township  knowing  anything  of  their  having  resided  theri 
There  were  others  here  of  whom  we  can  say  no  more  than  that  they  were  hei 
and  about  the  time  they  came.  With  this  understanding  that  we  give,  general! 
speaking,  the  first  settlers,  without  committing  ourselves  as  to  the  very  first,  v 
proceed.  Among  the  first  to  enter  here  were  four  families  named  severail 
Widenbicht,  Cumright,  Spitler  and  Swank.  They  came  from  Pennsylvan.il 
and  each  of  them  entered  a quarter  section  of  land  in  the  eastern  part  of  tb 
township,  near  the  center.  They  were  men  of  family  and  brought  their  fam 
lies  with  them.  They  reared  their  little  three-sided  log  huts  within  neighbor 
ing  distances  of  each  other,  and  while  clearing  the  land  for  the  future  cro[ 
lived  principally  on  venison  and  wild  turkey,  with  which  the  forest  aboundec 
Especially  was  it  so  with  the  deer,  which  were  so  tame  that  they  would  com 
up  to  the  cabins  and  gaze  in  innocent  wonder  at  its  occupants,  but  the  gu: 
of  the  woodman  soon  taught  them  a lesson  that  seemed  to  effectually  satisf 
their  curiosity,  as  they  began  to  seek  the  deeper  solitude  of  the  forest,  shortl 
aft-rhe  made  his  appearance.  In  1805,  John  and  Christian  Wogoman,  native 
of  Pennsylvania,  settled  in  the  southeast  part  of  Perry  Township.  John 
wife  died  in  1885,  after  which  he  went  to  reside  with  his  son  John,  in  Mad 
son  Township,  where  he  died  about  1844.  The  latter  was  but  eight  years  ol 
when  his  parents  came  to  this  county,  having  been  born  in  Pennsylvania! 
1797  ; he  grew  up  and  married  Mary  Burkett  August  13,  1818,  who  bore  hii 
seven  children,  six  of  whom  are  now  living.  She  died  March  2.  1881.  age 
eighty-seven.  He  died  on  his  farm  in  Madison  Township  March  13.  1882,  i 
his  eighty-fifth  year.  Christian  Wogoman  died  on  his  farm  in  Perry  Town 
ship,  he  also  leaving  a son  John,  who  was  a small  boy  when  his  father  cam 
to  Ohio.  Here  he  grew  to  manhood  and  married  Sarah  Weidner,  of  Yirginii 
and  daughter  of  David  and  Mary  Weidner,  also  early  settlers  of  Montgomei 
County,  where  both  died.  Of  this  union  nine  children  were  born,  the  noth: 
dying  about  1842.  He  was  again  married  to  Mrs.  Susanna  Bilheimer.  wh 
also  died,  when  he  took  for  his  third  wife  Mrs.  Catherine  Barks.  He  move 
in  an  early  day  to  Madison  Township,  but  about  1850  returned  to  Perry,  agail 
removing  about  1871  to  Jefferson  Township,  where  he  and  wife  now  residi 

Henry  Shank.  Sr. , was  the  next  on  the  ground.  He  came  in  1807  from  1 i 
ginia,  and  entered  a half  section  of  land  just  west  of  the  present  farm  of  in 
grandson,  Jacob,  upon  which  he  built  a cabin  sufficiently  large  to  accommodal 
his  family  of  six  boys  aud  six  girls.  Three  of  the  boys  died,  and  the  rest  c 
the  children  married  and  settled  around  the  neighborhood.  Jacob  Shank,  grant 
son  of  Henry,  Sr.,  was  born  in  Virginia,  February,  1784,  and  in  1808  can 
with  his  father  to  Perry  Township,  who  purchased  part  of  the  half  sectio 
originally  entered  by  Henry,  Sr.  They  came  over  the  mountains  from  Carro 
County,  Va. , in  big  wagons,  in  the  fall  of  the  year,  and  occupied  the  cabi 
built  by  the  elder  Henry  the  year  pi’evious.  In  1810,  Jacob  married  Eliz: 
belli  Noffsinger,  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  whose  parents  were  pioneers  c 
Madison  Township,  and  by  her  had  twelve  children,  seven  of  whom  are  li vine 
viz.:  Daniel,  Samuel,  Susanna,  Henry,  Eliza,  Catherine  and  Elizabeth.  H 
wife  died  January  10,  1862.  He  was  drafted  into  the  war  of  1812,  but  b 


PERRY  TOWNSHIP. 


119 


me  means  escaped  from  going.  He  is  still  living  and  is  tlie  oldest  man  in 
e township,  and  probably  in  the  county,  but  he  has  almost  reached  the  goal 
human  existence.  His  form  is  bent,  his  breath  short  and  his  vitality  nearly 
me.  It  was  with  the  greatest  difficulty  he  could  give  the  writer  hereof  the 
love  facts,  and  ere  these  pages  reach  the  reader’s  eye,  he  may  have  entered 
at  last  long  sleep,  which  knows  no  waking  in  this  life.  About  the  time  he 
me  here,  another  man  and  family,  named  Heeter,  arrived.  They  also  came 
sm  Pennsylvania,  and  entered  land  three  miles  southwest  of  Shank’ s.  Peter 
vigg  had  come  a year  previous,  and  settled  one  mile  due  west  of  Shank’s  farm, 
rese  men  all  brought  families  of  no  small  size,  as  they  ranged  from  six  to 
teen  in  number.  They  built  rude,  half  comfortable  cabins,  and  commenced 
once  their  battle  with  the  monarchs  of  the  forest,  which  every  pioneer  had 
fell  and  clear  from  off  the  soil  before  planting  his  small  crop,  after  which 
ie  birds  and  squirrels  would  have  to  be  continually  watched  to  prevent  the 
i struction  of  the  winter’s  bread.  George  Brumbaugh,  of  Pennsylvania,  came 
1 Montgomery  County  about  1807,  bought  a farm  in  Section  86,  Perry  Town- 
ip,  which  had  about  six  acres  cleared.  He  was  married  in  1815,  to  Eliza- 
ith  Yaniman,  daughter  of  John  Vaniman,  of  Madison  Township,  who  bore 
]tn  two  children — Samuel  and  Catherine,  the  former  of  whom  lives  on  the  old 
imestead.  George  Brumbaugh  was  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  died  in  18-48, 
1b  wife  surviving  him  and  dying  in  1871,  aged  eighty- two.  John  Granger, 
ilo  was  born  in  New  Jersey  in  1766,  removed  to  Maryland,  where  he  married 
i.ss  Barbara  Bedrnan,  by  whom  he  had  eleven  children,  five  now  living.  Mr. 
(■anger  and  family  settled  in  Perry  Township  in  1809,  where  his  wife  died 
i 1847.  She  was  born  in  Maryland  in  1769.  After  his  wife’s  death,  he 
lived  into  Clay  Township,  where  he  died  in  1858.  His  son,  George,  was  born 
i Perry  Township,  September  5,  1810,  ar,d  is  now  a resident  of  Clay  Township, 
ither  he  removed  after  his  marrage  with  Elizabeth  Keichard,  of  Preble 
(junty,  Ohio.  Jacob  Ay  song,  of  Virginia,  came  to  this  township  prior  to  the 
or  of  1812,  and  here  he  died  ; his  son,  Valentine,  was  born  in  Perry  during 
t it  struggle  against  English  oppression,  and  spent  most  of  his  life  close  to 
Is  birthplace,  dy:ng  in  Miami  County  in  1876.  He  marrieo  Lydia  Barnhart, 
ighter  of  David  Barnhart,  of  Maryland,  who  was  also  a pioneer  of  this 
crnty.  Of  this  union  seven  children  were  born,  five  now  living.  John  Diehl, 
i other  early  comer,  was  born  in  Pennsylvania  in  November,  1789,  and  came 
(this  county  in  1806  with  his  father,  Jacob,  who  settled  in  Jefferson  Town- 
- p.  In  1813,  John  married  Susanna  Miller,  daughter  of  Isaac  Miller,  and 
i ved  to  a quarter  section  of  land  in  Section  35,  Perry  Township,  which  his 
f her  had  entered,  which  he  cleared  up  and  lived  upon  until  his  death,  August 
1874,  aged  eighty-five.  He  was  the  father  of  ten  children,  viz. : Aaron, 
-bob,  Samuel,  Abraham,  John,  Eli,  Noah,  Adam,  Elizabeth  and  Hannah. 

I ring  the  war  of  1812,  when  he  was  but  twenty- two  years  old,  he  left  home 
ai  engaged  in  transporting  provisions  and  munitions  of  war  from  Cincinnati 
(the  different  military  stations  in  the  North  and  West.  Andrew  Clemmer,  a 
e ive  of  Pennsylvania,  who  was  married  in  Virginia  to  Salome  Black,  of  that 
Ste.  settled  in  Section  32  in  the  fall  of  1814,  and  there  his  son,  George  L., 
W born  in  June,  1815,  who  is  now  residing  in  Miami  City.  Andrew  erected 
t first  mill  in  Perry  Township,  and  lived  and  died  in  this  subdivision,  leav- 
( ■ many  descendants,  who  are  worthy  citizens.  John  King,  with  his  wife 
Iry,  natives  of  the  “ Old  Dominion,”  settled  in  Section  20,  in  the  year  1815. 
^ ginia  again  responded  in  the  persons  of  John  and  Susanna  Venus,  who 
cpe  about  this  time.  They  had  nine  children,  six  of  whom  are  now  living — 
I zabeth,  Margaret,  Sarah,  Susan,  Harvey  and  Lavina.  Mrs.  Venus  died  in 
1861,  aged  seventy-nine,  and  her  husband,  September  6,  1862,  in  his 
® hty -first  year. 


120 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Another  of  Perry’s  adopted  children  was  Daniel  Mundhenk,  who  wi 
born  in  Germany  in  1777,  emigrating  to  this  country  in  1807,  and  landir 
in  Philadelphia,  after  a stormy  voyage  of  three  months’  duration.  1 
came  to  this  State  and  township  in  1817,  and  entered  160  acres  of  land  in  Se 
tion  5,  upon  which  he  built  his  cabin.  He  was  one  of  those  sturdy,  energet 
Germans  who  have  done  so  much  in  building  up  and  developing  the  great  Wes 
Mr.  Mundhenk  was  married  three  times,  the  first  time  in  Germany,  agai 
in  Philadelphia,  and  again  in  the  Western  country.  By  these  marriage 
he  became  the  father  of  the  following  children  : Augustus  and  Lavisca  by  ti 
first  wife  ; Daniel,  Henry,  Frederick,  John,  Mary  Ann,  Michael,  Joseph  ar 
Charles  by  the  second,  and  Caroline  by  the  third.  These  children  are  marrie 
and  settled  in  the  neighborhood.  In  1834,  Mr.  Mundhenk  built  the  first  stea 
saw-mill  in  the  township.  It  was  run  by  Frederick,  as  engineer,  and  stoi 
on  what  is  now  Lucy  Johnston’s  place.  In  1846-47,  they  put  up  a steam  gris 
mill  on  the  present  site  of  James  King’s  farm.  This  mill  is  being  run  no 
in  Clay  Township,  to  which  place  it  was  moved  in  1863,  having  been  sold  to 
man  named  Wortz.  Mr.  Mundhenk  died  in  March,  1 859,  leaving  a large  rai 
ily  of  children  behind  to  mourn  his  loss.  His  son,  John,  was  the  only  o 
of  his  boys  who  served  in  the  war  of  the  rebellion.  He  enlisted  as  a volu; 
teer  private,  and  it  is  said  valorously  fought  for  the  cause  of  his  country  ai 
the  people’s  government.  Henry  Snyder,  a son  of  the  Empire  State,  came 
1815,  and  entered  a small  piece  of  land  where  Johnsville  now  stands,  or  ne 
the  present  site  of  that  town.  In  the  year  following,  to-wit,  1816,  Abraha 
King,  a native  of  Ohio,  moved  to  Section  21 , where  he  commenced  cuttii 
down  and  burning  the  timber,  then  so  plenty,  now  so  scarce.  The  people  tin 
did  not  trouble  themselves  with  the  query  of  to-day,  “ what  shall  we  do  f 
fuel  when  the  woods  disappear?”  We  have  now  arrived  at  a period  in  11 
history  of  this  township  when  settlements  were  comparatively  easy, with  roads  c 
and  cultivated  farms  adorning  almost  every  section  ; yet  it  was  several  yea 
afterward  that  all  the  wet  land  had  been  drained  and  put  under  cultivatios 
We  might  go  on  and  give  other  names  of  men  of  a later  day,  but  our  pen  mu 
stop  somewhere,  and  we  will  make  that  place  just  after  the  following  list 
later  settlers  : Araham  Neff  settled  on  Section  38  in  1818  ; Joshua  Mills, 

New  Jersey,  in  Section  8,  in  1819  ; George  Bowser  in  Section  34,  in  181 
Mathias  Earnst,  of  Maryland,  in  1823  ; a man  named  Replogel  in  1815,  ai 
Andrew  Simmons  three  miles  north  of  Johnsville. 

PYRMONT. 

This  is  a town  of  about  300  in  habitants,  and  is  located  in  Sections  7 and 
in  the  northwest  corner  of  the  township.  It  was  laid  out  by  Daniel  Mundker 
May  25,  1835,  and  named  in  honor  of  his  native  village  in  Germany.  Tl 
first  house  was  erected  by  Christopher  Syler,  a blacksmith,  who  had  a she 
where  Henry  Taylor’s  residence  now  stands,  and  his  house  directly  across  tl 
street  from  it.  The  first  death  in  town  was  Job  Hamilton,  who  was  severe 
injured  while  shoeing  a horse,  and  died  from  the  effects.  The  first  sto: 
opened  was  in  1835,  by  Joseph  Mixwell.  The  post  office  was  established  afeo1 
1840,  Jesse  Harper,  or  Joshua  Rankin,  being  first  Postmaster.  The  first  re li, 
ious  sect  organized  in  the  town  was  a society  of  Methodists,  numbering  tin: 
teen  members,  who  formed  themselves  into  a congregation,  and  in  1836  bui 
themselves  a church,  which  was  rebuilt  during  the  year  1872.  The  congreg 
tion  once  was  large  and  prosperous,  and  did  a good  work.  The  next,  and  on 
other  society  in  the  town,  was  the  United  Brethren.  In  1847,  they,  twelve 
number,  formed  themselves  into  a church  society,  and,  two  years  thereaftc 
built  a small  and  unimposing  house  of  worship,  in  which  they  conducted  the 


PERRY  TOWNSHIP. 


121 


eetings  until  1866,  when  the  old  church  was  razed,  and  a larger  and  more 
tumodious  building  erected,  in  which  the  people  of  this  denomination  now 
jrship.  They  hold  their  meetings  regularly,  and  continue  to  increase  in 
imbers  steadily.  Many  of  the  members  of  both  of  these  churches  are  from 
aong  the  farmers  of  the  surrounding  country,  and  from  them  they  derive  a 
rge  part  of  their  support. 

' NEW  LEBANON. 

This  is  a town  of  about  200  inhabitants,  lying  on  the  southern  line  of  the 
wnship,  along  the  Dayton  and  Eaton  Pike.  It  was  platted  June  3,  1843,  by 
rcob  Grice,  and  an  addition  in  Jackson  Township  the  same  day  by  John 
rouse.  An  addition  was  also  made  by  John  Weaver  in  1854.  In  the  days 
: stage  coaches,  this  pike  was  one  of  the  great  thoroughfares  of  the  country, 
i|d  New  Lebanon,  being  a station  on  it,  was  a place  of  no  little  importance, 
ore  the  horses  were  changed,  while  the  driver  from  his  high  seat  looked  pat- 
uizingly  down  on  the  bystanders  and  loungers,  who  looked  up  to  him  as  a 
nn  of  more  than  usual  importance,  as  he  saw  all  the  outside  world  of  which 
t ey  knew  nothing,  only  as  he  condescended  to  tell  them.  He  was  the  “ lion  ” 
i the  day ; nothing  was  too  much  trouble  when  he  wanted  it  done.  Th'ere 
vre  also  relays  of  horses  kept  here,  which  were  used  in  what  was  called  “ the 
ejoress,”  a line  of  messengers  on  horses,  kept  going  at  a breakneck  rate  of 
- ;ed  all  day  and  all  night.  These  messengers  carried  important  mail  matter 
id  small  packages  that  were  of  importance. 

That  was  in  the  days  of  no  railroads.  Things  are  changed  now;  the  stage 
ach  no  longer  comes  lumbering  up  to  the  New  Lebanon  House,  but  in  its 
ad,  a wagon  is  run  daily  from  Dayton  to  Eaten,  not  deigning  to  stop  at  this 
i iet  wayside  town,  unless  there  is  a passenger  to  get  off.  The  first  house 
1 ilt  here  was  by  Samuel  Ludy,  in  1838.  It  was  a log  house,  in  which  he 
Ipt  a store.  The  logs  were  hewed  and  work  done  by  Aaron  and  Jacob  Diehl, 
le  post  office  was  established  in  1842.  Lorenzo  Yence  was  the  first  black- 
fill. He  came  in  1844.  The  town  was  incorporated  in  1878,  and  N.  S. 
1 ce  was  elected  Mayor,  The  present  incumbent  of  the  Mayoralty,  and  the 
y other  than  Price,  is  O.  F.  Edwards.  There  has  been  a hotel  here  since 
1 10,  when  there  were  but  two  or  three  houses  here.  The  first  landlord  was  a 
a n named  Goode.  John  Andrew  Gebhart  is  the  present  proprietor.  He  is  a man 
" use  Dame  should  appear  in  the  history  of  the  township,  as  he  is  assuredly 
of  of  its  characters.  He  is  a relic  of  coaching  days,  having  been  for  a long 
u e a driver  of  one  of  those  lumbering  “ land  ships,”  and  is  in  all  a singular 
c xacter.  With  this  town  we  close  the  history  of  a township  now  peopled  by 
-industrious  and  intelligent  class  of  people,  who  owe  all  that  they  have  to 
1 energy  and  enterprise  of  those  who  first  started  the  wedge  of  civilization  in 

Western  country. 


122 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


CLAY  TOWNSHIP. 

BY  CHRISTOPHER  GISH,  M.  D. 

IT  having  by  petition  been  made  to  appear  to  the  Commissioners  of  Mod 
gomery  County  that  it  was  necessary  to  erect  a new  township  by  setting  ( 
that  part  of  Randolph  which  was  in  the  original  surveyed  Township  6,  Kan: 
4 east,  June  8,  1825,  it  was  ordered  by  them  set  off  and  declared  to  be  a ne 
township,  and  to  be  known  by  the  name  of  Clay.  And  at  the  same  sessit 
notice  was  given  to  the  electors  of  said  township  to  meet  at  the  house  of  Jol 
Rohrer  July  4,  and  elect  township  officers.  In  position  it  is  in  the  extren 
northwestern  corner  of  the  county,  and  bounded  as  follows : On  the  north  ) 
Darke  and  Miami  Counties,  on  the  east  by  Randolph  Township,  on  the  sou 
by  Perry,  and  on  the  west  by  Preble  County.  The  general  level  of  ihe  sabd 
vision  is  about  1,000  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea,  and  about  500  feet  abo 
low  water  in  the  Ohio  River  at  Cincinnati.  The  surface  of  the  country 
slightly  undulating,  but  no  elevations  that  can  properly  be  termed  a hill  appeal 
Much  of  it  was  once  lower  than  at  present;  the  low  places  have  been  filled  i 
with  humas  and  the  debris  from  rains  and  frosts  washed  in  from  the  high 
points,  until  they  have  reached  almost  the  level  of  the  surrounding  cour.tr 
The  land  thus  made  is  called  “black  land,”  and  is  best  adapted  for  corn  ail 
tobacco.  While  this  process  of  leveling  has  been  going  on,  the  creeks  ail: 
“ babbling  brooks’’  have  by  their  erosive  and  transporting  effects  produced  u 
dulations.  by  which  agencies  the  surface  is  being  gradually  removed,  so  th 
in  time  it  will  reach  the  level  of  the  sea.  The  surface  geology  of  this  sectil 
indicates  that  the  surface  rocks  are  sedimentary,  and  mostly  calcareous,  aj 
that  they  are  new  Silurian,  and  belong  to  that  division  called  Niagara.  The 
rocks,  as  sand  and  mud,  were  deposited  as  sediment  in  the  bottom  of  a de 
Silurian  Sea.  The  upheavals  and  depressions  since  that  period  have  be- 
many.  Numerous  and  interesting  fossils  are  found  in  this  formation,  such 
characterize  it  elsewhere.  The  fauna  consist  principally  of  radiates  and  m< 
lusks.  Very  tine  specimens  of  trilobites,  ammonites  and  crinoids  of  osthocer 
and  pentamerous,  together  with  many  other  crustacean  mollusks,  are  four 
During  this  deposit,  however,  no  vertebrates  yet  existed.  The  fauna  consist 
of  a few  seaweeds,  which  were  of  a very  inferior  organization.  Land  plat 
were  then  only  beginning  to  be  unfolded.  No  coniferous  or  arboraceous  tre 
existed.  The  new  Silurian  rocks  are  superimposed  upon  the  old  Silurian, 
Cincinnati  limestone,  but  are  not  exposed  anywhere  in  the  township.  ri 
thickness  of  the  Niagara  limestone  in  this  township  varies,  owing  to  the  i 
equalities  of  the  horizon  of  the  surface  rock.  Neither  wells  nor  quarries  r 
creeks  have  penetrated  through  it,  yet  from  outcroppings  elsewhere  it 
thought  to  be  from  one  hundred  to  two  hundred  feet.  The  limestone  of  tl 
township  is  mostly  carbonate  of  lime,  carbonate  of  magnesia  and  silica,  a: 
some  other  chemical  ingredients  which  make  it,  when  disintegrated  by  “ weal 
ering”  and  other  causes,  an  excellent  mineral  manure,  which  is  an  inexhau 
iblo  source  of  wealth  to  the  owners  of  the  soil  for  all  time  to  come,  as  a p; 
of  the  drift  is  limestone  pebbles  and  sand.  This,  when  exposed  to  the  air 
plowing,  becomes  disintegrated  so  as  to  be  made  in  a condition  to  be  used 
plant  food.  At  various  times  since  the  settling  of  this  region,  lime  has  be 
burned  of  these  stones,  but  the  business  has  never  been  carried  on  persistent 


CLAY  TOWNSHIP. 


123 


it,  however,  because  of  its  quality,  for  that  is  good,  but  simply  because  the 
[inland  was  .not  great,  and  the  owners  of  the  quarries  having  large  farms,  and 
nsequently  much  work  to  do.  These  lime  kilns  are  located  in  the  east  side 
the  township.  The  stone  quarried  as  yet  is  not  the  best  for  building  pur- 
ses. The  good  building  stone  lie  beneath  the  level  of  the  quarries,  and  will 
time  be  reached.  Along  the  eastern  side  of  the  township,  the  rocks  lie  near 
e surface,  and  in  Section  14,  on  the  Solomon  W orman  farm,  crop  out.  In 
us  section  are  quite  a number  of  line  springs,  and  on  the  farm  above  named  is 
e that  in  former  years  was  of  sufficient  size  to  furnish  power  for  a saw-mill. 
Wells  dug  in  Sections  24  and  26,  and  in  adjoining  ones,  show  that  the  rocks 
||  within  a few  feet  of  the  surface.  In  digging  wells  in  these  sections  for 
linary  purposes,  the  rocks  have  to  be  penetrated  to  get  a sufficient  quantity. 
The  water  of  wells  and  springs  is  all  “ hard.”  In  the  center  and  western 
I rt  of  the  township,  wells  dug  do  not  reach  the  rock.  Upon  the  rocks  lies  the 
1 1 ft.  which  is  the  result  of  glacial  ice  erosion  centuries  ago.  The  drift  is  com- 
j seel  of  clay,  sand,  gravel  and  bowlders,  both  foreign  and  native,  the  former 
I dominating  in  numbers  and  size.  The  clay  between  the  red  clay  and  rocks 
i blue,  from  the  prussiate  of  iron,  and  is  sometimes  known  as  “ bowlder  clay,” 
i m its  having  more  bowlders,  but  not  so  large  as  those  in  the  clays  next  above 
i The  writer  has  never  seen  a native  bowlder  in  them,  yet  this  does  not  dis- 
lj>ve  their  existence.  This  blue  clay  is  the  water-bearing  clay,  pockets  exist- 
ij  in  it  which  are  tilled  with  sand,  gravel,  granite  bowlders  and  water,  and 
spetimes  with  the  other  contents  of  these  reservoirs  of  water  are  found  pieces 
" wood  and  arboraceous  leaves.  For  the  supply  to  be  permanent  and  cool, 
i mist  be  got  out  of  these  pockets,  except  that  coming  from  the  rocks.  The 
vter  obtained  for  house  use  in  the  south,  west  and  north  parts  of  the  town- 
sip  comes  from  this  formation  This  clay  is  very  compact  and  tough,  and 
istly  impervious  to  water.  When  the  pockets  are  penetrated,  the  waters 
urn  rise  above  them,  and  sometimes  come  to  the  surface.  In  Section  34, 
' 3 re  the  west  fork  of  Wolf  Creek  runs  on  the  blue  clay,  are  numerous  springs, 
vich,  including  several  wells  on  the  farm  of  the  writer,  a litt'e  above  Brook- 
v|e,  flow  out  at  the  top.  Between  the  blue  and  red  clays  next  above  it,  is  an 
pr-glacial  space  which  contains  rolled  and  smooth  limestone  pebbles,  sand 
a 1 granite  bowlders,  parts  of  trunks  of  arboraceous  and  coniferous  trees,  to- 
g her  with  leaves  and  bark.  The  bowlders  are  round  and  smooth,  and  possess 
>fef  evidences  of  movement.  It  is  not  known  that  the  fossils  of  the  large 
ideal  vertebrated  animals  are  found  in  this  space  in  this  region;  but  it  is 
that  they  have  been  elsewhere.  In  digging  wells,  more  or  less  of  the 
Ive  fossils  are  encountered.  These  accumulations  are,  therefore,  morainal. 
Ure  must  have  been  two  glacial  epochs  as  indicated  by  the  geology  of  this 
i nship.  The  red  clay  next  above  is  made  so  by  the  admixture  with  it  of  car- 
><:ate  of  iron.  Bowlders,  large  and  small,  native  and  foreign,  are  imbedded 
: his.  The  natives  are  of  Niagara  limestone  of  all  sizes,  with  sharp  corners, 
■>  ch  indicate  that  they  have  been  shoved  along,  and  not  rolled  as  the  granite 
•e  lders.  These  granite  bowlders,  together  with  much  else  that  is  of  a mineral 
u!  earthy  character  that  are  imbedded  in  the  clay,  have  been  transported  from 
1 ada  in  glacial  ice.  The  large  surface  bowlders  scattered  over  the  surface 
kbtless  have  been  transported  in  icebergs  from  Greenland  in  the  existence 

I deep  post-glacial  sea.  There  are  a great  many  of  these  in  the  township, 

II  of  great  size,  which  are  being  utilized  in  the  construction  of  foundations, 
eir  walls,  etc.  In  all  parts  of  the  township  are  found  very  fine  specimens 

°fae  lithological  work  of  the  aborigines,  both  neolithic  and  lithic,  the  work- 
^ ship  of  which  surpasses  our  comprehension.  Many  of  these  were  evidently 


124 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


utilitarian,  while  others  were  ornamental.  These  pro-historic  relics  have  n 
excited  that  attention  that  their  importance  demands  as  ethnological  curiositii 
The  surface  soil  is  superimposed  upon  the  red  clay,  but,  however,  in  plac 
it  has  an  ash  color.  To  obtain  good  water  and  in  abundance  one  must,  in  di 
ging  wells,  always  dig  through  the  red  clay.  On  account  of  the  carbonate 
lime  in  this  clay,  the  agriculturist  should  always  plow  a little  deeper  th 
formerly,  which  fact  the  farmers  are  beginning  to  understand.  For  ages 
come,  this  clay  will  be  a source  of  wealth  to  the  farmers.  It  makes  good  pi 
tery  ware,  tiling  and  splendid  brick,  there  being  in  it  sufficient  iron  to  gi 
them  a rich,  red  color.  In  this  township  are  several  morainal  gravel  pits  ( 
the  farm  of  Peter  Razor,  in  Section  21,  is  an  extensive  deposit  of  this  kin 
which  has  afforded  considerable  material  for  road  making,  but  as  it  is  denv 
from  the  soft  surface  rock  it  is  not  very  durable.  The  sand  and  pebbles 
this  pit  are  limestone  plainly  stratified,  showing  that  water  as  well  as  ice  h 
something  to  do  with  its  formation.  Other  inter-glacial  deposits  of  this  ki 
are  found,  but  there  is  too  little  of  it,  and  it  is  too  easily  changed  by  use  a 
frosts  into  yellow  clay  to  amount  to  much.  The  alluvial  gravel  is  much  bett 
but  very  little  of  it  is  found  in  this  township,  but  exists  in  great  quantit. 
along  Twin  and  Wolf  Creeks.  This  region  is  drained  by  the  three  wesk 
forks  of  Wolf  Creek,  which  How  from  about  the  center  of  the  township  in 
southeasterly  direction,  watering  that  locality;  by  the  head  waters  of  Be 
Creek  in  the  south;  by  Twin  Creek  in  the  west,  and  in  the  north  by  thebe 
waters  of  Ludlow  Creek.  This  township,  as  is  seen  from  the  above,  forms  a ki 
of  water-shed.  The  soil  is  as  good  as  the  average  of  the  Miami  Yaliev,  al 
is  composed  of  three  kinds,  namely,  red,  black  and  ash-colored.  At  the  ri 
settlement  of  the  township,  all  kinds  of  timber  peculiar  to  the  Miami  Val 
were  found  there — white,  red  and  burr  oak,  white  and  yellow  poplar,  white  a 
red  beech,  white  and  red  elm,  white  and  blue  ash,  white  and  sugar  map 
rough  and  smooth  bark  hickory,  black  walnut,  sycamore,  wild  cherry  and  mi 
berry.  Some  years  ago,  the  timber  became  diseased  and  died  to  an  alarm: 
extent,  this  being  mainly  due  to  the  vicissitudes  of  the  climate,  caused,  in  pa 
by  the  removal  of  a large  portion  of  the  timber,  thereby  exposing  that  si 
standing  to  the  extreme  changes  of  climate.  The  process  of  draining  has  1: 
its  influence,  too,  by  withdrawing  from  the  roots  of  the  trees  the  accustom 
amount  of  water.  Then,  the  depredations  of  the  caterpillar  were  keenly  f( 
As  will  be  remembered,  these  insects,  in  the  year  1873,  made  their  appearai 
in  our  forests  in  almost  countless  numbers,  and  infested  the  trees  fcr  th 
consecutive  years.  These  worms  denuded  the  trees  of  leaves,  which  ultima! 
destroyed  many  of  the  finest  trees,  mostly  of  oak,  hickory  and  elm.  As 
leaves  are  to  trees  what  the  lungs  are  to  animals,  they  can  no  more  live  with 
them  than  can  animals  without  lungs.  From  this  larval  condition,  these  d 
gusting  worms  rolled  themselves  up  in  a web  of  their  own  spinning  on  leaf 
whose  edges  they  drew  together  with  the  same  thread.  After  remaining  t 

O ^ •/  ^ _ O , 

this  chrysalis  condition  for  a few  days,  they  were  then  metamorphosea  intci 
white  moth  which  lived  for  a brief  period  only.  These  worms  or  insects  ca 
into  this  region  from  the  North,  and  slowly  disappeared,  moving  south  wa, 
being  three  years  in  passing  a certain  point.  This  is  the  only  period  in 
history  of  the  township  that  our  forests  have  been  visited  by  them.  As 
few  healthy  trees  are  now  to  be  found,  the  woodman  sho  Id  not  forget  the 
junction,  “Woodman,  spare  that  tree.  ” Forest  culture  will  soon  have  to 
resorted  to  if  the  supply  is  to  be  kept  up.  Permit  us  to  proceed  further 
this  line  and  state  that  within  a few  years  have  made  their  appearance  in  t 
vicinity,  the  currant  and  gooseberry  worm,  which  is  likewise  the  larval  con 


CLAY  TOWNSHIP. 


125 


)n  of  a white  moth,  and  very  destructive  to  the  leaves  of  those  bushes,  thereby 
juring  the  fruit. 

This  portion  of  Montgomery  County  was  not  settled  as  early  as  other  lo- 
lities,  for  it  was  not  until  the  year  1804  that  we  have  any  evidence  of  arriv- 
o-  emigrants.  This  year  from  Virginia  came  Joseph  Rohrer,  with  family, 
d settled  a little  to  the  northeast  of  the  center  of  the  township,  entering 
ad  in  Section  14,  which  is  considered  the  best  in  the  township.  The  records 
ow  that  prior  to  1810,  Mr.  Rohrer  had  entered  480  acres  of  land  in  Sections 
and  14,  namely:  the  southwest  quarter  of  Section  13,  and  the  southeast 
d northeast  quarters  of  Section  14,  and  also  the  northwest  quarter  of  Section 
',  and  that  the  land  was  in  his  possession  that  year.  In  1805,  from  the  same 
ate  emigrated  John  Spitler,  who  in  a few  years  married  a daughter  of  Mr. 
)hrer,  and  settled  on  Section  14,  where  both  passed  the  remaining  years  of 
’sir  lives.  A daughter  of  Mr.  Rohrer  rode  from  her  native  State  on  liorse- 
Ick,  when  the  family  came  out.  About  the  year  1805.  one  of  Pennsylvania’s 
-is,  in  the  person  of  Michael  Baker,  effected  a settlement  in  Section  26,  which 
:tion  he  entered.  In  1810,  Nicholas  Beesecker  owned  100  acres  of  this 
id  located  in  the  northwestern  quarter  of  that  section,  and  George  Emert 
med  the  sixty  acres  of  that  tract  referred  to.  On  this  section  there  was  an 
Mian  camp  when  Mr.  Baker  arrived.  Here,  on  these  lands,  the  parents 
-ared  life’s  joys  and  cares  together  until  silvered  had  become  their  hair,  and 
ire  claimed  by  death.  From  the  same  State  came  Jacob  Michael,  who,  in 
J 10,  possessed  400  acres  of  land  in  the  southern  part  of  Section  25.  This 
lid  had  been  entered  as  early  as  the  year  1805,  by  John  Bowman,  who  had 
titered,  in  addition  to  Section  25,  forty  acres  in  the  southeast  corner  of  Section 
The  latter,  in  1810,  was  owned  by  Frederick  Smith,  and  250  acres  in  the 


u’thern  part  of  Section  25  by  Daniel  Razor.  The  Michael  tract  is  nowin 
^session  of  Jacob,  Jr.,  who  was  born  on  it.  A little  later  than  1805,  the 
dthwest  and  southeast  quarters  of  Section  34  was  entered  by  Daniel  Gripe, 
Pennsylvanian.  In  1810,  the  former  quarter  section  was  owned  by  Daniel 
i ler.  Mr.  Gripe  lived  to  a green  old  age,  and  before  death  settled  a son  and 
4-indaw,  the  latter  Joseph  Mikesell,  on  parts  of  the  original  tract. 

About  the  year  1805,  Andrew  Lasure  entered  and  moved  on  the  north- 
:;tern  quarter  of  Section  33.  During  the  same  year,  John  Pippenger  settled 
i, Section  35,  entering  the  northeast  quarter  of  the  same,  but  soon  thereafter 
ditto  John  Minich.  Daniel  Kinder  entered  a portion  of  Section  24.  He 
' migrated  to  this  locality  in  1808,  and  in  a short  time  sold  the  land  to  John 
iwonger  and  entered  a tract  in  Section  36.  This  land  he  improved  and 
lpd  thereon  until  death.  Daniel  Krider,  a son,  is  now  occupying  the  old 
prises.  All  the  above  entries  were  located  on  the  three  western  branches  of 
blf  Creek,  in  consequence  of  which  the  land  was  well  drained  and  the  springs, 
vich  were  numerous,  every  farm  having  one,  were  never  failing;  and,  again, 
t,se  tracts  were  nearly  all  in  the  southeastern  portion  of  the  township.  The 
Cans  of  these  sturdy  old  pioneers  were  generally  erected  close  by  the  numer- 
1 springs  above  mentioned.  John  Niswonger,  prior  to  the  year  1810,  en- 
“id  320  acres  in  Section  23,  as  follows:  The  northwest  and  southeast  quar- 

t's. The  latter  quarter  section  was  owned  in  1810  by  Samuel  Niswonger. 
ftwonger  (John)  also  entered  the  northeast  quarter  of  that  same  section, 
nking  in  all  480  acres  entered  by  him.  David  Miller,  80  acres  situated  in 
t northern  part  of  Section  30,  which  in  1810  was  owned  by  Elijah  Wood. 

ler  also  entered  80  acres  in  the  southern  part  of  the  same  section,  which  in 
1 0 was  owned  by  Robert  Wood.  A Mr.  Replogel  entered  quite  a body  of 
■'  1 in  Sections  27  and  34,  which  in  1816  was  the  property  of  Daniel  Gripe. 
Ins  Circle  was  the  original  proprietor  of  the  southwest  quarter  of  Section 


126 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


23,  and  Daniel  Razor  of  the  northwest  quarter  of  Section  13.  Among  oth 
pioneers  were  Abram  Wambanch,  Christian  Somers,  Charles  Fiet,  Camel 
Riley  and  -Jacob  Horner,  all  settling  in  the  southwestern  part  of  the  tow, 
ship.  In  the  northern  part  a number  of  families  by  the  name  of  Thomas,  wl 
were  connected  with  the  Society  of  Friends  or  Quakers,  settled  early.  Em 
grants  kept  coming  in  from  various  quarters,  and  settlements  were  mai 
throughout  the  suodivision.  The  Government  land  was  all  disposed  of  ai 
taken  up  prior  to  1830. 

Our  pioneer  fathers  had  much  to  contend  with,  and  necessarily  unde 
went  great  privations.  They  lived  far  away  from  the  sources  of  suppl 
The  market  for  what  little  they  had  to  sell  was  distant  and  the  roa 
thereto  mere  bridle  paths  and  indicated  by  blazed  trees  only.  The  necessari 
of  life  were  only  obtained  by  hard  labor,  and  such  things  as  luxuries  we 
unknown  to  them.  Their  wants  were  few  and  hard  to  supply.  Their  niutu 
dependencies  made  their  social  ties  strong.  They  were  neighborly  and  ve: 
social.  Frequent  were  their  visits  to  each  other’s  cabins.  They  met  often 
assist  one  another  in  the  erection  of  cabins  and  stables,  in  log  raisings  and  1< 
rollings.  They  were  hospitable  to  new-comers — the  “ latch  string  ” of'  tl 
cabin  doors  was  ever  out.  In  illness  they  were  dependent  upon  their  medic 
resources,  which  seem  to  have  been  efficacious,  as  their  lives  were  charactenz 
by  great  longevity.  Instead  of  being  then  cursed  with  too  much  profession 
medicine,  as  are  the  people  of  to-day,  they  by  their  arts  assisted  nature,  whi 
is  now  by  too  much  medication  often  thwarted.  Then  each  man  was  his  ow 
physician  and  priest,  and  every  one  was  a law  to  himself.  There  were  no  v 
grants  or  vagabonds  among  them.  They  had  no  use  for  court  houses  or  jai 
Religious  sectarian  dogmas  and  political  dissensions  did  not  disturb  the; 
Far  and  near  the  people  would  go  to  visit  the  sick  and  dying.  Every boi 
went  to  funerals  in  that  day,  and  the  sorrow  manifested  thereat  was  real  at 
heartfelt.  No  particular  etiquette  was  then  observed.  It  was  not  so  expe 
sive  to  die  then  as  now.  Now  it  is  too  expensive  to  live,  and  costs  too  much 
die.  They  were  unostentatiously  honest  and  charitable  to  a fault.  Th 
wore  what  they  earned,  ate  what  they  got,  knew  no  such  word  as  ba 
and  envied  no  man's  goods.  The  first  settlers  of  this  region  have  all  paid  th 
debt  from  which  none  are  exempt.  Of  them  it  might  be  truthfully  sai 
“ Well  done,  thou  good  and  faithful  servant.”  Many,  too,  of  the  first  born 
the  township  have  grown  old  in  it  and  have  been  gathered  to  their  fatkej 
These  pioneers  have  made  themselves  worthy  of  the  township  in  wind  th 
resided.  They  have  made  their  mark.  Their  work  is  as  “bread  cast  upon  t, 
waters,  to  be  seen  many  days  hence.”  From  a personal  acquaintance  ai 
intercourse  with  many  of  these  the  writer  can  testify  to  their  merits. 

The  first  schoolhouse  of  which  we  have  been  able  to  get  any  know  lea 
was  one  that  stood  in  the  northwest  corner  of  the  southwest  quarter  of  Sectu 
13,  on  the  present  site  of  the  cemetery  there.  It  was  built  about  the  ye 
1815,  and  was  constructed  of  unhewn  logs.  Within,  in  the  way  of  beam 
apparatus,  was  an  improvised  brick  furnace  or  stove  located  in  the  centi 
Slabs  were  used  as  desks  and  for  seats  or  benches.  The  first  schoolmaster 
the  house  and  the  first  teacher  of  the  township  was  a German,  by  name  Jol: 
Holsmiller.  Not  long  after  the  erection  of  this  house,  was  built  another 
Section  26  on  the  Michael  Baker  land,  about  one  mile  northeast  of  the  prese 
village  of  Brookville.  A few  years  later,  another  house  was  built  near  t. 
center  of  Section  34.  This  was  probably  about  the  year  1820.  All  of  the, 
houses  were  built  on  the  same  plan,  which  did  not  differ  from  the  usually  ru 
log  schoolhouse  of  pioneer  times,  full  descriptions  of  which  will  be  found  els 
where  in  this  work.  In  these  schools  were  taught  no  German,  nor  geograph 


CLAY  TOWNSHIP. 


127 


)r  geometry,  but  certainly  good  manners  and  morality  were,  and  the  youth 
jstructed  beneath  the  old  “ clapboard  roof  ” became  splendid  men  and  women, 
hose  lives  were  characterized  by  honesty,  industry  and  economy.  Two  sec- 
ons  of  land  were  reserved  for  the  support  of  schools.  These  have  been  sold 
id  the  proceeds,  with  the  local  and  State  tax,  are  amply  sufficient  for  thepro- 
sion  of  good  schools,  with  which  the  township  is  well  supplied,  there  being 
;)W  nine  substantial  brick  schoolhouses,  three  of  which  are  two  stories  high, 
id  in  them  are  taught  graded  schools.  Two  of  these,  at  Brookville  and  Phil- 
)sburg,  are  independent  as  special  districts.  The  furniture  of  these  houses 
of  the  best.  There  are  now  in  the  township  1,000  youth  of  school  age, 
lich  is  an  average  of  111  to  each  schoolhouse.  For  the  year  1880,  $6,458 
ere  expended  for  school  purposes,  or  $6.50  to  each  pupil;  that,  together  with 
;e  interest  of  the  money  expended  in  the  Construction  of  the  houses,  makes  it 
t less  than  $8.50  to  each  scholar  per  annum;  the  maximum  wages  of  teachers 
$3.25,  and  the  minimum  $1.25  per  day.  The  first  “meeting  house”  built  in 
13  township  was  erected  in  the  vicinity  of  the  present  village  of  Phillipsburg 
! the  Society  of  Friends;  however,  this  was  not  until,  comparatively  speaking, 

' ate  day,  in  1828.  Prior  to  this,  all  denominations  worshiped  either  in  the 
neting-houses  of  the  neighboring  townships  or  in  schoolhouses,  each  other’s 
(bins  or  barns,  and  in  the  summer  in  the  woods.  Among  the  early  families 
riling  in  the  southern  part  of  the  township  were  quite  a number  of  the  Ger- 
im  Baptist  persuasion.  There  are  located  here  now  some  thirteen  churches, 
tp  greater  number  of  which  are  situated  in  the  villages.  Thus  is  afforded  a 
iuse  of  worship  for  every  235  inhabitants  of  the  subdivision. 

VILLAGES. 

There  are  here  quite  a number  of  villages,  which  follow  in  their  chronological 
ler:  Phillipsburg,  situated  in  the  northeastern  part  of  the  township,  has  a pop- 
i lion  of  232.  Ten  lots  were  laid  out  by  James  Hanks,  a surveyor,  January 
::  1836,  for  the  proprietors,  Philip  Studybaker,  John  John,  John  Thomas  and 
miah  Thomas,  and  it  derived  the  name  of  Phillipsbiug  from  Studybaker. 
j the  year  1828,  the  Friends’  meeting-house,  before  spoken  of,  was  built  here, 
' n.  Thomas  was  the  first  preacher.  The  denomination  of  Friends  who  here 
v rshiped  are  now  of  the  events  that  “have  been,”  the  society  having  long 
s'ce  disappeared.  Peter  Rhodebauch  was  a merchant  in  this  vicinity  in  1835. 
1.8  post  office  was  established  in  1846,  with  Peter  Smith  as  Postmaster.  In 
)16,  a schoolhouse  was  built,  and  in  the  same  year  the  Rev.  Elijah  Willi am- 
s i,  as  an  expounder  of  the  doctrines  taught  by  the  Christian  denomination, 

I ached  to  the  people  in  a cabinet-maker’s  shop.  Four  churches  now  grace 
Y village — Christian,  United  Brethren,  Lutheran  and  Evangelical.  The  mer- 
efnts  of  to-day  are  A.  H.  Baker  and  J.  M.  Beason.  There  is  one*  saw-mill  in 
l village.  One  of  the  two  voting  precincts  of  the  township  is  at  this  point, 
Hth  Aldington,  situated  near  the  center  of  the  township  on  the  National 
fid,  was  laid  out  November  19,  1838,  by  Slingsby  L.  Barnes,  into  sixteen 
i'  ',  which  were  platted  July  8,  1839.  Edward  Green  opened  the  first  store 
s,p  after  the  village  was  laid  out.  The  United  Brethren  Church  located  here 
"I  built  in  1852,  with  Rev.  Cosharine  as  the  first  regular  preacher.  The  vil- 
8 is  now  the  center  of  a large  area  of  tobacco  culture,  and  in  it  are  two 
uksmith  and  one  wagon-maker’s  shop,  and  a saw-mill,  built  in  1841,  now 
1 rated  by  D.  A.  Baker.  It  was  formerly  one  of  the  voting  precincts  of  the 
1 nship.  The  population  is  149.  Bachman,  situated  about  one  and  one-half 
ups  west  of  Aldington  on  the  Dayton  & Union  Railroad,  and  on  the  Na- 
Ljial  road,  was  laid  out  by  C.  Bachman,  the  proprietor  of  the  land,  April  1, 
I 2,  the  surveying  being  done  on  that  date  by  W.  G.  George.  It  has  apopu- 
!Dn  of  sixty-six.  It  has  a store  and  warehouse,  where  is  located  the  post  office ; 


128 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


proprietors  are  the  Hammel  Brothers.  One  Dougherty  is  the  “ village  smitl 
The  village  of  Dodson  was  laid  out  by  B.  H.  Dodson,  April  15,  1851,  lieu 
the  name.  It  is  fifteen  miles  northwest  of  Dayton,  and  at  it  is  formed  t 
junction  of  the  D.  & U.  with  the  D.  &.  W.  R.  R.  Its  inhabitants  numb 
seventy-seven.  At  this  point,  in  1874,  the  Catholics  erected  a church.  T 
people  have  the  benefit  of  a post  office,  telegraph  office,  a warehouse  and  ge 
eral  store  kept  by  Messrs.  Williamson  & Albert. 

Brookville,  the  principal  village,  located  in  the  southern  part  of  the  tow 
ship,  on  the  Dayton  and  Western  l’oad,  was  surveyed  and  platted  by  Jar 
Frees  April  13,  1850,  for  Jacob  Flory,  the  proprietor  of  fifteen  lot9.  In  188 
a dry  goods  store  was  kept  on  the  site  of  the  village,  by  Warren  Estabroo 
for  whom  it  was  afterward  named.  Joseph  Mikesell  was  an  earlier  marcha 
on  the  same  site.  Additions  were  made  by  one  Root,  and  by  Noah  and  Ben 
min  Baker.  The  village  is  pleasantly  situated  on  the  west  branch  of  W< 
Creek,  and  is  about  250  feet  higher  than  the  city  of  Dayton.  From  this  v 
lage  diverge  in  almost  every  direction  good  and  free  turnpikes,  which  t 
township  in  general  is  well  supplied  with.  The  first  funeral  sermon  preach 
where  now  is  the  village  was  under  a forest  tree,  standing  on  the  present  s, 
of  the  house  of  G.  Stonebarger.  In  1852,  the  Methodist  Chiuch  was  erectc 
and  the  house  dedicated  by  Rev.  A.  B.  Wambaugh.  A little  later,  the  Lutln 
an  Church  was  erected  by  the  Presbyterian  congregation,  which  is  now  lost  sig 
of.  Of  the  three  warehouses  now  located  here,  one  was  built  in  the  year  1852, 
Benjamin  Baker.  C.  Burlin  was  the  physician  of  1853.  The  post  office  was  < 
tablished  in  1855,  with  Moses  Wagaman  as  Postmaster.  The  present  incumbent 
L.  S.  Smith.  This  same  year,  the  first  regular  hotel  of  the  village  was  built, 
G.B.  Adams.  This  became  an  independent  school  district  in  1873,  and  the  f 
lowing  year  the  village  was  incorporated  (September  9,  1874).  James  Smi 
was  the  first  Mayor.  James  Stewart  is  now  the  Village  Mayor.  The  sehoi 
house  is  a large  two-story  brick,  with  four  apartments.  The  teachers  £ 
Samuel  Minich.  Laura  Duckwall,  Silas  Fox  and  Minnie  Smith.  In  1879,  t 
largest  and  most  commodious  church  edifice  was  built  by  the  United  Brethnl 
Rev.  Mi’.  Miller  was  the  first,  and  is  still  their  Pastor.  Revs.  Mr.  Grow  a! 
Michael  Kaufman  officiated  respectively  in  the  Lutheran  and  Methodist  Church 
The  physicians  are  Drs.  J.  C.  Conner,  A.  Dove,  C.  Gish,  William  Mundhenk  a 
Moses  Pretzinger.  The  Village  Justice  is  L.  S.  Smith,  and  J.  Smith  is  t 
telegraph  operator  and  ticket  and  freight  agent.  The  Brookville  hotel  is  k( 
by  Charles  Riley;  the  “ Eureka”  by  Noah  Baker;  and  the  “Eagle”  by  J. 
Hidinger.  Other  business  enterprises  are  as  follows:  A steam  flour iug-mi 
two  saw-mills,  a large  carriage  manufactory,  owned  and  operated  by  H 
Gagle;  a wagon-maker  shop,  carried  on  by  John  Siebert;  drygoods  andgroce 
establishments,  carried  on  by  Richard  Riley,  H.  Albert  and  Samuel  Barn 
two  tin  shops,  by  David  Ivinsie  and  Stephen  Ellen;  one  saddler  shop  and  c 
barber  shop,  two  drug  stores,  kept  by  William  Sanford  and  Moses  Pretzing 
and  two  houses  where  are  kept  agricultural  implements.  Jacob  Overhalser  a 
R.  Roller  are  the  blacksmiihs.  The  population  now  numbers  565.  It  is  c 
of  the  voting  precincts. 

West  Baltimore,  lying  partly  in  Preble  and  partly  in  Montgomery  Gout 
being  in  the  northwestern  part  of  the  township,  was,  surveyed  by  J acob  t re 
June  22,  1852.  The  proprietors  of  that  part  situated  in  Montgomery  Com 
were  Peter  Snyder,  Isaac  Schauff,  Rinehard  Bens.,  William  S.  Reed  and  Boy 
Fritchey  & Co.  In  1835,  on  the  present  site  of  the  village,  John  Fritz  s< 
dry  goods,  and  in  1839,  a United  Brethren  Clmrcb  was  erected.  The  vill< 
is  on  the  line  of  a turnpike,  running  through  it  east  and  west,  and  at  the  no 
and  of  one  running  south. 


CLAY  TOWNSHIP. 


129 


Wenger  Lawn  is  a Hag  station  on  the  Dayton  & Union  Railroad,  one 
lie  from  Bachman.  In  1876,  a store  and  warehouse  was  opened  by  Solomon 
iod.  The  same  year,  a United  Brethren  Church  was  erected.  Mr.  Good  is 
e Pastor.  In  1853,  the  saw  mill  now  owned  and  operated  by  William  Long 
is  built  by  Daniel  Lasure. 

Clay  is  prominently  a grass  township.  Figuratively  speaking,  grass  is 
ring  ” here.  The  soil  is  well  adapted  to  both  foreign  and  native.  The  latter  is 
esent  everywhere  and,  at  times,  takes  the  place  of  all  others.  It  comes 
rly  in  spring  and  lasts  late  in  autumn,  and  is  more  nutritious  than  any 
ler.  It  is  best  for  flesh  and  milk.  ’Tis  said,  “ all  flesh  is  grass.”  Clover 
: d timothy  make  the  best  hay,  and  the  former  is  especially  good  for  the  recu- 
. ration  of  the  soil.  About  85  per  cent  of  the  whole  are  plow  lands,  leaving 
fly  i5  per  cent  as  wood  and  pasture  land.  This,  in  the  opinion  of  the 
a iter,  is  not  right.  At  least  30  per  cent  of  the  whole  should  be  left  in  pasture 
r I woodland.  The  farmers  are  now  understanding  the  importance  of  the 
j ation  of  crops,  and  of  clover  being  one  of  them  for  manure  purposes,  in 
cisequence  of  which  there  is  being  brought  about  a marked  improvement  in 
t>  agriculture  of  this  region.  Live  stock  is  to  a greater  extent  being  in- 
csed  in  winter  than  in  former  years,  which  not  only  adds  to  their  comfort  but 
■economy  to  farmers.  It  is  being  understood  that  for  every  load  of  grain, 
v.  straw  or  tobacco  taken  off  of  a farm,  a load  of  manure  should  be  returned. 
Inure  put  upon  this  land  is  like  “bread  cast  upon  the  waters  to  be  seen  many 
l/s  hence,”  as  there  is  no  washing  and  an  impervious  sub-soil  which  pre- 
i'its  leaching. 


As  land  is  the  basis  of  all  human  operations,  either  in  the  shape  of  lots, 
lids  or  farms,  and  as  population  increases,  so  will  the  value  of  lands  and  lots 
iirease;  consequently  there  is  an  increased  desire  on  the  part  of  the  people  of 
1 township  to  own  land.  Every  foot  of  it  is  available  for  agricultural  and 
u’ticultural  purposes.  There  is  no  waste  land  in  it.  The  soil  was  originally 
g id,  but  now  the  fertility  of  it  is  being  improved  by  ditching  and  tiling, 
/as  once  said,  “Young  man,  go  West.”  Lands  here  are  as  cheap,  consider- 
u the  locality  and  quality,  and  improvements,  as  they  are  anywhere  else. 
Bp  few  people  now  move  away  to  buy  cheap  lands.  With  two  exceptions, 

1 roads  are  on  section  lines,  and  the  farms  square.  The  expense  of  fencing 
therefore  at  a minimum,  costing  about  $92,160  to  fence  the  township  in 
ty-acre  lots,  this  being  $4  to  the  acre,  the  interest  on  the  gross  amoun 
lg  $5,529,  or  $3  to  the  individual  of  the  rural  part  of  the  township.  When 
1 stock  law  is  fully  enforced,  as  it  will  be  in  a few  years  (now  ’tis  only  par- 
tly), then  the  cost  of  fencing  will  be  less.  For  faiun  boundary  fences,  hedging 
s ow  being  planted  extensively. 

Formerly,  when  the  country  was  new,  and  the  surface  partially  covered 
vi  timber,  weeds  and  water,  and  agriculture  in  its  infancy,  malarious  dis- 
Us  were  then  quite  prevalent.  Forty  years  ago,  when  the  writer  of  this,  as 
i lysician,  first  became  acquainted  with  the  township,  malarial  disease  was 
n;e  or  less  common  every  year,  and  some  years  more  or  less  of  it  in  every 
ily.  But  now,  since  it  is  mostly  cleared  and  cleaned  of  brush  and  weeds, 

| ditched  and  fairly  cultivated,  it  compares  favorably  with  any  other  part 
'the  Miami  Valley  in  this  respect.  Good  housekeeping,  as  well  as  good 
hijbandry,  has  done  much  to  bring  about  this  state  of  affairs.  The  social  and 
;X1  al  condition  of  the  people  of  this  will  compare  well  with  those  of  any  other 
topship  in  the  county.  No  murder  has  ever  been  committed  here,  and  there 
18 jut  little  litigation.  Indeed,  the  morals  would  be  exceedingly  good  if  it 
w>  not  for  the  intoxicating  liquors  sold. 

According  to  the  enumeration  recently  taken,  the  population  of  the  town- 

i 


130 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


ship  is  3,060.  being  85  to  the  square  mile,  an  increase  of  about  20  per  ce 
during  the  last  decade. 

The  village  population  is  1, 130.  This  is  a gain  of  237  during  the  1; 
decade,  being  a gain  of  20  per  cent  also.  In  fifty  years,  at  this  rate  of  ga 
the  population  of  the  township  will  be  double  what  it  is  now,  or  6,120.  T1 
of  the  villages  will  be  2,260. 

The  population  of  the  rural  district  is  1,930,  being  a gain  of  282,  or 
per  cent  since  1870.  Thus  we  see  that  it  takes  the  rural  population  f'ourte 
decades  or  one  hundred  and  forty  years  to  double  itself,  while  the  villa 
population  will  be  double  in  fifty  years.  This  is  unfortunate,  as  village  1 
is  more  demoralizing  than  rural  life.  The  idle  and  profligate  drift  into  v 
lages.  If  these  were  industrious  and  economical,  they  would  have  no  troui 
to  find  homes  in  the  country. 

There  are  thirty-six  sections  in  the  township  and  23,040  acres  of  land.  I 
ing  seven  and  a half  acres  to  each  inhabitant;  18,626  arces  of  this  is  plow  lai 
The  balance,  4,414  acres,  is  woodland.  Much  of  this  is  used  for  pasture,  as  it 
all  inclosed. 

There  is  a little  less  than  twelve  acres  of  land  to  each  inhabitant  outsi 
of  the  villages. 

The  population  of  Brookville,  the  principal  village  of  the  township,  is  5( 
being  a gain  of  165  in  the  last  decade.  Of  Phillipsburg  it  is  232,  being  a g< 
of  45  in  the  last  ten  years  ; of  South  Arlington  it  is  149,  being  a gain 
25  since  1870  ; of  Dodson  it  is  77,  being  a gain  of  30  in  the  last  decade  ; 
Bachman  it  is  66,  being  a loss  of  one  in  the  last  ten  years.  At  this  rate 
decline,  this  village  will  be  “ wiped  out”  of  existence  in  660  years  ; of  Wen^j 
Lawn,  it  is  41,  a clear  gain  in  the  last  ten  years. 

The  lands  of  the  township  have  just  been  appraised  (for  taxable  purpos1 
at  $55  per  acre  with  the  buildings,  and  at  $50  per  acre  without  them,  maid 
in  the  aggregate  $1,267,200  with  buildings;  without  buildings;  $1,152,01 
The  buildings  are  valued  at  $115,200.  This  makes  $415  to  each  inhabit 
for  land  with  buildings. 

The  total  value  of  the  real  estate  in  the  villages  of  the  township  is  $13 
330,  being  $1 16  to  each  inhabitant  of  villages. 

Of  personal  property,  there  are  in  the  township  667  horses,  valued 
$37,610,  averaging  $56  to  the  head. 

Of  cattle,  there  are  1,134  head,  valued  at  $15,434,  being  a little  over  $ 
per  head. 

There  are  19  mules,  valued  at  $910;  313  sheep,  valued  at  $971;  2,417  ho, 
valued  at  $5,684,  and  467  carriages,  valued  at  $17,908.  There  are  also 
watches,  valued  at  $792;  37  pianos  and  organs,  valued  at  $1,165  ; the  avera 
merchandise  is  valued  at  $1,650;  values  of  money  subject  to  draft,  $8,41j 
credits  after  deducting  bona  fide  debts,  $90,052  ; dogs,  290,  valued  at  $175. 

Total  value  of  all  taxable  personal  property,  including  cereals  and  iobaci) 
$418,750. 

The  total  value  of  all  the  property  in  the  township,  real  and  personal, j 
$1,717,110,  being  $561  to  each  inhabitant. 

Total  amount  of  all  taxes  paid  in  the  township  for  all  purposes  is,  1 
1880,  $20,974,  being  nearly  $7  to  each  man,  woman  and  child,  and  bei: 
nearly  82  per  cent  of  1 per  cent  of  the  whole  amount. 

There  are  eleven  distinct  turnpike  roads  in  the  township,  making  in  t 
ao-a-recrate  thirty-five  miles,  and  a little  over  three  miles  to  the  road.  Die 
roads  are  all  “ free  pikes,”  no  toll  roads  are  in  existence  in  the  township, 
the  rate  at  which  “pikes”  have  been  made,  it  will  not  be  many  years  till  < 
the  principal  roads  will  be  “piked.”  The  average  cost  of  these  free  pikes 


CLAY  TOWNSHIP. 


131 


Dout  $1,500  per  mile.  Bridging  is  not  expensive,  as  there  are  no  streams  of 
]y  size  in  the  township.  The  ditches  on  either  side  furnish  excellent  drain- 
re  to  the  adjacent  lands.  These  turnpikes  are  paid  for  by  bonds  hypothecat- 
1 on  a tax  placed  upon  adjacent  lands,  to  be  paid  in  installments.  These 
ads  add  greatly  to  the  comfort  of  living  and  to  the  value  of  the  lands.  ’Tis 
'ierefore,  for  the  farmers,  a judicious  investment.  Two  of  these  pikes  are  on 
wnship  lines. 

In  the  township  are  nine  variety  stores  where  are  kept  dry  goods,  clothing, 
oceries  and  all  kinds  of  ware;  seven  warehouses  or  grain  depots  located  on 
ie  two  railroads  that  cross  the  southwestern  corner  of  the  township,  namely: 
re  Dayton  & Union  and  Dayton  & Western,  by  which  is  afforded  excellent  fa- 
tties for  shipping  the  various  products  and  for  travel.  A great  amount  of 
leat,  corn,  oats,  barley,  tobacco  and  hogs  are  handled  annually  at  these  ware- 
:uses.  Five  saw-mills,  a large  carriage  manufactory,  wagon-maker’s  shop, 
ght  blacksmiths,  a large  flouring  mill,  tile  factory,  a store  where  agricultural 
iplements  and  machinery  are  kept,  eight  physicians  and  surgeons — one  for 
(-  iry  382  inhabitants.  Unfortunately  for  the  morals  of  the  people,  there  are 
(jht  saloons,  and  four  hotels,  and  two  drug  stores,  making  fourteen  places 
' .ere  ardent  spirits  are  dispensed — one  for  every  218  persons.  The  laws  for 
tj>  protection  of  the  people  from  the  evils  of  drunkenness  are  not  enforced, 
i ther  will  they  be  until  it  is  made  the  duty  of  officers  in  authority  to  see  that 
r ty  are  enforced. 


132 


HISTORY  OP  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


MIAMI  TOWNSHIP. 

BY  JACOB  ZIMMEK. 

IN  the  latter  part  of  the  year  1795,  a surveying  corps  under  the  charge  of  Da 
iel  C.  Cooper,  located  a road  through  the  dense  forest  up  the  east  bank 
the  Miami,  from  Fort  Hamilton  to  the  mouth  of  Mad  River,  and  early  in  171 
the  territory  now  embraced  in  this  township  began  to  be  settled,  as  in  ti 
year  William  Hole  located  on  150  acres  of  land  in  Section  25,  east  of  t 
present  town  of  Miamisburg.  In  the  following  winter  his  parents,  Zackari 
and  Phoebe  (Clark)  Hole,  came  from  Virginia,  accompanied  by  their  farni 
and  located  on  the  same  section  as  his  son  William.  The  children  were 
follows:  William,  who  married  Ruth  Crane;  Daniel,  who  married  Polly  Deed 
Dr.  John,  a sketch  of  whom  will  be  found  in  Washington  Township;  Zai 
ariah,  who  married  Hannah  Delay;  Polly,  who  became  the  wife  of  David  Yi 
zell;  Sarah,  who  married  a Mr.  Eaton;  Betsy,  who  became  the  wife  of  Jo 
Craig  and  Phoebe,  who  also  married  a man  named  Eaton.  All  were  born  : 
Virginia.  In  the  summer  of  1799,  a block-house  was  erected  on  a part  of  Za< 
ariah  Hole’s  land,  around  which  was  thrown  a stockade  for  protection  agai: 
the  Indians,  and  this  became  known  as  “ Hole’s  Station.”  It  was  soon  rec< 
nized  as  a point  of  considerable  importance,  a kind  of  headquarters  for  all . vtj. 
came  to  this  region  while  prospecting  for  or  locating  land.  The  elder  H 
and  wife  died  and  were  buried  in  the  vicinity  of  the  station,  while  the  youn; 
members  of  the  family  subsequently  removed  to  other  portions  of  the  com 
and  State. 

During  the  latter  part  of  1797,  or  early  in  1798,  Maj.  George  Ada: 
Anthony  Chevalier,  William  Van  Arsdale  and  James  Drew  settled  in  this  ton 
ship.  Of  the  two  latter  little  is  known,  only  that  Drew  lived  at  Hole’s  Stati ; 
and  Van  Ausdall  with  his  family  lived  southwest  of  the  mouth  of  Ho 
Creek.  Maj.  Adams  entered  a large  tract  of  land  in  the  present  vicinity 
Carrollton  along  the  bank  of  the  Miami  River.  He  played  a prominent  p 
in  the  war  of  1812  in  defense  of  the  frontier  settlements,  and  bore  the  sc 
of  many  battles.  Previous  to  his  settlement  in  this  county,  he  had  lived 
Butler  County,  from  where  he  removed  to  Montgomei’y.  Chevalier  was  a 
tive  of  France,  one,  of  those  intrepid  bands  of  patriots  who  left  their  nat 
land  under  the  leadership  of  the  gallant  Lafayette,  to  tight  for  American  in 
pendence.  He  served  throughout  that  struggle  against  English  oppression,  . 
at  its  triumphant  close  settled  in  Virginia,  where  he  married  Rachel  Scot 
cousin  of  Gen.  Winfield  Scott;  lived  subsequently  in  Kentucky,  and  from  tk 
came  to  this  county.  He  settled  at  Hole’s  Station,  from  whence,  after  a 
years’  residence,  he  removed  to  Section  1 5,  and  is  yet  well-remembered 
many  old  citizens. 

In  the  early  part  of  the  year  1800,  Col.  William  Dodds  and  family  set 
in  Section  21,  near  where  the  town  of  Carrollton  is  now  located.  He  w | 
native  of  Pennsylvania,  who  there  married  Isabella  McGrew,  and  toward; 
close  of  the  eighteenth  century  came  to  Cincinnati,  where  he  lived  a few  ye, 
thence  to  this  township  ; with  him  came  his  wife  and  seven  children,  v 
Joseph,  who  was  killed  in  the  war  of  1812;  William,  John,  James,  Marga 
Polly  and  Catherine  ; two  were  born  subsequently,  Thomas  and  Martha, 
the  same  time,  his  brother  Joseph  and  family  also  located  in  this  towns 


MIAMI  TOWNSHIP. 


133 


)ol.  Dodds  and  wife  lived  and  died  on  the  farm  which  they  settled,  leaving 
,iany  descendants  who  honor  their  memory.  He  was  a man  of  vigorous  mind, 
ho  did  much  toward  the  speedy  settlement  of  this  portion  of  the  Miami 
‘alley.  Another  of  the  pioneers  was  Alexander  Nutz,  of  Pennsylvania,  who 
nth  his  family  located  on  Section  36,  one  mile  south  of  “ Hole’s  Station,”  in 
800,  and  who  is  well  remembered  by  old  men  now  living  in  the  township,  who 
•ere  small  boys  dining  the  war  of  1812,  and  who  vividly  recollect  that  Mr. 
lutz  had  a good  orchard  as  early  as  that  struggle.  In  the  fall  of  1802,  Will- 
im  Lamme  with  his  wife  and  five  children  came  from  Kentucky,  and  settled 
a Section  9,  in  the  northeast  corner  of  the  township.  He  erected  the  first 
rist-mill  in  this  locality,  in  a narrow  gorge  between  the  hills  on  Hole’s  Creek, 
kick  site  was  long  ago  abandoned,  and  a more  suitable  place  selected,  where 
is  eldest  son,  David,  built  and  operated  a mill.  He  was  also  a native  of  Ken- 
icky,  and  was  about  eighteen  years  old  when  his  parents  came  to  Montgomery 
ounty,  and  here  on  the  7th  of  August,  1804,  he  was  married  to  Margaret 
odds,  a daughter  of  Col.  William  Dodds,  who  is  spoken  of  previously.  She 
.as  born  in  Pennsylvania,  and  came  to  this  county  with  her  parents.  Of  this 
lion  were  born  two  sons  and  eight  daughters,  only  two  of  whom  are  living, 
z.,  William  J.  and  Katy  E.  David  Lamme  was  a Justice  of  the  Peace  for 
.any  years,  and  in  1840  was  elected  to  the  Legislature  ; he  was  one  of  the 
bmmissioners  under  whom  the  court  house  at  Dayton  was  built,  and  died 
ugust  22,  1855,  his  wife  dying  December  28,  1868.  In  1802,  John  Craig 
id  family  came  to  this  township,  and  erected  a log  cabin  on  the  site  of  the 
•esent  residence  of  H.  C.  Hunt,  on  the  Springboro  road.  The  same  year 
imuel  Boltin,  a Dunkard  preacher,  settled  in  Section  35,  on  the  west  bank  of 
e Miami  River.  He  was  born  in  Philadelphia  in  1767,  and  there  married 
lizabeth  Brown  of  that  city,  and  about  1795  removed  to  Kentucky,  and  two 
■ars  later  to  Clermont  County,  Ohio,  thence  in  1802  to  this  county.  He 
ought  with  him  his  wife  and  five  children,  viz.,  William,  Mary,  Jane,  Sarah 
id  Henry;  after  coming  to  this  county,  four  others  were  born  as  follows: 
ewart,  Annie,  Samuel  and  Phcebe.  Air.  Boltin,  besides  preaching  the  Gospel, 
is  one  of  the  pioneer  school  teachers  of  this  region  of  country,  and  died  in 
>39,  his  wife  surviving  him  a few  years.  Phoebe  Makaiu,  the  widow  of 
mes  Makaiu,  is  the  only  one  of  his  children  now  living,  and  Henry’s  three 
ns,  Samuel,  Cornelius  and  Henry,  are  the  only  members  of  the  family 
me  residing  in  Montgomery  County. 

Dining  this  year,  or  the  year  following,  Alexander  Scott  and  family,  of 
entucky,  settled  northwest  of  the  station,  but  subsequently  sold  out  and 
wed  to  Indiana.  In  1804,  George  Y.  Stettler,  wife  and  five  sons — William, 
Tory,  Daniel,  George  and  Jacob — natives  of  Berks  County,  Penn.,  located  one 
le  southwest  of  “Hole’s  Station,”  where  George  V.  died  April  23,  1815. 
s son,  Daniel,  was  born  in  Berks  County,  Penn.,  in  June,  1773,  and  about 
10  was  married  to  Catherine  Gehres,  also  a native  of  the  Keystone  State, 
4 who  came  to  Butler  County,  Ohio,  with  her  family  in  1805.  She  was  born 
1 1783,  and  had  four  children  by  her  union  with  Mr.  Stettler,  only  two,  Philip 
■ d Hannah,  now  living.  Daniel  was  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  died  in  Miami 
,'Wnship  in  June,  1853,  his  wife  surviving  him  until  November  27,  1863.  It 
Is  at  the  cabin  of  the  Stettler’s  where  one  of  the  early  churches  was  organ- 
'd  in  1806,  which  organization  is  yet  in  existence  ; during  .1804  came  Jacob 
d John  lingerer,  who  settled  in  Section  30;  Andrew  Small,  who  located  a 
lie  east  of  the  lingerer’s,  and  who  was  an  old  Revolutionary  soldier,  and 
CP  °f  the  pioneer  school  teachers  of  the  Aliami  Valley;  and  James  Pettigrew 
G William  Long  with  their  families,  who  settled  southeast  of  the  station;  also 
• bias  Whetsel,  his  wife,  Catherine,  with  five  sons  and  two  daughters,  came 


134 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


from  North  Carolina  and  settled  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Gebhart  Church,  wliei 
they  had  born  to  them  after  coming,  one  son  and  two  daughters;  Mary  ai 
Catherine  are  now  the  only  survivors  of  this  large  family. 

It  was  in  the  spring  or  summer  of  1804,  that  John  Shupert,  wife  and  si 
children,  Christopher,  Frederick,  Jacob,  Eva,  Peggy  and  Tena,  came  fro 
Berks  County,  Penn.,  locating  about  one  mile  southwest  of  “Hole’s  Station, 
where  he  and  wife  lived  until  death.  Christopher  was  married  and  had  or 
son,  John,  when  the  family  located  here,  the  latter  of  whom  is  now  residin 
in  the  township.  In  the  same  colony  from  Berks  County,  Penn.,  came  Pet< 
Gebhart,  wife  and  two  children,  John  and  Elizabeth,  settling  a short  distant 
southwest  of  the  station,  where  Peter  died  the  same  year.  His  son,  John,  no 
a very  old  man,  is  still  a resident  of  Miami  Township.  Most  of  this  colony  fro: 
Berks  County  settled  in  German  Township,  and  the  record  of  their  settlemei 
will  be  found  under  that  heading.  Henry  and  Mary  Strader,  natives  of  Norl 
Carolina,  also  came  in  1804.  Their  son,  Samson  P.,  was  born  in  Guilfoi 
County,  N.  C.,  in  1796;  married  Mary  Benner  in  1817,  a native  of  Marylam 
born  in  1796,  and  daughter  of  Jacob  and  Mary  Benner,  also  early  settle) 
of  this  township.  They  had  five  children. 

In  the  fall  of  1804  came  one  of  those  men  who  have  done  so  much  towar 
building  up  the  moral  interests  of  this  valley,  and  who  have  molded  and  cry 
tallized  its  religious  sentiment.  His  name  was  John  Jacob  La  Rose,  a mini 
ter  of  the  Reformed  Church,  and  a native  of  Lehigh  County,  Penn.,  born  i 
February,  1755.  His  parents  were  John  L.  and  Anna  Iv.  La  Rose,  natives  < 
Germany,  of  French  extraction,  "who  came  to  America  about  1740.  Early 
life,  young  La  Rose  manifested  a deep  interest  in  religious  matters,  which  d> 
veloped  with  the  passing  years,  and  in  the  meantime  he  learned  the  tailor 
trade,  which  he  followed  for  a livelihood.  In  September,  1776,  he  enlisted  i 
the  army  of  Washington,  underwent  the  sufferings  at  Valley  Forge,  and  pa: 
ticipated  in  the  memorable  battle  of  Trenton,  N.  J. , December  26  of  thi 
year. 

In  1777,  his  term  of  enlistment  having  expired,  he  went  to  North  Carol 
na,  finally  settling  in  Guilford  County,  where  about  1780  he  married  Mary  1 
Gift,  to  whom  were  born  five  sons  and  three  daughters,  viz.,  Philip  J.,  Lou 
V.,  Jacob,  Daniel,  John,  Barbara,  Elizabeth  and  Catherine.  Here  William  1 
Rose  followed  tailoring,  farming  and  teaching  school,  and  in  1795  was  license 
to  preach  the  gospel  by  an  Ecclesiastical  Body  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  the) 
being  no  such  body  of  the  Reformed  denomination  nearer  than  Pennsylvani 
He  had,  however,  acted  in  the  capacity  of  a preacher  of  the  Word  long  prev 
ous  to  receiving  his  licentiate,  and  for  seven  or  eight  year’s  subsequent: 
preached  for  the  Reformed  Church  in  Guilford  County.  In  September,  180- 
he  started  with  his  family,  in  a four-horse  wagon,  for  Ohio,  arriving  at  “ Hole 
Station  ” November  4,  of  that  year,  and  immediately  entered  160  acres  of  lap 
about  one  mile  south  east  of  that  point,  upon  which  he  erected  a log  cabin,  ai 
began  his  life  in  the  valley  of  the  Miami.  In  the  early  part  of  1805,  he  r 
sumed  his  ministerial  duties  by  preaching  to  the  scattered  pioneers,  whorevi 
and  whenever  he  could  gather  a few  to  listen  to  the  Word,  and  thus  he  passe 
several  years  preaching  and  teaching  throughout  this  region  of  country.  I 
1812,  he  removed  to  Highland  County.  Ohio,  where  his  wife  died  in  1813,  ai 
the  following  year  he  returned  to  this  township,  and  made  his  home  with  h 
son-in-law,  Emanuel  Gebhart,  who  then  resided  on  the  “ old  homestead,”  whit 
Mr.  La  Rose  had  entered;  he  afterward  lived  with  his  children  in  Preb 
County,  Ohio.  On  the  22d  of  May,  1820,  he  was  examined  and  oi’dained  by 
committee  of  minister's,  appointed  by  the  Synod  of  the  Refoi’ined  Church  f 
that  purpose,  and  until  1826  was  engaged  on  missionary  work  in  Ohio,  Incl 


MIAMI  TOWNSHIP. 


135 


; a and  Kentucky.  In  that  year,  he  retired  from  the  practical  duties  of  the 
i.nistry,  although  preaching  occasionally  until-  1830,  after  which  he  preached 
i more.  He  died  (in  the  same  house  which  he  had  erected  forty  years  previ- 
c sly)  November  17,  1844,  in  his  ninetieth  year,  the  last  fourteen  of  which  he 
id  spent  in  happy  retirement,  such  as  writing  articles  upon  religious  subjects, 
iding,  meditation  and  prayer.  He  inherited  a healthy,  vigorous  body,  with 
f trong  vital  force,  possessing  great  tenacity  of  constitution  and  power  of  en- 
trance, and  was  well  adapted  for  pioneer  work.  Among  his  neighbors  he  bore 
t a name  of  “Peace  Maker,”  and  was  recognized  as  a conscientious,  thorough 
(ristian,  a man  whom  all  loved  and  respected.  It  was  he  who  organized  the 
( bhart  and  Stettler  Churches,  in  1805  and  1806  respectively,  and  St.  John’s  at 
' rmantown  in  1809.  For  this  sketch  of  William  La  Rose,  we  are  indebted  to 
t>  Rev.  Isaac  H.  Reiter,  D.  D.,  who  kindly  furnished  us  with  all  the  data  and 
f ts  as  to  Mr.  La  Rose’s  life  and  labors. 

Henry  and  Elizabeth  Moyer,  natives  of  Pennsylvania,  settled  in  Section 

- on  the  west  bank  of  the  Miami  in  1804,  where  Henry  died  the  following 
ir.  Their  son,  Peter,  was  but  fifteen  years  old  upon  coming  to  this  county. 

bung  been  born  in  Berks  County,  Penn.,  September  7,  1789.  Married 
I zabetli  Heck,  of  Jefferson  Township,  October  8,  1812,  who  bore  him  ten 
ldren.  Both  spent  their  lives  in  this  township. 

In  1805,  Valentine  Gebhart  and  family  came  to  this  township  from  Berks 
Canty,  Penn.,  and  with  his  sons,  Andrew,  Philip  and  Daniel  settled  at  Hole’s  Sta- 
hl and  whose  descendants  are  among  the  most  respected  citizens  of  Montgomery 
Canty.  In  the  same  year  came  John  Gebhart,  wife  Chi-istine,  and  four  chil- 
in— Catherine,  George,  Jonathan  and  Elizabeth — from  Berks  County,  Penn., 

- ling  in  Section  24,  and  after  coming,  had  born  to  them  Mary,  Daniel, 
Gistine,  Elias,  Salome  and  Lydia.  Mr.  Gebhart  died  in  1842,  in  his  sixty - 
hrth  year,  his  wife  surviving  until  1870,  dying  in  her  ninetieth  year.  Jona- 
tl-’n  and  Elias  are  the  only  survivors  of  eleven  children.  With  John  Gebhart 
cae  his  wife’s  parents,  George  and  Margaret  Gebhart,  also  two  brothers- in- 
h,  George  Gebhart  with  his  wife,  Elizabeth,  and  seven  children,  and  Jacob 
Gphart  and  wife  Salome.  In  1806,  Jacob  and  Catherine  Baum,  natives  of 
dryland,  who  had  been  residing  in  Kentucky  previous  to  this  date,  came  to 
At  is  now  Miami  Township,  and  located  north  of  Hole’s  Station  on  the  east 
’k  of  the  Miami  River.  They  brought  with  them  nine  children,  viz. : Mar- 
i K.,  Mary,  Elizabeth,  John,  George,  Susan,  Barbara,  Jacob  and  Joseph;  the 
-her  died  about  1808,  and  the  father  about  1830.  Jacob,  Jr.,  the  only  sui-- 
or  of  the  family  was  born  February  4,  1801,  and  is  now  eighty-one  years 

- but  the  ravages  of  time  have  made  sad  havoc  with  his  once  sturdy  frame, 

1 his  days  on  earth  must  indeed  be  few.  He  was  married  to  Elizabeth  Cra- 
A who  bore  him  three  daughters — Margaret,  Eliza  and  Mary,  the  eldest  of 
■f)m  is  the  only  one  living,  she  being  the  wife  of  John  H.  Schaffer,  of  Ger- 
ci  Township,  with  whom  Mr.  Baum  makes  his  home. 

In  1809,  Emanuel  Gebhart,  with  his  wife  Elizabeth  (who  was  a daughter 
The  Rev.  John  Jacob  La  Rose)  and  family,  from  Pennsylvania,  settled  on 
d La  Rose  farm,  and  here  spent  their  entire  lives  in  the  vicinity  of  Miamis- 
she  dying  December  26,  1867,  aged  eighty-three,  and,  January  22,  1868, 
i'  husband  followed  her,  and  they  now  sleep  side  by  side  in  their  last  earthly 
hijie.  With  Mr.  Gebhart,  came  his  son-in-law.  Jacob  Kercher,  and  wife  Mar- 
Tpt,  who  bore  him  after  coming  to  Ohio,  two  sons  and  eight  daughters;  the 
’ former  and  one  of  the  daughters  are  yet  living.  Jacob  died  in  1855.  and 
-nwite  a few  years  later;  he  owned  land  east  of  “the  Station,”  and  Miamis- 
J1g  was  partly  laid  out  by  him  on  this  land.  At  the  same  time  that  Jacob 
«f,e  to  Ohio,  his  brother  John,  who  was  single,  also  came  and  made  this 


136 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


township  his  future  home.  The  “Old  Dominion”  now  responded  to  the  ca 
for  early  settlers,  sending  in  1809  Peter  Eagle,  his  wife  Annie,  and  nine  chi 
dren,  who  settled  in  Section  19,  east  of  Miamisburg.  The  sons  were  Henr 
Jacob,  George,  Peter  and  David;  the  daughters  were  Polly,  Eve,  Betsv  ai 
Sarah.  Two  were  born  subsequently,  viz.,  John  and  Annie.  Peter,  Sr.,  di: 
in  1820,  his  widow  marrying  again  and  surviving  him  many  years.  Peter,  J 
and  David  are  yet  living,  the  former  of  whom  married  Mary  Whetsel  fifty-ni: 
years  ago,  and  they  are  now  residing  in  Section  19,  hale,  hearty  and  happv 
the  enjoyment  of  each  other’s  society.  John  and  Elizabeth  Neibel,  the  form 
a native  of  Pennsylvania,  and  the  latter  of  Virginia,  came,  with  three  childre 
to  this  township  in  October,  1810.  Upon  starting  from  Virginia  they  had  fo 
children,  but  when  a couple  of  days  on  the  road,  the  wagon  was  upset  and  oi 
of  the  sons  was  killed.  Mrs.  Neibel  died  in  May,  1847,  and  her  husband 
December,  1855.  Their  son  William,  who  was  but  five  years  old  when  tb 
came  to  Ohio,  is  residing  on  Section  8,  and  is  one  of  the  representative  farm 
of  the  township.  In  1811,  William  and  Catherine  (Sutphin)  Conover,  n 
tives  of  Monmouth  County,  N.  J.,  with  three  children — Ida,  Abraham  ar 
Ann,  located  in  Section  29,  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Miami.  They  had  born 
them  in  Ohio,  Deborah,  William,  C.  S.  and  Maria.  William  Conover  and  wi 
resided  in  this  township  all  their  lives,  excepting  a short  period  at  an  early  d 
which  they  spent  in  Warren  County.  They  were  a successful  and  very  wort! 
pioneer  couple,  and  their  children  stand  among  the  most  respected  people 
this  county,  intelligent,  progressive  and  honest. 

In  this  year  came  Drs.  Peter  and  John  Treon,  from  Berks  County,  Pent 
and  located  at  “ Hole’s  Station,”  and  who  afterward  helped  to  lay  out  Miami 
burg  in  1818.  Dr.  Peter  died  many  years  ago,  but  Dr.  John  is  yet  living  and  o 
of  the  oldest  men  in  the  county,  being  now  close  to  his  niDety-first  year.  The 
are  few  men  of  Montgomery  County  living  or  dead,  who  had  a greater  succe 
in  life  financially,  than  Dr.  John  Treon,  and  there  never  has  been  a physici; 
in  this  region  of  country,  who  did  a more  extensive  business  or  traveled  ov 
such  a vast  extent  of  country  in  the  practice  of  his  profession.  He  was  bo 
in  Berks  County,  Penn.,  March  25,  1791,  studied  medicine  under  his  fath 
and  in  Philadelphia,  and  as  stated  came  to  this  township  in  1811  penniles 
He  was  married  November  13,  1818,  to  Eve  Weimer,  who  died  May  20,  187 
and  was  again  married  to  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Black,  who  now  watches  over  him 
his  helpless  old  age 

Peter  Het.zel,  wife  Catherine,  and  family  settled  in  Section  10,  :n  t 
northeast  corner  of  the  township  in  1812,  and  David,  his  son,  is  now  a re: 
dent  of  Miamisburg,  and  one  of  its  best  and  most  progressive  old  citizei 
In  the  same  year  came  Philip  Huiet  and  family,  who  built  a grist-mill  on  t; 
Miami  north  of  “ Hole’s  Station,’ ’ and  also  Henry  Yeazell  and  family,  wi 
settled  in  the  berid  of  the  Miami,  in  Section  30,  across  the  river  from  t! 
present  town  of  Alexanderville.  Another  settler  of  this  period  was  Geor 
Parsons,  who  with  his  family  located  in  the  Dodds’  neighborhood,  but  no  dou 
many  came  whose  names  cannot  now  be  remembered,  and  those  we  have  givi 
have  been  obtained  by  the  greatest  difficulty,  yet  some  may  be  left  out  wl 
helped  to  civilize  and  develop  this  valley,  but  whose  names  or  time  of  sett 
ment  is  lost  to  the  historian  of  to-day. 

ERECTION  OF  MIAMI  TOWNSHIP. 

On  the  9th  of  December,  1829,  it  was  ordered  by  the  County  Comm: 
sioners  that  Washington  Township  be  divided,  and  a new  township  erected, 
be  known  by  the  name  of  Miami  Township,  the  division  line  to  commence  < 
said  county  line,  at  the  section  line  between  Sections  3 and  9,  and  runnir 


MIAMI  TOWNSHIP. 


137 


jence  north  on  said  section  line  to  the  northern  boundary  line  of  said  town- 
pip,  between  Sections  4 and  10,  the  western  boundary  of  said  new  township 
i>  be  the  Miami  River.  On  petition  of  sundry  inhabiants  of  Dayton  Township 
resented  March  7,  1831,  the  Commissioners  of  Montgomery  County  attached 
■actional  Sections  19,  20,  29  and  30,  in  Township  1,  Range  6,  in  the  south- 
est  corner  of  Dayton  Township,  west  of  the  Miami  River  to  Miami  Town - 
lip,  and  at  the  same  time  a portion  of  German  Township  was  attached  to  the 
-;w  township  of  Miami  as  follows:  Beginning  at  the  Miami  River  on  the  line 
itween  Montgomery  and  Butler  Counties,  at  the  southeast  corner  of  German 
pwnship,  and  running  in  a westerly  direction  on  said  line  to  the  southwest 
rner  of  Section  28,  Township  2,  Range  5;  thence  north  on  the  section  line 
the  northwest  corner  of  Section  4,  Township  2,  Range  5;  thence  east  on  the 
he  between  Jefferson  and  German  Townships,  to  the  northeast  corner  of  frac- 
bnal  Section  2,  Township  2,  Range  5 ; thence  with  the  Miami  River,  to  the  place 
beginning.  August  21,  1841,  Section  34  and  fractional  Sections  35  and 
i,  were  attached  from  Jefferson  and  added  to  Miami  Township.  The  present 
undaries  of  Miami  Township  are  as  follows:  On  the  north  by  Yan  Buren, 
irrison  and  Jefferson  Townships;  on  the  south  by  Warren  County;  on  the 
<st  by  Washington  Township,  and  on  the  west  by  German  and  Jefferson  Town- 
dps.  The  first  election  was  held  April  5,  1830,  at  the  house  of  Charles  Con- 
ijlly,  a large  frame  tavern  which  stood  on  the  northeast  corner  of  Main  and 
ny  streets,  in  Miamisburg.  This  building  was  removed  many  years  ago, 
d its  site  is  occupied  by  the  residence  of  Hon.  Emanuel  Shultz. 

The  judges  of  the  election  were  John  Neibel,  Adam  Shuey  and  Phillip 
idler.  Clerks,  John  Conley  and  M.  S.  Blossom.  The  latter  is  the  only  sur- 
vor. 

The  following  officers  were  elected:  Trustees,  John  Neibel,  Fletcher  Fin- 
land Benjamin  Sayre;  Clerks,  Thomas  Morton;  Treasurer,  Charles  Connel- 
• Constable,  Andrew  Treon. 

April  21,  1830,  William  Sawyer  was  elected  Justice  of  the  Peace,  receiv- 
; 155  votes;  John  Burk,  64.  Total  219. 

October  12,  following,  there  were  231  votes  cast  for  Governor,  viz.:  143 
1 Robert  Lucas,  and  88  for  Duncan  McArthur. 

December  6,  1830,  there  was  an  election  held  for  State  Representative,  in 
; ce  of  William  Smith,  deceased. 

School  districts  were  established  the  same  year,  from  No.  1 to  No.  9,  in- 
3 sive.  Additions  and  changes  have  frequently  been  made  since. 

The  following  is  a list  of  the  number  of  house-holders  in  each  school  dis- 
h'd in  that  year,  viz.:  No.  1,  32;  No.  2,  20;  No.  3,  4;  No.  4,  5;  No.  5,  29;  No. 
!H0;  No.  7,  45;  No.  8,  (Miamisburg)  104;  No.  9,  30. 

January  17,  1832,  District  No.  8 was  divided  into  two  districts.  Market 
5,1  et  and  the  Centerville  road  being  the  dividing  line. 

The  early  educational  facilities  here,  were  as  elsewhere  in  frontier  life,  on 
aounfcof  meager  population  to  form  satisfactory  school  districts,  having  a suf- 
firnt  number  of  pupils  to  justify  the  employment  of  competent  teachers,  will 
^apparent.  The  teachers  also,  in  many  instances,  were  of  a type  that  antiquity 
ukt  have  been  proud  of.  Hence,  the  people  of  those  days  should  have  credit 
what  was  accomplished,  and  not  charged  with  what  was  not  done.  The 

school  was  taught  at  the  Gebhart  Church,  at  an  early  day.  It  was  not  un- 
the  enactment  of  the  law  of  1852,  that  this  interest  received  a fresh  impetus. 
l > Township  Board  of  Education,  consisting  of  the  clerks  of  the  school  dis- 
rts,  in  a few  years  after  the  passage  of  the  law,  commenced  to  build  new 
K ses  in  nearly  every  district.  The  log-cabin  schoolhouse  was  abandoned, 


138 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


new  and  comfortable  quarters,  with  the  modern  improved  seats  and  desks,  too 
the  place  of  slab  seats  and  log  tires. 

The  cost  of  the  buildings  and  furniture  ranged  from  810  to  $1,500. 

The  law  of  1852  also  provided  for  a higher  grade  of  teachers,  and  a cor 
sequent  advance  of  compensation.  The  County  Board  of  Examiners  had  th 
effect  to  drop  all  the  incompetents.  The  result  was  manifest  in  a few  years 
Better  teachers  took  the  place  of  those  who  were  formerly  employed,  and  ac 
vance  steps  among  the  youth  were  the  results,  in  a few  years.  Some  opposi 
tion  was  manifested  at  first,  on  the  part  of  parents,  upon  the  proposed  progrc* 
sive  steps,  but  in  a short  time  it  subsided,  until  now,  all  join  in  urging  th 
work. 

The  laws  of  the  State  required  the  election  in  each  township,  every  yeai 
of  two  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  also  “ Fence  Viewers. ” 

To  show  the  operation  of  the  Poor  laws  at  that  date,  the  following  is  give) 
which  explains  itself: 

Montgomery  County,  / 

Miami  Township,  \ SR" 

To  William  Goudy,  Constable  of  said  Township,  Greeting: 

Whereas,  We,  the  undersigned,  owners  of  the  poor  of  Miami  Township,  have  receive 
information  that  there  has  lately  come  into  the  township,  a certain  poor  and  destitute  w 

man  named , who  is  not  a legal  resident  thereof,  and  will  be  like' 

to  become  a township  charge. 

You  are  thereupon  commanded  forthwith  to  warn  said to  d 

part  out  out  of  said  township,  and  of  this  warrant  make  service  as  the  law  directs. 

Given  under  our  hands  this  22d  day  of  January,  A.  D.  1836. 


Overseers  of  the  Poor. 

On  the  back  appears  this  indorsement: 

This  writ  returned,  served  reading  23d  January.  Cost,  18J  cents. 

Constable." 

The  following  is  a copy  of  the  “ poll  book”  at  an  election  held  for  towi 
ship  officers  at  the  spring  election  in  1833,  viz. : 

Record  of  poll  book  of  an  election  held  in  the  township  of  Miami,  Montgomery  C< 
on  the  1st  day  of  April,  1833.  for  township  officers. 

The  following  persons  were  elected:  John  Neibel,  Henry  Gebhart  and  James  Morto 
Trustees;  Isaac  Hoover,  Constable;  John  Conley,  Clerk;  Peter  Richard,  Treasurer;  J.  \ 
Kothe  and  Lewis  Hasselman,  Overseers  of  the  Poor;  Gooding  Hollaway,  George  Kiser  ai 
Samuel  D.  Loree,  Fence  Viewers;  Perry  Pease,  John  Reeser,  John  Garrett,  John  Betso 
Jacob  Benner,  Thomas  Dodds,  William  L.  Smith,  John  Penrod,  Henry  Gebhart,  laci 
Root  and  John  Dodds,  Supervisors. 

I do  hereby  certify  that  the  above  persons  were  duly  elected. 

(Signed.)  ' John  Conley,  Cleric. 


STREAMS. 

The  Miami  River  passes  through  this  township  from  north  to  south,  takii 
a southwesterly  course.  It  is  fed  by  many  small  branches,  the  most  imperta 
of  which  are  Hole’s  and  Bear  Creek,  the  former  running  across  the  northeat 
ern  corner  of  the  township,  and  emptying  into  the  Miami  on  Section  15 
took  its  name  from  the  Hole  family,  who  removed  from  the  “ Station  in  > 
early  day,  to  land  located  on  its  banks.  Big  Bear  Creek  enters  the  townsh 
on  Section  34,  takes  a southeast  course,  and  empties  into  the  Miami  at  t! 
north  limits  of  Miamisburg. 

MILLS. 

The  first  llouring-mill  in  this  township  was  erected  by  William  Lamme, 
Hole’s  Creek,  in  a narrow  gorge  between  the  hills.  This  site  has  long  sin 
been  abandoned,  and  a mill  built  by  his  son,  David,  west  of  the  old  locatio 
and  which  is  now  in  Washington  Township.  The  next  mill  was  that  built  i 
Philip  Huiet  in  1812,  at  “ Hole’s  Station,”  an  account  of  which  is  given 


MIAMI  TOWNSHIP. 


139 

t3  history  of  Miamisburg.  Many  mills  have  been  erected  in  this  township 
eiice  that  time,  an  account  of  which  would  be  of  little  interest  or  worth  to  the 
neral  reader. 

AGRICULTURE. 

The  products  of  the  soil  are  wheat,  corn,  rye,  flax  seed,  broom  corn,  etc. 

Orchards  were  planted  of  the  apple  soon  after  clearings  had  been 
c med,  mostly  seedlings.  Peaches  yielded  well.  Wild  plums  and  grapes 
i re  plenty. 

The  cultivation  of  tobacco  was  introduced  by  Ralph  Pomey,  south  of  Car- 
rion, about  the  year  1841.  This  article  has  become  one  of  the  chief 
p ducts,  and  has  extended  into  neighboring  counties.  The  product  amounts 
Several  thousand  cases  annually  in  the  township. 

The  soil  rests  on  blue  limestone  on  the  hills.  Drift,  or  gravel  and  sand, 

; er  the  valleys,  the  surface  soil  being  a clay  loam,  and  has  been  very 
p iductive. 

THE  GREAT  MOUND. 

This  is  located  on  the  upland  about  one  mile  southeast  of  Miamisburg. 
Is  one  of  the  largest  in  the  Northern  States.  The  one  at  Grave  Creek,  on  the 
J o below  Wheeling,  being  about  equal  in  dimensions. 

In  1869  a number  of  resident  citizens  formed  a syndicate  to  explore  it. 
.duly  of  that  year  they  commenced  operations,  and  sunk  a shaft  of  live  or 
iilfeet,  in  diameter  from  the  top  to  two  feet  below  the  base. 

At  eight  feet  from  the  top,  a human  skeleton  in  a sitting  posture,  facing 
l|  east,  and  directly  west  of  the  line  of  excavation,  was  discovered.  A cover 
)f :lay  several  feet  in  thickness,  and  then  a layer  of  ashes  and  charcoal, 
-eaed  to  have  been  the  burial.  A deposit  of  vegetable  matter,  bones  of 
■mil  animals,  wood  and  stone,  were  also  found  surrounding  it. 

At  the  depth  of  twenty-four  feet,  a triangular  stone,  planted  perpendicu- 
iaiy,  about  eight  inches  in  the  earth  with  the  point  upward,  was  discovered, 
oand  it  at  an  angle  of  about  forty-five  degrees  and  overlapping  each  other 
il  the  shingles  up>on  a roof,  were  placed  stones  averaging  about  a foot  in 
1 aeter,  all  rough,  but  of  nearly  uniform  size,  and  similar  to  those  quarried 
ahe  neighboring:  hills. 

The  work  of  sinking  the  shaft  continued  from  day  to  day  until  a depth  of 
sn-six  feet  was  reached.  This  was  down  to  two  feet  below  the  natural 
uace  as  surveyed,  over  twenty  feet  having  been  cut  from  the  cone  in  former 
xorations,  thus  making  the  height  eighty-four  feet.  It  measures  about 
pt  hundred  feet  around  the  base.  The  elevation  of  the  land  at  this  point  is 
v 150  feet  above  the  Miami. 

It  had  been  determined  to  remove  the  skeleton  before  closing  up  the  shaft, 
u apon  close  examination  it  was  found  in  condition  to  render  it  impossible, 
n it  was  therefore  abandoned. 

The  Miamisburg  Bulletin  published  a series  of  articles  at  the  time,  in 
J ion  to  the  subject,  to  which  the  curious  reader  is  referred  for  a more 
i thy  account  of  it. 

MIAMISBURG. 

This  town  contains  a population  of  about  2,500,  and  is  beautifully  located 
a he  east  bank  of  the  Miami  River,  from  which  it  took  its  name.  It  was 
a m to  early  settlers,  as  “ Hole’s  Station.’ ’ Rude  paths  led  through  the 
i;9,a  forest  to  this  point.  The  Red  Man  roamed  at  will  in  these  days,  and 
1 animals  and  game  of  all  sorts  was  in  abundance.  On  the  farm  of  E. 
Ttz,  west  of  the  Miami  River,  at  the  north  end  of  town,  an  Indian  camp 
a ooated  in  an  early  day,  ,.nd  on  a cleared  circular  piece  of  ground,  oppo- 


140 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


site  Market  street,  on  the  west  side  of  tlie  river,  the  Indians  held  frequent 
semblies  to  perform  the  war  dance.  Miamisburg  is  well  laid  out,  has  bro 
well  graded  streets,  good  sidewalks,  excellent  drainage,  and  is  surrounded 
a beautiful,  well-improved  country.  Few  towns  of  its  size  are  so  fortunate 
shipping  facilities,  for  besides  the  canal,  which  has  proven  an  inestimable  bl< 
ing  to  business  men,  it  has  two  railroads,  viz.,  C.,  C.,  C.  & I.,  and  the  G. 
& D.  R.  R. , both  first-class  roads,  supplying  every  comfort  and  convenienc 
to  their  patrons.  Miamisburg  possesses  good  residences,  business  houses 
manufacturing  establishments;  it  has  a good  town  hall,  an  excellent  pu 
school,  and  several  handsome  churches,  all  of  which  are  due  to  the  energy 
enterprise  of  its  citizens  It  is  claimed  to  be  as  healthy  a town  as  any  in 
Miami  ‘Valley,  and  its  officials  look  well  after  its  sanitary  condition,  thus  j 
venting  and  checking  disease.  The  people  of  Miamisburg  have  good  reaso 
be  proud  of  the  prosperity  of  their  town,  for  its  growth,  although  not  rapk 
marked  by  stability.  The  largest  portion  of  the  town  is  located  upon  the 
of  an  ancient  earthwork.  We  assume  the  beginning  near  the  north  eni 
Main  street,  about  sixty  to  eighty  feet  west,  thence  south,  parallel  with 
street,  to  a point  about  150  yards  soirth  of  the  corporation  line,  the 
northeast  across  the  canal  about  one-fourth  mile,  thence  northwest  to 
premises  now  owned  by  C.  Weber,  thence  west  to  place  of  beginning.  The 
bankment  was  of  yellow  clay,  similar  to  that  at  other  places,  about  six 
above  the  surface,  and  fifty  feet  at  the  base.  At  this  time,  scarcely  any  tr; 
of  this  work  remains. 

In  February,  1818,  the  first  town  lots  were  platted  and  sold  by  Emiu 
Gebhart,  Jacob  Kercher  and  Drs.  John  and  Peter  Treon.  A number  of  ] 
were  added  subsequently. 

The  first  brick  house  was  built  in  1826,  by  Rev.  Dechant,  on  nortL 
corner  of  Bridge  and  Water  streets,  now  owned  by  M.  S.  Blossom.  In  11 
the  bridge  across  the  river  on  Bridge  and  Water  streets,  was  built  by 
Johns  for  a joint  stock  company,  who  collected  tolls  for  many  years. 

Prior  to  the  construction  of  this  bridge,  a ferry  boat  was  in  service,  ov 
by  John  Yeazel;  the  location  was  at  and  opposite  Ferry  street.  During 
water,  the  river  was  forded  opposite  Lock  street. 

A second  river  bridge  was  constructed  adjoining  the  north  end  of  tow: 
1859,  partly  by  subscription  and  partly  by  the  county,  no  tolls  being  chap 
and  about  this  time  the  lower  one  was  transferred  to  the  county,  and  also  n 
free  of  tolls. 

The  town  was  incorporated  February  11,  1832.  The  first  election  for  t 
officers  was  held  at  the  house  of  Jacob  Winger  (now  the  Washington  Hoi 
May  7,  of  the  same  year.  The  following  persons  were  duly  elected, 
Gooding  Hollaway,  Mayor;  Phillip  Keller,  Recorder;  James  Fisk,  James  J 
ton,  C.  Beck,  John  Burk  and  William  Sawyer  for  Council.  There  were  eig 
eight  votes  cast,  the  Mayor  elected  receiving  all  but  two.  J.  A.  Hartman  a 
as  Clerk.  ! 

On  May  21,  the  Mayor  and  Council  met  and  proceeded  to  establish 
boundary  lines  of  the  corporation,  which  was  done  by  taking  territory  one- 
mile  east  from  the  river,  and  one  mile  north  and  south.  On  the  same  day, 
Council  appointed  John  D.  Mullison  Marshal,  and  John  Conley  Treasurer. 

At  a meeting  on  July  2,  C.  & E.  W.  Madison  presented  a petitioi 
the  Council,  asking  the  privilege  to  burn  their  chips  and  shavings  in  the  si 
opposite  their  shop.  This  was  granted  with  the  proviso  to  burn  them  in 
morning,  and  should  any  fire  remain  in  the  evening,  it  should  be  carefully 
tinguished. 

August  6,  Council  passed  an  ordinance  to  establish  sidewalks  on  H 


MIAMI  TOWNSHIP. 


141 


reet.  Ordinances  were  also  passed  during  the  year  in  relation  to  town  plats, 
'te  firing  of  canon  and  small  arms  in  the  streets,  fires,  obstructions  of  streets, 
dewalks  and  alleys,  show  licenses,  etc. 

In  1833,  ordinances  were  passed  regulating  the  markets.  Two  additional 
arket  ordinances  were  passed  in  1835.  The  year  following  ordinances  were 
issed  to  grade  the  streets. 

In  1837,  a gambling  ordinance  was  passed.  No  more  appeal’  on  record 
itil  1840,  when  a lengthy  ordinance  was  passed  in  relation  to  burying 
•ounds. 

In  1843,  ordinances  were  passed  prohibiting  the  selling  of  liquors  without 
license,  also  an  additional  gambling  ordinance.  A fire  engine,  hook  and 
dder  having  been  purchased,  companies  were  formed  to  take  charge  of  the 
iparatus,  and  ordinances  were  passed  in  relation  thereto. 

A new  market  house  and  town  hall  was  built  in  1851. 

SHIPPING  AND  TRAVELING  FACILITIES. 

Some  years  after  the  settlement  of  the  country,  about  1818,  flat-boats  were 
n from  this  place  on  the  Miami  River  to  the  Ohio,  thence  to  the  Mississippi 
d New  Orleans.  The  cargoes  of  these  vessels  consisted  of  flour,  whisky, 
con,  etc.  The  owner  and  crew,  prior  to  the  running  of  the  steamboats,  made 
e return  trip  on  foot,  occupying  many  weeks. 

Common  road  wagons  were  also  employed  in  carrying  merchandise  to  and 
:>m  Cincinnati  prior  to  the  construction  of  the  Miami  & Erie  Canal;  this 
is  finished  in  1829  from  Cincinnati  to  Dayton.  Canal  packet  boats  carrying 
ssengers  to  the  number  of  fifty  or  more,  and  freight  boats,  relieved  the  burden 
teaming  on  mud  roads. 

The  Great  Miami  Turnpike  from  Dayton  to  Cincinnati  is  located  on  Main 
ceet,  and  was  constructed  in  1840.  The  completion  of  this  road  added  a 
mber  of  daily  stage  and  omnibus  lines  from  Dayton  to  Cincinnati,  and 
irtened  the  time  very  much  between  those  points.  The  time  of  the  canal 
i:cket  boat  requiring  twenty  to  twenty-two  hours,  that  of  the  stages  five  to  six 
iurs. 

In  1851,  the  Cincinnati.  Hamilton  & Dayton  Railroad  was  completed  from 
lyton  to  Cincinnati.  Upon  the  opening  of  this  road  for  travel,  it  was  found 
1 it  the  time  was  again  cut  down;  competition  therefor  was  useless;  all  the 
< lal  packet  boats,  stage  and  omnibus  lines  were  at  once  withdrawn.  This 
i e of  railroad  is  on  the  west  side  of  the  river,  but  a few  hundred  feet  from 
U lower  river  bridge,  where  the  depot  is  located. 

The  Cleveland,  Columbus,  Cincinnati  & Indianapolis  Railroad  which  is  lo- 
ved on  the  east  side  of  the  town,  was  completed  in  1872.  This  line  is  on  the 
i it  side  of  the  Miami,  crossing  the  river  twice  between  this  place  and  Dayton. 

• is  road  added  still  more  facilities  to  the  traveling  public. 

Two  turnpikes,  one  to  Centerville,  the  other  to  Springboro,  in  Warren 
Unity,  were  constructed  many  years  ago,  by  joint-stock  companies,  collecting 
' 1,  but  have  been  made  free  some  years  since.  The  ordinary  roads  leading 
' in  the  town  are  generally  in  good  condition. 

MANUFACTURING. 

The  first  flouring-mill  at  this  point  was  built  by  Philip  Huiet  on  the 
i ami,  in  the  north  part  of  the  town  in  1812.  This  mill  was  run  by  various 
cners  until  1872,  when  it  was  removed  to  its  present  site,  by  E.  Magenheimer. 

thin  a year,  it  was  bought  by  Shultz  & Manning,  and  the  water-power  used 
t manufacture  paper,  and  now  remains  unoccupied.  Mr.  Huiet  had  a contract 
1 500  barrels  of  flour  for  the  army  in  the  year  1812.  A large  flouring-mill 


142 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


was  built  near  the  canal  lock,  soon  after  the  completion  of  the  canal,  by  Mad 
ison  Bros.,  in  1829.  This  mill  has,  under  various  administrations,  done  <u)o 
service  ever  since.  It  is  now  owned  and  operated  by  M.  Engleman. 

A cotton  mill  was  built  on  the  east  side  of  the  canal,  a short  distanc 
above  the  flourmg-mill,  by  Cassady  & Strong,  in  1830,  and  was  in  successfu 
operation  until  1852,  when  it  was  totally  destroyed  by  tire.  It  was  a frain 
building. 

An  oil  mill,  of  brick,  was  then  built  upon  the  site  the  same  yoai 
by  Cassady  & Stewart.  This  was  in  successful  operation  until  1871,  whe 
Michael  Cassady  died.  The  mill  was  continued  in  the  interest  of  the  hen 
and  Mr.  Stewart  until  1874,  when  it  was  operated  as  a flouring-toill  anti 
1880,  when  it  was  sold  to  Weiser  & Schupert,  who  occupy  it  as  a grain  ware 
house. 

A distillery  was  erected  in  1836,  on  the  lot  adjoining  the  Sycamore  Cree 
culvert,  on  the  west  side  of  the  canal,  by  Simon  Huiet,  who  carried  on  tli 
business  until  1842, ’when  it  was  sold  to  M.  D.  Whitridge,  who  continued  i 
until  1849,  when  it  was  changed  to  a tannery  and  continued  until  about  1861 
then  abandoned  and  the  buildings  taken  down. 


than 

many 


In  1835,  Allen,  Watson  & Allen  commenced  the  manufacture  of  grai 
separators  on  the  northwest  corner  of  Bridge  and  Canal  streets.  The  powe 
employed  was  a one-horse  tread  wheel.  This  firm  was  changed  in  1841,  whe 
D.  H.  Hoover  took  the  place  of  the  Messrs.  Allen,  the  linn  being  thereupor 
Watson  & Hoover.  This  continued  until  1855,  when  Mr.  Watson  retired 
Hoover  continuing  alone  until  1859,  when  the  firm  was  changed  to  D.  E 
Hoover  & Son.  In  1848,  the  establishment  was  removed  to  the  east  side  of  tk 
canal,  having  purchased  the  shop  of  N.  T.  Beals.  In  1866,  the  firm  was  agai 
changed  to  Hoover  & Co.,  C.  R.  Allen  assuming  an  interest.  In  1870.  th 
senior  partner,  David  H.  Hoover,  died,  and  thereupon  William  Gamble  be- 
came a partner.  In  1878,  C.  R.  Allen  died,  his  interest,  however,  remaining  i 
the  firm.  This  establishment  has  grown  to  large  proportions,  from  one  to  tw 
thousand  mowers  and  reapers  being  turned  out  annually,  giving  employment  t 
125  men.  Within  a year  or  two,  the  manufacture  of  a patent  twine  bmdin 
reaper  has  been  added,  of  which  many  hundreds  will  no  doubt  be  bui 
annually,  the  demand  at  this  time  being  greater 
1880,  a large  three-story  brick  building,  besides 
in  buildings,  were  added  and  supplied  with  the  most 
machinery,  to  facilitate  the  demand  of  this  thriving  business. 

In  1869,  J.  C.  Smith  commenced  the  manufacture  of  grain  drills, 
product  is  several  hundred  per  year. 

About  1834,  a brass  foundry  was  commenced  near  the  canal  lock,  by  I 
Altic.  This  was  carried  on  a number  of  years,  when  he  removed  to  BaytoD 
Ohio. 

G.  F.  Ellis  established  a woolen  factory  at  the  lock  about  the  same  time 
He  continued  to  do  business  for  a number  of  years  and  then  removed  to  Ten 
Haute,  Ind. 

The  cutting  and  curing  of  pork  was  extensively  carried  on  from  aboi: 
1830  to  1845,  by  Harris,  Platte,  Dukert  & Hoff. 

In  1849,  D.  Bookwalter  commenced  the  manufacture  of  buggies  and  cai 
riages  on  a limited  scale,  at  the  north  end  of  Main  and  Water  street 
In  1866,  the  property  was  partially  destroyed  by  fire;  his  business,  koweve: 
increased  rapidly  every  year.  In  1864,  the  business  of  manufacturing  wheel 
spokes,  hubs,  and  other  carriage  material  was  commenced,  and  the  establisl 
ment  removed  to  Canal  Street.  In  1871,  a company  was  incorporated  unde 
the  firm  name  of  Bookwalter,  Brother  & Co.,  consisting  of  D.  Bookwalter, 


the  supply.  I 
smaller  addition 
improved  meder 


H 


MIAMI  TOWNSHIP. 


143 


Bookwalter,  H.  C.  Hunt,  A..  A.  Hunt  and  Samuel  Mitchell.  A.  A.  Hunt 
led  in  1880.  A lax-ge  amount  of  material  is  tinned  out  annually  and  shipped 
) all  points  of  the  compass.  There  are  fifty  men  employed. 

The  paper  mill  of  Schultz  & Manning  was  built  in  1871,  Mr.  Lewis,  of 
layton,  Ohio,  having  an  intei'est;  he  remained  in  the  firm,  however,  but 
xe  year,  when  he  sold  his  interest  to  them.  This  mill  employs  fifty  persons. 

, is  furnished  with  all  the  modern  impi'ovements  for  manufacturing  first-class 
;ok  and  news  paper.  In  1879,  afire  destroyed  the  west  end  of  the  mill  aDd 
achinery,  but  was  immediately  rebuilt;  being  fully  covered  by  insurance,  the 
iss  was  nominal.  The  power  is  obtained  from  the  Miamisburg  Hydraulic 
jompany,  who  have  a fall  of  over  twenty  feet  from  the  canal  to  the  river  at 
ds  point.  This  firm  latelymei’ged  this  mill  into  an  incorporated  company, 
insisting  of  Messrs.  Shultz,  Manning,  Abel  Hoovei’,  William  Gamble,  and 
)hn  T.  Bell,  of  Franklin. 

The  Ohio  Paper  Company  is  incorporated  and  consists  of  Weiser,  Lewis, 
yons,  May,  Lyons  and  Albrecht.  The  mill  was  built  in  1879,  derives  its 
>wer  from  the  Miamisburg  Hydraulic  Company,  is  equipped  with  the  most 
iproved  machinery  for  making  the  best  book  and  news  paper,  and  employs 
venty  operatives. 

David  Groby  built  a sash,  blind  and  door  factory  on  the  east  side  of  the 
nal,  north  of  the  Sycamore  Creek  canal  culvert.  The  power  is  leased  from 
;|e  Miamisburg  Hydraulic  Company.  This  mill  has  been  in  successful  opera, 
i m and  employs  fifteen  men. 

The  Hunter  Cutlery  Works  were  built  a year  prior,  and  were  in  operation 
til  1878.  They  have  quit  business  and  sold  out  their  mill  to  the  Ohio  Paper 
bmpany,  who  have  converted  it  into  a pulp  mill.  In  1873,  a mill  for  the 
jeparation  of  flax  was  removed  from  the  west  to  the  east  side  of  the  Miami 
ver,  on  the  Hydraulic  basin,  and  power  leased  from  the  company.  This  has 
len  in  operation  since  ; it  was  owned  by  X.  Glossei-,  since  deceased. 

In  1876,  Theo.  Siminton  commenced  the  manufacture  of  buggies  and  car- 
nges  on  East  Market  street.  He  turns  out  a number  of  new  vehicles  every 
yar,  besides  repair  of  vehicles  ; he  makes  good  work,  and  employs  five  men. 

In  1855,  H.  Groby  & Co.,  consisting  of  H.  Groby,  E.  Shultz  and  Geoi’ge  A. 
love,  commenced  a lumber  yard,  and  carried  on  the  business  vexy  largely 
i til  1866,  when  they  sold  out  to  Grove  & Catrow. 

The  latter  firm  have  continued  the  business  since ‘then,  and  have,  within  a 
J ir  or  two,  added  coal  to  the  lumber  business. 

The  firm  of  J.  Kauffman  & Sons  originated  in  that  of  D.  and  B.  F.  Book- 
'i  Iter  and  J.  Kauffman,  who  commenced  the  manufacture  of  carriages  and 
ggies  on  North  Main  and  Water  streets  in  the  year  1869.  In  1879,  D.  & B. 

: Bookwalter  sold  their  interest  to  J.  Kauffman  & Sons,  who  have  continued 
1 business  since.  About  fifteen  men  ai'e  employed.  Reliable  work  is  turned 
0;i,  and  success  has  attended  their  efforts  to  please  their  customers. 

MERCHANTS. 

The  house  of  G.  S.  Hoff  is  a continuation  of  the  finn  of  Hoff  & Deckert, 
",o,  in  1839,  commenced  the  business  of  selling  dry  goods  and  groceries  on 
t corner  of  Main  and  Bridge  streets.  In  1847,  this  firm  was  dissolved,  each 

I the  partners  doing  business  on  opposite  corners  of  the  above  streets.  In 
i’8,  Milliam  Hoff  having  built  the  block  of  business  rooms  on  tk8  corner  of 
-j|n  and  Market  streets,  removed  his  store  to  the  corner  room,  the  present 
h jit  ion.  In  1858,  the  present  proprietor  became  a partner,  the  finn  thereupon 

II  ig  Hoff  & Son.  In  1876,  William  Hoff  died,  but  the  business  was  con- 


144 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


tinued  without  interruption.  This  house  has  been  highly  prosperous,  bavin 
run  a career  of  high  commercial  integrity  for  nearly  a half  century. 

Samuel  Deckert  continued  to  do  business  for  a number  of  years,  acting  as 
Postmaster  in  connection  with  his  business,  and  removed  to  Springfield 
Ohio,  some  years  ago. 

James  Schock  commenced  business  as  a tinner  on  South  Main  street  ii 
1834.  The  next  year  he  removed  to  Bridge  street,  where  he  continued  unti 
1855,  when  he  removed  to  the  present  location,  corner  Bridge  and  Watei 
streets.  Mr.  Schock  worked  up  from  small  beginnings. 

M.  S.  Blossom  came  to  Miamisburg  in  1827.  He  commenced  busiaesi 
on  North  Main  street  in  saddlery  and  harness  making  line,  and  continue! 
without  interruption  until  1873,  when  he  visited  California  and  was  absen 
until  1875.  This  gentleman  may  be  classed  among  the  pioneers,  as  the  town  ant 
the  country  had  made  but  little  progress  in  improvements  on  his  arrival.  He  ha 
been  successful  in  business  and  is  one  of  the  few  remaining  of  the  past  gener 
ation. 

In  1845,  G.  W.  Weaver  commenced  business  on  North  Main  street,  am 
removed  to  Main  and  Market  streets  in  1854.  The  removal  to  the  presen 
location  (southeast  corner  of  Main  and  Market  streets)  took  place  in  1861 
His  business  consists  as  dealer  in  fancy  and  staple  groceries,  queenswan 
hardware,  sewing  machines,  buggies,  wagons,  farming  implements,  robes  and  li\ 
ery  supplies.  Two  large  rooms  and  outbuildings  are  stacked  with  every  articl 
in  his  line  of  business.  A rare  degree  of  prosperity  has  attended  this  house 

David  Wolf  commenced  business  as  a dealer  in  boots  and  shoes  in  1852 
is  located  on  South  Main  street,  and  does  a large  business.  Prior  to  that  time 
he  had  been  associated  with  H.  Heckerman  in  the  same  business  from  1844  t 
the  above  date. 


POSTMASTERS. 

The  following  is  a complete  list  of  the  Postmasters  of  the  town  and  is  be 
lieved  to  be  correct  as  to  time  >>f  service  of  each  incumbent. 

Adam  Shuey,  twelve  years  ; Phillip  Kellar,  eight  years  ; William  Brooki 
four  years;  George  Perry,  four  years;  Mrs.  P.  Keller,  two  years;  D.  Winebrenne 
two  years;  John  Kiser,  four  years;  S.  Deckert,  five  years;  J.  Vogle,  three  yean 
Henry  Boltin,  twelve  years. 

PUBLIC  HOUSES. 

The  first  public  house  or  “ tavern”  was  located  on  South  Main  and  Lop 
streets— the  old  Daniel  Gebhart  House — as  early  as  1811.  This  location  w; 
near  the  landing  of  flat-boats. 

Charles  Connelley  succeeded  Gebhart;  was  there  a number  of  years  and  the 
removed  to  the  corner  of  Main  and  Ferry  streets,  and  kept  public  house  thei 
until  1831,  when  he  removed  to  the  house  now  known  as  the  Miami  House;  i 
1833,  he  again  removed  to  his  old  stand  on  the  corner  of  Main  and  Fen 
streets,  and  there  died.  The  Daniel  Gebhart  House  has  been  used  as  a boar! 
ing  house  since  then,  but  of  late  years  very  little  business  has  been  done  ther 

Jacob  Winger  was  the  proprietor  of  the  Washington  House  for  many  yea 
after  1830;  then  sold  toS.  Zehring,  and  then  to  F.  Gwinne,  the  present  own( 

In  1833,  John  Zimmer  purchased  the  Miami  House  of  Charles  Counelk 
and  it  was  occupied  by  him  as  a public  house  until  1840,  when  he  sold  out 
Jacob  Zimmer.  It  was  rented  to  Goode  & Campbell  for  three  years.  In  181 
Jacob  Zimmer  took  possession,  and  remained  until  1853,  when  it  was  aga 
leased  to  H.  McCanby.  A few  years  after  this,  it  was  sold  to  H.  D.  Bladl 
who  continued  until  he  died  in  1868,  and  was  then  continued  by  the  wide 
and  enlarged  in  1872  and  1873,  and  then  rented  to  Charles  Baum,  who  remain 


MIAMI  TOWNSHIP. 


145 


f ew  years,  and  was  then  leased  to  N.  Bickford,  then  to  Mr.  Pushaw  and  re- 
cat lv  to  I.  H.  Hager. 

The  Valley  House  was  built  byN.  Clark  in  1856;  was  sold  to  F.  Jacobus  in 
50,  and  in  1868  he  retired  from  business  and  then  leased  it  to  D.  Young, 
no  remained  a few  years,  and  it  is  now  leased  to  F.  Schwartztrauber. 

The  Baum  House  was  built  by  Charles  Baum  in  1877  and  1878,  and  on  its 
1 npletion  was  occupied  by  him,  and  is  doing  a good  business. 

BANKS. 

In  October,  1839,  “The  Washington  Social  Library”  was  organized  as  a 
f iking  concern.  President,  JohnTreon;  Vice  President,  Ed.  L.  Jones;  Directors, 
•lin  Treon,  Ed.  L.  Jones,  William  Hoff,  William  L.  Smith  and  C.  P.  Huber,  of 
Jamisburg,  Christian  Taylor,  of  Germantown  and  John  Mooney,  of  Franklin. 

I ceased  to  do  business  in  January,  1841.  In  1866,  Henry  Groby,  E.  Shultz 
a!l  George  V Grove  organized  a private  banking  house  on  Main  street,  under 
L name  of  H.  Groby  & Co.,  which  continued  without  change  until  1880, 

en  Mr.  Grove  retired  and  N.  G.  Catrow  assumed  a place  in  the  firm. 

THE  REFORMED  CHURCH. 

The  early  settlers,  except  a few  from  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  were 
ncipally  from  eastern  Pennsylvania,  and  in  a religious  point  of  view,  m stly 
■ the  Reformed  and  the  Lutheran  Churches.  Educational  and  religious 
a milages  and  privileges  were  then  few,  but  these  gradually  improved  as  the 
imitation  increased. 

The  history  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  this  community  dates  back  to 
■I  lost  the  beginning  of  the  present  century,  and  the  earliest  congregations 
w;e  generally  organized  in  connection  with  the  Lutherans.  Among  the  ear- 
-st  Reformed  congregations  organized  in  this  region  were  the  St.  John’s  in 
D5,  the  Stettlers’  in  1806,  and  that  at  Germantown  in  1809,  by  the  Rev. 
i in  Jacob  La  Rose.  The  Reformed  Church  at  Miamisburg  was  organized  of 
ambers  belonging  to  the  St.  John’s  and  Settlers’  congregations,  in  the  spring 
>1820,  and  had  no  regular  pastor  for  the  first  four  years,  but  was  served  as  a 
kjd  of  missionary  point.  When  organized  it  numbered  only  about  ten  or 
Live  members,  all  of  whom  are  now  dead.  Zion  Church,  in  Section  10,  was 
ojanized  in  1820  and  has  remained  a “Union  Church  ” from  its  organization 

II  to  the  present,  both  Reformed  and  Lutherans  worshiping  there. 

The  Reformed  Church  at  Miamisburg  was  incorporated  conjoiutly  with 

Lutheran  in  1822,  and  the  first  trustees  elected  in  that  year  were  Jacob 
him,  Emanuel  Gebhart  and  Frederick  Gruendner. 

In  1823,  some  efforts  were  made  to  build  a house  of  worship,  but  without 
s 'cess. 

In  1818,  the  year  of  the  first  town  plat  of  lots,  a frame  schoolhouse  was 
“ 11  and  was  used  both  for  school  purposes,  and  also  as  the  first  place  of  worship 
'jown.  The  Reformed  congregation  worshiped  in  this  house  from  1820  to 
1 13. 

In  1830,  a brick  church  edifice,  thirty-eight  by  forty-six  feet,  with  gal- 
P and  belfry,  was  erected,  but  for  want  of  means  it  was  not  fully  com- 
pled  until  in  the  spring  of  1833,  and  was  then  dedicated  with  appropriate 
N gious  services,  May  12.  The  total  cost  of  this  structure  was  $3,200.  The 
'■  gregation  worshiped  in  this  church  until  November,  1862. 

During  this  time,  the  congregation  was  served  by  different  pastors  and 
ale  more  or  less  progress,  being  joint  owners  with  the  Lutherans  of  the 
pjperty,  and  occupied  the  church  on  alternate  Sundays. 


146 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


The  following  is  a list  of  the  pastors  who  served  the  Reformed  Churok  ; 
Miamisburg,  together  with  the  period  of  their  service: 

Supplied  occasionally  from  1820  to  1824;  Rev.  David  Winters,  from  182 
to  1883  ; Rev.  -Jacob  Descombes,  from  1835  to  1837  ; Rev.  Elijah  Kuhn 
from  1836  to  1838  ; Rev.  George  Long,  from  1840  to  1851  ; Rev.  William  I 
Zieber,  from  1852  to  1854;  Rev.  Isaac  H.  Reiter,  from  1854  to  1874  ; Re 
William  McCaughey,  from  1875  to  1882. 

A.  constitution  of  the  Union  Church,  consisting  of  the  Evangelical  Li 
theran  and  German  Reformed  Churches,*  was  adopted  August  7,  1830.  T! 
corner-stone  was  laid  on  the  safne  day.  The  purport  of  the  articles  of  tl 
constitution  was  for  the  joint  occupancy  by  these  congregations  of  the  hou 
about  to  be  erected. 

The  first  formal  action  in  regard  to  the  new  house  of  worship  of  this  co 
gregation  was  had  May  14,  1860,  a subscription  was  commenced  and  aboi 
$5,000  subscribed  in  a short  time. 

The  congregation  dissolved  the  joint  occupancy  with  the  Evangelic 
Lutheran  congregation,  July  28, 1860,  by  an  act  of  incorporation,  according  to  tl 
laws  of  the  State.  They  sold  their  interest  to  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  coi 
gregation  January  12.  1861,  for  about  $600.  Rev.  I.  H.  Reiter  preached  t) 
last  sermon  in  the  old  house  to  the  congregation  November  18:  1862. 

A lot  for  the  place  of  the  erection  of  the  church  edifice  was  purehasi 
from  Dr.  John  Treon,  for  $300,  and  deeded  to  the  Trustees  March  16,  186 

A constitution  was  adopted  by  the  congregation  April  24,  1861.  Tl 
plan  for  the  building  was  agreed  upon  by  the  Trustees  August  21,  1861. 

The  foundation  was  completed  November  7,  1861,  by  Benjamin  Fornshe 

A contract  for  the  superstructure  complete  was  made  with  Beaver  & Bu 
of  Dayton,  Ohio,  January  22,  1862.  The  corner-stone  was  laid  Jane  2 
1862,  and  the  building  completed  January  1,  1863,  at  a cost  of  about  $11, 00(J 

The  church  was  formally  dedicated  with  appropriate  divine  service 
February  22,  1863. 

The  first  sermon  preached  in  the  new  building,  by  Rev.  I.  H.  Reiter,  w 
January  11,  1863,  in  the  basement. 

A Sunday  school  was  organized  Sunday.  February  1,  1863.  In  1876  l 
chinch  was  frescoed  and  painted.  The  congregation  numbers  300  to  400. 

THE  EVANGELICAL  LUTHERAN  CHURCH. 

The  first  congregation  of  the  above  church,  at  Miamisburg,  was  organiz 
A.  D.  1821,  by  Rev.  John  C.  Dill,  who  came  to  Ohio  at  an  early  day,  and  f 
sisted  in  the  organization  of  the  first  Lutheran  Synod  in  this  State  in  1818.  1 
had  charge  of  the  Miamisburg  congregation  from  its  organization  until  1 
death,  August  24,  1824.  From  this  date  until  January  1,  1826,  the  congreg 
tion  was  without  a regular  pastor,  when  Rev.  C.  H.  D.  Heincke  accepted  a c; 
from  it. 

The  place  of  worship  was  a frame  building,  located  west  of  the  old  grav 
yard,  adjoining  the  M.  & E.  Canal.  It  was  built  where  the  canal  is  locate 
and  was  used  jointly  with  the  German  Reformed  Congregation,  and  was  al 
used  as  a schoolhouse.  When  the  canal  was  excavated,  this  housewasjno  ' 
east  a short  distance.  It  is  still  in  existence,  and  is  located  on  South  -'-jOCUi 
street,  near  the  large  tobacco  warehouse,  now  owned  by  S.  Luventhal  & Co. 

Rev.  C.  IT.  D.  Heincke  was  born  in  the  Kingdom  of  Hanover  Decembj 
15,  1793,  and  emigrated  to  America  in  1817,  arriving  in  the  city  of  Baltina) 
after  a voyage  of  two  months,  and  soon  after  came  to  Ohio.  He  had  receiv* 

* By  a formal  action  of  the  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Church  of  the  United  Stites  of  America,  a few  yea*0 
was  agreed  that  the  word  ‘ Germ  in  ” be  dropped,  the  title  therefore  being,  the  “ Reformed  Church  in  t 1 

Sta  t es  ' o.'-’S:*;.  | 


MIAMI  TOWNSHIP. 


147 


liberal  education  in  Germany,  and  devoted  some  time  in  the  study  of  theolo- 

under  the  direction  of  Pastors  Dechant,  Dill  and  others. 

In  the  fall  of  1820,  Mr.  Heincke,  having  sustained  a creditable  examina- 
im  before  the  Lutheran  Synod  of  Ohio,  he  received  authority  to  preach  the 
ospel,  being  received  into  the  ministry  without  a dissenting  voice.  He  served 
lie  congregation  from  1826  to  July  10,  1859.  a period  of  thirty-three  years. 

The  present  pastor  of  the  congregation,  Rev.  C.  Albrecht,  a graduate  of 
lb  Lutheran  Theological  Seminary,  of  Columbus,  Ohio,  took  charge  April  1, 
'80.  Thus  it  will  be  seen  that  this  congregation  had  but  three  pastors  in  a 
,'riod  of  fifty-four  years. 

In  1880,  this  congregation,  jointly  with  the  German  Reformed  Congrega- 
n,  laid  the  corner-stone  of  a brick  edifice,  thirty-eight  by  forty-six  feet,  with 
dlery  and  belfry.  This  was  completed  and  dedicated  in  1833,  and  occupied 
P site  of  the  present  church. 

The  joint  occupancy  of  this  building  was  dissolved  July  28,  I860. 

The  corner  stone  of  the  present  building  was  laid  August  30,  1861,  but  was 
i completed  until  August,  1864.  Its  dimensions  are  fifty  by  eighty-eight 
A.  The  Sunday  school  rooms,  in  the  basement,  are  conveniently  arranged. 
'\  e audience  room  is  finished  in  good  style,  tastefully  frescoed,  and  supplied 
vh  a fine  organ.  Total  cost,  about  $20,000.  The  congregation  numbers  over 
f ir  hundred. 

Saint  John’s,  after  the  erection  of  the  new  building  in  1862,  ceased  to  be 
a Union  Church,”  the  Lutherans  remaining  and  the  Reformed  members  go- 
ir  to  other  points  for  worship.  The  Rev.  W.  A.  Bowman  has  charge  of  the 
Ifcheran  Congregation  at  this  and  Zion  Church,  each  having  about  125  mern- 
b|s. 

The  Stettler  Church  also  ceased  to  have  a Reformed  congregation  since 

o o 

15,  and  has  a society  of  about  fifty  Lutherans,  under  the  charge  of  the  Rev. 

1L.  Ridenour. 

GRACE  EVANGELICAL  LUTHERAN  CHURCH. 

The  society  known  as  the  Grace  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  of  Car- 
f1  ton  bought  and  remodeled  a schoolhouse  into  a place  of  worship  in  1876, 
til  same  being  dedicated  by  the  Rev.  W.  A.  Bowman,  July  23  of  that 
yer,  who  also  organized  this  congregation,  Charles  Miller,  Jacob  Geiger 
ait  John  Peiffer,  being  the  first  Trustees.  The  pastor  has  received  about 
ynty-five  members  since  he  organized  the  church,  and  the  property  is  valued 
a about  $2, 000.  As  previously  stated,  Mr.  Bowman  also  has  charge  of  Zion 
ai.  St.  John’s  congregations,  but  resides  at  Carrollton,  where  he  has  about 
tiv  members. 

UNITED  BRETHREN. 

This  congregation  is  small.  Their  house  of  worship  is  located  on  the 
tier  of  Main  and  Lock  streets,  Miamisburg,  opposite  the  Catholic  Church. 
T s organization  dates  back  a number  of  years,  but  has  no  resident  pastor,  be- 
i attended  from  Dayton. 

THE  METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH. 

A congregation  of  this  church  was  organized  at  Miamisburg  in  1834.  The 
ij  ministers  who  visited  the  town  were  the  Revs.  J.  P.  Durbin  and  A.  Brown. 
Tii  former  was  quite  a young  man,  and  had  just  entered  the  Methodist  Semi- 
17;  he  became  an  eminent  minister,  and  was  the  first  “ Missionary  Secretary” 
'Ihe  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

For  many  years  this  church  made  but  little  progress.  The  increase  has 
1,1 1 gradual.  The  membership  now  numbers  230. 

The  first  stationed  minister  was  the  Rev.  J.  J.  Hill.  The  list  since  then. 


148 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


as  near  as  can  be  ascertained,  is  as  follows:  Revs.  Finley,  Walker,  Mala} 
Baker,  Latta,  Owen,  Ser’geant.  Merrick,  Callett,  Dillon,  Neff,  Hartley,  Thornj 
son.  Quarry,  Kenedy,  Tibbats,  Beall,  Schultz,  Dustin,  Davis,  Mason  and  Glen 
ans. 

The  Society  have  a good  church  and  parsonage,  valued  at  $8,000. 

The  Sabbath  school  numbers  fully  as  many  members  as  the  church. 

The  organization  have  received  several  bequests  from  deceased  members 
amounting  to  $3,600.  D.  H.  Hoover,  $2,600;  and  Mrs.  J.  S.  Huber,  $1,000 
The  former  also  bequeathed  $2,600  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Missionar 
Society. 

The  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  of  Carrollton,  was  organized  about  1845: 
at  Alexandersville,  and  a lot  was  bought  whereon  to  build  a church,  but  the  i< 
cation  was  subsequently  changed  to  Carrollton,  where,  in  the  fall  of  1847,  ian 
was  purchased  from  Horace  and  Perry  Pease,  upon  which  a building  was  ereci 
ed  the  following  year.  The  first  Trustees  were  James  McGrow,  John  F.  Prugl 
Isaiah  Allen,  Albert  Marlatt  and  James  Bowles.  They  have  now  a flourishin 
society,  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Dille  in  charge. 

The  Presbyterian  Church  of  Carrollton  erected  a building  in  1846,  whic 
was  dedicated  by  the  Rev.  William  C.  Anderson,  of  Dayton,  and  the  churc 
organized  April  26,  1847.  The  building  cost  about  $1,500,  and  the  fir 
Trustees  were  Thomas  Dodds,  Julias  S.  Taylor,  Jonathan  K.  Brice,  Joseph! 
Dryden  and  Wilson  Lamme.  The  pastors  who  have  had  charge  of  this  churc 
are  as  follows:  J.  B.  Morton,  J.  C.  Mahon,  John  Bellville,  Gilbert  Haire,  Sau 
uel  Ramsey,  F.  M.  Wood,  G.  W.  Hays,  Samuel  Findley,  Rev.  Mr.  Atkins  ar 
G.  E.  Gowdy,  the  latter  of  whom  is  now  in  charge,  with  a membership  of  aboi 
forty,  including  many  of  the  best  citizens  in  this  vicinity. 

THE  CATHOLIC  CHURCH. 

For  more  than  thirty-live  years  after  the  first  settlement  at  “ Hole’s  Station 
there  were  no  members  of  this  church  who  located  permanently  in  this  vici; 
ity,  but  in  1834  Michael  Meyers  and  family  settled  at  Miamisburg,  and  m: 
be  called  the  pioneer  Catholics  of  the  present  congregation.  In  1840,  M 
Swisler  and  family  came,  and  four  years  later  Nicholas  Meyer,  a brother 
the  former  one  mentioned,  and  who  is  yet  a resident  of  Miamisburg.  1 
1845,  George  Shoup  and  family  located  here,  and  in  June,  1847,  Geor; 
Becker,  with  his  family,  concluded  to  make  Miamisburg  their  home,  and  w 
followed  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year  by  Peter  Hart  and  family,  and  Jol 
Kuhn  and  family.  In  1848  came  Richard  Wilhelm  and  Andrew  Engebrau 
with  their  families  ; also  a few  others  whose  names  cannot  now  be  remembers 
but  as  far  as  we  can  learn,  all  were  Germans,  whose  faith  was  taught  them 
the  dear  old  Fatherland,  and  although  a few  may  have  grown  lukewarm  in  tl 
faith  and  recreant  to  the  church  of  their  fathers,  the  vast  majority  have  r 
mained  firm  and  true  to  the  teachings  of  Catholicism,  and  their  love  for  t 
mother  church  has  grown  with  the  passing  years.  The  first  Catholics  who  .si 
tied  in  Miamisburg  had  to  go  to  Dayton  to  attend  divine  worship,  and  it  w 
not  until  1851  that  they  had  service  in  their  own  town,  but  in  that  year  t 
Rev.  Henry  Damian  Juncker,  of  Dayton,  celebrated  mass  at  the  houses 
Peter  Hart  and  Mr.  Swisler.  Father  Juncker  became  Bishop  of  Alton,  111  , 
1857,  and  died  in  1868.  From  this  time  the  Catholics  of  Miamisburg  h| 
services  at  irregular  intervals  at  the  houses  of  members,  Fathers  Schiif  aj 
Menge  being  among  those  priests  who  visited  this  point.  In  the  fall  of  185 
Michael  P.  Cassilly,  a zealous  Irish  Catholic,  of  Cincinnati,  donated  to  tj 
Bishop  a two-storied  brick  house  and  large  lot,  between  Main  and  Old  stree 
for  the  use  of  the  Catholics  of  Miamisburg  and  vicinity.  This  building  vs 


MIAMI  TOWNSHIP. 


149 


ted  up  for  a church  and  pastor’s  residence,  by  Michael  Meyers,  at  his  own 
j;pense,  the  chapel  being  in  the  second  story,  and  was  dedicated  to  the  wor- 
lip  of  God,  and  the  first  mass  celebrated  in  it  by  Father  Juncker,  in  the  fall 
1852,  receiving  the  name  of  “ St.  Michael’s  Church.” 

Different  priests  came  from  time  to  time  to  minister  to  the  spiritual 
ants  of  the  Catholics  of  Miamisburg,  Father  Mauclire,  a native  of  France, 
king  charge  in  1861  and  remaining  until  1873,  in  which  year  the  fii'st  resi- 
st pastor  was  stationed  here  in  the  person  of  the  Rev.  Anton  Leitnir,  a na- 
ve of  Tyrol,  Austria,  who  performed  the  first  baptism  for  this  congregation, 
jmuary  18,  1873.  He  remained  until  June,  1877,  when  he  was  succeeded  by 
e Kev.  JohnF.  Kalenberg,  who  was  born  in  Westphalia,  Prussia,  August  26, 
139,  receiving  his  primary  education  in  the  schools  and  from  the  clergy  of 
s native  place.  In  the  spring  of  1854,  he  entered  the  Gymnasium  of  Pader- 
|>rn,  where  he  remained  five  years,  graduating  in  the  fall  of  1859  with  first 
mors.  He  immediately  entered  the  Theological  and  Philosophical  Academy 
Paderborn,  where  he  remained  until  the  spring  of  1862,  when  he  came  to 
nerica  and  finished  his  studies  at  Mt.  St.  Mary’s  of  the  West.  He  was  or- 
lined  by  the  Right  Rev.  John  B.  Purcell,  in  the  spring  of  1863,  and  after  a 
ort  stay  at  Reading,  Ohio,  took  charge  of  missions  in  Gallia,  Meigs  and  Athens 
mnties,  residing  at  Pomeroy,  where  he  established  the  Sisters’  School  of  the 
icred  Heart.  When  Father  Kalenberg  entered  upon  his  duties  at  Pomeroy,, 
p found  about  thirty  pupils  in  the  school,  but  left  it  with  over  200,  and  in  a 
osperous  condition.  He  also  finished  and  had  the  pleasure  of  having  dedi- 
ted  to  God’s  service,  St.  J ohn’s  Church,  of  Athens  County  ; also  beautified 
id  enlarged  the  churches  at  Pomeroy  and  Gallipolis,  Ohio,  in  all  of  which 
aces  he  had  flourishing  schools.  In  the  spring  of  1870,  he  took  charge  of 
e congregations  at  Greenville,  Darke  County,  and  New  Paris,  Preble  County, 
iio,  completing  and  paying  for  the  church  already  commenced  in  the  latter 
ace  ; tearing  down  the  old  church  at  Greenville,  he  erected  a handsome  edi- 
e and  furnished  it  with  a splendid  pipe  organ,  and  there  remained  until 
pointed  to  the  charges  of  Miamisburg  and  Franklin.  At  the  latter  city,  the 
urch  was  deeply  in  debt  and  the  building  in  a dilapidated  condition,  but  in 
ss  than  four  years,  under  the  energy  and  wise  financial  administration  of 
Tther  Kalenberg,  the  debt  was  paid  off,  the  building  remodeled,  and  to-day 
e congregation  is  in  a flourishing  condition.  Comparatively  little  had  been 
>ne  by  former  pastors  toward  the  material  interests  of  the  Miamisburg  con- 
egation, owing,  perhaps  to  the  scarcity  of  funds,  although  all  were  zealous 
en  in  the  cause  of  Christ  and  His  church.  Dissatisfied  with  the  poor  church 
commodation  at  this  point.  Father  Kalenberg,  in  1880,  concluded  to  erect 
I edifice  to  the  honor  and  glory  of  God  in  which  his  people  could  assist 
divine  service  in  a more  fitting  manner.  He  immediately  began  the  work; 
e corner-stone  was  laid  June  6,  1880,  by  the  Rigid  Rev.  Bishop  Elder,  of 
ncinnati,  who  also  dedicated  the  building  to  the  service  of  the  Most  High, 
dy  10,  1881,  giving  it  the  name,  “ Immaculate  Conception.  ” 

The  structure  is  of  Roman  architecture,  thirty-six  by  seventy-five  feet  in 
ie,  built  of  brick  with  stone  trimmings  and  has  stained  glass  windows.  The 
terior  is  handsomely  decorated,  the  frescoeing  having  b en  done  by  William 
dian,  of  Cincinnati,  and  the  paintings  by  John  Schmitt,  of  Coving-ton,  Ky. 

I’  the  summit  of  the  nave  over  the  altar  is  a beautiful  representation  of  the 
uuaculate  Conception;  on  either  side  of  the  nave  St.  Joseph  and  St.  Anthony, 
d at  the  altar  end  of  the  church  facing  the  people  are  two  scenes  representing 
r Savior  as  the  good  Shepherd  and  Christ  giving  the  keys  of  his  church  to 
j;  Peter.  The  building  has  cost  up  to  the  present  $4, 500,  and  Father  Kalenberg 
tends  furnishing  the  church  with  a furnace  and  other  necessaries  which  will 


150 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


run  the  cost  to  about  $5,000.  All  of  this  he  has  done  by  his  own  untirini 
energy,  being  the  architect,  overseer,  and  financier  of  the  whole  undertakin 
from  the  beginning.  His  congregation,  although  at  first  fearful  of  the  risl 
have  stood  nobly  by  him  and  are  now  proud  of  the  beautiful  Temple  of  God 
which  stands  as  a monument  testifying  to  the  zeal  of  their  worthy  Pastor  i 
spreading  the  Gospel  and  building  up  Christ’s  Kingdom  on  earth.  Theckurc 
will  seat  about  400,  is  well  furnished  with  nice  pews,  choir  gallery,  andorgai 
and  in  fact  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  little  church  edifices  in  the  dioces; 
The  congregation  numbers  about  seventy-five  families,  most  of  whom  are  liber; 
supporters  of  their  church  and  pastor,  as  well  as  worthy  communicants.  Tk 
property  is  worth  about  $10,000  and  comp'aratively  free  from  debt,  which  fad 
speak  louder  than  would  mere  praise  of  the  pastor  and  his  congregation.  I 
reviewing  the  history  of  Catholicism  in  Miamisburg,  we  are  forcibly  struck  b 
its  steady  growth  ; and  the  progress  it  has  made  since  the  first  mass  was  cel 
ebrated  at  this  point,  in  1851,  may  be  truly  likened  to  the  Gospel  parable  of  tb 
mustard  seed. 

EDUCATION. 

The  first  schoolhouse  erected  within  the  corporate  limits  was  locate 
directly  west  of  the  graveyard  next  to  Grove  & Catrow’s  lumber  yard,  o 
ground  now  occupied  by  the  Miami  & Erie  Canal.  This  was  built  in  the  ye; 
1818,  and  was  used  jointly  as  a schoolhouse  and  place  of  worship  by  the  Ge: 
man  Reformed  congregation. 

o o 

When  the  canal  was  dug  the  State  removed  the  building  eastward  out  c 
the  way,  and  it  was  afterward  removed  south  on  Locust  street,  west  side,  wher 
it  yet  remains.  It  is  a frame  building. 

The  second  schoolhouse  was  built  of  brick,  on  Canal  street  near  Bridg; 
and  is  yet  standing,  but  used  as  a dwelling. 

The  third  schoolhouse  was  built  in  1834  on  North  Canal  street,  west  sidt 
It  has  been  taken  down  to  give  place  for  a dwelling  house.  It  was  also  c 
brick,  and  was  used  a number  of  years  as  a cooper  shop  by  Samuel  Dubbs. 

In  1848,  a meeting  of  citizens  was  held  in  the  house  on  Canal  street  ne< 
Bridge,  for  the  purpose  of  voting  yea  or  nay  on  a proposition  to  tax  the  tow 
$2, 500  for  the  erection  of  a new  schoolhouse  east  of  the  canal,  on  Mark 
street.  This  was  carried,  nearly  unanimously.  The  town  was  then  organize 
into  one  school  district,  and  the  following  year  a substantial  two-storv  brie 
house  was  built  on  a large  lot.  In  1867,  the  district  was  re-organized  by  tl 
election  of  a new  school  board,  who,  step  by  step,  made  advancements  in  tb 
management  and  efficiency  of  the  school.  A high  school  department  has  bee 
added. 

In  1848,  additional  buildings  were  erected,  and  since  then,  a two-stoj 
frame  building,  detached  from  the  main  group,  was  built. 

The  educational  facilities  of  this  town  are,  no  doubt,  as  good  as  those  < 
other  towns  anywhere  in  the  State. 

THE  PRESS. 

The  early  history  of  the  press  in  Maimisburg  is  as  brief  as  the  story  of  t! 
“ Three  Wise  Men.” 

The  first  newspaper  published  in  the  town  was  the  Gridiron , edited  an 
printed  by  John  Anderson,  of  Dayton.  It  was  a small  folio  with  an  engravin 
in  the  title  representing  a human  skeleton  on  a gridiron.  Few  copies  of  tl 
sheet  are  yet  in  existence  and  none  are  now  accessible  to  obtain  dates. 

Anderson  was  a stirring  writer,  and  attracted  considerable  attention  in  tl 
community  by  the  personal  nature  of  his  articles.  There  was  nothing  howeve 


MIAMI  TOWNSHIP. 


151 


warrant  or  sustain  his  enterprise,  and  it  was  suspended.  Subsequently  an 
iisuccessful  attempt  was  made  to  revive  the  Gridiron,  and  the  following  an- 
uncement  was  issued  : 

PROSPECTUS, 

BY  JOHN  ANDERSON,  OF  DAYTON,  OHIO, 

FOR  THE 

“GRIDIRON  RE VI VI DUS.” 


— “ Burn,  roast  meat  burn, 

Boil  o’er  ye  pots,  ye  spits  forget  to  turn." 

“ By  the  united  and  hrm  patronage  promised  to  me,  by  friend  and  enemy — 
leel  half  inclined  to  think  I can  justify  myself,  and  ROAST  to  some  profit 
my  former,  of  some  sixteen  years  past,  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding, 
is  my  idea,  that  there  is  ‘something  stale  in  Denmark’ — and  would  needs 
ROILING. 

“My  time  spent  in  the  kitchen,  for  years  back,  will  enable  me  to  serve  up 
me  SAVORY  DISHES.  I have  now  numbered  my  twenty-fifth  year  as 
■and  Master  of  the  Quizzical  Society  of  Ohio — also  my  tenth  year  as  High 
Rest  of  the  Anarogeon  Phalanx.  The  aid  of  both  societies  at  any  time  are 
; my  service.  The  fact  is,  the  whole  field  is  my  own,  and  ‘ needs  must  when 
1e  Devil  drives,’  so  ’twould  be  well  to  keep  up  good  fences. 

“We  are  a sturdy  Democrat,  but  in  this  case  all  will  be  fish  that  comes  to 
ARKET. 

“ Our  paper  will  be  furnished  to  resident  subscribers,  on  Saturday  evening, 
*sh  week,  and  mailed  in  usual  form  to  non-residents. 

“We  will  print  in  a fine  medium  sheet — Price,  Two  Dollars  per  annum — - 
e Dollar  in  advance,  the  balance  at  the  end  of  six  months.  We  will  furnish 
ndry  legislative  proceedings — also  some  pood  Congressional  smart  things.” 

THE  MIAMISBURG  UNION. 

The  establishment  of  this  paper  was  the  second  journalistic  venture  and 
is  published  in  1856  by  Isaac  Pepper.  The  office  was  located  on  second  floor  of 
nat  is  now  known  as  Weaver’s  Building,  in  public  square.  The  Union  was 
nix  oolumn  folio,  neatly  printed,  and  politically,  intensely  Democratic.  Mr. 
upper  was  assisted  by  three  sons,  who  were  practical  printers  : the  office  was 
pplied  with  a large  assortment  of  type  and  material,  and  the  paper  was 
iierally  patronized  by  merchants  of  Miamisburg  and  Dayton.  The  paper 
adually  weakened  financially,  however,  and  finally  the  establishment  was 
wed  away. 

THE  MIAMISBURG  BULLETIN. 

This  paper  was  established  in  1867,  by  Blossom  Bros.  The  members  of 
’0  firm  are  A.  H.  Blossom,  C.  E.  Blossom  and  Miles  Blossom,  sons  of  M.  S. 
-ossom,  Esq.,  one  of  the  few  pioneer  citizens  of  the  town  yet  living  at  this 
'iting.  The  Blossom  Brothers  were  bom  and  reared  in  Miamisburg,  and 
der  their  supervision  the  Bulletin,  now  in  its  fifteenth  volume,  under  one 
unagement,  has  grown  from  a half-sheet  of  twenty-four  by  thirty-six  to  its 
esent  proportions. 

The  Bulletin  is  an  independent,  local  newspaper,  and  recognized  author - 
' on  tobacco,  being  the  oldest  tobacco  journal  of  the  State,  published  in  the 
nterof  the  extensive  seed-leaf -producing  district  of  the  Miami  Valley.  The 
1 uipment  of  the  mechanical  department  of  the  Bulletin  is  first-class,  afford - 
g a wide  range  of  execution  in  artistic  letter-press  and  general  job  printing, 
eluding  stereotyping.  The  establishment  is  lighted  with  gas  and  the  ma- 
1 mery  is  driven  by  a powerful  gas  engine,  burning  crude  petroleum. 


152 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


THE  MIAMISBUKG  NEWS. 

The  News  is  one  of  the  institutions  of  Miamisburg  and  vicinity,  whic 
has  achieved  gratifying  success  since  its  inception  and  inauguration.  Th 
News  is  published  by  the  Miamisburg  Publishing  Company  organized  am 
incorporated  in  March,  1880.  Charles  E.  Kinder,  formerly  connected  wit 
the  Putnam  County  Sentinel , has  been  editor  and  manager  since  its  publica 
tion.  Mr.  Kinder  is  the  son  of  the  late  John  E.  Kinder,  and  is  a desceudan 
of  one  of  the  oldest  pioneer  families  of  the  valley.  The  paper  is  an  eight-col 
umn  folio,  with  a fair  advertising  patronage,  and  a constantly  increasing  sut 
scription  list.  The  News  has  a reputation  as  a good  and  faithful  local  news- 
paper, and  is  closely  identified  with  all  the  best  interests  of  Miamisburg  an 
the  Miami  Yalley.  The  tobacco-growing  interests  are  always  represented  i 
its  columns  by  quotations  and  reports.  The  News  is  Democratic  in  politici 
and  while  being  devoted  to  the  advancement  of  the  Democratic  party  an 
principles,  it  is  ever  willing  to  accord  to  others  the  same  freedom  of  opinio 
it  asks  for  itself.  This  paper  is  now  entering  upon  the  third  year  of  its  exisl 
ence,  and  has,  by  the  industry  of  its  editor,  attained  a fair  standing  among  tb 
county  papers  of  the  Miami  Yalley. 

ALEXANDEKVILLE. 

This  town  was  platted  in  April,  1815,  by  John  Taylor  ; population,  12( 
One  dry  goods  and  grocery  store,  one  box  factory,  one  public  house  and  bo< 
and  shoe  shop  comprise  the  industries  of  the  town.  The  inhabitants  ar 
mostly  engaged  in  the  cultivation  of  tobacco. 

An  extensive  earthwork,  similar  to  those  that  are  found  in  this  part  of  th 
State,  adjoins  the  town.  The  group  comprises  three  separate  and  distim 
works,  and  although  they  are  characterized  by  a state  of  singular  incomplete 
ness,  it  does  not  appear  probable  that  a union  of  the  three  was  contemplate 
The  assumption  would  be  more  clearly  comprehended  by  an  accurate  deliuei 
tion  of  the  works,  but,  in  the  absence  of  this,  the  following  description  wi 
convey  a tolerably  clear  conception  as  to  their  form  and  magnitude  : j 

I.  The  circle  commences  on  the  bank  of  the  Miami  River,  at  a pointnear  ti 
northern  limits  of  the  village,  the  wall  bears  off  obliquely,  in  a northeast  directioi 
curving  gracefully  to  the  right,  meeting  all  the  points  of  the  compass  in  i 
circuit  to  its  abrupt  termination  (which  is  several  hundred  yards  from  tl 
river),  where  it  bears  northwest.  The  entire  length  of  this  wall  is  3,987  fee 
diameter  of  the  circle  is  1,950  feet.  There  are  live  gateways,  and  probab! 
a sixth  occurred  where  the  pike  cuts  it.  These  openings  are  at  irregular  di 
tances. 

II.  The  square  is  situated  south  of  the  great  circle,  separated  by  a spa< 
of  about  200  yards.  Its  sides,  which  are  equal,  measure  1,150  feet,  ii 
closing  an  area  of  thirty-one  acres.  Midway  in  each  wall  there  is  a gap,  an' 
where  completed,  in  each  corner.  The  walls  are  not  in  line  with  the  cardin 
points,  and  a large  vacant  space  on  the  southwest  corner  indicates  the  abru] 
arrest  of  the  converging  walls. 

III.  The  nondescript  commences  at  a point  about  200  yards  north-west  of  tl 
square.  It  starts  out  in  a nearly  due-east  direction,  tending  toward  the  south,  | 
gradually  curves  to  the  right,  to  the  point  of  intersection  with  the  pike,  whore 
bears  off  north-northeast,  forming  thus  a large  arc  of  a circle,  with  a diameh 
of  875  feet,  thence  bearing  east  northeast  by  an  abrupt  curve  to  the  right,  i 
course  is  parallel  with  the  turnpike  a distance  of  120  yards  to  the  southei 
limits  of  the  village,  thence  north -northeast  by  another  direct  line  of  100  yarc 
to  the  canal,  thence  north-west  by  an  abrupt  curve  to  the  left,  it  crosses  tl 


MIAMI  TOWNSHIP. 


153 


i nal  at  right  angles,  but  suddenly  curves  to  the  right,  with  a tendency  toward 
ne  northeast  where  it  abruptly  terminates  between  the  canal  and  river. 

The  entire  length  of  this  wall  is  about  700  yards.  Two  hillocks  appear  to 
idicate  the  contemplated  direction  of  this  member  of  the  group.  The  serpent, 
iis  probable,  was  here  intended  to  be  represented. 

It  is  deeply  to  be  regretted  that  so  little  interest  has  hitherto  been  mani 
bted  in  the  preservation  of  the  grand  old  monuments  of  a forgotten  race.  As 
4se  walls,  with  the  exception  of  an  inconsiderable  deposit  of  soil,  are  con- 
ucted  of  pure  clay,  the  temptation  to  utilize  it  in  the  manufacture  of  brick 
v.s  irresistible;  hence  the  interesting  vestiges  have  been  defaced,  and  in  some 
stances  wholly  obliterated,  and,  apparently,  with  as  little  compunction  as 
>ugh  they  had  been  ordinary  diluvial  deposits. 

Part  of  these  earthworks  are  located  upon  the  farm  of  the  Binkley  heirs. 

( e of  the  family  (S.  H.  Binkley)  has  devoted  much  time  to  the  collection  of 
sicimens  of  prehistoric  races.  A rare  collection  may  be  seen  on  the  premises. 

1 1 has  also  a large  collection  of  geological  specimens. 

A number  of  small  mounds  have  been  explored  by  this  gentleman,  assisted 

I 0.  E.  Blossom,  with  interesting  results.  In  one  explored  by  himself,  on  the 
f m of  Jonas  George,  one  and  a half  miles  west  of  Alexanderville,  valuable  spec- 
ens  of  crania,  implements  of  bone  and  horn  chei’t,  arrow  heads  and  a perfor 

a d implement  of  limestone,  were  discovered. 

Mr.  Binkley  has  contributed  liberally  of  his  collections  to  the  Smithsonian 
Iititution  at  Washington,  D.  C. 

Soon  after  the  completion  of  the  Miami  & Erie  Canal  from  Cincinnati  to- 
fyton,  this  town  became  an  important  shipping  point.  Large  quantities  of 
pduce  were  received  and  forwarded  annually  to  Cincinnati.  An  area  extend- 
u eastward  as  far  as  the  Little  Miami  River,  and  even  beyond,  were  drawn  to 
tl  point  of  shipment.  The  Little  Miami  Railroad  on  its  completion  cut  off 
t.p  trade. 

A large  business  in  dry  goods  and  clothing  was  done  here  forty  or  fifty 
v rs  ago.  This  trade,  however,  has  been  diverted  into  other  channels. 

CARROLLTON. 

This  town  was  laid  out  April  27,  1830,  by  Moses  Smith,  Alexander 
times  and  H.  G.  Phillips.  Additions  have  been  made  since  then.  The 
Aami  & Erie  Canal  affords  extensive  water  power  at  this  place,  there  being 
')  locks.  A large  flouring-mill  and  distillery  was  established  here  about 
1)5,  by  H.  & P.  Pease,  and  continued  until  1864,  when  the  establishment  was 
light  out  by  the  Messrs.  Turner,  who  continued  the  business  until  1872,  when 
ly  sold  out  to  G.  H.  Friend,  who  converted  the  property  into  paper  mills, 
njaufacturing  a heavy  paper  of  straw  and  other  material  for  roffing,  siding,  etc. 

Large  numbers  of  hogs  were  fattened  annually  in  connection  with  the  dis- 
tation of  whisky. 

The  paper  mills  of  Mr.  Friend  were  enlarged  a year  ago,  and  give  employ  - 

II  it  to  seventy-five  persons. 

The  people  in  the  town  are  mostly  engaged  in  the  cultivation  of  tobacco. 
P.mlation,  250. 

This  village  and  Alexanderville  form  one  school  district,  and  in  1876 
» t a fine  house  half  way  between  the  towns.  The  educational  facilities  being 
afthat  could  be  desired. 

BRIDGEPORT. 

j'  This  town  was  laid  out  April  19,  1831  by  Yincens  Antonides.  Population, 
'4  • It  lies  west  of  the  Miami,  opposite  Miamisburg.  Owing  to  the  location 
l)(  ig  liable  to  overflow  by  the  river,  about  half  of  the  lots  have  been  vacated. 


154 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


CEMETERIES. 

In  the  first  settlement  of  the  Miami  Valley,  the  pioneers  buried  their  dea 
in  any  convenient  spot  which  they  fancied,  as  a last  resting-place  for  the: 
loved  ones,  but  such  graves,  in  most  cases,  were  afterward  either  removed  t 
some  regular  graveyard  or  lost  in  oblivion;  yet,  here  and  there  a grave  ma 
be  seen  in  a corner,  or  out-of-the-way  place,  containing  the  bones  of  roid 
sturdy  pioneer,  who  braved  the  dangers  of  frontier  life  to  make  a home  for  bin 
self  and  family  ; or,  perhaps  it  is  that  of  the  loved  wife  and  prattling  babs 
who  cheered  him  with  loving  words  or  smiles. 

The  oldest  regular  cemeteries  in  Miami  Township  are  the  one  at  Gebha 
Church,  in  Section  19,  east  of  Miamisburg,  and  that  at  the  Stettler  Chore) 
in  Section  1 5,  southwest  of  the  town,  both  of  which  were  begun  as  early  i 
1805,  and  are  yet  in  a fair  state  of  preservation.  About  1815,  a cemetery  w; 
opened  on  land  donated  for  that  purpose  by  Jacob  Kerch er,  and  which  w: 
afterward  incorporated  within  the  city  limits.  The  exact  date  of  the  fir 
burial  in  this  graveyard  it  is  impossible  now  to  learn,  but  one  old  head-stoi 
bears  the  date  of  1820,  and  pioneers  yet  living  tell  us  that  it  was  at  least  fr 
years  previous  to  this  when  the  first  grave  was  opened  at  this  point.  One  < 
the  early  churches  was  built  here  and  afterward  removed,  upon  the  opei 
ing  of  the  canal.  A stone  wall  surrounds  this  cemetery,  but  the  ground  bea 
a general  appearance  of  neglect  and  abandonment,  and  although  strenuoi 
efforts  have  been  made  to  remove  it,  they  have  not,  as  yet,  been  successful  ai 
bodies  are  sometimes  interred  there.  In  1820,  upon  the  organization  of  Zi< 
Church,  a cemetery  was  also  laid  off,  the  land  being  donated  by  Peter  Betz 
and  Henry  Diehl,  and  is  located  in  Section  10,  in  the  northeast  corner  of  tl 
township. 

The  cemetery  at  Carrollton  was  the  next  in  order  of  time,  and  was  begi 
many  years  before  its  organization  under  the  State  laws,  which  occurn 
May  25,  1859.  It  was  called  the  ‘‘ Carrollton  Cemetery  Association,”  ai 
the  incorporators  were  Julius  S.  Taylor,  Moses  Smith,  Alfred  Peat 
James  Dodds,  James  M.  Dewey,  Perry  Pease,  Squier  Yeazel,  Nic 
olas  Prets,  Samuel  H.  Binkley,  George  Pease  and  W.  W.  Clark.  T 
ground  was  platted  by  John  Beaver,  and  the  first  Trustees  were  Mot 
Smith,  George  Pease,  James  Dodds,  Nicholas  Prets,  E.  D.  Andrews,  Jo) 
Yeazel  and  Samuel  H.  Binkley.  The  President  was  George  Pease  ; Clei 
Julius  S.  Taylor,  and  Treasurer,  Moses  Smith,  the  latter  being  subsequenl 
appointed  Superintendent  of  the  grounds,  which  are  now  nicely  fenced  a 
decorated,  with  ornamental  trees  and  shrubs. 

The  Council  of  Miamisburg  passed  an  ordinance,  February  3,  1840,  tl 
the  ground  pm-chased  by  the  corporation,  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  town, 
laid  out  into  three  divisions,  which  were  to  be  platted  in  blocks  and  lots  i 
burial  purposes,  one  division  being  designated  as  the  Potter’s  Field.  A sext 
was  to  be  appointed  yearly,  who  was  to  look  after  the  ground,  attend  to 
burials,  and  keep  a record  of  the  same.  This  cemetery  contains  about  ft 
acres,  and  is  yet  used  by  lot  owners. 

In  1856,  the  “Miamisburg  Cedar  Grove  Cemetery”  was  organized  un< 
the  laws  of  Ohio,  and  seven  acres  of  land  purchased  from  Mrs.  Conley  |j 
being  a part  of  the  Jacob  Kercher  estate.  It  was  fenced,  platted  and  plant 
with  trees,  and,  when  purchased,  was  believed  to  be  well  adapted  for  agrai 
yard,  but  a few  years  subsequently  it  was  discovered  that  the  ground, jj 
places,  was  wet  and  therefore  unfit  for  burial  purposes.  Lot  owners  been; 
dissatisfied,  and,  upon  the  organization  of  the  new  cemetery,  the  ground  v 
sold  and  most  of  the  bodies  removed,  there  being  but  a few  now  remaini 

On  the  7th  of  October,  1863,  a meeting  was  held  by  citizens  of  Mian 


MIAMI  TOWNSHIP. 


155 


Irg  and  vicinity  for  the  purpose  of  taking  subscriptions  toward  the  pur- 
dase  of  ground  for  a cemetery,  which  they  deemed  a necessity,  a number  of 
uom  subscribed  liberally.  Pursuant  to  a previous  understanding,  the  fol- 
ding members  of  the  proposed  Cemetery  Association  met  at  the  Town  Hall, 
ivember  20,  1863:  Dr.  John  Treon,  Jacob  Zimmer,  William  Goudy,  David 

htzel,  Louis  Keifer,  G.  W.  Weaver,  Henry  Brehrn,  John  Leiss,  Lewis  Mease 
1 H.  Gilbert  ; and  the  meeting  organized  by  appointing  William  Goudy, 

(.  airman,  and  Lewis  Mease,  Secretary.  The  subscriptions  entered  into  at  the 
f mer  meeting  were  accepted,  and  the  committee  reported  that  they  had  con- 
t cted  with  C.  Shuester  and  Valentine  Benner  for  cemetery  ground,  which 
] rchase,  on  motion  of  Jacob  Zimmer,  was  accepted.  At  this  meeting,  notice 
v s given  for  the  election  of  Trustees  and  Clerk  of  said  association  at  an  early 
cy  as  practicable,  and  December  19,  1863,  the  following  gentlemen  were 
cted  Trustees : Michael  Cassady,  Lewis  Mease,  Jacob  Zimmer,  Dr.  John 

Jeon  and  D.  B.  Neibel  ; and  for  Clerk,  William  Goudy.  The  cemetery  was 
oned  the  “ Miamisburg  Cemetery  Association,”  and  was  so  placed  on  record 
b the  Recorder  of  Montgomery  County.  At  a meeting  held  January  9,  1864, 
icles  of  association  and  by-laws  for  the  government  of  the  same  were  pro- 
s'ted  and  adopted.  January  20,  the  Board  of  Trustees  met  and  appointed 
•bob  Zimmer  President  of  the  Board,  and  David  Hetzel,  Treasurer;  and  Feb- 
rtry  6,  the  board  employed  L.  G.  Perry  to  survey  and  plat  the  cemetery, 
lie  first  sale  of  lots  was  made  March  16,  1864,  Col.  George  Reiser  being  the 
a tioneer.  The  ground  was  nicely  fenced,  bridges  built,  roads  graded  and 
g veled,  trees  planted,  and  the  cemetery  generally  beautified.  In  1873,  a re- 
ding vault  was  built,  and  two  additions  have  been  made  to  the  original  pur- 
cljse,  which  had  a residence  that  has  been  utilized  for  a Sexton’s  house.  The 
|i  sent  officers  are  Jacob  Zimmer,  John  Buehner,  David  Hetzel,  Henry 
Goby  and  Daniel  Bookwalter,  Trustees;  Jacob  Zimmer,  President;  S.  H. 
Hger,  Treasurer,  and  B.  F.  Hecker,  Clerk. 

In  the  fall  of  1877,  the  Catholic  Church  of  Miamisburg,  through  Father 
'venberg,  purchased  two  acres  of  land  a quarter  of  a mile  northeast  of  town, 
•v  ch  they  had  fenced  and  platted.  It  was  consecrated  by  the  Rev.  Charles 
Uge,  a Passionist  Father,  and  has  since  been  used  by  the  Catholics  of  this 
Jnity  as  their  burial  ground.  Its  entire  cost  was  about  $500.  It  is  well 
1 ated  with  shade  and  ornamental  trees,  and  has  many  neat  monuments 
'•'king  the  graves  of  those  who  are  asleep  in  the  Lord. 


156 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


HARRISON  TOWNSHIP. 

THE  geographical  position  of  Harrison  Township  is  nearly  central.  To  the  noi 
of  it  are  the  townships  of  Butler,  Randolph  and  Wayne  ; to  its  east  Mad  B,i\ 
and  Van  Buren  ; to  the  south  Miami,  and  to  the  west  Jefferson  and  Madison.  It  a 
established  May  17,  1811,  at  a special  session  of  the  Commissioners,  and  the  fii 
election  ordered  to  be  held  at  the  blacksmith  shop  of  Samuel  Puterbaugh,  on  t 
road  leading  from  Dayton  to  Union,  June  28,  1841.  The  township  is  very  irr< 
ular,  varying  in  width  from  one  mile  at  the  extreme  south  to  over  five  miles 
the  north,  this  being  caused  by  its  eastern  boundarj'  following  the  windings 
the  great  Miami  River.  Its  greatest  length  is  nine  miles,  and  within  its  area  : 
twenty-four  full  and  eleven  fractional  sections  of  land,  which  were  formerly  a p 
of  Day  ton  Township.  It  is  well  watered  by  the  rivers  Stillwater  and  Gr 
M iarni,  and  Wolf  Creek,  the  former  and  latter  streams  flowing  in  a southeastei 
direction  across  its  domain  and  emptying  into  the  Great  Miami  at  Dayton.  T1 
like  all  other  subdivisions  of  the  county,  has  its  share  of  good  and  well-construc 
pikes  leading  to  the  many  towns  and  villages  in  the  various  parts  of  the  county  i 
connecting  with  the  through  roads  to  all  parts  of  the  country  at  large.  The  surf 
of  the  country  is  in  main  level;  however,  in  some  portions  it  is  a little  hilly  or  brol< 
ridges  or  bluffs  abounding  along  the  streams,  the  greater  bluffs  occurring  wes’ 
the  Stillwater  being  in  Sections  5 and  8.  The  soil  is  a sandy  clay,  and  i:: 
river  bottoms  is  found  the  usual  black  loam.  The  staple  productions  are  ci 
and  wheat.  The  timber  does  not  differ  materially  from  that  in  general  of 
county  ; oak,  hickory,  ash,  sugar,  walnut,  and  some  beech  are  found.  Su  j 
was  the  prevailing  timber  at  an  early  day;  then,  too,  there  was  eonsidera 
of  hackberry,  which  grew  very  large,  but  in  later  years  died  out  rapidly.  M; 
most  excellent  springs  abound  in  this  region;  so  numerous  are  they  in  the  Stillwi 
region  that  west  of  that  stream  there  is  one  on  nearly  every  farm,  which  in  sc 
instances  attracted  the  early  settlers.  The  farms  are  well  improved  and  are  un 
a high  state  of  cultivation,  and  one  viewing  the  country  cannot  help  being 
pressed  by  the  great  number  of  substantial  farm  residences  and  commodi 
barns,  and  inferring  that  its  people  are  rich  and  industrious.  The  population 
shown  by  the  census  of  1880,  is  2,667.  There  is  but  one  voting  place  in 
township,  it  being  located  on  the  John  Summer’s  land,  just  north  of  the  corp1 
tion  limits  of  West  Dayton,  where  a township  house  was  erected  in  1877, 
cost  of  $1,000.  The  political  complexion  of  the  inhabitants  is  Democratic 
the  following  figures  will  show  : At  the  election  for  President  and  Vice  Presic 

of  the  United  States,  held  November  2,  1880,  the  number  of  votes  polled  was 
329  of  which  were  Democratic,  281  Republican  and  2 Greenback.  The  0 
ber  election  just  prior  made  the  following  exhibit : Number  of  votes  polled,  ti 

Democratic,  355;  Republican,  281  ; Prohibition,  1.  There  is  a small  settlemei 
G-ypsies  in  the  township,  an  account  of  whom  is  given  in  the  general  histor 
the  county.  Tire  country  bordering  on  the  present  limits  of  Dayton  began  tc 
settled  on  the  close  of  the  eighteenth  century,  far  in  the  spring  of  1799.  o 
Miller,  with  wife  and  family,  emigrated  from  Kentucky  and  settled  on  a trac 
land  in  Section  32,  and  later  entered  120  acres  in  that  section.  Mr.  Miller  ; 
born  in  Westmoreland  County,  Penn.,  December  30,  1766,  and  in  early  man! 
removed  to  Kentucky.  After  a residence  of  some  years  on  the  land  mentie 
above,  he  removed  several  miles  north  of  Dayton,  on  what  is  now  known  asj 
Samuel  Wamples  farm,  on  which  he  resided  the  remainder  of  his  life.  In] 
religious  views,  Miller  was  a Presbyterian,  and  in  Kentucky  was  a member  o! 


HARRISON  TOWNSHIP. 


157 


Cherry  Springs  Congregation.”  He  was  one  of  the  earliest  trustees  and  elders 
< the  first  Presbyterian  Church  of  Dayton.  The  record  shows  him  a faithful  and 
:;entive  officer  of  the  church,  and  the  tradition  is  that  he  was  an  exemplary 
id  influential  citizen.  His  death  occurred  October  17,  1825,  when  the  family 
nved  west,  saving  one  daughter,  Sarah,  who  was  the  wife  of  Obediah  B.  Conover, 
v.om  she  married  April  13,  1814.  Mr.  Conover  located  in  Dayton  in  the  year 
12,  and  there  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  wagons,  plows  and  farming  im- 
pments. 

In  the  same  vicinity,  about  the  year  1801,  William  King,  who  in  the  strictest 
sfise  was  a pioneer,  entered  over  500  acres  of  land  in  that  Section  (32).  Mr. 
ing  was  one  of  eight  children  of  a well-to-do  farmer  of  Pennsylvania,  where  our 
-)ject  was  born.  The  death  of  his  father  and  the  former  civil  troubles  resulting 
f m the  Revolutionary  war  so  marred  his  prospects  that  upon  r-eaching  manhood 
L found  himself  almost  penniless,  and  determined  to  retrieve  his  fortunes  in  the 
tm  far  West.  With  him  to  resolve  was  to  execute,  so  taking  with  him  his  young 
re,  who  was  Nancy  (Waugh),  left  for  Kentucky  amid  the  lamentations  of  friends, 
v o declared  “ he  might  as  well  go  out  of  the  world.”  He  located  near  Lexing- 
ti,  where  his  five  children — Victor,  John,  Samuel,  Susan  and  Jane — were  born. 

I satisfied  with  Kentucky,  on  account  of  slavery,  he  determined  to  brave  the 
hidships  of  pioneer  life  in  Ohio,  rather  than  rear  his  children  under  such  influ- 
xes. Possessed  of  a vigorous  constitution,  indomitable  will  and  fearless 
uirage,  he  procured  a team,  placed  his  worldly  effects,  with  his  family,  in  his 
wgon,  started  on  his  journey,  crossed  the  Ohio  and,  as  it  were,  shaking  the  very 
djst  of  slavery  from  his  feet,  and  pursued  his  way  through  the  wilderness  until 
breached  Dayton,  which,  of  course,  then  presented  but  a few  cabins  amid  sur- 
r nding  forests.  Crossing  the  Miami  River,  he  cut  his  way  through  unbroken 
Asts  and  located  on  the  site  above  described,  where  he  pitched  his  tent  with  but 
> dollar  in  his  pocket ; but  he  went  to  work  with  a stout  heart,  determined  to 

no  man  anything.  The  site  selected  became  his  permanent  residence  and  is 
31  occupied  by  his  descendants.  Father  King,  as  he  was  called,  was  among  the 
) rinal  members  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Dayton,  and  ever  remained 
i insistent  Christian  and  zealous  worker  in  the  cause  of  Christ,  and  was  for 
(iy  years  the  ruling  elder  in  the  church.  He  lived  to  be  one  hundred  37ears  of 
aB,  lacking  three  months  only. 

For  the  above  sketches  we  are  indebted  to  the  compiler  of  the  history  of  the 
F it  Presbyterian  Church  of  Dayton. 

In  1801,  from  Shenandoah  County,  Va.,  emigrated  John  Neff  and  family,  con- 
ing of  wife  and  the  following  named  children:  Christopher,  Henry,  Abraham, 
Djiiel,  John,  Elizabeth,  Ester,  Barbara  and  Mary.  Mr.  Neff  entered  1,800  acres 
) and  in  the  northeastern  part  of  the  township  lying  next  to  the  G-reat  Miami 
Her,  namely.  Sections  11  and  15,  and  fractional  Sections  12,  13  and  14.  This 
P red  a fine  selection.  In  Section  15,  near  the  present  site  of  the  railroad  bridge, 
fl  rude  log  cabin  was  erected  and  pioneer  life  begun.  Mr.  Neff’s  neighbors  were 
h the  Locks,  Hamars  and  Morrises,  who  occupied  cabins  on  the  opposite  side 
1 he  river,  in  what  is  now  Mad  River  Township.  Of  the  Neff  children,  Abra- 
i i was  in  the  war  of  1812.  He  was  united  in  marriage  with  Mary  Spuce  in  the 
Vt  1808,  and  there  were  born  to  them  Lewis,  John.  Henry,  Sylvester,  George 
>i  Lydia.  Lewis,  better  known  as  “ Squire  Neff,”  was  born  in  the  township  in 
3 year  1810,  and  has  ever  since  resided  in  the  same  vicinity.  He  is  now  a Jus- 
i of  the  Peace,  and  has  been  for  these  many  years.  John  Neff,  the  pioneer,  gave 
each  of  his  sons  200  acres,  and  to  each  daughter  100  acres  of  land.  The  imme- 
L e family  lived  and  died  on  that  land.  The  parents  of  Squire  Neff  died,  the 
aer  in  1847,  and  the  mother  in  1879,  the  latter  being  in  her  ninety-fourth  year. 
8 h are  buried  in  the  grave-yard  at  Beardshear  Chapel. 

About  the  year  1802,  Daniel  Miller,  a Pennsylvanian,  in  company  with 
^ohen  Ullery,  came  out  on  horseback  to  the  vicinity  of  Dayton,  prospecting  for 


158 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


land,  and  on  Wolf  Creek,  in  Section  30,  tliere  lived  in  a cabin  on  the  present  si 
of  the  toll-gate,  Billy  Mason,  who  had  evidently  only  “squatted,”  as  it  wer 
neither  entering  nor  renting  the  land.  He  had  been  tliere  several  years,  inasmuc 
as  on  the  arrival  of  Miller  and  Ullery,  quite  a clearing  had  been  made.  Milli 
liked  the  location  of  this  tract,  and  on  learning  that  Mason  had  not  entered 
and  did  not  intend  to,  left  with  his  mind  fully  made  up  that  it  would  be  his  if  a 
already  entered.  On  leaving,  he  informed  Mason  of  his  purpose,  and  desired  hi 
to  continue  his  clearing,  and  if  it  could  be  obtained  by  him,  he  would  pay  Masc 
for  the  work  performed.  Suffice  to  say,  that  Miller  found  the  land  unbought,  ai 
at  once  entered  the  same.  Ullery  went  farther  west  into  what  is  now  Madisc 
Township.  The  following  year,  Miller,  with  his  family,  consisting  of  wife,  Susa 
nah  (Bowman)  and  his  children,  by  name  Catharine  and  Ester,  in  company  vvi 
George  Kunz,  came  to  the  site  of  the  Mason  cabin  which  had  been  vacated  < 
notice,  and  now  became  the  Miller  home.  Later  was  added  to  the  family  the  eh 
dren,  Peggie,  Daniel,  Sarah  and  Joseph.  In  his  religious  views,  Mr.  Miller  was 
German  Baptist. 

On  the  present  site  of  Jacob  Swank’s  mill,  on  Wolf  Creek,  Mr.  Miller,  abo 
the  year  1804  or  1805,  erected  a saw-mill  and,  during  the  same  year,  added  a gris 
mill.  Of  this  family,  none  are  living  but  Ester,  who  is  the  wife  of  Isaac  Loi 
and  resides  on  the  southeast  quarter  of  Section  19.  Mr.  Long  belongs  to  t 
pioneer  families  of  Montgomery  County,  his  parents  coming  from  Virginia  in  tl 
year  1804  and  settling  in  Madison  Township  a year  later,  where  Isaac  was  born 
the  3rear  1806.  He  was  married  in  1830,  and  moved  upon  the  farm  he  now  occ 
pies,  whei’e  he  has  ever  since  resided.  When  he  began  clearing  that  farm, ! 
hauled  cord  wood  to  Dayton  and  received  for  it  from  $1.25  to  $1.50  per  eoi 
Returning  to  Daniel  Miller,  we  will  state  that  in  two  or  three  years  after  i 
arrival  he  built  quite  a fine  two-story  hewed  log  house,  a short  distance  sou 
of  the  cabin  on  the  same  quarter  section.  He  built  the  present  Henry  Flo 
house,  which  is  situated  on  the  original  entry,  where  Miller  lived  and  died.  I 
became  an  extensive  land  owner,  possessing  several  hundred  acres  in  the  count 
leaving  his  children  well  fixed  in  life.  The  boys  all  settled  and  remained  in  t 
township,  and  played  their  part  in  converting  the  wilderness  of  their  boyhood  in 
the  fine  farms  of  the  present.  This  same  year,  from  the  State  of  Virginia,  can 
George  Beardshear,  who  had  married  Mary  Neff,  a daughter  of  John  Neff  [jre 
ously  spoken  of,  and  settled  on  100  acres  of  land  entered  by  Neff  (now  the  Mrs. 
Beardshear’s  farm).  The  children  of  this  couple  were  Catharine,  David,  Job 
Isaac,  Samuel,  Regina  and  Polly,  all  settling  in  the  township,  and  their  deseen 
ants  here  are  numerous.  Joseph  Kennedy,  a native  of  Lancaster  County,  Pen 
born  in  1775,  emigrated  to  Ohio  in  1803.  He  stopped  for  a year  or  two  on  Cle 
Creek,  in  Warren  County,  thence  proceeded  north  into  what  is  now  Harris 
Township  and  purchased  a few  acres  of  land  from  an  uncle,  who  had  previous 
entered  several  hundred  acres  along  Stillwater,  in  the  northern  part  of  the  low 
ship.  Mr.  Kennedy  married  Nancy  Kerr,  then  a resident  of  that  vicinity  and 
native  of  Virginia,  born  in  1797.  Their  children  were  Ruth,  Martha,  Gilbe 
John  and  Joseph.  The  latter  two  are  residing  on  line  farms,  where  their  bovho 
days  were  passed.  Father  Kennedy  was  a very  enterprising  and  active  busi in| 
man.  During  the  war  of  1812,  on  several  occasions,  he  took  supplies  to  t 
soldiers. 

In  the  King  neighborhood,  as  early  as  1804,  were  residing  the  families  Jj 
Robert  Wilson,  consisting  of  wife,  Martha,  and  one  daughter,  Malinda,  who  we 
from  Kentucky ; Alexander  McConnell  and  wife  (Rebecca  Thompson),  with  till 
children,  William,  Robert  Linsy,  Alexander  and  Jefferson,  likewise  from  Kfj 
tucky ; and  John  Richey,  with  family,  but  of  what  it  consisted  or  from  whence 
came  we  are  not  able  to  state.  The  above  respecting  these  families  is  traditiorj 
only ; however,  the  fact  of  Riche}’  and  Wilson  being  in  the  county  is  establish 
by  record.  Richey  owned  100  acres  of  land  in  Section  32  in  the  year  181 

\ y ■ 


HARRISON  TOWNSHIP 


159 


ipt.  Robinson,  from  Virginia,  and  family  were  early  settlers  in  the  northern  part 
the  township.  This  we  learn  from  an  old  settler,  who  remembers  the  fact  of 
e “ Captain”  living  there  when  he  came  in  the  yrear  1812.  The  records  showT 
at  Andrew  Robinson  owned  Section  5 in  1805,  and  the  inference  is  that  Andrew 
; d the  “Captain”  were  one.  John  Reed,  from  Bourbon  County,  Ky.,  settled  in 
iCtion  9 in  the  year  1806,  where  he  lived  for  a while,  then  entered  a part  of 
iction  4.  His  wife  was  Sarah  McCan,  and  the  children  were  John,  James,  Will- 
in,  Thomas,  Margaret,  Sarah  and  Jane.  The  boys  lived  in  that  vicinity  for  many 
'ars;  now  all  are  dead.  John  Wolf  and  wife  (Catharine  Sowerbier)  emigrated 
i;>m  Maryland,  in  company^  with  Ludwick  Spuce,  in  1804.  Both  were  men  of 
Indies,  and  stopped  for  a year  or  two  on  land  owned  by  Lock,  in  what  is  now 
Iidison  Township.  The  land  is  better  known  as  that  of  the  Philips’  heirs, 
blf  then  moved  on  Wolf  Creek,  where  he  remained  until  about  the  year  1808, 
i en  he  settled  on  the  school  section  (16)  in  the  township  under  consideration. 

I re  John  Jr.  was  born  in  1810,  where  he  now  resides.  The  Wolf  children  were 
Izabeth,  Mary,  Jacob,  John  and  George.  The  mother  and  father  died  in  the 
virs  1844  and  1848  respectively.  About  the  year  1809,  from  near  Wellsville. 

came  John  Kerr  and  wife  (Ruth  Mahall),  and  settled  on  what  is  now  the  Rice 
i m,  just  east  of  Stillwater,  on  land  purchased  by  the  uncle  of  Joseph  Kennedy, 
betofore  referred  to,  whose  name  was  Wilson.  The  Kerr  children  were  William, 
>ncy,  John,  James  and  Madison.  Benjamin  Cox,  Robert  McCleary  and  Joseph 
ieker  were  all  early  settlers.  Cox  was  a Kentuckian  and  a soldier  of  the  Rev- 
o tionary  war,  and  earlier  than  1812  lived  in  Section  14.  He  had  a large  family, 
ftteleary  resided  on  the  George  Hicks  farm  prior  to  1812.  Meeker  then  lived 
o Section  10,  with  his  family,  which  was  large.  In  the  year  1812,  William  George 
i;d  in  fractional  Section  22,  and  soon  thereafter  built  a grist  and  saw-mill  about 
o.  mile  north  of  the  mouth  of  Stillwater,  which  was  operated  until  his  death 
a|  then  went  down.  Mr.  George  was  one  of  the  early  County  Surveyors.  John 
^Williams,  in  the  year  1812,  purchased  the  original  John  Miller  tract,  120  acres 
bisection  32,  and  also  100  acres  of  a Mr.  Mason,  the  latter  being  in  Section  33. 
M Williams  was  a native  of  Dover,  Del.,  and  in  early  manhood  went  to  North 
Gjolina  and  thence  to  Kentucky,  where  he  married  Jane  Crothers.  In  1799, 
!y  immigrated  to  what  later  became  Warren  County,  stopping  at  Franklin, 

' re  they  remained  until  about  1802,  when  Mr.  Williams  moved  his  family*  into 
v.t  is  now  Madison  Township  of  this  county,  and  entered  a quarter  section  of 
al,  now  known  as  the  Wilson  Sloan  farm.  When  Williams  went  to  Cincinnati 
1 nter  the  above  land,  the  old  “blockhouse”  at  Hole’s  Station  was  the  only 
use  to  be  seen  from  the  road  between  the  two  cities.  He  was  a millwright  and 
a t for  Daniel  Miller  the  “old  mill.”  By  his  union  with  Miss  Crothers  eight 
■ I Iren  were  born,  viz.  : James  L.,  Mary,  Sarah,  Lucinda,  Harbert,  Susan  C., 
Via  M.  and  Elizabeth.  The  mother  died  in  1817.  Mr.  Williams’  second  wife 
f;  a Mrs.  Boal,  who  died  in  1822,  leaving  one  child,  Eliza  J.  His  third  wife 
■•Mrs.  McConnell,  by  whom  he  had  one  child,  Francis.  Father  Williams  died 
1 841,  and  his  remains  rest  in  Woodlawn  Cemetery.  John  and  Elizabeth 
-'Jan)  Bell,  the  former  of  Pennsylvania  and  the  latter  of  Scotland, 
[grated  in  an  early  day  to  Bourbon  County,  Ky.,  and  in  1804  removed  to  Clark 
1 ity,  in  this  State,  settling  a little  below  “ Old  Piqua.”  In  1806,  they  returned 
i.entucky,  and  in  1812  again  came  to  Ohio,  and  located  where  since  has  been 
l;:  Miami  City. 

In  1815,  Mr.  Bell  moved  on  Section  16,  leasing  the  southwest  quarter,  which 
improved,  living  thereon  five  years  ; thence  he  went  to  Section  21,  where  he 
e|dned  ten  years,  and  thence  removed  to  Indiana,  and  there  both  parents  died, 
kr  children  were  Thomas,  Sarah,  Margaret,  William,  Elizabeth,  Jane,  John  M. 
iiAnna. 

John  M.,  a worthy  and  esteemed  citizen  of  the  township,  and  to  whom  the 
vr»i'  is  indebted  for  much  of  the  early  history  of  Harrison,  was  born  in  Bourbon 


160 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


County,  Ky.,  in  1802.  He  was  united  in  marriage  with  Catharine  Robinson  i 
1827,  and  to  them  was  born  a son — John  H.  Mr.  Bell’s  second  marriage  was  t 
Mary  Lowry.  His  death  occurred  January  14,  1882,  it  being  the  result  of  a 
accident  happening  on  the  track  of  the  Dayton  & Michigan  Railroad,  near  tl 
bridge  over  the  Miami.  He  was  walking  along  the  track  when  struck  by  the  beai 
of  the  locomotive  of  a passing  train,  and  so  injured  that  death  soon  followed.  Tht 
passed  away  one  of  the  pioneers  of  Montgomery  County,  of  which  he  was  a residei 
nearly  three-quarters  of  a century,  and,  being  a man  of  close  observation,  goc 
memory  and  extended  reading,  was  familiar  with  the  history  of  the  county,  anil  > 
the  Miami  Valle}’. 

In  the  fall  of  1818,  John  Kaufman  and  family,  coming  from  Roekingha 
County,  Va.,  purchased  400  acres  of  land  lying  southwest  of  Dayton,  of  one  Linse 
paying  for  it  $22  per  acre.  A portion  of  the  same  land  is  now  the  Jacob  Niebert  fan 
Neibert  was  a son-in-law  of  Kaufman.  About  this  time  came  John  Parks  and  W 
Wilson,  brothers-in-law,  from  Kentucky,  and  settled  along  Stillwater  in  Sections 
and  9,  and  Henry  Protzman  from  Hagerstown,  Md.,  buying  land  of  George  f>.  Hr 
and  George  Harris. 

The  pioneer  families  differed,  as  do  their  descendants,  in  form  of  worshi 
We  have  observed  that  some  of  the  very  early  families  were  Presbyterians,  at 
worshiped  in  the  then  hamlet  of  Dayton.  As  churches  were  then  organized  almc 
with  the  laying  out  of  the  hamlet  or  village,  it  is  not  unreasonable  to  suppose  tb 
the  pioneers  for  some  distance  thereabout,  as  did  the  families  of  Miller  and  Kin 
went  thither  to  worship.  In  localities  farther  remote  from  Dayton,  church  soc 
ties  were  organized,  and  it  was  found  expedient  at  first  to  unite,  irrespective 
sect,  and  worship  harmoniously  together.  Dwellings  were  freely  opened,  and  t 
groves,  “ which  were  God’s  first  temples,”  were  appropriated  in  the  sumun 
Later,  schoolhouses  were  used,  and  finally  sufficient  strength  was  obtained,  ai 
meeting-houses  built. 

The  Old-school  Baptists  were  here  organized  early,  and  often  held  meetin 
at  the  “ Neff  cabin.”  Among  the  early  families  of  this  persuasion  were  Jo 
Wolf  and  wife,  Ludwick  Spuce  and  wife,  Daniel  Neff  and  wife,  and  George  Beai 
shear.  Jacob  Mulford  was  one  of  the  pioneer  ministers.  The  partial  members! 
just  given  is  of  resident  members.  In  later  years,  people  and  ministers  of  t! 
denomination  came  from  other  parts  of  the  country  to  attend  series  of  meetin 
as  is  customary  among  them.  Next  in  order  was  organized  a society  of  Methodis 
but  in  the  absence  of  records,  it  is  impossible  to  fix  the  dates  the  organizatic 


were  effected,  or  give  anything  like  a detailed  history  of  others.  The  earl 


itinera 


Methodist  ministers  of  this  entire  region,  who  rode  the  circuit  of  miles  in  circn 
ference,  taking  six  weeks  to  traverse  it,  were  the  pioneer  preachers.  Such  nan 
as  Revs.  Arthur  Elliott,  Daniel  Hitt,  John  Collinson,  James  Findley  and  J< 
Collins  would  be  familiar  to  the  pioneer  Methodists,  could  they  but  hear  the 
Among  this  denomination  were  the  families  of  Reeds,  Meekers,  Parsons,  .Lowri 


and  Riggs. 

CTO 


The  first  meeting-house  was  erected  by  the  Methodist  society,  assisted  in  p 
by  the  Baptist  brethren,  on  ground  deeded  by  Joseph  Meeker.  It  was  a oae-sti 
frame  building,  and  stood  near  the  present  brick,  and  was  called  “ JEbeneziJ 
Church.  It  was  built  by  subscription  about  the  year  1820,  the  Baptists  contrih, 
ing  with  the  understanding  that  they  were  to  hold  services  there  one  Sabbatl 
each  month.  Both  societies  so  worshiped  for  several  years,  when  it  was  lot 
that  they  could  not  get  along  together,  as  the  Baptists  advanced  doctrines  to  wli 
the  Methodists  took  exceptions,  and  the  latter  closed  the  doors  on  them.  This 
to  the  building  of  a separate  house  by  the  Baptists  in  1828  and  1829,  of  Jie\ 
logs,  on  ground  deeded  by  Abraham  Neff.  Here  they  worshiped  until  187 i, 
year  the  present  one-story  brick  was  erected.  The  pastor  of  the  charge  in  1 
was  Rev.  John  Guthridge,  who  pi’eached  the  dedicatory  sermon  that  spring. 
1871.  Rev.  Height  was  the  pastor  in  charge.  The  membership  is  now  small,  m 


HARRISON  TOWNSHIP. 


161 


dag  about  one  dozen  only,  meetings  being  held  once  a month,  Bev.  John  Biggs, 
Delaware  County,  officiating.  The  Methodists  continued  holding  services  in  the 
old  frame”  until  the  year  1860,  when  the  present  one-story  brick  building  was 
ected  in  the  eastern  part  of  Section  9.  It  is  in  Concord  Circuit.  Present 
embership  about  fifty.  The  history  of  the  German  Baptist  Society  of  this  town- 
ip  is  the  same  as  that  given  in  the  general  history  of  the  county  and  in  the  ad- 
ning  districts.  The  one-story  brick  in  Section  18,  near  the  Madison  Township 
ie,  was  built  in  1853,  on  ground  purchased  of  Jacob  Mumma.  It  is  known  as 
•fe  Stillwater  Church,  and  was  organized  at  an  early  period.  It  has  a membership 
over  100.  Elder  Abraham  Flory  is  now  in  charge.  Just  prior  to  the  building 
( this  church,  there  stood  a similar  house  a little  over  the  line  in  Madison  Town- 
ip,  which  had  been  recently  built,  and  was  about  ready  for  occupancy  when  de- 
coyed by  fire.  And  still  another,  years  prior,  was  built  in  that  vicinity,  and  had 
ten  torn  down  on  account  of  its  being  too  small.  There  is  quite  a large  grave- 
• rd  at  the  present  church,  and  interments  were  made  there  over  a half  century  ago. 
ami  Chapel  United  Brethren  Church,  situated  south  of  Dayton,  in  Section  4.  was 
ganized  in  this  wise  : In  1849,  Henry  Shoup,  then  a resident  of  that  neighbor- 
ed, and  of  the  United  Brethren  persuasion,  obtained  from  Simon'  McClure,  an 
rent  for  a large  tract  of  land  there,  a donation  of  three  acres  of  ground  for  the 
jrpose  of  erecting  a church  and  laying  out  a burying-ground.  Mainly  through 
te  efforts  of  John  Dodds,  in  1849,  a small  one-story  brick  church  was  built,  and  a 
rrch  organization  effected  with  three  members,  namely  ■ John  Dodds,  Fred- 
t|ck  Shoup  and  Edith  Olinger,  finder  Bev.  William  Miller,  Dodds  being  the  only 
ce  of  the  three  now  living.  Prior  to  this,  several  families  occasionally  held  serv- 
ile at  the  residence  of  Shoup  and  in  the  schoolhouse,  Bevs.  Bobinson  and  W.  W. 

1 vis  preaching.  In  1851,  the  building  was  enlarged  to  its  present  size.  The  foi- 
lring year,  there  came  a great  revival,  and  and  the  membership  was  increased  to 
mety,  all  of  whom  remained  faithful.  The  chapel  is  a neat  little  building,  having 
nelfry  and  bell,  and  the  adjoining  graveyard  is  a pretty  spot  and  well  cared  for. 
re  first  burials  there  were  Mrs.  Frederick  Shoup  and  the  wife  of  Abraham  Nicho- 
1 . The  present  pastor  is  Bev.  E.  W.  Bowers.  Shiloh  Springs  Christian  Church, 
I'.ated  in  the  northeastern  part  of  Section  7,  was  organized  in  April,  1853,  by  Bev. 
hxander  McClain.  Peter  Kaufman  and  wife  Nancy,  Jacob  Heikes  and  wife 
Vry,  were  the  original  members.  The  building,  a one-story  brick,  was  erected  in 
ti  summer  of  1853.  paid  for  at  once,  and  dedicated  Christmas  Day,  by  Bev.  N.  Sum- 
hrville.  One  acre  of  ground  was  deeded  for  church  and  graveyard  by  Peter 
iufman.  A protracted  meeting  began  on  the  day  of  dedication,  lasting  several 
tfefcs.  and  the  membership  was  increased  to  forty-two.  The  following-named 
misters  have  served  the  charge  and  in  the  order  given  : Alexander  McClain. 
Isder,  William  Jay,  — Furnas,  H.  G.  Bush,  Daniel  Brewer  and  C.  W.  Choate,  the 
r sent  incumbent.  Present  membership,  sixty-six.  The  church  was  remodeled 
al  enlarged  in  1881.  The  graveyard  is  beautifully  located  and  well  studded  with 
e rgreens.  The  first  interment  in  it  was  a young  babe,  next  was  a child  of  Jacob 
likes,  in  January,  1854.  Beardshear  Chapel,  a United  Brethren  Church,  located 
mhe  eastern  part  of  Section  15,  was  organized  in  the  summer  of  1860,  by  Bev. 
Siiin  Corsan.  The  original  members  were  John  and  Elizabeth  Beardshear, 
bjrge  W.  Eusley,  Mahala  Eusley,  Daniel  and  Lydia  Tresler,  Begina  Beardshear. 
Irtha  Beardshear,  Clarisa  Smith,  Samuel  McCord,  Elizabeth  Brenner  and  Ellen 
1 ler.  The  church  building  is  a one-story  brick,  and  was  erected  in  1853,  at  a cost 
o.ibout  $1,700.  The  ground  upon  which  it  stands  was  bought  of  Sylvester  Neff. 
Jin  Beardshear  was  instrumental  in  organizing  and  building  the  church,  hence 
t*  name.  It  was  dedicated  August  26,  1860,  by  the  Bev.  W.  J.  Shuey,  of  Dayton. 
Jmbership  now  about  twenty-three  ; pastor,  B,ev.  T.  F.  Bushong.  There  is  quite 
a, extensive  graveyard  at  the  church,  beautifully  situated  on  the  brow  of  a hill, 
oi  Hooking  a passing  stream.  It  is  dotted  over  with  shrubbery,  and  many  neat 
njnuments  mark  the  spot  where  lie  the  bodies  of  loved  ones.  It  comprises  nearly 


162 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


two  acres  of  ground.  The  original  tract,  one  acre,  was  bought  of  Daniel  Ne 
about  the  year  1843,  for  a neighborhood  burying-ground,  and  was  placed  in  tl 
hands  of  three  Trustees— Daniel  Booher,  John  Neff  and  G.  W.  Ensley,  by  whom 
was  laid  out  into  lots  sixteen  feet  square.  Later,  two  additions  were  made  to 
the  land  having  been  purchased  of  the  Neff  heirs.  The  remains  of  Dayton  Lovvn 
were  the  first  interred  there.  It  is  now  pretty  well  filled  up. 

In  the  northeastern  quarter  of  Section  9 is  situated  quite  an  old  graveyar 
The  ground  was  deeded  by  George  Drill,  and  was  regularly  laid  out  into  lots, 
number  of  the  pioneers  of  the  northern  part  of  the  township  were  buried  in  it  Tl 
schools  of  the  township  are  excellent ; there  are  eleven  districts,  and  thirteen  ieac 
ers  are  employed.  There  is  in  each  district  a good  substantial  brick  schoolhout 
three  of  which  have  two  rooms  each,  and  two  of  them  are  two-stor}'  building 
The  average  time  that  school  is  held  during  the  year  is  nine  months.  The  scko 
property  is  valued  at  $25,500.  Board  of  Education,  as  follows  : President,  Jes 
Martindale  ; Clerk,  John  Siebenthales  ; E.  L.  Showers,  M.  K.  Wenger,  John  I 
Bell,  W.  B.  King,  If.  C.  Mumma.  John  D.  Rider,  John  A.  Smith,  J.  B.  Mumma,  Hen 
Flory  and  W.  G.  Turner.  Section  16  was  leased  up  to  within  a few  years  of  18S 
when  three-quarters  of  it  were  sold.  The  remaining  quarter  is  still  unsold,  and 
occupied  by  Martin  Wolf,  the  rent  being  used  toward  the  support  of  schools. 

As  early  as  1810,  a schoolhouse  was  standing  on  the  McConnell  farm.  Tl 
“ masters  ” of  that  early  period,  and  in  the  order  given,  were  Abner  Crothers,  Jo) 
King  and  Robert  McConnell.  About  the  year  1816,  Squire  Bell  assisted  in  buil 
mg  a schoolhouse  in  Section  10  (near  the  center)  ; William  Cox  was  the  first  teachi 
The  branches  taught  were  reading,  writing  and  Pike’s  arithmetic.  Robert  Mere 
taught  later.  Tuition,  $1.50  per  scholar  a quarter.  This  embraced  the  school  d 
trict  between  the  Miami  and  Stillwater,  extending  up  to  what  was  then  Randol[. 
now  Butler,  Township.  There  were  about  one  hundred  and  sixty  scholars  in  t 
district.  At  that  date,  there  were  only  three  or  four  schoolhouses  in  the  townsk 
one  of  which  stood  on  the  Capt.  Brier  place,  now  the  Seiber  farm.  Victor  Kii 
was  an  early  teacher  at  that  house. 

Daniel  Miller,  as  was  said  above,  built,  about  the  year  1804  or  1805,  a si 
and  grist  mill,  which  stood  on  the  site  of  the  Jacob  Swank  Mill  on  Wolf  Cret 
The  grist  mill  was  a frame  building  in  which  were  two  runs  of  stone  ; later,  Mill 
purchased  a French  set  of  buhrs  in  Cincinnati.  Both  mills  were  burned  in  18 
or  1826,  but  were  rebuilt  shortly  afterward.  The  Swank  Mill  is  in  part  the  in 
rebuilt  by  Miller,  but  has  since  been  remodeled.  The  saw-mill  was  torn  dot 
many  years  ago.  Mr.  Miller  in  later  years  operated  a copper  still  and  made 
great  deal  of  liquor  ; Isaac  Long  was  the  distiller.  Judge  William  George  bu 
a grist  and  saw  mill  on  Stillwater,  about  one  mile  from  its  mouth,  during  the  w 
of  1812.  Joseph  Kennedy,  on  coming  to  this  State,  brought  a copper  still,  whi 
he  put  in  operation  soon  after  his  arrival.  John  Parks  and  William  Wilson  erect 
a grist-mill  on  Stillwater  in  Section  9,  about  the  year  1820.  possibly  a little  earli 
Squire  Bell  assisted  in  digging  the  race.  George  Uembaugh  afterward  bought  t 
mill  property,  and  added  a saw-mill ; both  were  operated  by  Uembaugh  until  1 
death.  The  grist-mill  was  remodeled  by  Michael  Schautz.  The  same  is  now  own 
and  carried  on  by  Michael  Shaefer,  of  Dayton.  Prior  to  1830,  David  Rhodabau 
carried  on  distilling  in  Section  7,  on  the  John  Kaufman  farm.  Later,  Peter  Kai 
man  operated  the  same  still.  Charles  Haskin  built  a saw-mill  in  Section  3,  in  t 
southern  part  of  the  township,  on  land  now  owned  by  V.  Winters.  This  was 
1838  or  1839.  The  water-power  at  that  point  was  very  fine  : the  fall  was  gre 
and  the  power  could  have  been  made  superior  to  any  about  Dayton.  This  a 
was  carried  away  by  high  water  in  1847. 


MAD  RIVER  TOWNSHIP. 


163 


MAD  RIVER  TOWNSHIP. 


HHBRE  is  perhaps  no  township  of  Montgomery  County  so  closely  identified  with 
the  early  history  and  subsequent  growth  of  Dayton  as  Mad  River,  and  al- 
tmgh  it  was  one  of  the  last  townships  erected,  its  pioneer  history  begins  with 
t settlement  at  the  mouth  of  the  stream  whose  name  it  bears.  It  was  not 
mil  May  24,  1841,  that  Mad  River  was  cut  off  from  Dayton  Township,  and  its 
, sent  boundaries  established.  The  first  election  was  held  on  Monday,  May  28, 
1 4,  at  the  tavern  of  John  Cos,  in  Section  27,  on  the  road  leading  from  Day  ton 
^euia,  and  this  old  building  is  still  in  a fair  state  of  preservation.  This  subdi- 
ion  is  very  irregular  on  its  western  boundary,  which  follows  the  meanderings  of 
tl  Great  Miami  to  the  mouth  of  Mad  River,  and  then  the  corporation  line  of  Dayton 
u il  the  northern  boundary'  line  of  Van  Buren  Township  is  reached,  the  latter  form- 
ii  its  southern  boundary  ; on  the  east  lies  Greene  County,  and  to  the  north  Wayne 
Ivnship.  It  varies  from  one-half  mile  to  six  miles  in  length,  and  from  three  to 
and  a half  miles  in  width,  and  is  watered  by  the  Great  Miami  and  Mad  Rivers, 
wn  a few  small  branches  flowing  into  the  latter  stream.  The  soil  along  the  riv- 
al is  a rich,  black  loam,  while  the  uplands  are  of  a sandy  clay  nature,  and  as  a 
v fie  are  second  to  none  in  value  and  productiveness.  The  products  and  timber  do 
i differ  materially  from  that  of  the  county  in  general,  and  its  roads  will  com- 
ae favorably'  with  its  sister  townships.  Five  railroads  pass  through  Mad  River 
hraship,  and  we  might  say  that  there  is  scarcely7  a farm  in  the  township  out  of 
;i  t of  these  monuments  of  civilization  and  the  spirit  of  progress  they7  repre- 
ss;. Owing  to  its  close  proximity  to  Dayton,  many  of  its  citizens  have  been 
> ninently  identified  with  the  development  and  prosperity7  of  that  city,  while 
o y Daytonians  have  built  them  houses  within  its  limits,  thus  assisting  in  beau- 
ifng  and  increasing  the  value  of  its  lands.  In  Section  27  is  located  the  large 
■ ; farm  of  Nicholas  Ohmer.  containing  104  acres  handsomely  improved  and 
erred  with  all  classes  of  vines  and  fruit-growing  trees.  This  is  said  to  be  the 
i®t  fruit-farm  in  Ohio,  and  adds  much  to  the  wealth  and  reputation  of  Mad 
ibr  Township. 


OAKLAND. 

A town  named  Oakland  was  laid  out  by7  Daniel  Beekel,  a prominent  citizen 
•ayton,  July  27,  1854,  on  Section  27,  Township  2,  Range  7,  and  May7  19, 1856, 
I Beekel  and  J.  P.  Ohmer  made  an  addition  to  the  former  plat,  the  latter  gentle- 
v laying  out  a second  addition  May7  21,  1857.  This,  like  many  other  projected 
J is,  has  never  existed  except  on  paper,  yet  the  time  may  come  when  Oakland 
The  within  the  corporation  limits  of  Dayton,  and  it  requires  no  stretch  of  the 
urination  to  predict  that  such  will  come  to  pass  inside  of  the  time  that  it  has 
da  Dayton  to  reach  its  present  dimensions.  No  other  towns  have  ever  been 
fed  in  Mad  River  Township,  though  the  hamlet  of  Harshmanville  is  the  near- 
d pproach  to  a village  of  which  the  township  can  boast.  Here  settled  one  of 
aqioneers  whose  family7  became  prominent  in  county7  affairs,  and  after  whom  the 
k'  was  called  in  honor  of  the  enterprise,  energy  and  public  spirit  exhibited  by 
'founder  of  the  family7  and  his  descendants  toward  the  growth  and  develop- 
ie  of  the  Mad  River  V alley7.  Few  families  of  Montgomery7  County7  are  better 
j ore  favorably7  known  than  the  Harshmans,  and  to  them  is  honestly  due  much 
J5  present  prosperity. 

PIONEERS. 


the 

of 


in  the  general  history7  of  Montgomery  County7  is  given  an  elaborate  record  of 
urveying  parties  who  traversed  this  region  of  the  country  and  also  the  names 
iOse  intrepid  pioneers  of  civilization  who  composed  those  parties  and  w7ho 


164 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


subsequently  made  their  homes  and  spent  their  lives  in  this  vicinity.  Of  t 
colony  who  started  from  Cincinnati  in  March,  1796,  arriving  at  the  mouth  of  M; 
River  in  April  of  that  year,  but  three  settled  inside  the  present  limits  of  Mi 
River  Township,  viz.,  William  Hamer,  William  Gahagan  and  James  Morris;  t 
latter  forming  one  of  the  party  headed  by  Col.  George  Newcom,  and  Gabao- 
with  the  party  that  came  on  the  boat  in  charge  of  Samuel  Thompson. 

William  Hamer  owned  a pair  of  horses  and  a wagon,  and  in  this  way  tra 
eled  from  Cincinnati  to  his  new  home.  He  was  accompanied  by  his  wife,  Mai 
and  six  children,  Solomon,  Thomas,  Nancy,  Elizabeth,  Sarah  and  Polly  ; also  b 
friends,  Jonathan  and  Edward  Mercer.  It  was  a long,  cold  and  dangerous  joi 
ney  through  the  woods,  up  the  narrow  trace  which  had  been  partially  cut  out 
the  Cooper  surveying  corps  the  preceding  year,  but  these  were  not  the  men 
flinch  when  duty  called  them,  and  their  indomitable  spirits  never  flagged  uni 
the  many  hardships  which  they  were  called  upon  to  undergo.  Passing  over  i 
many  incidents  of  the  journey  from  Cincinnati  to  the  mouth  of  Mad  Riv 
which  are  fully  spoken  of  in  the  genex-al  history,  we  come  to  the  record  of  i 
first  settlers  of  Mad  River  Township. 

William  Hamer  was  born  in  Maryland  about  the  year  1750,  there  grew 
manhood  and  m irried.  In  the  spring  of  1792,  with  his  wife,  Mary,  and  childr! 
he  moved  West,  coming  down  the  Ohio  to  Cincinnati  in  a flatboat,  built  by  hi 
self  and  son,  Solomon.  Upon  reaching  Cincinnati,  they  took  the  lumber  of  wh 
the  boat  was  made  and  built  a cabin,  in  which  the  family  lived  until  March,  17 
when  they  started  for  Dayton.  Mr.  Hamer  was  a local  Methodist  preacher,  si 
thinking  that  in  the  Symmes  purchase,  as  in  the  settlement  of  the  Ohio  Compi 
at  Marietta.  Section  29  would  be  given  by  the  proprietors  for  religious  purpoi 
he  kept  on  up  Mad  River  and  located  on  that  section.  In  this  view  he  was  n- 
taken,  and  afterward  had  to  pay  $2  per  acre,  like  the  rest  of  the  settlers.  It 
built  his  cabin  on  the  top  of  the  hill,  just  south  of  where  the  Cincinnati,  Ch  i 
land,  Columbus  & Indiana  and  the  Toledo,  Detroit  & Buffalo  Railroads  cross  < 
Springfield  pike,  being  assisted  by  his  son  Solomon  and  William  Gahagan  : : 
for  half  a century  afterward  that  hill  was  known  throughout  this  valley 
“ Hamer’s  Hill.”  His  wife,  Mary,  bore  him  eleven  children — Solomon  was 
their  settlement  here  sixteen  years  old  ; Thomas  was  six  ymars  old  ; Nancy  af 
ward  married  William  Gahagan  ; Elizabeth  married  William  C.  Lowry ; Ss 
was  married  in  November,  1801,  to  David  Lowry,  who  lived  up  Mad  River,  l 
the  mouth  of  Donnel’s  Creek,  where  she  died  in  August,  1810 ; Polly  mar 
Joseph  Culbertson,  of  Miami  County.  On  the  9th  day  of  December,  1796,  I 
ton  Hamer  was  born  at  his  father’s  cabin  on  Hamer’s  Hill,  and  was  the  first  c 
born  in  the  Dayton  settlement,  and  no  doubt  in  Montgomery  County  ; he  mar 
Catherine  Haney,  moved  to  Illinois,  then  to  California,  where  he  died  many  y 
ago.  William  Hamer,  Jr.,  married  Hannah  Culbertson,  and  moved  to  India 
Susan  married  a Mr.  Krider  ; Ruth  married  Abram  Wagoner  ; Ellen  died 
married.  Mary,  wife  of  William  Hamer,  died  at  the  homestead  on  “Hair 
Hill,”  August  9,  1825,  aged  sixty-three  years.  Mr.  Hamer  married  the  sec 
time,  and  subsequently  met  with  an  accident  on  his  way  to  Cincinnati,  in  the  s 
mer  of  1827,  from  the  effects  of  which  he  died  shortly  afterward. 

William  Gahagan  was  a brave  and  patriotic  Irishman,  who  loved  the 
of  his  adoption,  and  hated  that  flag  which  was  the  emblem  of  oppression  in 
native  isle.  In  1793,  he  came  in  Wayne’s  Legion  from  Pittsburgh  to  Cinciuj 
and  served  with  that  army  through  the  campaigns  of  1794  and  1795.  He 
Benjamin  Van  Cleve  were  comrades,  and  in  May,  1794,  they  made  a trip  dp 
the  Ohio  to  Fort  Massac,  with  contractor’s  supplies,  returning  in  July  to  the  a: 
After  the  Greenville  treaty,  he  at  once  engaged  with  the  surveyor,  Capt.  John  i . 
lap,  who  was  making  preparations  for  field  work  in  the  Mad  River  country,  i 
acted  as  hunter  for  that  surveyor’s  party.  He  selected  land  up  Mad  River, 
for  some  years  made  his  home  at  William  Hamer’s  cabin,  afterward  marri 


MAD  RIVER  TOWNSHIP. 


165 


ancy  Hamer.  About  1804  or  1805,  they  moved  into  Miami  County,  settling 
ponland  that  he  owned  south  of  Troy,  known  as  Gahagan’s  Prairie,  and  was 
oselv  identified  with  the  settlement  and  progress  of  that  portion  of  Miami 
>unty.  His  wife,  Nancy,  died,  and  he  married  a Mrs.  Tennery,  dying  in  Troy, 
iout  1845. 

James  Morris,  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  came  west  to  Fort  Harmar,  and  was 
the  expedition  under  Gen.  Harmar  in  1790.  He  left  Cincinnati  in  March, 
96,  as  one  of  the  party  headed  by  George  Newcom.  He  settled  on  land  north 
Dayton,  on  the  Great  Miami,  in  Mad  River  Township,  followed  farming,  was 
ice  married,  but  died  childless. 

Robert  Edgar  was  born  in  Staunton,  Va.,  February  8,  1770,  his  father,  Robert, 
ving  emigrated  from  Ireland  in  1739,  and  settled  in  that  State.  About  1780, 
e family  removed  to  near  Wheeling,  West  Va.,  where,  about  1790,  the  father  was 
lied  by  the  Indians.  Soon  afterward,  our  subject  settled  up  the  estate  and  in 
mpany  with  his  brother  and  sister  came  down  the  Ohio  on  a flatboat  to  Ciucin- 
fti,  where  he  arrived  in  1795,  and  the  following  year  joined  the  Dayton  settle- 
;ent  at  the  mouth  of  Mad  River.  He  was  married  in  Hamilton  Count}’,  Septem- 
r 27,  1798,  to  Mrs.  Margaret  Kirkwood,  nee  Gillespie,  widow  of  David  Ivirk- 
>od,  of  which  union  were  bom  the  following  children  : George,  Jane  A.,  Robert 
j,  Samuel  I).,  William  G.,  Mary  and  John  F.  The  mother  was  born  in  Phila- 
dphia,  April  6,  1772,  and  was  an  estimable,  worth}’  woman,  who  watched  care- 
f.ly  over  the  interests  of  her  household.  For  some  years  after  coming  to  Dayton, 
j\  Edgar  lived  in  the  town,  built  and  managed  a mill  for  D.  C.  Cooper,  but  finally 
irchased  a farm  in  Section  33,  Mad  River  Township,  since  known  as  the  “Edgar 
I'm,”  and  there  raised  his  family.  In  the  war  of  1812,  he  went  out  in  defense 
( the  frontier  settlements,  and  his  son,  John  F.,  has  now  in  his  possession  the 
sord  which  his  father  carried  in  that  struggle.  Mr.  Edgar  was  one  of  the  influ- 
(Mal  men  among  the  early  settlers,  and  died  December  19,  1838,  his  wife  surviv- 
H him  six  years,  dying  November  25,  1844  ; both  were  members  of  the  Presby- 
t ian  Church. 

Valentine  Oyler  came  from  Canada  to  Ohio  in  1796,  was  a Tory,  and  had  to 
1 ve  his  native  State,  Maryland,  during  the  Revolutionary  war  and  fly  to  the 
I glish  dominions.  We  find  that  in  the  tax  duplicate  for  the  year  1798,  of  Day- 
ti  Township,  Valentine  Oyler’s  name  appears  as  the  miller  of  Daniel  C.  Cooper, 
h it  is  evident  that  he  was  here  at  an  earlier  date.  He  finally  settled  in  Section 
- on  the  “ Woodman  farm,”  and  raised  a family.  He  was  the  grandfather  of  D. 
' Pottle,  and  his  youngest  son.  Samuel,  died  near  Hagerstown,  Inch,  in  1875. 
ese  facts  came  from  some  papers  left  by  Peter  Lemon,  who  had  collected  mate- 
ill  with  a view  of  writing  a history  of  Mad  River  Township. 

Andrew  Lock  was  another  of  the  earliest  settlers,  as  we  find  his  name  in  the 
i : duplicate  of  Dayton  Township  for  the  year  1798,  his  tax  being  81.374.  He 
vered  640  acres  of  land  in  Sections  5 and  11,  immediately  north  of  the  mouth 
c Mad  River,  along  the  Miami,  in  what  is  now  Mad  River  Township,  and  there 
( d in  an  early  day.  A portion  of  this  land  is  now  owned  by  the  Phillips  heirs, 
?d,  where  the  Troy  pike  crosses  the  Great  Miami,  was  known  among  the  first  set- 
tfs  as  Lock’s  Ford. 

Among  the  next  to  locate  in  this  township  were  two  brothers  named  William 
M Henry  Robinson,  who  settled  near  the  site  of  Harries’  Mills  about  1800,  and 
bre  built  one  of  the  early  mills  of  the  county,  the  latter  brother  being  the  prin- 
Dal  in  this  enterprise.  William  was  a miller  by  trade  and  a Presbyterian 
fiacher,  preaching  for  the  New  Lights  at  Beavertown  and  Presbyterians  at 
lyton.  Henry  subsequently  removed  to  Indiana,  where  he  died.  He  had  a 
Ige  family,  the  sons  being  Henry,  Coleman  and  Samuel. 

We  now7  come  to  a pioneer  who  was,  without  doubt,  the  most  prominent  and 
i uential  man  among  the  first  settlers  of  Mad  River  Township.  There  were,  in 
% few  of  the  pioneer  fathers  who  did  more  toward  building  up  this  county  and 


166 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


encouraging  its  speedy  settlement  than  Judge  Isaac  Spinning.  He  was  born  i 
New  Jersey,  October  3,  1759,  and  there  married  Catherine  Pierson,  a native  i 
the  same  State,  born  March  11,  1767.  They  subsequently  came  west  to  Cincii 
nati,  settling  near  that  point,  from  where  they  removed,  in  1801,  to  Mad  Rive 
Township,  locating  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  township,  where  Mr.  Spinning  cwne 
960  acres  of  very  fine  land  in  Sections  17  and  18.  Their  children  were  Piersoi 
who  in  1812,  settled  in  Springfield  ; Anna  M.  (who  married  the  Rev.  Peter  Mot 
fort);  George  Cl.,  who  died  young  ; Charles  H.;  Phoebe  D.  (who  became  the  wife  < 
the  Rev.  David  Monfort),  Geoi'ge  B.,  Mary  P.  (who  married  Dr.  Job  Haines 
Charlotte  C.  (who  died  in  early  girlhood)  ; Harriet,  who  married  Prof.  W.  H.  Mi 
Guffey,  and  Susan  J.  (who  became  the  wife  of  Andrew  Calhoun).  In  May,  180; 
Mr.  Spinning  was  appointed  one  of  the  Associate  Judges  of  Montgomery  Count) 
and  held  that  position  until  his  death,  which  occurred  at  the  home  of  his  son-ii 
law,  Dr.  Job  Haines,  of  Dayton,  December  24,  1825,  his  wife  having  died  Septen 
ber  6,  1818.  Judge  Spinning  entered  the  Revolutionary  army  when  but  seven 
teen  years  old,  serving  faithfully  in  that  battle  for  human  rights  and  liberty,  again; 
English  oppression  and  tyranny.  His  funeral  was  an  imposing  one  for  tlia 
early  day.  and  six  Revolutionary  heroes  laid  his  body  away  in  its  last  reslin 
place,  they  being  selected  as  pall-bearers  in  honor  of  the  cause  for  which  all  ba< 
risked  their  lives. 

From  the  recollections  of  Charles  H.  Spinning,  deceased — one  of  Judge  Spit 
ning’s  sons — we  learned  that  when  they  came  to  Mad  River  Township,  a ma 
named  Stanley  Miller  had  a cabin  and  a }Toung  orchard  about  a mile  sonthwest  ( 
where  his  father  settled  some  of  the  stumps  of  the  apple  trees  being  yet  vis 
ble.  Mr.  Spinning  says  : “ I was  then  eight  years  old  and  remember  there  was 
cabin  on  the  bank  of  Mad  River,  a few  rods  above  where  William  Harries’  flou 
ing-mill  now  stands  ; about  eighty  rods  south  of  that  there  was  a small  cabin  j n 
a very  small  tanyard  of  two  or  three  vats,  and  about  one-quarter  of  a mile  wes 
of  this  tanyard  was  a little  overshot  mill,  on  a small  branch  that,  runs  near  whei 
Camp  Corwin  was  located,  crossing  the  railroad  at  ‘ Tate’s  Hill.’  Mr.  Hamer, 
Methodist  preacher,  lived  in  a small  cabin  on  what  was  then  called  ‘ Hamer 
Hill.  T also  think  there  was  a cabin  on  the  school  section  near  where  Georg 
Kemp’s  house  now  stands.”  Thus  writes  one  who  was  old  enough  when  he  cam 
to  vividly  remember  much  of  the  earliest  records  and  events  transpiring  at  thi 
day  in  the  neighborhood.  For  two  or  three  years  after  Judge  Spinning  settled 
Mad  River  Township,  there  seems  to  have  been  a lull  in  emigration  to  this  sul 
■division,  as  we  do  not  hear  of  any  others  who  came  at  this  time.  In  1805,  an  ei 
odus  seems  to  have  taken  place,  and  the  settlers  came  pouring  in  from  tl 
East  and  South,  among  whom  stands  prominent  the  name  of  Jonathan  Ears! 
man,  a native  of  Maryland,  born  December  21.  1781.  Upon  reaching  manlioo 
he  removed  to  Kentuckjq  but,  disliking  the  institution  of  slavery,  he  came  to  (fir 
in  1805,  and  bought  forty  acres  of  land  in  Section  22,  where  J.  Clinton  Wdso 
now  resides.  For  this  he  paid  $30,  and  traded  a silver  watch  for  a copper  stilj 
which  was  located  on  a spring  Here  he  lived  until  the  close  of  the  war  of  181! 
then  removed  to  where  George  Harshman  now  resides,  and  there  built  a brie 
house  some  years  later.  He  took  a leading  place  in  milling  and  distilling,  an 
under  that  head  will  be  found  a history  of  his  manufacturing  career.  In  1808,  1: 
was  married  to  Susannah  Reach,  who  bore  him  the  following  children,  viz,  ; Elizi 
beth,  Catherine,  Jonathan,  Marv,  John,  Joseph,  George,  Susannah  and  Reube: 
Mrs.  Harshman  died  December  5,  1839,  her  husband  surviving  her  nearly  elevr 
years,  dying  March  31,  1850.  The  descendants  and  connections  of  this  pionei 
are  among  the  foremost  families  of  the  county,  and  have  always  held  the  leadn 
positions  in  its  mercantile,  manufacturing  and  professional  circles. 

Shortly  before  the  date  of  the  above  settlement,  John  Rench  and  wife.  Ehz 
beth.  with  Mr.  Staley  and  wife  (the  latter  a sister  of  Mrs.  Rench),  settled  at  tl 
present  site  of  Harshmanville.  They  came  from  Pennsylvania,  and  Rench  bui 


MAD  RIVER  TOWNSHIP.  167 

t3  first  house  at  the  above-mentioned  burg,  but  at  wha't  particular  date  we  are 
: able  to  state. 

Martin  Houser  and  wife,  Barbara  Neff,  came  from  Shenandoah  County,  Ya., 
i the  year  1805.  They  were  married  in  the  “ Old  Dominion,"  and  upon  coming 
t this  county  settled  in  Section  25,  also  owning  land  across  the  Miami,  in  what 
i now  Harrison  Township.  Their  children  were  Henry.  .John,  Martin,  Daniel, 
tcob,  Isaac,  Polly  and  Katie.  Father  Houser  died  February  23,  1842,  and  his 
,fe  January  8,  1844,  both  being  buried  in  the  Beardshear  graveyard.  Prior  to 
05,  Edward  and  Elizabeth  Mercer,  also  Jacob  and  Elizabeth  Replogle,  settled 
i the  Houser  neighborhood,  while  Rev.  Thomas  Winters  and  Benjamin  Kizer 
led  on  Section  16.  Kizer  came  from  Kentucky  to  this  township  in  1805,  and 
tier  a few  years’  residence  removed  to  Butler  Township,  and  in  1828  to  the 
( oper  stone  quarries  on  the  Shakertown  road.  His  son,  Daniel,  was  born  in  Mad 
Her  Township,  April  2,  1807.  In  October,  1833,  he  married  Eliza  Warner,  and 
1835  purchased  eighty-five  acres  of  land  from  Lewis  Broadwell,  adjoining  the 
cy  of  Dayton,  and  there  died  October  17,  1869.  A sketch  of  Rev.  Winters  will 
1 found  in  Herman  Township.  In  1805,  Henry  Butt  and  Jacob  Rothamel  lived 
< the  School  Section  16,  the  former  coming  from  Frederick  County,  Md.,  with 
le  Lemon  family. 

Peter  Lemon,  a native  of  Frederick  County,  Md.,  came  to  Mad  River  Town- 
- p in  1805,  and  settled  where  Oakland  was  afterward  laid  out.  His  sons  were 

• fin,  Jacob,  David  and  Peter,  and  the  daughters  Catherine  (who  married  a Stuts- 

i.n),  Susan  (who  married  Samuel  Booher),  Margaret  (became  the  wife  of  Daniel 
Mtsman),  Elizabeth  (the  wife  of  William  Cox),  and  Mary  (married  Conrad  Dod- 
m).  Mr.  Lemon  began  the  preparation  of  a history  of  Mad  River  Township,  but 
cjl  not  finish  the  work  intended,  yet  he  collected  many  facts,  and  his  papers  men- 
tn  that  sixteen  families  arrived  in  this  township  at  one  time  in  the  year  1805. 
.1  stopped  in  Section  27,  on  the  Lemon  farm,  until  they  bought  land  and  erected 
(pins,  which  were  built  in  one  day  and  occupied  the  next.  There  were  ninety - 
s':  persons  in  these  sixteen  families,  but  four  of  whom  were  living,  as  far  as  Mr. 
Imon  knew  of,  in  1875,  as  follow:  John  Banker,  John  Waid,  Jonathan  Lemon 

:cl  Peter  Lemon  (the  latter  has  since  died). 

James  Grimes,  with  his  mother  and  five  sisters,  emigrated  from  Rockbridge 
runty,  Va.,  in  1805,  coming  in  a six-horse  wagon,  via  Crab  Orchard,  Ky.,  cross- 
H the  Ohio  River  at  Cincinnati,  thence  up  to  what  is  now  Greene  County.  He 
' s then  a single  man,  just  arrived  at  his  majority,  and  entered  500  acres  of  land, 
l in  1807  operated  a copper  still.  *Iu  1809,  he  sold  the  land,  and  purchased  a 
Mtion  in  the  north  part  of  Mad  River  Township,  now  known  as  the  Davis  farm. 

1 the  year  1811,  Grimes  went  to  the  mouth  of  the  Scioto  River,  and,  loading  two 
: tboats  with  bacon,  apples  and  flour,  went  to  New  Orleans,  where,  unable  to  sell 
b produce  to  advantage,  he  took  the  cargo  to  the  West  India  Islands,  was  absent 
: rteen  months  and  made  on  the  trip  $1,300.  He  returned  in  1812,  and  shortly 
; erward  married  Edith  Williamson,  and  settled  on  Section  20,  who  bore  him 
<;ht  children,  viz. : John,  William,  James,  Martha,  Asa,  Henry,  Mary  B.  and 
anklin.  In  1852,  Father  Grimes  sold  his  farm  to  John  Harries  and  moved  to 
vke  County,  dying  in  Greenville  in  1853.  In  1816,  he  sold  160  acres  of  Section 

• to  David  Duncan,  who  soon  afterward  built  a brick  house,  the  first  erected  in 
b neighborhood,  which  is  still  standing.  The  five  sisters  who  came  with  James 

• imes  in  1805  were  Betsey,  Peggie,  Polly,  Annie  and  Martha.  The  first  men- 
1 ued  married  Edward  Newcom,  Peggie  a Mr.  Campbell,  Polly  a Mr.  Crawford, 
mie  a Mr.  McConahew  and  Martha  a Mr.  Fulton.  William  Grimes,  who  is  now  a 
brchant  in  Dayton,  was  born  on  the  homestead  in  Section  20  in  1818,  and  assisted 
i clearing  up  the  land.  In  1840,  he  married  Sarah  Dougherty.  Another  of  the 
1 .ding  pioneer  families  of  Mad  River  Township  are  the  Kemps,  who  are  de- 
luded from  Lewis  and  Elizabeth  (Lj^ons)  Kemp,  natives  of  Frederick  County, 

1,  who,  with  a family  of  eight  children,  left  their  native  State  in  1806.  and  came 


168 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


to  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  purchasing  Section  22  and  a portion  of  29,  in  till 
township,  paying  for  the  same  $10  per  acre.  Their  children  were  Jacob,  Isaai 
Joseph,  David,  Samuel,  Mary,  Catherine  and  Margaret,  all  of  whom  settled  in  th 
neighborhood.  The  mother,  Elizabeth,  died  April  13,  1827,  aged  seventy -tw 
years  and  eleven  days.  Mr.  Kemp  surviving  her  fifteen  years,  dying  December  2 
1842,  aged  eighty-two  years  five  months  and  fourteen  days.  Joseph,  the  thir 
eldest  son  and  father  of  George  Kemp,  of  Dayton,  was  born  in  Frederick  Count’ 
Md.,  April  6,  1788,  served  in  the  war  of  1812  as  an  Ensign  in  Capt.  Van  Cleve 
company  and  died  October  5,  1824.  John  and  Elizabeth  Booher  came  the  sarr 
year  as  the  Kemps,  and  settled  in  Mad  River  Township.  About  the  year  1801 
Philip  Wagner  and  family  came  from  Rockingham  County,  Va.,  by  flatbcat  1 
Columbia.  They  remained  in  that  vicinity  several  years,  then  removed  int 
Montgomery  County,  settling  in  the  neighborhood  of  where  the  Soldiers’  Home 
now  located,  and  there  Philip,  Sr.,  died.  His  children  were  John,  Jacob,  Banie 
William,  Susan,  Betsy,  Polly  and  Philip.  In  1810,  the  last  mentioned  bought 
tract  of  land  of  about  three  hundred  and  fifteen  acres  in  Sections  19  and  24.  Ma 
River  Township,  married  Ester  Bowman,  who  bore  him  eight  children,  viz.  Job 
Sarah,  Benjamin,  Polly,  Catherine,  William,  Philip  and  Jacob,  three  of  whom  no 
reside  in  the  township.  Another  son  of  Philip,  Sr. — viz.,  John — married  Est< 
Croll  about  the  year  1808.  settled  on  land  adjoining  his  brother  Philip’s,  which  1 
bought  of  a man  named  Houser,  and  raised  a large  family,  all  of  whom  left  Lh 
vicinity  at  an  early  day.  In  the  year  1804,  John  Dille,  a native  of  Virginia  wit 
his  wife,  Elizabeth,  and  thi'ee  children — Ann,  Betsy  and  Samuel — came  from  Kei 
tucky  to  this  township,  settling  in  Section  19,  where  they  had  born  to  them  foi 
children,  viz.:  Isaac,  Eleanor,  John  and  Brice.  All  of  this  family  are  dead  bi 
Isaac  and  Brice,  who  reside  in  Dayton.  Two  year’s  after  John’s  settlement,  h 
parents,  Samuel  and  Ann  Dille,  also  his  brothers,  Rickey,  Samuel  and  Brice,  cm 
grated  from  the  “Dille  Bottom,”  near  Wheeling,  Va.,  and  settled  on  land  adjoinir 
his,  in  Mad  River  Township.  Soon  after  the  last  Dille  settlement  was  made,  the 
other  families,  relatives  of  the  above,  came  from  the  same  part  of  Virginia,  viz 
John  and  Poll}-  (Dille)  Bodle}-,  Asa  and  Rebecca  (Dille)  Griffith,  Janies  and  Pol 
(Dille)  Jones,  all  of  whom  had  families  and  settled  in  the  same  neighborhood  i 
the  Dilles.  None  of  the  above  are  now  residents  of  Mad  River,  having  move 
away  many  years  ago.  Another  of  the  earliest  settlers  of  the  Dille  neighborkoc 
was  Robert  Coleman,  who  gave  the  ground  upon  which  the  first  schoolhouse 
that  vicinity^  was  erected.  At  what  precise  date  he  came  we  are  unable  to  stat 
but  it  is  evident  that  he  was  living  there  prior  to  1806.  George  Frybargcr, 
native  of  Germany,  settled  in  Section  21  in  the  year  1805,  where  he  died  in  181 
He  came  from  his  native  land  to  the  colonies  about  1776,  locating  in  Frederic 
County,  Md.,  from  whence  he  came  to  Ohio.  He  was  married  twice,  each  wi 
bearing  him  two  children,  viz.  : George,  Martin,  Valentine  and  Annie.  The  motbc 
of  the  last  two  died  in  1829.  The  best  known  of  this  family  was  Valentine,  wl 
was  born  on  the  old  homestead  in  Mad  River  Township  November  17,  1805,  ar 
there  nearly  all  his  life  was  passed.  He  was  married  to  Elizabeth  Hosier  Api 
14,  1831,  who  bore  him  ten  children.  For  many  years  he  was  engaged  in  quart 
ing  and  furnishing  stone  for  building  purposes.  He  died  July  22,  1873,  and  li 
wife  August  24,  1874,  both  dying  as  they  had  lived,  faithful  adherents  of  the  R 
formed  Church. 

We  know  of  no  more  appropriate  way  of  closing  an  account  of  some  of  t1 
early  settlers  of  Mad  River  Township  than  by  giving  a brief  sketch  of  its  o'lde 
living  settler.  Levan  Cottom  was  born  in  Worcester  County,  Md.,  March  3,  179 
of  parents  Thomas  and  Pricilla  (Cottingham)  Cottom,  natives  of  the  same  Stat 
He  came  to  Montgomery  County,  with  his  parents  and  an  uncle,  William  Cottin 
ham  in  May,  1807.  Both  were  men  of  families,  and  all  lived  during  that  summ 
on  forty  acres  of  land  owned  by  William  Hamer,  and  removing  to  land  adjoinii 
that  in  the  fall.  Both  tracts  were  in  what  is  now  Mad  River  Township.  In  t,l 


MAD  RIVER  TOWNSHIP. 


169 


ring  of  1808,  the  Cottoms  again  changed  quarters,  going  on  land  owned  by- 
lines Finley.  In  1812,  Levan  became  a resident  of  Dayton,  where  he  lived, 
sve  several  years  which  were  passed  in  the  immediate  vicinity,  until  1834,  when 
removed  just  north  of  the  city,  in  Section  28,  Harrison  Township.  In  1832, 
was  married  to  Pricilla  Tyler,  of  this  county,  and  to  them  were  born  two  sons, 
avid  D.  and  James  B.  The  parents,  Thomas  Gottorn  and  wife,  died  in  1842. 
ow  great  the  change  as  witnessed  by  this  venerable  pioneer  ! 

MILLS  AND  DISTILLERIES. 

Mad  River  is  a tine  mill  stream,  and  it  is  said  that  the  river  between  Spring- 
id  and  Dayton  has  a fail  of  150  feet,  and  that  twenty  or  twenty-five  years  ago 
lire  were  between  the  two  towns  thirteen  distilleries,  making  17.500  gallons  of 
nisky  every  twenty-four  hours,  a sufficient  amount  of  fluid  to  run  a four-foot 
jir  of  buhrs  the  year  around.  At  a very  early  day,  there  was  much  distilling 
me  throughout  this  township,  many  of  the  first  settlers  having  a copper  still, 
vfch  a capacity  of  twelve  to  fifteen  bushels  per  day.  Of  these,  there  were  four  in 
:ition  22,  Jonathan  Harshman  had  one  on  the  original  forty  acres  purchased  by 
n ; Lewis  Kemp  had  one  on  the  old  homestead  ; Jacob  Kemp  operated  a still 
t ere  D.  Cosier  now  resides,  and  Joseph  Kemp,  one  on  the  Barbara  Steele  farm, 
a of  which  were  on  springs,  and  in  operation  as  early  as  1815.  William  Hamer, 
8.  had  a still  on  his  farm,  it  stood  north  of  the  present  house  on  that  hill  ; David 
Imon  had  one  on  the  Oakland  farm,  and  William  Hamer,  Jr.,  had  a still  on  Sec- 
t q 23.  It  was  William  Hamer,  Sr.,  who  built  the  first  mill  in  the  Miami  Valley, 
i -th  of  the  fourth  range  of  townships.  It  was  a small  tub-mill  for  grinding  corn, 
al  stood  just  east  of  the  canal  bridge,  where  Water  street  is  now  located  in  Day- 
The  water  was  brought  across  from  the  mouth  of  Mad  River  by  a small 
r e and  the  tail  race  followed  the  present  course  of  the  canal.  About  the  year 
1)0,  or  soon  after,  Henry  Robinson  built  a small  flour- mill  in  Section  23,  where 
I rries  is  now  located,  and  this,  no  doubt,  was  the  first  mill  erected  inside  the 
: sent  limits  of  Mad  River  Township.  Along  about  this  time,  a small  overshot 
n 1 was  built  on  McConnell’s  Creek,  in  Section  23,  immediately  south  of  where 
ti  Cleveland,  Columbus,  Cincinnati  & Indianapolis  Railroad  crosses  the  Springfield 
pje.  In  1810  or  1811,  Judge  Isaac  Spinning  gave  to  John  Rench  and  a Mr. 
Slley  twenty  acres  of  land  with  water-power,  on  condition  that  they  would  build 
ate  which  they  immediately  did,  but  were  not  able  to  cany  it  on  very  long,  and 
•Jiathan  Harshman  took  it  off  their  hands.  It  was  operated  as  a flouring-mill 
u il  1848,  then  changed  to  an  oil-mill,  and  has  continued  as  such  to  the  present. 
Is  business  was  carried  on  by  Jonathan  Harshman  until  1840,  then  by  his  three 
sts,  George,  Jonathan  and  Joseph,  until  1859,  when  it  went  into  the  hands  of  the 
fi  t-mentioned,  and  has  ever  since  been  operated  by  him,  its  present  capacity  be- 
i>  five  barrels  of  linseed  oil  per  day.  In  1832,  Jonathan  Harshman  erected  a 
One  distillery  having  a capacity  of  500  bushels  per  day,  and  in  1848  the  build- 
ings remodeled  and  enlarged  by  Gfeorge  Harshman,  and  destroyed  byr  fire  in 

ober,  1878.  In  the  year  1842,  Jonathan  Harshman  built  a three  and  a half 
' ied  brick  flouring-mill,  which  he  called  “Union  Mills,”  and  this  enterprise  also 
0 mgs  to  George  Harshman.  The  present  saw-mill  ivas  erected  by  George  Harsh- 
m in  1866  ; it  has  a capacity  of  3,000  feet  of  lumber  per  day.  He  has  a large 
il?e-story  brick  elevator,  builtinthe  summer  of  1879  for  storing  corn,  also  an  exten- 
di; cooper  shop  where  the  barrels  for  the  mills  are  manufactured.  John  Roberts 
Jit  a large  grist-mill,  three  stories  in  height,  on  the  Great  Miami  River,  in  the 
tyhwestern  part  of  the  township,  about  the  year  1820.  It  next  went  into  the 
Nds  of  John  Shroyer  ; then  into  the  possession  of  William  Reel,  who  paid  for  it 
15  forty  acres  of  land,  including  water-power,  mill  privileges,  etc.,  $5,000.  Later 
nt  fell  into  the  hands  of  Grimes,  Black  & Shroyer,  and  was  afterward  owned  by 
J les  Grimes,  who,  in  the  summer  of  1843.  erected  a saw-mill  near  by.  About 
0 year  1819  or  1820,  Joseph  and  Charles  Bosson  erected  a cotton  and  weaving- 


170 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


mill  at  “ Smithville  " oa  Mad  River.  This  mill  stood  where  the  present  saw-mil 
of  William  Harries  now  is,  but  the  Bosson  Bros,  sold  out  in  1824  and  subsequent 
ly  removed  to  Tennessee.  The  next  man  who  figured  as  miller  and  manufacture 
in  this  locality  was  George  W.  Smith,  a native  of  Staunton,  Va.,  who  came  t( 
Dayton  in  1804.  He  purchased  his  interest  at  “ Smithville  ” (now  Harries),  print i 
pally  from  Henry  Robinson,  in  1821,  but  also  bought  the  Bosson  Mills,  and  con 
ducted  milling,  distilling,  and  the  manufacture  of  cotton  yarns,  carpet  warp,  etc 
About  1835,  improved  machinery  was  introduced  into  the  cotton-mill,  and  in  184! 
the  property  was  sold  to  Smith  & Harries,  but  after  some  years  the  manufacture 
of  cotton  yarns  was  abandoned,  and  the  machinery  sold.  In  the  year  1825 
George  Kneisly,  a native  of  Lancaster  County,  Penn.,  came  to  the  Harries  neigh 
borhood  on  Mad  River,  and  purchased  sixty  acres  of  land  with  water-power  fron 
Dayton  Hamer.  He  had  previously  lived  in  Greene  County,  and  there  carried  oi 
an  oil-mill.  Immediately  after  purchasing  his  land,  he  erected  a saw-mill,  then 
“ corn-cracker,”  which  he  soon  converted  into  a flouring-mill  by  adding  two  sets  o 
buhrs,  making  three  in  all.  He  then  built  an  oil-mill,  and  next  a small  distiller 
with  a capacity  of  twenty-five  bushels  per  day,  which  he  increased  to  sixty 
These  mills  were  about  one-half  mile  below  Harries,  where  the  Hydraulic  no\ 
crosses  the  road.  Mr.  Kneisly  leased  land  with  water-power,  for  ten  years,  to  A1 
exander  Phillips  & Co.,  who  erected  a two  and  a half  storied  frame  paper-mil 
about  1830,  probably  the  first  institution  of  that  kind  in  the  county.  This  core 
pany  carried  it  on  during  the  ten  years’  lease,  and  on  its  expiration  the  mill  wa 
removed  to  Dayton  by  the  Hydraulic  Company.  In  November,  1841,  Kneisly 
Hour  and  saw  mill  burned  down  ; the  latter  was  rebuilt  and  one  stone  put  in,  mill! 
ing  a chopping-mill,  but  about  1843  Kneisly  sold  out  to  the  Hydraulic  Compam 
and  died  in  Miami  County  in  1851.  One  of  the  early  distilleries  was  operated  i 
Section  24  by  Philip  Wagner,  and  in  1829  Samuel  Rohrer  had  one  on  his  farm  i 
Section  30.  Martin  Rohrer  operated  a still  in  Section  19,  and  John  Compton  ra 
one  in  Section  13,  afterward  owned  by  Warren  Munger.  In  1848,  William  Ha 
ries  went  to  the  present  site  of  the  mills,  at  which  time  the  old  frame  now  used!) 
him  as  a corn-mill  was  occupied  in  the  manufacture  of  cotton  yarns,  and  wasorij 
inally  the  old  Robinson  flouring-mill.  Mr.  Harries  changed  it  from  a cotton  to 
flouring-mill,  thus  bringing  it  back  to  its  original  uses.  When  he  moved  there, 
distillery  stood  on  the  site  of  the  present  one,  and  in  1853  he  built  the  saw-mi 
The  following  year  the  present  distillery  was  erected  by  Mr.  Harries,  and  was  tl 
largest  in  the  county,  and  second  largest  in  the  district.  When  constructed,  i 
chimney  was  over  one  hundred  feet  high,  but  about  the  year  1856,  forty  feet  wei 
blown  oil'  in  a storm,  and  a German  employe  killed  thereby.  In  1870,  Mr.  Ilarri 
built  the  large  four-storied  brick  flouring-mill  now  operated  by  him  at  a cost 
$20,000.  It  has  four  run  of  stones,  and  a capacity  of  100  barrels  of  flour  p 
day. 

GRAVEYARDS. 


The  oldest  burial-place  in  Mad  River  Township  is  located  in  the  northea 
corner  of  Section  22,  about  one  acre  of  ground  having  been  donated  bv  Lew 
Kemp,  in  1815,  for  that  purpose.  Previous  to  the  above  date,  no  regular  grav 
yard  existed  in  the  township,  and  burials  were  made  in  any  convenient  sp 
selected  by  the  friends  of  the  deceased,  or  else  the  body  was  taken  to  a ccmete 
outside  of  the  present  limits  of  Mad  River.  The  Kemp  Graveyard  was. the  pla 
of  sepulture  for  that  section  of  the  county  for  many  years,  and  a large  number 
the  pioneers  rest  there,  among  whom  are  the  Kemps,  Sumans  and  Cramers, 
first  person  buried  in  this  ground  was  John  R.  Harshman,  about  1816  or  181b 
his  remains  were  subsequently  removed  to  the  Harshman  Graveyard.  From 


appearances  there  have  been  no  burials  in  the  Kemp  ground  for  many  years,  a 
it  has  been  allowed  to  go  into  decay,  wearing  a look  of  neglect  and  disord 
Another  of  the  old  burial-places  of  Mad  River  is  the  Dille  Graveyard,  in  Secti 
19,  located  on  a hill  near  a strip  of  woodland.  Some  burials  are  yet  made  thei 


MAD  RIVER  TOWNSHIP. 


171 


< iervvise  it  is  about  iu  the  same  condition  as  the  Kemp  ground.  The  Harshman 
liaveyard  is  located  in  the  northeast  corner  of  Section  23,  on  the  ground  given 
1 Jonathan  Harshman,  about  1833,  for  burial  purposes.  The  first  interment  was 
nde  in  August,  1834,  in  the  person  of  Mary  H.  Gorman,  wife  of  George  Gor- 
nn,  and  daughter  of  Jonathan  and  Susannah  Harshman.  The  graveyard  con- 
ins  probably  one-half  acre  of  land,  one  half  of  which  is  the  Harshman  lot, 
Hosed  by  a neat  ii’on  fence  and  marked  by  a handsome  granite  monument. 

SCHOOLS. 

One  of  the  very  early  schoolhouses  erected  in  this  township  was  the  one 
' own  and  designated  as  the  Kemp  Schoolhouse,”  built  in  the  year  1815.  This 
Vs  a log  building,  and  stood  on  Section  22,  a little  south  of  the  graveyard.  One 
re  of  ground  was  donated  Ity  Lewis  Kemp,  November  7,  1815,  upon  which  to 
i ate  a graveyard  and  school,  and  the  house  was  built  by  subscription,  the  fol- 
l/ing-named  persons 
r nes : 

J eph  Kemp 

•fob  Kemp 

Inert  Me  Reynolds 

> nry  Robinson,  in  plank 
.J  eph  and  John  Rencli. . 

I m Jordan 

livid  Reneli 

Jam  Gerlougli,  Jr 

Jin  Rike 

Jnes  Gillespie 

1 n Roby 

J n M.  Kaig 

bob  Trueman 

J ob  Caley 

1 nard  Broadstreet 

The  deed  and  subscription  list  is  in  the  possession  of  George  Kemp,  of  Day- 
tv,  from  whom  we  gathered  the  above  items,  and  Isaac  Kemp  was  the  first 
hpker  who  taught  school  in  that  building.  Another  early'  schoolhouse  built  prior 
8 1 5.  stood  on  the  George  Newcom  tract,  in  the  north  part  of  Section  27,  and 
ether  was  opposite  the  one  now  at  Harshmanville,  which  is  the  third  brick  school 
elding  erected  on  that  site.  A very  early  schoolhouse  was  erected  in  Section 
b,on  land  donated  by  Robert  Coleman  one  of  the  pioneers  of  that  locality.  One 
bike  earliest  schoolhouses  was  located  on  the  farm  of  Henry  Robinson,  and  was 
Mjwn  as  the  “ Robinson  Schoolhouse.”  Samuel  Newcom  and  Norman  Feun  taught 
'be  at  an  early  day.  Many  other  schools  were  taught,  of  which  mention  might 
"made,  but  these  will  suffice  to  demonstrate  the  difficulties  undergone  by  the 
Pipeer  fathers  of  the  Mad  River  Valley,  for  the  purpose  of  giving  their  children 
aijeducation,  even  be  it  ever  so  crude  and  meager.  Those  schoolhouses  were  not 
Jthe  modern  type,  common  to  every  district  in  Ohio,  but  rude  log  structures, 
Jby  of  them  with  slab  floors,  seats  and  desks,  and  greased  paper  windows  ; in 
A,  the  pioneer  cabin  so  often  described  bv  the  writers  of  the  pioneer  days.  The 
bnskip  can  now  boast  of  six  school  disti’icts,  and  a fractional  district,  four  of 
•Tbh  contain  handsome  two-storied  brick  buildings,  of  two  rooms  each,  with  two 
f ibers,  while  Districts  No.  3 and  6 have  neat  oue-storied  brick  structures  of  one 
'<  n each.  In  the  last  school  year,  there  has  been  expended  for  education  in  Mad 
ler  Township,  the  sum  of  $3,948.12,  which  speaks  well  for  the  enterprise  of  its 
Aple. 

CHURCHES. 

The  close  proximity  of  this  township  to  Dayton  and  other  church  points 
'(Hints,  perhaps,  for  the  absence  of  any  church  building  within  its  boundaries. 
7 e settled  one  of  the  first  preachers  of  Montgomery  County,  viz.,  William  Hamer, 
u:  meetings  were  held  in  private  houses  and  school  buildings  by  the  Methodists 


subscribing  the  amount  set  opposite  their  respective 


.$6  00 
. 6 00 
. 6 00 
. 2 00 
. 4 00 
. 2 00 
. 1 00 
. 3 00 
. 1 25 
. 2 00 
. 2 50 
. 1 25 
. 1 50 
. 621 
. 4 00' 


Jonathan  Harshman $8  00 

Alexander  Snodgrass 2 00 

Jacob  Rothamel 2 00 

Henry  Butt 1 00 

Isaac  Kemp 1 25 

David  Kemp 1 25 

William  Krise 1 50 

Samuel  Oyler 1 25 

John  Cyphers 1 25 

Mean  & Bell,  in  stone 2 50 

George  Newcom 2 00 

J.  E.  Cottingliam 1 25 

William  Owens,  two  days  work,  or 2 50 

Samuel  Heffley,  one  gallon  whisky 75 


172 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


and  New  Lights,  who  were  the  most  numerous  until  the  advent  of  the  Shaker 
who  were  recruited  principally  from  former  Presbyterians.  A full  account  of  th 
society  will  be  found  in  Van  Buren  Township  history.  William  Robinson, 
Presbyterian  preacher,  who  settled  in  Mad  River  in  1800,  no  doubt  held  meetin; 
in  this  township  at  an  early  day,  as  he  preached  in  Dayton  and  Beavertown  to  tl 
Presbyterians  and  New  Lights.  Outside  of  the  above  facts,  there  is  nothing 
relate  about  the  religious  history  of  Mad  River,  and,  therefore,  nothing  can  ! 
written. 

MILITARY  CAMPS. 

In  the  war  of  1812,  Camp  Meigs  was  located  on  Section  80,  north  of  Mi 
River.  It  was  from  this  point  that  Gen.  Hull  started  on  the  march  which  end< 
with  his  disgraceful  surrender  at  Detroit.  An  old  settler  has  told  us  that  win 
Hull’s  army  moved  north,  the  wolves,  which  had  previously  been  very  troubl 
some,  followed  in  the  army’s  track  and  never  returned,  which  led  him  to  sugge 
that,  perhaps,  they  also  had  surrendered  to  the  British.  In  the  summer  of  136 
Camp  Corwin  was  located  on  “ Hamer’s  Hill,”  in  Section  29,  near  the  railro; 
crossing  and  Hydraulic.  Thus  Mad  River  Township  has  become  somewhat  noted 
having  been  selected  as  a camping  ground  in  two  wars,  by  which  fact  it  will  ev 
be  remembered  as  closely  identified  with  the  Nation’s  history,  and  those  b 
gigantic  struggles  in  the  cause  of  freedom,  and  for  the  preservation  of  nation 
life. 

TOWNSHIP  OFFICERS. 

The  political  complexion  of  Mad  River  has  never  been  very  decided,  the  vo 
sometimes  going  Democratic  and  again  Whig,  Know-Nothing  or  Republican, 
the  last  Presidential  election,  Garfield  carried  the  township  by  a small  majoril 
The  following  gentlemen  have  served  as  officials  of  Mad  River  since  its  organic 
tion  in  1841  up  to  the  present,  some  of  whom  have  occupied  the  position  sever 
consecutive  terms,  while  others  have  had  intervals  between  their  terms  of  sfervii 

JUSTICES  OF  THE  PEACE. 

John  Snodgrass,  Augustus  C.  Miller,  Jonas  Simmons,  William  Shroyer,  Jon 
Simmons,  Henry  Morse,  Charles  S.  Allen,  Z.  G.  Weddle,  James  Kelly,  J.  McLs 
Smith,  John  Stroup. 

TOWNSHIP  CLERKS. 

Irwin  Snodgrass,  Benjamin  Wagner,  W.  J.  Harker,  J.  F.  Snodgrass,  Benjan 
Wagner,  Joseph  Dille,  Jacob  Wagner,  A.  W.  Eaton,  Lewis  A.  Kemp,  J.  W.  Ken 
Christian  Rohrer,  J.  W.  Kemp,  James  M.  Keefer. 

TOWNSHIP  TREASURERS. 

Jonathan  Harshman,  Jr.,  Henry  Lewton,  Jonathan  Harshman,  John  Sn< 
grass,  William  Harries,  Samuel  Rohrer,  Archibald  Butt,  Josephus  Dille,  Z.  G Wi 
tile,  Archibald  Butt,  A.  B.  Mohler,  Josephus  Dille,  William  P.  Huffman,  Sami 
R.  Harshman,  William  P.  Huffman,  Samuel  R.  Harshman. 


VAN  BUREN  TOWNSHIP. 


173 


VAN  BUREN  TOWNSHIP. 

CHE  history  of  this  civil  subdivision  of  Montgomery  Count}-  is,  to  a great  extent, 
identical  with  that  of  the  city  and  township  of  Dayton  ; fourteen  sections, 
lole  and  fractional,  or  nearly  one  half  of  the  territory  included  within  its  present 
mndaries,  were  originally  a part  of  the  famous  tract  known  as  “ the  seventh  and 
bjhtli  ranges,”  which  were  the  scenes  of  the  operations  of  Patterson,  Ludlow,  Day- 
n,  Cooper,  and  others. 

A faithful  perusal  of  the  “ field  notes.”  of  the  surveys  made  by  Col.  Israel  Lud- 
w,  in  the  years  1802  and  1803,  develops  the  fact  that  there  were  no  less  than 
irty-five  or  thirty-six  different  tracts  of  land  in  what  is  now  Yan  Buren  Town- 
ip  that  were  known  as  “ pre-emption  ” tracts  ; this  is  a fair  indication  of  the  ex- 
nt  of  the  settlements  at  that  date,  as  pre-emption  in  those  days  implied  an  actual 
sidence  by  the  person  or  persons  in  whose  names  the  lands  were  held. 

The  Miami  River  was  the  great  frontage  for  nearly  all  the  early  settlements 
the  county,  and  especially  those  which  were  made  at  and  near  Dayton  as  a com- 
on  center,  immediately  after  the  arrival  of  the  permanent  colony  in  1796  ; that 
portion  of  the  lands  now  included  in  Yan  Buren  Township  were  selected  and  oc- 
pied  by  members  of  that  first  band  of  pioneers  is  evident  from  the  relative  situ- 
iion,  the  traditions  of  to-day,  and  the  meager  and  somewhat  obscure  records  which 
e now  available. 

D.  C.  Cooper  appears  to  have  held  several  tracts  of  laud  here  and  there  in  the 
wnship,  as  his  name  is  entered  upon  the  early  records  as  one  of  the  “ original 
oprietors.”  Job  Westfall  settled  on  a sixty-acre  lot  in  fractional  Section  13, 
>wn  1,  Range  7 ; this  was  down  on  the  river  road  near  where  the  residence  of 
e late  Leonard  Miller  now  stands.  Col.  Ludlow’s  field  notes  mention  this  as  “ a 
rge  improvement.”  Another  settlement  was  made  on  the  river  just  above  the 
estfall  lot,  and  adjoining  it ; these  lands  seem  to  have  been  pre-empted  by  J ames 
d Abraham  Barnett,  but  were  sold  to  James  Adam  Miller,  Sr.,  in  1816.  Miller 
me  from  Schuylkill  County,  Penn.,  and  settled,  as  above  stated,  in  1816.  His 
ns  were  Daniel,  John,  Leonard,  Jonathan  and  John  Adam,  Jr.  This  property 
now  mainly  in  the  hands  of  the  descendants  of  the  first  Mr.  Miller. 

A settler  named  Dean  was  located  on  a small  lot  on  the  river,  north  and  east 
the  Catholic  Cemetery.  One  of  the  very  early  settlers  in  the  Dayton  Colony 
is  John  Folkerth  ; he  owned  land  where  the  Insane  Asylum  now  stands,  and 
/ed  in  that  vicinity  until  his  death.  He  was  a prominent  business  man  in  Day- 
n for  many  years.  In  1797,  Smith  Gregg,  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  emigrated 
the  present  site  of  Shakertown,  settling  on  Beaver  Creek,  where  he  remained 
itil  1814,  when  he  removed  his  family  to  what  is  now  Butler  Township,  where  he 
tered  a tract  of  160  acres  of  land.  Mr.  Gregg  served  in  the  war  of  1812.  His 
fe  was  Sarah  Ramsey,  who,  too,  was  a native  of  the  Keystone  State.  Their  chil- 
jen  were  James,  Martha,  Margaret,  John,  William,  D.  H.,  Andrew,  Smith,  Julia, 
izabeth  and  Sarah. 

One  of  the  earliest  points  settled  in  Yan  Buren  Township  was  in  the  vicinity 
what  is  now  known  as  Beavertown.  Ebenezer  Wead  came  from  near  Lexing- 
n,  Ky.,  in  1798  ; he  entered  lands  in  Section  24  (fractional),  Town  2.  Range  6.  at 
e United  States  Land  Office  in  Cincinnati  in  that  year,  and  in  the  following  year 
■ made  it  his  permanent  home,  having  begun  some  improvements  in  1798.  His 
ns  were  : (1)  John,  born  in  Kentucky,  married  Sarah  Schotfe  ; their  children  were 
oenezer,  James,  John,  David,  Fannie,  Elizabeth  and  Margaret.  David  is  now 
Hng  near  Beavertown.  (2)  Robert,  born  in  Kentucky,  was  a tailor  by  trade,  and 
me  with  his  father  in  1799  : worked  in  Dayton,  and  as  a journeyman  “from 


174 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


house  to  house,”  until. 1805,  when  he  purchased  eighty  acres  of  land  of  John  F 
kerth,  where  the  asylum  is  now  located  ; this  he  settled  on  and  improved,  and  aft 
ward  added  to,  until  lie  owned  320  acres.  He  married  first,  Jane  Gibson  ; seeoi 
Mary  Gibson  (a  sister  to  the  first  Mrs.  Wead),  and  became  the  father  of  ten  el 
dren,  viz.,  John  S.,  Ebenezer  G.,  William  M.,  James  W.,  Samuel,  Joseph  Mary 
Eliz'a  W.,  Harriett  P.  and  Margaret.  John  S.  Wead  is  now  living  on  a fine  farm 
the  southeast  quarter  of  Section  32,  Town  2,  Range  7,  and  is  the  only  member 
that  family  of  Weads  now  living  in  Van  Buren. 

Two  of  the  Weads,  James  and  Ebenezer,  were  “out”  in  the  war  of  1812 

Two  other  settlers,  named  Musselman  and  Shell  came  about  the  same  ti 
that  the  Weads  came  and  settled  near  them,  in  the  neighborhood  of  Beavertov 
James  Riddles  settled  on  Section  30  (fractional),  directly  west  of  the  We 
settlement.  His  son  James,  Jr.,  went  with  the  Wead  boys  into  the  army 
1812. 

John  Bradford,  Sr.,  came  in  1801,  and  located  first  north  of  the  Wead  pla 
in  Town  2,  Range  7.  His  sons  were  Robert,  George  S.,  John,  Jr.,  James 
William,  Samuel  D.,  David  D.,  and  Allen.  The  descendants  of  this  pioneer  s 
among  the  most  numerous  in  the  township. 

Adam  Coblentz  settled  on  fractional  Section  36,  Town  2,  Range  6,  in  the  yr 
1807. 

John  Shroyer,  from  Maryland,  came  in  1810,  and  located  near  Beavertown 

John  Pough,  was  a Marylander,  and  settled  in  the  township  in  1813,  liavii 
purchased  160  acres  of  land. 

John  Ervry  was  one  of  the  pioneers  who  came  some  time  during  the  ye 
1810,  he  was  east  of  Beavertown. 

David  Stutzman  came  from  Washington  County,  Md.,  to  Greene  Conn1 
Ohio,  in  1811,  in  1813  he  settled  in  Van  Buren.  His  sons  were  Jacob,  David,  J 
Andrew,  Nicholas,  John  and  Abram.  David  Stutzman,  Sr.,  died  at  his  home 
Van  Buren  in  1824.  John  is  one  of  the  well-known  and  prosperous  farmers 
the  township,  and  delights  to  recall  old  pioneer  incidents  ; the  writer  is  indebt 
to  him  for  many  facts. 

David,  Thomas  and  Asa  John  were  quite  early  settlers  near  Shakerfcow 
The  family  were  of  Welsh  extraction,  and  came  about  1812,  after  having  lived 
Pennsylvania  and  in  Kentucky,  from  which  latter  State  they  moved  to  Vi 
Buren. 

Among  the  early  settlers  and  proprietors  of  the  township,  the  following  ha 
been  picked  up  here  and  there,  during  an  effort  to  learn  the  details  of  the  pione 
history  of  Van  Buren.  There  is,  no  doubt,  more  or  less  of  an  interesting  sto 
connected  with  each,  but  time  and  the  changes  it  has  wrought,  have  obliterated 
traces  of  the  varied  experiences  of  these  sturdy  frontiersmen,  so  much  so  fch 
even  the  traditions  are  doubted  by  the  people  of  to-day,  in  many  instances. 

Samuel  Bowsher,  James  and  Daniel  Baxter,  John  Booner,  Michael  Bun, 
Ralph  Braddock,  Owen  Davis,  Robert  Edgar,  John  Elwood,  George  Erie  berg' 
Richard  and  Robert  Gray,  William  George  (a  surveyor),  Charles  Morgan,  Mioha 
Hager,  Lewis  Leshlider,  Joseph  Wilson.  John  Weaver,  David  Riffle,  Robert  Ewii 
(a  surveyor). 

David  Warman,  from  Fredrick  County,  Md.,  settled  about  two  miles  south 
Dayton,  in  1805  ; he  has  two  sons  and  four  daughters. 

Edward  Newcom,  a native  of  Ireland,  and  a brother  of  Col.  George  Newcoi 
bought  160  acres  of  land  of  a Mr.  Huston,  and  settled  on  it  in  1810.  He  was  tl 
father  of  ten  children,  two  of  whom,  Charles  and  Edward  Newcom,  Jr.,  still  resit 
in  the  township.  Since  the  above  was  written  Edward,  Jr.,  died,  his  death  occur 
riDg  suddenly,  March  23,  1882. 

Leonard  Snepp  and  family  came  to  Van  Buren  about  1805.  His  sons  wen 
Philip,  Rheinhart,  John,  Daniel  and  Peter. 


VAN  BUREN  TOWNSHIP. 


175' 

James  Magrew,  an  Irishman,  came  with  his  family  about  the  same  year 
805).  He  was  a first-claSs  citizen  and  good  neighbor. 

Charles  Smith  and  family  were  among  the  pioneers. 

Jacob  Coblentz  is  said  to  have  been  an  earty  settler,  though  the  name  may  be 
nfounded  with  that  of  Adam  Coblentz,  who  has  been  mentioned. 

Philip  Kike  came  from  Maryland  in  the  fall  of  1812,  and  settled  in  the  middle 
kthern  portion  of  the  township.  The  next  spring  he  bought  172  acres  in  the' 
uthwest  quarter  of  Section  23,  Town  2,  Range  6,  for  which  he  paid  $1,400.  It  ' 
supposed  that  he  purchased  this  of  Samuel  Bowsher.  This  pioneer  was  the 
ther  of  six  children,  five  sons  and  one  daughter,  of  whom  J.  W.  Rike,  now  liv- 
y on  the  old  farm,  is  the  eldest ; he  relates  that  he  attended  school  at  Beaver- 
ura  and  had  to  pa}^  $1.50  per  quarter  for  tuition.  At  the  time  of ’the  elder 
ke’s  purchase  of  this  land  there  was  only  about  thirty  acres  improved,  and  a log 
1 rn  on  the  premises.  Five  or  six  other  families  moved  west  in  company  with 

Rike,  when  he  came,  in  1812. 

Abraham  Hozier  came  from  Virginia,  in  1806-7.  He  entered  his  laud,  which 
1 s located  in  the  southeast  quarter  of  Section  23,  Town  2,  Range  6.  Hozier  was 
t!  father  of  thirteen  children. 

Abner  Prugh  came  from  Maryland,  in  1812.  He  remained  four  years  and 
turned  ; in  1816,  he  settled  permanently  in  this  township  ; he  was  the  father  of 
( yen  children,  of  whom  five  were  sons.  The  Prugh  familj’  are  among  the  most 
; merous  and  influential  citizens  of  this  township  at  present. 

Among  those  who  settled  at  a later  date,  but  while  the  county  was  yet  in  a 
i mitive  condition,  were  John  and  Vandivier  Moler.  They  came  from  Jefferson 
< unty,  W.  Va.  Vandivier  Moler  came  in  1823,  and  bought  land  of  Huston  in 
Etion  17,  Town  2,  Range  6.  This  gentleman  relates  many  interesting  incidents 
> icerning  the  social  and  religious  habits  of  the  people  in  those  early  days.  He 
v|  a blacksmith  by  trade  and  used  to  “ change  work”  with  his  neighbors,  i.  e.,  he 
v aid  leave  his  plow  and  go  into  his  shop  to  do  a job,  while  his  customer  would 
f w for  him.  He  says  the  practice  of  helping  each  other  was  so  common  and 
s extensive  that  “ if  a man  managed  to  do  two  daj's’  work  in  a week  on  his  own 
d,  he  considered  himself  fortunate  all  kinds  of  heavy  work  was  done  by  a 
ye,"  and  woe  be  to  the  luckless  settler  who  tried  to  evade  the  turn-out. 

Mr.  Moler  was  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  and  was  one  of 
t early  opponents  of  the  common  use  of  liquor  at  the  “ bees,”  and  upon  other 
oasions.  Upon  one  occasion  it  was  given  out  that  Moler’s  wheat  might  rot  on 
! ground  if  he  refused  to  furnish  liquor  for  harvesting  ; he  partially  conceded 
a!  offered  12|  cents  per  day  more  for  hands  that  would  not  drink  than  for  those 

did.  Next  season  he  resolved  to  use  no  liquor  at  any  price.  His  opponents 
red  they  would  not  help  him,  and  gave  out  word  to  that  effect ; the  report 
-lied  the  ears  of  a stalwart  stonemason  named  James  Dean,  who  lived  in  Day- 
" He  was  as  much  of  a temperance  man  as  Moler,  so  he  made  up  a party  of 
h own  kind  and  surprised  Mr.  Moler  by  appearing,  sickles  in  hand,  to  harvest  his 
" iat ; the  result  was  that  Moler’s  grain  was  harvested  as  soon  as  that  of  his 
nfehbors,  and  that  without  the  use  of  whisky.  Some  of  those  who  had  opposed 
‘ movement,  when  they  saw  how  promptly  Dean  and  his  party  had  accomplished 
Jr  task,  engaged  them  to  harvest  in  their  fields  also,  but  upon  going  to  the  house 
1 discovering  a bottle  of  liquor  on  the  breakfast  table,  Dean  came  out  and  re- 
cked, “ She’s  there,  boys,”  whereupon  himself  and  friends  started  for  Dayton, 
i dug  the  bottle  and  its  friends  to  do  their  own  harvesting. 

Produce  was  worth  little  or  nothing  iu  those  daj’S.  Mr.  Moler  says  he  ex- 
Viged  two  and  one-half  bushels  of  wheat  for  one  pound  of  coffee,  with  Jonathan 
uphman,  of  Dayton.  Corn  and  oats,  and  ordinary  products,  were  worth  nothing, 
Pe  being  no  market  for  anything  but  wheat,  and  not  much  of  one  for  that. 

dame  was  plenty  as  late  as  1825.  The  same  gentleman  says  : “ Wild  turkeys 
"'e  plenty  ; one  Sunday  morning,  a large  flock  of  them  lighted  on  the  fences 


176 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


close  to  the  house  ; there  was  a loaded  rifle  standing  close  by,  but  I did  not  use  it 
though  the  temptation  was  strong,  so  I says  to  them,  ‘ you  dare  not  come  to 
morrow.’  ” 

The  house  of  Mr.  Moler  was  a place  of  meeting  for  the  Methodists  for  severa: 
years  ; when  the  crowd  was  too  great,  the}'  moved  to  the  barn,  or  out  into  thi 
woods.  Mr.  Moler  is  now  living  in  Dayton.  He  is  in  his  eighty-fifth  year. 

John  Moler  came  a year  or  two  later  than  his  brother,  but  settled  across  th< 
line  in  Greene  County,  where  he  now  resides  ; he  is  ninety-four  years  of  age. 

SHAKERTOWN. 

This  is  the  common  appellation  which  distinguishes  one  of  the  oldest  and  bes 
conducted  neighborhoods  in  Montgomery  County.  Few  persons  know  it  by  an 
other  name,  or  that  it  has  a history  as  old  almost  as  Dayton,  or  Lebanon.  On  th 
old  maps  it  was  called  “ Watervliet,”  on  the  records  of  the  society  it  is  denominate! 
the  United  Society  of  Believers  of  Watervliet,  and  is  thus  mentioned*  “Thi 
Beaver  Creek  settlement,  where  the  church  is  now  located,  was  commenced  in  th  I 
year  1800,  by  emigrants  from  Kentucky,  mostly  from  Bethel  Congregation,  on  the 
North  Elkhorn,  between  Georgetown  and  Lexington. 

“John  Pattei'son  and  family  came  in  1799,  and  spent  the  winter  on  the  Grea 
Prairie*  (where  he  had  raised  a crop  the  summer  before)  and  in  the  followin 
spring  he  moved  his  family  to  this  place  (Shakertown). 

“John  Huston,  a single  man,  entered  a quarter  section  about  the  same  tim<  | 
In  the  spring  of  1801,  John  Buchanan  came  with  his  family.  James  Milligan  an 
William  Stewart  and  their  connection  came  in  1803  ; all  these  being  respectabl | 
members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  united  with  others  and  formed  a congreg: 
tion  called  Beulah,  and  were  taken  in  charge  of  the  Presbytery,  and  supplied  wit 
occasional  preaching  in  common  with  others. 

“ This  congregation  became  much  interested  in  the  reports  of  the  great  reviva 
which  took  place  in  Kentucky,  in  the  year  1809,  and  expressed  frequent  desirt 
for  an  extension  of  the  work  to  Beulah. 

“ Richard  McNamer  came  to  Turtle  Creek,  near  Lebanon,  in  November,  180 
on  Ins  return  from  a meeting  of  the  Presbytery,  at  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  The  vvor 
began  at  an  evening  meeting  at  Elder  Francis  Bedles.  * * * * 

“ In  1802,  McNamer  moved  to  Turtle  Creek,  and  from  there  he  preached  i 
various  places.” 

The  first  public  meetings  at  Beulah  were  held  about  the  last  of  May,  1802, : 
Janies  Patterson’s  house.  In  June,  1803,  a camp-meeting  was  held  under  tl 
general  leadership  of  Robert  Marshall,  of  Kentucky.  He  was  assisted  by  Jam* 
Kemper,  Richard  McNamer  and  John  Thompson. 

The  most  notable  thing  connected  with  this  meeting  was  a division  of  tl 
people  upon  a question  of  doctrine.  Kemper  was  a sober-minded  Calvinist,  ai: 
was  supported  and  followed  by  a portion  of  the  assembly. 

“ On  Saturday,  Kemper  preached  from  Isaiah,  xxii  chapter  and  23d  vers 
Making  predestination  the  nail  in  a sure  place.  On  Sabbath  morning,  Marsh: 
followed,  and  literally  fulfilled  the  context  (verse  25)  to  that  extent  that  Kei 
per  and  his  followers  retreated  homeward.” 

The  result  of  this  division  was  the  establishment  of  a church  or-  society  und 
Kemper,  and  the  preliminary  organization  of  the  Shaker  Church  at  Watervliet. 

In  March,  1806,  the  society  was  visited  by  the  celebrated  revivalists,  knov 
as  Isachar  and  Benjamin,  who  completed  the  organization  of  the  Watervliet  peop 

Concerning  the  individuals  who  were  connected  with  the  early  history  ot  tl 
society,  the  record  informs  us  that  “ In  1805,  John  Huston,  a wheelwright  by  tray 
opened  his  mind  and  became  a firm  supporter  of  the  faith.”  Phoebe  Pattersoi 
Peggy  Buchanan,  William  and  Sally  Stewart,  James  and  Betsey  Milligan,  pa 
Stewart  (a  sister  of  John  Patterson)  and  John  Southard  ; these  were  associat 


From  the  old  Review  Book  in  the  possession  of  Elder  Moses  Eastwood. 


VAN  BUREN  TOWNSHIP. 


177 


or  meetings,  and  John  Stewart  appointed  first  in  care  (or  Elder)  ; he  held  the 
)Iace  two  years  and  about  four  months. 

In  1806,  three  principal  families,  viz.,  James  Milligan’s,  John  Patterson’s  and 
Wiliam  Stewart’s,  formed  the  main  head  of  the  society  at  Water vliet.  This  was 
Allowed  (1807)  by  an  etfort  to  found  a society  up  on  the  waters  of  Mad  River,  but 
his  never  flourished  to  any  great  extent,  and  was  finally  abandoned. 

John  Eastwood  “opened  his  mind”  in  July,  1807;  in  August  following, 
)aty,  his  wife,  “ opened  her  mind,”  and  the  family  became  a part  of  the  society  ; 
our  of  the  sons  remained  in  it,  and  one  of  them,  the  venerable  Moses  Eastwood, 

S now  “first  in  care,”  or  Elder,  at  Watervliet. 

James  and  Pegg}r  Dewit  and  David  Grommau  and  wife,  joined  in  1808  ; 
lenjamin  Simonton  and  family,  and  Alexander  Hughey  and  family  in  1812  ; 
lolm  Rue  and  family  iu  1813  ; John  Davis  and  family  in  1814  ; John  Jackson 
,nd  family  in  1815  ; Thomas  Williams  came  in  1816  ; William  Philips  and  family 
:ame  in  1821.  Other  families  and  individuals  came  to  the  society  in  after  years, 
vhile  others  removed  from  it,  or  changed  their  faith. 

The  industry  of  the  members  is  directed  to  general  husbandry,  mainly, 
ikeep-raising  and  wool-growing  was  at  one  time  the  principal  interest,  and  other 
arieties  of  live-stock  have  been  raised  within  the  last  few  years.  G-arden  seeds 
fere  formerly  raised  to  a considerable  extent.  There  is  on  the  premises  a carding- 
uill,  where  more  or  less  woolen  fabrics  are  produced  yearly.  In  1812,  a grist- 
uill  was  put  in  operation  ; this  was  burned  and  rebuilt,  and  again  destroyed  by 
ire,  since  which  it  has  not  been  reconstructed. 

The  society  owns  about  eight  hundred  acres  of  excellent  land  ; this  is  highly 
mproved  and  well  cultivated.  The  principal  buildings  are  near  each  other  on  an 
levated  ridge  of  land  overlooking  the  valley  of  Beaver  Creek  and  some  of  its 
ributaries.  There  is  an  air  of  neatness  about  the  whole  establishment  that 
trongly  impresses  the  visitor  with  the  cardinal  qualities  of  “ order,  cleanliness 
md  quiet,” 

There  are  at  present  (1882)  about  forty  or  fifty  persons  connected  with  the 
ociety.  They  have  a school  of  their  own,  and  a place  of  worship,  and  are  main- 
lining their  original  standing,  so  far  as  numbers  and  form  of  worship  are  con- 
:erned. 

The  records  of  the  society  are  few  and  simple,  yet  the  chain  is  unbroken  for 
\ period  of  about  eighty  years,  and  affords  much  information  upon  the  obscure 
abject  of  the  every-day  life  of  the  people  of  that  neighborhood,  when  it  was  a 
fioneer  settlement. 

“david’s”  church. 

This  is  the  name  given  to  a society  of  worshipers  who  assemble  in  the  south- 
ern part  of  the  township,  on  the  Lebanon  Turnpike,  in  what  is  called  the  Creager 
leighborhood. 

About  the  year  1825  or  1826,  a society  of  “Reformed  Church”  people, 
hat  had  been  organized  for  some  years  previous  to  the  above  date,  became 
livided  upon  the  question  of  language.  A part  of  the  congregation  were  G-er- 
nan  and  a part  English.  The  Germans  were  opposed  to  having  the  services 
■endered  in  the  English  tongue;  so  those  who  were  desirous  of  having  English 
jervices,  united  and  formed  a church  of  their  own. 

The  original  church  was  known  as  Zion  Church,  and  was  located  down  on 
he  Bottom-land,  near  the  river,  but  across  the  line  in  Miami  Township. 

The  new  society  was  organized  by  Rev.  David  Winters,  and  assembled  at 
/arious  private  houses  for  worship,  until  a place  of  meeting  was  provided, 
imong  the  prominent  movers  in  this  enterprise  were  Lewis  Lechlieder,  Henry 
like  and  John  Rike,  his  son,  Samuel  Himes,  Jonathan  Whipp,  Henry  Diehl, 
lenry  and  Christian  Creager,  a family  named  Hork,  the  Snyders,  and  others. 

Christian  Creager  was  the  first  Elder.  He  gave  the  land  for  the  new  church, 
■md  the  logs  to  build  it  with.  He  was  a carpenter  by  trade,  and  did  the  necessary 

u 


178 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


work  in  that  line,  while  others  contributed  in  various  ways,  so  that  they  soon  ha 
a church  of  their  own.  This  was  named  “ David’s  ” Church,  in  honor  of  Re’ 
David  Winters,  who  was  the  first  pastor,  and  for  over  fifty  years  the  only  one  wh 
labored  with  them.  The  present  pastor  is  the  Rev.  M.  Loucks. 

The  present  church  building  is  of  brick.  It  is  finely  situated  in  a quiet  spo 
not  far  from  the  main  road.  It  was  built  in  1850  or  1851.  Adjoining  the  churc 
lot  is  the  “ Creager  ” burying-ground,  a well-ordered  rural  cemetery,  which  is 
continuation  of  one  of  the  early  graveyards  of  the  same  locality. 

BEAVERTOWN. 

This  is  the  name  of  a small  village  about  five  miles  southeast  from  the  cour 
house  in  Dayton  ; it  is  one  of  the  oldest  points  in  Van  Buren  Township,  and  wa 
formerly  known  as  Buddsbury.  Ephraim  Arnold,  a blacksmith  by  trade,  cam 
from  Maryland  about  1807,  and  settled  in  Dayton,  where  he  remained  until  181; 
when  he  located  where  Beavertown  now  is  ; it  is  related  that  he,  with  other 
were  building  his  cabin,  when  the  news  of  Hull’s  surrender  came — just  at  tl 
time  they  were  sawing  out  the  logs  for  the  “ chimney  hole,”  and  all  hands  starte 
at  once  for  Dayton,  leaving  the  saw  sticking  in  the  “ kerf,”  where  it  remaine 
three  or  four  days,  until  the  party  returned. 

Arnold  was  a clever  mechanic,  and  was  pressed  into  the  service  at  Dayton,  t 
repair  arms,  etc.,  for  the  troops  ; he  returned  in  a short  time  and  commenced  wor 
at  his  trade.  It  is  altogether  probable  that  he  was  the  first  blacksmith  who  ev< 
worked  in  Van  Buren  Township,  and  the  first  settler  in  what  is  now  Beavertowi 
this  cabin,  which  was  so  suddenly  deserted,  being  the  first  building  erected  in  thi 
village.  Arnold  owned  but  six  acres  of  land,  and  was  the  father  of  a family  < 
seven  or  eight  children,  all  but  one  of  whom  were  girls.  He  died  at  the  age  c 
eighty-four. 

The  first  physician  who  located  at  Beavertown  was  Dr.  Sample  ; his  son  is  no 
in  business  in  Dayton,  as  a dentist.  Dr.  Sample  is  also  supposed  to  have  bee 
the  first  resident  practitioner  in  the  township  of  Van  Buren. 

Dr.  Thomas  Himes  opened  a general  store  in  Beavertown  in  1836  or  183' 
but  the  venture  did  not  prove  successful. 

There  are  two  stone  quarries  near  the  village,  at  one  of  which  the  stone  fc 
the  “ locks”  on  the  canal  were  taken  out,  about  1826  to  1828;  this  quarry  ws 
then  owned  by  Jacob  Lechlieder.  The  other  quarry  was  opened  by  John  Wea< 
about  forty  years  ago  ; it  was  never  worked  very  extensively,  except  for  one  yea 
when  Hamilton  Count}7  had  it  leased,  and  employed  about  one  hundred  hands  i 
its  working. 

Beavertown  was  a post  office  at  one  time,  but  it  was  abolished  about  twent 
years  since,  and  the  mails  are  received  at  Dayton  and  distributed  by  the  voluatar 
service  of  those  who  chance  to  go  back  and  forth  between  the  two  towns, 

The  first  church  building  at  Beavertown  was  a stone  structure,  erected  i 
1823  ; it  was  used  jointly  by  the  United  Brethren  and  the  “ New  Lights.”  Nafcha 
Worley  was  an  early  preacher  of  the  latter  denomination.  Dr.  Antrins  was  on 
of  the  first  ministers  who  represented  the  United  Brethren  here  ; others  who  cam 
later  were  Rev.  Huffman,  Rev.  Crager,  etc.  This  old  stone  church  was  vacated  i 
1853  ; the  building  was  destroyed  by  fire  about  twenty-five  years  ago. 

The  United  Brethren  Society,  as  has  already  been  stated,  was  formed  quit 
early,  and  has  had  a long  and  successful  career.  In  1853,  the  society  erected  a fin 
brick  church  building  on  a lot  purchased  in  Beavertown,  since  which  time  importai 
additions  have  been  made,  sheds  erected,  grounds  improved,  etc.,  until  they  have 
pleasant  and  commodious  place  of  worship.  The  continuous  details  of  this  churc 
history  are  not  at  hand  now,  but  it  is  known  to  Rave  accomplished  a goo 
work  among  the  people  whose  sentiments  it  represents  ; its  membership  at  pref 
ent  amounts  to  about  100  persons. 

The  third  house  in  Beavertown  is  said  to  have  been  a brick  building  ; it  wa^ 
uilt  by  James  Dean. 


VAN  BUREN  TOWNSHIP. 


179 


Arnold’s  old  log  house  was  torn  down  only  a few  years  ago. 

There  appears  to  have  been  a log  schoolhouse  at  Beavertown  at  quite  an 
arly  date,  it  was  on  the  northwest  part  of  the  land  owned  by  John  Stutzman  ; 
e relates  that  he  attended  a school  taught  by  John  Russell,  and  paid  about  $2 
r $2.50  per  scholar  for  tuition.  A man  named  Thompson  was  the  next  teacher, 
ind  he  was  followed  by  another  teacher  named  Robert  Charles. 

About  1820,  the  public  schools  were  established,  and  of  course  schoolhouses 
'ere  provided.  There  was  one  at  Beavertown,  either  by  purchase  or  construc- 
on,  as  the  meetings  were  held  in  the  “ schoolhouse”  before  the  old  stone  church 
as  built  (in  1823),  according  to  the  traditions  of  to-day. 

The  cemetery  east  of  Beavertown*  is  without  doubt  the  oldest  place  of  inter- 
lent  in  Yan  Buren.  By  perusing  the  account  of  the  Shaker  Society  (Watervliet) 
will  be  seen  that  the  followers  of  Kemper  went  off  by  themselves  ; it  is  under- 
ood now  that  these  people  continued  to  assemble  together  at  a place  not  far 
om  where  this  cemetery  is,  and  that  it  was  a place  of  burial  before  the  ground  at 
ratervliet  was  so  used;  from  the  character  of  the  memorial  stones  in  the  ground 
is  fair  to  infer  that  it  is  the  most  ancient  one  in  the  township. 

The  Beavertown  of  to-day  contains  about  175  inhabitants,  with  the  usual 
imber  of  business  places,  and  mechanics  generally  found  in  like  villages.  J.  R. 
purbray  is  the  maternal  grandson  of  Arnold,  the  pioneer  blacksmith  ; he  learned 
at  trade  and  followed  it  for  many  years,  when  he  engaged  in  the  grocery  trade, 
je  is  one  of  the  foremost  men  of  his  community  in  social  matters. 

The  United  Presbyterian  Church  is  one  of  the  oldest  in  this  portion  of  Mont- 
nnery  County.  It  is  said  to  have  been  organized  in  Bellbrook  about  1804  to- 
;06,  and  was  originally  known  as  a “ Seceder”  Church.  Its  first  place  of  worship 
is  a log  building  at  the  above-named  place.  Rev.  Robert  Armstrong  was  the  first 
,stor.  Some  years  later  it  was  moved  into  the  Bigger  neighborhood  in  Greene 
funty,  and  about  1871-72  it  again  changed  its  location,  and  the  congregation 
ected  the  present  edifice  on  grounds  given  by  P.  L.  Prugh,  who  now  owns  the 
•m  of  which  this  church  lot  was  formerly  a part. 

Rev.  J.  B.  McMichael  was  pastor  until  about  the  time  the  society  removed  to 
present  location,  when  he  accepted  the  Presidency  of  Monmouth  College, 
inois,  which  position  he  yet  holds. 

Rev.  W.  S.  McClure  is  the  present  pastor. 

The  church  building  is  a snug,  one-story  brick  structure,  and  cost  $4,000. 

MILLS. 

The  first  mill  in  Yan  Buren  was  a £-  corn  cracker,”  built  and  operated  by  1). 
Cooper.  It  is  mentioned  in  the  count}'  history  in  connection  with  the  history 
- Dayton  and  the  first  colony.  ' 

There  was  a carding-mill  on  the  same  site,  after  the  corn  cracker  was  demol- 
ied.  This  carding-mill  appears  to  have  been  built  about  1814  by  one  Patterson. 
iis  was  burned,  and  he  built  a stone  mill  about  1816,  near  where  the  car  stables 

The  Shakers  built  a mill  on  Beaver  Creek  in  an  earl}'  day,  as  is  related  in  the 
' 'on lit  of  that  society. 

The  Snyder  Mills  are  in  the  southwest  part  of  the  township,  and  were  built 
nsr  the  canal  was  constructed,  in  1827-28,  or  may  be  a year  or  two  later. 

There  have  been  several  steam  mills,  of  one  variety  or  another  in  the  township. 

1 they  have  no  particular  history  worth  transcribing,  though,  of  course,  such 
*'  erprises  mark  the  progress  of  a territory. 

TOPOGRAPHY,  ETC. 

The  general  surface  of  Yan  Buren  Township  is  rolling,  with  level  and  wide 
fctom  lands  along  the  water-courses.  The  exceptions  to  this  are  the  high  bluff- 
1-  ridges  and  spurs  which  mark  the  water-shed  between  the  Great  and  Little 

* Formerly  known  as  the  “ Ervry”  Graveyard. 


180 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Miami  Rivers.  These  elevations  are,  in  a general  way,  parallel  to  the  course  o 
the  Great  Miami,  and  are  distant  from  that  stream  from  one  and  one-half  mile: 
to  only  a few  rods  in  places.  There  are  also  a few  isolated  hills  of  moderate 
height,  and  others  of  much  less  altitude  scattered  over  parts  of  the  townshij 
These  form  excellent  building  sites,  being,  for  the  most  part,  of  easy  access  on.  al 
sides. 

These  knolls  or  hillocks  are  composed  of  drift,  and  yield  an  abundance  o 
gravel,  which,  with  the  limestone  before  mentioned,  afford  all  the  oonvenien 
materials  for  the  improvement  of  the  public  roads.  This  has  been  utilized  by  tin 
people  of  this  township  to  that  extent  that  the  common  roads  are,  in  many  cases 
as  well  provided  with  good  “ permanent  ways  ” as  the  turnpikes  of  some  locality 
are. 

The  township  is  watered  and  drained  by  several  creeks,  the  principal  on 
being  Beaver  Greek  and  its  tributaries.  These  streams  flow  into  one  or  the  othel 
of  the  Miamis. 

The  civil  township  of  Van  Buren  was  organized  from  other  territory  by  a 
act  of  the  Commissioners  of  Montgomery  County,  at  a special  session  held  Jur. 
26,  1841,  at  which  time  its  boundaries  were  fixed  and  provision  made  for  the  elei 
tion  of  township  officers,  and  such  other  business  transactions  as  became  nece 
sary  in  the  case. 

The  township  contains  an  area  of  about  twenty-four  or  twenty-five  squa: 
miles  ; nearly  the  entire  portion  of  this  is  of  the  best  quality,  and  is  highly  ir 
proved.  Portions  of  the  area  are  underlaid  by  valuable  formations  of  fine  lim 
stone,  which  are  extensively  quarried  for  building  purposes.  This  creates  i 
important  industry,  and  contributes  materials  for  roads  and  turnpikes,  and  oth 
public  improvements. 

Van  Buren  is  said  to  have  been  named  in  honor  of  President  Martin  Vi 
Buren.  The  story  goes,  that  there  were  two  political  parties  pretty  evenly  tii 
in  numbers,  at  the  election  of  the  first  Justice  of  the  Peace,  or  some  other  officei! 
and  it  was  agreed  that  the  party  who  polled  the  most  votes  should  have  the  self 
tion  of  the  name.  The  Van  Buren  men  were  ahead,  and  decided  accordingly. 

The  entiremorthern  part  of  the  township  is,  to  a great  extent,  a suburb 
Dayton.  There  are  several  points  of  interest,  which  will  be  treated  of  elsewhe 
that  are  located  in  this  township.  The  Catholic  Cemetery,  Saint  Mary’s  Jnstitu 
Southern  Ohio  Asylum  for  the  Insane,  etc.,  are  among  the  number. 

Oakwood  is  a suburb  finely  situated  on  the  Lebanon  Turnpike,  on  the  big 
lands  immediately  south  of  Dayton. 

The  Canal,  and  the  Cleveland,  Columbus,  Cincinnati  & Indianapolis  Railro 
traverse  the  western  end  of  the  township,  on  the  level  ground,  between  the  rivj 
and  the  ridges.  The  new  Narrow  Gauge  Railroad  line  runs  through  the  eastf 
portions,  near  Beavertown,  and  across  the  Watervliet  Society’s  lands,  so  that  th<] 
is  hardly  a farm  now,  in  Van  Buren,  that  is  out  of  sight  or  hearing  of  the  lo< 
motive,  and  the  progress  it  represents. 

The  public  schools  have  the  usual  history  common  to  those  of  every  part 
Ohio.  There  are  seven  school  districts,  with  an  equal  number  of  modern  schc 
houses,  where  schools  are  maintained  during  the  regular  school  year  provided 
the  systems  of  the  State.  In  February,  1882,  there  were  twelve  teachers  in 
public  schools  of  this  township,  which,  at  the  date  of  the  last  enrollment,  c< 
tained  603  children  of  “ school  age,”  all  of  whom  are  white  persons. 


TOWNSHIPS,  CITIES,  TOWNS 
AND  VILLAGES. 

Number  of 
Acres. 

Value  of 
Land. 

Acreage  val. 
of  land. 

Value  of 
buildings. 

Aggregate 
value  of 
lands  and 
buildings. 

Averaj 
vaiue  rj 
acre,  inc 
ing  built  i 

Van  Buren  Township. . . . 

16,017 

$1,000,891 

$62  49 

$192,080 

$1,192,971 

$74  | 

. 

Total 

16,017 

$1,000,891 

$192,080 

$1,192,971 

VAN  BUREN  TOWNSHIP. 


181 


TOWNSHIPS,  CITIES, 
TOWNS  AND  VILLAGES. 

Value  of  city, 
town  and 
village  lots. 

Value  of 
buildings. 

Aggregate 
value  of 
lots  and 
buildings. 

Aggregate 
value  in  each 
town’hp,  city, 
town  or  vil’ge 

Aggr.  val.  of 
real  estate  on 
duplicate  of 
1880. 

No.  acres  ot 
arable  or 
plow  land. 

No.  acres 
uncultiv’d 
or  Wood 
land. 

$1  355  346 

$1,093,380 

13,906 

2,111 

$3,553 

33,560 

$9,776 

15,386 

$13,339 

48,946 

Total 

$37,113 

$25,163 

$63,375 

$1,255,346 

$1,093,280 

13,906 

2,111 

The  above  exhibit  is  from  the  Decennial  Appraisement  of  real  property  for 
880. 


STONE  QUARRIES. 

One  of  the  elements  of  wealth  that  has  ever  contributed  to  the  prosperity  of 
he  city  of  Dayton  in  the  past,  and  which  will  for  ages  be  a source  of  great  in- 
ome  to  her  people,  are  the  rich  stone  fields  of  Yan  Buren  Township.  Within  a 
ladius  of  probably  two  miles  in  the  north  central  part  of  the  township  are  located 
re  stone  of  Montgomery  County,  as  the  celebrated  Dayton  stone,  or  Dayton 
larble,  as  it  is  sometimes  styled,  are  here  quarried.  With  the  incoming  of  the 
resent  century  began  the  opening  of  these  quarries.  Operations  were  first  begun 
i the  northern  part  of  the  radius  above  described,  and,  in  what  later  was  known 
s the  “Dickey  quarry,”  and,  probably,  the  first  quarrying  was  done,  or  the  first 
se  of  the  stone  made  in  the  construction  of  the  old  Frybaurgei  House,  the  first 
milt  of  that  material  in  the  township.  The  next  quarry  opened  was  on  the  ad- 
pining  farm,  owned  by  Valentine  Frybarger,  and  has  always  been  known  as  the 
J'rybarger  quarry,  adopting  the  name  of  its  possessor,  who  was  one  of  the  pio- 
eers  of  that  region,  and  a prominent  citizen  of  the  county.  But  a few  years  in- 
ervened  between  the  opening  of  these  quarries,  which  were  extensive,  though  now 
xhausted.  The  Dickejr  quarry  was  the  larger  of  the  two,  a surface  of  about 
venty  acres  having  been  worked  over,  and  perhaps  120,000  perch  of  stone  taken 
jut.  In  comparison  the  Frybarger  quarry  was  about  one-half  the  size  of  the 
>ickey  quarry,  with  a proportionate  yield  of  stone.  From  these  two  quarries 
aine  the  stone  used  in  the  construction  of  the  locks  of  the  canal,  and  the  Dayton 
hurt  House,  which  has  been  so  greatly  admired  by  visitors  from  all  quarters  to 
le  beautiful  city.  The  yield  of  these  quarries  in  money  has  amounted  to  at 
last  a half  million  of  dollars.  The  stone  was  fair  but  not  excellent.  In  chro- 
ological  order  next,  was  opened  the  Fauver  Quarry,  located  near  the  asylum, 
ome  eighteen  acres  have  been  worked  over,  and  extensive  quantities  of  good 
tone  removed.  From  this  quarry  probably  come  the  largest  stone  of  the  towu- 
uip,  and  are  used  extensively  for  steps  and  platforms.  The  quarry  continues  to 
’e  worked.  Another  quarry,  though  not  exhausted,  but  from  which  now  no  stone 
re  taken  out,  is  located  on  the  Wead  Farm,  and,  consequently,  is  known  as  the 
fead  quarry.  The  Hamilton  County  Court  House  at  Cincinnati  was  constructed 
f stone  quarried  on  this  farm,  the  Commissioners  of  that  county  having  leased 
ie  quarry.  The  Wead  Quarry  is  not  now  worked,  for  the  reason  that  its  working 
attended  with  difficulties. 

Adjoining  the  Fauver  on  the  east  is  the  Bosler  quarry,  now  worked  by  Mar- 
is Bosler.  This  is  a continuation  of  the  old  Harshman  quarry,  and  from  it  and 
ie  William  Huffman  quarry  are  exhumed  the  very  best  Dayton  building  stone, 
he  two  quarries  ax*e  now  furnishing  the  beautiful  large  stone  that  are  used  in  the 
instruction  of  the  new  Dayton  Court  House,  the  greater  number  being  taken  from 
ie  Huffman  quarry.  Following  the  Bosler  quarry  was  opened  the  Jones  or 
firing  Summit  quarry,  lying  east  of  the  asylum  and  about  a half  a mile  from  the 
irporation  line  of  the  city.  The  farm  upon  which  it  is  situated  in  size  is  com- 
rised  of  forty  acres  of  land,  about  twenty  acres  of  which  are  underlaid  with  the 
ayton  limestone,  and  is  the  property  of  L.  B.  Jones,  of  Dayton.  This  quarry 
hs  taken  its  name  from  its  position  lying  on  the  dividing  ridge  between  the  two 
fiamis,  and  the  waters  of  the  springs  found  upon  the  east  side  flow  into  the  Little 


182 


HISTORY  OF  MONTGOMERY  COUNTY. 


Miami,  and  those  upon  the  west  side  contribute  their  waters  to  the  Big  Miami 
hence,  the  name  “ Spring  Summit.”  This  quarry  was  remarkable  some  years  ago 
for  the  quantity  and  quality  of  the  rock  taken  out.  It  then  showed  a working 
face  of  1,500  feet  from  north  to  south,  which  was  much  the  largest  face  of  any  of 
the  quarries.  The  average  depth  of  drift  or  stripping  as  quarrymen  say,  for  the 
1,500  feet  face,  was  about  eleven  feet,  and  was  composed  principally  of  yellow 
■clay,  now  and  then  stratified  with  a vein  of  fine  sand.  The  stone,  at  first,  were 
of  extra  good  quality  and  size,  but  they  are  now  only  of  medium  quality.  Sam 
uel  Fauver  at  present  operates  this  quarry.  The  William  Huffman  quarry  above 
referred  to  lies  next  to  and  west  of  the  Jones  quarry.  The  stone  quarried  there 
are  similar  to  those  quarried  on  the  Bosler  place.  The  Niagara  formation  consists 
in  all  cases  of  even-bedded  limestones  and  marls,  it  is  true,  but  the  limestones 
have  very  different  degrees  of  purity,  while  in-  hardness,  compactness,  color  and 
the  presence  or  absence  of  fossil  contents,  they  have  a very  wide  range.  The 
clebrated  Dayton  stone  may  lie  assumed  as  the  standard  of  excellence  in  this 
series.  In  the  county  the  lower  layers  of  the  Niagara  rocks  are  always  the  firm 
est  and  most  valuable.  The  varying  thickness  of  the  formation  in  different 
localities  has  been  given  as  from  five  to  fifty  feet. 

A number  of  firms  in  and  about  Dayton  are  engaged  in  quarrying  the  stone, 
and  the  aggregate  of  their  operations  is  very'  large.  The  supply  of  the  rock  is 
inexhaustible  ; but  the  expense  of  transportation  shuts  out  from  the  general 
market  almost  all  of  the  quarries  that  are  more  than  three  or  four  miles  from  j 
Dayton.  The  stone  has  for  years  been  shipped  to  many  of  the  cities  throughout  jj 
the  State  and  country.  At  this  writing,  from  the  quarries  in  general,  above 
spoken  of,  are  sent  to  Dayton  and  elsewhei’e  daily,  for  eight  or  nine  months  in  the 
year,  about  200  perches  of  stone,  worth  about  $800  per  day,  or  $150,000  per  year 
In  the  last  half  century,  stone  has  been  quarried  from  the  township,  amounting  at  J! 
least  to  $5,000,000  or  $6,000,000. 


PART  SECOND. 

BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 

SAMUEL  AUGUSTUS  AMBROSE,  plasterer,  Dayton,  was  born  near  Pleasant 
nity,  Westmoreland  Co.,  Penn.,  Nov.  23,  1838.  His  ancestry  on  his  father’s  side  was 
erman  and  English,  on  his  mother’s  English  and  German.  Peter  and  Susanna  Am- 
use, his  father  and  mother,  were  in  humble  circumstances,  and  having  a large  family 
'ten  children  to  provide  for,  the  services  of  all  the  children,  as  they  became  of  suffi- 
3nt  age  to  render  any  assistance  toward  the  support  of  the  family,  were  required.  Sam- 
il,  the  fifth  child  born  to  them,  was  accordingly  called  upon  to  assist  in  the  support  of 
is  younger  brothers  and  sisters,  while  yet  a mere  boy,  consequently  his  opportunities 
,r  study  and  education,  as  far  as  school  education  is  concerned,  was  very  limited  and 
iuch  neglected.  Thus  his  early  boyhood  passed  till  1854,  when  with  his  parents  he 
ligrated  to  Ohio,  then  the  far  West,  and  in  December  of  the  same  year  landed  with 
s father’s  family  in  the  city  of  Dayton,  Montgomery  Co.  The  industrious  habits  formed 
iring  his  boyhood,  before  he  came  to  Dayton,  still  prompted  him  to  an  active  life,  and, 
)king  around  for  something  to  do,  he  sought  employment  and  was  engaged  as  a clerk 
r Messrs.  Filton,  Wilt  & Filton,  grain  dealers  and  commission  merchants,  with  whom 
: remained  about  one  year,  when  a good  opportunity  offered  for  him  to  learn  a trade, 
e left  his  employers  and  engaged  to  learn  the  plasterer’s  trade,  at  which  he  served  his 
11  time  and  then  worked  as  a journeyman  plasterer  until  by  the  most  rigid  economy  he 
d saved  enough  to  pay  his  way  through  a collegiate  course  of  study,  and  for  that  pur- 
se he  entered  the  preparatory  department  of  the  Ohio  Wesleyan  University,  at  Dela- 
ire,  Ohio.  In  school,  as  at  his  trade,  he  was  never  satisfied  unless  he  stood  among  the 
jst  in  his  class,  and  by  his  former  habits  of  close  application,  industry,  energy  and 
tural  ability,  succeeded  in  keeping  his  name  on  the  roll  of  honor  during  his  school 
e at  the  university.  He  was  one  of  the  prominent  members  of  the  Zetagathean  Lit- 
iry  Society  of  the’ above  institution,  and  in  the  frequent  discussions  and  debates  in 
e society  always  took  an  active  part,  and  was  always  selected  to  champion  the  cause 
the  weaker  side,  and  generally  proved  a full  match  for  his  antagonist.  Having  en- 
-ed  the  school  with  a fixed  purpose  he  made  rapid  progress  in  his  studies,  when  the 
rur  for  the  preservation  of  the  Union”  broke  out  and  arrested  him  in  his  scholastic 
rsuits.  He  enlisted  as  a volunteer  and  served  sixteen  months,  when  he  received  an 
norable  discharge,  and  was  mustered  out  of  service  at  Todd  Barracks.  He  returned 
Dayton  again,  and  while  home  married  Miss  Cornelia  Anne  Woll  youngest  daughter 
Dr.  W.  W.  Wolf,  May  15,  1865.  He  then  began  work  for  himself  as  a contractor 
d builder,  and“  since  that  time  has  been  one  of  the  largest  contractors  in  this  city, 
i monuments  of  his  ability,  he  points  with  pride  to  Grace  Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
p palatial  residences  of  C.  L.  Hawes,  Eugene  Barney,  T.  T.  Legler,  and  many  others. 
ie  breaking  out  of  the  rebellion  made  him  an  outspoken  and  fearless  Republican,  and 
3 same  principles  remain  with  him  to  this  day.  In  1872,  he  was  elected  member  of 
3 City  Council  by  the  Republicans  of  the  Fifth  Ward,  and  proved  himself  a valuable 
mber  of  that  body.  Hardly  a meeting  passed  that  he  did  not  get  into  an  animated 
'■■mission  with  his  colleagues  upon  some  measure  before  the  Council,  and  as  he  had  a pe- 
'lar  way  of  presenting  his  facts  like  so  many  points  sticking  out  on  every  side,  his 
ntion  was  generally  invulnerable,  and  he  very  rarely  lost  a cause  whose  interest  he  es- 


186 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


poused  while  in  his  two  years’  term  with  the  City  Fathers.  He  was  again  elected 
member  for  1881-82  and  is  now  an  honored  member  of  that  body.  He  wields  a causti 
pen,  and  in  writing  for  the  press  presents  his  thoughts  in  a very  plain,  forcible  mannei 
and  is  regarded  a writer  of  much  ability  by  those  who  know  his  nom  de  ■plume.  He  i 
in  the  prime  of  life,  and,  as  he  comes  from  a long-lived  race,  has  many  years  in  store  i 
which  he  can  succeed  in  carving  his  name  high  upon  the  roll  of  honor,  if  he  will  us 
the  same  energy  and  talent  which  characterized  his  early  life. 

CHARLES  H.  ANDERTON,  merchant,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Dayton,  Montgomer 
Co.,  Ohio,  October  1 1,  1842.  He  is  the  son  of  James  and  Francis  (Wilby)  Anderton,  wit 
were  married  in  England  and  emigrated  to  America  soon  after.  The  father  died  in  185( 
but  the  mother  still  survives,  having  reached  the  age  of  four-score  and  one  years.  Charles 
our  subject,  attended  the  public  schools  of  Dayton  until  twelve  years  of  age  and  the 
clerked  for  his  brother  in  a fruit  store  until  April,  1862,  when  he  opened  a fruit  stars 
for  himself,  on  the  northeast  corner  of  Third  and  Main  streets,  in  Dayton,  where  he  ri 
mained  until  August,  1862,  and  then  enlisted  in  Company  A,  Ninety-third  Ohio  Volui 
teer  Infantry.  He  was  in  the  engagements  at  Stone  River,  Chickamauga,  Mission  Hidg 
where  he  was  wounded  in  the  wrist,  and  in  many  other  minor  engagements  and  ski 
mishes.  At  Danbridge,  East  Tenn.,  he  was  wounded  in  the  right  breast,  in  Januar 
1864,  but  served  until  the  close  of  the  war,  receiving  his  discharge  in  May,  1865.  H 
was  married  April  10,  1867,  to  Miss  Lucy  Henderson,  daughter  of  Eben  and  Mai 
Henderson,  of  Minooka,  111.,  by  whom  he  has  had  three  children,  one  girl  and  two  boj 
only  one  of  the  latter  surviving.  Mr.  Anderton  is  a member  of  Wayne  Lodge,  No,  f 
I.  0.  0.  F.;  Dayton  Encampment,  I.  0.  O.  F.;  Knights  of  Pythias,  Legion  of  Hono 
Grand  Army  of  the  Republic,  Old  Guards,  and  ex-member  of  the  National  Guard 
He  is  also  Chairman  of  the  Republican  County  Central  Committee.  He  served  fr 
years  in  and  was  the  organizer  of  Company  A,  Fourth  Ohio  National  Guards,  which 
that  time  was  a Zouave  company.  He  was  a member  of  the  old  volunteer  fire  cor 
pany  for  seven  or  eight  years,  and  of  the  paid  company  from  1865  to  1880.  No  high 
tribute  can  be  paid  to  such  a man  than  to  thus  show  to  the  world  his  record. 

JOHN  C.  BAIRD,  of  firm  of  Baird  Bros.,  owners  planing  mill,  sash,  door  at 
blind  factory,  Dayton,  was  born  at  Somerset,  Penn.,  April  30,  1819.  His  parents  we 
Daniel  and  Annie  M.  (Kurtz)  Baird,  natives  of  the  Keystone  State.  The  former  was 
carpenter  and  builder  and  cabinet  maker.  He  was  a soldier  in  the  American  army  duriijj 
the  war  of  1812,  and  died  September  15, 1876.  aged  eighty-three  years  and  four  month 
He  was  a man  of  strong  constitution,  very  vigorous,  and  up  to  the  time  of  his  dea 
(caused  by  old  age)  never  suffered  a week’s  sickness.  His  amiable  helpmeet  follow 
him  to  the  “ shadowed  land  ’’December  16,  1879,  aged  eighty-one  years  and  nit, 
months.  They  were  the  parents  of  eleven  children,  eight  of  whom  yet  survive  T| 
subject  of  this  sketch  was  reared  amid  the  rocky  hillsof  Old  Pennsylvania,  and  when  si 
teen  years  of  age  commenced  to  learn  the  trade  of  his  father,  continuing  with  him  1 
business  for  some  years.  When  twenty-five  years  of  age,  he  came  to  Dayton,  where 
worked  at  his  trade  for  quite  a period.  In  the  meantime,  his  brother,  William  F.,  hi 
visited  the  Valley  City,  and  located  there.  The  two  brothers  decided  to  embark  in  t 
busy  and  tempestuous  sea  of  life,  and,  as  both  were  practical  mechanics,  decided  to  < 
tablish  their  present  business.  They  did  so,  under  the  firm  name  of  Baird  brc 
and  have  continued  the  business  to  the  present  time.  Since  coming  to  Dayton,  & 
Baird  was,  for  three  years,  engaged  in  the  grocery  business.  He  was  married  in 
early  day,  and  buried  a wife  and  child  in  October,  1843.  His  second  marriage  w 
solemnized  in  1847,  the  second  party  to  the  contract  being  Susan  Olive,  a native 
Zanesville,  Ohio.  They  have  four  children  living — Charles  H.,  William  F.,  1 'oret 
and  Arthur— the  eldest  son  and  daughter  being  married.  Mr.  Baird  and  wife  are  me,; 
bers  of  the  First  Lutheran  Church,  the  former  having  officiated  as  Deacon  for  some  yea 
Mr.  Baird  joined  the  I.  O.  O.  F.,  in  August,  1845,  and  since  that  period  has  given  mu 
of  his  time  to  the  advancement  of  the  order.  He  is  a member  of  Wayne  Lodge, 

10,  and  Dayton  Encampment,  No.  2.  During  one  State  Encampment,  at  Portsmou 
Ohio,  he  was  appointed  and  served  as  Grand  Junior  Warden.  In  the  home  lodge 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


187 


as  devoted  some  time  to  committee  work,  and  ably  assisted  in  preparing  a forty  years’ 
fetoryof  the  lodge  for  publication.  In  politics,  Mr,  Baird  is  a strong  Republican. 
Te  served  as  Councilman  from  the  Fifth  Ward  for  two  years,  and  was  one  of  the  com- 
mittee appointed  to  visit  the  Eastern  cities  to  examine  the  different  systems  of  fire 
rotection  in  use  in  each.  He  assisted  in  establishing  the  Holly  system  in  Dayton,  an 
pt  of  which  he  justly  feels  proud. 

ELTAM  E BARNET,  deceased,  was  born  in  Adams,  Jefferson  Co.,  N.  Y., 
etober  14,  18U7.  His  parents  were  Benjamin  Barney,  a native  of  Guilford,  Vt.,  and 
aocy  Potter,  of  Connecticut.  His  father  was  a warm  and  active  friend  to  education, 
id  one  of  the  principal  movers  in  founding  Union  Academy,  at  Bellville,  Jefferson  Co., 

. Y.,  having  contributed  for  this  object  very  liberally,  bch  time  and  money.  For 
lore  than  fifty  years,  this  academy  has  been  a vigorous  and  prosperous  institution  of 
arning.  Both  parents  were  earnest,  active  members  of  the  Baptist  Church,  from  early 
'e  till  death.  Having  received  a common-school  education  and  acquired  some  experi- 
jlce  as  a teacher  in  winter  schools,  our  subject  was  prepared  for  college  at  Lawville 
cademy,  Lewis  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  at  Union  Academy,  Bellville,  in  the  same  State.  He 
ien  entered  the  sophomore  class,  at  Union  College,  Schenectady,  from  which  he  grad- 
ited  in  1831.  After  teaching  for  a brief  period  in  a family  boarding  school  at  Sand 
ake,  N.  Y.,  he  became  Principal  of  Lawville  Academy,  where  he  remained  two  years, 
eeting  with  great  success.  In  the  fall  of  1833,  he  came  to  Ohio,  and  taught  for  six 
pnths  in  Granville  College  (now  Dennison  University),  filling  the  place  of  Prof, 
rury,  who  had  been  elected,  but  had  not  yet  arrived  In  the  spring  of  1834,  he  came 
Dayton  and  was  Principal  of  the  Daytm  Academy  from  1834  to  1838.  The  two 
cceeding  years,  he  taught  a private  school  for  both  sexes.  His  health  failing,  he  re- 
lquished  teaching,  and  during  four  years  engaged  in  the  lumber  trade.  In  the  mean- 
ne,  the  Cooper  Female  Academy  had  been  established,  and  Mr.  Barney  was  called  to 
e charge  of  it  as  Principal,  in  1845,  and  so  continued  until  1851.  This  closed  his 
reer  as  a teacher,  and  after  that  time  he  was  engaged  in  widely  different  pursuits, 
is  teaching  from  first  to  last  was  attended  with  great  success,  and  the  occupation  be- 
E one  for  which  he  seemed  peculiarly  fitted,  in  it  he  attained  a high  reputation.  His 
ucation  and  the  range  of  his  information  were  ample,  and  he  possessed  the  rare  faeul- 
of  communicating  knowledge  to  his  pupils.  He  seemed  without  difficulty  to  reach 
ib  understanding  and  compel  a ready  apprehension  of  all  he  sought  to  teach.  There 
e but  few  of  his  former  pupils  who  will  not  say  that  he  was  the  best  of  all  their  teach- 
i.  His  discipline  was  strict,  but  his  kindness  at  the  same  time  so  manifest  that  he 
rnred  alike  their  respect,  affection  and  obedience.  In  the  summer  of  1850,  in  com- 
ny  with  Mr.  E.  Thresher,  he  started  the  Dayton  Car  Works.  Their  capital  was  lim- 
d and  the  business  was  carried  on  upon  a moderate  scale  and  prudently,  but  success- 
dy.  In  1854,  Mr.  C.  Parker  succeeded  Mr.  Thresher  in  the  firm,  and  from  that  time 
1 1864  the  business,  which  had  greatly  increased,  was  conducted  undpr  the  firm  name 
Barney,  Parker  & Co.  Mr.  Parker  then  sold  out  to  Mr.  Preserved  Smith,  the  firm 
homing  Barney,  Smith  & Co.,  and  the  business  was  thus  continued  until  1867.  when 
1 oint  stock  company  was  formed  under  the  name  of  “ The  Barney  & Smith  Manu- 
•turing  Company  of  Dayton,”  of  which  Mr.  Barney  was  the  President  until  his  death, 
is  company  furnishes  all  kinds  of  cars  for  the  railroads  of  the  North,  East,  South 
d West.  During  nearly  its  entire  history,  Mr.  Barney  was  the  head  of  the  estab- 
Umcnt,  and  to  him  is  due  the  great  success  of  the  enterprise.  He  was  a man  of  great 
£ hty,  bold  but  prudent,  clear  headed,  far  sighted,  energetic,  systematic,  practical  and 
‘troughly  familiar  with  the  business  in  general  and  in  detail.  Some  years  before  his 
tilth,  Mr.  Barney,  realizing  the  fact  that  our  forests  are  rapidly  disappearing  and  the 
vole  country  becoming  denuded  of  its  timber  trees,  and  that  the  constant  demand 
1 timber  would  soon  exhaust  the  present  supply,  and  having  his  attention  called 
j the  valuable  properties  of  the  “catalpa,”  a tree  of  quick  growth  and  fiurnish- 
1 timber  of  the  most  enduring  quality,  began  the  collection  of  information 
f )ecting  the  tree,  and  by  correspondence,  communications  to  the  papers  and 
T publication  of  pamphlets,  he  awakened  a very  wide-spread  interest  in  the 


188 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES  : 


subject.  He  had  at  his  office  various  specimens  of  the  catalpi  wood,  one  o! 
which  was  from  a post  that  stood  in  the  ground  for  seventy-five  years  and  which,  with 
the  exception  of  a very  slight  decay  on  the  outside,  was  as  perfect  and  sound  as  when 
sunk  iu  the  earth.  He  had.  also,  numerous  letters  from  foreign  countries  as  well  at 
all  parts  of  the  United  States,  making  inquiries  respecting  the  catalpa,  commending  inn 
in  the  most  flattering  terms  for  the  interest  he  had  taken  in  this  important  matter,  am 
assuring  him  that  bis  efforts  in  that  connection  could  not  fail  to  be  crowned  with  tin 
most  valuable  results,  and  be  appreciated  by  future  generations.  If  “ he  who  cause 
two  blades  of  grass  to  grow  where  but  one  grew  before  ” is  a benefactor  to  his  race,  ii 
an  equally  important  sense  is  this  true  of  a man  who  was  instrumental  in  arousing  th 
attention  of  nurserymen  and  agriculturists  in  the  liberal  cultivation  of  this  most  vilua 
ble  timber  tree,  calculated,  as  it  is,  to  furnish  excellent  lumber  for  future  use.  Mr.  Bar 
ney  was  never  an  aspirant  for  public  office.  He  was,  however,  President  of  the  Daytoi 
Hydraulic  Company  from  its  organization,  and  was  Vice  President  of  the  Second  Nations 
Bank  of  Dayton,  also  a Director  and  the  largest  stockholder  of  the  same.  He  was  like 
wise  for  many  years  prominently  connected  with  the  First  Baptist  Church  of  Daytoi 
and  for  some  twenty  years  a member  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  Dennison  University 
at  Granville,  Ohio  (the  Baptist  college  of  the  State),  to  which  institution  he  has givei 
$50,000,  the  same  being  to  endow  two  memorial  Professorships.  He  also  contribute 
very  largely  to  various  other  enterprises  connected  with  his  denomination.  On  Qct< 
ber  10,  1834,  he  married  Julia,  daughter  of  Dudley  Smith,  of  Galway,  Saratoga  Co 
N.  Y , and  six  children,  of  whom  five  are  living,  were  the  issue  of  this  marriage.  M 
Barney  departed  this  life  on  the  17th  of  December,  1880,  and  was  buried  in  the  beat 
tiful  Woodland  cemetery,  with  ceremonies  befitting  his  rank  in  life. 

ERHAIID  BAUMAN,  baker,  Dayton;  was  born  in  Bavaria,  Germany,  Ju 
31,  1831,  and  emigrated  to  America  in  1848.  In  April,  1855.  he  married  Mary  Fuel 
by  whom  he  has  had  three  sons  and  two  daughters — Rose,  Emma,  Louis,  Adolph  1 
and  Oscar.  He  was  one  of  the  first  to  strike  his  pick  on  the  city  gas  works  under  o 
Mr.  Wheelock.  He  worked  at  baking  for  W.  W.  Wold  three  years,  and  then  coi 
menced  the  baking  business  for  himself,  in  which  he  continued  one  year,  and  the 
with  Mr.  Wisemiller,  started  the  brewery  of  Bauman  & Wisemiller.  He  discontinui 
this  in  1850,  and  commenced  his  present  business  at  437  West  Third  street,  where  1 
has  since  continued  with  marked  success.  His  family  are  members  of  the  Cathoi 
Church. 

ADOLPH  L.  BAUMAN,  baker,  Dayton ; was  born  in  Dayton  Nov.  29,  185 
He  is  the  son  of  Erhard  Bauman,  a baker  of  Dayton.  He  was  reared  and  educati 
in  the  Catholic  schools  of  the  city,  and  when  thirteen  years  of  age  learned  the  bakii 
business  with  his  father.  In  1877,  he  established  his  present  business  ; has  succeeded 
building  up  a trade  second  to  only  one  in  the  city.  He  was  married,  May  27,  1879, 
Caroline,  a native  of  Dayton.  IJhey  have  no  children.  Mrs.  Bauman  is  a member 
Emanuel  Catholic  Church. 

FRANK  BAUMHECKEL,  butcher,  Dayton  ; was  born  in  Bavaria  January 
1827.  His  father,  John,  was  born  in  1794,  and  his  mother  Katie  in  1801.  'lb 
were  born  under  the  French  Government,  and  the  father  became  a soldier  under  Naf 
leon.  Frank,  our  subject,  came  to  America  in  1843,  and  landed  in  New  Orleans,  wht 
he  was  during  the  Mexican  war.  In  May,  1847,  he  went  to  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  and, 
1851,  to  Dayton,  where  he  has  since  lived  and  plied  his  trade  of  butchering.  He  in; 
ried,  Feb.  7,  1857,  Miss  Elizabeth  Mack,  daughter  of  Gottlieb,  and  Dora  Mack, 
Dayton,  by  whom  he  has  had  the  following  nine  children — Louisiana  'isince  dea<: 
Louis  M.  (dead),  Franklin  Benjamin,  William  Tecumseh,  Charles  L.  E.,  Geoi| 
Alexander  Lafayette,  Katie  Elizabeth  Isabelle,  Florence  Augusta  Eugene,  0 
Edward  Gambetta.  Mr.  Baumheckel  was  a member  of  the  City  Council  for  1809  a 
1870,  and  Meat  Inspector  from  1868  to  1881.  He  is  a member  of  Schiller  Lodge,  i 
6,  I.  O.  O.  F.;  Dayton  Encampment,  No.  2,  I.  O.  O.  F. ; St.  John’s  Lodge,  No. 
Masonic;  Unity  Chapter,  No.  16,  Masonic;  Reese  Council,  No.  9,  Masonic;  Ancii 
Order  of  Druids,  Dayton  Marrie,  No.  14,  Harugari,  Shawnee  Tribe  Red  Men,  Butchi 
Association,  Dayton  Turners’  Society,  and  Miami  Lodge,  No.  6,  A.  O.  U.  W. 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


189 


DANIEL  BECKEL  was  born  Sept.  14,  1813,  in  Summerless,  County  Cornwall, 
ijanncell  Parish,  Eng.  He  was  the  sou  of  Richard  and  Susan  Beckel.  While  he  was 
et  quite  a youth,  his  father  died,  and  his  mother  afterward  married  James  Giddings. 
n 1829,  when  young  Beckel  was  sixteen  years  of  age,  the  family  came  to  this  country, 
ettling  first  in  the  city  of  Baltimore.  Mr.  Giddings,  being  a civil  engineer,  soon 
iecame  engaged  in  the  construction  of  the  Baltimore  & Ohio  Railroad,  and,  taking 
leckel  as  assistant,  they  so  continued  until  1835  or  1836,  when  they  came  to  Tusea- 
awas  County,  Ohio.  While  living  in  that  county,  they  were  engaged  upon  the  public 
forks,  then  in  process  of  construction  by  the  State.  Afterward  they  became  the  con- 
tactors for,  and  constructed  the  great  St.  Mary’s  Reservoir,  for  the  Miami  Canal. 
Yfter  the  completion  of  that  work,  Mr.  Beckel  came  to  Dayton,  where  he  continued  to 
eside  until  his  death.  He  had  already  accumulated  a handsome  fortune  for  that  day, 
ait,  being  full  of  energy  and  enterprise,  he  was  not  content  to  let  it,  or  himself,  remain 
die,  but  soon  engaged  in  large  and  important  undertakings,  which  proved  profitable  to 
liiuself,  and  greatly  beneficial  to  the  city.  He  was  the  projector  of  what  is  called  the 
Jpper  Hydraulic  Basin,  organized  a company,  in  which  he  was  a principal.  He  was 
he  builder  of  the  Commercial  Mill  upon  the  basin,  now  owned  by  S.  Gebhart  & Sons, 
nd  in  connection  with  William  J.  Lamme,  operated  it  for  several  years.  He  also 
uilt  the  Ohio  Block,  Beckel  Opera  House,  the  Beckel  House  (hotel),  and  other  valua- 
ble structures.  He  was  at  all  times  engaged  in  various  business,  in  the  manufacture  of 
roolens  and  of  flour,  in  the  lumber  trade,  in  the  construction  of  railroads  and  turn- 
jiikes,  and  largely  in  banking.  In  connection  with  William  Dickey  and  Joseph  Clegg, 
|e  established  a private  bank,  which  for  many  years  enjoyed  unlimited  credit,  and  was 
favorite  depository  of  money.  Dickey  and  Clegg  having  withdrawn,  a stringency  in 
he  money  market  in  1854  caused  a run  upon  the  bank,  and  his  means  being  largely 
nvested  in  real  estate  and  inconvertible  securities,  Mr.  Beckel  was  compelled  to  sus- 
pend payment  for  a time ; but  by  his  skillful  management  and  great  energy,  he  was 
nabled  to  pay  all  his  liabilities,  and  save  to  himself  a large  property.  He  was  almost 
he  sole  owner  of  the  Miami  Valley  and  Dayton  Banks,  and  was  Cashier  of  the  latter, 
nd  at  one  time  President  of  the  Dayton  Insurance  Company,  of  which  he  was  one  of 
he  original  organizers.  In  1851,  Mr.  Beckel  was  elected  to  the  House  of  Representa- 
ives  of  the  Ohio  Legislature,  in  which  he  served  through  two  sessions,  with  the  same 
bility  that  he  had  exhibited  in  all  his  business  enterprises,  and  was  an  active,  useful 
od  influential  member  of  that  body.  On  Sept.  2,  1845,  Mr.  Beckel  was  married  to  a 
lost  devoted  and  excellent  woman,  who  still  survives,  Susan  Harshman.  They  had 
welve  children,  of  whom  six  were  living  at  the  time  of  his  death.  His  oldest  son, 
)aniel,  was  killed  by  accident  not  long  after.  The  others  are  still  living.  On  the  26th 
ay  of  February,  1862,  Mr.  Beckel  died  suddenly,  from  serous  appoplexy,  caused  no 
loubt  by  overwork  and  over-tasking  of  the  brain  for  years.  Mr.  Beckel  had  none  of 
he  advantages  of  early  education  or  mental  training,  of  study  or  extensive  reading, 
(et  he  was  a man  of  remarkable  intellectual  force.  His  whole  attention  was  given  to 
'Tactical  business,  and  in  that  his  intelligence,  the  clearness  of  his  understanding,  his 
agacity  and  the  soundness  of  his  judgment,  were  recognized  by  all  who  came  in  con- 
act  with  him.  He  was  capable  of  great  things,  as  well  as  small,  and  looked  at  every 
cherne  or  undertaking  in  all  its  bearings  ; having  a thorough  knowledge  of  all  the 
lements  of  business.  His  strong  will,  untiring  energy  and  boldness  of  enterprise, 
;ader  the  favorable  circumstances  that  existed  in  the  years  succeeding  his  death,  would 
mdoubtedly  have  added  much  to  his  fortune,  and  made  him,  had  he  lived,  a very 
yealthy  man.  He  was  large  minded  enough  to  know  that  the  interests  of  the  city  of 
sis  resideuce,  and  of  the  public  generally,  were  also  his  interests,  and  he  was  noted  for 
ns  public  spirit,  being  always  ready  and  anxious  to  promote  any  public  improvement  or 
iseful  enterprise.  It  is  a common  remark  among  those  who  knew  Mr.  Beckel  that  his 
eath  was  a great  loss  and  misfortune  to  the  city  of  Daytou.  Mr.  Beckel’s  was  a cor- 
pt,  sober,  earnest  life.  He  had  not  time  for  much  social  intercourse ; but  was  of  a 
;enial  and  kind  disposition,  a good  and  generous  friend,  and  an  excellent  husband  and 
ather. 


190 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


HENRY  BEST  (deceased) ; was  born  in  Cincinnati  Nov.  21,  1804,  and  died 
in  Dayton  Jan.  26,  1873,  in  the  69th  year  of  his  age.  His  father,  Thomas,  and 
his  uncles,  Samuel  and  Robert,  were  early  pioneers  of  the  “ Queen  City-.”  His 
parents,  Thomas  and  Margaret,  moved  during  his  infancy  to  Lebanon,  Warren  Co. 
Ohio,  where  Henry  was  reared  and  learned  the  jeweler’s  trade  of  his  father.  In  1828, 
he  located  in  Dayton,  where  for  forty-five  years  he  plied  his  trade  with  that  industry  sc 
characteristic  of  the  early  inhabitants  of  our  land.  He  was  of  a quiet,  unassuming 
disposition  and  very  retiring  in  manners.  With  no  aspirations  for  office,  he  seemed  tc 
shrink  from  publicity;  but  was  a lover  of  nature  and  its  solitude.  He  was  a confirmed 
devotee  of  piscatorial  amusement,  and  lost  no  opportunity  for  indulging  his  taste  in  that 
sport.  He  was  always  considered  one  of  the  most  moral,  upright,  reliable  and  worth', 
citizens  of  Dayton.  In  the  latter  years  of  his  life,  he  retired  from  active  business,  leav 
ing  the  conduct  of  his  affairs  to  his  son  Edwin.  In  religious  belief  he  was  a Free 
Thinker  in  the  broadest  sense  of  that  term.  In  1832,  he  married  Ann  S.  Drill,  daugh- 
ter of  Andrew  Drill,  of  Dayton,  formerly  of  Frederick  City,  Md.  The  fruits  of  thi- 
union  were  seven  children,  of  whom  three  sons  and  two  daughters  survive.  THo  sons 
are  all  jewelers  by  trade,  and  constitute  the  fourth  generation  of  the  family  in  the  same 
business.  His  son  Newton  resides  in  Union  City,  Ind.  Edwin  has  a jewelry  store  on 
Main  street,  near  Second,  being  the  old  stand  in  which  his  father  carried  on  for  years 
before  him,  and  in  the  house  in  which  he,  Edwin,  was  born;  William  has  ajeweln 
store  on  the  corner  of  Main  and  Third  streets.  The  daughters  are  Mrs.  Emma  Hil 
key  and  Miss  Carrie  Best.  Edwin  was  born  in  Dayton  Sept.  10,  1839,  and,  after 
receiving  a public  school  education,  entered  his  father’s  store,  where,  at  21  years  of  age 
he  became  a partner.  On  the  death  of  his  father,  the  old  firm  name  was  not  changed, 
but  went  on  in  the  same  style,  Edwin  taking  full  charge  as  he  did  when  his  father  was 
living,  being  the  active  partner.  Since  then  he  has  made  many  changes  for  the  better. 
On  the  19th  of  September,  1861,  he  married  Mary  Cecelia,  daughter  of  Gilbert  Col- 
lins, by  whom  he  has  had  three  children. 

WILLIAM  H.  BEST,  jeweler  ; was  born  in  Dayton  Sept.  15,  1845.  He  is  the 
son  of  Henry  Best,  deceased,  whose  biography  appears  in  this  work.  He  attended  the 
common  schools  until  he  was  15  years  old,  when  he  studied  designing  and  engraving 
under  Emil  Schmidt,  of  Dayton,  for  two  years.  He  then  attended  the  Miami 
Commercial  College,  of  Dayton,  for  two  years,  after  which  he  entered  the  store  of  hi- 
father,  where  he  remained  until  1875,  when  he  commenced  business  for  himself  on  the 
corner  of  Main  and  Third  streets.  On  the  27th  of  May,  1869,  he  married  Miss  Eva 
Williams,  daughterof  J.  Insco  Williams,  who  is  famous  throughout  the  United  States 
as  an  artist.  The  issue  of  this  marriage  was  two  daughters  and  one  son.  The  father, 
our  subject,  is  neither  a politician,  member  of  church  or  office-seeker.  He  has  a large 
and  successful  business,  to  which  he  gives  his  whole  and  undivided  attention,  feeling 
that  he  has  no  time  to  dabble  in  outside  matters.  The  large  and  profitable  patronage 
he  enjoys  is  sufficient  proof  of  his  desire  and  ability  to  please  all  to  whom  his  goods 
are  shown. 

JOHN  BETTELON,  saloon  and  restaurant,  Dayton,  was  born  January  13,  1829, 
in  the  city  of  Dayton,  where  his  father  came  directly  from  Germany.  His  grandpar 
ents  both  lived  and  died  in  Germany,  which  was  also  the  birthplace  of  his  father  who 
came  to  this  country  and  married  Miss  Barbara  Nauerth  of  Dayton,  by  whom  he 
bad  six  <^fld  ren,  three  boys  and  three  girls.  He  departed  this  life  in  1852,  and  was  I 
followed  by  his  wife  on  Christmas  Day,  1879.  Our  subject  received  a common -school 
education  and  then  served  a full  term  of  apprenticeship  to  a baker,  followed  by  a full  term 
to  a confectioner  which  occupied  the  time  from  1841  to  1847,  when  he  beejan  to  run 
on  the  river  as  a pastry  cook.  In  1852  he  quit  the  river  and,  with  J.  V.  Nauerth,  opened! 
a saloon  and  restaurant  in  the  Cooper  House,  opposite  the  Market  House  on  Main  street.1 
where  he  continued  until  1858,  when  he  went  into  the  wholesale  liquor  business.  Hej 
next,  in  1871,  engaged  in  the  banking  business  in  the  People’s  and  Savings  Bank,  whei^ 
he  remained  for  five  years,  or  until  1876,  when  he  again  went  into  the  wholesale  liquor 
business,  which  he  afterward  changed  into  his  present  establishment.  He  now  has  a 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


191 


•o-e  and  convenient  saloon  and  restaurant  where  a man  can  have  all  or  any  of  his 
mts  supplied,  and  is  meeting  with  the  success  his  enterprise  and  industry  merit.  In 
358 he  married  Miss  Mary  Ann  Mouter,  of  Dayton,  and  has  had  born  to  him  seven 
lildren,  four  boys  and  three  girls. 

MAJ.  WILLIAM  DENlSON  BICKHAM,  editor  and  proprietor  of  the  Dayton 
) umal,  was  born  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  March  30,  1827.  He  prepared  for  college  in 
jivate  and  public  schools,  and  was  a student  in  Cincinnati,  and  Bethany  (West  Vir- 
aia)  Colleges.  After  the  death  of  his  father,  he  entered  the  news  room  of  the  Cin- 
mati  Gazette , and  acquired  a knowledge  of  type-setting  during  a two  years’  appren- 
eship  ; subsequently,  at  the  age  of  twenty,  was  city  and  commercial  editor  of  the 
misville  (Ky.)  Daily  Courier , of  which  Walter  N.  Halderman,  now  in  a similar 
pacity  on  the  Louisville  Courier- Journal , was  general  manager.  Having  business  in 
>w  Orleans,  in  the  settlement  of  his  father’s  estate,  he  went  there  in  the  fall  of  1848, 
ing  down  the  Ohio,  as  a regular  flat-boat  hand  for  the  munificent  wages  of  $15  per 
nnth.  The  trip  to  Cairo  occupied  twenty-nine  days,  during  which  the  boat  grounded 
< almost  every  bar  in  the  river.  The  following  year,  Mr.  Bickham  was  engaged  in 
isrcantile  pursuits  in  Cincinnati,  and  early  in  1850,  he  was  seized  with  the  gold  fever 

I went  to  California,  via  the  Isthmus.  From  thence  he  proceeded  on  a sailing  vessel 
(ne  barque  Anne,  of  Bristol,  R.  I.),  from  Panama  to  the  coast  of  California,  a voyage 
t sixty-three  days,  where  he  was  washed  ashore,  from  the  wrecked  launch  of  the  ship, 

■ ne  2,  1850.  He  spent  over  a year  at  hard  labor  in  the  Northern  mines,  on  the 
Irth  Fork  and  Middle  Fork  of  the  American  Rivers,  at  Grass  Yalley,  and  in  the 
vjinity  of  Nevada,  besides  prospecting  a large  area  of  country.  He  dug  considerable 
g;d,  but  lost  it  in  mining  enterprises,  trying  to  make  more.  In  1852,  he  represented 
i Dorado  County  as  a delegate  in  the  first  Whig  State  Convention  in  California,  held  in 
Si  Francisco.  Settling  in  the  latter  city,  he  obtained  a place  in  the  customs  service, 
a was  actively  engaged  in  politics,  being  one  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  First 
fang  Men’s  Whig  Club  organized  in  California,  then  a Territory ; subsequently  he 
asted  in  the  organization  of  the  Young  Men’s  Mercantile  Library  Association,  of  San 
I.ncisco,  was  its  first  Librarian,  and  prepared  the  first  catalogue  of  the  library  ; mean- 
tie,  and  afterward  was  employed  at  various  times  as  city  editor  of  the  San  Francisco 
/ ayune,  as  editor  and  part  proprietor  of  the  San  Francisco  Evening  Journal , 

; again  as  city  editor  of  the  San  Francisco  Evening  Times  and  the  Mqrn- 
i)  Ledger  at  the  same  time.  Returning  home  in  April,  1854,  after  four  years’ 
alpce,  without  money,  he  accepted,  for  want  of  a more  congenial  pursuit,  a position 
aqrakeman  on  the  morning  express  train  from  Cincinnati  to  Dayton,  on  the  Cincin- 
» , Hamilton  & Dayton  Railway.  Within  a few  weeks  he  was  promoted  to  baggage 
'"ter ; then  accepted  a position  as  traveling  correspondent  and  agent  of  the  Cincin- 
ni  Daily  Columbian  ; next,  was  engaged  on  the  city  staff  of  the  Cincinnati  Evening 
lies,  C.  W.  Starbuck  & Co.,  proprietors ; a few  months  later,  became  traveling  cor- 
i ondent  for  that  paper,  and  while  correspondent  in  the  Legislature  early  in  1856,  ac- 
ted the  position  of  city  editor  of  the  Cincinnati  Commercial,  remaining  in  that,  office 
tsRy  editor,  and  Washington,  Columbus,  and  general  correspondent  until  the  begin- 
"i;  of  the  rebellion,  when  he  was  assigned  to  duty  as  war  correspondent  of  the  Com- 
11 'dal,  with  the  army  of  West  Virginia,  being  also  appointed  volunteer  aid-de-camp  on 
ustaff  of  Gen.  Rosecrans,  with  the  rank  of  Captain,  in  which  capacity  he  discharged  all 
h, duties  of  an  officer  of  his  rank.  After  the  battle  of  Carnifex  Ferry,  Maj.  Bickham 
" transferred  to  other  military  fields,  being  war  correspondent  with  the  Army  of  the  Po- 
me until  after  the  seven  days’  battles  on  the  Chickahominy  and  at  Malvern  Hill  ; then 
upntucky  until  the  Cumberland  Gap  expedition,  under  Gen.  George  H.  Thomas, 

II  ward  in  Mississippi,  with  Gen.  Rosecrans’  command  at  Corinth,  and  finally,  with 

'"Army  of  tfie  Cumberland,  ending  with  the  occupation  of  Murfreesboro,  after  the 
: of  Stone  River,  when  Gen.  Rosecrans  conferred  upon  him  the  title  of  Major  for 

"fees  in  that  battle  as  volunteer  aid-de-camp.  In  May,  1863,  immediately  after  the 
deduction  of  the  Journal  office,  Maj.  Bickham  was  invited  to  take  control  of  the 
"bpaper  field  in  Dayton,  Ohio,  and  immediately  repaired  to  that  city,  making  it  his 


192 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES; 


home,  on  and  after  the  11th  of  that  month.  Daring  these  laborious  nineteen  years  t 
date,  the  Journal  has  grown  into  a strong  and  influential  paper,  financially  and  polit: 
cally.  Maj.  Bickhain,  although  fifty-five  years  of  age,  is  as  vigorous  as  ordinary  me 
ten  years  younger,  and  has  a large  capacity  for  hard  work.  He  owes  his  vitality  to 
powerful  constitution,  and  superior  physical  powers  carefully  cultivated  in  athletic  exei 
cises  in  his  youth  and  earlier  manhood.  His  habit  now  is  to  spend  ten  or  twelve  hour 
at  work  and  walk  six  to  eight  miles  daily  for  exercise.  He  has  unshaken  faith  in  th 
Republican  party,  believing  that  the  best  interests  of  the  nation  are  involved  in  it 
prosperity.  He  is  a blunt,  plain  man,  yet  kind  and  courteous  to  friend  and  strange 
alike ; and,  although  his  determined  and  vigorous,  partisan  journalistic  career  ha 
created  enemies  among  his  political  opponents,  his  friend-s  stanch  and  true  may  b 
counted  by  the  hundreds. 

GEORGE  N.  BIERCE,  manufacturer,  Dayton.  This  highly  respected  citizei 
and  business  mai  of  Dayton  is  a me  nberof  the  firm  of  Stillwell  & Bierce  Manufacturin 
Co.,  manufacturers  of  steam  heaters  and  turbine  water  wheels,  and  roller  mills.  Hew; 
born  at  Nelson,  Portage  Co.,  Ohio,  October  20,  1842.  His  father,  H.  N.  Bierce,  w; 
a native  of  Connecticut,  and  a pioneer  farmer  of  that  portion  of  the  Buckeye  Sfcati 
When  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  four  years  of  age,  his  mother  was  called  to  her  5n 
resting  place,  and  four  years  later  his  father  joined  her  “ on  the  other  side.”  Being  le 
an  orphan  when  very  young,  Mr.  Bierce  went  to  Canton,  Ohio,  where  a kind  uncle  an 
aunt  received  him  into  their  family  fold,  and  where  he  was  reared  and  educated.  Who 
the  war  of  the  rebellion  commenced,  Mr.  Bierce  became  an  ardent  advocate  of  the pri 
ciples  of  liberty,  and  in  1862,  enlisted  in  Company  K,  Ninety-third  Ohio  Volunteer  I 
fantry,  serving  as  a private  for  eighteen  months.  Disability  necessitated  his  discharg 
but  after  recovery  he  again  enlisted,  this  time  as  Adjutant  of  the  131st  Regimeij 
serving  till  the  end  of  the  fratricidal  strife.  After  the  close  of  the  war,  he  came 
Dayton,  and  in  1866  associated  himself  in  business  with  E.  R.  Stillwell,  in  the  man 
facture  of  the  Stillwell  Heater.  In  1870,  the  firm  commenced  making  the  celebrat 
“ Eclipse  ” turbine  water  wheel,  and  in  1879  added  the  “ Victor  ” turbine  to  their  li 
the  latter  bearing  the  reputation  of  being  the  best  one  manufactured  in  the  Unit 
States.  Mr.  Bierce  has  charge  of  the  introduction  of  the  goods  of  the  firm,  and  tin 
enormous  and  steadily  increasing  trade.  He  was  married  in  September,  1865,  to  Mari 
L.  Barkdull,  a native  of  Saratoga  Springs,  N.  Y.  Of  the  three  children  sent  to  thi 
two  survive — Claude  S.  and  Fred  N.  Elsie  died,  aged  sixteen  months.  Mr.  Biei 
and  wife  are  members  of  the  first  Baptist  Church.  He  is  Republican  in  politics,  and 
his  integrity  in  business,  and  warm  social  qualities,  has  won  the  respect  and  esteem 
the  better  class  of  citizens  of  Dayton  and  Montgomery  County. 

EZRA  BIMM,  wholesale  and  retail  grocerand  ice  dealer,  Dayton.  The  ancestors 
this  gentleman  were  all  Germans.  Three  brothers — John,  Adam  and  one  whose  nam 
now  forgotten — coming  from  Hesse-Cassel,  on  the  River  Rhine,  Germany  (being  1 
mly  children  of  their  family),  and  settling  in  Pennsylvania.  Adam  was  the  first 
the  brothers  to  cross  the  Atlantic,  John  following  him  when  but  nineteen  years  old,  1 
/ellow  fever  was  so  bad  in  Philadelphia,  that  the  vessel  was  not  allowed  to  land  the 
but  put  its  passengers  ashore  near  that  city.  John  began  working  for  a Quaker  fan 
tvith  whom  he  remained  one  and  one-half  years,  being  taught  English  by  his  beucfacti 
and  in  after  years  he  always  spoke  highly  of  his  “ Quaker  mother  ” as  he  called 
ady  of  the  house.  Learning  the  whereabouts  of  his  brother  Adam  he  left  his  Qua 
home  for  Philadelphia,  where  both  his  brothers  were  living,  and  from  there  went 
Woodbury,  Gloucester  Co.,  N.  J.,  where  he  married  Christina  Dansenbaker,  a nai 
of  that  county,  born  near  Deerfield.  Here  he  followed  farming  until  the  spring  of  loj 
when  he  started  with  his  family  for  Ohio,  landing  in  Dayton  on  the  1st  of  June,  a 
a six  weeks’  trip.  His  brother  Adam  and  himself,  previous  to  his  coming  to  Ohio, 
ited  their  brother  who  was  working  in  a glass  factory  in  Philadelphia,  aud  Adam 
so  much  opposed  to  John  going  to  Ohio,  that  he  came  one  day’s  journey  with  him, 
ing  to  influence  John  to  return,  but  without  avail,  as  our  subject’s  father  kept  on 
ward  the  setting  sun.  Five  children  were  born  in  N.  J.,  viz.,  Henry,  Joseph,  Ja< 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


193 


Ltin  and  Elizabeth,  and  five  in  Ohio,  viz.,  John,  Isaac,  James,  Mary  and  Ezra.  John 
limin,  with  his  wife  and  family,  first  stopped  at  the  La  Fayette  House,  on  3d  street, 
here  Mr.  Huffman  lived  and  kept  store,  and  his  first  acquaintance  was  Col.  George 
Jewcom,  who  proved  to  be  a warm  and  devoted  friend,  and  who  gave  him  the  use  of 
'is  cabin  until  he  could  provide  one  for  himself  aryd  family.  His  first  work  in  Ohio 
as  for  Col.  Grimes  and  D.  C.  Cooper,  about  which  time  Mr.  Cooper  offered  him  the 
It,  upon  which  the  jail  now  stands,  for  five  days’  work,  but  Mr.  Bimm  thought  the  lot 
las  too  dear,  as  it  was  then  a frog  pond.  From  Col.  Newcom’s  he  moved  to  Huffman’s 
rm,  thence  to  Cozard’s,  thence  to  near  the  Edgar  farm  on  the  Shaker  pike,  and  from 
aere  to  the  farm  of  H.  G.  Phillips,  on  which  the  cabin  stood  to  the  right  of  the  large 
Hck  now  standing  there.  About  this  time  he  bought  from  Dr.  John  Steele  thirty 
ires  of  land  on  the  hill,  by  Hawes’  Mill,  upon  which  he  erected  a two-storied  frame 
Ouse,  and  here  he  died  in  1847,  his  wife  having  died  two  years  previous.  The  sub- 
let of  this  sketch  was  the  youngest  in  a family  of  ten  children,  and  was  born  in  Mont- 
omery  County,  Ohio,  May  3,  1829,  his  early  youth  being  passed  on  the  farm,  which 
las  his  father’s  vocation.  When  but  twelve  years  old  he  began  clerking  in  Herman’s 
oeery  store,  of  Dayton,  where  he  remained  one  year,  when  he  returned  to  the  farm, 
i which  he  worked  about  a year ; he  then  came  to  Dayton  and  began  working  at  car- 
ntering  for  Ware  & Wareham,  then  for  Mr.  Smith,  in  what  was  at  that  time  called 
renchtown,  after  which  he  returned  home,  spent  one  winter  at  Harshman’s,  going  to 
hool.  and  then  entered  his  brother  Joseph’s  store  where  he  clerked  for  two  or  three 
iars.  About  this  time  he  formed  a desire  of  going  to  California,  which  he  relinquished 
pen  giveD  an  interest  in  his  brother’s  store,  which  partnership  existed  for  sixteen  years 
aen  they  divided  it,  each  taking  as  a partner  a son  of  Joseph’s  both  of  whom  soon 
ed,  and  then  Ezra  took  the  grocery  and  ice  business  and  Joseph  the  pork  business, 
d a farm.  Two  years  ago  Mr.  Bimm  gave  two  of  his  sons  an  interest  in  the  busi- 
es, the  firm  being  now  E.  Bimm  & Sons,  which  is  recognized  as  one  of  the  leading 
mses  of  Dayton.  Our  subject  built  the  first  artificial  ice  lake  in  the  county,  which  is 
:ated  close  to  the  Barney  & Smith  Car  Works,  and  there  erected  buildings  with  a 
pacity  of  50,000  tons  of  ice,  in  which  line  he  does  an  immense  business.  Mr.  Bimm 
is  married  October  19,  1852,  to  Miss  Sarah  Beardshear,  daughter  of  Isaac  and  Sarah 
looker)  Beardshear,  of  Harrison  Township,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  to  whom  has  been 
rn  three  sons,  viz,,  Levi,  Joseph  and  Herman  H.,  all  living  and  young  men  of  bright 
omise.  Politically  Mr.  Bimm  is  a Republican,  has  always  taken  a warm  interest  in  the 
Access  of  his  party,  was  a member  of  the  City  Council  from  1859  to  186-4  inclusive  and 
listed  in  organizing  the  present  fire  department  of  Dayton.  He  has  been  a director  of  the 
reman’s  Insurance  Company  of  Dayton  for  sixteen  years;  is  a director  of  the  Wayne  St. 
R.;  is  a member  of  I.  0.  O.  F.  and  he  and  family  belong  to  the  Lutheran  Church.  Mr. 
mm  is  a manofeourteous,  affable  manners,  possessing  a warm  and  generous  nature.  Keen, 
retvd  and  sagacious  in  business,  his  success  has  been  marked  by  straightforward  up- 
;ht  dealing  with  his  fellowmen,  and  from  a poor  boy  he  has  risen  by  his  own  efforts 
a foremost  place  in  the  commercial  arena  of  his  native  county. 

WESLEY  BOREN,  brick  manufacturer  and  contractor,  Dayton.  He  is 
son  of  Greenberry  and  Mary  (Ruble)  Boren,  and  was  born  in  Tennessee,  near  Jones- 
ro,  December  2, 1816,  where  be  lived  until  1836,  when  he  removed  to  Dayton,  Ohio,  and 
gan  the  trade  of  brick  mason  with  Daniel  Richmond.  In  1843;  began  business  for 
nself,  manufacturing  brick  and  contracting  the  erection  of  buildings  and  is  still  en- 
ged  in  said  business.  His  parents  were  both  natives  of  Maryland,  and  moved  to 
nnessee  in  an  early  day,  where  they  lived  until  the  death  of  the  father  in  1874.  He 
img  ninety-two  years  old,  when  Wesley  brought  his  mother  to  Dayton,  where  she 
(id  in  1880  in  her  ninety-first  year.  Wesley  served  two  terms  as  Councilman  in  the  city  of 
Ayton  from  1845  to  1849.  He  is  a Master  Mason  of  Dayton  Lodge,  No.  147,  F.  A.  A. 

Also  a member  of  Montgomery  Lodge,  No.  5,  I.  0.  0.  F.  He  was  married,  Nov. 
1842,  to  Lydia  Coblentz,  daughter  of  Peter  and  Barbary  (Ruble)  Coblentz.  Of  their 
1 ;ht  children  but  four  are  now  living,  viz.,  Amanda  A.,  Mary  C.,  Alice  J.  and  John  W. 
■a.  Boren  was  born  in  Frederick  county,  Md.,  November  6,  1814.  She  came  to 

M 


194 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  with  her  father  in  1832.  He  died  in  1851,  her  motE 
having  died  when  Lydia  was  but  nine  years  old.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Boren  have  been  mer 
hers  of  the  Raper  M.  E.  Church  of  Dayton  over  fifty  years.  Mr.  B.  was  the  contract 
and  builder  of  said  church.  He  was  a class  leader  twenty-five  years,  and  has  been  trust 
fifteen  years.  By  his  honesty  and  industry,  he  has  accumulated  quite  a snug  fortun 
and  has  been  much  respected  by  all  who  knew  him. 

DAVID  K.  BOYER,  Justice  of  the  Peace,  Dayton,  son  of  David  and  Eliz 
beth  Baker  Boyer,  was  born  in  Raphoe  Township,  Lancaster  Co.,  Penn.  Decemb 
19,1811.  His  paternal  grandfather  was  born  near  Metz,  Germany;  his  mater n 
grandfather  was  born  in  Hesse-Cassel.  IDs  father  was  born  in  a section  of  counfci 
called  Mulbach,  in  Lancaster  County  Penn.,  in  1Y70,  and  died  in  the  same  county  Avgu 
8,  1822.  His  mother  was  born  in  Lancaster  City,  Lancaster  Co.,  Penn.,  1775,  and  died 
Darke  County,  Ohio,  in  April,  1852.  Our  subject  came  to  this  county  April  27,  184 
He  had  had  a very  limited  German  and  English  education  in  his  youth,  and  was  co 
sequently  obliged  to  rely  on  his  wits  for  a means  of  obtaining  a livelihood.  He  fir 
kept  a tavern  at  the  seven  mile  store  on  the  Covington  pike,  after  which  he  taug 
school  in  Butler  Township,  and,  on  the  28th  of  April,  1841,  he  moved  to  Dayton,  whe 
he  entered  the  store  of  Henry  Harman  in  the  capacity  of  clerk.  He  next  engaged 
peddlinggoods  from  a budget  under  his  arm.  On  the  28th  of  June,  1843,  he  moved 
Union,  Montgomery  County,  and  opened  a store,  in  which  he  continued  until  elect 
Sheriff  of  the  county  in  1856.  He  moved  into  the  old  jail  November  3,  1856.  B 
election  being  contested,  he  was  ousted  from  office  by  political  influence  on  the  15th 
June,  1857.  As  an  indication  of  the  people’s  opinion  of  this  unjust  and  unwarvanti 
action,  he  was  nominated  and  elected  Clerk  of  the  Court  at  the  first  election  foliowii 
(October  1857).  To  this  office  he  was  re-elected  in  1860,  and  after  serving  out  hisfi 
term  he  entered  the  wholesale  notion  business,  but  with  poor  success.  He  then  engagi 
in  life  and  fire  insurance,  and  continued  in  this  until  1876,  when  he  was  elected  to  tl 
office  of  Justice  of  the  Peace,  in  which  capacity  he  still  continues.  He  was  married  < 
April  2,  1835,  to  Hannah  Eby,  of  Manheim,  Lancaster  Co.,  Penn., by  whom  he  had  s 
children,  three  boys  and  three  girls;  of  these,  two  boys  and  one  girl  now  survive.  M: 
Boyer  died  on  the  21st  of  August,  1880.  Mr.  Boyer  is  a member  of  the  Scottish  ai 
York  Rites  of  Masons,  and  an  Odd  Fellow.  He  has  been  Grand  Elector  of  the  fii 
Masonic  District  for  the  last  six  years.  He  left  Pennsylvania  with  a one-horse  wagon,  $! 
of  money,  and  a family  of  two  children.  All  that  he  has  nowT,  he  has  made  by  pi 
sonal  effort,  and  has  no  one  to  thank  for  his  success  but  himself. 

JOSIAH  E.  BOYER,  iron  and  stove  foundry,  Dayton.  This  gentleman  w 
born  in  Manheim,  Lancaster  Co.,  Penn.  January  1 2,  1 836.  He  is  a son  of  D.  K.  Boyer, 
whom  mention  is  made  elsewhere  in  this  work,  and  Hannah  (Eby)  Boyer.  He  car; 
to  Ohio  with  his  father  in  1840,  and  with  him  located  in  Union,  Montgomery  County 
1843.  His  education  was  obtained  before  his  twelfth  year  of  age,  at  which  time  he  1 
gan  clerking  in  the  store  his  father  then  kept.  When  approaching  his  majority, 
came  to  Dayton,  and  for  six  months  acted  as  Deputy  Sheriff.  Shortly  after  this  his  fatb 
was  elected  Clerk  of  the  Court  and  he  entered  upon  the  duties  of  that  office  for  his  fathi 
He  is  said  to  have  been  the  first  man.  not  of  the  legal  profession  to  successfully  co 
duct  the  business  of  that  office.  This  is  rather  remarkable  when  we  remember  that 
took  control  of  the  office  as  a green  country  boy,  knowing  nothing  of  the  legal  forma 
ties  with  which  the  duties  of  that  office  abound.  But  nevertheless  he  carried 
the  affairs  of  the  office  until  1864  with  great  credit  to  himself  and  father.  In  1864, 
commenced  the  business  of  stove  manufacturing,  and  started  an  extensive  iron  found 
with  John  MacMaster  under  the  firm  name  of  Boyer  & Mac  Master  as  it  now  exisl 
He  was  married  August  24,  1865,  to  Miss  M.  Lizzie  Ivneisley,  daughter  of  Samuel  ai 
Sarah  (Koogler)  Kneisley,  who  came  to  this  county  from  Pennsylvania.  By  this  mama 
one  child  wasborn,  November  30, 1869,  and  named  David  Kneisley  Eby  Boyer.  April  - 
1877,  Mr.  Boyer  was  robbed  ofthe  comfort  and  companionship  of  his  wife  by  death,  and 
has  since  remained  single.  He  has  never  taken  a very  active  part  in  politics,  althouj 
twice  elected  Water’- Works  Commissioner,  and  for  some  years  was  President  of  tli 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


195 


ard,  being  its  President  during  the  centennial  year.  He  was  the  originator  of  and 
lime  mover  in  the  Mutual  and  Home  Savings  Association  organized  in  1873,  of  which 
was  the  first  Secretary  and  its  President  since  1875.  He  is  Past  Grand  of  Wayne 
)dge,  No.  10, 1.  0.  0.  F.,  and  also  President  of  the  Dayton  Life  Insurance  Association, 
conclusion,  he  is  a gentleman  possessed  of  clear-headed  business  qualifications,  which, 
led  by  an  active  brain  and  a persistence  of  purpose  characteristic  of  all  successful  finan- 
>rs,  has  obtained  for  this  firm  and  their  goods  a reputation  as  the  leading  stove  house 
the  Miami  Valley. 

CHRISTIAN  F.  BREMER,  retired,  was  born  June  22,  1823,  in  Wulkow,  close 
Sandaw,  Prussia,  Germany,  and  is  the  son  of  Gottlieb  and  Mina  (Dietrick)  Bremer, 
no  lived  and  died  in  the  Fatherland.  The  parents  removed  to  Bredow,  close  to  Nauen, 
Men  Christian  F.  was  but  five  years  old,  and  there  he  received  his  education  and  grew 

I manhood,  learning  the  tailor’s  trade  in  the  city  of  Berlin.  In  the  spring  of  1852, 
i was  married,  close  to  Frankfort-on-the-Main,  to  Sophia  Voght,  a native  of  Hesse- 
(Issel,  and  in  June  of  the  same  year  came  to  America,  where  he  felt  that  freedom  and 
psperity  went  hand  in  hand,  landing  in  New  York  with  but  17  cents  as  the 
t e fortune  of  himself  and  wife  (and  this  small  sum  was  given  by  the  Captain  of  the 
s:p  to  their  boy,  while  on  the  passage  from  Germany,  he  began  working  at  his 
tde  in  that  city,  and  soon  afterward  went  to  Baltimore,  Md.,  where  he  worked  four 
Mrs  on  the  bench.  In  1856,  he  came  West,  remaining  a short  time  in  Darke  County, 
(io;  thence  removed  to  Dayton,  where  he  continued  tailoring  as  a journeyman  for 
ai'Ut  eight  years,  when  he  entered  into  a partnership  with  Edward  McCann  in  a mer- 
c'nt  tailoring  establishment,  which  was  soon  dissolved,  when  his  brother  Charles  took 
A Cann’s  place,  and  they  carried  on  a successful  business  for  about  three  years,  then  sold 
o , and  our  subject  purchased  152?  acres  of  timber  land  in  Darke  County,  Ohio,  and 
\ut  into  the  wood,  tie  and  timber  business,  running  a large  gang  of  men,  and  working 
e:!y  and  late  in  clearing  up  the  land.  Here  he  spent  nine  years,  then  sold  his  farm 
a returned  to  Dayton,  remaining  retired  from  active  business  about  two  years,  when 
li  went  into  the  grocery  business  on  the  corner  of  First  and  Sears  streets,  which  he 
n about  ten  months,  when  he  sold  out  and  again  retired.  In  May,  1881,  he  went  on 
a ip  to  Germany  for  the  purpose  of  visiting  his  friends  and  the  scenes  of  his  child- 

■ d days,  returning  to  Dayton  in  September,  1881.  Mr.  Bremer  began  life  in  the 
N'v  World  a very  poor  man,  but  by  constant  toil  and  earnest  effort,  coupled  with 
sidy,  saving  habits,  he  has  secured  a comfortable  competence,  and  with  his  wife  can 

enjoy  peace,  plenty  and  happiness,  the  legitimate  heirloom  of  industrious,  well- 
i)  it  lives. 

ANTHONY  C.  BROWN,  hatter,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Susses  County,  N. 
September  15,  1816.  He  came  to  Ohio  in  1817  with  his  parents  and  settled  in 
' (ene  County,  and,  in  1825,  they  moved  to  Darke  County.  Anthony  came  to  Dayton 

II  851.  His  brother,  Henry  M.,  established  the  hat  store  in  1837,  and  was  succeeded 
'Anthony  in  1861.  He  is  located  on  North  Main  street,  where  he  keeps  a full  line 
hats  of  the  very  best  quality  and  of  the  latest  styles. 

0.  B.  BROWN,  attorney,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Jeddo,  Orleans  Co.,N.  Y.,  June 
-1853.  His  parents  were  Col.  Edwin  F.  Brown,  a native  of  New  York,  born  April. 
-’1823,  and  Elizabeth  (Britt)  Brown,  a native  of  the  same  place,  who  was  born  May 
: 1824,  and  died  June  21,  1878.  They  were  married  September  25,  1844,  and  had 
iJ  children,  all  sons — Charles  Lee,  Will  J.,  Oren  B.  and  Edwin  F.,  all  surviving  but. 
V J.,  who  was  lost  in  the  West  in  1874,  and  is  supposed  to  be  dead.  Col.  Brown,  the 
cfer,  is  a farmer,  merchant  and  soldier.  He  was  Colonel  of  the  28th  N.  Y.  V.  I.,. 
1£jng  enlisted  during  the  first  year  of  the  war  and  serving  two  years,  that  being  the  full 
11  for  which  he  enlisted.  He  lost  his  left  arm  at  the  battle  of  Cedar  Mountain  August 
'■  862.  After  the  war,  he  was  elected  Clerk  of  the  Courts  for  Orleans  County, 
i 868,  he  was  appointed  Governor  of  the  National  Soldiers’  Home  at  Dayton,  in 
Eh  capacity  he  served  until  promoted  to  the  office  of  Inspector  General  of  National 
d >es  for  disabled  volunteer  soldiers  in  September,  1880.  Our  subject  came  to  Day- 
toiApril  14,  1869,  and  attended  a private  school  at  the  old  military  institute,  and 


196 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


afterward  at  the  city  high  school.  He  also  attended  Dennison  University  at  Granvil 
Ohio,  until  January  1,  1874,  when  he  left  the  Sophomore  class  of  that  college  and  enter 
the  same  class  in  Princeton  College,  Princeton,  N.  J.  From  this  latter  he  graduat 
June,  1876,  and  at  once  commenced  reading  law  with  Gunckle  & Rowe,  of  Dayti 
He  was  admitted  to  the  bar  September  1 , 1878,  and  has  since  been  in  the  practice  of) 
profession.  He  was  nominated  for  Clerk  of  the  Court  in  September,  1881,  and  elect 
by  111  majority,  being  the  only  Republican  county  officer  elected  at  that  elect! 
He  will  take  his  seat  on  the  9th  of  March,  1882,  and  we  can  safely  predict  that  ’ 
constituents  will  never  regret  putting  him  into  this  responsible  position,  as  he  is 
every  way  well  qualified  to  fill  it  with  credit  to  himself  and  party.  Mr.  Brown  is 
member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  including  Knights  Templar,  of  the  Knights 
Pythias  and  Royal  Arcanum 

ELIJAH  H.  BROWNELL,  manufacturer,  Dayton,  of  the  firm  of  E.  H.  Brov 
ell  & Co.,  boiler  makers,  was  born  in  Fulton  County,  N.  Y.,  June  20,  1828.  His  pare 
were  Frederick  and  Ann  (Dolley)  Brownell,  natives  of  New  York,  who  located  at  Lo\ 
Sandusky  in  1842.  The  former  was  a tanner  and  currier  by  trade,  and  the  son  ea 
assisted  his  parent  in  the  business.  His  early  literary  education  was  obtained  in  nig 
schools  only.  In  1844,  the  family  removed  to  Green  Springs,  where  Mr.  Brownell 
came  acquainted  with  Gen.  James  B.  McPherson,  who  was  then  a clerk  in  a 11 
country  store  owned  by  Robert  Smith.  Mr.  Brownell  learned  buckskin  tanning,  a 
after  assisting  his  father  for  some  time,  engaged  in  the  milliug  trade  with  Matthias  Sti 
nowin  the  U.  S.  Treasurer’s  office,  at  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  In  1848,  Mr.  B.  commen 
running  an  engine  in  about  the  first  steam  saw-mill  put  in  operation  near  Clyde, 
^Northern  Ohio.  In  1849,  he  went  to  Sandusky,  anticipating  going  on  the  lakes,  as 
gineer.  While  sojourning  in  that  city,  he  made  the  acquaintance  of  N.  H.  Mo< 
who  gave  him  a job  of  work  in  a boiler  shop,  at  75  cents  per  day.  He  remained  w 
him  one  year  and  then  went  to  Cleveland,  soon  after  returning  to  Mr.  Moore  with  wh 
he  finished  his  trade.  During  these  few  years  of  labor,  by  strict  economy  and  pe:j 
vearance,  he  had  been  able  to  save  a small  sum  of  money,  sufficient  to  invest  in  b 
ness  for  himself.  He  sought  a point  to  locate,  and,  after  visiting  Toledo,  came  to  B 
ton.  He  was  a perfect  stranger  to  all  but  one  or  two,  in  the  Valley  City,  but  the  ki 
ness  ofits  inhabitants  and  the  inducements  held  out,  caused  him  to  locate  there,  i 
to  establish  a business  which  now  excels  any  of  its  kind  in  Montgomery  County, 
of  which  none  are  more  proud  than  those  who  gave  the  stranger  timely  aid  and  ass 
ance  when  he  most  needed  it.  Mr.  Brownell  was  so  pleased  with  the  kindness  sk< 
him,  that  he  will  always  remember  with  grateful  heart  the  pioneers  of  early  Day 
He  leased  a little  building  on  Foundry  street,  near  the  railroad  track,  where  he  f 
commenced  business.  As  trade  increased,  his  buildings  had  to  be  enlarged  in.  pro] 
tion,  and  at  present  they  occupy  a large  space  of  ground,  in  which  is  transacted  an 
mense  amount  of  business,  a sketch  of  which  will  be  found  in  another  chapter. 
Brownell  has  worked  all  his  life,  and  given  his  entire  time  and  attention  to  his  basin 
the  success  of  which  proves  this  statement.  Mr.  Brownell  also  built  and  started 
machine  shop  and  foundry  now  owned  and  operated  by  John  R.  Brownell  and  Ma 
Schneible.  Mr.  Brownell  was  married,  Nov.  10,  1859,  to  Sarah  A.  Warman,  a na 
of  New  Jersey,  who  came  to  Montgomery  County  in  1854.  Of  their  eleven  child) 
ten  are  living — Phebe,  Minnie,  Jennie,  Frederick,  Addeson,  Lincoln,  Clara,  Elijah 
Sarah,  Nellie  and  Dollie.  An  infant  is  deceased.  Mr.  B.  united  with  the  Ba| 
Church,  during  the  pastorate  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Dickinson,  and  officiated  as  Trusted 
the  Union  Avenue  Church  for  some  years.  His  father  was  a Whig  in  politics,  and 
son  followed  in  his  footsteps  until  the  birth  of  the  Republican  party.  He  then  enli 
under  its  banner,  and  during  the  dark  “night  of  gloom’’  was  an  earnest  advocate 
the  Union  side,  and  a warm  supporter  of  the  doctrines  and  principles  of  the  mart; 
Lincoln.  Elijah  H.  Brownell  is  a man  among  many.  Commencing  life  as  a poor 
he  has  risen,  step  by  step,  to  a position  where,  by  spotless  integrity,  true  benevole 
and  genial  good  nature,  he  has  won  the  respect  of  all,  and  gained  a host  of  warm 
sonal  friends.  Mr.  Brownell’s  father  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  was 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


197 


ned  at  Sackett’s  Harbor,  under  Gen.  Brown;  and  six  of  his  mother’s  uncles  fought. 

• liberty  during  the  Bevolutionary  war. 

STEPHEN  THOMAS  BRYCE,  manufacturer  of  furnaces,  Dayton,  was  born 
( the  29th  day  of  September,  1840,  in  the  town  of  Burch ville,  St.  Clair  Co.,  Mich, 
j the  age  of  six  years,  his  father  died,  leaving  his  widow  with  a family  of  six  children, 
fee  boys  and  three  girls,  to  support.  In  the  year  1846,  the  family  removed  to  the 
ilage  of  Kilworth,  in  Canada,  where  they  continued  to  reside  until  1851,  when  they 
lived  to  Port  Huron,  Mich.  It  was  during  their  residence  in  Canada,  and  thesubse- 
*ent  two  years,  that  the  subject  of  this  sketch  obtained  what  schooling  he  ever  received, 
out  this  time,  in  the  winter  of  1853-54,  his  mother  married  again.  The  step-father 
iing  a lumberman,  during  the  following  years,  until  he  was  twenty-one,  Mr.  Bryce 
s:nt  in  that  business.  In  winter  he  was  occupied  in  the  pineries,  and  in  spring,  sum- 
■ r and  autumn  he  was  engaged  in  rafting  and  carpentering  and  generally  converting 
n logs  into  lumber,  buildings,  etc.  October  4, 1861,  Mr.  Bryceenlisted  in  the  Third  Mich- 
i n Cavalry,  Company  H,  and  was  made  First  Sergeant,  which  position  he  held  during 
tj  three  years  of  his  service  in  the  army.  Although  in  the  summer  of  1862,  through 
Is  recommendation  of  his  Captain — Highwood — his  name  had  been  sent  in  for  promo- 
ra  to  a Lieutenancy.  The  recommendation  was  approved,  and  the  commission  for- 
nded,  but,  in  the  meantime,  Capt.  H.  had  resigned,  and  the  First  Lieutenant  having 
borne  Captain  before  the  commission  was  delivered,  and  Mr.  B.  being  at  that  time 
fined  to  his  tent  by  sickness,  exerted  such  influence  as  caused  it  to  be  returned  and 
Ciiferred  on  another.  Mr.  B.  served  jvith  his  regiment,  beginning  with  the  siege  and  capt- 
bofNew  Madrid,  Island  No.  10  and  Corinth,  and  all  subsequent  campaigns  in  West  Ten- 
iijsee,  Mississippi  and  Alabama,  up  to  the  spring  of  1 864.  The  regiment  then  re-enlisted  ; 
b B.,  decliningto  follow  its  example,  was  detailedby  order  of  Maj.  Gen.  C.  C.  Washburn, 
i n commanding  the  Sixteenth  Army  Corps,  to  detached  service  in  the  transportation 
oiee  in  Memphis,  in  which  position  he  remained  until  his  term  of  service  expired,  Octo- 
t 4,  1864,  when  he  went  to  Detroit  and  was  mustered  out.  The  following  winter  he 
sjnt  in  the  Bryant  & Stratton  Commercial  College,  in  Detroit.  In  the  spring  of  1865, 
i .returned  to  Memphis,  Tenn.;  after  remaining  there  two  or  three  months,  he  changed 
life  to  New  York  City.  He  there  became  engaged  with  a firm,  his  field  of  work  being 
( acipally  the  State  of  New  Jersey.  September  29,  of  that  year,  being  his  twenty-fifth 
bjchday,  he  was  married  near  Sharpstown,  N.  J.,  to  Miss  Adelaide  M.  Webber,  daugh- 
‘ of  John  Webber,  of  Dayton,  who  was  at  that  time  visiting  her  relatives  in  that  State 
bring  the  following  winter  and  spring,  they  resided  in  New  York  City.  The  follow- 
i:  April  of  1866,  they  moved  to  Dayton,  Mr.  B.  going  into  the  stone  business, 
vich  he  has  followed  ever  since,  having  been  largely  identified  with  the  building  in- 
|sts  throughout  this  section  of  the  State,  also  in  Chicago,  and  many  other  cities 
iu  distance.  In  politics  Mr.  B.  grew  up  a Democrat  of  the  Douglas  school,  but  since 
t war  he  has  been  actively  in  sympathy  with  the  Republican  party.  In  the  spring  of 
1’7.  he  was  elected  to  the  City  Council  from  the  Fifth  Ward,  in  which  position  he  con- 
tied  until  his  term  had  nearly  expired,  i.  e.,  two  years,  when  he  resigned.  In  the 
-'mg  of  1880,  he  was  again  elected  to  the  Council,  this  time  to  represent  the  Tenth 
' rd,  upon  the  organization  of  Council  he  was  elected  President  of  that  body,  wish 
vat  ability  and  satisfaction  may  be  shown  by  his  unanimous  re-election  to  the  Presidency 

* following  year,  every  Republican  and  Democrat  in  Council  voting  for  him,  which, 
'these  days  of  party  strife,  may  be  considered  the  highest  of  compliments.  He  is 
s i occupying  the  chair  as  President  of  Council.  He  has  a family,  consisting  of 
If  daughters  and  two  sons,  as  follows.  May  Eloise,  John  Webber,  xingie  Helena, 
.■a  Marietta,  Daisy  Florence,  Stephen  Dudley  and  Edna  Annetta.  In  April,  1881, 
b Bryce  retired  from  the  stone  and  contracting  business,  and  is  now  in  partnership 
vh  Mr.  Walker,  engaged  in  manufacturing  the  Fair  Natural  Draft  Furnace,  also  the 

onarch  ’ Furnace,  for  heating  public  and  private  buildings,  the  latter  of  which  Mr. 
1 ce  is  the  inventor  of,  and  which  the  manufacturers  claim  to  be  the  best  in  the 
nket. 


198 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES : 


CHARLES  BURROUGHS,  retired,  Dayton.  He  is  an  old,  retired  lumber  me 
chant  of  the  city  of  Dayton.  He  is  a son  of  Joseph  and  Mima  (Hendrickson)  Bu 
roughs,  and  was  born  July  22,  1810,  near  Trenton,  N.  J.,  where  he  lived  until  tweDt 
three  years  old  ; and,  in  1833,  moved  to  Dayton,  Ohio,  and  engaged  with  Mr.  Dav 
Zigler  Cooper  to  work  on  the  saw-mill,  aud,  at  the  death  of  Mr.  Cooper,  rented  the  m 
and  ran  it  until  1846,  when  he  gave  it  up  and  engaged  in  the  lumber  trade,  which  I 
carried  on  quite  extensively  until  1871,  when  he  sold  out  and  retired  from  businei 
Pie  landed  in  Dayton  with  $2.50,  with  which  he  began  business,  aud  with  willing  hauc 
a good  character,  and  an  indomitable  will,  he  pushed  ahead  until  he  acquired  sufficie 
amount  of  wealth  to  meet  his  every  want  in  his  old  age.  ITis  father  died  when  Chari 
was  but  ten  years  old.  After  working  some  five  years  on  a farm,  he  worked  at  she 
making  until  he  started  for  Ohio.  He  was  Vice  President  of  the  Dayton  Savings’  Bai 
two  years;  is  still  one  of  the  stockholders  of  said  bank.  Mr,  B.  is  pleasantly  located 
No.  409  East  Fifth  street.  He  is  the  only  one  of  his  father’s  family  that  evercai 
West,  except  a brother  that  resided  a short  time  in  Dayton,  Ohio,  and  then  returned 
New  Jersey. 

ROBERT  YOUNG-  CHAMBERS,  deceased,  was  born  in  Parish  Kyle,  Quee 
County,  Ireland,  May  8,  1808.  At  the  age  of  twenty-two  years,  he  left  home  via  Uu 
3in  for  Liverpool,  from  which  point  he  sailed  for  America  on  May  14,  1830,  in  the  sh 
William  and  John,  of  West  Florida.  He  landed  in  New  York  July  7, 1830,  and  start 
at  once  for  the  West,  stopping  first  at  Braddock’s  Field,  Penn.,  where  he  remained  1 
a short  time,  but  was  induced  to  go  on  to  Cincinnati,  where  he  arrived  December 
1830.  He  did  not  stop  at  Cincinnati,  but  pushed  on  by  stage  to  Dayton,  where  he ; 
rived  on  the  9th  of  December,  1830.  He  first  obtained  employment  as  foreman  in  t 

pork  packing  establishment  of Davie.  In  this  capacity  he  continued  untii  he  to  j 

command  of  the  canal-boat  Messenger  for  the  same  firm,  which  then  occupied  the  soul 
west  corner  of  the  canal  basin.  He  remained  in  their  employ  until  their  failure,  wli 
he  obtained  a similar  position  of  one  Ritchie.  About  this  time,  June  8,  1836,  he  v 
married  in  St.  Peter’s  Church,  Cincinnati,  to  Miss  Eliza  Mullin,  of  Cincinnati,  forme 
of  County  Antrim,  Ireland.  In  1838,  he  removed  with  his  family  to  Dayton,  where 
accepted  a position  with  the  late  Alexander  Simms  in  the  grocery  firm  of  Simms 
Sayres,  in  which  he  soon  obtained  an  interest,  and  continued  the  business  under  the  fi 
name  of  Chambers,  Simms  & Sayres.  He  afterward,  by  a succession  of  changes,  becatj 
in  1845,  the  senior  member  of  the  firm  of  Chambers  & Harris,  with  Mr.  John  Harij 
They  purchased  at  the  same  time  the  competition  business  of  Esterbrook  & Pheips,  tv 
had  purchased  the  established  business  of  Reach,  Emdie  & Co.  Chambers  & Hai 
then  controlled  two  of  the  largest  commission  houses  in  Dayton  for  eleven  years,  at  l 
expiration  of  which  time  they  dissolved  their  partnership  relations,  and  Mr.  Chamb 
built  the  building  known  to  old  residents  as  the  “ factory,”  and  established  “ Chambt 
Line,”  an  independent  line  of  canal  packets  running  from  Cincinnati  to  Toledo.  Ab( 
this  time,  he  suffered  a loss  by  fire,  which  consumed  his  building,  but  he  built  again 
the  old  site  what  is  known  as  Chambers’  Warehouse.  His  business  began  to  assu 
large  proportions,  and  his  boats  became  such  a source  of  anxiety  to  the  Sandusky  II 
road  Company  (the  first  road  here),  that  they  made  repeated  proposals  to  buy  them,  1 
their  offers  were  refused,  and  he  continued  in  his  ever-increasing  business  until  his 
tirement  in  1873,  after  nearly  half  a century  spent  in  the  most  active  business, 
left  his  business  to  his  son,  John  M.,  and  Mr.  M.  W.  Chambers,  and  paid  a visit  to 
haunts  of  his  childhood  in  his  native  land,  only  to  find  his  friends  and  relatives  goj 
He  died  in  May,  1876,  aged  just  sixty-eight  years,  leaving  a host  of  mourning  friei1 
behind.  His  life,  spent  in  honest  activity,  was  not  sullied  by  a single  stain,  lie  wa 
consistent  communicant  of  the  Catholic  Church,  but  his  charities  extended  to  all  deD< 
inations.  At  his  death,  his  family  of  nine  children  had  dwindled  to  five — one  son,  v) 
died  in  1879,  and  four  daughters,  who  still  occupy  the  old  homestead  on  East  Sect 
street.  1 

CHARLES  EDWIN  CLARK,  son  of  David  and  Hannah  (Halderman)  CL! 
was  born  in  the  old  county  jail  (Dayton),  July  31,  1850,  during  his  father’s  sect 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


199 


?rm  of  Sheriff  of  the  county.  His  father  was  afterward  County  Treasurer  for  two 
fans  and  for  five  years  just  previous  to  the  war  the  editor  and  proprietor  of  the  Daily 
nd  Weekly  Empire.  The  later  years  of  David  Clark’s  life  were  fraught  with  many 
wrows  and  cares.  Through  misfortunes,  which  are  familiar  to  the  old  friends  of  the 
imily,  he  had  been  reduced  from  comparative  affluence  to  the  position  of  hard  toil  for 
he  support  of  his  family.  To  save  those  who  had  trusted  him  from  financial  loss, 
'avid  Clark  and  his  devoted  wife  gave  up  the  snug  fortune  they  possessed  to  the  last 
ellar,  and  bravely  began  anew  the  struggle  for  means  to  educate  their  children. 

Charles,  though  at  that  time  but  a mere  boy,  contributed  not  a little  towards  the 
mily’s  support.  He  was  always  ready  to  turn  an  honest  penny  by  work  at  anything, 
aeh  year  his  school  vacation  and  oftentimes  his  spare  evenings  for  study  were  spent 
; the  hard  work  of  a young  clerk  in  an  ice  cream  saloon  and  confectionery,  toiling  six- 
en  or  seventeen  hours  a day  during  the  hot  months  of  the  year,  whilst  his  school- 
ates  were  enjoying  their  vacation  as  only  school  boys  can  enjoy  such  freedom.  Young 
lark  never  murmured — he  was  only  too  glad  to  be  able  to  ease,  though  in  a small 
;gree,  the  burdens  of  the  father  he  idolized. 

Mr.  Clark  received  a common  school  education.  The  death  of  his  father  com- 
illed him  to  withdraw  from  the  high  school,  where  he  had  been  a student  for  about 
te  year,  to  aid  his  mother  in  the  support  of  his  brothers  aud  sister.  Mr.  N.  Ohmer 
ive  him  his  first  regular  employment  in  his  Union  Depot  Restaurant,  where  he 
mained  some  years.  In  May,  1871,  he  entered  the  employ  of  Maj.  W.  D.  Bickham, 
j.itor  and  proprietor  of  the  Daily  Journal , as  office-boy,  where  he  soon  worked  his  way  up 
book-keeper.  In  the  spring  of  1873,  he  accepted  the  position  of  business  manager  of  the 
ally  and  Weekly  Kentuckian , Paducah,  Ky.,  in  which  city  he  resided  for  some  months. 
Eturning  to  Dayton  he  was  married  to  Miss  Maria  Dee  Truesdell,  a teacher  in  the 
ky  ton  Public  Schools,  and  a few  weeks  later  again  entered  the  employ  of  Maj.  Bick- 
.m,  as  business  manager  of  the  Dayton  Journal , a position  he  has  uninterruptedly  held  to 
is  day.  Mr.  Clark,  though  a stanch  Republican,  has  not  meddled  much  in  politics, 
e has  held  but  one  political  office,  that  of  City  Councilman,  for  one  term.  In  April, 
>79,  he  was  the  unanimous  nominee  of  his  party  for  Councilman  from  the  old  Fifth 
ard.  Although  the  ward  was  something  like  100  votes  politically  opposed  to  Mr. 
ark,  he  was  elected  after  a short  but  hot  contest  by  a majority  of  twenty -one  votes 
er  his  Democratic  opponent,  Mr.  T.  C.  Dobbins,  a prominent  hardware  merchant, 
e made  a faithful  and  a conscientious  Councilman.  During  his  entire  term  of  two 
ars  he  was  absent  from  but  one  meeting  of  the  Council,  and  that  was  occasioned  by 
|e  death  of  a near  and  dear  friend— a brother  Councilman. 

It  was  mainly  through  Mr.  Clark’s  plucky  efforts  that  the  “ Sunday  ordinance” 
came  a law  of  the  city.  He  also  energetically  labored  by  arguments  and  all  fair 
jans  to  have  the  “ Ordinance  to  restrain  animals  from  running  at  large  within  the 
y limits”  adopted.  These  measures  met  with  the  vehement  opposition  of  many 
izens  and  dire  were  the  threats  of  political  annihilation  to  all  who  had  a hand  in 
iking  such  laws.  To  such  threats  Mr.  Clark  once  made  answer  : “ I am  sorry  to 
ve  your  ill  will.  I believe  you  are  honest  in  your  opposition  to  me,  but  your  threats 
not  dismay  me,  nor  shall  they  deter  me  from  doing  my  duty  as  I conscientiously 
derstand  it.”  Mr.  Clark’s  term  of  Councilman  expired  in  the  spring  of  1881,  and 
peremptorily  declined  to  be  a candidate  for  re-election.  Two  brothers  of  Mr.  Clark, 
sut.  R.  G.  Clark,  Sixty-third  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  and  William  V.  Clark, 
gbty-third  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  died  the  death  of  soldiers  in  the  Union  army, 
firing  the  war.  His  mother  still  resides  in  the  family  residence,  which  has  been  her 
"me  for  thirty  years.  He  has  three  living  brothers  and  two  sisters,  viz.  : George  R. 
trk,  proprietor  of  the  Port  Clinton  (Ohio)  News  ; David  P.  Clark,  of  Miamisburg, 
|io  J Douglas  Clark,  of  Pittsburgh,  Penn.;  Mrs.  F.  M.  Althoff  and  Miss  Lottie  E. 
ark,  Dayton. 

JOSEPH  CLEGG,  director  in  gas  company,  Dayton,  was  born  in  England  April  8, 
14.  His  father,  Thomas  Clegg,  was  born  iu  or  near  Manchester,  Eng.,  in  the  year  1790, 
0 after  receiving,  through  his  own  exertions,  a liberal  education,  engaged  in  the 


200 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES : 


manufacture  of  cotton  goods,  having  learned  the  weaving  of  silk  when  but  a bov 
He  was  married,  in  1810,  to  Miss  Ann  Brierly,  who  died  in  1817.  In  the  year  follow- 
ing the  death  of  his  wife,  he,  with  four  sons,  of  whom  our  subject  was  third  in  the 
order  of  birth,  came  to  America,  and  in  1820  located  in  Montgomery  County,  Ohio, 
In  1824,  he  came  to  Dayton,  which  was  then  but  a village  of  1,100  inhabitants,  where 
the  remainder  of  his  life  was  mostly  spent.  Here  he  started  an  establishment  for  the 
manufacture  of  cotton  goods,  which  soon  proved  to  be  a prosperous  and  paying  busi 
ness,  he  keeping  pace  in  success  with  the  rapid  growth  of  the  village.  Mr.  Clegg  son 
tinued  an  active,  enterprising  and  substantial  citizen  of  Dayton  until  1850,  when  he 
made  an  overland  trip  to  California,  being  one  of  the  first  to  adopt  that  route.  Aftei 
a stay  of  ten  years  in  the  Golden  State,  he  returned  to  Dayton,  but  in  after  years  male 
repeated  trips  to  the  same  State.  The  last  twenty  years  of  his  life  were  spent  in  Day 
ton,  his  time  being  devoted  mostly  to  intellectual  pursuits,  of  which  he  was  very  fond 
He  died  in  1879,  having  reached  the  ripe  old  age  of  fourscore  and  nine  years,  anc 
leaving  behind  him  a record  of  a life  well  spent  and  of  talents  well  employed.  Of  th< 
four  sons  who  accompanied  him  from  England,  only  two  survive,  viz.,  James  B.  anc 
Joseph,  the  latter  being  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  He  has  been  almost  a life Jon< 
citizen  of  Montgomery  County.  His  education  was  mainly  obtained  at  night  am 
Sunday  schools,  and  entirely  through  his  untiring  zeal  in  the  pursuit  of  knowledge 
His  early  life  was  spent  in  the  factories  of  his  father.  Being  of  an  enterprising  spirit 
he  has  risen  to  the  rank  of  the  most  substantial  citizens  of  Dayton.  He  has  aceumu 
lated  a large  amount  of  property,  which  to-day  dots  the  city  in  all  directions,  standin; 
as  monuments  of  his  successful  career  and  shrew  1 business  tact.  One  of  his  first  en 
terprises  was  the  erection  of  a cotton  factory  and  linseed  oil  mill.  About  this  time;,  h 
associated  himself  with  the  late  Daniel  Beckel  and  the  late  William  Dickey  in  th 
organization  of  the  Farmers’  Bank,  which  has  long  since  ceased  to  exist.  In  1851 
these  same  gentlemen  organized  the  Dayton  Fire  Insurance  Company,  which  is  uow  [ 
well-known  and  successful  corporation.  They  afterward  organized  the  Mad  Iiive 
Valley  Bank.  Still  later,  Mr.  Clegg  became  prominently  associated  with  the  Dayto 
Gaslight  and  Coke  Company,  in  which  he  has  since  been  an  active  and  valuable  mem 
her  and  for  many  years  a Director.  Among  the  edifices  which  decorate  the  city  an 
are  owned  by  him  are  the  “ Old  Clegg  Block,”  on  East  Third  street,  now  known  a 
the  Superior  Court  Building;  the  Jefferson  Street  Block,  fronting  100  feet  on  the  stree: 
after  which  it  was  named,  and  another  on  Fifth  street;  the  last  two  named  forming  11 
part  of  what  is  to  be  known  as  “ Clegg’s  Opera  Block,”  one  of  the  finest  and  mos 
prominent  private  enterprises  of  the  city.  In  addition  to  these,  Mr.  Clegg  owns  Clegg 
brown  stone  block  on  East  Third  street,  and  several  fine  residences,  among  them  bein 
his  own  handsome  home  and  the  residence  of  the  late  Daniel  Beckel,  both  located  uj: 
South  Jefferson  street.  He  also  possesses  many  minor  buildings,  which,  though  < 
considerable  value  in  themselves,  are  of  too  little  importance  to  mention  here.  M 
Clegg’s  identification  with  the  enterprises  of  the  city  have  tended  to  the  elevation  i 
its  social  standing  and  the  education  of  the  rising  generation.  His  political  affiiiatioi 
have  ever  been  with  the  Whig  and  Republican  parties,  and  during  the  war  of  the  rebe 
lion  his  contributions,  in  aid  of  the  Union  cause,  should  alone  warrant  to  him  the  nig 
esteem  of  all.  He  has  been  for  many  years  a member  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  an 
was  a valuable  and  efficient  worker  in  the  Sabbath  school  at  an  early  day,  and  dura 
this  time  his  benefices  have  been  constant  and  generous.  He  was  married,  in  1835,  !j 
Miss  Tirzah  Bailey,  daughter  of  John  Bailey,  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  Montgomei 
County.  The  issue  of  this  marriage  consisted  of  three  children,  two  of  whom  surviv 
viz.,  Mrs.  V.  H.  Wood,  a lady  of  high  culture  and  rare  social  attainments  and  wife 
Capt.  E.  M.  Wood,  who  is  now  largely  engaged  in  manufacturing  linseed  oil,  as  til 
senior  member  of  the  firm  of  Wood,  Archer  & Co.,  of  this  city.  The  other  survivit 
child  is  Charles  B.  Clegg,  who,  with  Capt.  Wood,  wms  associated  with  his  father 
business;  but  upon  the  latter  retiring,  Charles  and  M.  Wood  continued  the  busine^ 
in  connection  with  Messrs.  W.  S.  and  G.  A.  Archer,  under  the  then  firm  title  of  Cleg 
Wood  & Co.  Charles  B.  has  recently  withdrawn  from  his  active  position  in  the  fir 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


201 


,ir  recreation.  He  is  President  of  and  a large  stockholder  in  the  Oakwood  Street 
l.ailway,  to  which  enterprise  he  has  devoted  much  of  his  time.  He  is  also  largely 
iterested  in  and  connected  with  the  management  of  the  other  street  railways  of  the 
ty,  being  a Director  of  the  Third  Street  route.  He  has  not  yet  reached  the  meridian 
■ life,  but,  though  comparatively  young,  we  may  safely  predict  that  his  future  will 
illy  satisfy  every  reasonable  hope  of  his  many  friends.  His  marriage  was  celebrated 
1865,  with  Miss  Hattie,  daughter  of  the  late  Horace  Pease,  who  was  a well-known 
id  highly  respected  citizen  of  Dayton.  Their  united  life  existed  throughout  a period 
' five  years,  when  death  called  her  home,  leaving  a husband  and  two  children — Helen 
I.  and  Harry  P. 

REV.  H.  F.  COLBY,  pastor  first  Baptist  Church,  Dayton.  The  gentleman 
hose  name  heads  this  sketch  was  born  in  Boston  Highlands,  Massachusetts,  in  1S42. 
e is  the  son  of  Gardner  Colby  a merchant  of  Boston.  Most  of  his  early  days  were 
iient  in  Newton,  Mass.  He  graduated  from  Brown  University,  Providence,  R.  I.,  in 
862.  After  studying  law  for  some  months  and  spending  nearly  a year  in  Europe,  he 
ok  a full  course  of  study  in  the  Newton  Theological  Institution,  from  which  hegradu- 
edin  1867.  In  the  fall  of  the  same  year,  he  came  to  Dayton,  Ohio,  and  was  ordained 
the  ministry  and  became  pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  Church.  In  this  position  he 
is  continued  fourteen  years  and  has  been  settled  longer  in  Dayton  as  a pastor  than 
ly  other  of  the  ministers  in  the  city.  In  1870,  he  was  married  to  Miss  M.  L.  Cham- 
plain, daughter  of  Edward  Chamberlain,  Esq.,  of  Boston.  He  has  four  children, 
re  daughter  and  three  sons. 

EDWARD  CONWAY,  dentist,  Dayton.  This  gentleman  was  born  in  Annapolis, 
d.,  in  1829,  and  came  to  Ohio  with  his  parents  three  years  later.  While  still  in  his 
iuth,  he  took  a position  in  one  of  the  principal  dry  goods  houses  in  St.  Louis,  Mo., 
a salesman  in  the  fancy  goods  department,  where  he  proved  himself  highly  compe- 
pt,  but,  being  desirous  of  acquiring  a profession,  he  returned  to  this  State,  and  at 
neteen  years  of  age  placed  himself  under  the  instruction  of  an  able  dentist  and  physi- 
an.  Having  completed  his  studies,  he  again  placed  himself  under  the  instruction  of 
r.  Jones,  now  deceased,  who  was  one  of  Dayton’s  most  skilled  dentists  and  respected 
tizens.  The  sole  object  of  Dr.  Conway  in  this  his  second  course  of  study,  was  to 
.'tain  a thorough  knowledge  of  the  various  metals  best  adapted  to  the  use  of  dentist- 
. Dr.  Jones  being  an  expert  in  that  branch  of  business,  having  given  it  a life-long 
ndy.  For  two  years,  Dr.  Conway  pursued  his  studies  without  one  cent  of  remunera- 
)n.  He  practiced  with  marked  success  in  Bellefontainetwo  years;  during  this  time 
r.  McCandes  was  his  medical  preceptor.  Here  he  acquired  a practical  knowledge  of 
edicine  and  became  quite  an  expert  as  a practitioner.  Being  a skilled  physician  in  all 
i branches,  he  has  given  many  years  of  study  to  dentistry  in  all  its  details,  making  the 
lalyzation  of  the  various  metals  a special  study  in  order  to  ascertain  the  kind  of  met- 
s best  adapted  for  his  use.  This  is  one  of  the  great  secrets  of  dentistry,  as  many  a 
Rent's  health  is  ruined  on  account  of  injury  from  metals  and  other  materials  not 
apted  to  the  mouth  or  condition  of  the  stoma  ch.  The  Doctor  never  uses  rubber  on  this 
pount;  nor  does  he  use  metals  but  that  which  the  test  of  science  and  long  practice  has 
'oved  to  be  safe  under  every  circumstance.  Gold,  silver  and  platina  he  recommends 
id  uses  in  his  practice  daily.  He  also  uses  “virgin”  metal — a combination  of  his  own — 
Mch  he  considers  equal  if  not  superior  to  any  in  use.  The  doctor  has  made  many 
iprovements  in  connection  with  dentistry  that  are  sanctioned  and  recognized  by  the 
ading  dentists  of  the  country. 

WILLIAM  E.  CRUME,  manufacturer,  Dayton.  This  gentleman  is  a descendant 
an  old  Welsh  family  that  emigrated  to  America  and  located  in  Maryland  about  the 
■ar  1768.  His  paternal  great-grandfathers,  Jesse  Crume  and  Matthew  Richardson, 
me  from  Maryland  to  Butler  County,  Ohio,  in  1802.  Mr.  Crume  shortly  afterward 
oved  to  Kentucky.  Mr.  Richardson  served  the  terms  of  1804  and  1806  in  the  Ohio 
jgislature.  The  great-grandfathers  in  the  maternal  line  were  James  Martin,  a native 
Maryland,  and  David  Steele,  a native  of  Ireland.  The  paternal  grandparents  rvere 
>'hn  0.  Crume,  who  came  from  Kentucky  to  Hamilton,  Butler  Co.,  Ohio,  in  1810,  and 


202 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES : 


returning  to  Kentucky,  died  in  1815;  and  Sarah  Richardson,  of  Maryland,  who  came 
to  Butler  County  with  her  parents  in  1803.  The  maternal  grandparents  were  David 
Steele,  a native  of  Scotland,  and  Nancy  A.  (Martin)  Steele,  a native  of  Ireland.  The 
father  was  born  in  Butler  County,  Ohio,  and  in  this  State  where  he  married  Nancy 
Steele,  he  lived  duting  the  whole  of  his  life.  William  E.,  the  subject  hereof,  was  born  in 
Collinsville,  Butler  Co.,  Ohio,  March  26,  1848,  and  remained  there  until  1858,  when 
he  moved  with  his  father  to  Muscatine,  Iowa,  where  they  remained  two  years,  and  then 
removed  to  Somerville,  Butler  Co.,  Ohio.  May  1,  1864,  William  enlisted  in  the  One 
Hundred  and  Sixty-seventh  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  being  then  but  sixteen  years  of 
age.  He  was  mustered  out  in  September,  1864,  and,  on  the  2d  of  February  following, 
he  re-enlisted  in  the  One  Hundred  and  Eighty-fourth  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  from 
which  he  was  mustered  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  October  3,  1865.  After  the  war,  he  re- 
turned to  Ohio,  and,  in  September,  1866,  came  to  Dayton,  where  he  learned  the  trade  ol 
carpentering  and  building  with  Mr.  Andrew  Slertz.  He  worked  at  his  trade  until  Feb 
ruary,  1874,  when  he  started  a box-factory;  but,  finding  this  only  a local  business,  he. 
in  1877,  originated  his  present  business,  which  he  conducted  in  connection  with  the  box 
manufacture.  The  new  enterprise  grew  so  rapidly  that  he  was  obliged  to  dispose  of  the 
box-factory  and  devote  his  entire  attention  and  capital  to  the  new  departure.  He  soon 
associated  with  him  the  late  Mr.  P.  M.  Aulabaugh,  and  afterward  Mr.  J.  W.  Sefton 
under  the  firm  name  of  Aulabaugh,  Crume  & Co.,  but,  on  the  death  of  Mr.  Aulabaugh 
the  remaining  partners  purchased  his  interest,  and  now  conduct  their  business  under  the 
name  of  “ The  Crume  & Sefton  Manufacturing  Company.”  They  supply  a large  por 
tion  of  the  country  with  their  curious  little  paper  and  wood  plates  for  grocers,  oyster  anc 
berry  pails,  and  folding  ice  cream  and  candy  boxes.  Their  business,  which  is  an  exten 
sive  one,  is  treated  of  properly  in  our  industrial  chapter  of  the  city  of  Dayton.  Mr 
Crume  was  elected  a member  of  the  Council  in  April,  1877  ; was  re-elected  in  April 
1880,  and  elected  Vice  President  of  the  Board  in  April.  1881. 

ISAAC  DAVIS,  coal  dealer,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Bellebrook,  Greene  Co.,  Ohio 
September  15,  1839.  His  father,  Jonathan  Davis,  who  was  an  Elder  in  the  Central  Chris 
tian  Church  ol  Dayton,  was  born  in  Delaware  State  July  15,  1808,  and  settled  in  Belie 
brook  in  1830,  where  he  started  life  as  a poor  farm  boy.  December  12,  1830,  he  mar  ; 
ried  Anoxa  Sivalla  Silvers,  who  was  born  in  Greene  County,  August  19,  1812,  by  whom  hi 
had  four  children,  all  girls.  Shedied  on  April  15, 1838,  and  on  July  25, 1838,  he  marriei 
Sarah  Anu  Darst,  who  was  born  in  Greene  County  November  17, 1814,  and  who  blest  hia 
with  seven  sons  and  one  daughter.  He  died  September  3, 1875,  leaving  his  wife  and  tei 
children  and  twenty-two  grandchildren.  His  wife  died  July  9,  1880.  Isaac,  our  subject 
who  was  of  the  issue  of  the  second  marriage,  came  to  Dayton  in  1864,  and  was  followei 
by  his  father  two  years  after.  He  was  educated  in  the  common  schools,  after  wbic! 
he  attended  the  National  Normal  University  of  Lebanon,  Ohio,  to  prepare  himself  fo 
teaching,  and  after  teaching  one  year  in  Greene  County,  he  went  to  Cincinnati,  where  h 
attended  the  Medical  Institute  of  Cincinnati.  He  then  read  medicine  with  Dr.  Curtis  j 
of  Cincinnati,  for  two  years,  after  which  he  came  to  Dayton,  and,  giving  up  his  pro 
fession,  went  into  the  tobacco  business  with  Mr.  Cotteril!  now  of  Cotterill,  Fenner  A Cc 
He  afterward  closed  up  his  tobacco  business  and  commenced  dealing  in  coal,  in  whicl 
business  he  has  since  continued.  He  was  married,  December  24,  1867,  to  Miss  Carolin 
E.  Houghtelin  of  Dayton,  who,  after  bearing  him  three  sons,  died  August  25,  1879,  wit 
what  the  doctors  pronounced  yellow  fever.  Mr.  Davis  is  a man  of  integrity  and  gres 
business  tact,  is  well  known  in  the  community  and  has  the  respect  and  esteem  of  all. 

SOLOMON  DAY,  school  teacher,  Dayton.  The  subject  of  the  following  sketcj 
was  born  November  24,  1841,  near  Janesfield,  in  Jefferson  Township,  Logan  Co.,  Ohi< 
His  father,  after  whom  he  was  named,  was  born  near  Cross  Keys,  South  Hampton  Go 
Va.,  about  the  year  1790.  By  the  fortunate  accident  of  having  sprung — c 
his  mother’s  side — from  one  of  the  F.  F.  V.’s — though  his  father  was  a negro  siave- 
he  was  “free  born.”  Ann  Barnell,  the  mother  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  bor 
near  Little  York,  Penn.,  in  the  year  1801 , and  was  of  Quaker  origin,  her  mod 
er  Ann  Packer,  belonging  to  the  numerous  Packer  family  of  Quakers  which  has  fi; 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


203 


ired  so  largely  in  the  past  history  of  that  State.  "Young  Solomon,”  at  the  age  of  nine, 
was  crippled  with  white  swelling.  His  father  dying  soon  after,  he  was  left  to  be  reared 
oy  his  mother,  who,  with  a large  family  of  children  to  support,  and  with  but  scanty 
neans,  could  do  but  little  to  assist  him  in  obtaining  an  education,  though  feeling  deep- 
ly solicitious  for  him  in  that  direction.  For  three  years  he  was  confined  to  the  house 
>y  his  lameness ; after  that,  until  he  was  seventeen  years  old,  his  only  educational  ad- 
vantages was  attending  an  obscure  country  school  during  the  winter.  By  dint  of 
;iard  study  both  in  and  out  of  school,  he  managed,  at  the  age  of  seventeen,  to  obtain 
i certificate  to  teach  school  from  the  Board  of  Examiners  of  his  native  county,  and 
after  teaching  a five  months’  term,  obtained  the  money  to  pay  his  board  and  tuition  at 
dberlin  College  one  quarter.  He  attended  that  college  irreguarly  from  1859  to  1865, 
eaching  a portion  of  the  time  in  various  parts  of  the  State  to  procure  the  means  to  go 
.o  school.  In  1870,  he  came  to  Dayton  to  take  charge  of  the  colored  school,  suc- 
ceeding Mr.  Samuel  Peters,  tvho  had  resigned  his  position  to  accept  an  appointment 
is  cashier  of  the  Freedman’s  Bank  at  Shreveport,  La.  He  has  had  charge  of  that 
School  for  nearly  ten  years,  and  with  excellent  resul  s,  many  of  his  pupils  now  occupy- 
ng  important  positions  as  teachers,  and  some  filling  clerical  positions  in  Government 
mploy.  Mr.  Day  has  long  been  identified  with  the  educational  interests  of  his  people, 
nd  for  a number  of  years  has  taken  an  active  part  in  politics,  and  is  a firm  believer  in  the 
•ossibilities  of  his  race  for  achievements  equal  in  every  particular  to  the  various  races 
vhich  so  to  makeup  the  great  American  Nation. 

WILLIAM  DEIKLE14,  dealer  in  agrieul  ural  implements,  Dayton,  son  of  Se- 
astian  and  Mary  Ann  Deikler,  was  born  February  9,  1835,  in  Navre,  Germany, 
^migrated  to  America,  with  his  parents,  in  1843,  and  located  in  Butler  County,  Ohio, 
there  he  remained  until  1851,  when  he  removed  to  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  and 
urchased  a farm  in  Perry  Township.  His  father  was  a shoemaker  by  trade,  and 
[arried  on  the  same  until  his  death  He  died  in  May,  1866.  His  mother  died  in 
lay,  1880.  William  served  an  apprenticeship  with  his  father  at  the  shoe  trade,  but 
;;as  devoted  the  most  of  his  time  to  farming.  He  was  married  October  22,  1867,  to 
liss  Margaret  Fisher,  daughter  of  Christopher  and  Elizabeth  M.  Fisher.  They  have  five 
hi  dren — - Mary  C.,  Annie,  Joseph,  Laura  M.  and  Margaret  E.  In  1880,  Mr.  Deikler 
ngaged  in  the  agricultural  implement  trade,  under  the  firm  name  of  William  Deikler  & 
lo. , at  No.  210  East  Third  street,  Dayton,  where  they  keep  a full  line  of  all  first  class 
nd  the  best  improved  farm  machinery.  Also  a complete  assortment  of  fresh  seeds. 

WILLIAM  DICKEY,  deceased.  Among  the  successful  self-made  men  of  Day- 
|>n,  few  were  better  known  or  more  thoroughly  respected  than  the  gentleman  whose 
ame  stands  at  the  head  of  this  biography.  His  father,  Adam  Dickey,  was  born  in 
ounty  Antrim,  Ireland,  in  the  year  1768,  where  he  lived  until  seventeen  years  of  age, 
hen,  with  that  love  of  freedom  characteristic  of  his  race,  he  emigrated  to  America, 
'eating  in  Pennsylvania,  where,  about  1790,  he  was  married  to  Mary  McKee,  and 
ine  years  later,  with  his  wife  and  three  children,  he  started  for  the  West  and  settled  at 
ort  Washington  (now  Cincinnati),  where  he  was  afterward  joined  by  two  of  his 
tethers,  who  had  also  left  their  oppressed  fatherland  to  seek  a home  in  the  New  World, 
lere  he  began  the  manufacture  of  brick,  making  the  brick  for  the  first  house  of  that 
ind  erected  at  that  point.  He  followed  brick-making  until  about  1804,  when  he  re- 
moved to  near  Middletown,  Butler  County,  Ohio,  where  he  engaged  largely  in  mill- 
ig,  farming  and  distilling,  building  his  own  flatboats  and  shipping  the  produce  to  New 
rleans,  following  this  business  until  1828,  in  which  year  he  died,  his  wife  surviving 
jm  about  fifteen  years  and  dying  in  1844.  Adam  Dickey  was  a very  successful  busi- 
es man,  but,  owing  to  reverses  by  fire  and  otherwise,  his  affairs  were  crippled  to  such 
ii  extent  as  to  render  him  a comparatively  poor  man  previous  to  his  death.  The  sub- 
let of  this  sketch  was  born  near  Middleton,  Butler  County,  Ohio,  August  10,  1805, 
ad  was  the  seventh  in  a family  of  eleven  children,  of  whom  only  one  survives.  His 
^cilities  for  obtaining  book  learning  were  exceedingly  meager,  but,  reared  upon  the  soil 
■d  inured  to  hard  labor,  he  acquired,  by  contact  with  the  world,  that  practical  knowl- 
%e  which  is  the  indispensable  condition  of  success.  Having  arrived  at  his  majority, 


204 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


he  took  a contract  for  work  on  the  Miami  Canal,  and  of  all  the  contractors  on  that 
public  work  he  was  the  last  survivor.  He  was  subsequently  engaged,  for  several  years, 
in  a similar  capacity  on  the  Ohio  Canal.  On  April  19,  1832,  he  married  Miss  Sarah, 
daughter  of  Benjamin  Van  Cleave,  of  Butler  County,  and  for  some  years  was  employed 
in  farming,  having  a short  time  previous  purchased,  in  connection  with  his  brother,  the 
homestead  of  his  father.  In  April,  1839,  he  became  a resident  of  Dayton,  where  he 
engaged  respectively  in  the  manufacture  of  brick,  in  contracts  on  the  Miami  & Erie 
Canal,  and,  in  connection  with  his  brothers,  in  quarrying  limestone  in  the  vicinity  of 
Dayton.  This  last  industry  has  since  attained  great  magnitude.  For  a number  of 
years  succeeding,  he  conducted  a line  of  canal  packets  between  Cincinnati  and  Toledo 
and  between  the  latter  city  and  Terre  Haute,  Ind.  During  some  twenty  years  of 
frugal  industry,  he  saved  up  quite  a respectable  capital,  and  in  1850  became  a private 
banker,  in  company  with  Joseph  Clegg,  Esq.,  and  Daniel  Beckle,  Esq.,  the  latter  since 
deceased.  He  was  subsequently,  in  connection  with  the  above  named  gentlemen,  one 
of  the  organizers  of  the  Miami  Valley  Bank,  of  Dayton.  He  was  one  of  the  incorpo- 
rators of  the  Dayton  Gaslight  and  Coke  Company  and  for  some  twenty  years  its  President 
He  was  also  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  Ohio  Insurance  Company,  in  1865,  of  which 
he  was  President  until  his  death.  In  1866,  he  had  the  misfortune  to  lose  the  sight  of 
his  right  eye  by  cataract,  and  nine  years  afterward  his  left  eye  became  similarly  affected, 
so  that  he  was  entirely  deprived  of  the  power  to  read  and  could  distinguish  his  friends 
only  by  their  voices.  Mr.  Dickey  was  a man  of  sound  judgment  and  thoroughly  good 
sense.  Though  deprived  of  the  polish  that  education  gives,  he  was  characterized  by 
great  kindness  of  heart,  decidedly  modest  manners  and  a quiet  benevolence  that  nevei 
publishes  its  deeds  to  the  world.  He  was  distinguished  for  sterling  integrity  from  his 
youth  to  his  death.  His  caution  and  prudence,  combined  with  the  industry  of  his 
business  life,  have  rendered  his  career  a gratifying  success,  so  that  he  ranked  amoiij 
the  wealthiest  citizens  of  Dayton.  He  died  July  15,  1880,  leaving  a wife,  son  and  tw< 
daughters.  The  son,  Samuel  A.,  who  was  President  of  the  gas  company  and  a prom 
inent,  coal  merchant,  died  in  August  following  the  death  of  his  father.  The  daughter: 
are  Mrs.  Henry  C.  Graves,  of  Dayton,  and  Mrs.  Charles  B.  Oglesby,  of  Chicago. 

SAMUEL  A.  DICKEY,  deceased.  The  skill  of  the  workman  chisels  the  rougl 
marble  block  into  a shaft  of  beauty  and  fashions  the  letters  that  tell  of  the  birth,  ag( 
and  death  of  the  silent  sleeper  beneath,  but  age  defaces  the  inscription,  covering  tin 
monument  with  the  mosses  of  decay,  while  history  preserves  in  its  pages  a record  o 
the  departed  one  that  time  renders  more  prized  and  valuable.  In  the  gentleman  whosi 
name  heads  this  sketch  we  have  a member  of  one  of  the  leading  families  of  Dayton 
and  although  he  had  but  reached  the  meridian  of  life  when  stricken  down  by  diseasi 
and  death,  had  yet  attained,  by  his  own  exertions  and  business  capacity,  a commandin' 
position  in  the  commercial  arena  of  the  Miami  Valley.  He  was  born  in  Dayton,  Ohio 
March  16,  1840,  and  was  the  son  of  William  and  Sarah  Dickey,  a sketch  of  whon 
will  be  found  in  this  work.  His  boyhood  days  were  passed  in  attending  the  sctioots  o 
his  native  city,  going  thence  to  Wittenberg  and  Oxford  Colleges,  receiving  a thorougl 
English  education.  He  began  his  business  career  by  starting  a wholesale  and  retai 
coal  and  general  fuel  depot,  which  he  operated  successfully  for  about  seventeen  years 
or  until  failing  health  compelled  him  to  retire  from  active  business.  He  was  married 
October  12,  1865,  to  INI iss  Sarah  E.  Ilayner,  the  daughter  of  Lewis  Hayner.  of  Troy 
Ohio,  to  whom  was  born  two  children — Bessie  H.  and  Arthur  C.  In  business  circle 
Samuel  A.  Dickey  was  always  recognized  as  one  of  the  most  energetic,  practical  me: 
of  Dayton,  and  in  August,  1866,  he  was  elected  a Director  of  the  Dayton  Gas  Coni 
pany,  and  President  of  the  same  May  10,  1876,  which  he  held  until  his  death.  Tbi 
sad  event  occurred  August  9,  1880,  from  what  is  known  as  progressive  locomotc 
attaxia,  with  which  he  had  suffered  for  about  two  years.  Mr.  Dickey  was  a man  of 
quiet,  unassuming  disposition,  kind  and  charitable,  devoid  of  all  ostentation,  a ma 
of  actions  rather  than  words,  whom  the  poor  and  afflicted  never  sought  help  from  t 
vain,  and  in  his  home  he  was  ever  the  fond  father  and  affectionate  husband.  As  Pres 
ident  of  the  Gas  Company  he  was  looked  upon  as  a shrewd,  efficient  and  capabl 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


205 


official,  firm  and  unyielding  in  what  he  believed  to  be  just,  and  exhibiting  a knowledge 
jof  men  and  affairs  far  beyond  his  years  ; but  the  brightest  page  in  his  record  was  that 
his  honesty  and  integrity  were  never  doubted,  his  word  always  being  considered  as 
good  as  bis  bond. 

R.  R.  DICKEY,  President  of  the  Gas  Light  and  Coke  Company,  Dayton,  was  born 
near  Middletown,  Ohio,  October  26,  1816,  and  is  the  son  of  Adam  and  Mary  (McKee) 
Dickey  who  are  spoken  of  in  the  sketch  of  William  Dickey,  deceased.  Our  subject  was  che 
youngest  of  a family  of  eleven  children,  and  is  to-day  the  only  surviver.  At  the  age  of 
eleven  years,  through  the  death  of  his  father,  he  was  thrown  upon  his  own  resources, 
and  at  this  tender  age  he  became  employed  in  a brick  yard,  working  fourteen  hours  per 
day  at  $4.87  per  month,  and,  afterward  worked  upon  a farm  at  $5.00  per  month, 
where  he  became  imbued  with  that  spirit  of  industry  which  has  characterized  him 
through  life.  Under  those  circumstances  his  advantages  for  an  education  were  very 
limited,  but  by  observation  and  rough  contact  with  the  world  he  acquired  that  knowl- 
edge of  men  and  affairs  that  cannot  be  gained  in  the  school  room.  When  but  a lad,  he 
began  working  upon  public  works  in  Ohio  and  Indiana,  for  his  elder  brothers,  who 
were  prominent  contractors,  and  at  the  age  of  seventeen  he  was  made  superintendent 
of  a large  gang  of  men,  continuing  for  several  years  on  the  public  works  of  those 
States.  In  1842.  he  became  a resident  of  Dayton,  where  he  engaged  with  his  brothers, 
John  and  William,  in  quarrying  stone,  which  he  followed  until  1853.  In  1847,  he  was 
Connected  with  the  firm  of  Dickey,  Doyle  & Dickey,  in  placing  a line  of  packet  boats 
on  the  Wabash  and  Erie  Canal,  and  under  the  firm  name  of  Doyle  & Dickey  built  the 
'reservoir  lock  at  St.  Mary’s,  and  the  locks  at  Delphos.  In  1845,  he  was  one  of  the  or- 
ganizers of  the  Dayton  Bank,  and  for  several  years  was  one  of  its  Directors.  In  1852, 
he  became  a partner  in  the  Exchange  Bank  with  Messers.  Jonathan  Harshman,  V. 
Winters  and  J.  R.  Young,  and  in  l853,  became  one  of  the  largest  stockholders  in  the 
Dayton  Gas  Light  & Coke  Company,  of  which  he  has  ever  since  been  a Director.  Mr. 
Dickey  served  as  President  of  the  Gas  Company  from  1855  to  1858,  retiring  on  ac- 
count of  ill  health,  but  at  the  annual  election  in  August  1880,  he  was  again  elected 
President,  and  is  at  present  filling  that  position  in  such  a manner,  as  to  reflect  much 
credit  upon  his  business  capacity  and  integrity.  In  1852,  he  became  identified  with 
the  Dayton  Insurance  Company,  and  also  held  an  interest  in  the  Dayton  & Western  R. 
R.,  being  President  of  the  latter  company  from  1854  to  1856,  inclusive.  In  1856,  he 
sent  to  Kansas  and  invested  largely  at  the  first  sale  of  the  Delaware  Indian  trust  lands, 
ind  the  following  year  put  two  hundred  acres  under  cultivation,  raising  the  largest  crop 
)f  corn  grown  in  the  State  up  to  that  time.  Mr.  Dickey  was  one  of  the  organizers  of 
he  Dayton  National  Bank  in  1865,  and,  since  1868,  one  of  its  Directors.  By  this  it 
vill  be  seen  that  R.  R.  Dickey  has  been  one  of  the  most  active  and  prominent  business 
nen  of  this  city  for  nearly  forty  years,  doing  his  full  share  toward  building  up  its  moral 
md  material  interests.  He  was  married  June  27,  1850,  to  Miss  Martha  J.  Winters, 
daughter  of  Y.  Winters,  Esq.,  of  Dayton,  of  which  union  three  sons  have  been  born,  the 
m eldest,  William  W.  and  Valentine  B.,  being  now  extensive  stock-growers  in  Col- 
irado.  From  the  rough  experience  of  his  early  life  Mr.  Dickey  learned  the  virtues  of 
self-reliance,  industry  and  frugality,  clear-headed,  shrewd  and  cautious  in  business  affairs. 
Seis,  withal,  a man  of  genial  manners  and  generous  impulses,  one  who  is  trusted  and 
/espected  throughout  the  community  of  which  he  has  been  so  long  a leading  citizen. 

GEORGE  B.  EVANS,  M.  D.,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Franklin,  Warren  County, 
3bio,  April  1,  1855,  where  he  received  his  primary  education  in  the  high  school  of 
lis  native  village,  which  he  attended  until  1873.  Fie  then  entered  the  Hanover  Col- 
lege of  Indiana,  from  which  he  graduated  in  1875.  Having  some  knowledge  of  medi- 
ae, he  commenced  reading  it  with  Dr.  O.  Evans,  Jr.,  of  Franklin,  in  the  summer  of 
87 5 , and  afterward  attended  the  Ohio  Medical  College  at  Cincinnati,  from  which  he 
graduated  in  March,  1878.  For  two  years  thereafter,  he  practiced  his  profession  in 
Hiddletown,  Ohio.  On  the  17th  of  June,  1880,  the  Trustees  of  Hanover  College  con- 
erred  upon  Mr.  Evans  the  degree  of  A.  M.,  and  in  the  following  fall — September  15 — 
ie  was  elected  Assistant  Physician  of  the  Dayton  Asylum  for  the  Insane,  which  posi- 


206 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


tion  lie  now  occupies.  Mr.  Evans  has  descended  from  a line  of  medical  men,  hit 
father  and  grandfather  both  being  physicians  and  men  who  have  reflected  honor  to  the 
profession,  the  former,  Dr.  0.  Evans,  Jr.,  now  practicing  in  Franklin,  Ohio,  of  which 
town  he  is  a native  and  where  his  skill  as  a physician  is  duly  recognized  and  appreciated, 
His  wife,  who  was  Jane  Balentine,  is  also  a native  of  Franklin.  Our  subject  is  a 
young  man  of  promise,  and  we  feel  warranted  in  saying  that  in  him  will  be  sustained 
the  reputation  in  the  medical  profession  of  the  older  Evans.  He  has  recently  been 
appointed  to  make  the  annual  alumni  address  before  the  Alumni  Association  of  the 
Medical  College  of  Cincinnati,  which  meets  in  Music  Hall,  March  1,  1882. 

HENRY  C.  EVERSOLE,  merchant,  Dayton.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was 
born  in  Van  Buren  Township,  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  October  2,  1842.  llis 
father,  Abraham  Eversole,  one  of  the  oldest  and  most  respected  citizens  of  Montgomery 
County,  was  born  October  9,  1804,  near  Shepherdstown,  Jefferson  County,  Va. 
where  he  spent  his  boyhood.  During  his  minority,  he  was  apprenticed  as  a weaver  and 
worked  at  the  loom  ; but  his  inclination  was  for  farming,  and  when  he  attained  his 
majority  he  commenced  this  occupation,  at  which  he  worked  during  his  whole  life,  unti 
within  three  weeks  of  his  death.  When  grown  to  manhood,  he  left  that  part  of  tin 
beautiful  Potomac  Valley,  the  place  of  his  birth,  and  located  at  Hagerstown,  Md. 
where  he  united  in  marriage  with  Mary  Logue,  with  whom  he  removed  to  Ohio,  anc 
who  died  shortly  after  their  settlement  in  this  State,  leaving  two  children,  of  whorr 
George,  a prominent  farmer  living  near  Dodson,  Ohio,  is  the  only  survivor.  In  1834 
Mr.  Eversole  was  married  to  Margaret  Folkerth,  a lady  of  excellent  worth,  whosi 
amiable  qualities  and  Christian  virtues  endeared  her  to  all  with  whom  she  came  in  con 
tact.  By  this  marriage,  Mr.  Eversole  had  ten  children,  three  sons,  the  youngest  dyinj 
in  infancy,  and  seven  daughters,  all  of  whom,  with  the  exception  of  our  subject,  art 
residing  on  farms  in  Montgomery  County.  Mr.  Eversole  died  March  20,  1878,  aftei 
forty-five  years’  residence  in  Montgomery  County.  Our  subject  worked  with  his  fathe; 
on  the  farm  until  the  age  of  twenty-one,  dividing  his  time  in  tilling  the  soil,  attending 
district  school  three  to  six  months  in  the  year,  and  acquiring  what  knowledge  he  coulc 
at  odd  times  in  reading  and  storing  his  mind  with  useful  information,  thus  attaining  ; 
standing  of  literary  culture  seldom  attained  by  young  men  under  like  disadvantages 
Immediately  after  becoming  of  age,  he  enlisted  in  the  war  for  the  suppression  of  th( 
rebellion  at  Cincinnati  on  the  4th  of  Biarch,  1864,  as  seaman  on  board  the  receiving 
ship  Grampus,  and  was  afterward  transferred  to  the  United  States  steamer  “ Fairy,' 
No.  51,  of  the,  Mississippi  Squadron,  under  command  of  Commodore  Porter,  and,  aftei 
serving  his  country  faithfully,  was  discharged  by  reason  of  disability.  His  ship  wai 
engaged  in  piloting  transports  up  and  down  the  Mississippi  to  Red  River  and  the  Gulf; 
Though  engaged  in  no  great  battle,  he  experienced  some  lively  encounters  with  rebel 
bushwhackers  along  shore.  Six  hours  after  the  terrible  inhuman  and  bloody  massacn 
of  the  Union  troops  at  Fort  Pillow,  his  ship  ran  up  under  a flag  of  truce,  while  For 
rest  and  his  murderers,  calling  themselves  soldiers,  were  still  in  possession  of  the  Fort 
and  aided  in  caring  for  the  wounded  and  burying  the  mutilated  and  charred  remains  o 
the  dead.  During  a part  of  his  service  on  shipboard,  Mr.  Eversole  commanded  a 32 
pound  gun  with  its  compliment  of  twelve  men.  In  1865,  he  came  to  Dayton  anc! 
entered  the  clothing  house  of  I.  P.  Straus  & Bro.,  and,  after  a few  years’  service  ii 
that  establishment,  he  entered  into  partnership  with  E.  Ries,  under  the  firm  name  0j 
Eversole  & Ries,  and  commenced  the  clothing  business  at  the  corner  of  Main  an< 
Fourth  streets,  giving  to  this  establishment  the  name  of  “Oak  Hall”  Clothing  House 
In  1879,  the  business  was  moved  to  more  commodious  quarters  at  No.  32  East  'Hurt 
street,  and  in  the  spring  of  1881  Mr.  Eversole  became  the  sole  proprietor.  ( nde 
his  judicious  management  the  business  of  tailoring  and  manufacturing  ready-mad' 
clothing  has  made  his  house  one  of  the  most  noted  in  the  Miami  Valley.  He  was  mar 
ried,  October  1,  1868,  to  Miss  Nora  B.  Fairchild,  an  esteemed  young  lady,  the  tourtl 
of  five  children  born  to  Este  and  Susannah  (Carlisle)  Fairchild,  both  natives  of  Ohio; 
Mr.  Eversole  is  now  serving  his  second  term  of  two  years  on  the  Board  of  Education; 
where  he  is  considered  one  of  the  strongest  members,  thoroughly  devoted  to  educationa 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


207 


iterests,  and  greatly  esteemed  by  his  colleagues.  Mr^  Eversole  is  the  patentee  of  a 
aluable  and  ingenious  invention  for  the  use  of  invalids,  known  as  the  “ Invalid  Waiter 
It  Extension  Bracket,”  which  is  attached  to  a bedstead  and  forms  a most  convenient 
liver  or  stand  upon  which  edibles,  medicines,  etc.,  may  be  placed  within  easy  reach  of 
lie  patient.  It  is  adjustable  by  extension  by  verticle  movement,  and  has  a free  lateral 
iovement  by  which  it  is  carried  out  of  the  way,  and  serves  the  place  of  a flower  stand 
hen  not  in  use.  This  gentleman  is  deservedly  popular  with  all  classes  wherever 
Qown.  His  associations  and  acquaintance  in  this  section  of  the  State  are  large,  having 
een  with  its  people  ever  since  boyhood  to  the  present  time,  and  like  the  popular  and 
•osperous  in  all  communities,  is  a self-made  man,  a graduate  of  the  field  and  farm,  and 
:ie  possessor  of  an  honorable  record ; respected  and  conscientious  in  all  his  business 
ansactions,  he  deserves  the  emulation  of  the  young  and  aspiring  for  honors  in  the 
ercantile  world. 

ARNOLD  0.  FENNER,  manufacturer,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Miami  County, 
hio,  in  1826.  He  is  the  son  of  Augustus  Fenner.  He  worked  on  a farm  until  after 
s majority,  except  at  intervals,  when  he  attended  school  and  college.  He  began  teach- 
g school  in  the  fall  of  1848,  at  the  Ludlow  Street  Schoolhouse  in  Dayton.  He 
•ught  at  the  Perry  Street  Schoolhousein  1851,  and  in  1852  was  engaged  at  Troy,  Ohio, 
pm  where  he  returned  to  Dayton  in  1853,  and  took  the  Principal’s  position  in  the 
istern  District,  since  known  as  the  Turner  Hall  School.  Here  he  continued  until  the 
bool  removed  to  Fifth  street  in  the  fall  of  1862,  when  he  assisted  in  organizing  a 
mpany  for  the  One  Hundred  and  Twelfth  Regiment  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  which 
iis  afterward  consolidated  with  the  Sixty-third  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry.  From  the 
ne  of  the  consolidation  he  served  in  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee.  He  was  Acting 
ijutant  of  the  Sixty-third  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry  during  much  of  1863,  and  Assistant 
ljutant  General  on  the  staff  of  Gen.  J.  W.  Sprague,  commanding  the  brigade  during 
p Atlanta  campaign.  He  subsequently  took  command  of  a company  and  participated  in 
■ the  marches  of  the  Seventeenth  Army  Corps  through  Savannah,  Columbia,  Fayette- 
le,  Goldsboro,  Raleigh,  Petersburg,  Richmond  and  Washington,  up  to  the  muster- 
t at  Louisville.  In  the  fall  of  1865,  he  was  given  the  principalship  of  Ludlow  Street 
Pool  which  he  retained  until  February,  1867,  having  on  the  previous  January  entered 

0 a partnership  with  S.  T.  Cotterill  in  the  tobacco-cutting  business,  in  which  he  has 
utinued  up  to  the  present  time.  Theirs  is  the  North  Star  brand  of  fine-cut  tobacco, 

ich  is  known  by  tobacco  users  all  over  the  United  States. 

HENRY  FERNEDING,  maltster,  Dayton,  was  born  November  10,  1812,  in 
irtinus,  Dunglage,  Grand  Duc-hy  of  Oldenburg.  At  the  age  of  20  years,  he  came 
America,  and  arrived  at  Baltimore,  Md.,  June  4,1833.  From  there  he  traveled  on 
ft  to  Pittsburgh,  and  thence  by  river  to  Cincinnati,  where  he  arrived  in  the  following 

1 nth.  For  six  months  while  in  Cincinnati  he  drove  a milk  wagon,  but  being  broken 
1 vn  in  health  he  left  and  came  to  Dayton,  where  he  was  employed  as  jigger  and  water 
frier  to  the  men  engaged  in  digging  the  Miami  & Erie  Canal ; but  being  taken  down 
1 chiils  and  fever  he  gave  up  his  job  and  for  six  months  lay  upon  a bed  of  sickness. 
1,3  money  being  used  during  his  sickness  he  sawed  wood  for  a living,  working  every 
1 er  day  when  the  chills  were  off.  He  next  engaged  in  the  distillery  of  Messrs.  Horace 
Perry  Pease,  on  Hole’s  Creek,  where  he  remained  until  1839.  Part  of  this  time  he 
c the  work  and  received  the  pay  of  one  and  a half  men.  He  next  went  to  Milford, 
Imilton  County,  Ohio,  where  he  worked  four  mouths  in  John  Koogler’s  distillery, 
her  a two  months’  illness  in  Milford  he  went  to  Hamilton  and  worked  five  months  in 

! distillery  of  Huston  & Harper,  in  which  he  was  terribly  scalded  by  the  bursting  of 
4 ! slop  pipe,  and  was  confined  to  his  bed  for  three  months  with  his  injuries.  He 
Drward  returned  to  Dayton  and  worked  for  Snyder  & Dryden  in  their  distillery  on 
He’s  Creek.  On  May  6,  1840,  he  married  Miss  M.  E.  Saphon  with  whom  he  became 
auainted  while  at  Milford.  The  result  of  this  marriage  was  nine  children,  three  of 
"3m  grew  up,  viz.  : James  S.,  who  was  in  business,  but  died  at  the  age  of  twenty 

Jfs;  M.  Elizabeth,  who  died  in  her  fourteenth  year,  and  Clem.  J.,  who  still  survives 
ai  is  the  business  partner  of  his  father.  Mr.  Ferneding  then  worked  one  year  in 


208 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES  : 


James  Riddle’s  brewery  on  St.  Clair  street  for  $18  per  month,  after  which  he  worke 
it  on  the  shares,  until  1845,  when  in  connection  with  his  brother,  John  Casper,  an 
Frank  Otten,  he  purchased  the  site  of  his  present  malt-house  on  Kenton  street,  an 
carried  on  there  the  business  of  malting  and  brewing  until  the  partnership  was  di 
solved  by  the  death  of  F.  Otten  in  1847,  after  which  the  two  brothers  continued  th 
business  under  the  firm  name  of  J.  & H.  Ferneding.  In  1850,  they  purchased  th 
old  Riddle  Brewery,  and  in  1851  built  in  its  stead  the  present  malt-house  on  St.  Clai 
street.  Before  the  completion  of  the  new  building,  Casper  died,  whereupon  Hear 
bought  his  interest,  August  29,  1851,  and  carried  on  the  business  alone  until  1 85'. 
when  Bernard  Hollencamp  became  a partner  and  remained  as  such  until  1857.  Dm 
rag  their  partnership  they  purchased  the  brewery  of  James  Kyle,  at  Xenia,  and  Carrie 
it  on  under  the  firm  name  of  Hollencamp  & Co.,  Mr.  F.  attending  to  the  business  <' 
Dayton  and  Mr.  H.  at  Xenia.  In  1857,  Mr.  H.  became  sole  owner  of  the  Xen: 
brewery,  and  Mr.  F.  continued  the  business  in  Dayton.  These  men  had  also  rented  tl 
malt-house  of  Henry  Herman  on  Main  street  and  carried  on  the  grain  trade  for  lii 
years.  In  1859,  Mr.  F.  feeling  the  want  of  better  facilities  for  brewing  lager  bee 
built  the  City  Brewery  on  South  Warren  street,  now  owned  by  Jacob  Stickle.  Th 
branch  of  his  business  he  closed  out  in  March,  1865,  to  Sander  & Stoppleman.  ] 
August  1861,  he,  in  company  with  George  and  Andrew  Mause,  commenced  the  mam 
facture  of  flour  under  the  firm  name  of  Ferneding,  Mause  & Co.  In  September,  186 
Andrew  Mause  retiring,  Mr.  F.  and  George  Mause  purchased  the  Hydraulic  Mills 
Eichelberger  & Bro.,  and  ran  it  until  July  1,  1867,  when  Clem  J.  Ferneding  su 
ceeded  Mr.  Mause.  In  1871,  they  sold  this  mill  to  Simon  Gebhart  & Sons.  In  Jul 
1870,  Mr.  F.  and  his  son  purchased  the  Hydraulic  Brewery,  which  thi 
conducted  until  January  1,  1871.  when  they  sold  out  to  N.  Metz  & C 

In  August,  1872,  Mr.  F.  with  Hamilton  M.  Turner,  Thomas  Heckathorn  ai 
James  Niswonger  purchased  the  Isaac  Hay  Distillery  and  warehouse  at  Brookvill 
Ohio,  which  they  worked  until  August  1874,  when  Mr.  F.  exchanged  his  interest 
the  distillery  for  the  warehouse.  In  this  connection  he  became  agent  for  the  Daytf 
& Union  and  Pennsylvania  Central  & St.  Louis  Railroad  Cos.  In  July,  1878, 
was  appointed  one  of  the  assignees  of  Hollencamp  Bros.,  brewers  of  Xenia,  and  1 
good  management  succeeded  in  again  putting  their  affairs  on  a good  footing.  Be 
now  sixty-nine  years  old,  and  possesses  a strong  and  vigorous  constitution  and  bids  fa 
to  yet  remain  for  some  years  in  the  world  where  he  has  spent  a life  of  honest  activil 

LEO  FLOTRON,  deceased,  was  born  August  12,  1846,  in  St.  Imier,  canton 
Bern,  Switzerland.  He  learned  the  trade  of  jeweling  and  engraving  in  Chan-c 
Fonds,  France,  at  which  he  worked  until  he  was  nineteen  years  of  age,  a period  of  fi 
years.  He  came  to  this  country  April  14, 1866,  and  arrived  in  New  York  City,  wb< 
he  worked  at  his  trade  for  some  time.  He  then  came  to  Osborn,  where  Mr.  Shephen 
family  lived,  they  being  related  to  him.  He  stayed  with  them  nine  months,  at1 
which  he  came  to  Dayton,  and  worked  at  his  trade  with  Mr.  Mosher,  on  Main  stre 
and  with  Mr.  Tyler.  He  commenced  business  for  himself  October  19,  1870,  on  Mi 
street,  opposite  the  court  house.  On  the  14tli  of  April,  he  married  Miss  Kate  Rouz 
who  was  a native  of  Dayton,  born  June  16,  1852,  and  daughter  of  John  and  Mart 
J.  (Diehl)  Rouzer,  who  were  both  natives  of  Ohio.  By  his  marriage  Mr.  Flotron  h 
one  son,  John  R.,  named  after  his  grandfather  Rouzer.  In  May,  1875,  Mr.  Floti 
embarked  on  the  steamer  Yille  de  Paris  for  Europe,  where  he  remained  three  mont^ 
He  returned  August  10,  1875,  on  the  steamer  La  France.  He  died  June  19,  18 
about  ten  months  after  his  return  from  Europe.  He  was  a consistent  member  ot  t 
Presbyterian  Church,  in  which  he  was  baptized  when  three  years  of  age.  He  t< 
out  his  naturalization  papers  in  1866,  in  the  Clerk  of  Court’s  office  of  this  county, 
was  a kind  and  indulgent  father  and  a most  estimable  citizen,  having  the  respect  of  i 
who  knew  him  and  leaving  behind  him  a record  of  untarnished  purity.  To  such  m 
as  he  a published  record  of  their  lives  is  but  a poor  tribute  to  their  worth. 

HUN.  JOHN  L.  II.  FRANK,  Judge  of  the  Probate  Court,  Dayton.  This  w 
known  and  trusted  official  of  Montgomery  County  was  born  March  31,  1837,  in  Nc 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


209 


ausen,  county  of  Brackenheim,  Kingdom  of  Wurtemburg,  Germany,  and  was  the  second 
i a family  of  five  children,  all  of  whom  are  now  residents  of  this  country.  His  parents 
ere  natives  of  Kaltenwesten,  on  the  Neckar,  in  Wurtemburg,  but  at  the  time  of  their 
larriage,  in  1835,  moved  to  Nordhausem,  in  the  same  county,  where  the  Judge’s  father 
ecame  proprietor  of  the  Waldhorn  Hotel.  Subsequently  they  moved  to  Heilbronn, 
a the  Neckar.  Young  Frank  had  an  uncle  and  aunt  living  in  Leroy,  Genesee  County, 
f.  Y.,  who  requested  him  to  come  to  America,  and  in  March,  1852,  when  not  yet 
fteen  years  old,  he  started  by  steamboat  down  the  Neckar  to  the  Rhine,  thence 
irough  France  by  railroad  to  Havre  de  Grace,  a seaport  in  France,  alone  and  friend- 
|ss,  with  not  one  soul  on  board  whom  he  knew,  or  had  ever  seen  before ; but  he  pos- 
ted a determination  to  fight  his  own  way  through  life,  and  this,  coupled  with  his  con- 
ant  industry  and  rigid  integrity,  helped  him  to  win  success.  Upon  reaching  his  uncle’s 
ouse,  he  soon  became  employed  in  the  cultivation  of  fruit  trees  in  his  uncle’s  nursery, 
here  he  worked  faithfully  until  1855,  when  he  removed  to  Rochester,  continuing  the 
ime  business  at  the  Mount  Hope  Nursery;  the  following  year  a branch  of  the  Mount 
Tope  Nursery  was  established  at  Columbus,  Ohio,  and  here  he  prosecuted  his  labors, 
■.tending  at  intervals  Antioch  College,  at  Yellow  Springs,  Ohio,  until  the  summer  of 
859.  He  being  then  in  limited  circumstances,  a kind  lady  offered  to  loan  him  money 
i complete  his  studies,  but  declining  the  generous  offer  from  motives  of  economy,  he 
ent  to  Missouri  to  work  in  the  Herman  Nursery,  and  while  quietly  prosecuting  his 
bors,  in  the  spring  of  1861,  the  tocsin  of  war  sounded,  and  at  the  first  call  for  volun- 
jiers  he  enlisted  in  Company  B,  Fourth  Missouri  Volunteer  Infantry,  in  the  three 
lionths’  service,  but  severe  service  brought  on  an  attack  of  typhoid  fever,  and  he 
as  discharged  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year.  He  soon  after  re-enlisted  in  the  Tenth 
linois  Volunteer  Infantry,  and  although  not  perfectly  recuperated,  he  stood  the  hard- 
iiips  of  one  campaign  until  the  fall  of  1862,  when  he  was  again  discharged  on  account 
If  physical  disability.  He  was  soon  after  given  a position  in  the  Quartermaster’s  office 
i St.  Louis,  where  he  remained  until  1864,  using  his  spare  moments  in  reading  Black- 
one  and  other  elementary  works  furnished  him  by  Judge  Eaton.  About  a year  after 
ar  subject  left  Germany,  his  father  died,  and  in  a few  years  he  sent  for  his  mother 
ad  the  rest  of  the  family,  the  former  dying  in  Dayton,  April  27,  1877  ; two  of  his 
rotbers  and  one  sister  reside  in  Dayton  and  one  sister  in  Mattoon,  111.  In  1864 
udge  Frank  came  to  Dayton,  where  he  continued  his  law  studies  under  the  tutorship 
f Craighead  & Munger,  making  rapid  progress,  and  being  admitted  to  the  bar  Septem- 
er  2,  1867.  He  at  once  opened  an  .office  and  practiced  his  profession  successfully  for 
:veral  years.  He  was  married  August  11,  1870,  to  Mary  Lutz,  a native  of  Germany, 
ho  came  to  this  country  in  childhood  with  her  parents,  and  grew  to  maturity  in  Day- 
>n.  Six  children  have  been  the  fruits  of  this  union,  four  sons  and  two  daughters,  all 
if  whom  are  living.  Politically,  the  Judge  has  always  been  a Republican,  and  in  the 
dl  of  1875,  was  nominated  and  elected  to  the  office  of  Probate  Judge.  Commencing 
le  duties  of  his  office  February  14,  1876,  and  in  1878  he  was  re-elected  to  the  same 
osition,  which  was  one  of  the  strongest  indorsements  of  his  official  worth  and  integrity, 
hen  we  consider  that  Montgomery  County  is  largely  Democratic.  In  all  the  rela- 
ons  of  life,  Judge  Frank  is  trusted  and  respected  because,  whether  in  private  or  pub- 
c life,  he  has  always  tried  to  do  his  whole  duty.  In  the  hour  of  the  nation’s  peril,  he 
;ood  by  the  flag  of  his  adopted  country  and,  in  this,  as  in  every  page  of  his  career,  he 
;as  guided  by  conscience  alone  ; affable  and  courteous  to  every  one,  he  has  won  hosts 
f friends  throughout  the  country. 

CHARLES  T.  FREEMAN,  Sheriff  of  County,  Dayton,  was  born  July  31, 
84:4,  in  Greene  County.  He  came  to  Montgomery  County  with  his  parents  during 
afancy,  and  settled  in  Van  Buren  Township.  At  the  age  of  nine  years,  he  removed  to 
Lyton,  at  which  time  his  father  died  and  he  was  placed  in  school  by  his  mother,  and 
bceived  as  good  an  education  as  the  country  at  that  time  afforded.  After  leaving 
phool,  he  engaged  in  business  with  Nicholas  Ohmer,  Esq.,  with  whom  he  remained 
|°out  three  years,  and  then  drove  an  express  wagon  for  a number  of  years,  after  which 
e accepted  a situation  in  the  United  States  Express  Office,  in  Dayton,  where  he  re- 
in 


210 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES : 


mained  until  promoted  to  messenger  of  the  company,  which  position  he  held  for  abou 
a year.  In  February,  18G6,  he  married  Mary  A.,  daughter  of  Joseph  M.  Turner,  Esq  bj 
whom  he  has  had  two  children,  both  daughters.  He  was  appointed  treasurer  of  Turner’ 
Opera  House  in  September,  1866,  and  filled  that  position  until  the  destruction  of  th 
Opera  House  by  fire,  on  Sunday  morning,  May  16,  1869.  In  January,  1873,  he  wa 
appointed  Deputy  Sheriff,  under  William  Patton,  and  held  that  office  during  the  twi 
terms  of  Mr.  Patton,  and  one  term  under  Mr.  Albert  Beebe,  being  a longer  service,  i: 
that  position,  than  any  deputy  has  ever  held  in  succession  in  the  county.  In  Septem 
ber,  1880,  he  received  the  nomination  for  Sheriff  of  the  county  by  acclamation*  anc 
was  elected  to  that  office  at  the  ensuing  October  election.  Mr.  Freeman  is  a polite 
accommodating  gentleman,  of  considerable  popularity  throughout  the  county,  and  hi; 
ability  makes  his  election  to  the  office  of  Sheriff  one  of  the  most  satisfactory  poiifcica 
moves  the  electors  of  the  county  have  made  in  many  years. 

JOSIAH  GEBHART,  white  lead  manufacturer,  Dayton,  was  born  Febnar 
13,  1835,  in  Somerset  County,  Penn.,  where  he  attended  the  common  school  until  pre 
pared  for  college.  He  then  attended  the  Pennsylvania  College,  at  Gettysburg,  Penn 
for  two  years.  At  the  age  of  thirteen  years,  he  came  West  with  his  parents,  and  er 
tered  the  dry  goods  store  of  his  father,  as  clerk.  He  engaged  in  the  manufacture  o 
linseed  oil,  with  his  father  and  Simon  Gebhart,  Esq.,  under  the  firm  name  of  Gebhai 
& Co.,  in  1818,  and  remained  until  1870.  Then  he  commenced  the  manufacture  c 
bailing  goods,  for  packing  cotton.  He  discontinued  this  business  in  1879,  and,  i 
company  with  his  son,  Charles  W.  aud  D.  C.  Floyd,  Esq.,  commenced  the  manufacl 
ure  of  white  lead,  under  the  firm  name  of  Josiah  Gebhart  & Co.,  as  it  now  exists 
On  the  3d  of  October,  1848,  he  married  Miss  Susan  Wilson,  daughter  of  Natlianh 
Wilson,  and  grand-daughter  of  George  Newcom,  an  early  settler  of  this  county.  B 
her  he  had  two  children,  viz.,  Charles  W.  and  Horatio  L.  The  father  of  our  subjec 
was  born  in  Somerset,  Penn.,  1797,  and  was  engaged  in  the  dry  goods  business  unt 
he  came  West.  The  mother,  Catharine  Walter,  was  born  in  the  same  place,  in  130( 
They  were  the  parents  of  five  sons  and  five  daughters,  of  whom  three  sons  and  thre 
daughters  survive.  The  grandparents  of  our  subject,  John  G.  and  Catharine  Lehtna 
Gebhart,  were  natives  of  Berks  County,  Penn.,  and  were  the  parents  of  five  sons  an 
three  daughters.  Of  these,  two  daughters  died  in  infancy.  Mr.  Gebhart,  the  subjet 
hereof,  is  a young  man  in  the  full  prime  of  life,  and  fully  merits  the  success  that  h; 
attended  his  efforts. 

HENRY  C.  GRAVES,  manufacturer,  Dayton,  and  a member  of  the!  firm  t 
Marshall,  Graves  & Co.,  was  born  near  Elmira,  Chemung  County,  N.  Y.,  in  May,  1 83l 
His  father  was  Henry  M.  Graves,  a prominent  physician  of  Chemung  County,  wh 
died  when  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  eleven  years  of  age.  A year  later,  M 
Graves  accompanied  his  mother  and  family  to  Dayton,  where  he  attended  the  distil 
and  high  school.  When  twenty  years  of  age,  he  obtained  a position  as  clerk  with  < 
B.  Gilbert  & Co.,  wholesale  grocers  and  liquor  dealers.  He  remained  with  this  fir 
until  1868,  when  himself  aud  brother,  George  M.,  purchased  the  stock  and  trade  ' 
the  firm,  and  continued  the  business  with  good  success  until  1880.  In  the  latter  yea 
in  connection  with  Albert  C.  Marshall,  Mr.  Graves  purchased  the  business  of  tl 
Dayton  Machine  Company,  and  soon  after  removed  it  to  the  present  location  < 
the  firm.  The  firm  subsequently  bought  out  Riegel  & Co.,  manufacturers  1 
engines.  Mr.  Graves  was  married  in  1863,  to  Sally  J.,  daughter  of  William  Dicke 
a prominent  citizen  of  Dayton,  now  deceased.  Two  sons  have  been  given 
bless  this  union,  William  D.  and  Challie.  Mrs.  Graves  is  a consistent  member  ' 
the  Presbyterian  Church.  Politically,  Mr.  Graves  is  Democratic,  and  has  served  h 
fellow-citizens  as  a member  of  the  School  Board  and  Police  Commissioners.  M 
Graves  has  been  eminently  successful  as  a business  man,  and  has  always  evinced  i 
active  interest  in  the  welfare  of  bis  adopted  city.  He  is  a Director  in  the  Dayton  G 
Light  and  Coke  Company,  and  Vice  President  of  the  company ; is  also  Vice  Preside! 
of  the  Ohio  Insurance  Company. 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


211 


WILLIAM  H.  GRUNDY,  physician,  Dayton,  was  born  in  March.  1854.  in 
Mavsville,  Ky.  His  father  was  the  late  Rev.  Dr.  R.  C.  Grundy,  of  Cincinnati,  his 
mother  being  a daughter  of  Mr.  James  Kemper,  of  same  city.  To  the  latter  belonged 
itt  one  time  nearly  all  that  portion  of  Cincinnati  now  known  as  Walnut  Hills.  During 
:he  period  from  1854  to  1865,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Grundy  had  charge  of  churches  in  Mays- 
/ille,  Ky.,  Memphis,  Tenn.  and  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  On  his  death  in  1865,  his  widow, 
{Vlrs.  E.  S.  Grundy,  moved  to  Dayton  with  her  family.  Subsequently  she  removed 
vith  her  sons  to  Hanover,  N.  H.  William  here  began  his  preparation  for  college  under 
he  tutorage  of  Prof.  John  Lord,  of  Dartmouth  College,  and  the  Rev.  Lemuel  S. 
Tastings.  After  one  year’s  study  here  he  went  to  Princeton,  N.  J.,  and  studied  a year 
inder  the  Rev.  James  O’Brien.  He  graduated  with  honor  in  class  of  1875,  from 
Princeton.  Immediately  afterward,  he  entered  upon  his  medical  studies  in  the  College 
if  Physicians  and  Surgeons,  New  York,  and  Long  Island  Hospital  College,  Brooklyn. 
Ifter  practicing  successfully  medicine  and  surgery  in  Ellis  County,  Texas,  Dr.  Grundy 
emoved  to  his'  former  home  in  Dayton.  He  entered  immediately  into  partnership 
vith  Dr.  William  Egry,  of  Dayton,  and  on  the  departure  of  Dr.  Egry  for  Europe,  in 
•he  summer  of  1881,  Dr.  Grundy  took  charge  of  the  entire  practice.  He  is  connected 
y family  ties  to  most  of  the  prominent  families  of  Dayton,  and  in  that  way  is  iden ti- 
ed with  the  history  of  the  city  and  county. 

CHARLES  A.  GUMP,  manufacturer  and  merchant,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Day- 
pn,  Ohio,  September  2,  1839.  His  education  was  obtained  in  the  common  and  high 
ehools  of  his  native  city.  He  began  his  business  life  at  fifteen  years  of  age  as  a clerk 
i his  father’s  store,  where  he  remained  until  1866,  when,  in  company  with  E.  S. 
orgy,  Esq.,  he  opened  his  present  mill-furnishing  establishment  under  the  firm  name 
f Charles  A.  Gump  & Co.  Mr.  Gump  enlisted  in  the  National  Guards  in  1862,  and 
ssisted  in  opposing  Morgan  in  his  raid  through  Kentucky  and  Southern  Ohio.  His 
jeople  were  among  the  early  pioneers  of  this  State.  His  father,  Andrew  Gump,  was 
orn  in  Frederick  County,  Md.,  November  17,  18(J7,  and  moved  to  Ohio  with  his 
.ther’s  family  in  1812.  They  first  landed  in  Miami  County,  near  Tippecanoe,  where 
ley  lived  in  a log  cabin  from  which  they  could  shoot  deer  at  almost  any  time.  The 
.mily  consisted  of  the  father,  Jacob,  mother  and  six  children — Andrew,  Israel,  Jere- 
iah,  Eli,  Sarah  Ann  and  Nelson.  The  mother  died  in  1823,  and,  as  the  father  con- 
uded  it  would  be  impossible  to  keep  the  family  together,  Andrew,  the  eldest,  came  to 
'ayton,  where  he  arrived  on  the  1st  of  March,  1825,  and  commenced  clerking  in  the 
iore  of  William  Eaker,  with  whom  he  remained  three  years  and  four  months.  He 
arried  Miss  Ruth  Crampton  in  October,  1829,  after  which  he  went  to  Little  York, 
here  he  opened  a general  notion  store,  which  he  carried  on  for  thirteen  months.  He 
ten  moved  the  stock  to  Dayton  and  rented  an  old  frame  building  on  Second  street, 
stween  Main  and  Jefferson,  of  William  Eaker,  into  which  his  stock  was  placed.  Two- 
iars  afterward,  he  increased  his  stock  by  buying  the  goods  and  building  owned  by 
Siam  Broadwell.  Three  years  afterward  he  sold  his  building  to  William  Eaker, 
ho  moved  it  to  Wilkinson  street,  between  Water  and  First,  where  it  now  stands.  He 
en  bought  ground  near  the  site  of  the  old  building  and  built  a three-story  business 
om  adjoining  one  built  at  the  same  time  by  Samuel  McPherson.  In  1839,  he  built- 
;,s  present  handsome  residence,  No.  118  West  Second  street,  at  a cost  of  $13,000. 
was  the  best  house  in  the  city  at  the  time  it  was  built.  In  1858,  he  built  the  first 
one  front  store  room  in  the  city.  In  1853,  he  built  four  brick  houses  on  Water 
reet  next  to  Liberty  Street.  In  1859,  he  tore  down  the  old  McPherson  store  rooms 
id  erected  a new  four-story  building.  In  addition  to  these  he  built  a brick  house  in 
iami  City  and  a double  brick  on  West  Second  street.  Surely  this  gentleman  has 
|ne  much  toward  the  growth  and  improvement  of  his  adopted  city.  He  has  retired 
pm  active  business  life,  but  still  watches  with  interest  the  rapidly  increasing  business 
his  son,  our  subject,  who  is  one  of  Dayton’s  many  solid  and  enterprising  business 
en. 

HON.  LEWIS  B.  GUNCKEL,  lawyer  and  ex-Congressman,  was  born  in  German- 
wn,  Ohio,  October  15, 1826.  His  grandfather,  Judge  Philip  Gunckel,  and  his  father. 


212 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


Col.  Michael  Gunckel,  were  among  the  first  settlers  in  Montgomery  County,  and  besides 
other  official  positions,  represented  the  county  in  the  Legislature.  Lewis  B.  Gunckel 
graduated  at  Farmers’  College  in  1848,  and  at  the  law  school  of  the  Cincinnati  Collect 
in  1851.  He  was  admitted  to  the  bar  the  same  year,  and  has  been  in  the  active  prac 
tice  in  Dayton  ever  since,  holding  a leading  position,  and  enjoying  a large  and  lucrative 
business.  But  he  has  always  taken  an  active  part  in  politics.  He  was  a firm  and  con 
sistent  Whig  during  the  existence  of  that  party.  He  refused  to  go  into  the  “ Know 
Nothing”  movement,  but  was  among  the  first  in  Ohio  to  take  his  stand  as  a Republican 
and  he  has  ever  since  remained  a zealous  and  active  member  of  that  party.  In  1856 
he  was  a delegate  to  the  Philadelphia  National  Convention,  and  afterward  did  efficient 
work  for  Fremont  upon  the  stump  in  Southern  Ohio.  In  1862,  he  was  elected  to  the 
Senate  of  Ohio,  and  continued  a leading  member  during  the  memorable  sessions  of  1862 
1863,  1864  and  1865  ; for  the  last  three  years  of  which  time,  he  was  Chairman  of  the 
Judiciary  Committee.  He  was  an  ardent  Union  man  during  the  war,  and  was  noted  it 
the  General  Assembly  as  the  friend  of  the  common  soldier;  one  of  his  first  bills  bein', 
for  relief  of  soldiers’  families.  The  constitutionality  and  expediency  of  the  bill  was  thei 
questioned,  and,  in  his  speech  in  reply  to  Hon.  W.  S.  Groesbeck,  he  closed  by  saying 
“ But  we  can  economize  elsewhere — retrench  everywhere — -and  save  enough  to  the  State 
in  its  local  and  general  expenses,  to  make  up  the  entire  sum.  But  if  not,  we  shouli 
bear  it  cheerfully,  heroically.  We  must  fight  or  pay.  We  ought  to  do  both  ; we  mus 
do  one  or  the  other  ! ” He  was  the  author  of  the  soldiers’  voting  law,  and  of  variou 
bills  to  send  surgeons,  nurses,  medicines,  etc.,  to  the  soldiers  in  the  front,  and  to  car 
for  the  widows  and  children  of  those  who  were  killed  in  the  service.  He  also  introduce 
a bill  looking  to  the  establishment  of  a State  Soldiers’  Home,  and  of  a State  Bureau  fo 
the  collection  and  preservation  of  the  name,  family,  enlistment,  service  and  valor  of  ever: 
Ohio  soldier,  and  for  gratuitous  aid  in  procuring  bounties  and  pensions.  During  tb 
session  of  1863,  Mr.  Gunckel  made  a speech  in  support  of  the  war,  which  the  Republ , 
can  papers  printed  in  full,  and  pronouuced  the  ablest  made  during  the  debate.  It  wrjj 
afterward  printed  and  circulated  as  a campaign  document.  In  1864,  Mr.  Gunckel  wJ 
a Presidential  Elector  and  canvassed  the  State  for  Lincoln.  During  the  same  year,  h 
favorite  idea  was  adopted  by  Gov.  Brough,  and  a State  Soldiers’  Home  establish! 
near  Columbus,  with  Mr.  Gunckel  as  one  of  its  Trustees.  The  next  year,  Congress  ei 
larged  upon  the  idea,  and  established  the  “ National  Home  for  disabled  volunteer  sc 
diers,”  and  by  joint  resolution  appointed  Mr.  Gunckel  as  one  of  its  twelve  manager 
After  serving  four  years,  Congress  re-appointed  him  for  the  six  years’  term,  and  durii 
the  entire  ten  years,  he  was  the  efficient  Secretary  of  the  Board.  In  1871,  Mr.  Gunck 
was  appointed  by  the  President  of  the  United  States,  Special  Commissioner  to  iavestiga 
frauds  practiced  upon  the  Cherokee,  Creek  and  Chickasaw  tribes  of  Indians,  and  his  i 
port  assisted  the  Government  in  discovering  and  prosecuting  the  guilty  parties,  and  al 
making  important  reforms  in  the  Indian  service.  In  1872,  Mr.  Gunckel  was  elected 
the  Forty-third  Congress  from  the  Fourth  District  of  Ohio.  He  served  on  the  Commit! 
on  Military  Affairs,  and  his  first  speech  in  the  House  was  upon  the  army  appropriati 
bill,  and  in  favor  of  a reduction  of  the  army  and  of  the  expenses  of  the  war  estabiis 
ment.  His  speeches  in  favor  of  “cheap  transportation,”  and  the  ‘ equalization  of  s 
diers’  bounties,  ” and  against  appropriating  $3,000,000  for  the  Philadelphia  Centenn 
Exhibition,  attracted  much  attention,  and  were  generally  commended  for  their  sound  ■' 
gument  and  strong  practical  common  sense.  His  shorter  speeches  were  generally  agaii 
“jobs  ” and  schemes  of  extravagance,  and  in  favor  of  a more  honest  and  economical : 
ministration  of  public  affairs.  He  voted  to  repeal  the  act,  passed  by  the  preceding  0< 
gress  and  known  as  the  “ salary  grab  ; ” and  although  entitled  to  the  increased  coinpi 
sation,  refused  to  draw  the  same.  During  his  Congressional  term,  he  continued  to  p 
form  the  arduous  duties  of  a manager  and  Secretary  of  the  Board  of  the  Soldiers’  IIoi 
but  refused  the  compensation  tendered  therefor,  and  paid  for  his  clerical  assistance  i 
of  his  own  pocket.  In  1874,  the  Republicans  nominated  him  for  a second  term,  buj 
was  the  “ off  year,”  and  hard  times,  want  of  employment,  the  temperance  crusade,  ej 
caused  his  defeat  and  that  of  his  party  in  Ohio.  But  the  people  of  Dayton  regard  l 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


213 


Gun ck el’s  best  work,  the  establishment  and  successful  management  of  the  Dayton  Sol- 
diers’ Home.  Since  the  war,  it  has  been  his  “pet  idea,”  and,  seemingly,  the  ambition 
of  his  life.  For  twelve  years,  he  worked  quietly,  unobtrusively,  without  pretension  or 
boasting,  but  with  wonderful  patience  and  industry,  under  many  discouragements,  and 
with  the  burden  of  many  other  duties,  public  and  private,  until  he  succeeded  in  making 
the  Dayton  Home,  not  only  one  of  the  most  beautiful  and  attractive  places  in  the  United 
States,  but,  confessedly,  the  largest  and  best  institution  of  its  kind  in  the  world.  When 
his  long  term  as  manager  ended,  the  Board  of  Managers,  including  the  President,  Chief 
Justice,  and  Secretary  of  War,  unanimously  adopted  resolutions  expressing  in  most  com- 
plimentary terms  their  regard  for  Mr.  Gunckel,  and  returning  to  him  their  thanks  for 
the  ability,  energy  and  industry,  with  which  he  had  performed  his  duties  as  manager 
and  Secretary.  And  at  a banquet,  subsequently  given  by  the  citizens  of  Dayton  to  the 
Board  of  Managers,  Hon.  George  W.  Houk,  a prominent  Democrat,  complimented  Mr. 
Gunckel  for  his  efficient  services  in  promoting  the  success  and  prosperity  of  the  institu- 
tion, and  Maj.  Gen.  J.  H.  Martindale,  speaking  for  the  board,  and  detailing  its  work, 
said:  “ I recollect  after  the  passage  of  the  act,  when  we  met  together  in  the  office  of 

the  Surgeon  General,  in  the  city  of  Washington.  Gentlemen,  Ohio  was  ably  represented 
in  that  board.  Salmon  P.  Chase,  the  great  Chief  Justice;  the  gallant,  bold,  defiant 
War  Secretary,  Edwin  M.  Stanton  ; and  I think  it  fair  to  say  in  this  presence— I will 
not  hesitate  to  speak  of  it — that  if  in  this  broad  land  of  ours  the  very  eye  of  inspiration 
had  looked  out  for  pure  intelligence  and  ardent  heart  and  generous  enthusiasm  to  co- 
operate with  that  board,  they  could  not  have  chosen  better  than  the  then  local  manager 
— Lewis  B.  Gunckel.”  For  several  years  past,  Mr.  Gunckel  has  devoted  himself  to  the 
practice  of  his  profession,  making  occasional  addresses  on  public  occasions.  Although 
regarded  as  one  of  the  ablest  and  most  successful  jury  lawyers  in  Southern  Ohio,  it  is 
known  that  he  habitually  uses  his  influence  to  prevent  litigation,  and  settle  cases  already 
commenced;  and  has  earned  (if  ever  lawyer  did)  the  blessings  promised  to  peacemakers. 
Mr.  Gunckel  was  married  in  I860,  to  Kate,  daughter  of  V.  Winters,  and  has  two  chil- 
dren living.  His  home  is  not  only  one  of  the  happiest  in  Dayton,  but,  as  many  besides 
the  writer  knows,  is  “ given  to  hospitality.” 

THOMAS  D.  HALE,  painter,  Dayton,  is  the  son  of  William  Hale,  of  Hagers- 
town, Md.,  and  Mariah  (Shaffer)  Hale,  of  Nashville,  Tenn.  His  father  was  a steam- 
boat pilot,  and  moved  his  family  from  Nashville,  Tenn.,  where  our  subject  was  born, 
to  Louisville,  Ky.,  in  1837.  Our  subject  was  born  in  Nashville  March  29,  1835,  and 
was  therefore  only  two  years  old  when  his  father  moved  to  Louisville.  He  attended 
the  common  schools  of  Louisville  until  1818,  when  he  commenced  learning  the  trade 
of  house  and  sign  painting,  which  he  finished  in  Cincinnati  in  1852.  In  1854,  he  came 
to  Dayton  to  work  at  his  trade,  and  in  1860  opened  a shop  of  his  own,  where  he  has 
since  continued.  He  was  married  March  28,  1855,  to  Miss  Katie  E.  Swain,  daughter 
of  Josiah  and  Mary  (Bateman)  Swain,  of  Dayton.  By  her  he  has  had  nine  children, 
five  boys  and  four  girls,  of  whom  three  boys  and  four  girls  survive.  Mr.  Hale  is  a 
quiet,  social  gentleman,  who  has,  by  close  application  to  busiaes-i,  built  up  for  himself  a 
large  and  paying  trade.  He  employs  a uumber  of  hands,  and  keeps  them  constantly  at 
work.  Yet,  few  people  know  the  extent  of  his  business  because  he  does  not  make  a 
great  “ blow  ” about  it. 

N.  B.  HOLDER,  biographical  historian,  Greenville,  Ohio,  was  born  in  Bolton, 
Mass.,  October  24,  1833  ; is  a son  of  David  and  Ruth  (Babcock)  Holder,  natives  of 
same  place.  The  paternal  grandfather,  Joseph  Holder,  was  a boot  and  shoe  maker  by 
trade,  which  business  he  followed  till  his  death.  The  maternal  grandfather,  Josiah 
Babcock,  was  a tanner  by  trade,  which  business,  in  connection  with  farming,  he  fol- 
lowed till  his  death.  The  ancestors  of  our  subject  were  all  Quakers.  David  grew  to 
manhood,  brought  up  to  the  same  trade  of  his  father  ; was  married,  anu  became  the 
father  of  three  children— Nathan  B , Josiah  B.  and  Charles  A.  He  lost  his  wife  by 
jdeath  in  December,  1844,  aged  thirty-five  years.  Our  subject,  when  three  years  of 
jage,  was  taken  by  his  mother’s  sister  Mary,  and  her  husband,  Jarvis  Wheeler,  and 
iraised  to  farm  labor,  receiving  a good  education  in  the  common  schools  and  high  school 


214 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


of  Berlin,  Mass.,  and  at  niueteen  years  of  age  commenced  teaching  school,  by  which  he 
obtained  some  means,  and  in  the  spring  of  1853,  entered  the  S ate  Normal  School  at 
Westfield,  Mass.  He  continued  his  course  of  study  here,  by  teaching  winters  to  obtain 
means,  till  in  the  fall  of  1855  he  graduated  and  received  his  diploma.  The  following 
winter  he  taught  school  in  Gloucester,  Mass.,  and  in  the  spring  of  1856  emigrated  to 
Minnesota,  where  he  remained  four  months  ; thence  came  to  Dayton,  Ohio,  and  in  this 
vicinity  taught  two  terms  in  a district  school,  and  four  terms  in  a select  school,  since 
which  he  has  been  engaged  as  a traveling  salesman,  and  as  a druggist,  having  been  in 
the  latter  business  about  ten  years.  In  January,  1880,  he  entered  into  the  employ  of 
W.  H.  Beers  & Co.,  of  Chicago,  111.,  as  biographical  historian,  with  whom  he  still  re- 
mains. He  was  married,  May  26,  1859,  to  Miss  Maggie,  second  daughter  of  James 
and  Nancy  (Ainsworth)  Lucas,  he  a native  of  Virginia,  she  of  Pennsylvania.  The 
paternal  grandparents,  James  and  Mary  Lucas,  were  natives  of  Virginia,  but  who  emi- 
grated to  Ohio  and  located  at  or  near  Chillicothe  just  before  or  about  the  time  of  the  war 
of  1812,  and  here  they  resided  till  their  death.  They  were  parents  of  eight  children, 
all  now  deceased,  James  being  the  last  one  of  the  family  to  pass  from  the  stage  of 
action.  He  was  born  July  4,  1799,  and  when  fourteen  years  of  age  was  a teamster  in 
the  war  of  1812 ; engaged  in  hauling  provisions  for  the  army,  for  which  service  in  after 
years  he  obtained  a land  warrant  for  160  acres  of  land.  He  grew  up  to  manhood,  in 
ured  to  the  scenes  and  hardships  of  those  early  days;  was  married  in  the  fall  of  1825 
to  Nancy,  daughter  of  James  and  Lydia  (Crain)  Ainsworth,  natives  of  Pennsylvania,  but 
who  emigrated  to  Ohio  about  1804,  and  here  they  lived  for  many  years,  being  among  the 
early  pioneers,  and  partaking  of  the  log-cabin  life  with  all  its  roughness  and  many  hard- 
ships. In  after  years,  they  became  residents  of  Indiana,  where  they  lived  till  their  death. 
They  were  parents  of  ten  children,  six  sons  and  four  daughters,  two  only  now  surviving — 
Nancy  and  Margaret,  now  Widow  Anderson.  Nancy  was  born  November  11, 1803,  being 
about  one  year  old  when  brought  to  this  State  ; was  raised  and  grew  to  womanhood  under 
the  sturdy  influences  of  pioneer  life.  Mr.  Lucas  and  wife  by  their  union  had  five  children 
— Mary  June,  born  June  4,  1826  ; Lydia  Ann,  born  March  20,  1828,  and  died  June 
20,1828;  Margaret,  born  August  l",  1829;  Caroline,  born  June  22,  1834;  and 
Maranda,  born  January  20,  1838.  Mr.  Lucas  started  in  life  a poor  boy,  and  with  a 
very  limited  education,  but  with  an  energy  and  a will,  determined  to  overcome  all  ob- 
stacles. He  learned  the  millwright  trade,  which  business  he  followed  for  several  years 
in  the  vicinity  of  Dayton,  along  Mad  River;  thence  he  entered  upon  the  milling  busi- 
ness in  partnership  with  Mr.  George  S.  Smith,  with  whom  he  continued  several  years: 
thence  he  entered  upon  farming,  purchasing  1 22  acres  of  land  in  the  Mad  River  Valley,  in 
Clark  Countv,  about  two  miles  from  Osborn.  Here  he  lived  until  he  retired  from  the 
more  active  labors  of  life  by  purchasing  a fine  property  in  Osborn,  where  in  the  fall  ol 
1855,  he  located  with  his  family,  where  he  resided  until  his  death,  which  occurred  May 
30,  1874,  aged  about  seventy-five  years.  Mr.  Lucas  was  a man  of'  great  energy  and 
determination  of  character,  who  knew  no  such  word  as  fail,  and  from  a poor  man  be- 
came, by  his  own  industry  and  economy,  possessed  of  an  ample  competency,  so  that  in 
his  latter  years  he  lived  in  comfort  and  plenty.  He  was  a man  of  undoubted  integrity, 
possessing  the  entire  confidence  of  this  community  ; a man  of  great  heart,  it  kind  and 
loving  husband  and  father,  and  his  memory  will  be  fondly  cherished  by  his  family  and 
•many  friends  for  ages  to  come.  Mr.  Holder  and  wife  by  their  union  have  had  three 
children — James  L.,  born  April  16,  1860;  Roscoe  W.,  born  November  20,  1866;  and 
Lee  Everett,  born  May  20,  1871,  and  died  January  30,  1872. 

JAMES  W.  HOTT,  clergyman  and  editor,  Dayton,  was  born  near  Winchester, 
Frederick  Co.,  Va.,  November  15,  1844.  He  is  the  eldest  child  of  a family  of  eight 
boys  and  two  girls,  children  of  Jacob  F.  Hott,  who  was  a minister  and  a man  promi- 
nent among  the  citizens  of  his  native  county.  Of  his  eight  children,  three  boys 
entered  the  ministry  and  one  girl  became  the  wife  of  a minister.  Our  subject,  one  ot 
the  above  three,  was  received  into  the  Virginia  Annual  Conference  of  the  United 
Brethren  in  Christ,  at  Edenburg,  Va.,  February  16,  1862,  and  was  appointed  to  a 
charge  in  Frederick  County.  He  was  ordained  at  Boonsboro,  Md.,  February  22, j 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


215 


364,  and  stationed  at  Martinsburg,  W.  Va.,  after  which  he  served  the  following 
[large s : Bdenburg,  Va.,  from  1866  to  1868;  Churchville,  Augusta  Co.,  Va.,  1868 

i 1871;  Boonsboro,  Md.,  1871  to  1873,  and  Hagerstown,  Md.,  in  1873,  when  he 
las  elected,  by  the  General  Assembly  of  his  church,  Treasurer  of  the  Home,  Frontier 
id  Foreign  Missionary  Society  of  the  Church.  He  was  chosen  a member  of  the 
eneral  Conference  in  1869,  and  also  to  the  succeeding  ones  in  1873,  1877  and  1881. 
le  married  Miss  Martha  A.  Ramey,  eldest  daughter  of  Presley  Ramey,  of  Hay  field, 
rederick  Co.,  Va.,  May  31,  1864,  and  by  her  has  had  born  to  him  four  daughters, 
iree  now  living,  and  one  dead  and  buried  in  Dayton,  where  Mr.  Hott  has  resided 
nee  July,  1873.  xAfter  serving  in  the  missionary  work  four  years,  he  was  elected 
litor  of  The  Religious  Telescope , the  chief  organ  of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ, 
V the  General  Conference  in  1877.  To  this  responsible  position  he  was  re-elected  in 
lay,  1881.  In  appearance,  Mr.  Hott  is  a slender,  delicate  looking  man,  with  a very 
irey  frame,  and  weighs  120  pounds. 

WILLIAM  P.  HUFFMAN,  banker,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Dayton,  October  18, 
313,  Gis  grandfather,  William,  who  was  of  German  descent,  and  grandmother,  of 
nglish  descent,  emigrated  to  this  country  from  Holland,  some  time  in  the  decade 
Uowing  1730.  and  settled  in  Monmouth  County,  N.  J.,  where  their  son  William,  the 
ther  of  our  subject,  was  born  May  24,  1769.  The  latter  was  married  June  14, 
301,  to  Lydia  Knott,  who  was  bom  in  Monmouth  County  January  19,  1779.  By 
iis  union  they  were  blessed  with  live  children,  one  sun  and  four  daughters.  The 
?ther  died  on  the  23d  of  January,  1866,  and  the  mother  on  the  21st  of  March, 
|365.  They  came  West  and  settled  in  Dayton,  where  their  only  son,  William  P.,  was 
>rn.  He  received  a fair  English  education  and  read  law  under  Warren  Munger, 
sq.,  not  with  the  intention  of  adopting  that  profession,  but  solely  as  a means  of 
squiring  a more  thorough  business  education.  Early  in  1837,  he  left  the  city  and 
ir  ten  years  engaged  in  farming.  October  18,  1837,  he  married  Anna  M.,  daughter 
' Samuel  Tate,  of  Montgomery  County,  by  whom  he  had  ten  children,  nine  of  whom 
le  still  living  ; of  these,  William,  the  oldest,  is  a stone  dealer  ; the  oldest  daughter  is  the 
ife  of  E.  -J.  Barney,  the  second  daughter,  Mrs.  James  R.  Hedges,  of  New  York 
ity,  und  the  third  is  the  wife  of  Mr.  Charles  E.  Drury,  cashier  of  the  Second  National 
lank  of  Dayton.  In  the  spring  of  1848,  he  retired  from  the  farm  and  has  since  been 
jgaged  in  real  estate  dealing  and  extensive  building  operations.  He  has  been  protni- 
intly  identified  with  a number  of  local  enterprises,  among  which  are  the  “ Third 
;reet  Railway,”  Dayton  & Springfield  Turnpike,  Cooper  Hydraulic  Company,  and  the 
scond  National  Bank,  of  which  he  was  an  organizer  and  is  now  President.  He  was  a 
Ur  Democrat,  but  is  not  a strong  partisan,  looking  to  principles  rather  than  parties, 
.e  was  formerly  connected  with  the  Second  Baptist  Church,  but  in  1878  became  one 
’ the  constituting  members  of  the  Linden  Avenue  Baptist  Church.  For  fifteen  years 
e has  been  a member  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  Dennison  University,  at  Granville, 
Rio.  He  is  a man  of  clear,  sound,  practical  judgment,  and  is  exceedingly  careful  and 
liable  in  all  business  transactions,  as  his  success  in  life  will  attest.  As  a man  of 
utegritv  and  moral  worth,  he  has  been  recognized  as  a strong  factor  in  molding  the 
hristian  sentiment  of  the  community  of  which  he  has  been  so  long  a worthy  and 
ispected  citizen. 

WILLIAM  HUFFMAN,  stone  dealer,  Dayton.  This  gentleman,  who  is  a son 
William  P.  Huffman,  whose  name  appears  elsewhere  in  this  work,  was  born  Septern- 
sr  5,  1838,  in  Mad  River  Township,  Montgomery  County,  on  the  hill  where  camp 
lOrwin  was  located  in  1862.  He  received  his  education  in  the  private  schools  of 
l|ayton  until  he  arrived  at  the  age  of  sixteen  ; he  then  went  on  his  father’s  stock  farm 
i Lreene  County,  where  he  remained  until  1868,  when  he  returned  to  Dayton  and 
igaged  as  a contractor  for  cut-stone  work.  In  1875,  he  commenced  quarrying  stone, 
aving  three  large  quarries  in  Van  Buren  Township,  and  in  this  business  .be  still  con- 
nues  He  was  married,  January,  3,  1862,  to  Miss  Emily  Huston,  daughter  of  Israel 
■id  Elizabeth  Huston,  of  Montgomery  County.  They  have  had  eleven  children,  six 
oys  and  five  girls,  of  whom  four  boys  and  four  girls  still  survive.  Mr.  Huffman  was 


216 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


a member  of  the  Council  from  1871  to  1875,  and  President  of  the  same  body  in  1874, 
He  was  a member  of  school  board  for  1878-79-80.  He  is  a member  of  Dayton 
Lodge,  I.  0.  0.  F.,  and  of  the  Masonic  Order,  being  one  of  the  first  of  the  lattei 
fraternity  to  take  the  Scottish  Rite  degree.  He  is  an  affable  gentleman  of  easy  man 
ners,  and  is  accounted  one  of  Dayton’s  solid  business  men. 

REV.  JOHN  R.  HUGHES,  minister,  Dayton.  More  fortunate  than  many  peopli 
of  to-day,  our  subject  is  able  to  trace  his  ancestry  back  to  his  great-grandfather,  William 
Hughes,  who  was  born  in  Wales  in  1723,  and  died  at  the  advanced  age  of  one  hundred 
years.  His  son,  Rowland,  the  grandfather  of  our  subject,  was  also  born  in  the  ole 
country,  but  came  to  America  in  early  childhood,  and  took  up  his  residence  in  York 
County,  Penn.,  where  he  continued  until  his  death,  which  occurred  January  4,  1779 
He  was  married  twice,  having  by  his  first  wife  three  children  and  by  his  second  sis 
Rev.  Thomas  Edgar  Hughes,  who  was  the  sixth  child  by  his  second  wife,  was  born  ii 
York  County,  Penn.,  April  7,  1769.  He  graduated  from  Princeton  College,  New  Jer 
sey,  in  1796,  and  was  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  Gospel  ministry  in  the  Presbytcriai 
Church  in  1799.  He  died  May  2,  1838,  in  the  seventieth  year  of  his  life.  H 
was  the  father  of  ten  children — three  daughters  and  seven  sons.  Four  of  th 
latter  became  ministers  of  the  Gospel.  The  subject  hereof  is  the  youngest  of  th 
ten  children.  He  was  born  in  Beaver  County,  Penn.,  March  17,  1819.  H 
graduated  at  Washington  College,  Penn.,  in  1845,  and  finished  his  Theological  stndie 
at  the  Western  Theological  Seminary,  Allegheny  City,  Penn.,  in  1848.  He  was  paste 
of  Rehoboth  Church,  Westmorland  County,  Penn  , from  November,  1849,  until  Decern 
ber,  1864,  and  Principal  of  Blairsville  Ladies’  Seminary  from  April  1,  1865,  until  Jul 
24,  1867.  He  took  pastoral  charge  of  East  (now  Memorial)  Presbyterian  ('hurcl» 
Dayton,  Ohio,  Nov.  24,  1879,  in  which  capacity  he  still  continues.  He  married  Mis 
Ann  Caroline  Stewart,  daughter  of  David  Stewart,  Esq.,  of  Colerain,  Huntingdon  Co 
Penn.,  Oct.  16,  1851,  and  by  her  has  had  six  children,  two  of  whom  died  in  ear) 
childhood. 

REV.  JOHN  KEMP,  minister.  Dayton,  was  born  in  Butler  County,  Ohio,  At 
gust  29,  1813.  His  parents  were  John  Kemp,  a minister,  who  was  born  in  Berk 
County,  Penn.,  December  24,  1779,  and  died  February,  1865,  and  Elizabeth  (Zeilei 
Kemp,  also  a native  of  Berks  County,  born  August  24,  1781,  and  died  in  Butkj 
County,  in  1852.  They  were  the  descendants  of  an  old  German  family  that  came  t 
America  some  time  between  1650  and  1655.  Our  subject’s  parents  were  married  i 
Montgomery  County  where  they  both  located  about  1806.  They  afterward  moved  t 
Butler  County,  where  their  first  child  was  born.  They  had  eight  children,  six  gir 
and  two  boys.  They  alternated  from  Butler  County  to  Montgomery  County  for  a lor 
time,  but  made  their  permanent  residence  in  the  latter  county  about  1860.  John,  t) 
subject  hereof,  attended  the  subscription  schools  that  existed  in  Ohio  before  the  Sia 
adopted  the  present  district  school  system.  The  higher  brauches  and  sciences  1 
studied  without  a teacher,  as  he  also  did  theology.  He  was  married  September  1 
1823,  to  Martha  Clawson,  daughter  of  Andrew  Clawson,  of  Butler  County,  who  dkj 
in  February,  1844,  leaving  four  children,  two  boys  and  two  girls.  He  was  again  ma 
ried  iu  September,  1852,  to  Ann  Williamson,  daughter  of  Peter  Williamson,  of  Ne 
Jersey,  by  whom  he  has  had  three  children,  two  boys  and  one  girl.  Mr.  Kemp  e 
tered  the  ministry  of  the  United  Brethren  Church  iu  1849,  the  time  previous  to  th 
having  been  spent  in  farming  and  keeping  a general  store  in  Butler  County.  His  fir 
charge  was  the  Mount  Pleasant  Circuit,  of  Hamilton  County.  He  has  filled  the  offi. 
of  Presiding  Elder  for  many  years  while  in  Butler  County.  He  was  also  Missionaj 
Treasurer  and  Agent  of  the  Missionary  Society  and  is  now  a member  of  the  board  ai 
chairman  of  the  executive  committee  of  the  Missionary  Society.  He  is  also  a directii 
and  the  agent  of  the  United  Brethren  Union  Biblical  Seminary,  to  which  he  mad^ 
donation  of  810,0.00  in  land  toward  its  organization.  Fie  is  a hard-working  and  worth 
minister  of  the  church  of  his  choice,  having  attended  all  the  general  couferene 
for  thirty-five'  years,  and  all  the  meetings  of  the  Missionary  Board  since  its  orgaj 
ization,  with  the  exception  of  one  meeting  of  each.  Of  his  children  by  his  secoi 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


217 


rife,  one  is  a graduate  of  the  Cincinnati  Eclectic  College  of  Medicine,  and  is  now 
gacticing  in  Dayton  ; the  other  son,  S.  E.  Kemp,  is  a graduate  of  Ottoman  University, 
it  Westerville,  Ohio,  and  of  the  Ann  Arbor  (Mich.)  Law  School,  and  is  now  an  attor- 
ney of  Dayton.  Of  his  children  by  his  first  wife,  the  eldest  was  kicked  to  death  by  a 
orse  when  eighteen  years  old;  the  next  is  a carpenter  of  Dayton;  one  daughter  is  Mrs. 
acob  Walters,  wife  of  the  manager  of  the  Globe  Iron  Works,  of  Cincinnati,  and  the 
ther  is  the  wife  of  George  Parks,  a farmer  of  Illinois. 

WILLIAM  KIEFABER,  merchant,  Dayton,  one  of  the  active  and  enter- 
rising business  men  of  Dayton,  was  born  in  Elizabethtown,  Lancaster  County,  Penn., 
lay  22,  1844.  His  parents  were  John  and  Josephine  (Lipp)  Kiefaber,  natives  of 
lermany.  The  family  located  at  Dayton  just  prior  to  the  late  civil  war.  Our  subject 
eceived  the  usual  common  school  education,  and  on  the  breaking-out  of  the  war,  when 
ut  a boy,  enlisted,  in  October,  1861,  as  a private  in  Company  E,  First  Regiment  Ohio 
Volunteer  Infantry,  and  served  in  that  organization  for  a period  of  three  years,  being 
ischarged  with  the  company  in  October,  1864.  He  participated  in  many  of  the  battles 
nd  skirmishes  in  which  the  regiment  was  engaged,  among  which  were  Shiloh,  Bridge 
Ireek,  Stone  River,  Lookout  Mountain,  Chattanooga,  Mission  Ridge  and  Buzzard’s 
toost.  In  February,  1866,  Mr.  Kiefaber  opened  a grocery  on  the  southwest  corner  of 
d and  St.  Clair  streets,  on  a borrowed  capital  of  $300.  His  store  was  stocked  meager- 
7,  but  being  endowed  with  business  tact  accompanied  with  other  requisites  for  its  prop- 
r use,  he  has  from  year  to  year  increased  his  stock  and  added  to  its  several  departments, 
ntil  to-day  the  business  firm  of  William  Kiefaber  & Bro.  is  second  to  none  of  its  kind 
i the  city.  The  firm  is  William  and  Harry  C.  Kiefaber,  who  are  importers  of  fancy 
roceries,  fruits,  wines,  brandies,  etc.,  and  shippers  of  vegetables,  berries,  fresh  oysters, 
•esh  fish,  etc.  Their  place  of  business  is  located  at  No.  118  East  Third  street.  Our  sub- 
let is  identified  with  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  belonging  to  Wayne 
nodge  No.  10.  He  is  also  a member  of  the  society  of  Sharp  Shooters  of  Dayton. 

CHARLES  F.  KIMMEL,  miller,  Dayton,  born  in  Dayton,  Ohio,  October  15, 
843,  and  is  a son  of  Augustus  B.  and  Johanna  L.  Kimmel,  who  emigrated  from  Prus- 
a and  settled  in  Dayton,  in  1843.  In  April,  1861,  he  enlisted  in  the  First  Ohio  Vol- 
nteer  Infantry  and  served  in  different  regiments  during  the  war  of  the  rebellion,  b ing 
mstered  out  of  service  July  7,  1865,  at  Springfield,  111.  After  the  close  of  the  war,  he 
■aveled  extensively  over  the  South  as  well  as  all  the  Western  States  and  Territories, 
tossing  the  American  plains,  Great  American  Desert  and  Rocky  Mountains  six  differ- 
ent times.  He  has  traveled  upwards  of  65,000  miles  ; on  water,  21,000  ; on  foot, 
,600  ; on  cars,  38,000.  Upon  the  27th  of  November,  1870,  he  returned  and  located 
i Dayton.  September  26,  1871,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Kate  Ann  Stephens,  daugh- 
;r  of  John  G.  Stephens,  of  Greenville,  Ohio,  by  whom  he  had  three  children,  viz.  : 
flattie  P.,  Willomette  — and  Elmer  Ellsworth. 

ADAM  KNECHT,  superintendent  of  market,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Dayton, 
larch  22,  1837.  His  parents,  Adam  Knecht,  a native  of  Rhine  Byrne,  Germany, 
pd  Rosina  (Shiesley)  Knecht,  a native  of  Badisch,  Germany,  came  to  this  country  in 
;834,  and  were  married  in  Philadelphia  in  the  same  year.  The  father  died  in  G873, 
aving  his  widow,  who  still  survives,  and  a family  of  eight  children — five  boys  and 
tree  girls.  Our  subject  attended  the  German  common  schools  of  Dayton  until  seven- 
ten  years  of  age,  when  he  graduated,  after  which  for  five  years  he  kept  books  for  his 
ither,  who  then  kept  a hotel,  and  then  clerked  for  Nauerth  & Son  until  the  breaking- 
ut  of  the  war,  when  he  received  a commission  of  First  Lieutenant  in  Company  A, 
'iffy-second  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  which  he  recruited.  He  served  three  years, 
assing  through  the  engagements  of  Perryville,  Stone  River,  Mission  Ridge,  Chicka- 
iauga,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Chattahoochie  River,  Peach  Tree  Creek  and  Atlanta,  at 
ie  latter  place  having  his  right  foot  taken  off  by  the  explosion  of  a shell.  He 
eceived  his  discharge  at  Nashville,  and  after  his  return  home  was  elected  Superin- 
indent of  the  Markets,  to  serve  eight  years.  At  the  expiration  of  this,  time,  he  com- 
menced keeping  a restaurant,  after  which  he  served  two  years  as  Deputy  Sheriff,  and 
l1 1881  was  again  elected  Superintendent  of  the  Markets,  in  which  capacity  he  still 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


‘218 


continues.  He  was  married,  October  25,  1859,  to  Miss  Nettie  Ross,  daughter  oi 
Robert  Ross,  of  Dayton,  wbo  died  in  1867  without  issue.  He  again  married  Octobei 
25,  1878,  Miss  Fannie  King,  daughter  of  Stacey  King,  by  whom  he  had  two  children 
viz.  : Nettie  Rosina  and  Ella  P.  Mr.  Kneclit  is  a member  of  the  Red  Men,  Ancient 
Order  United  Workingmen,  Grand  Army  and  Old  Guards.  He  served  seven  years 
in  the  old  Independent  Volunteer  Fire  Company.  He  is  also  a member  in  good  stand 
ing  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 

JOSEPH  KREBS,  merchant,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Bavaria,  Germany,  Octobei 
5,  1842,  and  emigrated  to  America,  with  bis  parents,  at  the  age  of  four  years.  Aftei 
receiving  a limited  education  in  the  Catholic  school  of  Dayton,  he  commenced  market 
gardening,  which  he  followed  for  ten  years.  In  1869,  he  came  into  Dayton  and  opened 
a grocery,  flour  and  feed  store,  in  which  business  he  has  since  continued,  with  the  ex 
ception  of  two  years,  in  which  he  kept  a shoe  store.  He  had  built  two  storerooms 
and  by  his  polite  and  affable  treatment  of  patrons  he  has  established  a large  and  pros 
perous  trade.  He  was  married  in  1869  to  Elizabeth  Hochwalt,  daughter  of  Georg 
Hochwalt,  of  Dayton,  by  whom  he  has  had  nine  children,  six  of  whom  are  living,  viz. 
Clara,  Josephine,  Joseph,  Bertha,  Karl  H.  and  Anna  R.,  the  latter  being  the  survivin' 
one  of  twins. 

CAPT.  JOHN  ULRICH  KREIDLER,  Superintendent  of  Street  Railroad,  Day 
ton,  was  born  October  31,  1832,  in  Greenmettstetten,  0.  A.  Horb  Wurtemberg,  Ger 
many.  His  father,  Joseph,  was  born  iu  1800,  in  the  above  place,  where  he  plied  hi 
trade  of  blacksmithing  until  he  came  to  America.  His  mother,  Mary  Ann  Deeding 
was  also  born  there  in  1799.  They  had  three  children,  John  U.,  James  S.  and  Mary 
born  in  the  order  named.  The  father,  with  his  family,  emigrated  to  America  in  1847 
and  landed  in  New  York  on  the  7th  of  June  of  that  year.  He  went  to  the  village  o 
Charlton,  Saratoga  County,  N.  Y.,  where  he  remained  until  April,  1848,  when  h 
came  to  Dayton,  where  he  died  in  June  of  the  following  year,  with  the  cholera.  Hi 
wife  survived  him  until  1866,  and  his  sou  James  until  1867.  all  dying  in  Dayton 
His  daughter  Mary  is  the  wife  of  ex-Street  Commissioner  Julius  Wehner,  of  Dayton 
Our  subject  attended  the  public  schools  of  his  native  country  until  thirteen  years  of  ag< 
when  he  commenced  working  at  blacksmithing  with  his  father,  and  so  continued  unti 
he  came  to  America.  Arriving  in  Dayton,  he  quarried  stone,  drove  a canal  boat  frot 
Toledo  to  Cincinnati,  and  sawed  wood  for  one  year,  and  then  learned  shoemakinj 
under  McCutheon  & Vogt,  at  which  he  worked  as  journeyman  until  1857,  when  h 
became  solicitor  for  the  Fireman’s  Insurance  Company,  and  continued  until  1858.  I 
1858—59,  he  was  on  the  police  force  and  afterward  solicitor  for  the  Central  Insurant 
Company,  until  the  breaking-out  of  the  war.  At  this  time,  he  was  a Lieutenant  of  tb 
National  Guards,  but,  finding  that  his  company  was  not  going  to  the  war  he  resigned!: 
commission  and  enlisted  as  a private  in  Company  C,  First  Ohio  Volunteer  Infintrj 
April  16,  1861,  and  served  four  months.  He  then  returned  to  Dayton  and  resume 
his  business,  but  in  August,  1862,  re-enlisted  as  Captain  in  Company  E,  One  Hui 
dred  and  Eighth"  Regiment  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  in  which  he  served  until  Deceit 
her  7,  1862,  when  his  company  was  captured  at  Hartsville,  Tenn.  When  he  r 
enlisted,  his  company  presented  him  with  a handsome  sword,  which  he  promised  the: 
should  never  be  taken  ; when  taken  prisoner  he  broke  this  sword  in  the  face  of  tl 
enemy,  and  for  this  offense  he,  of  all  his  company,  was  the  only  man  not  paroled.  1 
endured  all  the  horrors  of  the  rebel  prisons  at  Atlanta  and  Libby  for  four  months,  at 
then,  April  17,  1863,  was  exchanged  at  Annapolis,  Md.  He  continued  in  the  scrvii 
until  February  10,  1864,  when  he  resigned  his  command,  because  the  Colonel  of  b 
regiment,  who  had  been  tried,  convicted  and  dismissed  from  the  service  as  a horse -thi( 
was  re-instated.  The  Captain  had  called  him  and  believed  him  to  be  a horse-thief,  ai 
couldr:  t endure  the  idea  ol  fighting  beside  such  a man.  On  his  return  to  Dayton, 
studied  book-keeping,  and  was  elected  City  Clerk  in  April,  1864.  He  was  re-elect 
three  times,  but  resigned  during  his  fourth  term  and  engaged  in  the  grocery  busine: 
In  May,  1868,  he  was  elected  First  Lieutenant  of  Police,  but  was  legislated  out  of  ofli 
in  the  winter  following.  In  the  spring  of  1869  his  successor  was  elected  bat  nevi 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


219 


Milled,  and  he  was  ordered  to  remain  on  duty,  notwithstanding  a number  of  lawsuits 
iainst  him  and  a conviction  for  usurpation  of  office.  He  continued  to  draw  his  pay 
itder  the  orders  of  the  Superior  Court  until  1870,  when  he  was  fully  vindicated  by  a 
jcision  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  State.  In  the  spring  of  1870,  he  was  appointed 
fperintendent  of  the  Dayton  Street  Railroad,  Route  No.  1,  and  has  since  continued 
^valuable  and  efficient  officer  of  that  service.  He  was  married,  November  28,  1854, 

■ Miss  Rosa  Bobe,  daughter  of  John  Bobe,  a well-known  stone-mason  of  Dayton,  and 
ana  (Hengstler)  Bobe,  who  are  still  living.  By  this  marriage  he  was  blest  with  three 
iiys  and  two  girls,  viz. : Edward  (who  died  in  1857),  John  E.,  William  A.,  Rosa  0. 

id  Caroline  C.  Mr.  Kreidler  was  a Captain  two  years,  and  Secretary  five  years,  of  the 
J Deluge  Volunteer  Fire  Company,  No.  4.  He  was  also  Captain  of  (he  Knights  of 
I.  George,  the  first  company  of  uniformed  Catholics  in  the  United  States.  His 
ifeckered  career  has  given  him  a knowledge  of  men  that  well  fits  him  for  the  office  he 
w occupies,  where  he  has  a great  many  m'en  under  him.  In  the  above,  we  have 
’glected  to  say  that  from  1857  to  1860,  he  studied  law  with  D.  W.  Iddings,  and  be- 
ne an  active  Notary,  but  never  applied  for  admission  to  the  bar. 

JACOB  KUNZ,  Sr.,  barber,  Dayton,  is  the  son  of  Phillip  and  Catharine  Mar- 
get  (King)  Kunz,  natives  of  Bozen  Bark,  province  of  Rhine  Byrne,  Bavaria.  They 
’re  the  parents  of  six  children,  three  girls  and  three  boys.  The  father,  who  was  born 
i 1800,  died  at  the  age  of  sixty-five  years,  and  the  mother  died  in  1863,  aged  sixty- 
itr  years.  Jacob,  our  subject,  came  to  America  with  one  brother,  in  1845,  and 
Med  in  New  York,  from  whence  he  went  to  New  Orleans,  but  shortly  afterward  re- 
i!-ned  to  New  York.  He  soon  after  located  in  Sandusky,  Ohio,  and  in  1848  came  to 
yton,  where  he  worked  in  a barber  shop  for  two  and  a half  years,  after  which  he 
timed  a shop  of  his  own.  He  was  married  January  18,  1852,  to  Louisa  Catharine 
Ibht,  daughter  of  Frederick  Ficht,  of  Dayton,  by  whom  he  had  ten  children,  six 
If.s  and  four  girls,  of  whom  five  boys  and  three  girls  now  survive.  Mr.  Kunz  has 
hn  a great  traveler  in  his  time,  having  in  his  youth  traversed  the  whole  of  France 
si  Switzerland,  and  in  his  riper  years  a large  portion  of  the  United  States.  He  was 
t?  Coroner  of  Momgomery  County  from  1872  to  1876  inclusive.  He  is  a member  of 
filler  Lodge,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  that  being  the  only  secret  organization  to  which  he  now 
1 ougs. 

DANIEL  C.  LARKIN,  City  Fire  Depirtment,  Dayton.  Among  the  many  im- 
j'tant  positions  in  the  city  of  Dayton,  none  is  more  responsible  than  the  one  held  by 
c;  subject.  As  a General  in  war  guards  our  lives  and  property  from  the  hands  of  the 
e)mv,  so  he  in  peace  guards  lives,  property,  and  loved  ones  from  the  ravages  of  that 
[ destroyer,  fire.  Daniel  was  bornin  the  city  of  Sandusky,  Ohio,  July  29,  1849.  He 
(son  of  Thomas  and  Ann  (Ryan)  Larkin;  he  is  a native  of  Connecticut,  and  she 
(Ireland.  Thomas  was  killed  by  the  explosion  of  a locomotive,  near  Sandusky,  Ohio, 

> ae4,  1875.  He  had  been  an  engineer  on  the  C.  S.  & C.  R.  R.  some  thirty  years. 
«jp  regular  engine  was  in  the  shop  for  repairs.  He  was  sent  out  with  an  old,  inferior 
t;ine,  and  when  about  two  miles  from  home  it  exploded,  killing  Mr.  Larkin  instantly, 
hniel  attended  school  until  fourteen  years  old,  when  he  entered  the  car  shops  of  the  C.  S. 
‘p.  R.  R.,  where  he  worked  two  years  as  an  apprentice,  and  then  went  on  the  road 
(fireman.  When  he  was  eighteen  years  old  he  was  promoted  to  engineer,  and  given 
' arge  of  the  construction  train  and  some  thirty  men,  over  which  he  had  entire  control. 
Ler  running  said  train  quite  a while  he  was  promoted  to  an  engine  on  the  road  run- 
:g  regular  trips.  In  August,  1872,  he  resigned  his  position  on  the  C.,  S.  & C.  and 
asepted  one  on  the  C.,  C.,  C.  & I.,  and  continued  with  the  same,  running  the  Dayton 
-commodation  between  Dayton  and  Cincinnati,  until  1875,  when  he  quit  railroad- 
H ( on  account  of  the  death  of  his  father),  and  accepted  a position  with  Kueisley  & 

1 Intire,  of  Dayton,  taking  charge  of  their  line  of  drays,  and  at  the  dissolution  of 
si  firm,  continued  with  Mr.  Kneisley,  and  when  Mr.  Mclntire  opened  his  store  took 
®jrne  of  the  draying  for  both  firms.  In  July,  1880,  he  was  appointed  Chief  Engineer 
Hie  Dayton  Fire  Department.  He  was  married,  May  26,  1875,  to  Miss  Anna  Hart- 
(t,  daughter  of  Moses  and  Julia  Hartnett.  They  have  three  children,  viz.:  Morris, 

H 


220 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


May  A.  and  Thomas.  Mrs.  Larkin  was  born  in  Dayton,  January  10,  1856.  Duri 
Mr.  Larkin’s  service  on  the  railroad  he  never  had  an  accident  to  his  train  on  account 
neglect  on  his  part. 

Dll.  CHARLES  Id.  LEAMAN,  dentist,  Dayton,  is  the  sixth  child  of  Nathan: 
and  Clarissa  H.  W.  Leaman.  He  was  born  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  June  24,  1845, 
the  north  side  of  Fifth  street,  between  Walnut  and  Main,  where  the  new  custom  hou 
is  being  erected.  At  the  age  of  fourteen  years,  he  left  school  and  went  to  work 
Meader&  Co.’s  furniture  warerooms,  where  he  remained  six  months,  after  which  i 
lather  obtained  for  him  a situation  in  J.  W.  Gordon’s  drug  store,  corner  of  Eighth  a 
Central  avenue,  where  he  clerked  until  June  24,  1861,  when  he  received  the  appoii 
ment  of  Surgeon’s  Steward  in  the  U.  S.  gunboat  “ Pittsburgh,”  a heavy  iron-clad,  car 
ing  a 100-pound  Dahlgrene,  three  bow  guns,  four  64-pounders  and  two  32-pounders 
the  broadside,  and  two  32-pounder  stern  guns.  His  vessel,  with  Commodore  Foot 
and  others,  proceeded  under  orders  up  the  Cumberland  River  to  attack  Fort  Donels 
In  the  engagement  that  followed  the  “ Pittsburgh  ” had  two  men  mortally  wounded,  a 
received  several  shots,  one  of  which,  a 128-pound  solid  iron  ball,  penetrated  the  bt 
causing  the  vessel  to  sink  just  outside  the  range  of  the  enemy’s  guns.  Here,  with  th 
feet  of  water  on  the  gundeck,  Dr.  Leaman  stayed  all  night  attending  the  wound 
until  he  almost  perished  with  cold.  They  were  raised  next  day  and  the  crew  tra 
ferred  to  the  “ Mound  City,”  while  the  “ Pittsburgh”  was  being  repaired.  The  Doc 
served  as  Surgeon’s  Steward  until  1863,  when  he  came  home  and  stayed  seven  da 
but  receiving  the  appointment  of  Master’s  Mate  again  entered  the  navy.  He  left  C 
einnati  on  the  gunboat  “ Glyde  ” to  New  Orleans,  where  he  received  orders  to  report 
Rear  Admiral  Porter,  and  afterward  to  Rear  Admirals  Davis  and  Lee.  He  was 
nineteen  heavy  engagements  and  received  one  wound  in  the  head.  While  in  the  na 
he  conceived  a liking  for  dentistry  and  studied  it  during  that  time.  He  received 
final  discharge  in  1865  and  came  to  Dayton  to  study  dentistry  with  Dr.  L.  Hubhs 
with  whom  he  stayed  until  1867,  when  he  commenced  traveling  for  “ Crook’s  Wine 
Tar,”  but  returned  to  his  profession,  and  March  1,  1868,  entered  into  partnership  v 
Dr.  A.  Sheets.  January  1,  1869,  this  partnership  was  dissolved  by  mutual  const 
and  he  began  practicing  for  himself  on  Third  street,  east  of  the  canal,  where  he  c 
tiuued  until  1878,  when  he  removed  to  his  present  handsome  and  commodious  rot 
on  the  southwest  corner  of  Third  and  St.  Clair  streets.  May  23,  1867,  he  was  un: 
in  marriage  to  the  eldest  daughter*of  Dr.  0.  Crooks. 

LYMAN  W.  LELAND,  of  the  firm  of  Leland  & Dougherty,  boiler  makers,  I 
ton.  was  born  at  East  Douglass,  Worcester  County,  Mass.,  in  June,  1817-  His  fat 
Oliver  Leland,  was  a millwright  by  trade,  and  a general  mechanic  of  undisputed  abi 
He  built  large  grist-mills  at  Oxford,  and  for  many  years  was  prominently  identi 
with  the  milling  interests  of  the  Bay  State.  Mr.  Leland  spent  the  first  seven  year 
his  life  at  Uxbridge.  His  parents  then  removed  to  a farm  near  Sutton,  where  our . 
ject  remained  till  eighteen  years  of  age,  receiving  but  a limited  education.  In  the  la 
year  he  went  to  Worcester,  Mass.,  and  learned  the  trade  of  a general  machinist. 
1840  he  entered  the  employ  of  Bradley  & Rice,  the  employers  of  probably  the  set 
largest  car  works  in  the  Union.  After  remaining  with  this  firm  nearly  five  years, 
Leland  went  to  Springfield,  Mass.,  and  accepted  a similar  position  with  Dean,  Pad 
& Mills,  in  the  same  business.  A year  later  the  firm  made  an  assignment  and  close! 
business.  Mr.  P.  came  to  Dayton  to  engage  with  E.  Thresher,  now  retired,  who, 

E.  E.  Barney,  established  the  present  Barney  & Smith  car  works,  and  sent  for  mat 
ery  formerly  used  by  Dean,  Packard  & Mills,  at  Springfield,  Mass.  About  a year  aftei 
commencement  of  the  new  car  works,  Mr.  Packard  needed  a trusty  and  competent 
in  his, machine  shop.  He  sent  for  Mr.  Leland,  who  accepted  the  position,  and  in 
temher,  1852,  took  charge  of  the  entire  machinery  department  of  the  now  faruou 
works.  He  remained  in  that  important  position  until  1871,  faithfully  and  hon 
discharging  the  manifold  duties  resting  upon  him  with  ability  and  dispatch  duringj 
long  term  of  twenty-one  years,  nearly  a quarter  of  a century.  To  Mr.  Leland  ma;j 
attributed  the  mode!  of  neatness  and  good  working  order  of  the  machinery  in  that 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


221 


irtment  at  the  present  time.  Mr.  Leland’s  long  term  of  hard  service  had  seriously 
ipaired  his  health,  and  one  year  was  spent  in  traveling  over  the  West,  seeking  re- 
lation and  health,  away  from  the  dull  routine  of  business  life.  In  1873,  he  became 
mnected  with  James  Dougherty  in  his  present  business,  a history  of  which  will  be 
mnd  in  the  chapter  of  manufacturing  industries.  In  early  life,  Mr.  Leland  was  a 
usic  teacher,  and,  upon  coming  to  Dayton  was  solicited  by  the  Wayne  Street  Church 
i take  possession  of  its  school.  He  led  the  singing  two  winters,  and  then  organized 
le  choir  of  the  First  Baptist  Church,  which  he  led  for  fifteen  years.  For  bis  generous 
rvices  the  choir  presented  him  with  a gold-headed  cane  as  a token  of  their  friendship 
od  esteem.  Mr.  Leland  and  family  are  members  of  this  latter  denomination. 

JACOB  F.  LENTZ,  retired  farmer,  Dayton.  Jacob  F.  Lentz  was  born  in  the 
.ingdom  of  Wirtenberg,  Germany,  November  28,  1806.  He  is  a son  of  Jacob  and 
redericka  Lentz,  both  natives  of  Grermany.  In  1816,  the  father,  mother  and  four 
lildren,  viz.,  Jacob  F.,  Fredericka,  Elizabeth  and  Barbary,  set  sail  for  America.  After 
fing  taken  hither  and  thither  on  rhe  ocean  at  the  mercy  of  the  officers,  instead  of 
nded  in  America.  They  were  shipwrecked  on  the  west  coast  of  Norway,  nine  months 
om  the  time  they  started  from  Germany.  They  were  kindly  taken  care  of  by  the 
tizens  of  Bergen,  and  lay  in  the  hospital  there  one  year  and  ten  days,  when  they  again 
iok  passage  for  America,  and  at  the  end  of  two  months  landed  at  Baltimore,  Md., 
here  the  father,  mother,  Jacob  F.  and  Fredericka,  were  apprenticed  sufficient  time  to 
ay  their  passage,  which  was  $30  each  for  father  and  mother,  and  $15  each  for  Jacob 
lid  Fredericka.  Elizabeth  died  on  the  ocean,  and  Barbary  was  a babe.  Jacob  and 
Iredericka  not  only  worked  long  enough  to  pay  their  own  passage,  but  took  one-half 
iom  both  father  and  mother’s  share  of  their  passage.  Jacob  worked  eight  years  at  the 
Dtter  trade,  and  Fredericka  six  years  at  house  work.  The  father  and  mother  after 
aving  served  their  time,  being  about  six  months,  were  released,  when  they  moved  to 
umberland  County,  Penn.,  where  they  lived  about  eight  years,  and  then  removed  to 
lontgomery  County,  Ohio,  where  they  lived  the  remainder  of  their  natural  lives.  The 
ther  died  at  the  age  of  eighty-seven  years,  and  the  mother  at  the  age  of  eighty-two 
Bars.  After  Jacob  (the  subject  of  this  sketch),  served  his  eight  years,  and  completed 
is  trade,  he  also  came  to  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  to  his  parents,  in  1830.  After 
opping  a short  time  in  Dayton,  he  went  to  Germantown,  where  he  remained  a short 
me,  and  then  to  Warren  County,  Ohio,  where  he  entered  into  partnership  with  Isaac 
enner  in  the  potter  trade.  After  remaining  here  a short  time,  he  sold  out,  and  re- 
moved to  Preble  County,  Ohio,  and  then  to  Montgomery  in  1832,  where  he  purchased 
farm,  carrying  on  the  pottery  in  connection  with  farming.  In  1858,  he  sold  his  farm 
ivhat  is  now  the  Soldier’s  Home),  and  moved  into  Dayton,  and  engaged  in  the  real 
state  business,  in  connection  with  Mr.  Applegate.  He  was  one  of  the  incorporators 
jf  the  Home  Avenue  Bailroad,  was  also  one  of  its  directors  five  years,  and  Secretary 
ad  Treasurer  of  the  same  four  years,  of  the  five  he  was  Director.  He  was  married 
lay,  6,  1830,  to  Sophia  Schweitzer.  They  have  five  children,  viz.,  Cyrus,  Charlotte 
pow  Mrs.  Daniel  Johnson),  Harriet  (now  Mrs.  Jacob  Shoemaker).  Margaret  (now 
Irs.  C.  Stimson),  and  Jacob  F.,  Jr.  Mr.  Lentz  has  been  a faithful  member  of  the 
mtheran  Church  since  his  seventeenth  year  ; was  an  elder  of  the  church  in  Dayton  for 
uite  a uumber  of  years.  His  school  days  were  altogether  sixteen  months,  two  months 
ach  year  while  he  was  an  apprentice.  But  by  improving  his  leisure  moments  by  reading 
ood  books,  he  has  gained  a very  fair  education,  and  is  well  informed  on  all  leading  topics, 
he  present  site  of  the  Soldiers’  Home  is  due  mainly  to  his  recommendation  of  the 
lace.  He  has  now  retired  from  active  business,  having  been  a hard-working,  indus- 
'ious  man.  He  has  also  taken  pride  in  sustaining  his  character,  which  has  always  been 
hove  reproach. 

JOSEPH  LIGHT,  Superintendent  Gas  Works,  Dayton,  is  a son  of  tjeorge  Light, 
native  of  the  South  of  England,  and  Ann  (Bmtherford)  Light,  a native  of  the  north 
f England,  who  were  married  in  London,  and  had  twelve  children,  seven  girls  and  five 
oys,  of  which  Joseph  was  the  youngest.  He  was  born  in  London  June  16,  1833,  and 
Qtil  thirteen  years  of  age  attended  the  pay  schools  in  his  native  city.  He  afterward 


222 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


worked  in  a factory,  where  gas  machinery  was  made,  until  nineteen  years  of  age.  wlie 
he  emigrated  to  America,  and  after  landing  in  Nejv  York,  came  straight  to  Cincinnat 
Ohio,  where  he  remained  three  years.  In  1855,  he  was  engaged  as  Superintendent  r 
the  JOayton  Gas  Works,  and  in  that  capacity,  came  to  this  city  where  he  has  since  su 
perintended  the  works  of  the  above-named  company.  In  1855,  he  married  Catharin 
Lee,  daughtep-of  Richard  Lee,  of  Cincinnati,  and  by  her  has  had  six  children,  thre 
girls  and  three  boys.  Mr.  Light  is  a man  of  thorough  business  qualities,  understand 
his  work  perfectly,  and  during  his  twenty-seven  years  of  service  here,  has  given  th 
best  possible  satisfaction.  He  is  a member  of  the  Park  Presbyterian  Church,  and  r 

the  following  societies:  I.  0.  0.  1C,  Masonic,  Knights  of  Pythias  and  Kni»'hts  c 
Honor. 

JOSEPH  E.  LOWES,  physican,  Dayton,  Ohio.  Among  the  men  who  merit 
place  in  the  history  of  this  county,  none  are  more  worthy  than  Dr.  Lowes,  who  cam 
among  us  fresh  from  the  lecture  room,  and  by  close  attention  to  business  and  profet 
sional  worth,  has  established  a practice  second  to  none  of  his  school  in  the  city.  Hi 
father,  John,  called  by  the  Indians  “ Honest  John,”  was  born  in  Cumberland  Count: 
Eng.,  in  1811,  and  came  to  Canada  a short  time  before  the  “ Six  Nation  ” war.  After  r< 
maining  here  six  years,  he  returned  to  England,  where  he  married  Miss  Isabella  Bati 
man,  of  Cumberland  County,  and  with  her  again  came  to  America,  settling  in  Bran! 
ford,  Brant  County,  Ont.,  where  he  still  resides.  He  was  the  father  of  five  boys  an 
seven  girls,  of  whom  our  subject  was  born  July  25,  1848,  in  Onondaga,  an  Indian  va 
ley  close  to  Brantford,  where  his  father  was  at  that  time  engaged  in  farming.  He  m 
educated  in  the  common  and  high  schools  of  Brantford,  and  then  took  a years’  privat 
instruction  under  an  eminent  Irish  teacher,  named  Moore.  He  was  only  twelve  yeai 
old  when  he  entered  high  school,  and  commenced  the  study  of  the  higher  branches  t 
literature  and  the  sciences,  and  at  fifteen  he  graduated  therefrom  with  the  higb’ei 
honors.  At  sixteen  years  of  age,  he  commenced  reading  medicine  in  Brantford  wit 
Prof.  Allen,  and  afterward  attended  lectures  in  Cleveland  Homoeopathic  Medical  Co 
lege,  where  Prof.  Allen  was  Professor  of  Anatomy.  At  twenty,  he  completed  his  medic: 
course  and  graduated,  but  could  not  get  his  certificate,  which  was  withheld  until  li 
arrived  at  age.  During  the  year  intervening,  he  entered  the  office  of  Dr.  S.  A.  Bovi 
ton  as  partner.  In  1868,  he  came  to  Dayton,  where  he  entered  into  a partnership  wit 
Dr.  Bosler,  who  died  five  months  thereafter,  leaving  his  practice  to  our  subject,  wb 
has  ably  conducted  it  since  with  the  best  success.  In  the  fall  of  1868,  he  was  marrie 
to  Dr.  Hosier’s  daughter,  Meloezene,  by  whom  he  had  one  child — a daughter.  Hj 
wife  died  in  1870,  and  in  1879  he  was  again  married  to  Emma  Jane  Robbins,  daugl 
ter  of  Ira  Robbins,  of  Union  County,  Ohio.  By  her  he  also  had  a daughter  hoi 
December  1, 1879.  Dr.  Lowes  has  the  reputation  of  being  the  best  Homoeopathic  pliys 
cian  in  the  county,  and  the  best  surgeon  in  the  county,  with  a single  exception.  He 
a Republican,  and  has  always  taken  an  active  part  in  politics.  He  was  Vice  Presidet 
of  the  School  Board  for  five  years  ; was  a member  of  the  County  and  City  Republ 
can  Central  Committees,  and  Surgeon  of  the  Fourth  Regiment.  He  has  always  bee 
an  active,  influential  and  energetic  partisan  leader. 

THOMAS  0.  LOWE,  Dayton,  lawyer  and  ex-Judge  of  the  Superior  Court  < 
Montgomery  County,  was  born  in  Batavia,  Clermont  Co.,  Ohio,  February  11,  183S 
is  a son  of  Col.  John  W.  Lowe,  of  the  Twelfth  Ohio  Infantry,  who  was  killed  attf 
battle  of  Carnifex,  W.  Va.,  September  10,  1861.  Judge  Lowe  is  a grandson  of  >Jud« 
Owen  Fishback,  of  Clermont  County,  Ohio,  and  great-grandson  of  John  Fishbac 
who  fought  under  Morgan  at  the  battle  of  the  Cowpens,  South  Carolina,  in  the  wsj 
which  resulted  in  the  independence  of  the  colonies.  The  boyhood  days  of  our  subjei 
were  spent  in  Batavia,  Ohio,  where  he  acquired  his  primary  education  to  such  a degrej 
as  to  fit  him  for  “ Farmers  College,”  near  Cincinnati,  at  the  age  of  fourteen.  From  tl 
year  1852  to  1854,  he  diligently  and  judiciously  applied  himself  in  that  institution 
learning,  when  it  was  under  the  Presidency  of  Freeman  Cary  and  the  venerable  D 
Bishop  who  was  professor  of  Political  Economy  and  History.  In  May,  1855,  he  can 
to  Dayton,  and  entered  the  banking  house  of  Ellis  & Sturge,  of  Cincinnati,  wil 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


223 


hom  he  remained  until  their  failure  in  November  of  the  same  year.  The  study  of 
j.w  was  then  taken  up  under  the  direction  of  his  father,  Col.  John  W.  Lowe,  and  the 
immer  of  1856  accepted  a position  in  the  bank  of  W.  B.  Shepard  & Co.,  of  Nashville, 
enn.,  and  January  1,  18 — , took  a better  and  more  lucrative  position  in  the  bank  of 
fiddle  Tennessee,  at  Lebanon.  He  adhered  to  the  study  of  law  while  supporting  hirn- 
ilf  in  the  employment  of  the  above-named  banks;  returned  to  Dayton  in  July,  1857, 
id  on  November,  11,  of  the  same  year,  his  nuptial  was  celebrated  with  Miss  Martha, 

dest  daughter  of  the  late  — Harshman,  Esq.,  of  Dayton.  The  issue  of  this 

aion  is  four  children,  of  whom  two  survive,  one  son  in  his  twentieth  year  and  a daugh- 
,r  in  her  twelfth  year.  The  Judge  has  continuously  resided  in  Dayton  since  his  mar- 
|age.  He  was  admitted  to  the  bar  on  Gen.  Washington’s  birthday,  1859,  but  continued 
the  banking  business  until  May,  1862,  when  he  first  began  the  practice  of  his  profession, 
n January  1,  1864,  he  was  appointed  by  the  County  Commissioners  as  County  Auditor, 
fill  a vacancy  caused  by  the  death  of  B.  M.  Ayres.  This  office  he  filled  until  March 
1865,  when  he  resumed  the  practice  of  law,  to  which  he  was  devoted  until  the  October 
betion  of  1870,  when  he  was  elected  Judge  of  the  Superior  Court  of  Montgomery  Coun- 
!,  which  position  he  filled  with  undoubted  ability  for  the  full  term  of  five  years.  At  the 
piration  of  his  term  in  July,  1876,  he  the  second  time  resumed  the  practice  of  law, 
d is  located  on  the  northeast  corner  of  Third  and  Jefferson  streets.  During  his  resi- 
uce  in  Tenuessee,  he  was  kindly  treated  by  prominent  gentlemen  of  political  standing, 
ch  as  John  Bell,  ex-Gov.  William  B.  Campbell,  Robert  Hatton  and  others,  and  be- 
pe  a very  enthusiastic  member  of  the  “ Crittenden  and  Bell”  party  that  endeavored 
the  border  States  to  avert  the  inevitable  conflict  between  the  North  and  South, 
fter  the  outbreak  of  the  war,  he  became  a member  of  the  Democratic  party,  and  re- 
ived from  it  the  official  honors  above  mentioned.  In  March,  1855,  he  joined  the 
bird  Street  Presbyterian  Church,  but  on  his  return  from  Tennessee  connected  himself 
:th  the  First  Presbyterian  Church,  and  in  1872  went  with  others  to  the  assistance  of 
irk  Street  Presbyterian  Church,  which  was  then  in  difficulty,  and  to  which  church  he 
ill  adheres.  1 He  was  one  of  the  organizing  members  of  the  Young  Men’s  Christian 
ssociation,  and  has  ever  been  an  active  and  valuable  member  in  all  enterprises  tending 
i the  elevation  and  progress  of  the  rising  generation. 

E.  B.  LYON,  manufacturer,  Dayton,  is  a descendant  of  one  of  the  old  Puritan 
nilies  of  Massachusetts.  His  grandfather,  Peter  Lyon,  was  born  and  raised  in  Massa- 
■ usetts,  and  was  there  twice  married,  once  to  a Miss  Severn,  a daughter  of  one  of 

t'i  first  families,  and  the  second  time  to  Miss . By  these  two  marriages  be 

G ten  children.  The  father  of  our  subject  was  of  the  issue  by  the  second  wife, 
G was  born  in  Massachusetts  in  1813.  He  was  a paper  maker  by  trade,  and 
•lowed  this  business  until  his  death,  being  the  third  generation  of  his  family  in  the 
me  trade.  He  was  married  in  Newton,  Mass.,  to  Sarah  Hager,  by  whom  he  had 
bn  to  him  one  daughter  and  four  sons.  He  came  West  with  his  family  during  the 
vr  of  the  rebellion  and  settled  in  Middletown,  Ohio,  to  work  at  his  trade,  but  left 
hre  in  a short  time  and  went  to  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  where  he  died  in  October,  1864. 
hr  subject  was  born  in  Chaplin,  Windham  Co.,  Conn.,  December  17,  1840,  and  spent 
) youth  in  the  common  school  of  his  county.  At  sixteen  years  of  age,  he  began  clerk- 
* in  a store,  where  he  remained  until  November,  1861,  when  he  enlisted  in  Company 
1 Twenty-fourth  Regiment  Massachusetts  Volunteers.  He  was  in  the  engagements 
a Roanoke  Island,  New  Berne,  N.  C.,  and  all  through  Burnside’s  expedition  and  the 
Lth  Carolina  campaign.  His  regiment  was  also  in  the  Forlorn  Hope  charge  on 
•Gris  Island,  and  at  the  capture  of  the  works  in  front  of  Fort  Wagner,  where  each 
Bin  in  Companies  K and  F had  to  carry  two  shovels  and  a pick  in  addition  to  their 
a;is.  Mr.  Lyon  was  also  on  provost  duty  at  St.  Augustine  and  Jacksonville,  Fla., 
al-  in  the  campaign  of  the  Army  of  the  James,  through  all  their  hard  fighting.  He 
"i  discharged  November  8,  1864,  the  day  after  the  battle  of  Chapiu’s  Farm,  and, 
aw  spending  a month  in  Boston,  came  to  Dayton,  where  .his  brother  was  living,  and 
"ere  his  father  was  buried.  He  was  married  in  April,  1866,  to  Ella  Maria  Broad- 
" I,  of  Dayton,  who  bore  him  three  daughters,  two  now  living.  When  he  came  to 


224 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES : 


Dayton  in  1864,  he  worked  in  a paper-mill  for  a time  and  then  became  receiving  clerk 
in  a freight  depot,  after  which  he  commenced  the  manufacture  of  slats  and  trunk  ma 
terial,  in  which  he  is  still  engaged.  He  is  a member  of  the  Knights  of  Honor  ami 
Old  Guards.  Before  the  redistricting  of  the  city,  he  was  elected  Councilman  from  th< 
Fourteenth  Ward,  he  being  a stanch  Republican  and  the  ward  being  strongly  Demo 
cratic.  He  was  ousted  from  office  by  the  abolishment  of  his  ward. 

GEORGE  W.  MALAMBRE,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Baltimore,  Md.,  May  20, 1827 
His  father  removed  with  his  family  to  Dayton  in  April,  1836,  in  a one-horse  wagon 
being  four  weeks  on  the  journey  ; has  lived  in  Dayton  ever  since  with  the  exception  o 
a short  residence  in  Maryland  from  July,  1865,  to  October,  1868  ; in  boyhood  attende< 
the  common  schools  of  the  city  and  then  at  the  old  Dayton  Academy  preparing  for  col 
lege  ; entered  the  Junior  class  at  Miami  University  in  October,  1846,  where  he  remainoi 
till  the  latter  part  of  January,  1848,  and  February  of  the  same  year  entered  the  senio 
class  at  Center  College,  Danville,  Ky.,  and  graduated  there  in  June,  1848;  immediate!' 
came  home  and  entered  upon  the  study  of  law  with  the  late  W.  J.  McKinney,  whi 
was  then  Clerk  of  the  Courts  of  Montgomery  County  ; in  July,  1850,  was  admitted  t 
the  bar  by  the  old  Supreme  Court  on  the  circuit  at  Maumee  City,  then  the  count 
seat  of  Lucas  County — the  present  Chief  Justice  of  the  United  States  and  the  distic 
guished  and  eccentric  Spink,  of  Perrysburg,  being  on  the  Committee  of  Examination 
commenced  the  practice  of  law  in  Dayton,  and  has  ever  since  continued  in  the  practice 
was  chosen  City  Clerk  of  the  city  of  Dayton  in  1851,  and  was  continued  in  that  offic 
till  April,  1855,  when  he  declined  a re-appointment ; June  2,  1856,  was  elected  to  fi 
a vacancy  in  the  Council  from  the  Fourth  Ward  ; since  then  has  held  no  office  of  an 
kind  ; on  the  breaking-out  of  the  c vil  war  he,  for  about  a year,  edited  the  U'nio 
Democrat. 

ALBERT  C.  MARSHALL,  manufacturer,  Dayton.  The  subject  of  this  skelc 
is  a member  of  three  large  business  firms  of  Dayton — senior  member  of  Marshal 
Graves  & Co.,  manufacturers,  Marshall  & Baker,  hardware  merchants,  and  Ootterl 
Fenner  & Co.,  manufacturers  of  tobacco.  He  was  born  at  Connellsville,  Penn.,  in  184 
His  father  was  Samuel  Marshall,  who  came  to  Dayton  in  1842,  and  became  a memb 
of  the  firm  of  Gebhart  & Marshall,  stone  manufacturers,  and  pioneers  among  the  mail 
ufacturers  of  the  Yalley  City.  Mr.  Marshall  quit  school  at  the  age  of  sixteen  year) 
after  having  spent  three  years  as  a clerk.  At  the  age  of  seventeen  he  purchased 
stock  of  hardware,  and  located  in  business  in  that  part  of  Dayton  called  “ Oregon 
being  a pioneer  merchant  in  that  part  of  the  city.  Although  a young  man,  his  natui 
business  traits  and  energetic  nature  soon  placed  him  among  the  solid  business  men 
that  day,  and  his  business  has  steadily  increased  to  the  present  time.  In  1875.  Jol 
F.  Baker  was  admitted  as  a partner,  and  the  firm  became  Marshall  & Baker,  und 
which  name  it  has  since  done  business.  Mr.  Marshall  became  interested  in  the  firm 
Cotterill  & Fenner,  and  soon  after  the  firm  name  was  changed  to  Cotterill,  Fenner 
Co.  He  has  since  devoted  almost  his  entire  time  and  attention  to  this  branch  of  bu 
ness.  In  1879,  he  purchased  the  stock  and  trade  of  the  Dayton  Machine  Co.,  and 
1880  Henry  C.  Graves  bought  a half-interest,  changing  the  firm  name  to  Marsha 
Graves  & Co.  This  firm  ranks  among  the  prominent  manufacturing  industries 
Dayton.  Mr.  Marshall  was  united  in  marriage  in  1864,  to  Laura  Zeller,  a native 
Cincinnati.  They  have  two  children — Bessie  and  Harry.  Mr.  Marshall  and  wife  : 
members  of  the  Third  Street  Presbyterian  Church.  Having  been  identified  with  t 
early  growth  of  the  eastern  part  of  the  city,  Mr.  Marshall’s  real  estate  operations  h: 
proven  very  profitable.  He  has  toiled  early  and  late  since  commencing  a mercanl 
career,  and  by  his  own  individual  efforts  has  succeeded  in  winning  a place  among  1 
solid  and  substantial  business  men  of  the  “ Rochester  of  Ohio.”  The  houses  with  wh: 
he  is  connected  occupy  the  front  rank  in  business  circles.  A detailed  history  of  J 
Marshall’s  business  career  might  justly  be  termed  “ a record  of  a busy  life.” 

FRANCIS  J.  McCORMICK,  merchant,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Ross  cc! 
mon,  Ireland,  November  25,  1843.  His  father,  Frank  McCormick,  was  born  in 
above  place  in  1798,  and  died  there  March,  1848.  His  mother,  Elizabeth  (Cox)  J 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


225 


lormick,  was  born  in  the  same  place  in  1803.  Francis  J.,  our  subject,  came  to 
iinerica  with  his  mother  in  1848,  and  after  a two  years’  residence  in  Boston,  moved  to 
andusky,  Ohio,  where  they  lived  until  January  9,  1855,  when  they  came  to  Dayton, 
’rancis  attended  the  common  schools  of  the  city  for  three  years,  after  which  he  served 
j3  railroad  fireman  and  engineer  twenty  years.  , At  the  expiration  of  this  time,  he 
pened  his  present  store  on  Jefferson  street,  where  he  keeps  a very  large  and  hand- 
le stock  of  all  kinds  of  gas  and  lamp  fixtures,  and  plumbing  material.  He  was 
aarried,  January  31,  1870,  to  Miss  Bridget  Gibbons,  daughter  of  Martin  and  Ellen 
-ibbons,  natives  of  Ireland,  but  now  residing  in  Northern  Ohio.  As  a result  of  this 
nion  they  have  had  the  following  children  : Frank,  Elizabeth,  William  (since  deceased), 
lad  Martin.  Mr.  McCormick  was  a member  of  the  City  Council  from  1878  to  1882, 
id  is  a consistent  member  of  St.  Joseph’s  Catholic  Church. 

JOHN  J.  McILlIENNEY,  physician,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Adams  County, 
eon.,  Sept.  24,  1813.  His  parents,  Samuel  Mcllhenney  and  Sarah  Huuter,  became 
uneers  of  Brown  County,  Ohio,  in  1814.  Of  a family  of  eleven  children,  our  subject 
the  only  surviving  son.  At  the  age  of  fifteen,  he  was  left  fatherless,  and  thrown 
itirely  upon  his  own  resources.  He  at  once  entered  a printing  office,  and  followed 
rat  trade  for  about  four  years,  during  which  time  he  acquired  more  valuable  practical 
aowledge  than  at  any  other  period  of  his  life.  He  then  spent  a short  time  at  a manual 
bor  school  in  Hanover,  Ind.,  where  he  earned  his  way  by  chopping  wood.  Having 
losen  medicine  as  his  profession,  he  commenced  study  at  the  age  of  twenty,  in  George- 
wn,  Brown  Co.,  Ohio ; attended  medical  lectures  in  Cincinnati,  and  began  practice  in 
rown  County  in  the  spring  of  1836.  In  the  following  year,  he  moved  to  Fairfield, 
reene  Co.,  Ohio,  where  he  remained  eighteen  years.  In  1843,  he  became  an  alumnus 
'the  Willoughby  University,  near  Cleveland,  Ohio,  now  the  Starling  Medical  College 
Columbus,  Ohio.  In  May,  1855,  he  located  in  Dayton,  which  has  since  been  his 
sidence.  May,  1856,  he  was  appointed  Superintendent  and  Physician  of  the  Dayton 
isane  Asylum,  and  so  remained  for  six  years,  during  which  time  the  duties  which  de- 
lved upon  him  were  discharged  with  remarkable  precision  and  success.  No  man  ever 
ft  an  institution  with  a better  record.  His  patients  were  much  attached  to  him,  and 
s employes,  to  this  day,  regard  him  with  a degree  of  kindness  seldom  equaled.  For 
ree  years  subsequently,  he  was  in  professional  service  in  the  United  States  Navy,  act- 
g as  surgeon  in  the  Mississippi  Squadron.  He  then  returned  to  Dayton,  and  has 
ace  been  in  active  practice,  and  occupies  a leading  rank  in  the  medical  profession  of 
s adopted  city.  He  was,  in  connection  with  a few  others,  one  of  the  originators  of 
e Ohio  State  Medical  Society,  and  has  continued  a member  of  the  same.  In  politics, 
rmerly  a Whig,  upon  the  organization  of  the  Republican  party  he  espoused  its 
inciples,  and  subsequently  became  a liberal  Republican,  being  a great  friend  to  Horace 
reeley,  but  now  votes  Independently.  Religiously,  he  is  a Free  Thinker.  Per- 
nally,  he  is  a man  of  strong,  independent  feelings,  very  decided  in  his  connections, 
d plain  and  positive  in  the  expression  of  his  views.  Though  in  his  sixty-eighth  year, 
i possesses  the  activity  and  vigor  of  a man  much  younger,  and  still  commands  a very 
tensive,  successful  and  lucrative  practice.  He  has  ever  been  noted  for  great  con- 
tentiousness and  signal  promptness  and  fidelity  in  the  discharge  of  his  professional 
ities,  without  regard  to  their  recompense.  No  worthy  poor  ever  left  his  office  with- 
t some  professional  assistance,  while  his  disinterested  benevolence,  genial  manners, 
d kindness  of  heart,  have  won  for  him  the  highest  esteem  of  his  numerous  patrons, 
n April  26,  1837,  he  married  Pauline  J.,  daughter  of  Rev.  Robert  and  Rowena 
’olsley)  Graham,  and  has  had  four  sous,  the  youngest  of  whom  was  drowned  in  a 
(stern  while  an  infant.  The  others  received  a good  English  education,  graduated  from 
;e  Cleveland  Medical  College,  and  are  now  practicing  physicians — Scipio  Solon,  at 
elena,  Montana  Territory;  Julius  Leonidas  is  associated  with  his  father  iu  Dayton, 
aio,  and  Cassius  A lams  Mcllhenney,  is  located  at  Zimmermanville,  Greene  Co.,  Ohio, 
PATTERSON  MITCHELL,  Dayton,  President  of  the  Dayton  Leather  and 
■Har  Co.  The  grandfather  of  this  well-known  and  respected  citizen  of  Dayton  was 
illiam  Mitchell,  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  who  there  married  a Miss  Patterson,  and 

o 


226 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES  : 


at  an  early  day  with  his  wife  and  ten  children  left  the  Keystone  State  for  Ohio,  flo: 
ing  down  the  river  on  a flat-boat  and  landing  near  the  mouth  of  the  Little  Miami- 
afterwards,  Columbia — which  was  a few  miles  above  Cincinnati,  then  only  a villa' 
He  purchased  land  from  Gen.  Symmes,  upou  which  he  settled,  but  subsequent 
removed  to  a farm  on  Sycamore  Creek,  near  the  Little  Miami  River.  He  was  a sold 
in  the  Revolutionary  war  and  his  pension  papers,  signed  by  James  Robb,  Secretary 
War,  under  President  James  Madison,  are  yet  in  the  possession  of  his  descendants.  1 
his  family  of  ten  children,  William,  the  father  of  Patterson,  was  born  in  Pennsylvan 
September  9,  1784;  came,  as  stated,  to  Ohio  with  his  parents,  and  here  married  Ma 
Crane,  who  was  born  in  Hamilton  County  December  26,  1793,  and  settled  on  lai 
adjoining  his  father’s.  Imbued  with  the  same  love  of  country  and  spirit  of  [utric 
ism  which  his  Revolutionary  sire  had  exhibited  on  the  battle-field  thirty-six  years  befo: 
he  shouldered  his  musket  in  1812,  and  went  out  to  fight  the  same  old  foe  of  freedc 
and  liberty.  He  served  as  a non-commissioned  officer,  in  Capt.  Robinson’s  compai 
from  Cincinna'i,  who,  while  under  marching  orders,  with  knapsacks  on  their  bad 
were  addressed  by  the  Rev.  Joshua  L.  Wilson,  D.  D.,  the  pastor  of  the  First  Presb 
terian  Church,  who  encouraged  them  to  always  do  their  duty.  To  William  and  Ma 
Mitchell  were  born  four  sons  and  two  daughters,  Patterson  being  the  eldest  in  t! 
family.  He  was  born  in  Hamilton  County,  Ohio,  April  21,  1812,  and  when  buttwel 
years  of  age  his  father  died,  this  event  occurring  June  21,  1824,  leaving  the  widow 
mother  with  six  small  children  in  charge  of  the  farm,  the  former  dying  August  1 
1859.  At  the  age  of  seventeen,  our  subject  went  to  learn  a trade  with  John  I 
Barnett,  of  Middletown,  Ohio,  whose  brother  Joseph  was  for  many  years  one  of  t 
prominent  citizens  of  Dayton.  Having  learned  his  trade,  William  Mitchell  was  soi 
after  married  to  Louisa  Barnett,  daughter  of  John  M.  Barnett,  the  marriage  bei 
consummated  October  2,  1834.  Of  this  union  three  4ons  and  three  daughters  we 
born,  viz.,  William  H.,  Joseph  B.  (deceased),  Mary  E.,  Claude  N.,  Louisa  A.  a 
Belle  J.  By  the  advice  of  his  father-in-law,  he  commenced  in  business  for  hirns 
soon  after  marriage,  upon  a capital  of  $30,  which  he  continued  in  Middletown  un 
the  spring  of  1853,  when  he  came  to  Dayton  and  entered  into  a copartnership  w: 
Isaac  Haas  in  the  leather  and  collar  manufacturing  business,  but  in  the  year  1870, 
purchased  Mr.  Haas’  interest,  subsequently  forming  a joint-stock  company  with  sot 
of  the  principal  operators  as  stockholders,  he  being  President,  and  his  son,  C. 
Mitchell,  Secretary  and  Treasurer,  which  organization  continues  up  to  the  preset 
Politically,  Mr.  Mitchell  was  an  Old-Line  Whig,  and  afterward  a Republican,  and  1 
two  sons,  William  H.  and  Claude  N.,  went  out  in  the  defense  of  the  Union,  provi 
that  the  patriotism  of  the  sire  of  1776,  had  descended  to  his  great-grandchildrj 
The  whole  family  are  members  of  the  Third  Street  Presbyterian  Church,  to  which  fa 
the  parents  and  grandparents  of  our  subject  also  adhered.  Mr.  Mitchell  has  been  t 
architect  of  his  own  good  fortune,  having  risen  step  by  step,  through  constant,  unretr 
ting  industry,  until  he  stands  in  the  foremost  rank  in  the  manufacturing  arena  of  1 
Miami  Valley.  Courteous,  affable  and  kind-hearted,  he  has  won  and  retained  1 
friendship  of  a large  circle  of  citizens,  who  respect  his  sterling  integrity  and  adm 
his  shrewd  business  sagacity. 

T.  COKE  MITCHELL,  railroad  man,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Greene  County,  01 
December  31,  1822.  In  the  early  part  of  his  life,  he  was  engaged  in  farming  and 
mercantile  pursuits,  but  has  for  many  years  been  a railroader.  He  was  married  to  51 
Jane  E.  Miller  in  1844,  and  has  had  by  her  four  children,  of  whom  three  are  rnarri 

W.  MITTENDORF,  minister  and  editor,  Dayton.  This  gentleman  was  born 
Oldendorf,  in  the  kingdom  of  Hanover,  December  30,  1830,  to  Adam  and  Elizab 
(Obermiller)  Mittendorf.  He  was  married  in  1850  to  Louise  Remmert,  a native 
the  same  place.  In  1853,  he  and  his  wife  accompanied  his  father’s  family  to  Arner: 
The  family  consisted  of  the  parents,  three  sons  and  five  daughters.  They  settled  in 
iron  region  near  Portsmouth,  Ohio,  where  the  father  died  January  22,  1869,  and 
mother  six  years  afterward.  In  1862,  while  among  the  iron  furnaces,  our  subject  be: 
preaching,  and  was  soon  sent  to  a charge  at  Pomeroy.  He  was  raised  in  the  “ Old  1 


CITS'  OF  DAYTON. 


227 


,,heran”  faith,  but  afterward  joined  the  United  Brethren  Church  with  twenty-six  others. 
pYom  Pomeroy  he  was  sent  to  a circuit  in  Hamilton  County,  Ohio,  and  from  there  to 
•Shelby  County,  Ohio.  While  here  in  1865,  he  was  regularly  ordained  by  the  Confer- 
ence of  his  church,  which  was  held  at  Dayton.  He  was  then  sent  to  Danville,  111.,  where 
jie  was  appointed  to  translate  the  church  history  from  English  to  German.  June  22, 
809,  he  came  to  Dayton  and  was  elected  editor  of  German  literature  in  the  U.  B. 
Church,  by  the  General  Conference  held  that  year  in  Lebanon,  Penn.  This  position  he 
las  since  continued  to  fill.  He  has  seven  children — four  boys  and  three  girls — now  liv- 
ing, and  four  boys  dead.  His. wife  died  January  17,  1879.  He  has  written  a work  in 
lerman  entitled  “Spiritualism  in  the  Light  of  the  Word  of  God,”  and  other  smaller 
looks.  In  1881,  he  was  appointed  by  the  Church  Executive  Committee  to  go  to  Ger- 
many to  inspect  the  mission  fields  of  the  church,  and  to  hold  an  annual  district  conference. 

OTTO  MOOSBRJJGGER,  editor,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Wurtemberg,  Germany, 
l 1839.  He  is  the  son  of  Dr.  Med.  Alvis  Moosbrugger,  who  was  born  in  Wurtemberg 
where  he  still  lives)  in  1812,  and  Josephine  J.  (Lidaire)  Moosbrugger,  who  was  born 
h Germany  in  1808,  and  died  in  1856.  They  had  twelve  children,  four  of  whom  came 
;)  America,  and  three  to  Dayton.  Our  subject  was  among  the  latter  number.  He  was 
dueated  at  High  School,  Tuebingen,  Wurtemberg;  emigrated  and  settled  in  Dayton  in 
867,  where  he  has  since  been  engaged  in  various  branches  of  business.  He  established 
re  first  daily  German  paper  in  Dayton,  September  1, 1876,  in  company  with  his  brother, 
ad  is  still  engaged  in  its  publication.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Wilhelmina  Foehren- 
ach,  of  Madison,  Ind.,  in  1869.  His  paper  is  looked  upon  as  one  of  the  leading  enter- 
irises  of  the  city,  and,  with  its  present  management,  it  promises  to  become  still  better  if 
meets  with  the  encouragement  it  merits. 

GEORGE  NEDER,  Dayton.  George  Neder,  Esq.,  editor  and  publisher  of  the 
ayton  Daily  and  Weekly  Volkszeitung  and  Sunday  Amanda , emigrated  to  America 
;om  Germany,  landing  at  New  York  May  29, 1862.  He  soon  afterward  located  in  Buffalo, 

. Y.,  where  he  was  for  some  years,  employed  as  local  and  political  editor  on  the  German 
;wspapers  of  that  city.  In  the  spring  of  1866,  he  removed  with  his  family  to  Dayton, 
here  he  has  since  resided.  Upon  arrival  in  Dayton,  he  purchased  the  Dayton  Volks- 
itung,  which  a few  weeks  before  had  been  commenced  as  a weekly  paper,  but  for  lack  of 
iterprise  and  patronage  had  suspended  a few  days  before  his  arrival.  Mr.  Neder  at 
iice  infused  new  life  into  the  concern,  and  at  once  revived  the  weekly  issue,  and  met 
.th  such  encouraging  success  that,  within  two  weeks,  he  began  the  publication  of  a 
mi-weekly,  and  soon  afterward  a tri- weekly.  In  1876,  he  ventured  upon  the  pub- 
lation  of  the  Dayton  Daily  Volkszeitung , and  both  daily  and  weekly  have  grown  to 
ch  size  and  importance  at  present,  as  to  be  the  recognized  official  German  organ  of  the 
:y  of  Dayton  and  of  Montgomery  County,  and  is  classed  among  the  leading  German 
pers  of  Ohio.  Printed  from  clear-cut,  new  type,  and  with  a large  daily  and  weekly 
•culation,  not  only  in  Dayton  and  Montgomery  County,  but  throughout  southwestern 
iio,  they  have  grown  to  be  very  valuable  as  advertising  mediums.  The  Amanda, 
ft  only  Sunday  German  newspaper  in  this  part  of  Ohio,  was  begun  January  1,  1881. 
d has  already  grown  greatly  in  popularity  and  circulation. 

ANDREW  C.  NIXON,  leaf-tobacco  dealer,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Carrollton, 
ontgomery  County,  Ohio,  xApril  23.  1811.  His  grandparents  were  John  and 
izabeth  (Taylor)  Nixon,  natives  of  New  Jersey,  who  came  to  this  State  at  an  early 
jv.  Ilis  father,  A.  H.  Nixon,  was  born  near  Carthage,  Hamilton  County,  Ohio,  in 
13,  and  was  reared  on  a farm  until  fourteen  years  of  age,  when  he  learned  the 
pter’s  trade  ; but,  being  obliged  by  ill  health  to  give  that  up,  he  in  1835  located  in 
interville,  Montgomery  County,  and  for  three  years  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of 
!>per-ware.  In  the  spring  of  1838,  he  removed  to  Carrollton,  where  he  soon  after  mar- 
>d  Mary  A.  Cotterill,  a native  of  Brown  County,  Ohio.  Twelve  years  later,  he  en- 
Iged  in  the  tobacco  business,  and  in  1857  came  to  Dayton,  where  he  has  since  re- 
ted. He  is  the  father  of  four  children,  viz.  : Andrew  C.  ; Mary,  wife  of  A.  G. 
jmeroy,  of  Hartford,  Conn;  Emma,  wife  of  John  Yoorhees,  manager  of  the 
astern  Union  Telegraph  Office  at  Dayton,  and  Miles.  The  subject  of  this  sketch 


228 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


attended  the  common  schools  of  his  native  village  until  about  fourteen  years  of  a^e 
when  he  became  a student  in  the  National  Normal  School  at  Lebanon,  Ohio.  He  after 
ward  attended  Stevenson’s  Miami  College  in  Miami  City,  of  which  the  late  Rober 
Stevenson  was  Principal.  In  1857,  he  came  to  Dayton  with  his  family,  and  has  sinci 
resided  in  the  Valley  City,  being  engaged  with  his  father  in  the  leaf-tobacco  business 
At  the  breaking-out  of  the  war,  he  joined  the  militia,  and  was  sent  to  Kentucky  dur 
ing  the  celebrated  Kirby  Smith  raid.  He  also  went  to  Hamilton  with  his  com  pan’ 
after  John  Morgan,  the  raider;  and  still  later,  his  regiment,  the  One  Hundred  am 
Thirty-first  Ohio  National  Guards,  was  ordered  to  West  Virginia  and  Baltimore.  Th 
latter  place  they  garrisoned  for  nearly  three  months,  during  two  of  which  Mr.  Nixoi 
was  detached  on  special  duty,  having  command  of  the  guards  at  Long  Bridge.  Ii 
1876,  he  was  elected  Councilman  from  the  First  Ward,  and  in  1878  he  was  eiectei 
Sheriff,  on  the  Republican  ticket,  by  a majority  of  379,  in  the  face  of  a large  Dem 
ocratic  majority  in  the  county.  He  was  married,  in  1868,  to  Miss  Laura  Beck 
•daughter  of  E.  G.  Beck,  of  Dayton,  by  whom  he  has  two  sons,  aged,  respective!) 
eight  and  eleven  years.  Mr.  Nixon  is  one  of  the  prominent  business  men  of  his  city 
who  warmly  supports  any  enterprise  that  isfor  the  good  of  the  community  in  which  h 
lives.  He  is  a genial,  warm-hearted,  whole-souled  man,  highly  esteemed  by  ali  wh 
know  him,  and  worthy  of  universal  respect.  He  is  member  of  the  Knights  of  Pythia 
and  Old  Guards  of  Dayton. 

COL.  MICHAEL  P.  NOLAN,  attorney  at  law,  Dayton.  This  well-known  gen 
tleman  was  born  in  Dublin,  Ireland,  June  18,  1823,  and  the  following  year  his  pareni 
emigrated  to  the  United  States,  settling  in  Lancaster  County,  Penn.,  removing  I 
Dayton,  Ohio,  in  1838,  where  our  subject  has  since  resided.  The  Colonel’s  early  lil 
was  one  of  toil  and  privation,  and  he  has  literally  “ fabricated  his  own  fortune.”  With 
nut  the  advantages  of  schooling  in  his  youth,  he  learned  the  trade  of  carriage  makinJ 
entered  a debating  society,  with  which  there  was  connected  a good  library,  for  thil 
day,  previous  to  the  era  of  public  libraries.  He  read  extensively  the  standard  author;! 
devoted  himself  to  study,  and,  possessing  a good  memory,  retains  the  information  thij 
early  acquired,  upon  which  he  draws  with  facility.  He  commanded  a canal  boat  f 
some  time  when  a young  man,  and  in  early  manhood  cultivated  habits  of  industr 
frugality  and  temperance,  which  have  not  deserted  him  in  his  more  mature  years.  1 
was  married  December  30,  1847,  to  Miss  Anna  Schenck  Clark,  of  Miamisburg,  Obi 
to  whose  good  sense  and  guidance  he  attributes  his  success  in  life.  There  have  bet 
born  to  them  ten  children,  eight  of  whom  are  living.  Industrious  and  energetic,  aft 
marriage  he  worked  at  his  trade  during  the  day,  spent  his  nights  in  reading  law,  ar 
was  admitted  to  the  bar  at  the  age  of  twenty-eight.  In  the  profession  he  soon  becar 
distinguished  as  an  advocate,  and  was  considered  a successful  lawyer,  especially  wil 
juries,  from  whom  he  would  secure  verdicts  quite  unexpected,  many  of  which  were  s 
aside  by  the  courts.  He  has  had  more  verdicts  thus  set  aside  than  any  other  pract 
ing  attorney  in  this  county.  Upon  the  breaking-out  of  the  rebellion,  in  April,  181 
and  the  call  was  made  by  President  Lincoln  for  troops,  Col.  Nolan  raised  Company 
Eleventh  Regiment  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  and  at  the  railroad  depot,  just  befi 
starting  with  his  company  for  the  rendezvous  camp,  on  being  called  out  by  the  inu 
tude,  made  a short  patriotic  address,  which  created  quite  a furor,  and  was  reported 
the  Journal  of  April  23,  1861.  He  became  Lieutenant  Colonel  of  the  Fiftieth  Re 
•ment,  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  and  subsequently  Colonel  of  the  One  Hundred  a 
Ninth.  During  the  war  the  Colonel  was  an  active  member  of  the  Union  League;  t 
its  President  in  the  Third  Congressional  District  of  Ohio,  and  the  delegate  from  tl 
body  to  the  convention  that  renominated  Lincoln  at  Baltimore,  June  4,  1864. 
Ohio,  during  the  summer  of  1863,  he  assisted  in  organizing  the  “War  Democrae 
with  Col.  S.  J.  McGroarty  and  a few  others,  who  drew  up  a declaration  of  princip 
together  with  an  address  to  the  patriotic  Democrats  of  the  State.  The  other  geojl 
men  were  inclined  to  make  a ticket,  but  Col.  Nolan  strenuously  insisted  upon  the  indoij 
ment  of  John  Brough  for  Governor,  a patriotic  Democrat  whom  the  Republicans  1J 
nominated  a few  weeks  previous,  and  his  counsel  was  finally  taken.  He  entered 


CITY  OF  DAY'TON. 


22D' 


orously  upon  the  canvass,  was  well  received  by  large  audiences,  and  on  the  7th  of 
October,  1863,  spoke  at  Mozart  Hall,  Cincinnati,  and  was  greeted  with  the  largest 
mdience  of  the  season,  his  speech  being  partially  reported  and  portions  of  it  re- 
produced in  the  leading  journals  of  the  country.  Among  the  people  his  speeches 
vere  well  received,  being  original,  independent,  and  noted  for  candor;  always  ex- 
empore,  using  no  notes,  but  relying  wholly  upon  his  memory.  A writer  in 
he  Dayton  Journal  a few  years  ago  thus  describes  him : “ Col.  Michael  P. 
hfian  is  in  some  respects  the  most  remarkable  man  at  the  bar.  In  person 
ie  is  not  above  the  medium  height,  slightly  inclined  to  rotundity  of  figure,  and  in  ap- 
pearance is  quite  distingue.  He  has  all  the  native  wit  and  readiness  of  repartee  char- 
acteristic of  his  nationality,  and  endeavors  in  all  instances  to  get  his  cases  before  the 
ury,  where  he  has  few  peers,  and  still  fewer  superiors.  At  times  he  is  truly  eloquent, 
nd  from  any  speech  of  his  of  an  hour’s  duration,  passages  may  be  culled  which  in 
ieauty  of  arrangement  and  effectiveness  of  delivery,  will  compare  favorably  with  the 
tudied  efforts  of  the  best  speakers  of  the  day.  His  speeches  are  extemporaneous ; 
nything  like  a studied  effort  would  be  a failure  with  him.  His  oratory  is  not  rude, 
et  far  from  classic,  being  of  the  style  which  catches  the  popular  ear  and  holds  a crowd 
hat  would  grow  weary  under  the  voice  of  men  of  much  greater  pretensions.  When 
e rises  to  speak,  everybody  in  the  court-room  is  delighted,  except  the  opposing  coun- 
el , who  often  writhe  under  his  excoriations.”  For  several  years  after  the  war  closed 
Col.  Nolan  was  U.  S.  Commissioner  in  Dayton.  At  the  Fourth  of  July  celebration  in 
j)ayton  for  1876,  Col.  Nolan  was  the  orator  selected  by  the  citizens’  committee,  and 
Iccordingly  delivered  the  Centennial  oration.  In  August,  1877,  he  prepared  a paper 
n the  present  condition  of  laboring  men,  which  appeared  in  the  Dayton  Journal  and 
hich  excited  much  discussion,  claiming  as  it  did  that  most  of  the  distress  among  the- 
iboring  classes  was  The  result  of  labor-saving  machinery.  The  document  was  widely 
'rculated,  extensively  read  and  translated  into  German.  Our  subject  has  led  a steady, 
jmperate  life,  drinking  neither  beer  nor  spirituous  liquors,  and  has  never  even  used- 
obacco.  In  1877.  when  the  temperance  wave  swept  over  the  country,  Col.  Nolan 
[aS  unanimously  elected  President  of  the  first  Murphy  organization  of  Dayton.  In 
878,  he  was  solicited  by  the  Greenback  Labor  party  to  accept  their  nomination  for 
ongress  in  this  district,  which  he  did  without  any  prospect  of  election.  He  entered 
ie  field  and  earnestly  advocated  the  principles  of  that  party  to  large  audiences,  and 
nder  the  circumstances,  obtained  a handsome  vote.  The  Colonel  is  an  affable,  whole- 
buled  gentleman,  a hearty  friend  and  boon  companion,  frank  and  outspoken  at  all 
mes.  We  trust  he  has  many  years  of  usefulness  yet  betore  him. 

J.  HUNTER  ODL1N,  dairyman,  Dayton;  was  born  in  Dayton,  Ohio,  August 
, 1840,  and,  after  receiving  a common  school  education,  entered  Miami  Univer- 
ty,  at  Oxford,  Ohio,  which  he  was  obliged  to  leave  on  account  of  ill-health.  In  the 
immencement  of  the  war  of  the  rebellion,  he  enlisted  as  a private  in  the  Dayton 
ouaves,  under  Col.  King,  and  was  detailed  to  Columbus  on  police  duty.  He  was  af- 
rward  promoted  to  a captaincy  in  the  Sixteenth  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  under  Gen. 
ill,  in  the  West  Virginia  service.  He  was  next  appointed  Major  of  the  Sixty-first 
hio  Volunteer  Infantry,  but  when  that  regiment  was  consolidated  with  the  Fifty-first, 
i was  ousted.  He  afterward  became  Assistant  Adjutant  General  on  Rosecrans’ staff 
Corinth,  Miss.,  but  was  relieved  in  order  that  he  might  take  command  of  the  One 
undred  and  Twelfth  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  then  forming  at  Dayton.  With  this 
giment  he  went  to  Cincinnati  to  repel  Kirby  Smith,  and  there  was  ordered  to  Mans- 
Jd,  Ohio,  to  fill  his  ranks.  By  the  consolidation  of  his  regiment  with  the  Sixty-third 
bio  Volunteer  Infantry,  he  become  Major  of  the  Sixty-third,  and  afterward  Lieuten- 
;t  Colonel  of  the  same.  He  soon  resigned  his  commission  in  the  above,  and  reporting 
Maj.  Gen.  Canby  for  orders  was  sent,  by  Gen.  Dennis,  to  Arkansas.  He  resigned 
p commission,  and  retired  from  the  army  in  1865,  shortly  before  the  fall  of  Rich- 
pnd.  He  was  married  in  Philadelphia,  April  15,  1867,  to  Miss  Josie  W.  Danah,  of 
;e  Quaker  City.  They  have  had  six  children,  five  girls  and  one  boy,  viz.:  Charley, 
orence,  Susan,  Josie,  Nellie  and  Edna. 


230 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


CHARLES  PARROTT,  proprietor  Aughe  Plow  Works,  Dayton,  Ohio,  has  beeu 
a life  resident  of  Dayton.  He  was  born  in  1834,  and  is  a son  of  William  Parrott,  ol 
the  firm  of  T.  & W.  Parrott,  a pioneer  dry  goods  firm,  which  was  one  of  the  oldest 
wholesale  houses  in  the  city.  His  father  retired  from  business  in  1848  or  1830.  ilis 
mother  was  Margaret  A.  Willis,  both  parents  being  natives  of  Maryland.  The  subject 
of  this  sketch  was  reared  in  his  native  place,  and  received  his  literary  education  at  the 
Ohio  Wesleyan  University  of  Delaware,  graduating  from  the  classical  department  in 
1856.  He  desired  to  enter  the  legal  profession,  and  to  that  end  commenced  the  stud} 
of  law.  He  was  admitted  to  the  bar,  and  practiced  his  profession  until  1866,  when  he 
engaged  in  his  present  business.  He  is  proprietor  of  the  pioneer  plow  factory  of  Mont- 
gomery county.  In  1873,  he  was  one  of  the  Jesses  of  the  Public  Works,  of  Ohio,  anc 
had  charge  of  the  business  at  ths  State  capital.  He  was  subsequently  engaged  in  con- 
structing railroads,  at  which  business  he  remained  till  1880.  Mr.  Parrott  was  mar 
ried,  in  1866,  to  Lizzie  Marlay,  a native  of  Frankfort,  Ross  Co.,  Ohio.  They  havt 
four  children  living — Bessie,  Mabel,  Nannie  and  Charlotte.  Mr.  Parrott  was  former!} 
a member  of  the  School  Board  of  Dayton,  and  at  present  is  connected  with  Daytoi 
Masonic  Commandery,  and  is  a member  of  the  M.  E.  Church.  He  is  well  knowt 
throughout  Montgomery  County  for  his  warm  social  nature  and  excellent  business 
qualifications.  His  factory  is  under  the  charge  of  his  brother  George,  as  he  himself  ii 
residing  in  Columbus,  Ohio. 

EDWIN  D.  PAYNE,  Dayton,  proprietor  of  Dayton  Flax,  C >rn  and  Fee< 
Mill,  was  born  at  Hamilton,  Madison  Co.,  N.  Y.,  May  22,  1818.  His  father  wa 
Elisha  Payne,  a native  of  Cornwall,  Conn.,  who  in  an  early  day  left  his  native  place 
and  in  company  with  his  brother  and  some  neighbors  traveled  by  ox  team  via  Alban 
and  Rome,  to  the  Chenango  Valley,  where  he  founded  the  village  of  Paynesville,  not 
called  Hamilton.  Mr.  Payne’s  mother  was  Esther  Douglas,  her  father  being  a pionee 
Baptist  minister  of  the  Empire  State.  Our  subject  was  raised  a “ farmer’s  boyP  at 
tending  the  rude  schoolhouse  by  the  wayside,  where  his  early  literary  education  (and  j 
small  amount,  at  that)  was  obtained.  When  twenty-two  years  of  age,  he  went  to  Wai 
ren  County,  Ohio,  for  the  purpose  of  accompanying  a surveyor,  named  Woodruff,  t 
Iowa,  to  make  a general  survey  of  the  State.  Through  the  death  of  President  Harr 
son,  Mr.  Woodruff  lost  his  position,  and  Mr.  Payne  then  came  to  Dayton.  Soon  afte 
arrival,  he  secured  employment  in  a book  store  owned  by  Ells,  Claflin  & Co.  He  sul 
sequently  worked  for  Charles  Ells,  in  the  same  business.  His  next  occupation  w; 
found  in  a wholesale  grocery  house,  owned  by  John  Sayres.  Ln  1847,  Mr.  Payr 
established  a book  and  stationery  business,  in  an  old-fashioned  brick  building,  on  tl 
present  site  of  Rickey’s  book  store.  Soon  after  commencing,  the  Phillips  Block  w: 
completed,  and  Mr.  Payne  removed  his  stock  into  that  building  (60  Main  street)  11 
subsequently  took  his  nephew,  Augustus  Payne,  into  partnership,  and  after  some  year 
sold  his  stock  and  trade  to  George  Holden.  When  he  started  in  business,  he  possessc 
less  capital  and  experience  than  any  of  the  six  men  then  in  business  in  Dayton.  Wh( 
he  disposed  of  his  business,  his  stock  and  trade  were  the  largest  and  best  in  Montgor 
ery  County,  a noted  example  of  industry,  perseverance  and  economy.  In  1875,  M 
Payne  engaged  in  his  present  business,  to  which  he  has  given  his  entire  time  and  atte 
tion,  with  a few  exceptions.  Mr.  Payne  was  induced  to  invest  his  capital  and  expel 
ence  in  the  Woodsum  Machine  Co.,  in  which  he  remained  about  two  and  a hall  yea] 
Mr.  Payne  has  always  evinced  an  active  interest  in  all  matters  pertaining  to  the  grow  I 
and  prosperity  of  his  adopted  city.  In  company  with  others,  he  assisted  in  starting  t 
Second  and  Merchant  National  Banks.  He  was  united  in  marriage,  November  1,  181 
totPhebe  M.  Crawford,  a native  of  New  York.  They  have  four  children — Emma  ( 
wife  of  Rev.  F.  Clatworthy,  pastor  of  the  Baptist  Church  at  Norwalk,  Ohio,  and  ft 
merly  pastor  of  the  Linden  Avenue  Church  of  Dayton ; Edward  D.,  book-keeper  ! 
H.  Hoefer  & Co.,  and  a student  in  the  law  office  of  A.  A.  Winters;  William,  who! 
sists  his  father  in  the  milling  business,  and  Elizabeth.  Mr.  Payne  was  long  a mend 
of  the  First  Baptist  Church,  of  Dayton,  and  assisted  in  building  their  present  house 
worship.  He  was  Trustee  and  Secretary  of  this  organization  for  some  time.  He  1 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


231 


;en  a sufferer  from  inflammatory  rheumatism  since  boyhood,  and  although  residing  in 
he  heart  of  the  city,  his  physician  advised  him  to  remove  to  Huffman  Hill.  He  did 
ti,  and  erected  a large  and  comfortable  brick  residence.  Since  then,  he  has  removed 
ick  to  his  former  residence.  While  residing  at  Huffman  Hill,  he  suffered  much  an- 
oyance from  the  long  distance  necessary  in  passing  over  to  reach  the  church  of  his 
loice,  his  residence  being  somewhat  isolated  from  the  heart  of  the  city.  He,  there- 
Jre,  in  company  with  many  others,  assisted  in  organizing  the  Linden  Avenue  Baptist 
burch,  of  which  he  served  as  Deacon  seven  years.  Mr.  Payne  was  once  a member  of 
e Union  Insurance  Company,  officiating  as  President  a portion  of  the  time.  He  was 
jie  of  the  original  ‘‘  Washingtonians,”  of  early  temperance  celebrity,  an  honored  citizen 
Montgomery  County,  and  a Christian  gentleman. 

JOSEPH  PETERS,  builder,  Dayton,  was  born  January  28,  1820,  at  Potter’s 
Ort,  Center  County,  Penn.,  of  parents  in  limited  circumstances,  but  of  sound  moral 
irth.  At  the  age  of  fifteen  years,  our  subject  was  apprenticed  to  the  carpenter’s  trade, 
d served  a term  of  three  years’  faithful  labor,  working  from  twelve  to  sixteen  hours 
r day,  but  he  thus  acquired  a thorough  knowledge  of  his  business,  which  the  aver- 
se apprentice  of  to-day  never  attains.  On  the  10th  of  April,  1810,  Mr.  Peters  was 
irried  to  Catherine  States,  in  Hollidaysburg,  Penn.,  she  being  a daughter  of  Col. 
illiam  States,  of  Huntingdon  County,  in  that  State.  In  those  days  the  main,  if  not 
re  only  line  of  commerce  between  the  East  and  West  was  the  Pennsylvania  Canal,  by 
nich  the  Eastern  cities  were  connected  with  'the  Ohio  River  at  Pittsburgh,  Penn.,  the 
•stern  and  western  divisions  being  connected  by  the  Portage  R.  R.,  which  ran  from 
|)llidaysburg  to  Johnstown.  This  road  climbed  the  mountain  sides  by  inclined 
lines,  operated  by  smtionary  engines  at  the  top.  This  line  of  commerce  was  owned 
1 the  State,  which  made  it  interesting  all  along  the  line  whenever  a State  election 
nk  place,  it  being  the  prerogative  of  the  Governor  to  fill  all  appointments,  and  it  was 
tjs  scramble  for  place  and  the  scandal  arising  from  it  that  caused  Mr.  Peters  to  with- 
ww  from  the  Democratic  party,  since  which  time  he  has  voted  with  the  Whig  and 
jpublican  pirties.  In  the  summer  of  1814,  Mr.  Peters  concluded  to  go  West,  and  in 
Itober  of  that  year  he  loaded  his  effects  upon  a section  boat,  and,  with  his  family, 
ded  at  Dayton,  in  November,  making  the  whole  distance  in  a boat.  He  soon  be- 
ne one  of  the  principal  builders  of  the  city,  and  many  of  the  buildings  and  fine 
Cjirches  of  Dayton  have  been  erected  under  his  supervision,  four  of  the  latter  standing 
vihin  a radius  of  three  squares.  To  Joseph  and  Catherine  Peters  have  been  born 
s en  sons  and  one  daughter,  of  whom  five  sons  and  the  daughter  survive.  His  son 
J ther  is  now  one  of  the  foremost  architects  of  Dayton,  many  of  the  private  and  public 
hidings  having  been  the  result  of  his  fertile  brain,  notably  the  new  Fireman’s  In- 
■ mice  building,  on  the  corner  of  Main  and  Second  streets,  which  is  a gem  in  archi- 
iture,  and  one  of  the  handsomest  buildings  in  the  Miami  Valley.  He  was  also  elected 
1I88I  as  one  of  the  Water  Works  Commissioners,  which  position  he  now  holds. 

WINSLOW  S PHELPS,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Woodstock,  Vt.,  May  12,  1815. 
j?  grandfather,  Winslow  Phelps,  was  a Captain  in  the  Revolutionary  war.  His 
‘her,  Henry  Phelps,  was  a merchant  in  Woodstock,  but  becoming  embarrassed  by  the 
i r of  1812-15,  he  started  with  his  family,  in  1821,  with  the  intention,  of  removing  to 
i nois,  where  he  owned  land,  but  on  hearing  unfavorable  reports  of  the  newness  and 
i Healthiness  of  that  part  of  the  country,  he  left  his  family  at  Cincinnati  and  went 
iiself  to  see  the  land,  but  died  on  his  return  at  Henderson,  Ky.  His  widow  was 
fts  left  in  a strange  city,  with  but  little  money  and  three  small  children,  one  son  and 
daughters.  Her  energy,  however,  was  equal  to  the  emergency.  The  subject  of 
sketch  being  but  six  years  old,  was  sent  to  such  private  schools  as  were  to  be  had, 

1 public  schools  not  then  being  in  existence.  At  the  age  of  thirteen,  he  was  put  into 
niore,  and  from  errand  boy  he  became  clerk,  and  at  last  book-keeper.  His  business 
ude  him  acquainted  with  many  Dayton  men,  and  in  1835  he  removed  here  with  his 
'Hher  and  sisters,  to  take  a partnership  , with  Samuel  T.  Harker.  At  the  end  of  one 
.Y  r Mr.  Harker  sold  his  interest  to  Joel  Estabrook,  and  the  firm  of  Estabrook  & 
'dps  continued  uutil  the  close  of  the  year  1865.  In  1837,  Mr.  Phelps  married 


232 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


Susan,  daughter  of  Squire  James  Foster,  of  Cincinnati.  She  and  three  sons  and  two 
daughters  are  still  living.  The  store  was  at  the  head  of  the  basin  until  Mr.  Phelps 
bought  the  ground  and  built  the  store  No.  25  East  Second  street,  in  1857.  The  firm 
occupied  the  new  store  until  Mr.  Phelps  bought  out  his  partner.  He  continued  the 
wholesale  grocery  business  in  his  own  name  for  a year,  when  he  took  in  his  sons,  Wins- 
low and  William  A.,  under  the  firm  name  of  W.  S.  Phelps  & Sons.  He  subsequently 
took  in  his  third  son,  Samuel  F.  In  January,  1869,  at  the  solicitation  of  his  friend, 
John  W.  Achey,  then  a director,  and  now  President  of  the  Dayton  National  Bank,  he 
became  its  cashier,  which  position  he  now  holds,  leaving  the  charge  of  the  firm  busines: 
to  his  sons.  Being  one  of  the  original  stockholders  in  the  Fireman’s  Insurance  Com 
pany  of  Dayton,  he  was  elected  a director  in  1862,  and  still  holds  the  office.  His 
principal  investments,  outside  of  his  business,  have  been  in  real  estate.  The  only  pub- 
lic office  which  he  has  held  was  four  years’  membership  in  the  Board  of  Education. 
He  became  a member  of  the  Third  Street  Presbyterian  Church  in  1813;  was  made  a 
Deacon  in  1854  and  an  elder  for  life  in  1860;  was  connected  with  the  Sunday  School 
over  thirty  years,  and  was  its  Superintendent  thirteen  years.  In  the  forty-sixth  year 
of  his  life  in  Dayton,  he  has  seen  it  grow  from  a country  village  to  a city  of  fine  halls, 
churches,  residences,  stores,  schools  and  manufactories,  with  railroads  and  telegraph, 
and  all  that  goes  to  make  it  a desirable  place  for  business  or  residence. 

CHARLES  A.  PHILLIPS,  manufacturer  of  cotton  goods,  Dayton,  was  born  in 
this  city,  June  14,  1852.  His  father,  Thomas  A.  Phillips,  was  a native  of  Maryland,  who 
came  to  Dayton  in  May,  1844,  and  there  established  the  business  now  carried  on  by 
the  subject  of  this  sketch.  He  departed  this  life,  November  27,1877.  His  mother 
was  Margaret  J.  George,  a native  of  Dayton,  who  is  yet  living  and  resides  with  our 
subject.  Mr.  Phillips  grew  to  manhood  in  his  native  city,  and  when  of  age,  entered1 
the  Department  of  Science  of  the  University  of  Michigan,  at  Ann  Arbor,  but  a year 
and  a half  later,  left  school  to  assist  his  father  in  his  rapidly  increasing  business.  From! 
that  time  to  the  present,  Mr.  Phillips  has  devoted  his  entire  time  and  attention  to  the! 
business  of  the  firm.  After  his  father’s  demise,  himself  and  brother,  George  L 
operated  the  business  till  May,  1880,  when  our  subject  purchased  his  brother’s  interest.! 
and  has  since  continued  the  business,  a sketch  of  which  will  be  found  in  the  chapter  on 
the  industrial  interests  of  Dayton.  Mr.  Phillips  is  a man  of  a warm,  social  nature.! 
affable  in  manner;  truly  benevolent;  and  by  his  integrity  in  business  affairs,  and  ab 
sorbing  interest  manifested  in  all  matters  pertaining  to  the  growth  of  his  native  place 
has  made  hosts  of  friends  throughout  the  county  and  State.  He  is  connected  by 
membership  with  the  following  organizations  ; Board  of  Police  Commissioners  (from 
April,  1879,  to  April,  1883);  Mystic  Lodge,  No.  405  (Masonic), Reid’s  Commandery 
No.  6,  and  the  Consistory  of  Southern  Ohi  > (Scottish  Rites).  He  is  a director  of  th< 
Dayton  Gas  Light  & Coke  Company,  Dayton  Insurance  Company,  and  the  Daytor 
Club  Company.  Politically,  he  is  an  ardent  advocate  of  the  principles  set  forth  by  th< 
Republican  party.  Mr.  Phillips  was  married  at  Covington,  Ky.,  Jan.  21,  1879,  t( 
Susie  II.  O’Hara,  a native  of  Crittenden,  Ky.  They  have  one  sonj-Thomas  A.  Mr 
Phillips  resides  in  a substantial  brick  residence,  at  No.  24  West  Fourth  street. 

WARREN  W.  PHILLIPS,  carriage-maker,  Dayton.  This  gentleman  was  bon 
near  Middletown,  Frederick  County,  Md.,  November  15,  1808.  He  is  descended 
from  an  old  Scotch-Irish  family  who  came  to  America  at  a very  early  day  and  settler! 
in  the  State  where  he  was  born.  His  father,  Samuel,  was  born  in  Frederick  Count' 
in  1736,  and  followed  farming  till  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1820,  when  our  subjec 
was  only  twelve  years  of  age.  His  mother,  nee  Mrs.  Rebecca  Lyles,  also  lived  to  be  a ver 
old  lady,  and  died  in  1838,  near  Indianapolis,  where  she  had  gone  to  live  with  tw 
married  daughters  who  had  moved  to  the  West.  By  her  Mr.  Phillips.  Sr.,  had  thre 
boys  and  she  had  six  daughters  when  he  married  her.  Our  subject  received  a ver 
limited  education  in  the  common  school  of  Middletown,  and  there  served  an  apprentice 
ship  in  carriage-making  with  Jacob  Young  and  Peter  Beeter,  of  Sharpsburg  and  Mid 
dletown.  He  afterward  clerked  in  a drug  store  in  Fredericktown,  Md.,  for  one  yeai 
He  came  to  Zanesville  early  in  1832,  and  to  Dayton  in  April  of  the  following  yeai 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


233 


He  started  a carriage  shop  on  East  Fourth  street,  where  he  is  still  located.  In  April, 
1827,  he  married  Miss  Catharine  Creager,  daughter  of  George  Creager,  the  then 
Sheriff  of  Frederick  County.  By  her  he  had  three  boys  and  three  girls,  all  of  whom 
axe  now  dead.  His  son,  Henry  Lee,  was  in  the  Second  Regiment,  Ohio  Cavalry, 
during  the  rebellion;  and  his  son  Willie  W.,  was  in  the  service  during  the  Morgan 
raid,  but  both  returned  to  their  home  unhurt.  Mr.  Phillips  is  the  oldest  carriage 
builder  of  Dayton,  and  has  always  been  considered  one  of  tbe  most  worthy  business 
men  of  the  city. 

JOHN  POWELL,  deceased,  was  born  August  2,  1811,  in  the  village  of  Culm, 
near  Presteign,  Herefordshire,  England.  With  naught  else  than  a good  education  and  a 
strong,  earnest  purpose,  he  entered  alone  upon  the  struggle  of  life  at  the  early  age  of  eleven 
as  an  apprentice  to  a linen  draper — or  haberdasher — in  London.  Securing  a fair  com- 
petency, he  emigrated  in  1835  to  America  and  settled  in  Cleveland,  Ohio,  where,  with 
varying  success,  he  was  engaged  in  mercantile  pursuits,  notably  the  leather,  wool  and 
hide  trade.  In  1837,  he  re-visited  England,  witnessing  the  coronation  of  Queen  Victoria. 
In  1845,  he  moved  to  Dayton,  and  for  twenty-four  years  carried  on  the  wholesale  boot 
and  shoe  trade  with  marked  success,  gaining  a fortune  and  an  enviable  rank  among  the 
substantial  business  men  of  the  city.  He  was  one  of  the  projectors  of  the  First  Na- 
tional Bank,  organized  in  1863,  remaining  a large  stockholder  and  director  until  it  was 
merged  into  the  private  banking  house  of  Gebhart,  Harman  & Co.  He  retired  from 
active  business  pursuits  in  1869,  but  was  of  too  active  a temperament  to  long  remain 
idle.  From  merchandising  he  turned  his  attention  to  banking,  in  which  he  so  evinced  his 
capability  of  organization  and  management  as  to  be  readily  seconded  by  prominent  busi- 
ness interests  throughout  the  county.  He  was  the  founder  in  1871,  and  for  two  years 
the  President  of  the  Merchants’  National  Bank,  which,  owing  largely  to  his  personal 
direction  and  shrewd  financiering,  took  from  its  organization  high  rank  among  the  solid 
institutions  of  the  city.  A director  of  the  bank  until  his  death,  its  financial  policy  was 
almost  invariably  shaped  in  accordance  with  his  views. 

For  eighteen  years  he  was  a director  and  one  of  the  largest  shareholders  of  the 
Firemens  Insurance  Company  of  Dayton.  Gaining  a large  and  valued  experience,  he 
was  known  as  one  of  the  best  underwriters  in  the  State.  One  of  its  earliest  inceptors, 
and  perhaps  the  most  efficient  of.  its  Board  of  Directors,  the  very  prosperous  history  of 
this  institution  is  due  not  a little  to  his  active  interest  and  wise  oversight.  In  him 
the  English  characteristics  of  conservatism  and  decision  and  the  American  spirit  of  en- 
terprise were  happily  blended ; and  his  counsel  in  financial  affairs  was  wisely  sought  and 
generally  profited  by. 

In  politics,  while  never  ambitious  to  act  a conspicuous  part  in  public  life,  he  was 
a pronounced  Union  man  and  a firm  adherent  to  the  Republican  party.  Strong,  un- 
flinching fidelity  to  principle  and  unwavering  devotion,  at  whatever  peril,  to  the 
right  as  he  perceived  it,  formed  a most  marked  trait  of  his  character. 

His  was  eminently  a religious  life,  speaking  daily  to  his  family  and  the  world  more  by 
acts  than  by  professions.  For  many  years  he  was  a member  and  vestryman  of  Christ 
i (Episcopal),  and  latterly  a member  of  the  Third  Street  Presbyterian  Church,  in  which 
relatiou  he  carried  the  same  spirit  of  activity,  zeal  and  conscientiousness  which  charac- 
terized his  business  career.  He  was  honored  with  the  warm  personal  friendship  of  the 
Right  Rev.  Bishops  Mdllvaine,  Bedell  and  Jaggar,  of  the  Episcopacy.  But  it  was  as  an 
earnest,  efficient  organizer  in  the  Bible  Cause  that  he  was  best  known  among  the  Chris- 
tian people  of  the  county  ; being  identified  with  the  Montgomery  County  Bible  Society 
as  a director,  dating  from  1859,  and  for  six  years  serving  as  Treasurer.  The  Bible 
work  was  especially  dear  to  him,  since  in  so  vast  a field  his  powers  found  scope  for  ex- 
ercise and  expansion.  His  religious  views  were  liberal  as  opposed  to  a spirit  of  sec- 
tarianism or  churchly  exclusiveness  ; all  movements  looking  toward  a union  of  effort 
m church  or  religious  work  by  Christians  of  whatever  creed  found  in  him  a firm 
devotee. 

Amid  the  distracting  cares  of  a busy  life,  he  ever  evinced  a lively  interest  in  the 
welfare  and  prosperity  of  Dayton.  He  was  passionately  fond  of  horticultural  pursuits  ; 

i 


234 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES : 


the  beautiful  flowers  and  abundant  fruits  produced  on  bis  home  premises  on  West 
First  street  attesting  his  zeal  and  success.  Superior  exhibits  of  fruits  and  flowers  for 
many  years  at  our  local  fairs  would  seem  to  place  him  among  professional  rather  than 
amateur  cultivators.  An  active  member  of  the  Montgomery  County  Horticultural 
Society,  his  addresses  were  listened  to  with  interest  to  the  profit  and  in-traction  of  its 
membership.  His  “ garden  book”  is  an  invaluable  record  of  horticultural  and  meteoro- 
logical data  for  twenty-four  years — from  1854. 

Although  possessing  marked  individuality  and  great  decision  of  character,  his  was 
a warm  heart,  most  strongly  attached  to  his  family  and  home  interests.  Of  domestic 
traits,  his  love  and  affection  as  a husband  and  father  were  continually  shown  forth  in 
the  exercise  of  self-sacrifice  and  loving  counsel  and  guidance. 

John  Powell  died  at  his  residence,  November  7,  1878,  aged  sixty-seven,  his  last 
illness  being  of  ten  days’  duration,  although  for  many  years  he  had  been  at  times  a 
great  sufferer.  A wife  and  nine  children  survived  him.  The  funeral  service  was 
held  at  the  Third  Street  Presbyterian  Church,  conducted  by  Rev.  J.  H.  Montgomery, 
pastor.  His  remains  were  laid  to  rest  in  his  beautiful  lot  at  Woodland  Cemetery,  Rev. 
E.  H.  Jewett,  rector  of  Christ  (Episcopal)  Church,  officiating.  The  following  gentle- 
men served  as  pall-bearers  : Alexander  Gebhart  and  James  Applegate,  representing 

the  Merchants’  Naiional  Bank  ; Preserved  Smith  and  T.  S.  Babbitt,  the  Firemens  In- 
surance Company  ; Valentine  Winters,  the  Third  Street  Presbyterian  Church,  and 
George  A.  Black,  a warm  personal  friend. 

ADAM  PR1TZ,  manufacturer,  Dayton;  was  born  in  Hanover,  York  County, 
Penn.,  September  9,  1808.  He  came  to  this  city  in  1841,  and  immediately  associated 
with  him  Augustus  Kuhns  in  a business  extending  from  that  time  up  to  1864.  Mr. 
Pritz  is  a typical  Pennsylvanian  of  the  old  school,  whose  life  has  been  devoted  to  tireless  j 
labor  with  that  intensity  of  purpose,  which  forms  a prominent  trait  in  thousands  of  rep- 
resentatives of  that  State  scattered  throughout  the  Union.  In  his  early  years  and  up 
io  the  time  of  leaving  his  native  town,  he  was  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  Coffee 
Mills,  a mill  invented  by  his  father,  and  which  at  that  time  had  a prominence  over  all  I 
mills  made  in  this  country.  Mills  of  his  manufacture  made  in  1828,  in  Han- 
over, are  now  in  use  in  this  city  by  old  citizens,  formerly  from  his  native  State. 
From  1841  to  1851,  he  specially  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  an  elliptic  spring 
for  carriages,  horse-powers  and  threshing  machines,  discontinuing  the  mills  after  1842.  j| 
In  1851,  he  commenced  the  manufacture  of  the  “ Moore  Grain  Drill.”  This  was 
the  first  drill  made  in  this  city,  and  Mr.  Pritz  is  the  pioneer  drill  manuafacturer  of  this 
valley.  He  continued  the  manufacture  of  this  drill  up  to  1858,  when  with  various  j 
additions  and  improvements,  as  the  result  of  his  inventive  genius,  he,  with  his  associate, 
Mr.  Kuhns,  gave  to  the  world  Pritz  & Kuhns’  Improved  Drill.  In  the  same  year,  1858, 
Mr.  Pritz  bought  of  Owen  Dorsey,  of  Maryland,  the  right  to  manufacture  the  Dorsey 
Reaper  for  this  valley,  which  Mr.  Pritz  continued  to  manufacture  each  year,  adding  im- 
provements up  to  1876,  when  the  present  reaper  that  the  firm  now  manufacture  was 
patented  by  William  Pritz,  his  son.  Mr.  Pritz  has  earned  an  honorable  reputation 
among  his  cotemporaries,  as  one  of  the  foremost  of  the  manufacturers  of  this  city,  in  his 
contribution  of  time  and  money  in  the  early  enterprises,  asking  help  and  patronage  from 
the  capitalists  and  prominent  citizens  of  this  valley.  He  was  an  enthusiastic  advocate 
and  subscriber  to  the  Mad  River  Railroad,  the  first  railroad  seeking  admission  to  this 
city.  Afterward  he  liberally  aided  the  Xenia  and  Belpre  road,  Dayton  & Western,  the 
original  “ Short  Line,”  which  was  abandoned  after  absorbing  the  fortunes  of  many 
of  our  citizens.  At  a later  day  he  was  an  active  and  earnest  helper  in  se- 
curing the  Dayton  & Southeastern  coal  road.  One  of  the  principal  movers  in 
building  the  Dayton  View  Hydraulic,  and  is  now  one  of  its  chief  stockholders.;! 
In  1847,  pending  the  completion  of  the  canal  through  the  city,  it  became  apparent) 
to  the  business  and  other  interests  that  an  extension  running  through  the  lower  part  of 
the  city  should  be  cons' ructed.  The  State  refused  to  assist  in  its  construction,  andj 
hence  itwas  left  to  the  public  enterprise  of  the  citizens.  In  this  undertaking  Mr.:j 
' Pritz  was  a liberal  subscriber,  and  took  an  active  interest  in  its  accomplishment. 
The  judgment  of  the  people  of  that  day  was  correct,  as  the  subsequent  abandon-! 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


235 


mentof  the  upper  canal  for  boats,  and  its  use  for  hydraulic  purposes  only,  demonstrated. 
In  all  these  enterprises  Mr.  Prirz  was  a leading  spirit,  not  prompted  by  a desire  to  reap 
ultimate  gains,  for  in  but  few  of  these  investments  has  he  ever  realized  a dollar,  but  hav- 
ing, in  broad  view  primarily,  the  welfare  of  the  city,  and  always  prompted  by  a progres- 
ive  nature.  In  his  younger  years,  his  ambitions  and  inclinations  centered  in  desires  for 
soldiery  and  military  honors,  and  in  his  native  State  is  familiarly  remembered  as  Maj. 
Pritz,  and  by  other  titles.  He  raised  and  commmded  successively  two  military  com- 
panies, the  Warren  Greys  and  Warren  Riflemen,  the  pride  amateur  military  companies 
in  the  State  in  its  early  history. 

In  connection  with  years  of  active  association  among  the  drills  and  reapers  in  this 
city,  Mr.  Pritz  also  has  large  interests  in  South  Bend,  Ind.,  being  an  equal  partner  in 
the  firm  of  Jacob  Strayer  & Co  , manufacturers  of  the  Statesman  Force  Feed  Grain 
Drill.  Mr.  Pritz  is  now  seventy-three  years  of  age,  and  has  reached  that  point  in  life 
and  age  when  most  men  quietly  rest  upon  their  earnings;  but  such  a condition  of  things 
would  be  foreign  to  his  nature.  His  nervous  and  active  temperament  is  not  at  ease 
unless  he  is  surrounded  by  the  busy  hum  of  machinery,  with  which  he  has  been  asso- 
ciated with  his  daily  efforts  for  nearly  half  a century.  He  is  daily  at  a work  bench, 
seeking  to  improve  and  add  another  contribution  to  future  improvements  in  machinery. 
In  politics  Mr.  Pritz  consented  on  one  occasion  to  accept  a nomination  for  an  unexpired 
term  in  the  City  Council.  He  served  in  this  position  for  one  year.  This  comprehends 
his  political  and  office-holding  experience.  In  religion  Mr.  Pritz  was  formerly  a Lutheran, 
but  about  eight  years  ano,  united  with  the  Third  street  Presbyterian  Church  of  this  city. 
He  has  ever  been  willing  to  testify  his  zeal  and  liberality  in  the  cause  of  Christianity 
by  generous  donations  to  the  Young  Men’s  Christian  Association  and  kindred  organ- 
izations, having  in  view  the  religious  and  moral  advancement  of  his  fellow-men. 
He  was  married  June  14,  1832,  to  Mary  Kuhns,  daughter  of  Jacob  and  Mary 
I (Welsh)  Kuhns.  They  are  the  parents  of  ten  children,  five  of  whom  are  alive.  For 
the  past  twenty-five  years  his  sons  have  been  associated  with  him  in  business. 

Mr.  Pritz  has  not  only  been  distinguished  for  his  enterprise,  industry,  economy 
and  indomitable  energy,  but  his  patriotism.  Whatever  he  undertook  to  do  he  did  with 
all  his  might.  During  the  existence  of  the  Whig  party,  he  was  a truly  national  con- 
servative. He  viewed  slavery  as  a local  institution,  but  not  national.  Sincerely  at- 
tached to  the  whole  Union,  he  opposed  sectionalism,  and  when  the  South  endeavored  to 
extend  the  institution  of  slavery  into  the  new  Territories  and  States,  he  opposed 
their  policy.  When  the  people  of  that  section  made  war  with  the  Union,  Mr.  P.  was 
among  the  first  to  make  any  and  every  sacrifice  in  behalf  of  the  Union.  He  urged  all 
to  volunteer,  and  when  the  first  call  was  made  for  defenders  of  our  beloved  Union,  his 
eldest  sons,  Jacob  and  William  II . Pritz,  were  among  the  first  to  follow  the  advice  of 
their  father,  and  aided  with  their  efforts  until  the  rebellion  was  closed,  their  father 
doing  all  he  could  during  this  fearful  period  to  provide  for  the  destitute  wives  and 
children  of  the  patriots  who  had  gone  to  the  war.  He  entered  into  the  work  of  crush- 
ing the  rebellion  with  his  characteristic  energy,  and  finally,  at  its  close,  and„when  the 
caring  of  the  crippled  and  destitute  soldiers  became  a matter  of  concern  to  the  patriotism 
and  legislation  of  the  country,  gave  of  his  time  and  generous  .contributions  of  money  to 
secure  the  establishment  of  permanent  homes  and  the  location  of  a branch  at 
Dayton. 

In  reviewing  the  history  of  this  laborer  in  the  fields  of  enterprise  and  mechanical 
improvements,  we  have  thereby  sought  to  bring  from  the  back-ground  and  place  to  the 
front  the  name  of  Adam  Pritz,  who,  as  one  of'  the  pioneer  manufacturers  in  years  of 
active  efforts,  has  contributed  from  his  wealth  of  brain  and  invention  the  genius  which, 
iapplied  in  material  forms,  has  gone  out  to  the  world,  causing  prosperity  and  consequent 
happiness  to  his  neighbor  and  employes,  adding  to  the  growth  and  wealth  of  his  city, 
and  contributing  to  the  progress  of  civilization. 

JOHN  C.  REEVE,  physician  and  surgeon,  Dayton,  was  born  in  England, 
lune  5,  1826.  In  1832,  his  father’s  family  emigrated  to  this  country,  and  settled  in 
Cleveland,  Ohio,  where  our  subject  was  reared.  He  enjoyed  good  school  privileges  up 


236 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


to  the  age  of  twelve,  when  by  the  loss  of  his  mother  and  financial  reverses  in  the  family 
he  was  thrown  entirely  upon  his  own  resources,  became  an  apprentice  to  the  priuter, 
and  spent  several  years  in  the  offices  of  the  Cleveland  Advertise)'  and  Herald.  While 
thus  employed,  by  industrious  personal  application,  and  by  an  attendance  of  several 
winters’  upon  common  schools,  and  one  summer  at  the  Academy,  he  fitted  himself  for 
teaching,  which  he  followed  for  a time  as  the  best  means  of  improvement  and  education. 
He  then  read  medicine  with  Dr.  John  Delamater,  Professor  of  Obstetrics  in  the  Medi- 
cal Department  of  Western  Reserve  College,  Cleveland,  Ohio,  from  which  institution 
he  graduated.  In  1849,  he  began  practice  in  Dodge  County,  Wis.  Some  four  years 
later,  he  visited  Europe  for  the  purpose  of  further  study  of  his  profession,  and  after 
passing  the  winter  in  London,  and  a summer  at  the  University  of  Gottingen,  Germany, 
returned  to  this  country,  and  in  the  fall  of  1854  settled  in  Dayton,  which  has  since 
been  his  residence,  where  he  rapidly  rose  in  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  the  public  ! 
generally,  and  now  occupies  a leading  rank  in  the  profession  of  that  city.  He  has  per- 
formed most  of  the  leading  operations  of  surgery  falling  to  the  lot  of  one  in  genera!  j 
practice;  among  others  a case  of  tracheotomy,  by  which  was  successfully  removed  from 
the  throat  ot  a little  girl  eight  years  old  the  largest  body,  with  one  exception,  ever 
taken  from  the  windpipe — a shawl-pin,  three  and  one-fourth  inches  in  length.  The 
case  is  alluded  to,  and  a cut  of  the  pin  given,  in  “ Gross’  Surgery.”  He  has  performed 
ovariotomy  five  times,  three  of  them  being  successful,  and  which  is  about  the  usual 
number.  He  is  a member  of  the  Montgomery  County  Medical  Society,  of  which  he 
has  several  times  been  President ; also  of  the  Ohio  State  Medical  Society,  the  Ameri- 
can Medical  Association,  and  the  American  Gynaecological  Society,  of  which  he  was 
one  of  the  founders.  He  has  made  numerous  reports  of  important  professional  cases, 
and  has  been  a frequent  contributor  to  the  leading  medical  journals  of  the  country, 
especially  to  the  review  department  of  the  American  Journal  of  Medical  Sciences, 
Philadelphia,  and  to  the  American  Journal  of  Obstetrics , New  York.  He  occu- 
pies the  rank  of  a leader  in  the  profession  in  Ohio,  and  his  personal  standing  is  that  of 
an  affable,  polished  gentleman.  On  August  10,  1849,  he  mirried  Emma  G.  Barlow, 
of  Cleveland,  Ohio,  and  has  two  sons  and  two  daughters. 

JACOB  RICHMOND,  retired  carpenter,  Dayton.  Jacob  Richmond  was  bore 
in  Frederick  County,  Md.,  July  5,  1809  ; when  he  was  fifteen  years  old  he  begat)  the 
cabinet  trade,  at  which  he  worked  three  years,  when  he  turned  his  attention  to  carpen- 
tering.  After  serving  an  apprenticeship  of  three  years  at  this  trade,  he  worked  at  the 
same  as  contractor  until  1877,  when  he  retired  from  business.  He  was  married  March  j 
8,  1831,  to  Rebecca  Coblentz.  Of  their  ten  children,  but  six  are  living',  viz.:  Morgan  jj 
H.,  Caroline  R.,  Edward  C.,  Malinda  C.,  Annie  R.  and  John  P.  Francis  P.  in  18S2 
enlisted  in  the  Ninety  third  Regiment  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  and  was  killed  in  front 
of  Atlanta  June  23,  1864.  Three  children  died  in  infancy.  Mr.  Richmond  moved 
from  Maryland  (in  a wagon,  being  twenty-one  days  on  the  road,  to  Montgomery  County, 
Ohio,  and  located  in  Dayton  in  1832.  His  wife  died  December  22,  1873.  Mr.  K , 
was  a member  of  the  City  Council  from  1848  to  1854,  also  Infirmary  Director  from 
1876  to  1879.  He  has  always  lived  an  exemplary  life;  having  started  a poor  boy,  he 
has  by  economy  and  industry,  accumulated  quite  a comfortable  living  for  himself  and 
family.  He  is  now  seventy-two  years  old,  but  still  very  active. 

JOHN  8.  ROBERTSON,  Clerk  of  Courts,  Dayton,  was  born  July  25,  1843,  atj 
Hanover,  Columbiana  Co.,  Ohio.  His  father,  John  Robertson,  was  the  youngest  son  oi 
Rev.  James  Robertson,  a Scotch  Presbyterian  minister;  his  mother,  nee  Margaret  (V  !; 
Vallandigham,  was  a daughter  of  Rev.  Clement  Vallandigham,  and  sister  of  the  late: 
Hon.  C.  L.  Vallandigham.  Our  subject  obtained  his  early  education  at  the  New  Lis- 
bon High  School,  and,  when  eighteen  years  of  age,  commenced  teaching  school,  thereby 
obtaining  the  means  to  enable  him  to  attend  medical  lectures  at  Ann  Arbor,  Mich. 
He  commenced  the  practice  of  medicine  in  Columbiana  County,  but  removed,  in 
1869,  to  Germantown,  Montgomery  County  where  he  practiced  his  profession  until  ; 
elected  Clerk  of  the  Courts  of  this  county,  in  October,  1875.  In  1878,  ho  was  re- 
elected for  an  additional  term  of  three  years  He  was  married  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Rowe. 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


237 


of  Germantown,  June  19,  1872.  As  an  accommodating  and  efficient  officer,  an  honest 
and  reliable  citizen,  and  a gentleman  in  all  respects,  Mr.  Robertson  has  gained  the 
respect  and  esteem  of  all  who  meet  him. 

JOHN  ROUZER,  contractor,  Dayton.  Mr.  Rouzer,  now  one  of  the  foremost 
contractors  and  builders  of  Dayton,  was  born  on  the  29th  of  June,  1822,  in  Clark 
County,  Ohio,  near  the  (now)  city  of  Springfield.  He  is  one  of  the  most  conspicuous 
of  the  many  illustrations  afforded  by  our  American  life,  of  the  success  achieved  by 
intelligent  industry  and  personal  integrity.  Mr.  Rouzer  s father  was  a native  of  Fred- 
erick County,  Md.,  of  German  descent,  and  lived  to  the  age  of  eighty-four  years.  His 
mother  was  a native  of  Virginia,  of  Scotch  parentage,  and  survived  to  be  eighty  years 
of  age.  Both  of  robust  constitutions,  and  of  simple  and  industrious  habits,  they  raised 
a family  of  twelve  children,  seven  sons  and  five  daughters,  all  of  whom  they  lived  to 
see  established  in  life.  John  came  to  Dayton,  as  a boy,  with  his  father’s  family,  about 
1832,  when  the  town  was  scarcely  more  than  a village.  His  education  was  only  such  as 
the  limited  facilities  of  so  small  a town  could  afford,  before  the  school  system,  now 
developed  into  a chief  source  of  pride  of  our  community,  was  originated,  but  he  has  the 
satisfaction  to  know  that  it  is  to  his  skill  and  taste  as  a mechanic,  that  the  city  is,  in  a 
large  part,  indebted  for  some  of  the  handsomest  school  edifices  that  are  one  of  its  prin- 
cipal ornaments.  Mr.  Rouzer  commenced  in  Daytou  as  a practical  builder  and  con- 
tractor in  1861.  His  close  attention  to  the  details  of  his  business,  and  to  the  complete- 
ness and  honesty  of  his  work,  soon  established  for  him  an  enviable  reputation  as  a faith- 
ful mechanic  and  honest  contractor.  His  chief  object  was  to  give  satisfaction  to  his 
patrons  by  the  excellence  of  his  work.  His  business  rapidly  grew  to  large  proportions, 
and,  keeping  abreast  with  the  rapid  improvement  in  mechanical  machinery,  he  has  now 
one  of  the  most  complete  and  extensive  establishments  in  his  line  of  work  anywhere  to 
be  found,  and  is  able  to  execute  the  largest  contracts  for  the  carpenter  work  of  public 
buildings  in  Ohio  and  the  adjoining  States.  He  has  been  able  to  accumulate  a 
respectable  property,  and  can  exhibit  in  the  elegance  and  perfect  finish  of  his  own  resi- 
dence a specimen  of  his  skill  and  taste  that  was  pronounced,  by  one  of  the  most  accom- 
plished architects  in  the  United  States  (William  Myers,  of  Detroit),  unexcelled  by  any 
similar  work  he  had  ever  in  pected.  Mr.  Rouzer  married  Martha  J.  Deihl,  the  daugh- 
ter of  Mr.  Henry  Deihl,  of  Dayton,  on  New  Year’s  Day,  1850  ; but  two  daughters  of 
a family  of  seven  children  survive.  It  may  be  said,  without  any  fulsome  praise,  that 
Mr.  Rouzer  has  a reputation  as  a business  man,  as  well  as  a citizen,  in  all  the  relations 
of, social  and  domestic  life  that  is  without  blemish,  and  that  he  has  honestly  earned  it 
by  his  industry,  his  intelligence,  his  enterprise  and  his  personal  integrity.  It  is  such 
men  as  he  and  his  class  who  give  dignity,  respect,  ability  and  success  to  American  labor. 

JOHN  RUNCK,  Jr.,  butcher,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Dayton,  Ohio,  September  6, 
1855.  His  grandfather,  Philip,  and  his  grandmother,  Elizabeth  (Runck)  Runck,  were 
both  natives  of  Rhine  Byrne,  Germany,  where  our  subject’s  father,  John  Sr.,  was  born 
on  the  10th  of  May,  1830.  The  latter  came  to  America  in  1848,  and,  after  a few 
mouths’  residence  in  Cincinnati,  came  to  Montgomery  County  and  commenced  butcher- 
ing in  Dayton,  where  he  learned  his  trade,  and  where  he  has  since  continued  to  follow 
it.  He  married,  December  20,  1854,  Miss  Louisa  Steiner,  daughter  of  Henry  and 
Oppolina  (Wenst)  Steiner,  of  Dayton,  both  natives  of  Germany.  By  this  union  they 
had  thirteen  children — Anna  Mary,  John,  our  subject,  Charlie,  Kate, ‘Caroline,  Mar- 
garet, Frank,  Julia,  Michael  L , Hattie,  Florence,  Clara  and  Oppolina;  of  these  one  girl 
and  two  boys  have  since  died.  John,  Jr.,  attended  the  schools  of  Harrison  Township, 
where  they  lived  and  then  took  a course  in  the  Commercial  College,  of  Dayton,  work- 
ing at  his  trade  of  butchering  at  the  same  time.  He  married  January  6,  1880,  Miss 
Julia  A.  Klaner,  daughter  of  William  and  Barbara  Klaner,  of  Dayton,  by  whom  he 
has  had  one  child,  a daughter,  born  November  10,  1880.  He  is  a young  man  of  much 
business  ability,  a good  financier,  and  an  industrious  and  obedient  son. 

MARK  RUTLEDGE,  of  firm  of  Rutledge  & Co.,  paper  manufacturers,  Dayton, 
;Wasbornin  Kirkoswald,  England,  March  13,  1812.  His  parents  were  George  and 
Mary  (Archer)  Rutledge,  the  former  of  whom  was  a manufacturer  of  linen  goods,  and 


238 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


never  wore  any  garment  made  of  cotton  until  after  coming  to  America.  Our  subject 
was  reared  to  maturity  in  England,  and  upon  arriving  at  his  twenty-first  mile-stone  in 
life,  came  to  America,  locating  at  Worcester,  Mass.,  and  engaging  in  his  present  busi- 
ness ; he  had  previously  learned  his  trade  in  his  native  land,  and  remained  at  Worcester 
eight  years.  During  the  forepart  of  this  period,  he  attended  night  schools,  where  he 
obtained  his  literary  education.  He  removed  his  business  to  Norwich,  Conn.,  and  ei^ht 
years  later  went  to  Andover,  where  his  mill  was  subsequently  destroyed  by  fire.  Two 
years  later  he  went  to  Lowell,  Mass.,  and  six  years  later  to  Dayton  (in  1854),  For  a 
time  he  was  foreman  for  L.  F.  Claffiu  & Co.,  and  was  afterward  a member  of  the 
firm.  He  subsequently  engaged  his  services,  as  foreman  for  Mead  & Weston,  and  in  18fi7 
established  his  present  business.  Mr.  Rutledge  was  married,  in  1837,  to  Augusta  Liv- 
ermore, a native  of  Massachusetts.  They  have  three  children — George,  Janie  (wife  of 
Luther  Peters,  an  architect  of  Dayton),  and  Ellen.  Mr.  Rutledge  was  formerly  a Dem- 
ocrat, but  is  now  “ a pure  Republican.”  He  is  a member  of  Montgomery  Lodge,  No.  ;j, 
I.  0.  0.  F.,  and  of  Dayton  Lodge,  Masonic.  Himself,  wife  and  children  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Universalist  Society.  George  Rutledge,  the  eldest  child,  and  junior  mem 
ber  of  the  firm  of  Rutledge  & Co.,  was  married,  January  1,  1863,  to  Virginia  Simmons, 
a native  of  Yazoo  City,  Miss.  They  have  three  children — Walter,  Virginia  and  Mary. 
Mrs.  Rutledge  is  a regular  attendant  on  the  religious  services  held  in  Raper  chapel. 
Mr.  Rutledge  has  full  charge  of  the  business  of  the  firm. 

ADAM  SCHANTZ,  butcher,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Mittilkinsig,  Hesse-Darm- 
stadt,  Germany,  September  7,  1839.  He  was  the  second  son  of  Frederick  and  Marie 
Elizabeth  (Scheeler)  Schantz,  who  were  natives  of  Germany  and  parents  of  eight  chil- 
dren, six  boys  and  two  girls.  Adam,  our  subject,  emigrated  to  America  on  the  11th 
of  April,  1855,  and  on  the  1st  of  September  following  came  to  Dayton,  where  he 
engaged  in  butchering  for  Michael  Oldt,  with  whom  he  worked  one  year.  He  then  left 
Dayton  for  several  years,  during  which  he  visited  and  worked  in  Iowa  two  years, 
Chicago  six  months,  St.  Louis  four  months,  New  Orleans  five  months,  across  to  Ger- 
many, where  he  stayed  with  his  folks  four  mouths,  then  to  Hamburg  and  LondoD,  aud  on 
the  10th  of  June,  1862,  back  to  Dayton,  where  he  has  since  been  in  the  butchering 
business.  He  was  married  March  29,  1863,  to  Saloma  Latin,  daughter  of  Falteen 
Latin,  of  Dayton,  by  whom  he  had  nine  children,  five  boys  and  four  girls,  of  whom 
three  boys  and  four  girls  survive.  Mr.  Schantz  was  a member  of  the  City  Council  in 
1877—78.  He  was  also  President  of  Southern  Ohio  Stock  Yards  and  a Director  of  the 
Southern  Ohio  Fair  Association.  He  is  a member  of  Steuben  Lodge,  I.  0 0.  F.. 
and  of  the  German  Lutheran  Church. 

MICHAEL  SCHIML,  brewer,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Reglasreuth,  near  Baireuth,  Ba- 
varia, Germany,  August  4, 1825,  and  is  the  son  of  Christopher  and  Mary  (Kramer)  Schiml, 
natives  of  the  same  place.  His  father  was  a prominent  mill  owner,  a man  of  means  and 
commercial  standing  who  died  about  1842.  Michael  was  the  youngest  in  a family  of 
eight  children,  five  of  whom  died  previous  to  his  coming  to  America,  whither  his  brother 
John  had  preceded  him  in  1845,  Michael,  with  his  mother  and  one  sister,  following  is 
1848,  all  settling  in  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  where  the  aged  mother  died  soon  after 
reaching  this  county.  Mr.  Schiml  was  married,  September  12,  1848,  to  Miss  Annie 
M.  Heindl,  a native  of  Bavaria,  and  daughter  of  John  and  Frederica  Heindi,  who  re- 
mained in  the  fatherland.  Of  this  union  eight  children  are  the  fruits,  as  follows 
Teresa,  John  L.,  Joseph  (deceased),  Susan.  Andrew,  Cidonia  (deceased),  Aloys  C 
and  one  died  in  infancy.  Mr.  Schiml  worked  at  coopering  in  this  county  until  1852, 
when,  in  partnership  with  his  brother  John,  they  started  a brewery  on  the  corner  of 
Wayne  and  Hickory  streets,  making  their  first  lager  beer  on  December  13  of  that  year, 
from  stock  brought  from  Boston,  by  a cousin  of  the  Schiml's  who  was  a brewer,  this 
being  the  first  lager  beer  made  in  Montgomery  County,  Ohio.  His  brother,  John,  died  j 
September  5,  1858,  since  which  time  the  business  has  been  owned  and  operated  by  j 
our  subject,  who  ranks  as  the  pioneer  brewer  of  D iyton,  and  whose  success  in  his  line 
has  been  second  to  none.  Beginning  upon  a capital  of  $1,800,  he  has  by  constant  at- 
tention to  his  business,  and  the  manufacture  of  as  good  an  article  of  beer  as  other  firsL 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


239 


class  brewers,  increased  his  sales  yearly,  and  thereby  his  financial  standing,  until  to-day, 
he  takes  his  place  among  the  wealthy  men  of  the  Miami  Yalley,  being  worth  over 
875,000.  all  the  legitimate  result  of  his  own  indefatigable  will  to  win  success.  His  son, 
John  L.,  is  the  book-keeper  of  the  establishment,  and  Andrew  attends  to  the  outside  busi- 
ness, it  being  the  intention  of  Mr.  Schiml  to  retire  from  active  life  in  a short  time,  leav- 
ing the  management  of  his  brewery  to  his  sons,  who  are  thoroughly  competent  of  imi- 
tating their  father’s  success  in  life. 

JOHN  SCHOEN,  Bailiff,  Superior  Court,  Dayton.  Mr.  Schoen  was  .born  in 
Hessen,  Germany,  April  3,  1825,  emigrated  to  America  in  1856.  After  sojourning 
some  two  years  in  Philadelphia,  Pittsburgh  and  other  cities  in  Pennsylvania,  he  came  to 
Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  in  1858,  and  settled  in  Dayton.  He  worked  in  breweries 
from  the  age  of  fourteen  years  until  he  came  to  Dayton,  Ohio.  After  his  location  here, 
he  followed  frescoing  and  paper  hanging  until  the  fall  of  1880,  when  he  was  appointed 
Bailiff  of  the  Superior  Court.  He  was  elected  a member  of  the  City  Council  of  Dayton 
in  1876,  and  served  a term  of  two  years.  In  1878,  he  was  elected  for  three  years  one 
of  the  Board  of  Infirmary  Directors.  In  1861,  in  the  first  call  for  troops,  he  enlisted 
in  the  Twelfth  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  and  served  two  years  and  four  months,  when 
he  was  discharged  on  account  of  wounds  received  in  battle.  In  the  second  battle  of 
Bull  Run  he  lost  one  finger  from  his  right  hand,  the  rest  of  the  hand  being  disabled  as 
to  almost  destroy  its  use.  He  also  received  three  other  wounds  in  different  parts  of  his 
body.  It  was  his  love  for  the  country  that  gives  him  liberty  that  prompted  him  to 
enlist  in  its  defense.  He  is  a member  of  the  Odd  Fellows,  Red  Men,  V.  A.  0.  D., 
and  A.  O.  W.  W.  Also  a member  of  the  Gymnasium  Furness  Association  and  the 
0.  N,  G.  He  was  instrumental  in  starting  the  first  beneficial  association  of  this 
city,  being  one  of  the  incorporators.  He  was  married,  September  7,  1858,  to  Catherine 
Faulstick,  to  whom  six  children  have  been  born,  viz.  : Conrad,  Harmon,  Johnie  (de- 
ceased) Annie,  Katie  and  William.  Mr.  Schoen  has  always  been  a hard-working,  in- 
dustrious man,  true  to  his  God  and  country. 

FREDERICK  SCHUTTE,  County  Auditor,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Dayton,  Mont- 
gomery County,  Ohio,  March  16,  1846.  His  parents  were  Frederick  Schutte,  a native 
of  Hesse-Cassel,  Germany,  who  came  to  this  country  about  1840,  and  Catharine  C.  (Web- 
ber) Schutte,  a native  of  Prussia,  who  came  to  America  in  1838.  They  were  married 
in  Dayton,  and  had  five  children,  three  boys  and  two  girls,  of  whom  our  subject  and 
one  girl  are  the  only  survivors.  The  father  had  his  passage  paid  to  this  country  by 
parties  in  Dayton,  and  after  his  arrival  worked  fifteen  months  in  a stone  quarry  at  $7 
per  month  to  repay  it.  His  estate  now  owns  the  land  on  which  this,  the  first  work  he 
performed  in  the  new  world,  was  done.  He  died  February  7,  1871,  after  a life 
of  honest  toil,  leaving  his  family  in  very  good  circumstances.  His  wife  is  still  living 
and  is  enjoying  very  good  health  for  one  so  advanced  in  years.  Our  subject,  who  was 
the  oldest  child,  attended  the  common  schools  of  Dayton  until  seventeen  years  old.  At 
the  age  of  twenty-one  years,  he  became  a Deputy  in  the  Auditor’s  office,  in  which  he 
remained  four  years  and  then  became  Steward  of  the  Southern  Ohio  Insane  Asylum, 
under  the  administration  of  Gov.  Allen.  He  remained  at  the  asylum  from  June  19, 
1874,  until  July  17,  1876,  and  then  accepted  a position  in  the  County  Treasurer’s 
office,  where  he  served  one  year  or  until  1877,  when  he  was  elected  to  fill  his  present 
office.  He  is  a member  of  the  Masonic  Lodge,  Knights  of  Pythias,  Red  Men  and 
Druids.  He  is  also  a member  in  good  standing  of  the  German  Lutheran  Church.  He 
•esid.es  with  his  mother  and  sister  in  Yan  Buren  Township,  just  out  of  the  city.  His 
pfficial  service  has  been  attended  with  the  best  of  success  and  with  credit  to  himself  and 
his  party. 

COLESTIN  SCHWIND,  brewer,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Stadtprozelten,  Bavaria, 
lermany,  May  19,  1825,  and  is  the  son  of  Ignatz  and  Elizabeth  Schwind.  He  came 
o America  in  1850,  and  settled  in  Dayton,  where  he  started  a brewery  in  1854,  on 
jogau  street,  which  he  carried  on  fourteen  years.  In  1865,  he  built  his  present  brew- 
ry  in  Dayton  View,  where  he  does  a business  of  880,000  per  year.  He  came  to  Day- 
on  a poor  man,  but  by  dint  of  hard  labor  and  strict  economy  he  has  succeeded  in  be- 


240 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES  : 


coming  one  of  the  wealthy  men  of  the  city.  He  was  married,  August  28,  1856,  to 
Christine  Latin,  of  Dayton,  a native  of  Germany,  to  whom  has  been  born  eleven  chil- 
dren, nine  of  whom  survive.  Mr.  Schwind  is  a member  of  the  I.  0.  0.  F.  and  of  the 
Society  of  Druids.  His  family  consists  of  his  wife,  seven  girls  and  two  boys,  all  enjoy- 
ing the  prosperity  that  honest  industry  has  brought  the  husband  and  father. 

HENRY  L.  SHEPERD,  farmer  and  dealer  in  agricultural  implements,  Dayton, 
was  born  in  Lancaster  County,  Penn.,  October  5,  1824,  and  is  a son  of  Henry  Lewis 
Sheperd,  a native  of  Switzerland;  emigrated  to  Americi  in  1816,  and  landed  in  New 
York;  located  in  Lancaster  County,  Penn.,  where  he  lived  until  1833,  when  he 
removed  to  Ohio,  and  in  1835  located  in  Wayne  Township,  Montgomery  County,  Ohio, 
where  his  death  occurred  January  4,  1861  ; Mrs.  S.  died  February  4,  1864.  The 
original  way  of  spelling  the  name  Sheperd  was  Chopord,  but  the  family  were  called 
here  by  the  name  of  Sheperd.  After  a few  years  Mr.  Sheperd  adopted  the  latter  man- 
ner of  spelling  his  name  which  has  always  been  continued  by  the  family.  A full  and 
complete  genealogy  of  the  Sheperd  family  may  be  found  in  the  biography  of  R.  Sloan, 
among  the  sketches  of  Wayne  Township  in  another  part  of  this  work.  Henry  L.,  Jr., 
came  to  Ohio  with  his  parents  in  1833,  being  then  nine  years  of  age ; he  remained 
upon  the  farm  and  assisted  his  father  in  agricultural  pursuits  until  1846,  when  he  and 
his  brother,  Jacob  H.,  removed  to  Dayton  and  engaged  in  the  foundry  business;  they 
originated  the  Buckeye  Foundry,  which  business  they  continued  until  1850,  when  they 
disposed  of  their  interest.  H.  L.  returned  to  the  old  farm  and  followed  farming  until 
March,  1881,  at  which  date  he  removed  to  Dayton  and  engaged  in  the  above  business 
which  he  now  runs  in  connection  with  farming.  August  10,  1851,  he  was  united  in 
marriage  with  Sarah  E.  Rubsam,  also  a native  of  Pennsylvania.  They  were  the  par- 
ents of  six  children,  viz. : Francis  M , Laura  Z.  (deceased),  Mary  E.,  Susan  S.  (de- 
ceased), Jacob  L.  and  William  B.  Mr.  S.  has  been  a member  of  the  Methodist  Fjpiv  jj 
copal  Church  since  1843. 

WILLIAM  JOHN  SHUEY,  minister  and  editor,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Miamis- 
burg,  Montgomery  County,  February  9,  1827.  His  father,  Adam  Shuey,  and  his 
mother,  Hannah  (Aley)  Shuey,  emigrated  to  this  country  in  1805,  he  from  Dauphin 
County,  Penn.,  and  she  from  Washington  County,  Md.  At  the  age  of  nine  years, 
our  subject  moved,  with  his  parents,  to  the  vicinity  of  Springfield,  Ohio,  where  he  as- 
sisted his  parents  in  opening  a farm  out  of  a dense  forest.  His  advantages  for  education  ! 
were  limited  to  the  common  country  schools  of  that  day,  and  four  months  in  the  high 
school  of  Springfield.  On  the  7th  of  March,  1848,  he  married  Miss  Sarah  Berger,  whose 
parents,  natives  of  Berks  County,  Penn.,  settled  near  Lagonda,  Ohio,  in  1838.  By i 
this  marriage  he  has  been  blessed  by  four  sons,  the  eldest  of  whom,  Albert  L.,  died  in 
childhood.  Of  the  remaining  three,  Ewin  L.  is  a professor  in  Otterbein  University; 
William  A.  is  a student  in  Union  Biblical  Seminary,  Dayton,  and  Lincoln  is  a student 
in  the  Sophomore  year  in  “ 0.  U.”  Mr.  Shuey  entered  the  active  ministry  of  the 
Gospel  in  the  United  Brethren  Church  in  1849,  and  was  appointed  to  his  first  charge  at 
Liewisburg,  Preble  County,  Ohio.  In  the  autumn  of  1851,  he  was  transferred  to  Cincin- 
nati, where,  at  different  times,  he  served  the  church  seven  years.  He  was  twice 
elected  Presiding  Elder  in  the  Miami  Conference  of  his  church,  and  two  years  pastor  ol 
the  First  United  Brethren  Church  of  Dayton.  In  1855,  he  visited  the  west  coast  oi 
Africa  for  the  purpose  of  locating  a mission  among  the  heathen  of  that  country.  Id 
1864,  he  was  elected  one  of  the  agents  of  the  United  Brethren  publishing  house,  Dayton 
in  which  capacity  he  still  continues.  For  fifteen  years,  he  has  had  sole  charge  of  the 
business  management  of  the  house.  In  May,  1881,  conf.rence  elected  him,  fur  tin 
fifth  time,  to  this  position,  which  will  give  him  twenty-one  years  of  continuous  service 
When  he  began  his  work  in  the  publishing  house  it  was  embarrassed  with  liabilities 
amounting  to  over  $52,000.  At  the  close  of  his  fourth  term  (of  four  years  ea-.h)  at 
its  debts  were  paid  and  the  net  assets  exceeded  $160,000.  This  circumstance  in  itselj 
will  prove  whether  or  not  Mr.  Shuey  is  a successful  financier  and  shrewd  busines:, 
manager. 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


241 


ALVAN  A.  SIMONDS,  manufacturer  of  machine  knives,  Dayton,  was  born  at  Fitch- 
burg, Mass.,  Jan.  28,  1841.  His  father  was  Abel  Simonds,  a scythe  manufacturer  of  that 
place.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  grew  to  manhood  in  his  native  State,  and  when  six- 
teen years  of  age,  learned  his  present  trade.  He  worked  at  it  four  years,  and  then,  in 
company  with  his  brother,  George  F.,  opened  a shop  at  home,  remaining  in  business  there 
for  ten  years.  The  firm  was  known  as  Simonds  Brothers,  and  subsequently  was  organized 
into  a joint-stock  company,  under  the  name  of  the  Simonds  Manufacturing  Company. 
Mr.  Simonds  became  its  trusted  and  efficient  Treasurer.  The  firm  of  Simonds  Brothers 
commenced  business  with  ten  men  in  their  employ,  and  in  1874,  when  Mr.  Simonds 
resigned  his  position  as  Treasurer  of  the  company,  the  force  had  been  increased  to  125 
employes,  and  the  amount  of  business  to  $200, U00  annually.  In  1874,  Mr.  Simonds 
came  West,  seeking  a good  location  for  his  business.  On  his  arrival  at  Dayton,  he  was 
so  well  pleased  with  the  business  outlook  that  he  resolved  to  settle  himself  and  trade  in 
the  Valley  City.  He  erected  his  present  shops  in  Dayton  View,  and  his  success  has 
fully  justified  his  decision.  In  1861,  Mr.  Simonds  enlisted  in  Company  B,  Fifteenth 
Regiment  Massachusetts  Volunteer  Infantry,  and  served  in  the  Second  Corps,  Army 
of  the  Potomac.  After  a term  of  three  years  in  defense  of  the  beloved  Union,  he  was 
honorably  discharged  and  returned  home.  Mr.  Simonds  was  married,  in  1865,  to 
Marcella  C.  Willard,  a native  of  Leominster,  Mass.  Of  the  five  children  given  them, 
four  are  living — Caroline  J.,  Cora  B.,  Herbert  R.  and  Ethel  G.  Bessie  E.  is  deceased. 
Mrs.  Simonds  is  a member  of  the  Unitarian  Church  of  Leominster,  Mass.,  and  our 
subject  is  connected  with  the  Old  Guard. 

JOHN  W.  SOLLEN BERGER,  contraetorand  builder,  Daytou,wasbornin  Franklin 
County,  Penn.,  May  30,  1820.  His  father,  Daniel  Sollenberger,  was  born  in  Franklin 
County,  Penn.,  April  10,  1795.  He  was  a weaver  by  trade,  but  worked  at  farm  work. 
On  the  12th  of  October,  1818,  he  married  Esther  Wenger,  by  whom  he  had  the  following- 
children — John  W.,  Christopher  Columbus,  Daniel  J.,  Jacob,  Elizabeth,  Martin  and 
Sarah.  In  1824,  he  came  to  Montgomery  County,  and  located  on  Wolf  Creek,  one 
mile  from  Dayton,  where  he  died  in  January,  1871.  His  wife  was  born  at  Jones- 
town, Lebanon  Co.,  Penn.,  June  3,  1800,  and  all  his  children  are  still  living.  They 
are  descendants  of  an  old  family,  who  came  from  Berlin,  Germany,  at  an  early  day. 
John  W.,  our  subject,  stayed  on  his  father’s  farm  until  seventeen  years  old,  when  he 
learned  the  carpenter  trade  with  George  Dice  (above  Dayton),  with  whom  he  stayed 
two  years.  He  then  worked  as  a journeyman  until  1865,  when,  with  J.  N.  Eyer,  he 
commenced  business  for  himself.  Mr.  Eyer  retired  from  the  firm  in  1876,  and  for  two 
years  afterward  Mr.  Mason  Davis  was  a partner.  Since  then,  Mr.  Sollenberger  has 
conducted  his  business  alone.  He  has  been  married  three  times,  first  February  17, 
1842,  to  Mary  Wagner,  daughter  of  Jacob  and  Elizabeth  Wagner,  of  Little  York, 
Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  by  whom  he  had  four  children,  one  boy  and  three  girls,  all  of 
whom  are  living  except  a babe,  that  died  soon  after  its  mother,  who  died  June  6,  1854. 
His  second  marriage  was  celebrated  November  3,  1856,  to  Mary  A.  Roney,  daughter 
of  Hercules  and  Susan  Roney,  of  Little  York,  who,  after  bearing  him  three  boys  and 
three  girls,  died  April  2,  1870.  He  afterward  married,  February  14.  1871,  Barbara 
Schoch,  daughter  of  Frederick  and  Saloma  (Spielman)  Schoch,  of  Baden  Baden,  Ger- 
many, who  emigrated  to  America  in  the  spring  of  1860,  and  Montgomery  County  in 
1861.  By  her  he  has  had  one  daughter.  Mr.  Sollenberger,  although  over  threescore 
years  of  age,  looks  much  younger.  He  is  a steady,  hard-working  man,  who  tends  to 
his  own  business  and  leaves  others  to  do  the  same.  His  reputation  throughout  the 
city  is  most  complimentary  to  himself  and  family. 

JAMES  STEELE  was  born  in  Rockbridge  County,  Va.,  October  28,  1778,  and 
died  in  Dayton  August  22,  1841.  He  was  of  Scotch-Irish  ancestry,  the  family  having- 
emigrated  from  the  North  of  Ireland  to  Virginia  in  1737.  His  father,  Robert  Steele, 
removed  to  Kentucky  in  1788,  and  settled  in  Fayette  County,  near  Lexington.  James 
Steele  was  brought  up  amid  the  dangers  and  privations  of  pioneer  life,  and  the  founda- 
! tions  were  thus  laid  for  a manly,  self-reliant  character.  When  twenty-one  years  old,  he 
loaded  a flat-boat  with  produce,  and  descending  the  Kentucky.  Ohio  and  Mississippi 

p 


242 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES  : 


Rivers  to  New  Orleans  disposed  of  his  cargo,  and  returned  on  horseback  to  his  home- 
in  Kentucky.  In  1806,  he  came  to  Dayton  and  engaged  in  merchandising  in  connec- 
tion with  Joseph  Peirce,  whose  sister,  Phebe  Peirce,  he  afterward,  in  1812,  married. 
Isaac  Peirce,  the  father  of  his  wife,  was  a member  of  the  Ohio  Company,  and  came  to 
Marietta,  Ohio,  in  1788,  with  the  first  colony  which  settled  in  the  State,  the  same  year 
in  which  the  Steele  family  arrived  in  Kentucky.  When  he  became  a citizen  of  Day- 
ton,  he  at  once  identified  himself  with  all  efforts  to  promote  the  prosperity  of  the  town. 
He  took  the  liveliest  interest  in  education,  and  served  for  many  years  as  a Trustee  of 
the  old  Dayton  Academy.  He  was  a member  of  the  board  when  the  old  buildings  on 
St.  Clair  street  were  sold,  and  a new  one  erected  on  the  lot  where  the  present  high 
school  building  stands.  He  was  instrumental  in  the  employment  of  Mr.  E.  E.  Barney 
as  a teacher,  and  appreciating  his  admirable  qualities,  retired  from  the  Trusteeship, 
when  he  retired  from  the  Academy.  Because  of  his  well-known  interest  in  education, 
he  was  appointed  by  the  Governor  of  Ohio  one  of  the  earliest  Trustees  of  Miami  Uni- 
versity, and  served  for  many  years,  manifesting  the  deepest  interest  in  that  institution 
until  the  time  of  his  death.  He  was  early  elected  a Trustee  of  the  First  Presbyterian 
Church.  He  was  a member  of  that  body  when  the  first  and  second  church  buildings 
were  erected  on  the  lot  where  the  present  elegant  stone  structure  stands.  He  was 
especially  interested  in  the  second  building,  which,  when  erected,  was  considered  a 
model  church,  and  gave  to  it  much  of  his  means  and  personal  attention.  The  house 
was  just  completed  when  he  died  in  1841.  An  incident  of  the  war  of  1812  may 
serve  to  illustrate  his  promptness  and  decision  of  character.  After  the  disgraceful  sur 
render  of  Gen.  Hull,  uews  came  to  Dayton  that  the  Indians  assembled  in  council  near 
Piqua,  emboldened  by  the  success  of  the  British,  were  dangerous  and  threatening  to 
attack  the  inhabitants.  The  news  came  on  Saturday,  and,  on  Sunday  morning  at  7 
o’clock,  a company  of  seventy  men  was  ready,  and  marched  to  the  front,  commanded  by 
Capt.  Steele.  The  alarm  proved  to  be  groundless,  and,  after  a few  days  the  company 
returned  home.  Capt.  Steele  was  retained  longer  in  the  service  by  order  of  Gen.  Har- 
rison, to  superintend  the  building  of  block-houses  at  St.  Mary’s  for  the  protection  of  the 
people  of  that  region.  In  1824,  he  was  chosen  one  of  the  electors  for  President  and 
Vice  President  of  the  United  States  for  the  State  of  Ohio,  and  had  the  satisfaction  of 
joining  in  casting  the  vote  of  the  State  for  his  friend  and  favorite  statesman,  Henry 
Clay.  He  was  twice  elected  by  the  Legislature  an  Associate  Judge  for  Montgomery 
County,  and  served  in  that  capacity  for  fourteen  years.  In  1834,  he  was  elected  to 
represent  Preble  and  Montgomery  Counties  in  the  Senate  of  the  State,  and,  in  1836, 
re-elected,  serving  four  years.  He  was  one  of  the  original  stockholders  in  1840  in  the 
Woodland  Cemetery  Association,  and  presided  at  the  meeting  when  the  Association  was 
organized  by  the  election  of  the  first  Board  of  Trustees.  He  was  elected  a Director  in 
the  Dayton  Bank  in  1815,  and,  in  1822,  was  elected  President  and  held  the  position  up 
to  the  end  of  his  life.  The  bank  occupied  the  two-story  stone  building  still  standing 
on  Main  street,  north  of  First.  It  was  the  aim  of  the  bank  to  accommodate  Dayton 
mechanics  and  business  men  with  loans  at  a low  rate  of  interest,  and  such  customers 
were  always  preferred  to  foreign  borrowers,  even  if  more  profitable.  So  prudently  had 
the  bank  been  managed  that  it  did  not  seriously  suffer  from  the  great  commercial 
reverse  commencing  in  1837,  and  continuing  through  several  years.  It  was  a matter  of 
great  pride  to  the  officers  of  the  bank  that  while  the  other  banks  of  the  State  were 
compelled  to  suspend  specie  payments,  its  notes  were  redeemed  in  coin  whenever  pre- 
sented. The  following  extract  of  an  obituary  notice,  written  by  the  late  Judge  Crane 
and  published  in  the  Dayton  Journal , will  show  the  estimation  in  which  he  was  held  bj 
his  fellow  citizens.  “ In  all  the  relations  of  life,  public  and  private,  his  character 
was  irreproachable.  On  the  bench  he  was  distinguished  for  good  sense,  integrity  and;! 
impartiality.  As  a legislator  in  a period  of  great  public  excitement,  though  firm  andj 
consistent  in  his  political  opinions,  he  won  the  esteem  and  respect  of  his  opponents  by 
his  candor  and  moderation.  His  private  life  was  not  more  marked  by  strict  and  un- 
yielding integrity  than  by  the  kindness  and  benignity  of  his  nature  to  all  his  fellow-' 
creatures.  His  death  was  sudden  and  unlooked-for,  but  he  was  a humble  and  devoted 
Christian,  and  his  life  had  been  in  preparation  for  that  awful  event.” 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


243 


DR.  JOHN  STEELE,  Dayton.  John  Steele,  M.  D.,  the  son  of  Robert  and  Agnes 
Coulter  Steele,  was  born  in  Fayette  County,  Ky.,  April  1, 1791.  He  was  educated  at  Tran- 
sylvania University,  Lexington,  Ky.,  and  attended  lectures  in  the  medical  department  of 
the  University  of  Pennsylvania  at  Philadelphia,  of  which  college  the  celebrated  Dr.  Ben- 
jamin Rush  was  at  the  time  a Professor  and  lecturer. 

Having  completed  his  medical  course,  he  was  induced  by  the  residence  of  his 
brother,  James  Steele,  in  Dayton,  to  choose  that  place  to'  commence  the  practice  of  his 
profession.  During  the  war  of  1812.  Dayton  was  a depot  of  supplies  for  the  army,  and 
a great  thoroughfare.  A large  number  of  wounded  from  the  army  were  brought  to  the 
town  and  a hospital  established.  Dr.  Steele  was  employed  as  a physician  and  surgeon, 
and  found  ample  opportunity  to  extend  and  perfect  his  knowledge  of  surgery.  This  was 
of  the  utmost  value  to  a young  surgeon  just  beginning  practice,  and  gave  him  at  once 
an  established  position  in  his  profession.  In  his  after  life,  he  was  called  in  consultation 
in  difficult  cases  in  all  the  surrounding  country. 

Confining  himself  closely  to  his  profession,  and  steadily  refusing  all  offers  of  polit- 
ical preferment,  his  life,  well  rounded  and  filled  with  usefulness  as  it  was,  offers  few 
salient  points  for  the  biographer.  He  was  always  ready  to  discharge  the  duties  of  a good 
citizen,  and  served  for  many  years  as  a member  and  President  of  the  City  Council.  His 
name  is  prominently  connected  with  the  benevolent  and  religious  societies  of  his  day  ; 
he  was  a founder  and  liberal  contributor  of  the  Dayton  Library  Association  ; was  an 
original  stockholder  in  the  Woodland  Cemetery  Association,  and  a prominent  member 
and  President  of  the  Montgomery  County  Medical  Society.  In  1829,  he  was  elected 
an  Elder  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church,  and  served  in  that  capacity  until  1837.  In 
that  year  a colony,  of  which  he  was  a leading  member  and  Elder,  left  the  First  Church 
and  established  the  Third  Street  Presbyterian  Church.  He  was  largely  instrumental,  at 
great  self-sacrifice,  in  building  a house  of  worship,  which,  at  the  time,  was  considered  one 
of  the  finest  church  buildings  in  the  West.  This  has  been  recently  removed  to  give 
place  to  another  and  finer,  but  the  present  builders  will  not  be  called  upon  to  bestow  on 
the  work  a tithe  of  the  anxious  thought  and  self-denial  required  of  the  building  commit- 
tee of  the  first  house.  Dr.  Steele  served  the  Third  Street  Church  as  a Ruling  Elder 
from  its  origin  to  the  time  of  his  decease.  Only  members  of  that  church  can  know  the 
respect  and  love  in  which  he  was  held. 

In  his  extensive  practice  in  Dayton  and  Montgomery  County,  he  made  a wide  cir- 
cle of  acquaintances  and  friends.  Many  families  may  yet  be  found,  although  twenty-seven 
years  have  elapsed  since  his  death,  who  speak  of  him  with  reverence  and  warm  affection. 
He  was  remarkable  for  his  dry  humor  and  wit,  and  his  old  patients  recall  and  repeat  his 
witty  sayings  with  a relish,  no  doubt  heightened  by  the  memory  of  the  relief  they 
Drought  amid  the  despondency  and  pain  of  the  sick  room.  After  a protracted  illness, 
which  he  bore  with  the  greatest  fortitude  and  patience,  he  died  October  21,  1854. 

Nothing  better  illustrates  the  deep  impression  he  made  on  the  community  than  the 
estimonials  offered  to  his  memory  at  the  time  of  his  death.  The  following  is  an  extract 
>f  an  editorial  which  appeared  in  the  Dayton  Journal: 

“ We  seek  not  to  write  a formal  obituary  of  the  departed,  nor  yet  to  attempt  a de- 
ail  of  his  virtues  or  of  the  remarkable  traits  of  character  for  which  lie  was  distinguished, 
lis  long  residence  in  Dayton  dating  back  to  its  early  settlement,  and  his  prominent  po- 
rtion as  a practitioner  of  medicine,  gave  him  an  extensive  acquaintance  in  the  city  and 
urrounding  country,  securing  for  him  a name  which  is  associated  with  all  that  is  hon- 
rable,  noble  and  elevated  in  human  chai’acter.  Few  men  go  down  to  the  grave  leaving 
memory  in  which  the  fragrance  of  good  deeds,  the  exaltation  of  true  manhood,  and  the 
levation  of  Christian  character,  so  happily  combine  to  render  it  truly  blessed.” 

The  following  are  the  proceedings  of  the  Montgomery  County  Medical  Society: 

“At  a called  meeting  of  the  Montgomery  County  Medical  Society,  occasioned  by 
he  death  of  Dr.  John  Steele,  the  President  (Dr.  Haines)  addressed  the  society  in  a very 
deling  and  appropriate  manner.  He  was  followed  by  Dr.  Awl  and  others,  after  which 
ie  following  resolutions  were  adopted  : 

“ Wthereas,  the  members  of  the  Montgomery  County  Medical  Society  have  received 

i 


244 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


notice  of  the  death  of  John  Steele,  M.  D.,  a former  President  of  this  body,  and  a great 
and  good  man,  always  respected  and  beloved  in  the  profession.  And,  Whereas,  we 
with  one  accord  have  assembled  to  take  suitable  action  on  an  occasion  so  appropriate  for 
testimony  to  departed  worth.  Therefore,  be  it 

Resolved , That  a public  acknowledgment  of  the  many  virtues,  and  the  noble  bear- 
ing of  our  venerable  and  departed  friend  and  co-laborer  in  medical  practice,  is  not  only 
honorable  and  due  on  the  part  of  the  living,  but  is  eminently  just  and  becoming  to  the 
memory  and  character  of  the  departed  dead. 

“ Resolved , That,  as  citizens  and  surviving  members  of  a common  profession,  we 
deeply  realize  and  every  way  deplore  the  loss  which  science  and  the  community  have 
this  day  sustained  in  the  removal  by  death  of  this  highly  esteemed  and  useful  man. 

“ Resolved , That  we  most  truly  sorrow  and  condole  with  the  members  of  his  family 
and  relatives  in  this  affliction  and  dispensation  of  Divine  Providence. 

“ Resolved , That  we  attend  his  funereal  in  a body  and  as  a society.” 

Dr.  Steele  was  twice  married.  His  first  wife,  whose  maiden  name  was  Jane  Boyd, 
lived  but  a short  time  after  marriage.  On  the  30th  of  October,  1823,  he  married  Miss 
Cornelia  King,  of  Morristown,  N.  J.,  who,  after  a happy  married  life  of  thirty-one  years, 
survived  him  twenty-five  years,  dying  April  25,  1880. 

His  eldest  son,  Dr.  Henry  K.  Steele,  adopted  his  father’s  profession  and  succeeded 
to  his  practice.  To  benefit  the  health  of  his  family,  hje  removed,  in  1871,  to  Denver, 
Colo.,  where  he  now  resides,  enjoying  a large  and  lucrative  practice. 

ROBERT  W STEELE,  son  of  James  Steele,  whose  biography  appears  in  this 
work,  was  born  in  Dayton  July  3,  1819.  He  was  prepared  for  college  in  the  Dayton  j, 
Academy,  at  that  time  in  charge  of  Mr.  E.  E.  Barney,  and  was  graduated  at  Miami  i 
University  in  1840. 

After  leaving  college,  he  entered  the  law  office  of  Crane  & Davies,  but  attacked  ii 
with  hemorrhage  of  the  lungs,  was  prohibited  by  his  physician  from  pursuing  the  | 
study  of  the  law.  Unable  to  practice  a profession,  he  heartily  engaged  in  enterprises  |![ 
for  the  benefit  of  the  community. 

In  1842,  when  a city  charter  was  granted  to  Dayton,  and  the  public  schools 
organized  under  it,  he  was  appointed  by  the  City  Council  a member  of  the  Board  of 
Education.  This  position  he  filled  by  repeated  re-elections  for  thirty  years,  and  served 
for  twelve  years  as  President  of  the  board.  In  1847,  he  was  one  of  the  founders  of 
the  Dayton  Library  Association,  and  for  many  years  a Director  and  President.  When,  ! 
in  1860,  the  Library  Association  was  united  with  the  Public  Library,  he  was  appointed) 
by  the  Board  of  Education  Chairman  of  the  library  committee  and  served  in  that  ' 
capacity  until  1875,  when  he  retired  from  the  Board  of  Education. 

On  his  retirement  from  the  board  the  following  resolutions  were  unanimously 
adopted : 

Whereas,  Mr.  Robert  W.  Steele  retires  from  this  board  after  a continuous  service  of  more 
than  thirty  years  : Therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  desire  in  the  name  of  the  people  of  Dayton,  whom  we  represent,  t( 
thank  him  for  his  faithful  and  efficient  service  as  a member  of  this  board,  for  the  interest  he  has 
always  manifested  in  the  cause  of  popular  education  and  for  his  untiring  efforts  to  increase  th< 
efficiency  of  our  common  school  system. 

Resolved,  That  for  his  constant,  able  and  unremitting  attention  to  the  Public  Library  is  ip 
a great  measure  due  the  establishment  and  growth  of  an  institution  which  is  a just  source  o' 
pride  to  the  people  of  Dayton  ; and  that  we  sincerely  regret  the  decision  which  deprives  thi 
schools  and  library  of  the  benefit  of  his  judgment  and  experience. 

Resolved,  That  these  resolutions  be  enrolled  upon  the  minutes  of  this  board,  and  that 
copy  of  the  same  be  furnished  Mr.  Steele  by  the  Clerk.  ! 

In  1844,  he  was  one  of  the  incorporators  of  Cooper  Female  Seminary,  and  serve* 
as  a member  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  until  the  institution  passed  into  private  hands 
In  1857,  he  was  appointed  by  Gov.  Chase  a Trustee  of  Miami  University  and  serve' 
nine  years. 

He  was  one  of  the  earliest  members  of  the  Montgomery  County  Agriculture- 
Society  and  served  as  its  President.  He  has  also  been  an  active  member  of  the  seven 
Horticultural  Societies  which  have  been  established,  and  has  been  Treasurer  from  tb 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


245 


beginning  of  the  present  successful  one.  In  1852,  he  was  elected  a member  of  the 
Ohio  State  Board  of  Agriculture  and  had  charge,  in  1853,  of  the  first  State  Fair  held 
in  Dayton.  At  that  time  the  labor  of  preparing  for  the  fair,  now  performed  by  a 
salaried  officer,  was  largely  thrown  on  the  member  resident  where  the  fair  was  held. 

In  the  early  history  of  the  railroads  centering  in  Dayton,  he  was  active  in  pro- 
moting that  interest.  He  has  been  a subscriber  to  the  stock  of  all  the  railroads,  ex- 
cept three,  entering  Dayton.  He  served  as  a Director  in  the  Dayton  & Western  and 
Dayton,  Xenia  & Belpre  roads. 

The  war  of  the  rebellion  warmly  enlisted  his  sympathies  for  the  cause  of  the 
Union,  and  he  took  an  active  part  in  all  measures  to  promote  enlistments  and  to  pro- 
vide for  the  comfort  of  the  soldiers  and  their  families.  He  was  appointed  by  the  Gov- 
ernor of  Ohio  and  served  as  a member  of  the  Military  Committee  for  Montgomery 
County ; was  a member  of  the  Sanitary  Commission  and  Chairman  of  the  Citizens 
Committee  to  assist  in  raising  the  Ninety- third  Regiment  of  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry. 

In  1853,  he  was  elected  Secretary  of  Woodland  Cemetery  Association  to  succeed 
Robert  C.  Schenck,  who  had  been  sent  Minister  to  Brazil.  On  the  death  of  John  W. 
Van  Cleve  in  1858,  he  was  elected  President,  and  has  filled  the  position  to  the  present 
time,  a period  of  twenty-three  years. 

In  1866,  he  was  appointed  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
(New  School)  a member  of  a committee  to  meet  a similar  committee  on  the  part  of  the 
Old  School  branch  of  the  church  to  devise  measures  for  the  re-union  of  the  two 
churches.  This  committee  did  much  of  the  preparatory  work  which  resulted  in  the 
cordial  and  happy  re-union  of  the  churches. 

When  the  Montgomery  County  Children’s  Home  was  established  in  1867,  he  was 
appointed  a Trustee  by  the  County  Commissioners  and  served  nine  years.  During  his 
trusteeship  the  grounds  for  the  Home  were  purchased  and  the  present  building  erected. 

In  1867,  he  w7as  appointed  by  Gov.  Cox,  a member  of  the  Ohio  State  Board  of 
Charities  and  served  five  years.  The  duty  of  this  board  is  “ to  investigate  the  whole 
system  of  the  public  charities  and  correctional  institutions  of  the  State,  and  recommend 
such  changes  and  additional  provisions  as  they  may  deem  necessary  for  their  econom- 
ical and  efficient  administration.” 

Mr.  Steele  has  been  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  since  1841,  and  has 
served  as  an  Elder  in  the  Third  Street  Church  since  1854. 

JACOB  STICKLE,  brewer,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Neckar-Thailtingen,  Wurtem- 
berg,  Germany,  February  26,  1825,  and  emigrated  to  America  in  1849,  landing  in  New 
Orleans,  La.,  on  the  1st  of  May  in  that  year.  His  lather,  John  Jacob,  and  mother, 
Katerina,  were  natives  of  the  above  place  in  Germany,  the  former  having  been  born 
there  October  22,  1798.  Our  subject  on  his  arrival  in  this  country  came  straight  to 
Dayton,  where  he  arrived  on  June  1.  1849,  and,  for  two  years  thereafter,  he  butchered, 
that  being  his  tr  .de,  for  Adam  Hopple.  He  afterward  opened  a stall  in  market,  which 
he  attended  for  seventeen  years,  or  until  1868,  when  he  purchased  the  brewery  of 
Saunders  & Stopplemann,  in  which  he  now  does  about  $50,000  worth  of  business  annu- 
ally. He  was  married,  August  31,  1851,  to  Barbara  Drecksel,  by  whom  he  had  two 
children — Katerina  and  William,  the  former  dying  in  early  childhood.  William  grew 
to  manhood,  and  is  now  assisting  his  father  in  his  business,  to  which  he  will  eventually 
succeed.  On  arriving  in  Dayton,  Mr.  Stickle  had  but  little  money  and  no  friends;  to- 
day he  is  considered  one  of  the  wealthy  men  of  the  city,  which  standing  he  has 
obtained  by  honest  dealing  with  his  fellow-men,  shrewd  business  sagacity  and  close 
economy. 

HENRY  STODDARD  (deceased)  was  born  in  Woodbury,  Conti.,  March 
18,  1788,  and  died  in  Dayton,  Ohio,  November  1,  1869.  He  was  a son  of  Asa  Stod- 
dard, a descendant  of  the  Rev.  Anthony  Stoddard,  of  London,  Eng.,  who  settled  in  Bos- 
ton in  1670,  and  whose  numerous  descendants  have,  for  more  than  two  centuries,  occu- 
pied honorable  positions  in  several  States  of  the  Union.  Senator  Sherman  and  also 
Gen.  Sherman  are  descendants  from  the  Stoddard  family.  Having  received  such  edu- 
cation as  the  common  schools  of  this  day  afforded,  our  subject  spent  the  last  five  years 


246 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES  : 


of  his  minority  in  the  capacity  of  store  clerk.  He  then  read  law  and  was  admitted  to 
the  bar  in  1812.  Four  years  later,  he  came  West  on  horseback  in  company  with  the 
late  Hon.  George  B.  Holt,  of  Dayton,  and,  in  1817,  permanently  located  in  that  city, 
At  that  time,  Dayton  was  a village  of  some  600  inhabitants  in  the  center  of  a vast 
unbroken  wilderness,  and  for  many  years,  Mr.  Stoddard  made  the  circuit  of  the  courts 
in  the  different  counties  on  horseback,  riding  for  days  through  the  storms  of  winter, 
and  at  night  often  sleeping  in  the  bush.  Of  the  early  lawyers  of  Dayton,  Mr.  Stoddard 
was  one  of  the  most  prominent  and  successful.  From  1840  to  1844,  he  was  in  part- 
nership with  Judge  D.  A.  Haynes.  Having  by  the  latter  year  acquired  a handsome 
competency,  he  retired  from  regular  practice  and  devoted  himself  to  the  management  of 
his  private  affairs.  He  was  one  of  the  constituent  members  of  the  First  Presbyterian 
Church  of  Dayton,  in  which  body  he  was,  for  many  years,  a ruling  deacon.  He  also 
held  the  office  of  Vice  President  and  Life  Director  of  the  American  Colonization  So- 
ciety. For  many  years  previous  to  his  death,  he  was  an  invalid.  His  first  wife  was 
H;  irriet  L.  Patterson  who  died  October  1,  1822,  leaving  one  son,  Asa  P.,  now  a resi- 
dent of  St.  Louis,  Mo.  His  second  wife  was  Susan  Williams,  the  daughter  of  an  early 
pioneer  of  Dayton.  She  died  April  5,  1861,  leaving  three  sons  and  one  daughter  to 
honor  her  memory.  The  daughter  is  Mrs.  Col.  S.  B.  Smith,  of  Dayton.  The  oldest 
sou  is  a resident  of  California.  The  two  youngest,  John  W.  and  Ebenezer  F,,  con- 
stitute the  manufacturing  firm  of  John  W.  Stoddard  & Co.,  one  of  the  most  extensive 
of  its  kind  in  the  country.  In  1861,  Mr.  John  W.  married  Miss  Susan,  daughter  of 
Daniel  Kiefer,  a retired  business  man  of  Dayton,  and  has  had  five  children  born  him, 
three  living.  He  is  a man  of  modest  manners  and  great  kindness  of  heart.  He  gradu- 
ated from  Princeton  College,  N.  J.,  in  1858;  studied  law  with  his  father  and  was 
admitted  to  practice  in  1860.  He  continued,  however,  but  a short  time  in  the  pro- 
fession and  then  turned  his  attention  to  manufacturing  business.  Ebenezer  F.,  the 
youngest  son  of  our  subject,  graduated  at  Yale  College  in  1867,  and  in  the  autumn  fol- 
lowing engaged  with  his  brother  in  the  manufacture  of  linseed  oil,  in  which  business 
they  continued  five  years.  In  1872,  he  was  made  Superintendent  and  Secretary  of  the 
Dayton  Steam  Gauge  Company,  and,  in  1875,  became  a member  of  the  firm  of  John 
W.  Stoddard  & Co.,  and  has  since  been  Superintendent  of  their  manufactory.  On 
November  10,  1868,  he  married  Miss  Bessie  W.,  daughter  of  Col.  John  G.  Lowe,  of 
Dayton,  and  has  had  four  children,  two  deceased.  He  is  a gentleman  of  a genial, 
accommodating  spirit,  and  is  very  systematic,  prompt  and  energetic. 

HENRY  W.  STOUT,  printer,  Dayton.  The  history  of  this  county  would 
be  incomplete  without  a brief  sket<  h of  Henry  W.  Stout,  the  veteran  printer 
and  publisher  of  Ohio.  He  was  born  in  Somerset  County,  N.  J.,  November  7,  1807, 
and  in  1811  came  with  his  parents  to  Warren  County,  Ohio.  His  father,  George  W. 
Stout,  went  out  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  died  during  that  struggle.  Henry  was  the 
eldest  in  a family  of  three  children,  and  is  to-day  the  only  survivor.  He  began  to  learn 
the  printer’s  trade  May  11,  1822,  in  the  office  of  the  Western  Star,  Lebanon,  Ohio, 
where  he  remained  four  years,  then  went  to  Cincinnati  and  worked  eight  months,  dur- 
ing which  time  he  made  up  the  forms  and  worked  off  the  first  large-sized  daily  sheet 
published  in  that  city.  In  the  fall  of  1826,  he  went  to  New  York,  and  worked  for 
nearly  six  years  in  Harper’s  Publishing  House,  four  of  which  he  was  Superintendent 
of  the  composing  room.  In  the  spring  of  1833,  he  was  engaged  as  editor  on  the 
Wooster  Journal,  of  Wayne  County,  Ohio ; in  the  fall  of  the  same  year  became  editor 
and  proprietor  of  the  Ohio  Argus,  of  Lebanon,  Ohio  ; and  the  following  spring  moved  his 
paper  to  Franklin,  where  he  issued  it  under  the  name  of  the  Ohio  Argus  and  Frank- 
lin Gazette.  This  was  the  first  printing  establishment  in  Franklin.  In  1839,  he  re- 
moved to  Sidney,  Ohio,  and  there  published  his  paper  under  the  title  of  the  Ohio  Ar- 
gus and  Sidney  Aurora.  In  1841,  he  purchased  the  Troy  Times,  of  Troy,  Ohio 
which  he  sold  in  1847,  and  bought  the  Dayton  Transcript,  which  he  disposed  ot  in 
1850  to  William  C.  Howells  & Co.  The  same  year  he  took  back  the  Transcript,  and 
its  name  was  changed  to  the  Dayton  Gazette,  with  which  he  was  connected  until  1858. 
Since  that  time,  he  has  been  connected  with  various  papers  of  Dayton  in  different  ca- 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


247 


pacifies.  In  1872,  he  established  the  Franklin  Advertiser,  which  he  sold  in  1876,  and 
since  then  has  run  a job  office  in  which  several  papers  have  been  printed.  In  Septem- 
ber, 1837,  Mr.  Stout  was  married  to  Caroline  A.  McClisty,  who  bore  him  one  son, 
George  K.,  who  died  as  a veteran  of  the  rebellion  in  1864.  Mrs.  Stout  died  in  1843, 
and  in  1845  he  married  Elizabeth  Kennedy,  to  whom  has  been  born  one  daughter, 
Esther  Anna,  who  died  in  1878.  Although  Mr.  Stout  is  nearly  seventy-five  years  of 
age,  he  is  still  able  to  look  after  his  office  and  business,  in  which  he  has  been  engaged 
more  than  sixty  years,  a period  unparalleled  in  the  history  of  the  Ohio  press. 

JOHN  TEMPLE,  deceased,  was  born  February  3,  1821,  in  Aberdeenshire, 
Scotland,  and  was  a son  of  Robert  and  Christina  (Allen)  Temple,  people  in  moderate 
circumstances,  who  followed  the  quiet  occupation  of  farming.  His  father  was  a Captain 
in  the  militia,  and  his  mother  a daughter  of  Capt.  Robert  Allen  of  the  Royal  Navy. 
John  enjoyed  the  advantages  of  the  parochial  schools  of  his  native  country  until  seven- 
teen years  old,  when  he  was  apprenticed  to  learn  the  trade  of  machinist  and  mechanical 
engineer  at  the  town  of  Cubadona.  He  served  five  years  at  his  trade,  and  after  attaining 
his  majority  was  employed  for  one  year  as  a journeyman  in  Scotland.  In  April,  1843, 
he  left  home  to  seek  his  fortune  in  America,  and  having  a natural  proclivity  for  general 
mechanics,  he  soon  became  familiar  with  the  details  of  mill  building,  which  he  carried 
on  in  Canada  until  the  year  1848,  when  he  entered  the  “ States,”  first  at  Buffalo,  and 
afterward  residing  at  Sandusky,  Ohio.  In  July,  1851,  he  arrived  at  Dayton,  where  he 
followed  mill  building  along  the  valley  of  the  Miami,  and  in  1854  became  associated 
with  two  partners  under  the  firm  name  of  Stout,  Mills  & Temple,  in  the  manufacture 
of  mill  machinery,  which  firm  has  long  been  widely  known  as  being  the  most  extensive 
and  enterprising  manufacturers  of  mill  machinery  in  the  West.  In  1859,  he  obtained 
a patent  for  the  American  turbine  wheel,  an  invention  whose  importance  may  be  inferred 
from  the  fact  that  although  it  was  followed  by  a great  number  of  imitations  as  close  as 
the  law  would  permit,  it  continued  for  more  than  a decade  to  almost  monopolize  the 
market,  and  of  which  more  than  5,000  have  been  manufactured  at  the  shops  of  the 
firm.  The  case,  as  well  as  the  wheel,  is  his  invention,  and  the  subject  of  a patent.  In 
1873,  both  of  these  patents  were  renewed  by  the  Government.  Mr.  Temple  was  also 
the  author  or  projector  of  several  other  inventions  of  importance,  but  on  which  he  ne- 
glected to  secure  patents.  Prominent  amoDg  these  are  the  universal  feed  for  boring 
mills  and  drill  presses,  also  an  engine  for  the  cutting  and  automatic  counting  of  the 
teeth  of  wheels.  The  drill  feed  has  come  into  general  use,  and  would  have  been  the 
source  of  a handsome  income  if  he  had  secured  the  patent  on  it.  From  the  above 
recital  of  the  principal  events  of  his  career,  it  is  not  necessary  to  say  he  was  a self-made 
man.  He  was  married  April  6,  1853,  to  Sarah  Ann,  daughter  of  Henry  Riddick,  of 
Preble  County,  Ohio,  by  whom  he  had  five  children,  of  whom  only  one  survives,  viz., 
John  C.,  who  now  occupies  his  father’s  place  in  the  firm.  Mr.  Temple  died  February 
7,  1879,  leaving  a host  of  friends  to  mourn  his  loss.  To  the  mechanical  world  his  death 
was  a calamity,  as  his  fertile  brain  was  continually  devising  new  and  important  pieces 
of  mechanism.  He  was  a life-long  Mason  of  the  highest  standing,  and  was  buried 
with  the  ceremonies  of  the  Scottish  Rite  degree.  He  was  also  an  able  and  consistent 
member  of  the  I.  0.  0.  F.  fraternity,  and  of  the  First  Baptist  Church  of  Dayton.  In 
conclusion  we  would  say  the  immense  success  of  the  firm  with  which  he  was  connected, 
is  largely  due  to  his  untiring  energy,  inventive  genius  and  mechanical  skill,  in  fact,  we 
nave  been  told  by  manufacturers  and  others  who  knew  him  throughout  his  business 
career,  that  John  Temple  was  “ the  brains  ” of  the  Globe  Iron  Works. 

ELIHU  THOMPSON.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  on  the  13th  day 
;)f  October,  1837,  in  Randolph  Township,  Montgomery  County,  Ohio.  His  parents 
)oth  emigrated  from  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  his  father,  James  F.  Thompson,  from 
Cayette  County,  in  the  year  1818,  and  his  mother,  Mary  Ann  Riley,  in  the  year  1820, 
rom  Bedford  County,  in  that  State.  The  father  came  with  his  parents,  by  means  of 
jat-boat,  from  above  Pittsburgh  on  the  Allegheny,  to  Cincinnati,  while  the  mother 
ame  with  her  family  by  means  employed  on  the  overland  routes  in  that  day.  The 
auds  at  that  time  in  Randolph  Township,  were  heavily  timbered,  and  a great  measure 


248 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


swampy  in  their  character,  and  required  a vast  amount  of  labor  bestowed  on  them  before 
they  could  be  fitted  for  cultivation.  There  was  at  that  time  considerable  land  held  by 
the  Government,  which  was  taken  up  by  these  early  settlers,  and  is  now  among  the  best 
farms  in  that  part  of  the  county.  The  first  schoolhouse  in  that  district  was  built  about 
a half  mile  from  where  Mr.  E.  Thompson  was  born,  and  at  which,  for  several  years,  he  at- 
tended school,  and  acquired  his  rudimental  education.  He  excelled  especially  in  spell- 
ing, it  being  said  of  him  at  one  time,  by  an  admiring  teacher,  that  he  could  spell  every- 
thing in  Webster’s  spelling  book,  without  missing  a single  word.  In  the  year  1848, 
his  parents  removed  to  Jackson  Township,  near  Fartnersville  of  the  same  county,  where 
until  the  year  1854  he  remained  with  them  upon  the  farm,  engaged  with  them  in  its 
oi'dinary  employment,  and  attending  the  common  schools  during  the  winter  months. 
In  1855,  he  attended  the  southwestern  Ohio  Normal  School  at  Lebanon,  Warren  County, 
and  in  September  of  that  year,  commenced  teaching  one  of  the  schools  in  the  immedi- 
ate neighborhood  of  Farmersville,  which  he  continued  in  for  several  months,  and  again  re- 
turned to  the  normal  school  at  Lebanon,  and  engaged  in  the  study  of  the  higher  branches 
of  mathematics  and  the  natural  sciences.  After  becoming  proficient  in  all  the  branches 
necessary  to  be  taught  in  those  schools  of  the  country,  in  which  he  continued  to  teach 
for  several  years,  he  determined  to  adopt  the  practice  of  the  law  as  his  permanent  pro- 
fession in  life,  and  to  this  end  provided  himself  with  copies  of  Blackstone,  Kent  and 
Walker’s  Commentaries  on  the  Law,  along  with  Parsons  on  Contracts  and  Greenleafon  ] 
Evidence,  and  Bouvier’s  Law  Dictionary,  and  while  engaged  in  his  ordinary  occupation  j 
of  teaching,  gave  all  the  time  to  reading  these  books  of  the  law  that  he  could  command 
and  in  the  year  1862,  attended  one  term  of  the  law  school  at  Cleveland,  Ohio,  where 
he  graduated  with  some  thirty  others,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  of  the  State,  and  |j 
upon  the  recommendation  of  the  professors.of  the  college,  also  to  practice  in  the  District  li 
Court  of  Northern  Ohio.  At  that  time  the  war  was  in  progress,  and  after  the  close  of 
the  law  school,  upon  returning  to  Dayton  on  the  6th  of  August,  with  a number  of  the 
young  men  of  the  neighborhood,  he  enlisted  in  the  Ninty-third  Ohio  Regiment,  under 
Capt.  Allen,  Company  E,  and  in  the  latter  part  of  the  month  went  with  his  regiment  I, 
into  Kentucky,  as  far  as  Lexington,  where  he  was  taken  sick  and  ordered  to  the  hospi- 
tal, while  the  regiment  itself  was  sent  on  that-  precipitate  march  to  Richmond,  Ky.,  to 
engage  Kirby  Smith,  who  was  then  advancing  northward  with  a view  of  attacking] 
the  city  of  Cincinnati.  The  Union  forces  were  driven  back  upon  Lexington  in  the 
wildest  disorder  and  confusion,  and  the  town  on  the  next  week  was  captured  by  the  forces 
under  Gen.  Morgan  and  Kirby  Smith,  and  all  who  were  then  in  the  hospital  declared] 
to  be  prisoners  of  war,  and  as  soon  as  they  were  able  to  march  were  paroled.  About] 
the  middle  of  September,  Mr.  Thompson  reported  at  Camp  Chase,  Columbus,  and  again] 
in  October,  when  upon  being  subjected  to  a medical  examination,  he  was  declared  physically] 
unable  to  discharge  the  duties  ol  a private  soldier  and  was  honorably  discharged,  and] 
entirely  satisfied  with  all  that  is  not  derived  from  the  pride  and  pomp  and  circumstan- 
stance  of  war.  He  again  returned  to  his  profession,  teaching,  in  which  he  continued 
until  March,  1864,  when  he  came  to  Dayton  and  opened  a law  office,  since  which  time] 
he  has  closely  devoted  himself  almost  exclusively  to  the  business  and  duties  of  that  pro-] 
fession.  In  the  year  1869,  he  was  elected  Prosecuting  Attorney  of  Montgomery  County,] 
ant  re-elected  in  1811,  serving  in  this  capacity  for  a period  of  four  successive  years, 
with  a measure  of  success  both  gratifying  to  himself  and  the  members  of  his  profession. 
Mr.  Thompson’s  parents  are  both  now  living  at  Johnsville,  in  this  county,  his  father,] 
at  the  age  of  seventy,  and  his  mother  at  the  age  of  sixty-eight  years.  The  fatherii 
served  as  a member  of  the  Ohio  Legislature  for  one  term,  in  the  years  1874-75.  Hit] 
father’s  family  consists  of  the  subject  of  our  sketch  ; L.  H.  Thompson,  engaged  in  mer- 
chandising, at  Troy,  Ohio;  Franklin  Thompson,  farmer,  and  W.  R.  Thompson  a physi- 
cian, and  one  daughter,  Eliza  Jane  Lukens,  all  of  whom  are  living,  no  deaths  having  as 
yet  occurred  in  the  immediate  family  of  the  parents.  In  1865,  Mr.  E.  Thompson  was 
married  to  Elina  Jane  Gregg,  of  Springboro,  Warren  County,  Ohio,  who  died  at  Day- 
ton  on  the  11th  of  September,  A.  D.  1865.  In  1868,  he  was  again  married,  to  Miss 
Belle  Whitmore,  of  Dayton,  Ohio,  who  is  the  daughter  of  Jacob  Whitmore,  deceased 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


249 


formerly  a resident  of  Madison  Township,  adjoining  the  Soldiers’  Home.  In  his  polit- 
ical faith,  Mr.  Thompson  is  a Democrat,  but  independent  in  his  judgment  upon  all  polit- 
ical subjects,  believing  in  gold  and  silver  as  the  only  true  theory  of  a currency,  an  ardent 
advocate  of  free  trade,  believing  that  in  the  end  the  protection  system  will  prove  itself 
to  be  founded  in  the  worst  character  of  sophistry  and  selfishness,  and  be  the  means  of  en- 
forcing the  oppression  of  many  to  enrich  the  comparatively  few  in  number.  In  matters 
of  religion,  he  may  be  said  to  be  Unitarian,  giving  all  religious  discussion  a fair  hear- 
ing, but  reserving  all  matters  of  faith  to  his  private  judgment.  He  is  not  a believer  in 
the  popular  creeds  of  the  day,  but  yields  a hearty  assent  to  the  faith  and  doctrines  of 
immortality.  He  has  devoted  much  time  and  attention  to  writing  upon  these  subjects, 
associating  them  with  the  scientific  discussions  of  the  day,  and  while  having  never  ap- 
peared in  public,  has  given  several  interesting  lectures  to  select  and  private  assemblies 
upon  subjects  of  this  charcater,  and  for  his  amusement,  as  well  as  culture,  has  indulged 
in  writing  poems,  most  of  which  however,  are  of  a humorous  nature. 

ISAAC  N.  THORNE,  merchant,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Waterloo,  Seneca  Co., 
N.  Y.,  October  25,  1842.  He  is  the  son  of  Isaac  and  Eliza  (Buddell)  Thorne,  of 
New  York.  Our  subject  is  one  of  a family  of  two  sons  and  two  daughters.  He  at- 
tended the  public  schools  of  his  native  city  until  he  was  fourteen  years  of  age,  when  he 
was  obliged,  on  account  of  diseased  eyes,  to  give  up  his  schooling.  He  afterward 
clerked  in  a grocery,  worked  on  his  father’s  farm,  learned  tinning,  and  in  1863  enlisted 
in  Battery  L,  Sixteenth  New  York  Heavy  Artillery,  from  which  he  was  discharged  at 
the  close  of  the  war.  After  the  war,  he  returned  to  Waterloo,  where  he  remained  un- 
til 1870,  when  he  came  to  Dayton  and  started  a junk  shop.  He  is  still  in  that  busi- 
ness, and  has  sixteen  wagons  constantly  on  the  road.  In  1867,  he  married  Elizabeth 
Close,  daughter  of  William  and  Mary  Close,  of  Waterloo,  by  whom  he  has  had  three 
boys  and  one  girl,  the  latter  having  since  died.  Mr.  Thorne  is  a member  of  tne  Board 
of  Education  and  Chairman  of  the  High  School  Committee.  He  is  also  a member  of 
the  Knights  of  Honor,  and  Grace  Methodist  Church.  He  takes  a good  deal  of  inter- 
est in  educational  matters,  and  is  a valuable  auxiliary  to  that  board. 

DR.  H.  A.  TOBEY,  Superintendent  of  the  Dayton  Asylum  for  the  Insane,  Day- 
ton,  was  born  in  the  northern  part  of  Union  County,  Ohio,  April  6,  1852,  where  his 
early  boyhood  life  was  spent.  In  1864,  his  parents  located  in  Mt.  Victory,  Hardin 
Co.,  Ohio,  where  he  acquired  his  primary  education.  During  the  years  1870-71,  his 
time  was  devoted  in  Wesleyan  University  at  Delaware. 

At  the  age  of  twenty,  he  commenced  the  study  of  medicine  under  the  tutorship 
of  Drs.  Watt  and  Snodgras,  of  Kenton,  Ohio,  and  graduated  at  the  age  of  twenty- 
three,  at  the  Miami  Medical  College  of  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  He  soon  after  located  in  Sidney, 
Ohio,  where  he  practiced  two  years,  the  latter  one  in  partnership  with  the  able  and 
established  Dr.  H.  S.  Conklin,  the  father  of  Dr.  Conklin,  of  Dayton.  While  in  Sid- 
ney, he  received  and  accepted  an  appointment  to  the  Columbus  Insane  Asylum,  as  As- 
sistant Physician  under  the  well-known  Dr.  Richard  Gundry,  who  was  for  sixteen  years 
the  Superintendent  of  the  Insane  Asylum  at  Dayton,  Ohio,  and  one  to  whom  much  is 
due  for  the  present  standing  of  the  institution.  In  May,  1877,  apolitical  re-organization 
of  the  Columbus  Asylum  took  place,  at  which  time  some  of  the  officials  were  removed, 
but  Dr.  Tobey  was  then  promoted  to  First  Assistant  Physician,  which  position  he  held 
until  May,  1880,  when  he  was  elected  to  his  present  position,  of  which  he  took  charge 
■luly  15  following.  To  undertake  to  estimate  the  life  and  career  of  one  so  young  as  he, 
would  be  a premature  proceeding  ; but,  marked  as  it  has  been  by  integrity  and  profita- 
ble exercise  of  sound  abilities,  there  can  be  no  danger  in  predicting  that  his  future  will 
satisfy  every  reasonable  hope  of  his  many  friends. 

CHARLES  F.  TOWER,  manufacturer,  Dayton.  This  gentleman  is  a member 
)f  the  Tower  Varnish  Company,  and  was  born  in  Hingham,  Mass.,  twelve  miles  from 
Boston,  April  19,  1823.  His  father  was  Isaiah  Tower,  a farmer  of  that  county. 
When  old  enough,  Mr.  Tower  served  as  an  apprentice  at  the  painting  trade  at  Roxbury, 
tow  a portion  of  the  city  of  Boston.  He  then  attended  school  two  years  at  Worcester, 
fiass.,  and  subsequently  engaged  to  do  ornamental  painting  for  Downing  & Son,  man- 


250 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


ufacturers  of  basses,  coaches,  etc.,  Concord,  N.  H.  He  remained  at  that  business  four 
years,  and  for  one  year  after  contracted  for  the  painting  in  the  car  shops  established  at 
Hartford.  In  March,  1852,  Mr.  Tower  came  to  Dayton,  and  soon  after  took  the  con- 
tract for  painting  in  the  car  works  then  owned  by  E.  Thresher  & Co.  Mr.  Tower  man- 
ufactured all  the  varnishes  and  Japan  used  by  that  establishment,  and  after  a period  of 
six  years,  engaged  with  E.  & J.  B.  Thresher  in  the  manufacture  of  varnishes.  He  re- 
mained in  this  connection  eight  and  a half  years.  He  then  sold  out  his  interest,  and  in 
connection  with  Chicago  parties,  formed  the  stock  company,  for  the  manufacture  of  var- 
nish, etc.,  under  the  name  of  the  Tower  Yarnish  Co.,  Mr.  Tower  becoming  its  President. 
This  office  he  has  satisfactorily  filled  to  the  present  time.  Mr.  Tower  became  a member 
of  the  Baptist  denomination  while  a resident  of  Roxbury,  and  upon  coming  to  Dayton, 
united  with  the  First  Church.  When  a portion  of  the  society,  residing  in  the  eastern 
part  of  the  city  desired  a place  of  worship  nearer  home,  Mr.  Tower  became  one  of  the 
organizers  of  the  Linden  Avenue  Church,  and,  with  his  wife,  has  continued  a faithful 
member  to  the  present  time.  He  was  married,  in  1852,  to  Annie  J.  Bisbee,  a native 
of  Waterville,  Me.  They  have  one  son — Carl  V.  Mr.  Tower  was  formerly  a member 
of  the  Free  Soil  and  Liberty  parties,  but  since  the  organization  of  the  Republican  party, 
has  been  a quiet,  but  earnest  advocate  of  its  principles. 

JAMES  TURNER,  retired,  Dayton,  was  born  on  the  8th  of  June,  1812,  at 
Kidderminster,  Worcestershire,  England,  and  at  the  age  of  nine  years  was  put  to  learn 
the  trade  of  a Brussells  carpet  weaver,  and  was  considered  an  adept  in  the  business 
upon  reaching  his  majority.  From  fourteen  to  twenty-three,  Mr.  Turner  devoted  all  his 
spare  moments  through  the  day  time,  as  well  as  every  night,  to  study,  having  had  no 
chance  of  attending  school  after  his  ninth  year,  and  thus  he  laid  the  foundation  for 
that  wider  sphere  of  knowledge,  which  he  afterward  acquired  by  contact  with  men 
and  books.  At  the  age  of  eighteen,  he  joined  the  I.  0.  O.  F.,  and  is  yet  an  active 
member  of  the  order,  having  devoted  much  of  his  time  to  the  advancement  of  friend- 
ship, love  and  truth.  He  was  married,  June  21,  1835,  to  Miss  Mary  Brooks,  of  Stone 
Parish,  near  Kidderminster,  England,  and  on  the  12th  of  May,  1840,  left  his  native 
land  with  his  wife  and  three  children,  landing  in  New  York  on  the  24th  day  of  June 
following.  In  1842,  he  came  with  his  family  to  Dayton,  Ohio,  arriving  here  on  the  12th 
of  July,  having  traveled  by  water  and  wagon  from  Tariffville,  Conn.,  spending  four 
teen  days  on  the  road.  Soon  after  coming  to  Dayton,  he  began  working  at  coverlet  and 
carpet  weaving,  on  the  corner  of  Fifth  and  Stone  streets,  continuing  in  that  line  until 
March,  1858,  when  he  formed  a partnership  with  Robert  Mercer,  and  engaged  in  the 
wood-turning  business.  In  1852,  Mr.  Turner  was  elected  a member  of  the  City  Coun- 
cil, and  continued  therein  most  of  the  time  until  1880.  In  1857,  he  was  elected  a 
County  Commissioner  of  this  couuty,  and  in  1859  was  elected  Magistrate,  which  posi- 
tion he  filled  until  1868,  with  credit  to  himself  and  satisfaction  to  the  community  at 
large.  In  the  fall  of  1862,  Mr.  Turner  was  appointed  by  the  Governor  a member  of 
the  Military  Committee  of  Montgomery  County,  and  May  23,  1863,  was  requested  to 
raise  a company  of  Ohio  National  Guards,  which  he  did,  reporting  to  the  Adjutant 
General  on  June  28,  that  he  had  enlisted  eighty-seven  men,  which  company  was  ac- 
cepted and  designated  as  Company  B,  Second  Regiment  Ohio  National  Guards,  of 
which  Mr.  Turner  was  immediately  elected  Captain.  On  the  2d  day  of  May,  1 864, 
under  the  call  of  Gov.  Brough  for  one-hundred-day  men,  he  reported  with  his  company 
for  duty,  was  accepted,  and  mustered  into  the  United  States  service  as  Company  B 
One  Hundred  and  Thirty-first  Regiment  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  did  duty  at  Balti 
more,  Md.,  and  was  mustered  out  at  Columbus,  Ohio,  August  25, 1864.  In  1868,  Mr, 
Turner  retired  to  private  life,  but  in  1878  he  was  elected  to  the  State  Legislature  tc 
fill  a vacancy  therein.  At  this  time  our  subject  is  a well-preserved  man  of  nearly 
seventy  years  of  age,  forty  of  which  has  been  spent  in  Dayton,  and  we  can  truly  say 
that  few  men  have  won  and  retained  to  a greater  degree  the  respect  and  confidence  oij 
its  citizens. 

JEFFERSON  A.  WALTERS,  physician,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Fayette  County 
Penn.,  October  19,  1810.  His  father,  Ephraim  Walters,  was  born  in  the  samt 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


251 


county  in  1776,  and,  in  1800,  boated  flour  to  New  Orleans  in  a keel-boat.  In 
1803,  he  married  Elizabeth  Ache,  daughter  of  a Dunkard  preacher,  and  passed  his  life 
in  farming  and  stock-raising,  and  died  at  the  ripe  old  age  of  ninety  years.  Ephraim, 
the  grandfather  of  our  subject,  was  captured  at  the  age  of  fourteen  by  the  Shawnee 
Indians  on  the  South  Branch  of  the  Potomac,  in  Virginia,  in  1851,  together  with  his 
mother  and  six  other  children,  her  husband  being  shot  dead  at  the  same  time.  On 
crossing  the  mountains  westward,  her  nursing  babe  was  torn  from  her  breast  and  its  brains 
dashed  out  against  a tree,  and  she  herself  was  tied  to  a tree  and  tortured  to  death  in  the 
most  horrid  manner.  Young  Walters  and  the  other  prisoners  were  taken  to  an  Indian  vil- 
lage on  the  Monongahela,  near  Pittsburgh,  and  was  adopted  by  the  chief,  Youghasliaw, 
kindly  treated,  and  became  an  expert  hunter.  He  was  a witness  of  Braddock’s  defeat,  and 
Ihe  fall  of  Fort  Du  Quesne  in  1758.  He  was  exchanged  in  1759,  but  becoming  offended 
it  the  overbearing  disposition  of  some  British  officers,  he  soon  followed  his  Indian  associ- 
ites  to  Ohio  and  spent  two  years  on  the  Muskingum  River  and  its  branches.  In  1761,  he 
•eturned  to  the  Monongahela,  and  made  his  headquarters  at  the  village  of  the  cele- 
brated Indian  chief,  Cornstalk,  in  what  is  now  Fayette  County.  In  1770,  he  located, 
>y  “ tomahawk  title,”  about  seven  hundred  acres  of  land  in  that  county,  which  is 
o-day  among  the  finest  and  most  valuable  land  of  any  in  Western  Pennsylvania.  In 
he  same  year,  he  married  a Miss  De  Bolt,  of  French  descent,  and  from  this  union  there 
rere  reared  seven  sons  and  three  daughters.  Three  lived  to  the  age  of  ninety ; six  to 
ver  seventy-five,  and  one  to  fifty-five.  During  the  Revolution,  Mr.  W.  raised  a com- 
pany for  the  defense  of  the  settlement.  During  the  war  of  1812,  his  youngest  son 
Icing  drafted,  Mr.  Walters,  though  over  seventy-five  years  of  age,  offered  himself  as  a 
iubstitute,  and  was  accepted.  For  a number  of  years  he  filled  the  office  of  Justice  of 
he  Peace.  Most  of  the  land  which  he  located  is  still  in  possession  of  his  descendants, 
le  died  in  1835,  aged  ninety-six  years,  and  his  wife  followed  him  seven  years  later  at 
he  age  of  ninety-four  years.  Dr.  W.,  our  subject,  came  to  Ohio  in  the  fall  of  1830, 
tid  entered  as  the  first  student  at  the  Eclectic  Medical  College,  then  just  organized  at 
jVorthington,  Ohio,  where  he  graduated  in  1834.  He  began  practice  in  Perry  County, 
here  he  remained  some  three  years.  In  June,  1837,  he  located  as  a practicing  physi- 
an  in  Dayton,  Ohio.  On  December  24,  1840,  he  married  Lucetta  E.,  only  daughter 
James  Brooks,  by  whom  he  has  had  one  son  and  one  daughter.  In  the  summer  of 
341,  he  engaged  in  the  drug  trade,  which  he  carried  on  very  successfully  for  twenty - 
ye  years.  In  January,  1866,  he  had  the  misfortune  to  be  thrown  from  a buggy, 
iceiving  a very  serious  injury  to  his  spine.  He  was  almost  disabled  for  six  years 
'terward,  and  was  a great  sufferer,  but  finally  found  relief,  and  has  since  enjoyed  toler- 
)le  health.  His  only  son,  James  B.,  is  a prominent  druggist  of  Dayton.  In  politics, 
r.  W.  has  always  been  a stanch  Democrat.  He  now  devotes  most  of  his  time  to 
tellectual  pursuits,  of  which  he  is  specially  fond.  He  is  particularly  fond  of  histor- 
d and  philosophical  subjects,  and  his  reading  in  this  direction  has  made  him  quite  an 
tiquarian.  He  is  well  preserved  for  his  age,  and  looks  much  younger  thaD  he  is. 
e possesses  a very  genial  nature  and  unusually  fine  social  qualities. 

JOHN  A.  WEAVER,  tobacconist,  Da}7ton,  was  born  in  Ohio  October  9,  1819. 
is  father  was  Adam  Weaver,  a Revolutionary  soldier,  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  and 
? mother  a native  of  Ohio.  Our  subject,  who  was  their  oldest  son,  was  married,  in 
40,  to  Miss  Rachael  Shade,  who  was  born  in  1822,  and  by  whom  he  has  had  four 
ildren,  two  boys  and  two  girls — John  Alfred,  James  M.,  Elvina  and  Milla.  Of 
3se,  Elvina  is  married  to  J.  T.  Gassett,  two  others  are  in  New  York,  and  John  Al- 
;d  is  at  home,  being  the  only  one  the  old  folks  have  with  them.  Mr.  Weaver  was  a 
mer  until  1878,  when  he  engaged  in  the  tobacco  business,  in  which  he  has  since  con- 
ued. 

LEWIS  H.  WEBBER,  manufacturer  and  dealer  in  cut  stone,  Dayton,  was  born  at 
'lem,  N.  J.,  in  1845.  His  father  was  Thomas  Webber,  a merchant  of  that  city. 

'•  Webber  was  reared  in  his  native  State  and  Delaware.  He  reeeived  his  educational 
Ijining  in  the  Newark  Academy,  where  he  prepared  for  college.  In  1869,  Mr.  Web- 
' came  to  Dayton  through  the  influence  of  his  uncle,  who  was  engaged  in  the  stone 


252 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


business.  He  obtained  employment  with  the  firm  as  book-keeper,  and  remained  h 
that  position  five  years.  He  then  formed  a partnership  with  S.  T.  Bryce  in  the  stom 
business.  They  erected  a mill  near  the  Union  depot,  where  operations  were  commenced 
Mr.  Webber’s  business  increased  with  time,  and  at  present  he  is  one  of  the  largest  con 
tractors  of  stone  in  the  State.  A sketch  of  his  business  will  be  found  in  the  chapte: 
on  the  industrial  interests  of  Dayton.  Mr.  Webber  was  united  in  marriage,  in  1875 
to  Florence  Southgate,  a native  of  Delaware.  Two  children  have  been  sent  to  files 
this  union — Emma  E and  Elorrie.  Mr.  Webber  and  wife  are  faithful  and  consisten 
members  of  the  Third  Street  Presbyterian  Church.  Mr.  Webber’s  father  and  grand 
father  were  “ Old-Line  Whigs,”  but  the  subject  of  this  sketch  has  been  a Republicar 
“ all  the  days  of  my  life.”  He  is  a man  of  strict  business  integrity,  and  since  cornin' 
to  Dayton  has  made  many  warm  personal  friends. 

REV.  J.  T.  WEBSTER,  minister,  Dayton.  This  gentleman  was  born  in  Bensa 
lem,  Penn.,  May  26,  1846.  His  early  days  were  spent  on  a farm.  He  graduated  a 
Andalusia  College,  Philadelphia,  and  Racine  College,  Wisconsin.  He  taught  school  fo: 
two  years  in  New  Jersey,  and  subseqently  was  Adjunct  Professor  of  Mathematics  ii 
Racine  College.  He  graduated  in  theology  from  Nashotali  Theological  Seminary,  Wis 
consin  ; was  ordained  Deacon  in  New  Jersey,  in  May,  1869,  and  priested  in  I>  troit 
Mich.,  in  October,  1871.  He  was  pastor  of  Trinity  Church,  Hudson,  Mich.,  five  yean 
and  of  Emanuel  Church,  Detroit,  Mich.,  five  years.  During  six  years  of  his  Michigai 
pastorate  he  was  editor  of  the  Michigau  Diocesan  paper.  He  became  pastor  of  Christ’ 
Church,  Dayton,  Ohio,  January  1,  1880,  over  which  he  has  continued  to  preside.  H 
was  married,  June  2,  1870,  to  a sister  of  Judge  Barrett,  of  the  Supreme  Court  c 
the  State  of  New  York,  by  whom  he  has  had  two  children — a daughter  aged  ten,  and 
son  aged  seven.  He  is  a man  of  sterling  qualities,  fully  appreciated  by  the  congregatio 
to  which  he  administers.  Though  comparatively  a young  man,  his  ability,  manifeste 
by  the  evident  deep  thought  and  logical  tenets  of  his  sermons,  would  do  credit  to  a muc- 
older  and  more  experienced  head. 

J.  H.  WILD,  manufacturer,  Dayton,  of  the  firm  of  J.  II.  Wild  & Co.,  proprieto 
Dayton  Woolen  Mills,  was  born  in  Delaware,  July  9,  1845.  His  father,  John  B.  Wit 
was  engaged  in  operating  a woolen  mill  in  that  State.  When  twelve  years  of  age.  M 
Wild  accompanied  his  parents  to  Ohio,  locating  at  Spring  Valley,  where  they  remainc 
nine  years,  and  where  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  reared  and  educated.  He  learm 
the  woolen  trade  with  his  father,  and  has  been  engaged  at  that  business  all  his  life.  F 
a short  time  he  was  engaged  with  Charles  Rabbitt,  at  Springfield,  and  operated  a m: 
for  seven  years  at  Spring  Valley.  He  came  to  Dayton,  and  purchased  his  present  mil) 
of  Ritter  & Aiken,  and  from  his  life  experience  in  the  business,  has  been  enabled 
build  up  a large  and  profitable  trade.  A sketch  of  this  business  will  be  found  in  ti 
chapter  on  manufacturing  industries 

REV.  DAVID  WINTERS,  D.  D.,  minister  of  the  Reformed  Church,  Daytc 
was  born  in  Martinsburg,  Berkeley  County,  Va.,  December  24,  1801,  and  is  a sen 
Rev.  Thomas  Winters,  a pioneer  minister  of  illustrious  fame.  In  1809,  he  and  fa  mi 
emigrated  to  Ohio  and  located  near  the  (then)  village  of  Dayton.  In  1815,  they ) 
moved  to  Germantown,  Montgomery  County,  where  Thomas  continued  his  minister 
labors  in  behalf  of  the  Reformed  Church.  He  was  one  of  the  first  of  his  deuomio 
don  in  the  West,  and  in  fact  the  first  and  only  one  to  spread  the  doctrines  of  tlr 
church  abroad  in  the  Miami  Valley,  out  of  whose  labors  evidently  much  good  has 
suited.  About  the  year  1819,  there  was  a synodical  meeting  of  the  Reformed  deno 
ination  convened  at  Germantown,  Ohio.  At  this  meeting  were  present  three  rninist 
and  two  Elders.  At  the  opening  of  this  meeting,  each  of  the  former,  who  were  respcj 

ively  Rev.  Thomas  Winters,  Rev.  George  Weisz  and  Rev. Riderof,  these  ea 

were  elected  to  the  respective  offices,  viz.  : President,  Secretary  and  Treasurer,  tra 
acted  their  business  and  adjourned.  From  this  small  body  has  by  careful  nursing  a 
the  fostering  care  of  those  early  pioneer  ministers,  grown  to  a body  of  over  590  mu 
t.ers  west  of  the  Alleghany  Mountains,  with  charges  for  each  to  fill.  We  might  sp<j 
further  of  the  above  meeting,  but  deem  it  best  for  it  to  occupy  a space  in  the  gene 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


253 


tody  of  this  work  under  the  head  of  German  Township.  Rev.  Thomas  Winters  con- 
tinued his  pastoral  labors  in' the  Miami  Yalley  for  many  years,  but  at  last  laid  down 
the  shield  of  labor  in  West  Alexandria,  Preble  County,  Ohio,  in  1863,  and  was  in- 
terred on  V.  Winter’s  lot,  in  the  Woodland  Cemetery,  at  Dayton,  Ohio.  Thus  ended 
the  earthly  career  of  one  of  the  noble  pioneer  ministers,  at  the  age  of  eighty-seven. 
In  the  brief  foregoing  sketch  of  Rev.  David  Winters,  D.  D.,  it -is  impossible  to  do 
justice  to  one  so  noble  as  he,  and  to  one  who  has  led  so  many  souls  from  their  sinful 
paths  to  the  way  of  righteousness.  He  is  the  second  of  a family  of  twelve  children, 
of  whom  effiht  are  now  living.  Of  the  eight  survivors  two  are  ministers,  viz.,  the 
subject  of  this  memoir  and  Rev.  Thomas  H.,  the  latter  one  having  been  in  active  serv- 
ices in  the  Reformed  Church  for  many  years,  but  now  lives  retired  at  Xenia,  Ohio. 
The  former  received  his  education  mainly  from  his  father,  and  entered  the  ministry  in 
1824;  was  ordained  at  New  Philadelphia,  Ohio.  Immediately  after  the  ordination,  he 
removed  from  Germantown  to  Dayton,  where  he  has  ever  since  resided.  In  January, 
1825,  his  nuptials  was  solemnized  with  Mary  A.,  eldest  daughter  of  William  Huffman, 
Esq.,  of  the  city  of  Dayton.  In  his  early  pastoral  career,  it  was  a common  thing  for 
him  to  travel  on  horseback  from  2,000  to  3,000  miles  per  year,  organizing  congrega- 
tions, preaching  under  the  tall  and  stately  forest  trees,  in  log  huts  and  barns;  often  ad- 
ministering the  Lord’s  Supper  to  his  people  where  nothing  but  the  canopy  of  Heaven 
overspread  them.  Thus  he  labored  for  many  years,  having  in  his  field  of  labor  so  large 
an  area  that  of  more  recent  date  it  has  been  divided  and  subdivided  until  now  there  are 
iseven  self-supporting  charges  that  was  his  original  one,  and  of  which  he  virtually  was 
the  organizer.  In  the  field  during  his  ministerial  labors  there  have  been  thirteen  church 
edifices  erected,  with  which  he  was  either  directly  or  indirectly  associated.  And  the 
charge  he  now  serves,  being  known  as  the  Mount  Zion,  a part  of  the  original  field 
which  he  occupied,  upon  whose  call  he  was  ordained,  he  has  served  during  his  entire 
ministry,  being  a period  of  over  half  a century.  The  gentleman  is  now  within  a few 
months  of  the  allotted  period  of  life,  fourscore  years,  and  has  been  in  the  ministry 
fifty-seven  years,  the  oldest  active  minister  of  his  denomination  in  the  city  or  State, 
and  feel  safe  in  saying  in  the  United  States.  We  here,  by  permission,  place  upon 
record  a few  of  his  correctly-kept  records  : He  has  attended  1,255  funerals,  confirmed 
1,793  persons,  baptized  2,569  persons  and  married  4,564  couples.  Rev.  Winters  has 
been  for  many  years  prominently  identified  or  connected  with  the  Heidleburg  College 
and  Seminary  College  at  Tiffin,  Ohio,  of  which  institution  the  trustees  of  the  former 
several  years  since  conferred  upon  him  the  honor  of  D.  D. 

VALENTINE  WINTERS,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Clearfield  County,  Penn.,  July 
8,  1807,  and  came  to  Ohio  with  his  parents  in  1809.  His  father,  Rev.  Thomas  Win- 
ters, was  one  of  the  pioneers  in  the  Miami  Valley,  and  a sketch  of  his  life  appears  else- 
where in  this  volume.  Two  of  his  brothers,  David  and  Thomas,  went  into  the  ministry 
of  the  Reformed  Church,  and  have  labored  successfully  in  Southern  Ohio  for  fifty  or 
more  years  past. 

Valentine,  at  an  early  age,  showed  an  aptitude  for  business,  and  as  Germantown 
was  too  small  a field,  he  left  his  father’s  family  at  the  age  of  eighteen  and  sought  em- 
ployment in  Dayton.  He  obtained  a situation  in  the  dry  goods  store  of  Andrew  Irwin, 
and  subsequently  in  that  of  Harshman  & Rench,  in  the  first  case  at  only  $50  per  year. 
But  he  showed  so  much  capacity  and  industry  in  the  business  that,  united  to  his  pleas- 
ant manners,  strict  integrity  and  steady  habits,  he  soon  earned  promotion,  and  gained 
not  only  the  confidence  of  his  employers,  but  also  the  hand  of  the  daughter  of  the  head 
of  the  firm,  Jonathan  Harshman.  He  was  married  January  1,  1829.  The  next  year, 
be  became  a member  of  the  firm,  which  was,  for  awhile,  Harshman,  Rench  & Co.,  and 
Subsequently  Rench  & Winters,  but  all  the  time  one  of  the  leading  dry  goods  establish- 
ments of  Dayton.  In  1845,  he  became  cashier  of  the  Dayton  Bank,  which  was  what 
was  then  known  in  Ohio  as  an  Independent  Bank.  In  1851,  the  private  banking 
house  of  Harshman,  Winters  & Co.  was  formed,  of  which  Mr.  Winters  was  the  active 
md  controlling  member. 

After  two  years,  it  gave  way  to  that  of  Harshman  & Winters,  and  that  again, 


254 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


after  some  four  years,  to  Y.  Winters  & Son,  composed  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch  and 
his  son,  Jonathan  H.  Winters.  This  firm  continued  in  the  same  place  for  twenty-five 
years,  enjoying  a universal  reputation  for  safety  and  square  dealing.  On  January  1, 
1882,  it  was  merged  in  the  “ Winters’  National  Band,”  named  after  Valentine  Winters, 
and  established  with  a capital  of  $300,000,  and  already  regarded  as  one  of  the  most 
substantial  banking  institutions  in  the  State. 

Valentine  Winters,  although  its  largest  stock-holder,  and  still  one  of  its  directors, 
has  given  over  its  active  control  to  his  son,  Jonathan  H.  Winters,  President  of  the  bank. 
Mr.  Winters  was  also  President  of  the  Preble  County  Branch  of  the  State  Bank 
of  Ohio  from  1857  to  1866,  the  close  of  its  charter,  and  from  1853  to  1866  a member 
of  the  Board  of  Control  of  the  State  Bank  of  Ohio,  and,  as  such,  was  with  a few  friends 
successful  in  organizing  the  Ohio  Valley  Bank  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  with  a view  of  tak- 
ing up  State  bank  paper  of  the  different  branches  for  exchange,  to  keep  it  out  of  the 
hands  of  brokers,  who  would  return  it  to  the  bank  for  specie.  He  continued  one  of  the 
directors  of  this  bank  until  it  closed  its  business. 

Mr.  Winters  took  a deep  interest  in  all  public  enterprises  that  were  calculated  to 
improve  Dayton  ; he  spent  a good  deal  of  time  in  soliciting  stock  for  the  Mad  River  & 
Lake  Erie  Railroad,  and  subscribed  for  ten  shares  when  he  had  nothing  to  pay  it  with  ; 
he  was  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  Dayton  & Western  Railroad  ; spent  much  time  in 
soliciting  stock  and  getting  right  of  way ; he  was  a Director  from  its  organization,  and 
Treasurer  and  President  for  many  years.  He  also  built  and  equipped  the  first  railroad 
in  Minnesota,  being  the  road  between  St.  Paul  and  St.  Anthony. 

He  also  assisted  iD  forming  the  Firemans  Insurance  Company  of  Dayton,  and  has  been 
one  of  its  Directors  ever  since,  and  Treasurer  most,  if  not  all,  the  time.  He  was  one  of 
the  building  committee  in  the  erection  of  their  new  building  on  the  corner  of  Main  and  j 
Second  streets,  and  is  a large  stock  holder  in  all  but  one  of  the  insurance  companies  of 
Dayton. 

Some  three  years  ago,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Winters  celebrated  the  fiftieth  anniversary  of 
their  wedding,  and  the  Dayton  Journal  gave  a description  of  the  exercises,  and  made  it 
the  occasion  of  an  article  upon  the  life  and  character  of  Mr.  Winters,  from  which  we  !i 
make  some  extracts.  After  describing  the  company  present,  the  presentation  of  a golden  [ 
memorial  plate,  the  speeches,  music,  etc.,  it  added:  “ One  of  the  pleasant  incidents  of 
the  evening  was  the  production  by  Mr.  Winters  of  his  cash-book,  commencing  January 
1,  1829,  fifty  years  ago.  It  contained  many  amusing  items,  which  space  will  not  per- ! 
mit  us  to  copy,  but  we  may  state,  for  the  benefit  of  our  young  men,  that  Mr.  Winters 
commenced  his  married  life  $46.75  in  debt.  His  first  year’s  salary,  as  a clerk  in  the 
dry  goods  store  of  Harshman  & Rench,  was  $285,  and  yet,  upon  this  small  sum,  after 
paying  all  the  expenses  of  both  himself  and  wife,  including  their  clothing,  he  managed 
to  pay  the  $46.75  he  owed,  and  at  the  end  of  the  year  to  have  $38.77  to  his  credit. 
The  next  year  his  salary  was  increased  to  $300,  and  the  total  expenses  of  himself,  wife 
and  child,  were  $191.18,  and  with  the  savings  of  himself  and  wife  he  was  able,  at  the 
end  of  the  year,  to  devote  $251.65  to  the  building  of  his  first  house.  It  was  on  Jeffer- 
son street,  on  the  site  now  occupied  by  the  Beckel  Hall.  At  the  commencement  of  the 
third  year,  he  was  taken  in  as  a partner,  and  the  firm  became  Harshman,  Rench  & Co., 
but,  although  his  family  had  increased  to  two  children,  his  expenses  for  the  year  were 
only  $372. 

“ Thus  he  continued  from  year  to  year,  working  and  saving  until,  at  the  end  of  the  first 
ten  years,  he  found  himself  worth  over  and  above  all  debts,  $9,490.60,  the  foundation  of  his 
present  fortune.  What  a lesson  is  here  presented  of  the  results  of  probity,  industry,  | 
economy  and  good  habits. 

“All  golden  weddings  are  interesting  on  account  of  their  rarity,  but  this  of  Mr. 
Winters  and  his  wife  possesses  some  extraordinary  features,  which  entitle  it  to  a special 
celebration.  One  remarkable  feature  is  the  almost  uninterrupted  good  health  of  the  J 
parties.  Both  have  attained  the  age  of  threescore  and  ten,  without  any  visible  or  con- 
scious sign  that  they  were  nearing  the  limit  allotted  to  human  life.  As  was  stated  by 
one  of  the  speakers  last  evening,  Mr.  Winters  is  not  only  the  youngest-looking  man  of 
his  years  in  Dayton,  but  the  best-looking  gentleman  in  Ohio. 


CITY  OP  DAYTON. 


255 


“Another  extraordinary  feature  in  the  life  of  this  couple  is  their  uninterrupted  pros- 
perity. Mr.  Winters  commenced  life  as  a boy,  working  in  a brick -yard  near  German- 
town, at  10  cents  per  day.  He  then  went  into  a store  in  Dayton,  and  commenced 
clerking  at  $50  per  year,  and  rose  year  after  year,  as  already  shown  by  his  cash-book, 
first  to  a partner  in  the  store,  then  sole  proprietor,  and  finally  a banker,  in  which 
capacity  he  is  best  known  to  the  present  generation.  As  a banker,  he  has  conducted 
his  business  with  the  same  energy,  caution  and  probity  that  insured  success  in  his 
previous  mercantile  operations.  He  has  confined  himself  strictly  to  legitimate  bank- 
ing, resisting  the  temptation  to  embark  on  the  glittering  sea  of  speculation,  which  has 
lured  so  many  others  to  shipwreck  and  ruin.  During  the  many  financial  panics  that 
passed  over  the  country  in  the  past  thirty  years,  the  banking  house  of  which  Mr.  Win- 
ters is  the  head,  has  never  suffered  in  public  confidence.  The  storms  of  financial  dis- 
tress descended,  and  the  floods  came  and  beat  upon  that  house,  and  it  fell  not,  because 
it  was  founded  on  a rock.  Another  feature  that  will  be  generally  recognized  is  the 
liberality  and  generosity  of  both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Winters  in  all  public,  religious  and 
charitable  enterprises,  refusing  no  applications,  but  generally  responding  to  all.”  Mr. 
Winters  has  long  been  an  active  and  consistent  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
and  has  contributed  largely,  both  in  time  and  money,  to  the  construction  of  the  new 
church  and  chapel  on  Third  street.  His  wife,  Catharine  Harshman  Winters,  died 
April  14,  1882,  leaving  eight  children  and  twenty-three  grandchildren.  The  former 
are — Mrs.  N.  B.  Darst,  Mrs.  R.  R.  Dickey,  Mrs.  C.  McDermont,  Jonathan  H.  Win- 
ters, Mrs.  L.  B.  Gunckel,  Mrs.  L.  B.  Eaton,  Mrs.  R.  McGregor  and  Mrs.  E.  C.  Shaw, 
ill  but  two  of  whom  reside  in  Dayton.  In  speaking  of  her  death,  the  Dayton  Journal 
laid  : “ Mrs.  Winters’  life  was  thoroughly  a home  life,  but  mauy  gracious  and  kindly 
ufluences  went  out  from  her  life  that  were  never  connected  with  her  name.  The 
vriter  has  knowledge  of  charitable  streams  that  flowed  the  fuller  because  fed  from  her 
pand.  And  now  1 her  children  rise  up  and  call  her  blessed,  her  husband  also,  and  he 
iraiseth  her.’”  Mr.  Winters,  although  well  advanced  in  years,  enjoys  excellent  health. 
,nd  gives  promise  of  many  years  of  usefulness  to  the  family,  church  and  community, 
vhieh  have  been  so  long  blessed  with  his  kindly  aid  and  fellowship. 

W.  W.  WOLF,  physician,  Dayton,  was  born  in  New  Haven,  Conn.,  September  3, 
810.  He  is  the  son  of  James  and  Betsey  Wolf,  the  former  of  German  descent  and 
he  latter  a pure  Yankee.  They  had  fifteen  children,  eight  boys  and  seven  girls,  of 
thorn  our  subject  was  next  to  the  oldest.  They  moved  to  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  from  Con- 
ecticut,  and  our  subject  here  served  an  apprenticeship  to  a druggist  from  1822  to  1826. 
le  then  commenced  learning  the  baking  business.  In  1841,  he  located  in  Dayton  and 
ommenced  reading  medicine  with  Dr.  Widard,  of  that  city,  at  the  same  time  keeping 
bakery,  which  he  still  operates.  On  the  5th  of  November,  1868,  he  received  a com- 
limentary  certificate  from  the  Homoeopathic  Medical  Society  of  Montgomery  County, 
nder  which  he  has  since  been  practicing  with  deserving  success.  He  was  married 
uly  11, 1830,  to  Miss  C.  Richardson,  of  Cincinnati,  daughter  of  James  Richardson,  who 
as  Drum  Major  in  Gen.  Wayne’s  army.  The  issue  of  this  marriage  was  ten  children, 
>ur  boys  and  six  girls,  of  whom  two  boys  and  two  girls  survive.  One  of  his  daughters 
larried  Samuel  Ambrose,  of  Dayton,  and  the  other  is  the  wife  of  James  C.  Hill,  of 
anada.  The  Doctor  is  still  in  the  prime  of  life  and  takes  great  delight  in  using  the 
dents  intrusted  to  him  for  the  benefit  of  sick  and  suffering  humanity. 

HIRAM  WYATT,  baker,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Marietta,  Washington  Co.,  Ohio, 
ugust  11,  1810.  In  1812,  he  was  taken  with  his  father’s  family  to  Pennsylvania, 
here  they  moved  from  fear  of  the  Indians.  In  1816,  they  returned  to  Ohio  and  set- 
ad  in  Zanesville;  from  there  they  went  to  a farm  on  Meigs’  Creek,  thence  to  Cam- 
'idge,  Ohio,  thence  back  to  Zanesville,  and  from  there  to  Gallipolis,  Ohio,  then  to 
resden,  where  they  farmed  for  several  years  on  land  belonging  to  a brother  of  General 
d son  of  Maj.  Cass,  of  1812  fame.  They  next  returned  to  Zanesville,  where  Hiram 
|s  apprenticed  to  a tobacconist,  while  the  family  went  to  Cincinnati.  After  serving 
t three  years  of  his  apprenticeship,  Hiram  ran  off  on  account  of  his  master’s  cruelty, 
d joined  his  folk  in  the  Queen  City,  where  he  served  three  years  and  six  months  as 


256 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES  : 


an  apprentice  in  the  baking  business.  In  L830,  having  acquired  his  .trade,  he  com- 
menced working  as  a journeyman  in  Cincinnati  and  afterward  in  Marietta.  From  the 
latter  place,  he  returned  to  Cincinnati  to  pay  the  expenses  attending  the  burial  of  his 
father  and  mother,  which  left  him  penniless.  On  the  29th  of  April,  1834,  he  came  to 
Dayton  to  work  during  the  races,  and,  two  months  later,  he  and  Walter  Smith,  Esq  , 
bought  the  bakery  of  Tilden  & Smith,  of  which  Mr.  Wyatt  became  sole  proprietor  one 
year  thereafter.  In  1859,  he  took  his  son-in-law  into  partnership  under  the  firm  name 
of  H.  & T.  Wyatt,  as  it  now  exists.  On  January  22,  1835,  he  married  Elizabeth 
Elder,  daughter  of  Jonathan  Elder,  of  Honey  Creek,  by  whom  he  had  a son  and  a 
daughter.  His  wife  died  April  22,  1838,  and  he  was  again  married,  February  21,  1839, 
to  Mary  C.  Davis,  daughter  of  John  Davis,  of  Zanesville,  and  had  by  her  four  daughters 
and  one  son.  The  father  of  our  subject  was  born  in  Providence,  R.  I.,  where  he  mar- 
ried a Miss  Blake,  and  reared  a family  of  six  boys  and  six  girls,  of  whom  our  subject 
was  the  youngest.  The  father  died  in  1833,  and  the  mother  one  week  after  him. 
Of  the  family  of  twelve  children  our  subject  is  the  only  one  now  living.  He  is  in  his 
seventy-second  year,  but  is  yet  full  of  life  and  vigor.  He  possesses  a strong  constitu- 
tion and  looks  much  younger  than  he  really  is;  a man  of  affable,  courteous  manners, 
and  of  the  strictest  integrity  and  moral  worth,  he  has  won  hosts  of  friends,  who  look 
upon  him  as  a fitting  representative  of  the  business  growth  and  prosperity  of  the  Miami 
Valley.  Politically  a Republican,  he  was  in  an  early  day  a member  of  the  City  Council 
and  has  ever  taken  a deep  interest  in  the  development  of  his  adopted  county. 

E.  S.  YOUNG,  attorney,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Lyme,  N.  H.,  February  28,  1827 
He  is  the  grandson  of  Dr.  Hugh  Murray  Young,  an  early  Irish  emigrant  to  Connecticut 
who  was  born  in  1742  and  died  in  1815.  The  father  of  our  subject,  George  Murray 
Young,  was  born  in  Litchfield  County,  Conn.,  April  1,  1802,  and  died  in  Dayton,  Ohio 
August  30,  1878.  He  was  educated  at  Exeter  and  Poughkeepsie  Acadamies.  lit 
learned  printing,  and  married,  in  1826,  Sibel  Green,  of  Lyme,  N.  H.;  she  died  in  Day 
ton,  Ohio,  in  1865.  In  1835,  he  located  in  Newark,  Ohio,  where  for  ten  years  hi) 
engaged  in  mercantile  pursuits.  In  1840,  he  was  Whig  candidate  for  Senator  iron 
Licking  County,  but  was  defeated  in  the  face  of  a strong  Democractic  vote,  by  only 
forty-five  majority.  For  six  years  succeeding  1845,  he  was  in  business  in  Cincinnati 
Ohio.  In  1851,  he  moved  to  Dayton,  and  was  Justice  of  the  Peace  and  Mayor,  am 
at  the  time  of  his  death  was  United  States  Commissioner.  He  was  Grand  Worth 
Patriarch  of  the  Sons  of  Temperance  when  that  society  numbered  30,000  in  Ohio  an 
one  of  the  editors  and  publishers  of  the  Ohio  Organ  and  Messenger , the  organ  of  th 
Sons  of  Temperance  of  Ohio  and  Kentucky,  published  in  Cincinnati.  His  oldest  son 
our  subject,  completed  his  Sophomore  year  at  Granville  College  in  1845,  and  graduatei 
at  Farmers’  College,  near  Cincinnati,  in  1847.  He  read  law  with  W.  J.  McKinney,  c 
Dayton,  and  in  1853  graduated  from  the  Cincinnati  Law  School.  During  a profe: 
sional  practice  of  twenty-five  years,  he  has  been  associated,  first  with  George  VS 
Brown,  then  A.  Houk,  and  from  1866  to  1878,  Oscar  M.  Gottschall.  In  June,  1871 
Mr.  Young’s  eldest  son,  George  R.,  became  a partner.  Mr.  Young  married  in  Septen 
ber,  1856,  in  Philadelphia,  Sarah  B.  Dechert,  daughter  of  Elijah  P.  Deehert.  ar 
grand-daughter  of  Judge  Robert  Porter.  He  was  a strong  Union  man  and  an  earne 
supporter  of  Lincoln’s  administration.  He  was  Commissioner  of  the  Draft  in  Mon 
gomery  County,  and  made  the  largest  draft  of  any  in  the  State.  He  was  also  large! 
instrumental  in  the  organization  of  all  the  companies  that  left  Dayton  for  the  war. 

MAXIMIN  ZEHLER,  Dayton.  Brother  Maximin  Zehler  was  born  in  Bergheii 
Alsace,  August  19,  1826.  From  the  age  of  six  to  fourteen,  he  received  instruction 
the  parochial  schools,  and  from  fourteen  to  sixteen  went  to  a private  or  select  schoi 
He  left  his  home  December  27,  1842,  to  join  the  Brothers  of  the  Society  of  Marl 
whose  mother  house  for  Alsace  was  Ebersminster,  where  he  studied  and  prepar! 
himself  for  teaching  and  began  his  career  as  a teacher  November  1,  1844.  He  pi 
sented  himself  for  and  obtained  the  teacher’s  diploma  for  life,  March  3,  1845, 
Colma,  capital  of  the  Department  of  the  Upper  Rhine.  He  taught  at  Aoamerschi' 
from  1844  to  1847,  and  at  St.  Marie  and  Mines  from  1847  to  1849.  In  1849,  the  Sock 


CITY  OF  DAYTON. 


257 


of  Mary  sent  the  first  colony  of  Brothers  (four)  to  the  United  States  to  take  charge  of 
some  schools  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio  ; Brother  Maximin  Zehler  was  of  the  number.  Arrange- 
ments were  not  quite  ready  to  take  charge  of  the  intended  school,  so  he  assisted  his 
fellow-brothers  to  teach.  Meanwhile,  Rev.  A.  Meyer  bought  the  Dewberry  farm  near 
Dayton,  which  was  formerly  the  property  of  Hon.  Charles  Anderson,  who  sold  it  to 
John  Stuart.  Brother  Maximin  Zehler  arrived  by  stage  (there  was  no  railroad  yet 
from  Cincinnati  to  Dayton)  March  10,  1850  ; two  brothers  had  arrived  two  days  before 
him.  They  lived  together  in  a smail  cottage  built  by  Mr.  Stuart  for  a tenant.  Maxi- 
min Zehler  was  neither  afraid  nor  ashamed  to  put  his  arms  to  the  plow  and  to  other 
works.  The  brothers  being  too  poor  to  keep  a hired  man,  they  performed  all  the 
agricultural  labor  themselves,  of  course,  sometimes  in  a very  awkward  manner.  Col. 
Jefferson  Paterson,  their  next  neighbor,  spent  many  an  hour  with  them  to  show  them 
how  to  perform  the  work  on  the  farm,  and  his  memory  is  still  held  in  grateful  remem- 
brance by  the  first  inmates  of  the  Dewberry  place,  now  called  Nazareth.  Mr.  Stewart 
having  left  the  premises  May  1,  1850,  Brother  Maximin  Zehler  opened  the  school  in 
June,  1850,  in  the  house  built  by  Hon.  Charles  Anderson.  He  had  a few  pupils  from 
Dayton,  and  some  from  Yan  Buren  Township.  Everything  was  very  imperfect,  all 
was  in  harmony  with  the  great  poverty  of  the  brothers.  He  taught  school  for  six 
hours  daily  ; the  rest  of  the  time  he  was  employed  in  working  on  the  farm.  During 
August,  1850,  some  candidates  for  the  brotherhood  arrived,  who  took  charge  of  the 
farm  work,  and  Brother  Maximin  Zehler  could  then  devote  more  time  to  his  school 
and  to  the  study  of  the  adopted  mother  tongue.  In  September,  1850,  the  boarding 
jschool  opened.  The  first  boarder  was  Joseph  Grenlich,  of  Dayton  ; he  was  afterward 
Ijoined  by  some  more  pupils  from  Dayton,  viz.,  Lawrence  Butz,  Jr.,  C.  Baumann, 
Joseph  and  Charles  Murray,  Salvator  Schafer,  etc.,  and  some  from  Cincinnati  and 
other  towns  of  the  vicinity.  The  number  of  boarders  and  day  scholars  increased,  so 
that  in  1852,  at  the  end  of  the  scholastic  year,  they  numbered  some  seventy.  In  1852, 
'Mr.  Maximin  Zehler  was  sent  by  his  superiors  to  Cincinnati  to  take  charge  of  the  St. 
Mary’s  school  on  Thirteenth  street,  where  he  found  about  140  pupils  for  two  teachers. 
He  remained  there  until  1860,  when  the  number  of  his  pupils  approached  300,  and  he 
was  recalled  to  Nazareth  again  to  take  charge  of  the  boarding  school,  numbering  some 
forty  pupils.  When  he  returned  he  found  some  buildings  erected  but  not  finished. 
The  lower  story  of  the  south  wing  was  not  even  excavated  ; there  was  again  room  to 
practice  patience  and  resignation.  By  and  by  the  buildings  were  finished,  accommoda- 
tions for  more  pupils  was  gained  ; the  number  increased  so  that  it  became  a necessity 
to  build  an  addition  of  40x80,  three  stories  high,  in  1865.  Shortly  after,  a house  40x60 
was  erected  as  a dwelling  house  for  the  Brothers  and  candidates.  In  1867  and  1868, 
:he  church  was  erected,  and,  as  soon  as  finished,  was  paid  for,  so  that  the  most  Rev.  Arch- 
Bishop  John  B.  Purcell  could  consecrate  it  on  the  24th  of  June,  1868.  The  number  of 
pupils  had  now  reached  170  to  180,  and  many  were  refused  admittance  for  want  of 
pom,  so  that  Brother  Zehler,  with  the  advice  of  his  superiors,  began  the  construction 
i>f  the  actual  St.  Mary’s  Institute.  The  funds  were  very  limited,  but  trusting  in  God  s 
irovidence,  the  plans  were  made  and  approved.  The  work  began  in  1870,  and  was 
brought  to  such  a completion  that,  in  May,  1871,  the  pupils  could  occupy  the  upper 
ftory  of  the  building  as  a dormitory.  The  course  of  studies  opened  September,  1871, 
n the  new  building  of  four  stories  and  a mansard  roof.  The  number  of  boarders  was 
low  227,  and  about  from  eighty  to  ninety  day  scholars  from  Dayton.  After  Brother 
Zehler  had  liquidated  the  debt  of  the' construction  of  the  institute,  he  conceived  the 
wan  of  a playhouse  or  amusement  hall,  to  provide  a place  for  the  pupils  in  bad  weather 
or  their  recreation.  The  building  is  180x60,  with  an  entertainment  hall  of  40x110, 
md  twelve  small  bath  rooms  provided  with  warm  and  cold  water  attached  to  the 
fast  side.  Mr.  Zehler,  after  having  seen  the  institute  in  a flourishing  condition,  the 
lecessary  buildings  erected  and  paid  for,  obtained  from  his  first  superior  the  favor  he  was 
asking  for  several  years,  viz.,  to  lay  down  his  charge  of  great  responsibility,  to  withdraw 
Torn  the  directorship  and  to  spend  the  remainder  of  his  life  in  another  line  of  useful- 
ness, for  the  society  to  which  he  belonged  since  1842,  having  spent  thirty-two  years  in 

Q 


258 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES : 


the  education  of  children.  He  has  charge  of  the  temporal  affairs  and  directs  the 
manual  labors  at  Nazareth. 

ABIA  ZELLER,  druggist,  Dayton.  Abia  Zeller  was  born  June  2,  1819,  near 
Germantown,  Montgomery  County,  Ohio.  He  is  a son  of  Michael  and  Maria  (Brauer  i 
Zeller,  and  a grandson  of  Andrew  Zeller.  Andrew  entered  into  the  service  of  God 
about  the  year  1790.  In  1805,  he  settled  near  Germantown,  Montgomery  County, 
Ohio,  where  he  immediately  began  to  build  up  the  kingdom  of  Christ.  He  assisted 
in  organizing  the  first  conference  in  Ohio  (of  the  United  Brethren  denomination) ; 
was  a delegate  to  the  first  general  conference  in  1815,  where  he  was  elected  bishop, 
which  office  he  filled  with  entire  acceptability  for  a period  of  six  years.  His  good 
sense,  deep  piety  and  liberality  contributed  greatly  to  the  prosperity  of  the  cause  of 
Christ,  especially  in  the  Miami  Valley,  where  his  influence  will  be  perpetuated  to  the 
end  of  time.  This  venerable  bishop  and  pioneer  evangelist  died  on  the  25th  of  May, 
1839,  in  the  eighty-fourth  year  of  his  age.  Michael  was  born  in  Pennsylvania  August  13, 
1788,  and  Maria,  his  wife,  was  born  in  Virginia,  October  3,  1794.  They  were  married 
in  Montgomery  County.  Ohio,  in  1811.  They  each  came  with  their  parents  to  Ohio 
about  the  same  year  and  settled  near  each  other,  where  they  became  acquainted.  In 
1825,  Michael  opened  a drug  store  in  Germantown,  which  was  the  first  drug  store  of 
that  place,  and  among  the  first  in  the  county.  Michael  continued  in  the  drug  trade 
until  his  death.  He  died  in  1838,  a highly  respected  Christian  man.  His  good  wife 
followed  him  the  next  year,  1839.  But  before  their  death  they  had  instilled  into  the 
minds  of  their  children  (of  whom  there  are  five  still  living)  such  true  Christian  prin- 
ciples that  have  enabled  them  to  be  not  only  an  honor  to  their  parents  but  useful  citi- 
zens in  the  communities  in  which  they  live.  At  the  death  of  Michael,  Abia,  who 
had  learned  the  drug  business  of  his  father,  took  charge  of  the  store,  and  in 
1860  moved  to  Dayton,  where  he  still  continues  the  same.  Abia  was  married  Sep- 
tember 15,  1839,  to  Caroline  Negley,  daughter  of  John  C.  and  Mary  (Shuey) 
Negley.  They  are  the  parents  of  five  children — Martha  E.  (now  Mrs.  John  H.| 
Reed),  Laura  V.  (now  Mrs.  A.  C.  Marshall),  Anna  V.,  Carrie  N.  (now  Mrs.  Joseph! 
Udell)  and  Willie  A.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Zel'er  have  been  consistent  and  worthy  members 
of  the  United  Brethren  Church  for  forty-three  years.  Abia  was  one  of  the  first  pupils 
of  the  Sunday  school  in  Germantown,  and  after  he  grew  to  manhood  became  its  Super- 
intendent. He  is  one  of  the  trustees  of  the  First  United  Brethren  Church  of  Dayton, 
Ohio,  which  position  he  has  held  for  the  past  six  years. 


WASHINGTON  TOWNSHIP. 

JOHN  ALLEN,  farmer,  P.  0.  Centerville,  son  of  Jeremiah  and  Rebecca  Allen 
was  born  July  15,  1816,  in  Washington  Township,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  on  the 
farm  on  which  he  now  resides  and  is  the  owner  thereof.  Received  his  education  in 
the  pioneer  schoolhouse,  furnished  with  pioneer  furniture,  viz. : Saplings,  one  side 

flattened  ; pins  driven  in  for  feet ; puncheons  put  up  in  the  same  rude  manner  for  the 
writing  desk.  Then  in  one  end  of  the  building  was  the  large  fire-place,  into  which 
large  quantities  of  good  wood  could  be  placed,  and  when  fairly  ablaze  would  nuke  t 
boy  pull  his  shins  back  or  crisp  his  buckskin  breeches.  Then  the  teacher  attended  tc 
setting  copies  for  all  that  were  learning  to  write,  making  and  mending  their  pens 
the  scholar  did  the  ruling  in  his  copy-book  ; the  branches  most  generally  taught  thei 
were  reading,  writing  and  arithmetic ; schools  were  then  made  up  by  subscription,  anc| 
each  patron  boarded  the  teacher  so  much  of  the  time  during  the  school  term. 

Mr.  Allen  says  the  wearing  apparel  in  his  boyhood  days  was  almost  endreiy  0| 
home  manufacture — linen,  linsey,  jeans  and  fulled  cloth  ; of  these  articles,  the  secom 
and  last  named  have  pretty  much  disappeared  from  use.  Shirt  buttons  were  mad 
from  thread  by  the  women  of  the  house,  and  they  were  nearly  the  only  ones  in  use 
Boys  were  limited  to  one  pair  of  shoes  per  year,  a good  wool  hat  for  winter,  and  sum 


WASHINGTON  TOWNSHIP. 


259 


ner  hats  were  of  home  manufacture,  and  were  made  from  either  rye  or  oat  straw, 
platted  and  then  sewed  together.  Going  to  mill  was  principally  done  on  horseback. 
When  a surplus  of  marketing  was  on  hand  it  was  loaded  on  a wagon  and  taken  to 
Cincinnati  and  there  sold  or  bartered  for  groceries  or  other  articles  the  family  needed. 
The  first  church  privileges  were  at  the  Methodist  log  meeting-house,  called  Hope- 
veil,  located  on  Sugar  Creek.  There  the  pioneers  listened  to  the  circuit  riders,  com- 
)0sed  of  such  men  as  Sparks,  Hardy,  Parsons,  Dixon,  Elliott,  Goddard,  Brook,  Mc- 
Juire,  Strain,  Maly,  Manly  and  Sullivan.  Mr.  Allen  married.  August  2,  1841,  Miss 
lusan  Lawson,  of  Adams  County,  Ohio.  From  this  union  there  were  ten  children,  only 
our  of  whom  are  now  (July,  1881)  living.  Mr.  Allen’s  mother  was  a native  of  Penn- 
'ylvania.  His  father  was  born  in  Culpeper  County,  Va.,  and  moved  from  there  to 
lason  County,  Ky. ; from  there  to  the  Miami  Valley  about  1803;  purchased  his 
irm  for  $2.50  per  acre,  second  hand.  On  this  farm  are  six  acres  which  have  been 
irined  for  eighty  years,  and  will  now  make  an  average  yield  with  any  land  in  the 
pwnship. 

JOHN  E.  ALLEN,  farmer,  P.  0.  Centerville,  son  of  Lawson  and  Frances  M.  Allen, 
■as  born  September  15,  1828,  in  Washington  Township,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio, 
chool  privileges,  some  improvement  on  pioneer  times.  He  never  had  any  political 
spirations,  and,  raised  a farmer,  he  has  continued  to  make  that  his  principal  occupation 
> far  in  life.  He  is  the  occupant  and  owner  of  the  farm  upon  which  he  was  born, 
,eing  the  one  owned  by  his  great-grandfather,  John  Edwards,  who  emigrated  here 
■om  North  Carolina  in  1805.  He  purchased  the  above  farm  and,  being  a widower, 
jad  two  of  his  sons-in-law  at  one  time  living  with  him.  While  he  was  engaged  in 
filing  goods  and  trading  in  real  estate,  being  a man  of  means,  he  had  the  reputation 
f being  a very  precise  man  in  all  his  dealings.  In  religion,  he  was  an  Orthodox 
uaker.  He  died  in  the  winter  of  1828-29,  upward  of  eighty  years  of  age.  His 
)ot-jack,  brought  from  North  Carolina,  is  still  doing  duty  in  John  E.  Allen’s  family, 
ranees  M.  Silvers,  daughter  of  Nathan  and  Mary  Silvers  and  grand-daughter  of  John 
Idwards,  was  born  August  1,  1808,  and  married  December  2,  1825,  to  Lawson  Alb  a. 
fter  their  marriage  they  moved  to  the  above-named  farm,  and  Grandfather  Edwards 
ient  the  remainder  of  his  life  with  them.  Lawson  Allen  then  became  the  owner  of 
e farm,  partly  by  legacy  and  the  remainder  by  purchase.  Lawson  Allen  was  the  son 
' Jeremiah  and  Rebecca  Allen,  born  in  Kentucky  September  2,  1800,  and  emigrated 
ith  his  parents  to  this  township  in  1803.  He  was  trained  to  farming  and,  after 
arriage,  coming  into  possession  of  the  above-named  farm,  which  is  considered  one  of 
e very  best  in  the  township,  he  made  money  and  purchased  the  well-known  farm  of 
ldge  Amos  Irwin,  where  he  moved,  giving  up  his  old  farm  to  his  son,  John  E.,  the 

esent  occupant.  Early  in  life,  Lawson  Allen  and  wife  became  members  of  the 

ethodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  both  died  members  of  the  same.  Their  house  was 

vays  a welcome  home  to  the  circuit  rider  and  visiting  members  attending  the 

larterly  and- protracted  meetings.  They  were  the  parents  of  ten  children,  three  only 
w living.  Lawson  Allen  died  July  16,  1859,  aged  fifty-eight  years  ten  months  and 
arteen  days.  Frances  M.  Allen  died  July  10,  1879,  aged  seventy  years  eleven  months 
d nine  days.  After  Lawson’s  death,  his  widow  lived  with  their  children,  dividing 
r time  with  them.  She  died  at  their  daughter’s,  Mrs.  Mary  Davis,  in  Greene  County, 
no.  John  E.  Allen  was  married  November  6,  1850,  to  Miss  Sarah  Jane  Whitset, 
io  was  born  December  13,  1827.  From  this  union  seven  children  were  born,  five  of 
10m  are  living.  The  parents  are  both  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
d their  house  is  a welcome  home  to  visiting  members  attending  quaterly  and  pro- 
fited meetings.  One  year  ago,  Mr.  Allen  would  have  taken  $100  per  acre  for  his 
i'm.  Now,  since  the  construction  of  the  Cincinnati  Northern  Railroad,  Mr.  Allen 
f made  the  following  lease  of  five  acres  with  the  privilege  of  working  forty  for  a 
m of  five  years.  The  lessee  quarries  the  stone  on  above  tracts  and  pays  Mr.  Allen 
• cents  per  perch  for  them  in  the  ground.  Each  acre  will  yield  not  less  than  6,800 
"ch.  The  ground  is  also  to  be  leveled  down  after  quarrying,  suitable  for  farming 
;un.  Not  less  than  eighty  acres  of  this  farm  is  underlaid  with  lime  and  sand  stone. 


260 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES  : 


Arrangements  for  taking  out  400  perch  daily,  if  wanted,  are  made.  The  quarry  is 
two-thirds  of  a mile  from  the  railroad.  Yards  at  the  following  places  will  be  opened 
for  the  sale  of  the  stone : Cincinnati,  Lebanon,  Xenia  and  Dayton. 

JOSEPH  P.  BENHAM,  merchant,  Centerville.  Joseph  P.  Benham,  son  of 
John  and  Albina  Benham  was  born  in  Washington  Township,  Montgomery  County, 
Ohio,  December  17,  1838.  His  father,  born  October  17,  1811.  in  Greene  County,  Ohio, 
came  with  his  parents  to  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  when  about  two  years  old  The 
larger  part  of  his  life  was  spent  in  Montgomery  County.  Died  in  Centerville  April 
28,  1862.  Albina  Benham,  born  October  17,  1815,  in  Pennsylvania,  came  with  her 
parents  to  Greene  County,  Ohio,  March,  1820  ; moved  from  Greene  to  Warreu  County, 
Ohio,  March,  1825  ; then  from  Warren  to  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  in  March,  1827 
Married,  March  9,  1837,  to  John  Benham,  Jr.;  from  this  union  were  six  children, 
three  sons  and  three  daughters,  five  of  whom  are  now  residents  of  Montgomery 
County,  Ohio.  The  eldest  child,  Augustus,  resides  in  Wabash,  Ind. ; is  a merchant  of  that 
place.  During  the  war  of  the  rebellion,  all  three  of  the  sons  were  in  the  army  at  one 
time,  1864.  While  they  were  in  the  tented  field,  the  mother  was  at  home  in  the  agri- 
cultural field.  That  year,  she  raised  five  acres  corn,  one  hundred  bushels  of  Irish 
potatoes  and  nine  bushels  of  sweet  potatoes.  Of  the  above  farming,  she  hired  out  but 
one  and  one  half  days  plowing  in  the  crop  ; the  balance  of  the  work  she  did  with  the 
hoe.  Of  the  potato  crop,  a neighbor  farmer  said  he  had  out  a much  larger  patch  and 
only  raised  ten  bushels.  Augustus  was  in  the  First  Regiment  Ohio  Volunteers,  Sec 
ond  Brigade,  Third  Division,  Fourth  Army  Corps  ; was  in  the  following  battles  : Shiloh 
or  Pittsburg  Landing,  Chickamauga,  Orchard  Knob,  Mission  Ridge,  Snake  Creek  Gap 
Buzzard  Roost  Gap,  Resaca  and  Pumpkin  Vine  Creek;  was  wounded  three  times 
during  the  war,  in  consequense  of  which  he  missed  some  of  the  battles  in  which  hit 
regiment  was  engaged ; he  served  his  time  of  enlistment,  and  was  mustered  out  of  the 
service  about  August,  1864.  Andrew  was' in  the  Ninety-third  Ohio  Volunteer  In- 
fantry, Second  Brigade,  Third  Division,  Fourth  Army  Corps.  The  regiment  was  com 
manded.  by  Col.  Charles  Anderson  and  Lieut.  Col.  Hiram  Strong,  who  was  a native  o 
this  township.  The  regiment  left  Dayton  toward  the  latter  part  of  August,  1862,  ami 
marched  direct  to  Kentucky,  where  Andrew  was  taken  prisoner  and  paroled  on  thi 
second  day  of  September,  1862.  Was  duly  exchanged  in  January,  1863 ; returned  to  hi 
regiment,  and  went  through  the  following  battles:  Liberty  Gap,  Chickamauga,  Tunne 
Hill,  Rocky  Face  Ridge,  Pine  Mountain,  Burnt  Hickory,  Chattahoochie  River,  Atlanta 
-Jonesboro,  Columbia,  Franklin  and  Nashville  ; mustered  out  of  the  service  Jun 
15,  1865.  Joseph’s  principal  occupation  was  farming  up  to  the  time  he  went  into  th 
army;  was  a member  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Thity-first  Regiment  National  Guards 
served  his  entire  time  at  Fort  Federal  Hill,  Baltimore,  Md. ; mustered  out  of  service  latte 
part  of  the  summer  of  1864  ; discharge  papers  signed  by  Edward  Stanton,  Secretary  ( 
War,  December  15,  1864.  Again  engaged  in  farming  until  the  fall  of  1870  ; then  tal 
ing  a Western  trip,  spending  the  winter  of  1870  and  1871  with  a traveling  On< 
Dollar  Store  in  Illinois  ; also  paid  a visit  to  relatives  in  Missouri,  and  returned  home  i 
the  spring  of  1871.  His  mother  was  then  Postmistress,  as  she  is  now,  of  Cjnterviil 
Joseph  rented  a suitable  room  up-town  for  the  office,  and  added  a small  stock  of  groci 
ries ; made  that  his  business,  his  actual  capital  being  $32.  Prosperity  has  attende 
him,  and  business  increased  until  he  is  now  the  owner  of  the  best  business  property  ) 
town,  with  several  smaller  pieces  of  less  value.  Since  the  death  of  his  father,  he  hi 
been  looked  upon  as  the  head  of  the  family,  which  at  that  time  was  mother  and  thrt 
sisters.  Since  then  two  sisters  have  married  ; family  now  mother,  one  sister,  niece  at 
ihimself. 

JAMES  BRADFORD,  farmer,  P.  O.  Centerville.  James  Bradford,  son 
Robert  and  Elizabeth  Bradford,  was  born  April  5,  1838.  Robert  Bradford  was  boil 
in  Ireland,  in  the  County  Down,  August  22,  1788,  and  came  to  America  in  181 
stopping  three  months  in  Pennsylvania,  thence  to  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  in  April  ol  tl 
same  year.  His  first  work  was  tending  to  a bricklayer,  carrying  brick  in  a hod  up 
the  third  story  for  $6  per  month.  His  next  job  of  work  was  tending  a flouring  mill 


WASHINGTON  TOWNSHIP. 


261 


Cincinnati  at  $1  per  day  ; next  he  went  to  farming  near  Cummingsville  on  the  shares, 
his  being  two-thirds  of  the  crop.  While  farming  here  he  was  married  to  Elizabeth 
Myers,  in  1813.  From  this  union  were  ten  children,  of  which  three  sons  and  six 
daughters  are  now  living.  He  moved  into  Montgomery  County,  Washington  Township, 
Ohio,  in  1816,  into  a log  cabin  having  a stick  chimney,  and  lived  in  that  until  1838, 
when  he  built  a commodious  brick  residence,  in  which  he  and  his  wife  lived  until  their 
deaths.  Mrs.  Bradford  died  July  14,  1844,  and  Mr.  Bradford,  December  11,  1877. 
They  were  both  members  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  he  being  an  elder  in  the 
church  about  thirty-three  years.  Politically,  he  was  a Democrat,  and  never  missing  an 
flection  unless  caused  by  sickness.  James  Bradford,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was 
jorn  on  the  homestead  of  which  he  is  the  owner  and  occupant,  three  sisters  living  with 
lim,  he  being  an  unmarried  man.  This  farm  was  bought  in  1816  at  $8  per  acre. 

DANIEL  CBOSLEY  was  born  November  25,  1818,  in  Warren  County,  Ohio,  and 
was  married  to  Lydia  Hatfield,  November  21,  1839,  is  a farmer  and  mechanic  by  occu- 
pation. He  has  served  in  all  the  different  township  offices  with  only  one  or  two  excep- 
ions  in  the  township  of  Washington,  county  of  Montgomery  and  State  of  Ohio, 
laving  represented  his  township  as  Justice  of  the  Peace,  and  Clerk  for  several  years 
:ach,  and  also  has  been  one  of  the  Trustees  of  the  original  surveyed  township  of 
school  Section  No.  16  for  the  last  twenty  years.  In  the  fall  of  1877,  he  was  elected  ta 
he  Legislature  of  Ohio,  serving  two  sessions  in  the  Lower  House  of  Representatives, 
nd  has  been  a resident  of  said  county  for  the  last  forty-five  years,  and  by  frugality, 
industry  and  economy  has  accumulated  a sufficiency  of  property  to  make  him  live  com- 
fortable the  balance  of  his  days.  His  father,  William  Crosley,  was  born  in  the  State  of 
laryland,  his  grandfather,  Moses  Crosley,  being  of  Welsh  nationality.  His  father, 
Villiam,  with  his  family,  emigrated  to  the  State  of  Kentucky,  Bracken  County,  in  its 
arly  settlement  as  a State,  and  was  there  married  to  Mary  Kelsey,  and,  in  1810,  emi- 
grated to  Warren  County,  Ohio,  locating  on  a tract  of  land  partly  in  Warren  and  partly 
p Montgomery,  being  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  this  portion  of  Ohio.  He  made  gun- 
jowder  in  the  old  fashioned  way,  by  sweep  and  mortar,  and  as  powder  was  in  great 
iemand  in  those  days,  hunters  would  come  a long  distance  to  buy  the  article.  By  his 
idustry  and  economy,  in  the  course  of  time,  accumulated  a considerable  amount  of 
ealth.  He  was  a farmer  by  occupation,  and  served  his  fellow-citizens  in  nearly  all  the 
ifferent  offices  of  his  township,  and  acted  as  Justice  of  the  Peace  for  eighteen  years  in 
Recession.  He  removed  from  Warren  County  to  Montgomery  about  the  year  1834, 
ad  soon  thereafter  was  one  of  the  Commissioners  of  the  Dayton  & Lebanon  Turnpike, 
id  after  said  pike  was  finished  in  1840,  was  elected  President  and  Treasurer  of  the 
pmpany,  and  served  for  twelve  years  in  that  capacity.  In  addition  to  what  has  already 
(een  stated  in  the  history  of  Daniel  Crosley,  we  can  say  that  when  he  was  elected  to 
ie  Legislature  in  1877  from  Montgomery  County,  it  was  by  an  overwhelming  ma- 
irity  as  a candidate  on  the  Democratic  ticket,  many  Republicans  voting  for  him.  He 
las  appointed  by  the  Speaker  on  one  of  the  most  important  committees,  the  Committee 
i Retrenchment  and  Reform,  thus  showing  that  he  was  a man  worthy  of  trust  as  a 
rvant  of  the  people,  he  having  introduced  several  bills  which  became  the  general  laws 
the  State  relative  to  the  improvements  of  the  public  highways,  and  for  the  better 
'otection  of  the  unprotected  public  burying-grounds  of  the  State.  He  introduced  a 
11  to  emancipate  the  toll  pikes  of  Montgomery  County,  by  a tax  levied  on  the  grand 
rplicate  of  the  county  for  the  payment  of  the  same.  He  was  an  ardent  and  strong 
Ivocate  of  the  school  laws  of  Ohio,  embodying  the  free  education  of  the  youth  of  the 
ate,  both  white  and  black,  but  separately,  and  was  always  found  when  a vole  was  to 
! cast  for  the  protection  of  the  public  works  of  the  State,  to  favor  the  same  against 
y clique  or  railroad  corporation.  He  also  favored  the  reduction  of  the  salaries  of 
unty  officers,  it  being  a plank  in  the  Democratic  platform,  and  the  people,  as  a mass, 
'ongly  advocating  the  same.  As  the  House  journal  records  will  clearly  show  that 
j*  votes  on  bills  were  in  the  interests  of  the  people,  and  the  tax-payers  of  his  county 
d State.  He  was  also  a soldier  in  the  late  war,  being  a member  of  the  Ohio  National 
tards — under  the  call  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  Abraham  Lincoln.  In 


262 


BIOQRAFHICAL  SKETCHES: 


1864,  his  company  belonged  to  the  One  Hundred  and  Thirty-first  Regiment  of  Ohio 
National  Guards,  commanded  by  Col.  John  G.  Lowe,  and  was  stationed  at  Port  Federal 
Hill,  Baltimore,  Md.  He  occupied  two  important  positions  in  his  company,  bein°- 
Orderly  Sergeant  and  Company  Clerk.  Fie  has  acquitted  himself  honorably  in  all  the 
different  positions  he  has  filled,  both  in  military  as  well  as  in  public  life.  His  son, 
William  J.  Crosley,  enlisted  in  the  regular  army  in  the  winter  of  1864,  and  was  in  some 
of  those  hard-fought  battles  in  the  Shenandoah  Yalley  in  West  Virginia,  under  Gen. 
Sheridan,  and  incurred  a pulmonary  disease  of  the  lungs  while  in  the  service  of  his 
country,  and  was  discharged  from  the  service  in  consequence  thereof  the  last  of  Septem- 
ber, 1864,  and  died  of  said  disease  in  March,  1865,  at  home. 

WILLIAM  II.  DAVIS,  farmer,  P.  0.  Centerville,  son  of  Benjamin  and  Rhoda 
Davis,  was  born  in  Centerville,  Montgomery  County,  Washington  Township, Ohio,  March 
24, 1840,  and  has  always  resided  therein.  His  father  being  a farmer,  William  was  also 
trained  to  that  profession,  and  has  followed  it  so  far  through  life;  has  had  the  advan- 
tage of  pretty  fair  schools  ; the  result  is  that  his  neighbors  have  frequently  conferred  on 
him  different  township  offices,  and  that  of  School  Director.  He  was  one  of  the  Board 
of  Trustees  under  whose  directions  the  present  township  hall  was  built  in  Centerville  iti| 
1880.  He  was  married,  September  12,  1861,  to  Miss  Martha  M.  Watkins.  From 
this  union  there  have  been  five  children,  all  boys,  four  of  whom  are  living.  William, 
though  not  strictly  a pioneer,  but  by  his  marriage  he  goes  into  a pioneer  family,  the 
Watkins  coming  here  about  the  same  time  the  Allens  did,  1803.  His  father,  Benja- 
min Davis,  was  born  in  Salem  County,  N.  J.,  and  when  a mere  boy  was  bound  to  a 
farmer,  with  whom  he  lived  until  he  was  twenty-one  years  of  age,  and  then  came  to 
Warren  County,  Ohio,  landing  there  with  only  $5.50.  With  $5.00  he  bought  material 
for  clothing,  and  the  50  cents  paid  on  the  making.  The  first  year  he  worked  for  Jacob 
Eulass,  on  the  farm  for  $120.  At  the  close  of  the  year  he  found  that  he  had  lost  only 
three  days,  and  had  saved  $110  of  his  wages.  He  next  went  to  work  for  Abner  Kel-  j 
sey,  at  customary  wages,  and  continued  with  him  until  he  married,  and  then  rented  the 
farm  on  which  he  now  resides,  paying  one-half  the  proceeds  of  the  farm,  less  his  living, 
for  five  years.  He  then  purchased  it  on  ten  years’  time,  and  at  the  expiration  the  farm 
was  paid  for.  Since  then  he  has  purchased  3161  acres  of  first  quality  land,  paying  as 
high  as  $140  per  acre  for  one  tract  containing  100  acres.  This  shows  what  a bound 
boy  can  make  for  himself  by  practicing  industry  and  economy.  He  still  makes  a full 
hand  on  the  farm. 

SUSANNAH  HARRIS,  farming,  P.  O.  Centerville.  William  Watkins,  a native  oi 
Wales,  came  to  America  early  in  the  last  century.  He  was  married  about  1760,  but  at 
what  place  or  the  name  of  the  lady  is  nob  known.  She  was  a native  of  Ireland  and 
came  to  America  about  the  same  time  her  husband  did.  From  this  union  were  thirteen 
children,  nine  sons  and  four  daughters.  Joshua  Watkins,  one  of  above  sons,  was  born 
in  Kentucky,  and  married  about  1801,  to  Miss  Nancy  Colvin,  a resident  of  Kentucky, 
but  a native  of  Virginia.  From  this  union  were  two  sons,  Caleb  and  Henry,  and  seven 
daughters,  Susannah,  Rachael,  Jane,  Calinda,  Nancy,  Perraelia  Ann  and  Lucinda 
Susannah,  Calinda  and  Perraelia  Ann  are  all  that  are  now  living.  Joshua  Watkins 
with  his  wife  and  two  children  (Jhe  subject  of  this  sketch  one  of  them),  emigrated  from 
Kentucky  to  Washington  Township,  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  about  the  year  1806, 
moving  into  a log  cabin  situated  on  the  land  set  off  to  him  by  his  father,  who  had  pre- 
viously entered  about  one  section,  dividing  the  same  among  his  children  that  carni 
with  him  to  Ohio,  a portion  of  them  remaining  in  Kentucky.  Jonathan  Watkins 
brother  of  Joshua,  afterward  became  the  owner  of  above  tract.  David  settled  on  tie 
farm  now  owned  by  George  Sears,  and  George  ou  the  farm  now  owned  by  John  Kirby 
The  subject  of  this  sketch,  Susannah  Watkins,  was  raised  on  a farm;  received  a limit 
ed  education,  or  as  good  as  was  then  given  to  pioneer  children;  joined  the  Methodis 
Episcopal  Church  in  early  life  under  the  preaching  of  the  Rev.  Robert  Burns,  at  th| 
old  Hopewell  log  church,  situated  on  Sugar  Creek,  and  on  the  farm  now  owned  b 
George  Sears.  At  the  age  of  about  twenty  years  she  was  united  in  marriage  to  Abac 
Harris  by  Elder  Joshua  Carman.  After  paying  the  minister  his  marriage  fees,  the  groom 


WASHINGTON  TOWNSHIP. 


263 


worldly  goods  consisted  in  cash  25  cents,  and  one  dog.  The  bride’s  father  presented 
to  her  as  an  outfit  the  choice  one  of  seven  good  cows,  four  sheep,  one  sow  and  four 
shotes ; also,  one  good  feather  bed  and  bedding.  They  commenced  housekeeping  in  a 
very  small  log  cabin,  scarcely  large  enough  to  have  stabled  four  horses.  Mrs.  Harris 
says  the  cabin  was  on  the  farm  of  her  father-in-law.  Mrs.  Harris  here  assisted  her  husband 
with  his  farming  to  the  utmost  of  her  physical  strength,  which  was  no  small  amount. 
She  relates  the  following  incident:  One  hay  harvest  assisting  in  hauling,  she  was  as- 
signed the  duty  of  loading,  her  husband  doing  the  pitching  up,  and  while  doing  so  the 
team  became  frightened  and  made  a fearful  runaway  with  the  wagon  partly  loaded, 
with  Mrs.  Harris  on  it,  and  no  chance  for  escape,  until  the  team  made  a short  turn  in 
the  field  and  became  entangled  in  the  harness,  when  they  were  caught  by  her  husband. 
When  quieted  down  the  loading  was  resumed  and  finished  up  without  any  further 
mishap.  Remaining  here  a few  years  and  accumulating  some  means,  a purchase  of  50 
acres  of  land  was  made  a few  miles  southwest  of  Centerville,  upon  which  they  resided  a 
few  years,  then  sold  and  made  another  purchase  of  a farm  two  miles  north  of  Center- 
ville, remaining  on  this  purchase  less  than  one  year,  when  a profitable  sale  was  made, 
and  immediately  another  purchase,  containing  100  acres,  now  enlarged  to  165  acres, 
upon  which  they  have  resided  for  the  last  forty-five  years.  Mrs.  Harris  continued  her 
early  habits  of  industry  up  to  about  eight  years  ago,  when  she  received  a paralytic 
stroke,  disabling  her  from  further  household  work.  Her  eyesight  also  impaired,  she  is 
deprived  from  reading  as  much  as  she  would  be  pleased  to  do,  hence  her  principal  en- 
ijoyment  now  is  in  the  reception  of  friends  and  in  having  free  converse  with  them. 
From  the  extensive  number  of  relatives  she  once  claimed,  she  cannot  count,  outside  of 
her  immediate  family,  but  three  cousins  now  living.  Since  her  affliction,  she  has  not 
had  the  pleasure  of  attending  church,  but  has  many  social  calls  from  her  ministers.  No 
children  from  this  union. 

OWEN  HATFIELD,  deceased.  Owen  Hatfield,  son  of  Thomas  and  Sarah 
(Allen)  Hatfield,  was  born  in  Washington  Township,  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  Sep- 
tember 12,  1807 ; received  a liberal  education  ; was  a farmer  by  occupation  ; married 
July  31,  1834,  to  Miss  Phebe  Stephens  (daughter  of  Richard  and  Betsey  Stephens). 
From  this  union  were  five  sons  and  five  daughters.  Two  sons  and  one  daughter  are 
deceased.  Mr.  Hatfield  joined  the  New-School  Baptist  Church  in  Centerville,  May 
7,  1848,  and  died  a member  of  the  same  January  4,  1881.  He  was  buried  in  the  old 
cemetery,  one-half  mile  north  of  Centerville ; funeral  sermon  was  preached  by  Elder  J oseph 
H.  Wilson.  His  every-day  life  was  in  accord  with  his  religious  profession,  in  which,  as 
in  his  political  views,  he  was  very  candid.  In  his  death  his  family  lost  a worthy  coun- 
selor, the  church  a valued  member,  and  the  community  at  large  an  estimable  citizen. 
His  father  was  a native  of  Delaware  and  his  mother  of  Virginia.  Both  in  early  life 
moved  to  Kentucky,  where  they  were  married  and  emigrated  to  this  township  in  1802. 
Mrs.  Hatfield’s  parents  were  natives  of  Redstone,  Penn.;  were  married  in  Kentucky, 
ind  emigrated  to  what  is  now  Washington  Township,  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  about 
he  year  1800.  Mrs.  Hatfield  and  husband  were  members  of  the  same  church. 
Among  the  living  ones  she  has  the  oldest  membership  to-day.  This  sketch  was  con- 
tributed by  his  son,  Richard  Hatfield. 

The  following  is  the  funeral  sermon  of  Owen  Hatfield,  by  his  pastor,  J.  H . 
Wilson,  from  the  text — John,  vi,  34  and  35,  “ The  Bread  of  Life 

The  discourses  from  our  Savior  were  always  plain  and  practical.  He  often  selected 
some  of  the  most  common  things  of  every-day  life  with  which  to  illustrate  and  enforce 
he  most  sublime  truths.  He  came  to  this  earth  as  the  Savior  of  lost,  perishing  souls. 
He  delighted  to  save  sinners.  To  illustrate  His  mission  and  work  on  earth  He  compares 
fimself  in  one  place  to  a hen  gathering  her  brood  under  her  wings.  In  another  place 
;o  a road  leading  to  heaven — “lam  the  way.”  In  another  to  a door — “lam  the 
loor,  by  me  if  any  man  enter  in,  he  shall  be  saved.”  Again  to  a shepherd — I am 
he  good  shepherd  ; the  good  shephered  giveth  his  life  for  his  sheep.”  In  our  text 
ie  compares  himself  to  bread — “ I am  the  bread  of  life.”  This  is  peculiarly  fitting  and 
orcible  because  of  its  universal  use.  Bread  is  the  staff  of  life.  It  is  used  everywhere 


264 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


and  by  all  classes.  Hence  whenever  a family  sit  down  to  their  daily  meal,  whether  in 
mansion  or  cottage  there  is  before  them  this  emblem  of  the  Savior  of  the  world.  We 
have  first  in  our  text  a confession  on  man’s  part  of  the  soul’s  deep  hunger,  Lord,  ever- 
more give  us  this  bread.”  Some  one  has  said,  “ This  world  of  ours  is  a rude  picture  of 
heaven.”  Whether  that  be  true  or  not,  these  bodies  of  ours  in  which  our  spirits  dwell, 
are  coarse  copies  of  the  mind.  To  almost  every  experience  of  the  body  there  is  a cor- 
responding experience  of  the  soul.  As  there  is  bodily  weariness,  so  there  is  soul  weari- 
ness. As  there  is  bodily  hunger,  so  there  is  soul  hunger.  One  does  not  need  to  live 
in  this  world  long  to  learn  the  meaning  of  soul  hunger.  Every  true  heart  yearns  for 
human  love  and  sympathy.  You  may  be  surrounded  with  a multitude  of  strangers, 
and  yet  have  a feeling  of  loneliness,  a longing  for  some  intimate  friend  with  whom  to 
converse  and  share  your  love  and  sympathy.  Could  the  heart  experiences  of  the  human 
race  be  written  before  us,  there  would  be  revealed  the  fact  that  this  unsatisfied  hunger 
of  the  heart  for  human  love  and  sympathy  has  fallen  like  a withering  blight  upon  many 
a life,  and  has  buried  many  a lovely  flower  in  an  early  tomb.  With  growing  intelli- 
gence and  virtue  there  is  a growing  hunger  of  the  soul.  In  civilized  lands  there  is 
more  real  soul-suffering  than  in  uncivilized  lauds.  Ruth  leaves  the  hills  of  Moab  and 
follows  Naomi  to  Judea.  The  little  child  finds  a companion  in  almost  every  one  ; but 
as  he  grows  in  years  the  number  with  whom  he  associates  freely  grow  gradually  less.J 
When  we  reach  a Moses,  an  Isaiah  or  an  Elijah,  they  are  almost  alone.  They  caQ  find 
but  few  who  can  sympathize  with  them  deeply.  When  we  reach  the  perfect  man 
Christ  Jesus,  He  stands  alone.  He  finds  companionship  only  with  Glod.  There  is  a 
hunger  of  the  soul  for  something  higher  than  human  love  and  sympathy.  You  may) 
be  surrounded  with  all  that  companionship  can  give  you,  and  yet  your  soul  remains  un- 
satisfied. Human  love,  however,  pure  and  ardent,  fails  to  meet  the  deep  long- 
ings of  the  soul.  This  will  sometimes  be  the  means  of  awakening  a deeper  desire 
for  something  higher  and  nobler  and  even  divine.  Could  human  love  satisfy  us  the  I 
object  of  that  love  may  soon  fall  pale  and  pulseless  into  the  tomb.  We  have  second! 
in  our  text  the  fact  that  an  abundance  of  soul  food  has  been  provided  and  that  food  is 
Jesus  Christ.  “ I am  the  bread  of  life  ; he  that  cometh  to  me  shall  never  hunger,  and  he 
that  believeth  on  me  shall  never  thirst.”  Just  as  Jesus  fed  the  five  thousand  in  the  deseri 
place,  with  five  barley  loaves  and  two  fishes,  and  had  twelve  baskets  of  fragments 
remaining,  so  now  He  comes  to  every  hungry  care-worn  soul  saying,  “ I am  the  bread 
of  life.”  Men  have  died  of  starvation,  unable  to  procure  that  which  would  sustain 
physical  life.  But  no  soul  need  ever  perish  eternally  for  lack  of  immortal  food.  Nothing 
short  of  a personal  living,  loving  Savior  can  satisfy  or  save  the  soul.  The  soul  calls  foi 
more  than  a mere  philosophy,  more  than  a liturgy,  more  than  a historic  Savior,  h 
requires  a pei'sonal  friend  upon  whose  loving  bosom  it  can  lean  as  did  the  beloved  dis 
ciple  of  old.  That  personal,  loving  friend  and  Savior  is  found  in  Jesus  Christ,  “ Win 
is  the  same  yesterday,  to-day  and  forever.”  He  is  the  friend  above  all  other  friends 
“ That  sticketh  closer  than  a brother.”  Let  us  be  careful  how  we  treat  these  hungn 
hearts  of  ours.  Let  us  not  neglect  nor  refuse  them  the  food  without  which  they  wil 
forever  die.  How  foolish  to  reject  this  soul-food  because  you  cannot  understand  it.  I 
is  not  necessary  for  you  to  make  any  analysis  of  food  before  eating  it,  when  you  sei 
hundreds  whose  bodies  are  sustained  by  the  use  of  the  same  food.  So  it  is  not  neces 
sary  for  you  to  understand  Christ  to  perfection  when  you  know  he  saves  others  wh 
trust  him.  Just  as  you  feed  your  bodies  daily  with  suitable  food  so  you  need  Chris 
with  you  continually  that  your  souls  may  be  constantly  satisfied  with  food.  As  th 
body  grows  weaker  with  age,  and  the  appetite  for  material  food  becomes  poorer,  th 
spirit  seems  to  grow  stronger,  and  the  desire  for  spiritual  food  is  increased  more  an 
more  until  at  last  when  the  aged  pilgrim  nears  the  spirit  land,  the  hunger  for  the  thing 
of  that  land  is  so  deep  that  death  itself  is  not  unwelcome,  but  seems  only  the  messengej 
that  opens  the  door  of  heaven.  Thus  did  death  come  to  this  departed  husband,  fatheij 
brother  and  friend.  During  his  lingering  illness,  he  gave  abundant  evidence  of  feedm 
his  soul  upon  Christ.  No  place  did  the  pastor  receive  a more  cordial  welcome  than  at  th 
house  of  the  deceased.  No  one  seemed  to  more  highly  appreciate  a word  about  Jesus  or  s 


WASHINGTON  TOWNSHIP. 


265 


prayer.  He  often  expressed  his  joy  and  gratitude  for  the  recent  conversion  of  three  of 
his  grandchildren.  His  greatest  desire  seemed  to  be  that  all  of  his  own  dear  children 
might  receive  Christ,  the  bread  of  life.  In  conclusion  let  me  say  to  these  mourning 
ones,  weep  not  for  this  departed  one.  He  is  asleep  in  Jesus.  See  that  your  own  souls 
are  fed  with  this  same  immortal  food.  “ Labor  not  for  the  meat  which  perisheth,  but 
for  that  meat  which  endureth  unto  everlasting  life.” 

THOMAS  HATFIELD,  farmer,  was  born  October  1,  1821,  in  a log  cabin  which 
stood  near  the  site  of  his  present  home.  His  paternal  grandfather,  Thomas  Hatfield, 
was  a native  of  Delaware,  of  Welsh  descent,  served  as  a drummer  boy  in  the  Revolu- 
tionary war,  and  ever  afterward  was  a stanch  hater  of  the  English  flag  and  govern- 
ment, which  he  believed  was  symbolical  of  tyranny  and  oppression.  His  brothers, 
John  and  Samuel,  were  killed  in  that  struggle  for  liberty,  one  at  the  battle  of  the  Cow- 
pens  and  the  other  at  Greenbrier  C.  H.  Thomas  married  Sarah  Allen,  a native  of 
Culpeper  County,  Va.,  but  a resident  of  Kentucky  at  the  time  of  her  marriage.  After 
the  Revolutionary  war  closed  with  the  surrender  of  Cornwallis  at  Yorktown,  Thomas 
traveled  through  Virginia,  Maryland,  North  and  South  Carolina,  Tennesee  and  into 
Kentucky,  where  he  was  married  and  lived  until  1801,  when  he  and  family  came  to 
Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  and  entered  the  land  now  owned  by  his  grandson,  Thomas. 
By  his  union  with  Sarah  Allen  our  subject’s  grandfather  became  the  father  of  nine 
children,  of  whom  John,  the  father  of  Thomas,  Jr.,  the  second  child,  was  born  in  Mason 
County,  Ky.,  in  November,  1793.  When  John  was  eighteen  years  of  age,  he  was 
drafted  to  serve  in  the  war  of  1812,  but  having  imbibed  his  father’s  spirit  of  liberty 
and  freedom  he  could  not  brook  the  idea  of  going  into  his  country’s  service  as  a drafted 
man,  and  therefore  enlisted  in  Capt.  Perry’s  Rangers.  His  father,  fired  with  that 
spirit  of  hatred  against  the  same  old  foe  he  had  helped  to  humiliate  in  1776,  enlisted  in 
the  same  company  and  did  excellent  service  as  scout  and  guide,  and  being  of  a fearless 
nature  was  ever  the  first  man  to  ford  any  stream  that  lay  in  their  pathway.  After 
serving  one  year,  he  and  his  son  were  honorably  discharged  at  Vincennes,  Ind. 
John  was  married  about  1817  to  Nancy  Hatfield,  a distant  relative,  who  bore  him  six 
children,  viz.  : Ann  L.  (the  wife  of  William  Dodds),  Lydia  C.  (the  wife  of  Daniel 
Crosley),  Thomas,  Allen,  Ambrose  B.  (deceased)  and  Maria  (the  wife  of  John  C. 
Martin).  John  Hatfield  was  a stone-mason  by  trade,  but  after  the  war  of  1812  turned 
his  attention  chiefly  to  farming.  He  died  May  11,  1829,  and  his  wife  survived  him 
until  August,  1852.  They  were  members  of  the  Baptist  Church  and  highly  respected 
by  all  who  knew  them,  he  being  a hard-working,  generous  and  kind-hearted  man,  who 
was  always  careful  to  be  right  before  acting.  Our  subject  has  never  lived  away  from 
his  birthplace,  and  was  married  August  15,  1845,  to  Mary  Elizabeth  Stansell,  daughter 
of  William  and  Sarah  (Myover)  Stansell,  her  parents  having  come  from  Kentucky  to 
this  county  about  the  year  1801.  Mrs.  Hatfield  was  born  in  Washington  Township, 
Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  August  12,  1827,  and  has  had  the  following  children  ; 
Louisa  J.  (deceased),  Albert  P.  (deceased),  Laura  E.  (deceased),  Mason  W.  and  Alice 
S.  Mr.  Hatfield  and  wife  have  been  members  of  the  Baptist  Church  since  1859,  and 
he  is  looked  upon  as  an  honorable,  upright  and  worthy  citizen. 

THOMAS  B.  HOLMES,  farmer,  P.  0.  Bellbrook,  Greene  Co.;  was  born  in  Greene 
County,  Ohio,  Dec.  27,  1827.  His  parents  were  John  and  Hannah  (Bigger)  Holmes, 
natives,  the  father  of  Newville,  Cumberland  County,  Penn.,  born  September  17,  1792, 
and  the  mother  of  the  State  of  Kentucky,  born  November  12,  1797.  Mr.  Holmes 
came  to  Ohio  with  his  parents  prior  to  the  war  of  1812,  and  settled  in  Greene  County. 
He  was  a soldier  in  that  war  and  for  service  rendered  therein  drew  a pension  from  the 
United  States  Government.  His  death  occurred  October  31,  1878,  aud  the  mother’s 
August  23,  1869.  They  were  married  in  Montgomery  County  on  the  24th  of  Septem- 
ber; 1818,  and  soon  thereafter  purchased  land  in  Section  14  of  that  county.  Their 
children  were  Hugh,  Mary,  Martha,  John,  Rebecca,  Hannah  J.,  Thomas  B.  and 
Martha  Ann.  Our  subject  was  reared  on  a farm,  which  occupation  he  has  ever  since 
followed.  He  now  resides  on  the  homestead  and  is  in  comfortable  circumstances.  He 
is  a kind  neighbor,  good  citizen,  and  has  the  esteem  of  his  many  acquaintances. 


266 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES : 


JOHN  S.  KINDLE,  blacksmith,  Centerville.  John  S.  Kindle,  son  of  Joseph  and 
Margaret  Kindle,  was  born  in  Centerville,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  May  10,  1845. 
Commenced  going  to  school  at  about  the  age  of  five  years,  and  continued  up  to  the 
age  of  twelve,  receiving  a pretty  fair  district  school  education.  Then  went  to  work 
in  the  shop  with  his  father,  occasionally  assisting  the  neighboring  farmers  when 
they  were  in  a pinch  for  labor,  up  to  August,  1862,  when  he  volunteered  in  the 
army,  Ninety -third  Regiment,  Company  B,  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry.  The  regiment 
was  gotten  up  and  commanded  by  Col.  Charles  Anderson  and  Lieut.  Col.  Hiram 
Strong ; first  engagement  was  on  the  Kentucky  River,  between  Lexington  and 
Richmond,  during  Nelson’s  retreat  to  Louisville.  Was  also  at  the  battle  of  Stone 
River,  and  there  taken  prisoner  by  the  Texan  Rangers,  but  recaptured  by  the 
Fourth  Ohio  Volunteer  Cavalry.  Then  followed  numerous  skirmishes,  in  which 
he  participated.  Next  in  order  came  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  in  which  he 
was  severely  wounded  by  a musket  ball  in  the  leg;  the  ball  was  extracted,  and  is 
now  in  his  possession,  being  kept  as  a relic.  He  is  crippled  for  life.  Was  placed 
in  the  hospital,  staying  there  about  four  months ; then  came  home  on  furlough, 
and  remained  thirteen  months ; then  returned  to  the  army,  and  remained  there  three 
or  four  months,  when  he  was  given  a final  discharge  May  80,  1865.  He  married, 
February  8,  1877,  Miss  Elizabeth  Simpson.  From  this  uniou  are  three  children,  all 
boys,  two  of  whom  are  now  living.  Has  some  political  aspirations  ; has  been  elected 
Township  Clerk  and  Constable,  and  is  now  serving  as  Justice  of  the  Peace.  He  was 
elected  in  1876.  When  not  officially  employed,  he  works  at  his  trade.  His  father  was 
born  in  Burlington  County,  N.  J.,  and  came  to  Ohio  in  1833.  His  mother  was  born 
in  Half-Moon  Valley,  Center  County,  Penn. 

CORNELIA  A.  (MESLER)  KELSEY,  farmer,  P.  0.  Waynesville,  Warren  Co ; 
born  in  New  Jersey  Nov.  24, 1813,  and  came  to  Ohio  in  1832.  She  married  Mr.  JohnS. 
Kelsey,  November  2,  1837.  From  this  union  were  seven  children,  six  of  whom  are 
living.  Names  and  birth  of  the  children  as  follows:  Hester  E.,  born  August  17, 

1838;  George  Washington,  born  August  14,  1840  ; Wilhelmina,  born  February  19, 
1842;  Eliza  Melissa,  born  December  14,  1843;  John  Albert,  born  January  10,  1846; 
Jonathan  Meeker,  born  January  14,  1848  ; Charles  Edward,  born  November  5,  1851; 
George  Washington,  died  September  18.  1846;  John  S.,  died  October  22,  1875.  John 
S.,  son  of  Jessey  and  Hettie  (Marsh)  Kelsey,  was  born  January  13, 1816.  His  mother  j 
was  a native  of  New  Jersey,  and  his  father  of  Pennsylvania.  Emigrated  to  Kentucky, 
thence  to  Ohio,  in  an  early  day.  He  married  at  the  early  age  of  twenty-eight;  his 
wife  at  twenty.  Previous  to  his  marriage,  he  followed  school  teaching  in  a log  house 
on  his  own  land.  After  that  his  principal  occupation  was  farming,  and  a very  .suc- 
cessful one,  owning  at  one  time  in  Washington  Township  760  acres  of  land.  He  com- 
menced life  here  with  about  $100.  He  was  the  father  of  twelve  children,  nine  sons  and 
three  daughters,  three  sons  and  one  daughter  now  living  (July,  1881).  Mrs.  Cornelia 
Kelsey,  with  two  daughters  and  the  assistance  of  the  youngest  son,  continues  to  farm  the 
homestead.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kelsey  were  both  members  of  the  Sugar  Creek  Old  School 
Baptist  Church.  Mr.  Kelsey  united  with  the  church  January  26,  1858,  Mrs.  Keisey 
about  one  year  afterward.  The  daughter,  Eliza  Melissa,  is  also  a member  of  the  same 
church.  A request  of  Mr.  John  S.  Kelsey  on  his  death  bed  was  that  his  widow 
purchase  and  give  to  each  one  of  the  children  (except  Charles),  a family  Bible  as  near 
like  the  present  one  as  she  can  procure,  and  after  her  death  Charles  to  have  the  present 
one. 

JAMES  MILTON  KELSEY,  farmer.  This  well-known  gentleman  was  born  ir 
Washington  Township,  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  June  11,  1831,  and  is  the  son  o! 
Jesse  and  Hettie  (Marsh)  Kelsey,  early  settlers  of  this  county.  His  father  was  borr 
in  1783,  and  died  in  1857.  His  mother  was  born  in  1791  and  died  in  1845. 

James  M.  grew  to  manhood  in  his  native  township,  receiving  a limited  education  lrj 
the  school  of  his  neighborhood,  and  January  26,  1853,  he  was  married  to  Mary  Wilson 
daughter  of  Samuel  and  Sarah  (Allen)  Wilson,  also  a native  of  Washington,  born  Mai 
19,  1833.  Her  paternal  grandfather  was  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  but  her  parent.' 


WASHINGTON  TOWNSHIP. 


267 


were  born  in  this  county.  William  Kelsey  has  had  five  children,  viz.  : Sarah  E.  (the 
wife  of  Richard  Hatfield),  Flora  J.  (wife  of  George  Mull),  Mary  E.  (wife  of  David 
Eagle),  Effie  J.  and  Nannie.  Mr.  Kelsey  was  raised  a Baptist  but  in  1858  he  joined 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  in  which  he  has  been  a Trustee  some  six  years,  and 
is  one  of  the  Stewards  at  the  present  time.  Politically,  he  affiliates  with  the  Republican 
party.  He  purchased  and  moved  to  his  present  beautiful  home  in  1858,  where  he 
owns  138  acres  of  finely  improved  land,  and  is  recognized  as  one  of  the  leading  farmers, 
of  this  portions  of  Montgomery  County. 

WILLIAM  MARSH  KELSEY,  farmer,  P.  0.  Centerville.  William  Marsh  Kelsey 
son  of  Jesse  and  Heotie  (Marsh)  Kelsey,  was  born  January  5,  1814,  in  Washington 
Township,  Montgomery  County,  Ohio.  His  father  being  a farmer  the  sou  was  also 
trained  to  it  from  early  boyhood.  His  education  was  received  in  the  pioneer  log  school- 
house,  to  which  place  he  was  guided  through  the  dense  forests  by  the  blazed  trees  (a 
blazed  tree  is  one  from  which  the  bark  is  chipped  off  of  on  opposite  sides).  David 
Watkins  was  the  name  of  his  first  teacher.  The  branches  then  taught  were  reading, 
writing,  arithmetic  and  geography.  A scholar’s  copy-book  was  made  by  sewing  a few 
sheets  of  plain  fools-cap  paper  together,  and  the  copies  set  by  the  teachers.  The 
scholar  was  expected  to  provide  himself  or  herself  with  a lead  pencil  and  ruler  for  lin- 
ing the  copy-book,  and  manufacture  his  own  ink.  Gold  and  steel  pens  were  not  then 
in  use,  but  the  scholars  provided  themselves  with  goose-quills,  out  of  which  the  teacher 
manufactured  the  pens.  Mr.  Kelsey  received  his  last  schooling  the  year  he  attained 
his  majority.  Being  the  eldest  son  it  fell  to  his  lot  to  assist  his  father  in  clearing  up 
his  land  ready  for  farming.  He  remembers  his  first  plowing  was  done  with  the  wooden 
mold-board  plow  and  followed  up  for  a series  of  years.  The  wearing  apparel  in  his 
boyish  days  was  principally  of  home  manufacture,  flax-linen  for  summer  and  linsey  for 
winter  wear.  At  that  time  it  frequently  fell  to  his  lot  to  assist  in  pulling  and  dressing 
the  flax,  shearing  of  the  sheep,  and  in  fact  almost  everything  appertaining  to  a farmer’s 
life,  which  he  has  followed  or  has  carried  on  to  this  time.  ( He  is  now  the  owner  of 
three  farms  in  this  township).  Milling  he  did  then  on  horseback,  going  as  far  as  the 
Little  Miami  River.  Frequently  he  would  go  with  his  father  to  Cincinnati  market^, 
trading  their  produce  for  all  kinds  of  groceries  and  other  articles  needed  for  family  use. 
Wheat  was  then  cut  entirely  with  the  sickle ; after  a while  came  the  grain  cradle; 
which  was  looked  upon  as  a great  improvement  over  the  sickle,  being  more  expeditious  ; 
next  came  the  McCormick  Reaper,  when  it  was  thought  all  the  improvements  had 
come  for  the  cutting  of  grain,  but  since  that  Mr.  Kelsey  has  seen  many  very  decided 
improvements  in  the  machines,  and  now  sees  I he  self-binder.  He  also  remembers  when 
thrashed  grain  was  cleaned  with  a sheet  being  operated  by  a man  at  each  end  and  jerk- 
ing vigorously,  created  the  wind  which  cleaned  their  grain,  poured  out  by  the  third  man 
from  a measure  or  scoop  shovel.  The  first  horse-power  thrashing  machine  was  a sta- 
tionary one,  operated  by  four  horses,  only  doing  the  thrashing,  the  cleaning  done  after- 
ward with  the  wind-mill.  His  parents  were  both  members  of  the  regular  Baptist 
Church,  and  attended  at  the  pioneer  log  meeting-house;  one-half  mile  north  of  Center- 
ville. There  he  has  heard  John  Mason  and  other  pioneer  preachers.  Phebe  Carver, 
born  January  30,  1832,  married  to  William  Marsh  Kelsey,  December  14,  1852.  From 
this  union  were  three  children,  the  two  eldest  living — Mary  Elizabeth,  born  September 
29,  1853,  married  to  Perry  Hatfield,  February  3,  1876;  Annie  Kelsey,  born  January 
12,1857,  married  March  12,  1876,  to  B.  F.  Yaughn;  Mabel  Lucasta  Kelsey,  born 
February  6,  1863,  died  September  11,  1880.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kelsey  are  both  members 
of  the  Regular  Baptist  Church , of  Centerville. 

The  following  is  a memorial  sketch  of  Mrs.  Phebe  Kelsey,  read  at  her  funeral 
February  22,  1882 : 

Mrs.  Phebe  Kelsey  was  born  January  30,  1832,  and  died  of  consumption  January 
31,  1882.  at  6:15  A.  M.,  aged  fifty  years.  She  was  married  to  William  M.  Kelsey, 
December  14,  1852.  To  this  union  was  given  three  daughters  the  youngest  of  whom 
(Mabel  Lucasta)  preceded  the  mother  to  the  eternal  world  September  11, 1880.  Mother 
Kelsey  united  with  the  Primitive  Baptist  Church,  at  Centerville,  Ohio,  about  1855. 


268 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


She  was  baptized  and  received  into  said  church  by  Elder  Samuel  Williams.  Her  last 
sickness  was  attended  with  much  severe  pain  and  prolonged  suffering;  but  she  was  re- 
signed to  the  will  of  God,  and  her  condition,  and  hence,  bore  her  sufferings  with  Chris- 
tian fortitude.  During  the  last  few  days  of  her  sickness,  she  experienced  the  fact  that 
she  was  being  “ made  perfect  through  suffering.”  Yet  while  she  was  being  thus 
tried  in  the  furnace  of  the  Lord,  she  did  not  cease  to  pray,  but  repeatedly  asked  the 
Lord  to  give  her  dying  grace.  When  she  first  began  to  enter  “ the  valley  of  the  shadow 
of  death,”  about  nine  days  before  she  passed  over  the  Jordan  of  death,  she  told  the 
writer  that  it  looked  dark,  that  her  pathway  was  not  all  light.  But  he  directed  her  to 
some  of  the  promises  of  God’s  word,  and  told  her  to  lean  on  Christ,  and  light  would  be 
given  her  for  each  step.  The  former  proved  to  her  a rod,  and  the  latter  a staff,  for 
soon  after  the  valley  was  lighted  up,  and  she  could  sing  with  us, 

‘‘  Oh,  how  happy  are  they,”  etc.; 

and  we  knelt  by  her  bedside,  in  the  dark  morning  hour,  and  prayed  with  her.  But 
for  nine  long  days  she  continued  to  travel  through  the  valley,  in  the  midst  of  severe 
sufferings,  yet  supported  by  the  strong  arm  of  her  Savior.  She  had  a longing  desire  to 
depart  and  be  at  rest,  and  many  times  did  she  repeat  the  invitation  of  Jesus  “ Come 
unto  me  all  ye  that  labor  and  are  heavy  laden,  and  I will  give  you  rest.”  Often  was 
she  heard  to  say  “ Let  me  go ; let  me  go.”  She  has  at  last  entered  into  that  “rest  that 
remaineth  for  the  people  of  God.”  Doubtless  she  will  be  missed  by  those  who  knew 
her  best  in  the  community  in  which  she  lived ; missed  by  the  church  to  which  she  be- 
longed ; missed  by  her  pastor  ; missed  by  the  large  circle  of  friends  and  acquanitances, 
who  had  often  shared  of  her  hospitalities  in  her  home,  and  received  her  charities ; but 
missed,  most  of  all,  by  her  husband,  her  remaining  children  and  her  aged  mother,  but 
we  hope  to  all  meet  again  bye  and  bye. 

Funeral  services  at  the  0.  S.  Baptist  Church,  Centerville,  Ohio.  Sermon  preached 
by  the  pastor,  Elder  John  M.  Thompson.  Text,  2 Cor.,  v,  4. 

WILLIAM  J.  LAMME,  miller  and  farmer,  P.  0.  Carrolton.  William  Lamme 
and  family  emigrated  from  Kentucky  to  the  Miami  Valley,  Montgomery  Co.,  and  with-  Ji 
in  the  original  limits  of  Washington  Township,  Ohio,  in  the  fall  of  1802,  with  a family 
of  wife  and  five  children,  settling  on  the  land  he  had  previously  purchased,  and  erected 
his  cabin.  David,  the  eldest  son,  then  aged  about  eighteen  years,  was  put  to  clearing 
up  the  land,  while  his  father,  quite  early,  proceded  to  erect  a grist-mill  on  Hole’s  Creek  ; 
the  building  was  made  of  round  logs  and  covered  witli  clapboards  put  on  with  wood 
pins,  a square  of  this  roof  was  in  a pretty  good  state  of  preservation  but  a few  years 
ago,  also  portions  of  the  old  water  wheel.  This  was  the  first  mill  built  in  Washington  ! 
Township ; here  the  pioneers  had  their  grinding  done  for  many  years,  and  David, 
the  boy,  afterward  the  prominent  man,  was  educated  to  the  milling  business.  He  was 
married  August  7,  1804,  to  Miss  Margaret  Dodds,  daughter  of  Gen.  William  Dodds. 
From  this  union  there  were  ten  children,  two  sons  and  eight  daughters  ; two  only  are 
now  (August,  1881)  living,  viz.,  William  J.  and  Katie  Eliza  Lamme.  Mrs.  Lamme  was 
a native  of  Pennsylvania,  and  emigrated  with  her  parents  to  Ohio  about  the  time  the 
Lammes  did.  Her  bridal  dress  was  an  embroidered  muslin,  and  the  groom’s  coat, 
calico.  They  commenced  housekeeping  in  a cabin  situated  in  the  woods,  where  they 
remained  for  some  years,  when  an  exchange  of  property  was  made  and  they  moved  a 
little  south  where  their  days  were  ended.  In  1842,  he  took  down  the  old  mill  on  the 
farm,  to  make  room  for  a more  commodious  building  to  meet  the  requirements  of  the 
trade.  The  grinding  was  principally  done  for  toll,  and  when  a sufficient  quantity  bad 
accumulated,  it  was  ground  and  wagoned  to  Cincinnati,  until  the  Miami  Canal  was  fic- 
ised  from  Cincinnati  to  Middletown  ; from  there  it  would  go  on  the  canal  to  Cincinnati. 
David  Lamme  was  a Justice  of  the  Peace  many  years,  and  in  1840  was  elected  a Rep- 
resentative to  the  Legislature  from  Montgomery  County.  He  was  also  one  of  the 
County  Commissioners,  under  whose  directions  the  present  court  house  in  Dayton  was 
erected.  He  was  prosperous  in  his  business  and  always  kept  things  around  him  up  to 
the  times.  David  Lamme,  better  known  throughout  the  country  as  Squire  Lamme, 
was  emphatically  “ a gentleman  of  the  old  school,  ” as  the  phrase  goes.  Born  in  Ken- 


WASHINGTON  TOWNSHIP. 


269 


tucky,  and  a mere  boy  when  his  family  came  to  Ohio,  he  seems  to  have  had  the  charac- 
teristic Kentucky  hospitality  inborn,  for  there  was  not  a private  residence  in  southern 
Montgomery  more  celebrated  for  social  and  friendly  gatherings  of  the  very  elite,  so  to 
speak,  of  the  country  than  Squire  Lamme’s.  He  was  a large  man,  dignified,  but  very 
agreeable  and  genial  in  his  manners.  No  one  felt  the  least  trepidation  in  his  presence, 
he  was  equally  benevolent,  and  the  poor  of  the  sections  of  country  about  the  “ old  mill” 
will  never  forget  the  many  acts  of  charity  done  to  their  families  by  Squire  Lamme  and 
his  estimable  wife  ; she  was  just  suited  to  him,  a fit  companion.  Long  may  the  mem- 
ory of  these  grand  old  pioneers  of  Ohio,  be  kept  green  in  the  minds  of  the  generations 
to  come.  What  has  been  said  of  the  parents  applies  also  to  the  family  ; of  whom  most 
were  daughters,  only  two  sons,  one  of  whom  died  in  youth  ; the  other,  the  Major  and 
one  sister,  Miss  Katy,  are  the  only  surviving  members  of  the  once  populous  family ; 
all  the  girls  were  possessed  of  more  than  ordinary  personal  attractions  and  were,  besides 
very  lively  and  intelligent,  which,  as  a matter  of  course,  attracted  a large  retinue  of 
young  gentlemen,  but  the  tax  on  Squire  Lamme’s  resources,  by  the  amount  of  company  en- 
tertained by  him  at  his  residence  never  made  him  grumble  nor  find  fault  with  his  chil- 
dren; he  was  above  littleness  in  any  form.  David  Lamme  died  August  22,  1855; 
his  wife,  Margaret  died  December  28,  1868. 

HORACE  McEWEN,  farmer,  P.  0.  Centerville.  Horace  McEwen,  son  of  Rob- 
ert G.  and  Elizabeth  McEwen,  was  born  March  7,  1840,  on  a farm  three  quarters  of  a 
mile  south  of  Centerville;  has  always  lived  on  a farm  and  in  his  native  township. 
His  boyhood  was  all  spent  with  his  parents  on  the  farm  which  was  carried  on  exten- 
sively by  his  father.  Horace  was  married  March,  1871,  to  Miss  Elizabeth  E.  Norris; 
from  this  union  have  been  born  two  sons  and  one  daughter.  Mrs.  McEwen  was  born  in 
Centerville,  Ohio,  February  14,  1848.  After  marriage,  they  moved  onto  the  McEwen 
homestead,  and  have  continued  to  reside  there  ever  since.  Horace  is  now  the  owner 
of  ninety-three  acres  of  that  farm  as  a legacy,  with  the  exception  of  about  $2,000. 
Received  his  education  in  the  common  district  school.  Robert  G.  McEwen,  born  in 
Williamsport,  Penn.,  January  25,  1806;  came  with  his  parents  to  Centerville,  Mont- 
gomery Co.,  Ohio,  about  the  fall  of  1817;  he  then  had  more  of  an  education  than  the 
majority  of  boys  at  that  time,  yet  he  was  kept  in  the  neighborhood  schools  as  long  as  it 
was  thought  he  could  be  advanced  any.  About  this  time  Noah  and  Ann  Leeds,  of 
Philadelphia,  moved  to  Springboro,  Warren  Co.,  Ohio,  and  opened  a select  school. 
The  principals  being  fine  scholars,  they  prepared  their  pupils  for  college.  Robert  was 
one  of  their  scholars,  and,  after  attending  the  school  awhile,  was  sent  to  Oxford  Col- 
lege, where  he  finished  up  his  education.  Losing  his  father  about  this  time,  he  went 
into  the  harness  and  saddle  shop  with  his  brother,  William,  who  also  died  pretty  soon. 
The  family  was  then  reduced  to  three  in  number,  viz.,  the  mother,  one  sister  and  Rob- 
ert. Notwithstanding  he  had  received  a liberal  education,  more  than  was  then  given 
boys,  unless  they  were  intended  for  some  of  the  learned  professions,  he  made  choice  of 
manual  labor  for  his  profession,  or,  as  he  used  to  call  himself,  a plow  boy.  He  pretty 
soon  started  a team  on  the  road,  doing  considerable  amount  of  hauling;  it  proving  more 
profitable  than  the  shop,  he  closed  it  up,  purchased  another  team  and  went  driving  it 
himself;  he  was  prosperous.  His  first  trade  for  real  estate  he  turned  two  calves  in  as 
part  payment.  In  his  real  estate  transactions,  was  very  successful;  he  used  to  say  it 
was  his  intention  to  leave  a farm  to  each  of  his  children;  at  his  death,  he  owned  440 
acres  of  land.  In  his  farming  operations  he  kept  things  moving;  his  boys  were  not 
allowed  to  go  fishing  every  Saturday.  He  delighted  in  dealing  in  stock,  always  had 
some  on  hand  for  sale  or  trade,  and,  if  a bargain  was  offered,  he  was  prepared  to  buy. 
He  served  some  time  as  Township  Clerk.  In  1838,  was  elected  County  Assessor;  filled 
that  office  one  term.  In  1859,  was  elected  to  the  Legislature,  served  one  term,  and 
declined  a re-nomination.  In  the  Military  Peace  Establishment,  he  rose  from  the  ranks 
to  a Lieutenancy,  then  Captain,  then  Adjutant  of  the  regiment,  which  office  he  held  at 
the  final  break-up  of  militia  training.  In  early  life  he  took  quite  an  interest  in  debat- 
ing societies,  which  were  formed  in  almost  every  school  district;  this  early  habit  lasted 
him  through  life.  In  manhood  after  doing  a bard  day’s  work  teamiug,  he  would  ride  any 


270 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES  : 


reasonable  distance  to  participate  in  a debate.  Blessed  with  a good  memory,  he  retained 
his  reading.  Was  a Jacksonian  Democrat  and  quite  a politician.  Married  February 
28,  1833,  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Morris.  Died  September  3,  1877. 

JAMES  H.  MUNGER,  farmer,  P.  0.  Centerville.  Jonathan  Munger,  with  hb 
brother  Edmund,  and  Benjamin  Maltbie,  with  their  families,  left  Middlebury,  Vt.,  for 
the  territory  northwest  of  the  Ohio  River  in  1797  ; came  to  Marietta,  Ohio,  and  from 
there  to  Belpre;  at  Marietta  they  raised  a crop  of  corn,  1799.  In  1800,  they  reached 
what  is  now  known  as  “Yankee  street”  in  this  township.  Their  nearest  neighbors 
were  then  from  two  to  seven  miles  distant.  Jonathan  Munger  was  a pensioned  Revolu- 
tionary soldier;  like  all  of  that  profession,  he  had  personal  incidents  to  relate.  He  has 
often  been  heard  to  say  that  the  sweetest  night’s  sleep  he  ever  had  was  on  a pile,  cf 
cannon  balls  with  his  feet  in  water  up  to  his  ankles ; at  another  time,  he  and  half  a 
dozen  comrades  called  at  a house  for  a night’s  lodging;  it  proved  to  be  the  dwelling  of 
a Tory ; the  woman  had  just  scrubbed  the  floor,  but  said  it  was  good  enough  for  them 
and  they  might  thank  God  and  her  for  it ; the  soldiers  said  they  thanked  no  one,  but 
they  were  going  to  stay  all  night.  Harvey  Munger,  son  of  above-named,  Jonathan  and 
Elizabeth  Munger,  was  born  in  Addison  County,  Vt.,  October  2,  1790;  came 
West  with  his  parents  and  assisted  in  raising  the  crop  of  corn  at  Marietta  as  above 
referred  to.  Married,  February  8,  1812,  to  Miss  Catharine  Gray;  from  this  union 
were  thirteen  children,  of  which  five  are  now  living  (July,  1881).  In  the  war  of  1812, 
he  was  a teamster,  hauling  flour  to  the  army  lying  at  St.  Mary’s.  In  stature,  he  was 
five  feet  ten  inches;  small  bone  inclined  to  corpulency.  Died  July  22,  1859.  His 
wife,  Catharine  Gray,  was  born  May  10,  1791,  and  died  in  1836.  She  was  the  daugh- 
ter of  Daniel  and  Phebe  Gray.  In  stature,  she  was  below  the  medium  size.  Socially, 
it  was  said  that  wherever  Katy  Munger  was  there  was  good  company.  Her  father  was 
a pensioned  Revolutionary  soldier.  James  H.  Munger,  subject  of  this  sketch,  and  son 
of  Harvey  and  Catharine  Munger,  was  born  in  Clear  Creek  Township,  Warren  County, 
Ohio,  February  12,  1816;  his  school  privileges  were  not  extensive,  as  he  says  his  last 
summer’s  schooling  was  in  the  second  story  of  a weaver's  shop  in  1825 ; after  that, 
would  get  from  two  to  three  weeks’  duriug  the  winter  season,  depending  upon  the 
weather  and  work  to  be  done.  The  first  religious  meetings  he  recollects  of  attending 
were  held  in  Gen.  Munger’s  barn  ; everything  about  the  building  was  in  perfect  order 
corresponding  with  the  occasion  ; rakes  and  forks  were  all  hung  up  out  of  the  way. 
Raised  a farmer,  he  has  always  adhered  to  it.  With  no  political  ambition,  has  lived  at 
his  present  residence,  on  Section  28,  since  1849.  Married,  March  15,  1840,  to  Miss 
Lydia  A.  Wright,  who  died  July  9,  1865.  Second  marriage,  January  1,  1870,  to  Mrs. 
Anna  R.  Chambers,  whose  maiden  name  was  Linton.  She  was  born  in  Clinton  County, 
Ohio,  in  1824,  her  parents,  William  and  Hannah  Linton,  natives  of  Pennsylvania, 
settling  in  that  county  in  1814.  Mr.  Munger  is  one  of  the  leading  farmers  of  his 
township. 

JOSEPH  NUTT,  farmer,  P.  O.  Centerville.  The  eldest  of  the  two  children  ( Jo- 
seph and  John)  of  Aaron  and  Martha  Nutt,  was  born  in  Centerville,  Ohio,  December 
11,  1818.  Parents  both  natives  of  New  Jersey  ; his  father  was  the  son  of  Levi  Nutt, 
and  he  the  son  of  Adam  Nutt,  a native  of  Wales,  who  landed  in  New  Jersey  early  in 
the  last  century.  Aaron,  on  his  mother’s  side,  was  the  grandson  of  Barzilla  Ivens,  a 
noted  merchant  of  his  day;  he  was  also  a noted  man  for  the  size  of  his  family  ; he  was 
married  three  times  and  was  the  father  of  twenty-one  children,  who  were  all  able  at  one 
and  the  same  time  to  set  at  the  table  and  help  themselves  to  a square  meal.  Joseph’s 
mother  was  the  daughter  of  Isaac  and  Hannah  Pedriek,  of  Pedricktown,  N.  J.;  she  em- 
igrated with  them  to  Waynesville,  Warren  Co.,  Ohio,  in  18(16,  remaining  there  a briet 
period  ; her  father  purchased  a farm  near  the  present  village  of  Clio,  Greene  Co.,  Ohio, 
and  removed  to  it.  The,  family  were  all  worthy  members  of  the  Society  of  Orthodox 
Friends.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  can’t  quite  claim  to  be  anything  more  than  the  sou 
of  pioneers  (for  date  of  father’s  arrival  see  brother’s  biography)  ; never  had  any  land  to 
clear  or  brush  to  pick  ; never  assisted  in  buildiug  the  pioneer  cabin  with  its  cat  and  clay 
chimney,  clapboard-roof  held  on  with  weight  poles,  or  in  laying  down  the  solid  puncheon 


WASHINGTON  TOWNSHIP. 


271 


floor  ; or  in  erecting  the  sweep  at  the  well  for  the  “ old  oaken  bucket;  ” but  have  worn 
buckskin  pantaloons,  leather-crown  hat  and  thread  shirt-buttons.  His  father  was  a tai- 
lor by  trade,  and  was  an  experienced  hand  in  manufacturing  buckskin  into  wearing  ap- 
parel. The  last  pair  of  buckskin  pants  he  made  was  in  the  summer  he  was  eighty-one 
years  of  age.  Mr.  N.  V.  Maxwell,  one  of  our  present  worthy  citizens,  was  then  carry- 
ing on  tailoring,  and  took  in  the  job  conditionally,  viz.,  if  he  could  get  ‘‘Uncle  Aaron” 
Nutt  (by  which  familiar  title  he  was  well  known)  to  make  them  he  would  do  so,  as  for 
himself  he  frankly  admitted  he  could  not  make  them  ; they  were  made  and  all  parties 
satisfied  with  the  job.  Mr.  Maxwell,  to  this  day,  takes  delight  in  referring  to  that  job, 
and  saying  “ Uncle  Aaron  ” was  the  oldest  journeyman  he  ever  employed.  He  was  also 
a good  hand  with  a sickle  in  a harvest  field  ; the  summer  he  was  eighty  years  old,  he 
lead  the  reapers  once  through  in  his  son  Aaron’s  wheat  field.  He  was  also  an  excellent 
auctioneer,  if  not  the  first,  he  certainly  was  among  the  first ; had  quite  a patronage  in 
Montgomery,  Warren  and  Greene  Counties.  Before  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  large 
enough  to  put  a collar  on  the  horse,  he  commenced  driving  the  cart  and  doing  small  jobs 
about  town  and  working  on  the  small  farm.  When  in  his  twelfth  year,  he  hauled  in  the 
cart  all  the  stone  making  a complete  pavement  from  the  schoolhouse,  one-fourth  mile 
north  of  town,  to  the  Baptist  Church  on  the  west  side  of  town.  His  father  and  Joseph 
Beck  laid  the  walk,  which  did  good  service  many  years.  For  its  protection,  the  Town 
Council  made  it  a finable  offence  to  ride  or  drive  on  it.  So  carefully  was  it  guarded  that 
the  school  teacher  has  been  known  to  leave  his  school  on  seeing  a traveler  on  the  walk, 
and  hurry  up  to  town  and  have  a warrant  in  the  hands  of  the  Marshal  by  the  time  the 
; offending  party  would  reach  the  village.  The  28th  of  April,  1834,  he  went  as  an  ap- 
'perntice  to  the  chair-making;  served  three  years  faithfully ; made  the  trade  his  principal 
business  up  to  the  spring  of  1844;  then  went  to  New  Burlington,  Clinton  Co.,  Ohio, 
and  sold  goods  for  Israel  Harris,  Jr.,  and  Samuel  Lemar,  nearly  six  years.  In  January, 
1850,  went  into  the  employ  of  John  Grant,  Esq.,  the  principal  merchant  then  in  New 
Burlington  ; remained  with  him  until  April,  1857.  Mr.  Nutt  was  married,  January  29, 
1856,  to  Miss  E.  A.  Weaver,  of  New  Burlington.  May,  1857,  moved  to  Chicago  ; re- 
mained there  until  August,  1858,  returning  to  New  Burlington,  and  remained  there  un- 
til the  spring  of  1861  ; then  removed  to  Centerville  on  the  old  homestead,  where  he  now 
lives,  becoming  the  owner  thereof  by  half  purchase  and  half  legacy,  and  one  of  the  few 
men  in  the  township  owning  the  land  originally  purchased  by  the  father  from  John  C. 
Symmes,  but  the  deed  was  made  by  James  Madison,  President  of  the  United  States. 
There  are  other  tracts  in  the  township  deeded  by  the  President  to  the  heads  of  some  of 
the  families  now  living  thereon,  but  they  are  mostly  second-hand  purchases. 

When  Aaron  Nutt  with  other  men  were  in  consultation  with  Judge  Symmes,  or- 
ganizing a pioneer  company,  one  of  them  said  to  the  Judge,  “ You  will  not  take  that 
maD,  will  you  ? ” pointing  to  Aaron  Nutt.  “ Why  not?  ” said  the  Judge.  “ Why,” 
said  the  man,  “ he  is  a Quaker,  and  will  not  fight  the  Indians.”  “Just  the  man  I 
want,”  said  the  Judge  ; “ I want,  a peaceable  colony.”  Aaron  Nutt  was  never  a mem- 
ber of  any  religious  society,  but  his  religious  sentiments  were  in  full  accord  with  the  Or- 
hodox  Friends,  wore  the  garb  and  used  the  plain  language  of  that  society.  The  follow- 
ng  incident  shows  the  respect  the  Indians  have  for  the  name  of  William  Penn.  Some- 
ime  after  Aaron  Nutt  had  settled  here  and  Dayton  something  of  a place,  he  was  going 
ip  there  one  morning,  when  he  met  a company  of  Indians.  After  passing  them,  he 
bund  a sack  of  roots  and  herbs  in  the  road  and  readily  concluded  it  belonged  to  the 
mdians  just  passed.  So  he  would  carry  the  sack  into  town  and  leave  it  at  the  store  of 
3.  G.  Philips,  who  told  him  he  knew  the  Indians,  they  had  been  in  the  store  that  morn- 
ng,  and  on  their  next  visit  he  would  hand  over  the  sack,  and  did  so,  saying  to  the  In- 
ilian  that — “ It  was  a William  Penn  man  that  had  found  it.”  “ Ugh,”  said  the  Indian, 
he  good  man  ; he  good  man.”  The  subject  of  this  sketch  is  now  the  oldest  native  born 
ltizen  on  the  town  plat ; never  loaded  a gun,  pistol  or  firearm  of  any  description,  have 
mlled  the  trigger  a few  times  making  one  shot  that  would  be  creditable  to  any  sports- 
man. Mr.  Nutt  is  the  father  of  five  children,  as  follows : Anna,  Laura,  Samuel 
Veaver,  William  Pedrick,  Clarence  Emory  Nutt,  of  whom'  only  two  are  living,  viz., 
iarauel  W.  and  Clarence  E. 


272 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES : 


JOHN  NUTT,  M.  D.,  Chicago,  111.  John  Nutt  was  the  younger  of  two  sons, 
Joseph  and  John,  and  only  children  of  Aaron  and  Martha  (Craig,  formerly  Pedrick) 
Nutt,  and  was  born  on  the  old  homstead  in  Centerville,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  March 
3,  1823.  His  parents  were  natives  of  New  Jersey,  and  were  respectively  widower 
and  widow;  at  the  time  of  their  marriage,  January  11,  1818,  by  James  Russell, 
Esq.,  of  Centerville.  Aaron  Nutt  was  left  fatherless  at  an  early  age.  His  mother 
marrying  again,  the  boy,  Aaron,  was  apprenticed  to  John  Lippencott,  a tailor  of  1776, 
for  a term  of  seven  years,  serving  his  employer  nearly  that  time  on  the  tailor-board. 
At  about  this  period,  the  armies  of  the  Revolution,  under  the  command  of  Gen.  Wash- 
ington, were  very  active  in  the  State  of  New  Jersey,  and  as  these  were  indeed  trying 
times  for  our  country,  and  soldiers  were  much  needed,  both  old  and  young  were 
earnestly  solicited  to  join  the  American  forces.  It  was  at  this  juncture  that  Lipoin- 
cot.t  was  drafted  into  the  military  service,  and  Aaron  Nutt’s  apprenticeship  about  to 
expire,  that  Lippencott  made  this  proposition  to  him,  that  if  he  would  enter  the  array 
and  serve  his,  Lippencott’s  time  out,  he  would  in  turn  set  him  free.  The  proposition 
was  accepted,  and  Nutt  joined  a military  company  commanded  by  his  cousin,  Capt.  Israel 
Shreve.  The  evening  before  the  battle  of  Monmouth,  the  company  had  a little  skir- 
mish with  a company  of  English  light  horse,  and  came  off  victorious.  Nutt  was  quite 
near  the  English  Captain,  and  saw  the  American  soldier  shoot  him  in  the  breast.  He 
fell  from  his  horse  aud  jumped  a fence  and  fell  dead  by  the  side  of  it.  Nutt,  in  look- 
ing at  him  after  death,  pronounced  him  the  handsomest  man  he  ever  saw.  Next  day 
the  main  battle  was  fought,  the  day,  an  excessively  hot  one,  the  Americans  threw  off 
their  coats  and  knapsacks,  as  they  marched  into  the  field,  forty-eight  abreast.  After  the 
battle,  twelve  wagons  loaded  with  bread  and  drawn  by  oxen  were  brought  on  the 
ground  for  the  Americans.  After  this,  Nutt’s  military  service  was  in  riding  as  a scout 
and  driving  team  ; of  the  latter,  he  did  a large  amount.  He  never  asked  for  or  received 
any  pension,  but  assisted  many  others  in  procuring  theirs.  On  Tuesday,  the  4th  day  of 
May,  1779,  he  was  married  to  Mary  Archer,  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Sarah  Archer,  of 
New  Jersey.  From  this  union  there  were  nine  children,  of  whom  none  are  now  ’living. 
Three  died  in  early  life,  the  remaining  six  lived  to  be  heads  of  families.  The  father 
used  to  take  great  pleasure  in  standiug  on  his  owa  premises  and  look  at  the  smoke  ! 
curling  out  of  the  chimneys  of  five  of  his  children — the  sixth  one  lived  some  four, 
miles  distant.  In  1786,  he  removed  with  his  family  from  New  Jersey  to  Pennsylvania,! 
where  he  remained  only  a few  years,  and  then  moved  to  Kentucky,  living  at  different 
points,  among  which  the  following  places  are  rememberd  : On  the  Dry  Ridge  he  lived 

a long  time,  keeping  a tavern  there;  did  the  same  in  the  town  of  Versailles  ; from  Ken- 
tucky he  removed  to  what  is  now  Centerville,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  in  the  spring  of 
1798,  having  previously  been  there  with  the  surveyors  in  February,  1796,  and  selected 
his  land.  Here  he  settled  in  a wilderness  of  woods,  and  where  in  his  new  abode  he 
remained  with  only  a slight  change  of  habitation  during  the  balance  of  his  life.  Sur- 
rounded with  a large  circle  of  truly  worthy  friends  and  relatives  who  were  always 
interested  in  his  presence,  as  he  so  often  gladdened  the  hours  with  earnest  recitals  of 
events  of  which  he  had  not  infrequently  been  an  active  participant. 

He  was  a man  of  eminently  correct  habits  of  life,  possessing  a very  superior  con 
stitution,  temperate,  industrious  and  of  a cheerful  disposition,  even  marked  to  the  end 
and  when  warned  of  approaching  dissolution  seemed  ready  and  willing  to  meet  tin 
change.  The  disease  of  which  he  died  was,  though  notof  frequent  occurrence,  inciden 
to  old  age,  and  in  this  case,  as  was  pronounced  by  his  skillful  and  ever  attentive  physi 
cian.  Dr.  A.  B.  Price,  one  of  the  most  extraordinary  cases  of  the  kind  ever  known  ti 
the  profession.  The  pain,  which  was  very  severe,  was  first  manifested  in  the  left  eye 
which  after  awhile  completely  destroyed  that  organ.  The  pain  then  passed  to  the  hee 
and  great  toe  of  the  right  foot,  then  successively  until  all  the  toes  were  in  a like  manne 
involved,  then  the  foot  mortified,  was  drawn  up  and  dried  until  all  seemed  as  hard  an* 
lifeless  as  stone,  and  blackened  with  the  deadly  progress  of  the  disease,  which  continue' 
for  a period  of  many  months,  at  the  closing  of  which  time  a distinct  point  or  line  of  de, 
markation  appeared  within  four  inches  of  the  knee.  Death  of  the  foot  and  leg  below  harin; 


WASHINGTON  TOWNSHIP. 


273 


already  occurred  and  here  separation  of  not  only  the  living  from  the  dead  flesh,  but  also 
the  larger  bone  was  already  manifest,  so  that  earnest  hopes  were  strongly  entertained  that 
an  arrest  was  probable,  and  that  an  improved  condition  might  be  looked  for  ; but  at 
the  close  of  about  the  ninth  month  the  powers  of  the  constitution  could  stand  the  pres- 
sure no  longer,  and  gradually  yielding,  death  kindly  terminated  this  protracted  struggle 
June  2,  1842,  and  thus  passed  the  life  of  a man  aged  eighty-three  years  ten  months 
and  sixteen  days,  who  had  never  known  what  real  sickness  was,  and  even  used  his 
tobacco  up  to  within  a few  days  of  the  last.  His  remains  are  buried  in  the  old  cemetery 
one-half  mile  north  of  Centerville,  between  the  graves  of  his  two  wives.  “ Peace  to  their 
remains.” 

John,  after  the  death  of  his  father,  remained  at  home  with  his  bereaved  mother, 
working  the  little  farm  and  attending  and  teaching  school,  and  so  continued  until  the 
last  of  August,  1845,  when,  on  solicitation  of  Hr.  John  Evans,  then  of  Indianapolis, 
Ind.,  he  accepted  a kiud  invitation  to  study  medicine  with  him.  So,  bidding  adieu 
to  his  old  home  and  all  of  its  surroundings,  he  embarked  on  board  the  Yoress  line  of 
stage  coaches  for  what  then  seemed  to  be  the  far-distant  West.  Here  he  commenced 
his  medical  studies,  spending  the  winters,  however,  at  Chicago,  attending  Rush  Medi- 
cal College,  from  which  institution  he  graduated  in  the  spring  of  1848.  Returning  to 
Indianapolis,  he  made  application  to  the  commissioners  of  the  hospital  for  the  insane  for 
the  place  of  assistant  physician,  and  being  successful  in  due  time  received  the  desired 
appointment,  and  early  thereafter  entered  upon  the  duties  of  the  office  in  this  then  new 
State  institution,  and  soon  had  the  satisfaction  of  assisting  in  the  reception  of  the  first 
patients  ever  admitted  to  treatment  in  that  place.  In  October,  1851,  he  severed  his  con- 
nection with  the  hospital  and,  marrying  Annie,  the  youngest  daughter  of  David  and 
Rachael  Evans,  of  Waynesville,  Ohio,  moved  within  a few  days  thereafter  to  the  city 
of  Chicago,  111.,  where,  with  a devoted  wife  and  four  comely  boys,  he  now  remains 
comfortably  living  in  Glencoe,  one  of  the  city’s  most  beautiful  suburbs,  overlooking  both 
far  and  wide  the  cooling  waters  of  Lake  Michigan. 

ABRAHAM  PRUGH,  carpenter,  was  born  in  Montgomery  County,  Ohio, 
August  30,  1830,  of  parents,  Abner  and  Martha  (Easey)  Prugh,  natives  of  Frederick 
County,  Md.,  the  former  born  in  the  year  1790  and  the  latter  in  1791.  Father  Prugh 
is  of  German  descent,  his  mother  having  been  born  in  Germany.  He  was  one  of  the 
early  settlers  in  Montgomery  County,  to  which  he,  as  a single  man,  emigrated,  settling 
in  the  vicinity  of  Beavertown,  in  the  year  1812,  driving  thither  a team  for  Laurence 
Shell,  a brother-in-law.  During  the  war  of  1812,  Mr.  Prugh  was  at  Urbana,  and  there 
saw  Gen.  Hull  and  army ; he  remained  but  a short  time  and  then  returned  to  Mary- 
land, and  again,  in  1817,  came  back  to  Ohio  and  purchased  land  in  the  vicinity  of 
Winchester,  which  he  disposed  of  in  about  one  year,  when  he  removed  to  the  vicinity 
of  Beavertown,  on  a tract  of  eighty-four  acres,  which  he  bought  and  upon  which  he 
lived  until  ten  years  ago,  at  which  time  he  lost  his  companion,  her  death  occurring 
January  27,  1872,  and  since  which  he  has  made  his  home  with  our  subject,  who  is  the 
sixth  of  a family  of  eleven  children.  Until  eighteen  years  of  age,  our  subject  lived  on 
the  homestead,  then  learned  the  carpenter’s  trade,  which  vocation  he  ha3  in  main  fol- 
lowed ever  since,  his  farm  being  carried  on  by  his  sons.  On  the  6th  of  April,  1854, 
Mr.  Prugh  was  united  in  marriage  with  Mary,  daughter  of  John  G.  and  Jacobena 
(Fullmer)  Sebold,  natives  of  Germany.  The  parents  were  married  in  the  State  of 
New  York,  and  in  1820  emigrated  to  Lebanon,  Warren  County,  Ohio.  The  father 
died  in  1865,  and  the  mother  is  now  residing  near  Dayton.  Mary,  the  wife  of  our 
iSubject,  was  borne  in  Harrison  Township,  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  September  17, 
1836,  and  has  borne  Mr.  Prugh  the  following  named  children  : John  A.,  William  H., 
James  E.,  Martha,  Abram,  Anna  M.,  Sarah  G.,  Charles  (died  March  9,  1876),  Ira 
and  Herbert.  Our  subject  belongs  to  a family  who  have  done  much  toward  clearing 
away  the  wilderness  of  the  early  day  and  making  possible  the  high  state  of  cultivation 
now  attained.  His  father  still  lives  to  rehearse  to  his  children  and  children’s  children 
pe  happenings  of  nearly  a century  ago,  and  though  close  on  to  the  goal  of  ninety- 
two  years,  is  almost  in  the  full  possession  of  his  mental  faculties. 

B 


274 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


B ROOKY  B.  RUSSELL,  Centerville.  James  Russell,  born  August  27,  1769 
in  the  Shenandoah  Valley,  Va.  Nancy  McKee,  born  November  22,  1771,  and  mar 
ried  to  James  Russell,  1791.  From  this  union  were  ten  children,  born  as  follows 
Elizabeth,  February  9,  1792;  Robert,  May  28,  1794;  Wdliam,  December  26,  1795 
John,  October  6,  1797  ; Abraham,  June  24,  1799  ; James,  December  6,  1800  ; Mary 
M.,  December  28,  1802;  Brooky  B.,  February  22,  1804;  Ann,  July  15,  1807 
Mariam,  June  27,  1810.  Of  the  above  children  three  only  are  now  (July,  1881 
living.  Mr.  Russell’s  early  boyhood  and  manhood  were  spent  principally  in  boat-build- 
ing on  the  Allegheny  River,  Penn.  When  about  seventeen  years  old  he  moved  with 
his  parents  to  Mercer  County,  Penn.,  where  he  continued  boat-building,  one  of  which 
he  and  a brother  loaded  with  produce  and  made  a trip  to  New  Orleans.  Returning 
home,  he  concluded  after  awhile  he  would  like  to  see  the  Northwest.  Accordingly  he 
started  on  the  perilous  trip  in  1798.  The  Indians  being  troublesome,  he  procured  the 
assistance  of  a guide,  who  traveled  about  200  miles  with  him  from  the  Pee  Dee  River. 
Finally  reaching  his  destination  in  safety,  he  made  his  selection  and  purchase  of  land. 
He  found  a boarding-place  with  Dr.  Hole,  a pioneer,  living  about  two  miles  distant. 
He  immediately  went  to  work  and  erected  his  round-log  cabin,  with  a cat  and  clay 
chimney  and  puncheon  floor.  The  pioneers  that  could  be  found  within  a reasonable 
distance  by  request  assembled  at  a given  time  and  assisted  him  in  the  erection  of  hie 
cabin.  During  the  day,  one  of  the  pioneers  asked  Mr.  Russell  where  he  was  from 
He  replied  by  saying  he  was  from  Cork,  the  North  of  Ireland,  sir.  The  pioneei1 
turned  around  and  said  to  another : I wish  to  God  he  had  stayed  there,  for  they  are  th< 
meanest  people  on  earth.  For  some  time  after  that  Mr.  Russell  went  by  the  name  oi 
Cork.  Cabin  finished,  he  returned  to  his  family  after  an  absence  of  ten  weeks,  built ; 
boat  in  which  he  and  his  family  came  down  the  river  to  Cincinnati,  in  the  spring  o 
1799.  and  moved  immediately  into  the  neighborhood  of  Redding  and  raised  that  season 
as  much  of  a crop  as  he  could;  then  in  the  following  February  or  March  started  fo: 
his  future  home  in  Washington  Township,  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  reaching  it  otj 
the  12th  day  of  March,  1800.  Mrs.  Russell  has  been  heard  to  say  that  the  sweetes  i 
night’s  sleep  she  ever  had  was  the  first  one  spent  in  that  rude  cabin.  Family  then  con 
sisted  of  parents  and  five  children.  Now  settled,  the  next  thing  in  order  was  the  clear-; 
ing  of  a farm,  which  to  one  not  having  will  or  nerve  would  be  a serious  undertaking 
but  Mr.  Russell  possessed  both,  and  in  due  course  of  time  a farm  was  to  be  seen  in 
stead  of  the  dense  forest.  To  supply  the  table  (made  of  puncheons)  with  meats  wa 
an  easy  matter ; it  was  wild  but  in  abundance  and  very  easily  secured.  When  Mr 
Russell  wished  to  take  a day  for  a hunt  he  would  put  on  a scarlet  cloak  with  a hood  ti 
it,  of  his  wife’s,  and  thus  equipped  would  start  out  and  would  return,  if  he  wanted  s 
many,  with  one  dozen  deer  in  a day.  Bread  was  for  a long  time  made  exclusive! { 
of  corn  ; grinding  done  at  Mr.  Ripley’s  mill,  one  mile  south  of  Ridgeville,  Warrei 
County,  Ohio.  For  the  wearing  apparel,  of  home  manufacture;  dressed  deer  skins  wei 
used  extensively.  Boots  and  shoes  were  made  of  untanned  hides.  When  Mr.  Russelji 
went  to  the  land  office  to  make  his  payment,  it  was  ascertained  he  had  a surplus  of  set 
eral  acres.  He  was  then  at  a loss  to  know  what  to  do.  When  Gen.  Findley,  the  Re 
ceiver,  said  to  him,  my  dear  fellow,  you  take  all  the  land  you  can  get  up  there  or 
will.  Mr.  Russell  took  the  advice,  went  out  and  borrowed  from  a friend  enough  to  con 
plete  the  payment.  Mr.  Russell  served  one  term  in  the  Legislature,  the  session  c 
1828  and  1829.  Was  County  Commissioner  some  years.  It  is  said  that  at  one  sej 
tlement  with  the  County  Treasurer  there  was  such  a quantity  of  silver  that  in  order  t 
expedite  their  work,  the  Commissioners  weighed  the  cash  instead  of  counting  it.  H 
served  as  Justice  of  the  Peace  from  1810  to  1834,  being  a period  of  twenty-four  year 
which  is  conclusive  evidence  he  was  a man  standing  high  in  the  estimation  of  his  fellow 
citizens.  Beloved  by  his  family  and  highly  respected  by  acquaintances,  he  died  Marc 
12,  1845,  having  lived  just  forty-five  years  in  the  township.  His  wife,  Nancy  Russelj 
died  November  19,  1849.  j 

ISAAC  STANSELL,  farmer,  P.  O.  Centerville.  Isaac  Stansell,  son  of  Henry  an 
Elizabeth,  was  born  December  27, 1810,  in  Washington  Township,  Montgomery  Count" 


WASHINGTON  TOWNSHIP. 


275 


Ohio,  where  has  always  resided  ; received  his  education  in  his  boyhood  in  the  pioneer 
log  schoolhouse ; schools  then  taught  by  subscription  ; teacher  boarding  with  his 
patrons ; branches  most  commonly  taught  were  reading,  writing  and  arithmetic ; wear- 
ing apparel  manufactured  at  home,  very  plain,  as  the  material  was  not  very  fine  ; home- 
made flax  linen  for  shirts  and  pants  ; thread  shire-buttons  almost  exclusively.  For  win- 
ter wear,  linsey  and  fulled  clpth  the  linsey  was  of  many  colors.  Instead  of  coats,  a gar- 
ment called  a wampus  was  worn,  that  was  most  generally  made  out  of  red  flannel  ; 
women  wore  same  materials,  but  sometimes  striped  or  barred.  A boy  generally  re- 
ceived one  pair  shoes  yearly  ; living  was  just  as  plain  as  the  wearing  apparel.  At  the 
breakfast  table  was  generally  coffee  made  from  corn,  wheat,  rye  and  flour;  it  was  called 
flour  chocolate ; tea  from  spice,  sassafras  or  sage  ; wheat  bread  occasionally;  corn  bread 
was  the  standand,  that  made  different  ways ; there  was  the  dodger,  the  johnny-cake, 
and  for  extra  a pone  would  be  made,  one  that  would  last  a family  many  days  ; wild  meats 
abundant,  and  obtained  with  little  labor;  going  to  mill  is  generally  done  on  horseback. 
The  first  mill  Mr.  Stansell  patronized  was  one  on  Sugar  Creek,  near  the  county  line. 
Sugar  was  made  every  spring  in  large  quantities,  and  used  freely  ; wood  was  no  object. 
Mr.  Stansell’s  parents  emigrated  from  Kentucky  ; his  father  came  here  in  1801,  built 
his  cabin,  returned  to  Kentucky,  and  moved  his  family  out  on  horseback  to  their  future 
home  in  1802,  right  in  the  woods;  neighbors  two  to  three  miles  distant.  Both  parents 
were  members  of  the  Baptist  Church,  and  regular  attendants  at  the  log  meeting-house, 
half-mile  north  of  Centerville,  being  the  first  one  built  in  the  township.  John  Mason 
was  among  the  first  of  the  preachers  at  this  house.  A minister’s  pay  then  was  just 
what  the  members  felt  like  giving  freely.  Henry  Stansell  and  wife  died  in  1833.  The 
way  of  attending  church  at  this  time  was  on  foot  or  horseback,  the  rider  taking  two  or 
three  children  on  with  him.  Mr.  Stansell  being  raised  on  a farm,  he  has  work  at  every- 
thing to  be  done  there,  even  to  plowing  with  the  wood  mold-board  plow  drawn  by  oxen. 
Mr.  Stansell  was  married  February  4, 1834,  to  Miss  Eleanor  Shehan.  From  this  union 
were  eleven  children,  nine  of  whom  are  living.  Mrs.  Stansell  died  February  22,  1866. 
The  father  of  the  subject  of  this  .sketch  was  born  October  1,  1765  ; married  to  Eliza- 
beth Allen  April,  1793.  From  this  union  were  eleven  children,  four  of  whom  are  now 
iving  (July,  1881).  Henry  Stansell,  at  the  age  of  thirteen,  was  captured  by  the  Indians 
n the  State  of  New  York,  with  whom  he  remained  five  years,  undergoing  all  the 
hardships  of  a captive’s  life.  So  far  as  a separation  from  home  and  friends  are  eon- 
lerned,  a portion  of  the  time  the  Indians  tried  to  make  his  life  agreeable,  but  was  an 
ndian’s  life  after  all.  His  release  was  brought  about  in  this  way.  The  Indian  who 
iaimedhim  as  his  property,  while  they  were  encamped  in  the  neighborhood  of  a British 
?ort  on  Lake  Ontario,  when  drunk,  sold  him  for  a trifle  to  a British  officer,  received 
lis  pay  and  departed,  but  soon  as  he  became  sober,  returned  to  the  fort,  and  demanded 
he  return  of  Henry,  but  the  officers  secreted  him,  and  told  the  Indian  that  Henry  was 
;one.  Young  Stansell  was  soon  exchanged  and  sent  home  to  his  parents.  He  was  so 
hanged  in  appearance  that  (although  dressed  in  civilized  clothing),  none  of  the  family 
except  his  mother)  knew  him,  having  given  him  up  as  dead  ; the  mother,  so  long  bereft 
f him,  instantly  recognized  him  by  a scar  on  his  face.  A few  years  after  peace  was 
eclared,  Henry  Stansell  married  and  removed  to  Kentucky,  and  then  to  Ohio  as  above 
ated. 

LEWIS  TAYLOR,  farmer,  P.  0.  Centerville,  son  of  John  and  Rosanna  ( Alexan- 
er)  Taylor,  was  born  June  5,  1813,  in  Washington  Township,  Montgomery  County, 
flfio.  With  the  exception  of  a few  years,  has  resided  in  his  native  township.  In  boy- 
ood,  attended  school  in  the  log  cabin  where  greased  paper  was  used  instead  of  glass  for 
indows.  The  branches  taught  were  reading,  writing  and  arithmetic.  Teachers  were 
ten  paid  by  subscription  and  board,  dividing  their  time  with  the  patrons.  Books 
>ed  were  the  spelling  book  and  Bible.  For  copy  books  the  scholar  had,  what  would 
)w  be  considered,  a very  poor  article  of  unruled  foolscap,  and  the  scholars  provided 
lemselves  with  a lead  pencil  and  rule  to  do  the  lining  required  in  the  copy  book.  The 
acher  set  all  the  copies,  made  and  repaired  the  pens  from  goose  quills,  as  steel  and 
'Id  pens  were  not  in  use.  Ink  was  manufactured  at  home,  from  maple  bark  and  cop- 


276 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


peras.  Lewis’  occupation  is  that  of  a farmer,  and  is  now  one  of  the  few  men  in  this 
township  owning  and  occupying  the  land  purchased  by  their  fathers  from  the  United 
States.  The  above  tract  was  deeded  by  James  Madison,  President  of  the  United  States, 
to  John  Taylor,  December  15,  1810.  Lewis  has  never  had  any  political  aspirations,  and 
never  was  on  a jury.  The  amusements  in  his  early  days  were  corn  huskings,  log-roll- 
ings, and  raising  the  log  cabin  for  the  new  settler,  which  would  be  accomplished  in  one 
day,  ready  for  the  family  accupancy  at  night.  Huskings  and  rollings  always  ended 
with  a dauce  at  night.  Lewis  claims  that  the  frame  house  he  now  occupies  was  about 
the  first,  if  not  the  first  one  built  in  the  township  in  1808.  It  is  a two-story  ; in  the  second 
story  religious  meetings  used  to  be  held  by  the  Presbyterian,  Baptist  and  Christian 
Churches.  His  parents  were  both  natives  of  Mifflin  County,  Penn.,  and  were  married 
February  19,  1801.  From  this  union  were  eight  sons  and  one  daughter,  of  whom  four 
sons  only  are  now  living.  The  parents,  with  three  children,  eame  to  Montgomery 
County,  Ohio,  in  September,  1806,  and  purchased  above-named  tract  of  land  soon  after 
their  arrival,  on  which  was  a double  log  cabin,  with  a puncheon  floor,  and  about  one 
acre  of  land,  about  half  cleared ; balance,  heavily  timbered.  Some  years  afterward, 
Mr.  Taylor  made  another  purchase  of  410  acres  of  land,  on  the  Miami  Great  Bend,  and 
laid  out  the  town  of  Alexandersville,  the  name  being  suggested  by  Mrs.  Taylor,  as  a 
compliment  to  their  eldest  son,  Alexander.  Dr.  David  Bailey  did  the  surveying  and 
platting  of  the  town.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Taylor  donated  one  of  the  lots  to  the  Christian; 
Church  ; Mr.  Taylor  was  one  of  the  largest  stockholders  in  the  Woodbourn  Cotton 
Factory,  in  which  speculation  he  lost  not  less  than  $20,000,  which,  at  that  time,  was  al 
heavy  loss.  Mr.  Taylor  was  drafted  in  the  war  of  1812  ; marched  to  Greenville  under! 
Capt.  Richard  Sunderland  ; his  stay,  however,  was  short  ; sickness  called  him  home  | 
He  soon  procured  a substitute,  Samuel  Mattocks,  paying  him  $60  cash  and  an  outfit, 
Mr.  Taylor  died  November  29,  1843,  aged  sixty-five  years  nine  months  and  eleven  days 
Mrs.  Taylor  died  August  17,  1878,  aged  ninety-four  years  four  months  and  two  days 

JOSEPH  THOMAS,  farmer,  son  of  Edward  P.  and  Abigal  (Benham)  Thomas 
was  born  in  Washington  Township,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  August  19,  1834,  and  baft 
followed  farming  as  his  life  occupation.  He  was  married,  January  1,  1861,  to  Char 
lotte  Ramsey,  daughter  of  Bloomfield  and  Matilda  A.  (Reeder)  Ramsey,  who  was  ak 
born  in  this  township  April  23,  1844.  They  have  had  the  following  children;  -Josepl 
B , Edward  P.  (deceased),  Mary  E.,  Olive  A.,  Melissa  L.,  William  IT.  L.,  Eve  M.  an< 
Charles  P.  Our  subject  was  but  four  years  old  when  his  father  died,  and  at  twelv< 
years  of  age,  began  working  out  by  the  month  to  help  his  mother  support  th 
family.  In  1855,  he  and  his  brother  Benjamin  rented  a farm,  and  by  hard 

constant  toil,  and  steady,  economical  habits,  saved  sufficient  to  purchase  100  acre 
of  land,  upon  which  Benjamin  now  lives.  In  1865,  Joseph  sold  his  interest  i 
the  above  farm  to  his  brother,  and  purchased  his  present  homestead  of  131 
acres,  which  is  the  legitimate  result  of  his  earnest  efforts  to  succeed  in  life.  Mr.  Thoma 
is  regarded  as  one  of  the  progressive  farmers  of  his  native  township,  and  his  motto  ha 
even  been  to  be  just  and  honest  with  all  men. 

JOHN  WELLER,  farmer,  P.  O.  Centerville,  son  of  John  and  Elizabeth  Weller,  w; 
born  April  15,  1818,  in  Washington  Township,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  and,  with  th 
exception  of  eleven  years,  has  always  resided  there.  Of  the  eleven  years,  seven  wei 
spent  in  Warren  County,  Ohio,  and  four  in  Miami  County,  Ohio.  By  occupation,  is 
firmer  ; was  raised  one.  Married,  September  29,  1841,  to  Miss  Mary  Ann  Anderso; 
From  this  union  were  ten  children,  seven  of  whom  are  living.  Mr.  Weller’s  schoolit 
acquired,  as  all  farmer  boys  did  at  that  time,  work  on  the  farm  during  farming  seasojj 
and  attend  school  in  the  winter,  and  yet,  frequently,  not  all  that  time  was  allowed  - heir 
if  there  was  any  grain  to  thrash,  which  the  boys  had  to  attend  to  by  tramping  it  off  < 
the  bare  floor  with  several  horses.  Their  wearing  apparel  was  altogether  of  bome-ma 
material,  flax  tow  for  pants,  flax  linen  for  shirts,  and  bettermost  pants ; thre;; 
shirt-buttons  in  general  use ; for  winter  wear,  home-made  cloth  and  jeans.  R 
flannel  wamusses  were  very  fashionable.  Boys  were  always  delighted  wh 
presented  with  a new  one.  Limited  to  one  pair  shoes  a year,  and  when  men 


WASHINGTON  TOWNSHIP. 


277 


ing  was  required,  it  frequently  fell  to  the  boy’s  lot  to  repair  his  own  shoes. 
Among  the  vivid  scenes  and  well  recollected  ones  of  Mr.  Weller’s  boyhood,  are,  that 
when  his  father  could  put  seven  sons  with  their  plows  in  the  field  at  one  time,  and  once 
in  the  spring  of  1842,  eight  or  nine  were  at  work  in  the  same  field ; then,  he  says, 
what  a sight  at  turning-out  times,  noon  and  night,  to  them  file  out  of  the  field  into  a 
long  lane,  and  march  for  dinner.  The  father’s  rule  was  that  the  horses  must  be  fed 
first.  His  orders  to  the  boys  were  to  always  be  careful  and  take  good  care  of  them. 
Mr.  Weller  remembers  selling  produce  at  the  following  prices  : Wheat,  at  50  cents  per 
bushel;  oats,  at  15  cents  per  bushel;  corn,  at  the  same.  Has  hauled  flour  for  his 
father  to  Cincinnati,  and  sold  it  for  $2.50  per  barrel ; it  would  require  four  days  to 
make  the  trip.  Has  sold  pork  at  $2.50  per  100,  net ; then  the  other  extreme  has  sold 
pork  for  $13  per  100,  net.  Mr.  Weller  was  a renter  for  nine  years,  but  is  now  the 
owner  of  248  acres  of  fine  land,  about  220  of  which  is  under  a good  state  of  cultivation. 
His  first  plowing  was  done  with  the  wooden  mold-board  plow.  Now  he  uses  all  the 
modern  farming  utensils.  Mrs.  Weller  is  the  daughter  of  Ephraim  and  Sarah  Ander- 
son; was  born  in  Washington  Township,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  September  18,  1821. 
There  were  eleven  brothers  and  sisters,  nine  of  whom  are  now  living.  Mrs.  Weller  has 
spent  all  her  life  on  a farm,  and  in  her  early  marriage  life  thought  nothing  hard  of  it  to 
carry  butter  and  eggs  two  and  a half  miles  to  market  of  a morning,  returning  in  time 
for  her  children  to  go  to  school ; has  been  quite  a spinner  of  flax  and  wool  in  her  young 
days,  out  of  which  material  the  wearing  apparel  was  manufactured  for  the  family. 

WILLIAM  WELLER,  farmer,  P.  O.  Centerville.  William  Weller,  son  of  John 
;and  Elizabeth  Weller,  was  born  April  30,  1816,  in  the  State  of  New  Jersey.  When 
about  two  years  old,  he  came  with  his  parents  to  Washington  Township,  Montgomery 
Co.,  Ohio.  When  the  family  landed  here,  50  cents  was  all  the  cash  the  father  pos- 
sessed, but  being  a blacksmith,  just  the  man  needed  in  a new  settlement,  the  neighbors 
gathered  together  and  soon  had  a house  and  shop  ready  for  occupancy  by  the  new-comer. 
He  went  to  work  ; the  neighbors  patronized  him  ; soon  he  began  to  receive  help  from  his 
boys ; this  enabled  him  to  turn  out  more  work,  and  he  began  to  turn  his  attention  to 
farming.  About  theyear  1827,  he  moved  on  a largefarm  asarenter;  fortune  smiled  on  him, 
and  inthe  course  of  a few  years  he  became  the  owner  instead  of  the  renter.  At  his  death, 
he  was  quite  wealthy,  leaving  a large  estate  for  division  among  his  children.  William’s 
privileges  for  schooling  were  only  on  a par  with  other  farm  boys.  When  old  enough  to 
work,  he  was  introduced  to  it ; he  says  his  first  plowing  was  done  with  the  wooden 
mold-board  plow.  He  never  had  any  desire  to  mingle  in  politics.  He  was  married, 
March  19,  1840,  to  Miss  Martha  Young;  from  this  union  were  six  children,  four  of 
whom  are  now  (July,  1881)  living  and  married.  Educated  to  farming,  he  has  always 
idhered  to  it ; knowing  how  to  manage  it,  he  has  made  it  a success.  He  was  a renter 
hr  fourteen  years,  and  a part  of  that  time  sold  his  corn  for  10  cents  per  bushel,  pork  for 
H.75  to  $2  per  one  hundred  pounds,  net.  The  first  crop  of  wheat  raised  he  received 
one-half  as  his  portion;  he  had  it  ground  and  hauled  to  Cincinnati,  where  he  sold  it  for 
HO  per  barrel ; that  was  his  first  start  in  life.  Wearing  apparel  in  his  boyish  days  was 
nincipally  of  home  manufacture;  could  not  well  make  it  anything  else,  for  he  says  he 
las  reaped  wheat  many  a day  for  50  cents,  and  the  day  then  was  from  sunrise 
}o  sunset.  The  first  fine  suit  of  clothes  was  that  given  him  by  his  parents  when  he 
•eached  the  age  of  twenty-one,  called  a freedom  suit.  He  is  now  the  owner  of  a nicely 
mproved  farm,  adjoining  the  town  of  Centerville  on  the  southeast,  containing  1434 
icres,  which  constitutes  his  homestead.  The  church  of  his  choice  was  the  New-School 
Baptist,  which  he  joined  about  1860  ; Mrs.  Weller  joined  same  some  three  years  previous. 

SAMUEL  WELLER,  farmer,  P.  O.  Centerville.  Samuel  Weller,  son  of  John 
nd  Elizabeth  Weller,  was  born  November  29,  1826,  in  Washington  Township,  Mont- 
gomery Co.,  Ohio.  He  moved,  with  his  parents,  on  to  the  farm  where  he  now  resides 
1881 ) about  fifty-three  years  ago ; with  the  exception  of  a few  years  it  has  always 
>een  his  home.  To  the  visitors  at  this  day  it  looks,  from  the  splendid  improvements 
e has  made,  and  the  general  keeping  of  his  farm,  that  he  has  no  migratory  notions  in 
is  head.  His  education  he  received  in  the  home  district  school,  kept  in  a log  house 


278 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


with  flattened  saplings  for  seats  and  puncheons  for  writing  desks,  upon  which  he  says 
the  boys  used  their  Pen  and  Barlow  knives  prettey  freely.  Raised  on  the  farm,  he  did  the 
chores  of  a farm  boy  until  he  was  large  enough  to  plow.  His  recollection  of  his  first 
plowing  was  done  with  a wooden  mold-board  plow.  The  plowing  done  then  would  not 
at  this  time,  be  called  much  more  than  scratching,  yet  farmers  managed  to  raise  fair 
crops,  particularly  where  there  was  as  many  good  farm  boys  as  there  was  on  the  Weller 
homestead.  Mr.  Weller  has  never  had  any  particular  political  aspirations  ; yet  at  kind 
solicitation  of  friends  and  neighbors,  he  has  served  them  as  School  Director  and  Town- 
ship Trustee  several  years.  He  was  a member  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  under  whose 
direction  the  present  township  hall  was  built  in  Centerville  (1880).  Farming  is  his  de- 
light, at  which  he  is  a success.  He  is  now  the  owner  of  389£  acres  in  this  township. 
He  was  married,  May  16,  1854,  to  Miss  Mary  C.  Kirby,  daughter  of  John  and  Mar 
garet  (Pence)  Kirby  ; from  this  union  eleven  children  were  born,  nine  of  whom  are  now 
living.  Samuel  Weller  and  wife  entertained  sixty  of  their  personal  friends  at  dinner 
the  first  Sunday  of  their  housekeeping.  Mrs.  Weller’s  father  was  a native  of  New 
Jersey,  and  her  mother  of  Ohio,  Mrs.  Weller  having  been  boro  in  this  State  July  29, 
1834.  She  has  had  eleven  children  born  to  her  of  this  union,  viz.,  John  C.  (deceased), 
Charles  W.  (deceased),  Lucinda  J.,  Anna  L.,  Laura  B.,  Walter  H.,  Arrilla  J.,  Arthur 
S.,  Carrie  F.,  Minnie  E.  and  Mary  M. 


CEMA.^1  TOWNSHIP. 

FRANCIS  AMPT,  retired  saddler,  Germantown.  Francis  Ampt  is  a native 
of  Germany,  of  the  city  of  Mayence  on  the  Rhine  ; was  born  June  3,  1810  ; landed  in 
the  United  States  June  10,  1833.  Married  Kunigunda  Rosa,  of  Hamilton,  Ohio,  io 
March,  1839.  The  latter  was  born  in  Germany  February  14,  1819,  and  came  to  the 
United  States  in  1837.  They  resided  in  Trenton,  Butler  Co.,  Ohio,  from  1839  to  1849 
In  the  latter  year  they  moved  to  Germantown,  Ohio,  where  they  have  ever  since  resided. 
They  have  three  sons,  all  of  whom  were  born  in  Trenton  ; they  are  : First,  William  M. 
Ampt,  attorney,  born  February  1,  1840;  married  to  Mary  Eliza  Gunckel,  daughter  of 
William  Guuckel,  of  Dayton,  Ohio  ; they  reside  in  Cincinnati,  and  have  one  daughter, 
Rosa  E.,  born  July  2,  1874.  Second,  Henry  Ampt  (in  the  employ  of  Polk,  Wilson  & 
Sons,  Cincinnati,  Ohio),  was  born  June  23,  1842  ; is  married  to  Fredona  Rowe,  daugh- 
ter of  Daniel  Rowe,  of  Germantown,  Ohio  ; they  reside  in  Cincinnati.  Third,  Francis 
C.  Ampt,  attorney,  and  First  Assistant  Solicitor  of  the  city  of  Cincinnati,  was  born  June 
10,  1848  ; married  to  Mary  Weaver,  daughter  of  George  Weaver,  of  Miamisburg,  Ohio; 
reside  in  Cincinnati;  have  three  children — Charles  Francis,  aged  seven  years;  Ellen 
Fredona,  five  years;  and  Anna,  three  years.  Mr.  Ampt  is  a saddler  by  trade,  and 
worked  at  that  business  until  1879,  when  he  retired.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the 
Lutheran  Church. 

J.  J.  ANTJaJM,  physician,  Germantown,  is  a son  of  Jacob  Antrim,  a pioneer  min- 
ister of  illustrious  fame.  He  was  born  in  Berks  County,  Penn.,  in  the  year  1791 
From  childhood,  he  was  a Bible  student  and  adhered  closely  to  the  principles  of  a Chris- 
tian life.  In  early  manhood,  he  C'mnected  himself  with  the  U.  B.  Church,  and  subse- 
quently filled  the  pulpit,  teaching  the  doctrines  of  his  denomination.  In  1821,  his  nup 
tials  were  solemnized  with  Miss  Mary  Zeller,  who  was  a native  of  the  same  county  and 
State  as  her  husband,  and  was  born  in  the  year  1800.  The  issue  of  this  marriage  were 
six  children  of  whom  five  are  now  living,  viz.,  Jabez  J.,  Cyrus,  Titus,  Jacob  and  Katura 
(now  Mrs.  Dr.  Eckerd,  of  Trenton,  Ohio).  In  1819,  he  located  uear  Germantown, 
Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  purchased  120  acres  of  land  in  Butler  County.  Subsequently 
entered  upon  his  duties  as  an  itinerant  minister  and  circuit  rider.  In  his  circuit  ot  400 
miles,  he  would  frequently  become  associated  with  the  Rev.  James  B.  Finley,  a pioneer 
Methodist  minister.  Rev.  Antrim  removed  from  his  farm  to  Germantown  about  1 828, 
and  was  chosen  Presiding  Elder  of  the  Miami  Conference  of  the  United  Brethren  denom- 


GERMAN  TOWNSHIP. 


279 


ination.  His  district  consisted  of  the  counties  of  Montgomery,  Preble,  Darke,  Mercer, 
(Miami.  Hamilton  and  Warren.  In  1850,  death  summoned  his  daughter  Drucilla  to  her 
last  abode,  and,  in  1858,  the  same  messenger  called  his  wife  to  her  eternal  home.  Rev. 
Antrim  survived  her  several  years,  finally  taking  a trip  to  his  native  State  to  visit  his 
friends ; while  there  was  taken  very  ill  and  lived  but  a short  time.  The  brittle  thread 
of  life  was  broken  ; his  labors  on  earth  had  ceased ; having  fought  the  good  fight  of  faith 
and  finished  his  course,  his  spirit  had  entered  into  the  joys  of  his  Lord.  His  body  was 
conveyed  to  Germantown,  where  it  was  interred,  and  there  rests  the  body  of  a noble, 
just  and  esteemed  citizen.  His  death  occurred  in  the  year  I860,  escaping  the  scenes  of 
the  late  rebellion.  Dr.  J.  J.  Antrim,  whose  name  heads  this  sketch,  was  born  near 
Germantown,  Ohio,  October  26, 1823  ; having  limited  school  privileges  his  early  educa- 
tion was  the  same  ; his  summer  months  were  devoted  to  farming,  and  the  winter  to 
his  books.  However,  early  in  life  his  mind  was  directed  to  human  and  medical  science, 
which  he  subsequently  engaged  in,  being  only  eighteen  years  of  age  ; two  years  later,  en- 
tered the  medical  college  at  Cincinnati,  Ohio ; graduated  in  1844,  and  entered  upon  the 
practice  of  his  profession  in  New  Paris,  Preble  Co.,  Ohio.  Soon  after,  thought  a trip 
through  the  Southern  States  would  be  a professional  benefit;  he  prosecuted  his  thought, 
treating  cancers  and  tumors.  In  May,  1846,  when  the  United  States  was  in  strife  with 
Mexico,  he  enlisted  in  the  Second  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  commanded  by  Col.  G.  W. 
Morgan ; was  mustered  on  the  non-commissioned  staff  of  the  regiment  to  the  office  of 
Hospital  Steward.  His  services  continued  in  this  capacity  two  months,  when  upon  a 
satisfactorily  examination,  he  was  promoted  to  Assistant  Surgeon,  and  in  rank  that  of 
Lieutenant,  discharging  his  duties  on  the  battle-field  as  well  as  in  the  hospital.  He 
served  until  the  close  of  the  war,  participating  in  the  battles  of  Buena  Vista,  the  siege 
jf  Saralvo,  Puebla  and  Rio  Frio  Pass. 

Soon  after  his  return,  the  California  gold  fever  was  raging,  and  he,  with  a company, 
;raveled  through  by  a private  conveyance,  completing  the  trip  in  seven  months,  travel- 
ng  through  an  inhospitable  country  sparsely  settled  with  an  uncivilized  race.  His  stay 
vas  two  years,  when  the  unsettled  and  semi-civilized  condition  of  the  country  caused 
fim  to  return.  He  came  by  the  Isthmus  of  Panama,  then  known  as  the  Ocean 
■oute,  landing  at  New  Orleans,  thence  up  the  river  home.  Subsequently,  he  took  a 
;rip  to  the  metropolis  of  United  States  (New  York  City)  and  other  Eastern  cities ; re- 
urned  to  Germantown  and  embarked  in  the  mercantile  pursuit.  This  demanded  his 
mention  two  years,  when  he  resumed  the  practice  of  medicine,  in  which  he  is  still  en- 
gaged. His  marriage  was  celebrated  January  20,  1853,  with  Miss  Ellen,  second 
laughter  of  Gabrael  and  Sarah  Oblinger  ; she  was  born  June  24,  1832.  The  issue  of 
his  union  were  three  children,  vix.,  Ida  S.,  Willard  and  Frank.  Seventeen  years  of 
heir  united  life  had  elapsed  when  the  dreaded  disease,  consumption,  took  her  from  earthly 
»res.  She  was  an  exemplary  member  of  the  United  Brethren  Church,  having  con- 
lected  herself  with  that  denomination  at  an  early  age,  remembering  her  Creator  in  the 
lays  of  her  youth.  Her  death  occurred  December  8,  1870.  With  the  cares  of  the 
doctor’s  children  and  the  demands  of  his  profession,  he  was  married  the  second  time, 
luly  18,  1872,  to  Mrs.  Kate  Clemmer,  widow  of  the  late  David  Clemmer.  She  was 
)orn  in  Adams  County,  Penn.,  in  1828,  and  in  1834,  moved  with  her ’parents  to  Mont- 
rovery  County.  At  the  age  of  seventeen,  united  herself  with  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
dhurch.  She  was  a thoroughly  devoted  Christian,  as  was  proven  in  her  life  and  con- 
luct,  that  religion  was  not  merely  a system  of  ethics  and  doctrinal  truths,  but  a living 
jrincipal,  hidden  in  the  soul  as  the  leaven  is  in  the  meal.  After  the  death  of  her  first 
msband,  she  returned  to  the  home  of  her  parents,  and  owing  to  the  inconvenience  of 
he  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  she  united  herself  with  the  Evangelical  Lutheran 
dhurch.  From  the  time  of  her  last  marriage  to  her  death,  May  28,  1880,  she  was  a 
esident  of  Germantown.  She  merited  and  received  the  esteem  and  love  of  all  who 
mew  her.  She  was  a faithful  wife,  a good  neighbor  and  constant  friend,  hospitable  and 
■ver  ready  to  help  the  poor  and  needy.  She  was  a sixter  of  D.  E.  McSherry,  of  Day- 
on',  Ohio,  the  patentee  of  the  McSherry  Grain  Drill. 


280 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES : 


SIMON  AUCHENBOCH,  feed  stable,  Germantown,  was  born  in  Lebanon 
County,  Penn.,  March  31,  1814,  of  parents,  Peter  and  Catharine  (Neth)  Auchenboch, 
who  died,  the  father  in  1844  and  the  mother  in  1837.  He  was  married  to  Sarah  Palluth. 
daughter  of  Casper  and  Polly  (Spots)  Palluth,  in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  and  came  to 
Ohio  June  22,  1842.  Mrs.  Palluth  was  born  in  Pennsylvania  March  22,  1813.  The 
subject  and  wife  have  had  born  to  them  children,  viz.,  Eliza  (deceased),  Louisa,  Sarah, 
Mary,  William,  Rosannah  (deceased)  and  Fradanna  (deceased).  Mr.  aud  Mrs.  Au- 
cheuboch  are  members  of  the  United  Brethren  Church,  and  are  exerting  their  influence 
for  good.  The  former,  by  trade,  is  a shoemaker,  which  occupation  he  followed  for  about 
thirty -five  years.  He  is  a good  citizen  and  commands  the  respect  of  the  community  at 
large. 

CHARLES  H.  L.  AXMAN  (deceased),  was  a native  of  Germany,  born 
May  6,  1822.  In  early  life,  he  learned  the  trade  of  watchmaking  and  jeweler,  but  soon 
after  the  completion  of  his  trade,  in  1848,  he  emigrated  to  America,  and  on  May  8, 
1850,  married  in  New  York  City,  Elvina  Droz,  a native  of  France,  born  December  27, 
1830,  and  became  a resident  of  the  United  States  in  her  minority.  Soon  after  their 
marriage,  they  settled  in  Germantown,  Montgomery  Couuty,  Ohio,  where  Mr.  Axman 
set  up  in  business  and  conducted  it  through  life,  taking  in  his  sons,  who  are  now  four  in 
number.  He  died  on  February  26,  1873,  trusting  in  the  doctrines  of  the  Evangelical 
Lutheran  Church,  and  was  beloved  by  all  who  knew  him.  His  wife  still  survives,  bear- 
ing the  name  of  her  departed  husband,  and  the  mother  of  ten  children,  of  whom  six 
survive,  viz.  : Minnie,  Clara,  Charles  A.;  who  is  working,  in  Dayton,  at  the  jew- 
eler business  ; Adolph  0.,  in  the  same  pursuit;  and  Alfred  E.  and  Lewis  H.,  who 
are  yet  at  home  assisting  their  mother  in  conducting  the  jewelry  business.  Mrs.  Axman 
has  been  for  years  a member  of  the  same  church  as  that  of  her  husband. 

ALFRED  E.  AXMAN,  Germantown,  was  born  in  Germantown,  Ohio,  December 
8,  1860,  and  is  a son  of  Charles  H.  L.  Axman,  whose  history  will  be  found  in  this 
work.  Alfred  E.  grew  up  in  his  native  town,  where  he  was  also  educated,  learning  the 
jewelry  trade  under  the  supervision  of  his  eldest  brother,  Arthur  C.,  in  their  own  store, 
of  which  he  now  has  charge.  He  is  an  intelligent  young  man,  well  respected,  a mem- 
ber of  the  Lutheran  Church,  and  belongs  to  the  Masonic  fraternity. 

THOMAS  BAILEY,  retired  farmer,  Germantown.  His  grandparents,  Thomas 
and  Mary  (Crittenden)  Bailey,  natives  of  Virginia,  came  to  Warren  County,  Ohio,  at 
an  early  day,  where  they  spent  their  lives.  His  parents  were  William  and  Sarah 
(Rison)  Bailey,  also  from  Virginia,  who  had  a family  of  six  children — three  sons  and 
three  daughters — viz.:  Thomas,  Francis,  William,  Maria,  Elizabeth  and  Nancy.  The 
subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Warren  County,  Ohio,  July  29,  1810,  and  in  1819 
his  mother  died,  thus  leaving  him  at  a tender  age  without  her  loving  counsel.  On  De- 
cember 6,  1832,  he  married  Ann  Denice,  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Jane  (Bound) 
Denice,  born  in  New  Jersey,  September  27,  1815,  of  which  union  eleven  children  were 
born,  as'  follows  : William,  Abraham  C.,  Sarah  Jane,  Sidney  D.,  Samuel  F,,  Anna 
Maria,  Mary  E.,  George  P.,  Helanor  C.,  Rachel  and  one  died  in  infancy.  Mr.  Bailey 
followed  milling  for  about  twenty-oue  years,  and  in  1847  located  on  a farm  in  German 
Township;  purchased  170  acres  of  land  in  1853,  upon  which  he  resided  until  1866, 
when  he  moved  to  Germantown,  where  he  has  since  lived,  owning  a residence  and  two 
acres  of  ground  on  Main  street.  His  farm  lays  four  miles  west  of  town,  on  the  State 
road.  His  five  living  children  are  all  residing  in  this  vicinity,  and  worthy  members  of 
society,  whose  ancestors  have  done  their  part  toward  the  civilization  of  this  portion  of 
the  Buckeye  State.  Mr.  Bailey  and  family  belong  to  the  United  Brethren  Church.  I 

W.  P.  BEARD,  farmer,  P.  O.  Germantown.  Our  subject  was  born  near  Ger-i 
mantown,  Ohio,  August  14,  1821,  and  is  the  son  of  Jacob  and  Sarah  (Catrow)  Beard, 
natives,  the  former  of  Lancaster  County,  Penn.,  born  in  1777,  and  the  mother  of  Mary- 
land, born  in  1803.  The  father  settled  near  Germantown,  Ohio,  in  1811,  and  died  in 
1862.  Mr.  Beard  was  united  in  marriage,  February  17,  1848,  to  Susannah,  daughter 
of  Jacob  Heffner,  of  Maryland,  and  is  the  father  of  five  children,  as  follows:  Oliver 

J.,  Irene,  Sabina,  Hiram  and  Elmer.  The  first  named  is  dead.  Irene,  is  the  wife  of 


GERMAN  TOWNSHIP. 


281 


William  Roof,  living  at  Carlisle  Station,  in  Warren  County  ; Sabina,  is  at  home  ; Hiram, 
married  Lucinda  Robbins,  and  is  residing  near  Troy,  Ohio.  In  politics,  our  subject  is  a 
Democrat.  He  received  a fair  education,  which  was  obtained  in  German  Township  ; is 
a man  in  comfortable  circumstances,  and  a good  citizen. 

STEPHEN  BENNETT,  farmer,  P.  0.  Carlisle,  is  a native  of  Somersetshire, 
Eng.,  born  June  24.  1852,  and  emigrated  to  America  June  28,  1872,  settling  in  Mont- 
gomery County.  He  was  married  to  Mary  E.,  daughter  of  Tobias  and  Mary  (Brad- 
bury) Swartzel,  born  in  Ohio  July  21,  1850,  on  the  17th  of  February,  1873,  and  to 
them  were  born  the  following-named  children  : Cora  E.,  Lotta  0.  and  Pearl  M.  Mr. 
Bennett,  though  quite  a young  man,  has,  through  industry  and  economy,  become  the 
possessor  of  a farm  of  fifty-one  acres  of  land,  situated  on  the  Carlisle  and  Germantown 
pike,  two  and  a quarter  miles  southeast  of  the  latter  town.  The  farm  is  well  improved, 
and  the  buildings  thereon  new,  the  house  and  barn  being  built  some  six  years  ago,  at  a 
cost,  the  former  of  $1,850,  and  the  latter  $500.  Tobacco  raising  is  with  him  a spe- 
cialty. He  takes  great  pride  in  the  choice  lot  of  fowls  about  the  farm,  raising  and 
dealing  in  best  breed. 

ALFRED  BOSE,  cigar  manufacturer,  Germantown,  is  a son  of  George  Bose,  who 
was  born  in  German  Township,  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  January  8,  1808,  and  who 
lost  his  father  when  quite  small,  thus  leaving  him  to  the  care  of  a widowed  mother 
whom  he  in  his  more  matured  years  helped  to  support  until  her  death.  George  was  a 
farmer,  and  was  married  March  5,  1839,  to  Miss  Mary  Boyer,  who  was  born  in  Fred- 
erick City,  Md.,  April  11,  1808,  of  which  marriage  Alfred  was  born  in  this  township 
September  13,  1845.  He  grew  up  and  learned  the  trade  of  a cigar-maker,  worked  as  a 
journeyman  thirteen  years,  and  in  1872  was  elected  President  of  the  Cigar-Maker’s 
Union.  He  served  in  the  Germantown  fire  company  eleven  years,  receiving  a life-mem- 
bership certificate  for  services  rendered,  and  has  represented  the  Etna  Fire  Insurance 
Company  as  agent.  Being  a man  of  experience  in  his  trade,  he  was  appointed  foreman 
by  Joseph  Endress,  of  his  packing  room,  getting  the  cigars  ready  for  shipment,  hav- 
ing at  times  many  men  under  his  charge.  He  also  traveled  on  the  road  selling  cigars, 
in  all  of  which  he  displayed  the  same  ability,  energy  and  success.  He  finally  accumu- 
lated enough  money  to  start  in  business  January  19,  1876,  since  which  his  trade  has 
been  increased  yearly.  In  1872,  Mr.  Bose  became  a Mason,  and  is  a zealous  member 
of  that  fraternity. 

J.  A.  BROWN,  physician,  Germantown.  His  father,  William  Brown,  was  a native 
of  New  Jersey,  who  came  to  Ohio  with  his  parents  in  an  early  day,  and  located  at 
Waynesville,  Warren  County.  He  learned  the  carpenter  trade,  and  soon  after  reach- 
ing manhood,  went  to  Preble  County,  where  he  married  Miss  Mary  A.  Beall,  whose 
father,  Charles,  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812.  They  had  four  children  by  this 
union,  viz.,  Francis  A.,  Joseph  A.,  Laura,  the  wife  of  Dr.  Low,  of  Connersvilie,  Ind., 
and  Minnie.  William  Brown  was  quite  successful  in  life,  accumulated  considerable 
property;  was  a Quaker  in  religious  belief,  and  died  in  February,  1860,  leaving  a 
widow,  who  died  January  24,  1882,  and  who  was  a consistent  member  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  near  Camden,  Preble  County, 
Ohio,  January  19,  1855  ; had  all  the  advantages  of  a good  schooling,  and  at  the  age  of 
eighteen  began  the  study  of  medicine  under  Dr.  W.  H.  Low,  from  whose  preceptorship 
:e  entered  the  Medical  College  of  Ohio,  at  Cincinnati,  from  where  he  graduated  in  the 
'-lass  of  1877—78,  and  immediately  commenced  the  practice  of  his  profession  at  German- 
own,  where  he  has  since  continued  the  art  of  healing.  He  was  married,  March  5, 
1875,  to  Miss  Louisa  Singer,  daughter  of  Solomon  Singer,  who  was  born  in  Lewis- 
)urg,  Preble  County,  Ohio,  September  5,  1856,  and  has  had  one  daughter,  Edna.  Dr. 
drown  is  a member  of  the  Montgomery  County  Medical  Society,  and  being  a well-read, 
tudious  physican,  his  future  is  promising,  and  presages  success  in  his  profession. 

PETER  BUZZARD,  farmer,  P.  O.  Germantown,  was  born  in  Frederick  County, 
Id.,  June  11, 1817,  his  parents,  Samuel  and  Mary  (Dellwater)  Buzzard,  coming  to  Ohio 
loon  after  his  birth,  where  his  father  died  in  1866,  and  his  mother  in  1873.  Peter 
/as  married  in  1838,  to  Elizabeth  Emerick,  a native  of  this  county,  born  June  5, 


282 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


1818,  her  parents  being  from  Pennsylvania,  of  which  union  eight  children  were  the 
issue,  as  follows:  Wesley,  Allen,  Samuel  L.,  Margaret  E.,  Mary  Ann,  William  J. 
Jacob  E.  and  Annie  A.  Mr.  Buzzard  is  a stone  and  brick  mason,  which  trade  he 
learned  in  his  boyhood  days,  operated  a threshing-machine  for  twenty  five  years,  and 
has  owned  four  of  the  best  stable  horses  in  Ohio,  having  at  present  a fine  six-year-old 
three-quarters  Clydesdale  stallion.  Mr.  Buzzard  owns  a nice  farm  of  seventy-two  acres 
in  Darke  County,  and  a well-improved  homestead,  where  he  now  resides,  and  is  a man 
of  public  spirit  and  enterprise. 

LEVI  L.  CLARK,  retired  farmer,  P.  O.  Germantown,  is  a son  of  Thomas  and 
Catherine  (Lehman)  Clark,  both  natives  of  Pennsylvania,  the  former  born  July  5, 
1785,  and  the  latter  December  28,1791.  Thomas  was  by  occupation  a farmer,  and 
through  life  a resident  of  his  native  State.  Their  death  occurred  several  years  ago. 
and  they  were  the  parents  of  ten  children,  of  whom  four  are  now  living,  viz.:  Lydia, 
Levi  L.,  Thomas  and  Abraham.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clark  were  a noble  couple,  their  char- 
ity was  not  vaunting  and  their  love  for  their  fellow-men  was  unbounded.  Levi  L., 
whose  name  heads  this  article,  was  born  near  Jonestown,  Lebanon  County,  Penn  , 
October  11,  1814.  In  early  life  his  summers  were  devoted  to  farming,  and  his  winter 
months  to  school,  but  his  education,  though  limited,  was  mostly  acquired  through  his 
own  exertions.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  he  commenced  clerking,  and  was  thus  engaged 
for  five  successive  years.  At  the  age  of  twenty-three,  he  came  to  Germantown,  Mont- 
gomery County,  Ohio,  and  obtained  a situation  in  the  dry  goods  store  of  J.  Crist,  and 
on  December  30,  1838,  was  united  in  marriage  with  Maria  L.,  daughter  of  the  late 
John  D.  Gunckle,  of  Montgomery  County,  born  April  9,  1817.  The  fruits  of  this 
marriage  are  eleven  children,  viz.:  John  T.,  of  Columbus,  Neb.;  Jefferson  L.,  of  Mi- 
amisburg ; George,  of  Colorado;  William  H.,  Frank  G.,  Mary  C.  (now  Mrs.  Oblin- 
ger),  Harriett  E.  (now  Mrs.  Keiner),  Sarah  J.  (now  Mrs.  Trout),  Ellen  S.,  Alice  V. 
and  Maria  B.  Soon  after  the  nuptials  of  Levi  and  Maria  L.  Clark,  he  located  on  his 
father-in-law's  farm,  took  charge  of  it,  and  again  became  a tiller  of  the  soil  as  in  his 
youthful  days.  This,  however,  only  commanded  his  attention  a few  years,  when  he 
embarked,  unexperienced,  in  the  coopering  business,  and  repairing  firearms,  which  two 
occupations  combined  proved  quite  remunerative.  Several  years  later,  he  purchased  a 
farm  of  9 1 J acres,  of  Rev.  J.  L.  Hoffman,  situated  on  Little  Twin  Creek,  where  he 
located  and  remained  until  1868,  when  he  removed  to  his  present  beautiful  location  in 
the  limits  of  the  incorporation  of  Germantown.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clark’s  religious  affili- 
ations have  been  with  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  for  nearly  half  a century,  during 
which  time  they  have  been  constant  and  valuable  contributors  for  its  welfare  and 
progress. 

A.  S.  CONOVER,  farmer  and  miller,  P.  0.  Germantown.  The  parents  of  our  a 
subject  emigrated  to  Ohio  in  1811,  who  by  name  were  William  and  Catharine  (Sut- 
phin)  Conover.  The  former  lived  to  be  ninety-four  years  of  age.  Mr.  A.  S.  Conover 
is  a native  of  the  State  of  New  Jersey,  born  in  1808,  and  has  been  twice  married,  j1 
His  first  wife  was  Maria,  daughter  of  William  Bailey,  who  died  August  5,  1832.  His 
second  wife  was  Mrs.  Margaret  Ann  Molson,  daughter  of  Gilbert  and  Hannah  Bound, 
natives  of  New  Jersey,  by  whom  he  had  six  children,  two  boys  and  four  girls,  namely 
Edgar  C.,  Orlander  C.,  Hannah,  Lydia,  Ida  and  Deborah.  By  occupation  Mr.  Cono-j 
ver  is  a miller,  which  pursuit  he  followed  from  the  time  he  was  seventeen  years  of  age, 
living  between  Franklin  and  Miamisburg,  until  1860.  He  now  owns  a small  farm  one 
and  a half  miles  northwest  of  Germantown. 

HENRV  C.  COOK,  farmer,  P.  O.  Germantown,  was  born  in  Jackson  Township, 
Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  October  3,  1833;  is  the  son  of  Frederick  and  Catherine 
( Apple)  Cook,  natives  of  Ohio,  but  of  German  descent.  Our  subject  was  one  of  seven] 
children,  six  of  whom  are  still  living,  and  four  of  them  are  residents  of  Montgomervj 
County.  He  was  married  to  Lucinda  Oldfather  May  12,  1864,  and  to  them  were  born 
the  following-named  children  : Ella  R.,  Wealthy  M.,  Herman  V.  and  Gface.  Ttu 

wife  was  born  March  19,  1837,  of  parents  Frederick  and  Elizabeth  (Pence)  Oldfather 
The  former  was  a native  of  Virginia,  and  died  iu  1876,  and  the  latter  of  Maryland 


GERMAN  TOWNSHIP. 


283 


Our  subject  received  a fair  education,  having  attended  the  schools  of  his  neighborhood 
in  youth,  thence  going  for  a period  at  Lebanon,  where  he  attended  the  Southwestern 
Normal  School,  now  known  as  the  Normal  University,  where  he  prepared  himself  for 
teaching,  and  followed  that  profession  from  1854  to  1875.  He  purchased  the  quarter 
section  of  land  upon  which  he  now  resides,  located  four  miles  west  of  Germantown,  in 
1876,  since  which  he  has  been  farming. 

JACOB  CRIST,  deceased,  was  born  in  Frederick  City,  Md.,  October  15,  1792  ; 
is  a son  of  Henry  and  Christina  (Cassel)  Crist,  and  came  to  Ohio  with  his  parents  in 
1805,  where  he  grew  to  manhood.  He  was  married  October  15,  1850,  to  Anna  E. 
Echart,  daughter  of  John  and  Anna  E.  Echart,  natives  of  Germany,  who  came  to  Ohio 
in  1844.  Mrs.  Crist  was  born  in  the  Fatherland  February  23,  1817,  and  has  had  six 
| children,  viz.:  Henry  J.,  George  L , Mary  E.,  John  P.,  Edward  J.  and  Louisa  C.  Mr. 
Crist  was  one  of  the  oldest  citizens  in  the  county,  owned  130  acres  of  land  a short  dis- 
tance southeast  of  Germantown  and  the  family  belonged  to  the  United  Brethren 
Church.  Our  subject  died  February  17,  1872,  in  his  eightieth  year,  leaving  behind  a 
large  circle  of  mourning  friends  and  a wife  and  family  much  respected. 

J.  E.  DONNELLAN,  physician  and  surgeon,  Germantown,  was  born  in  Cham- 
paign County,  Ohio,  October  7,  1824,  and  is  the  youngest  in  a family  of  ten  children, 
seven  sons  and  three  daughters,  three  of  whom  are  living.  His  parents  emigrated  from 
Baltimore,  Md.,in  1812,  and  settled  on  a farm  near  Urbana,  Champaign  County,  Ohio, 
where  his  father  died  in  1829,  and  in  1832  his  mother  removed  to  West  Alexandria, 
Preble  County,  Ohio,  where  she  resided  until  her  death  in  1853.  At  the  age  of 
eighteen,  our  subject  having  received  a good  education,  began  teaching  school,  which 
he  continued  during  the  winter  season  for  several  years,  pursuing  a private  course  of 
study  in  the  summer  months.  In  1848,  he  began  the  study  of  medicine  in  the  office  of 
his  brother,  Dr.  N.  Donnellan,  of  West  Alexandria,  at  the  completion  of  which,  in 
April,  1851,  he  entered  upon  the  practice  of  his  profession,  at  Farmersville,  Montgom- 
ery County,  Ohio,  where  he  remained  two  years,  diligently  laying  the  foundation  of 
future  success.  He  occupied  the  same  office  with  H.  Elliott,  Esq.,  who  was  then  just 
commencing  the  practice  of  law,  but  who  is  now  the  Judge  of  the  Court  of  Common 
Pleas.  Dr.  Donnellan  removed  to  Germantown  May  3,  1853,  having  formed  a part- 
nership with  Dr.  C.  G.  Espich,  an  old  and  popular  physician,  who  had  been  a success- 
ful practitioner  of  medicine  in  this  place  from  its  earliest  settlement,  and  this  partner- 
ship continued  until  Dr.  Espich’s  death,  November  24,  1853.  Dr.  Donnellan  was  mar- 
ried, March  16,  1854,  to  Mary  M.  Hiestand,  whose  parents  came  from  Lancaster  Coun- 
ty, Penn.,  to  this  county  at  an  early  day,  of  which  union  they  have  had  two  daughters, 
Emma  (deceased)  and  Annie.  The  Doctor  has  taken  a deep  interest  in  the  progress 
and  development  of  Montgomery  County.  He  has  been  for  twelve  years  a member  of 
the  Board  of  Education  in  Germantown ; was  one  of  the  Directors  of  the  Montgomery 
County  Infirmary  from  1860  to  1866;  is  a charter  member  of  Germantown  Lodge  of 
R A.  A.  M.,  and  was  for  several  years  its  Master.  Since  1851,  Dr.  Donnelly  has  been 
in  constant  practice,  with  the  exception  of  four  months  in  1864,  when  he  was  a member 
rf  the  One  Hundred  and  Thirty-second  Regiment  Ohio  National  Guards.  He  is  a 
nernber  of  the  I.  0.  O.  F.,  and  the  family  adhere  to  the  Reformed  Church.  Politi- 
cally, he  is  a Republican.  The  Doctor  stands  among  the  most  enterprising  citizens  of 
his  township. 

WILLIAM  C.  EMERICK,  retired  merchant,  Sunsbury,  one  of  the  pioneers 
>f  Montgomery  County,  emigrated  to  Ohio,  coming  with  his  parents,  Christopher  and 
Catharine  (Kern)  Emerick,  natives  of  Pennsylvania,  from  that  State  in  1804.  The 
oarents  died,  the  father  in  1837,  and  mother  in  1836  ; was  born  in  Berks  County, 
Penn.,  June  29,  1794.  In  1820,  Mr.  Emerick  was  united  in  marriage  with  Sarah, 
laughter  of  Daniel  and  Catharine  (Shuey)  Gunckle,  who  were  also  pioneers  of  this 
ficinity,  emigrating  from  Pennsylvania  in  the  year  1811.  Both  were  natives  of  Dau- 
phin County,  Penn.  The  mother  died  in  1832,  and  the  father  in  1837.  Sarah,  the 
nfe  of  our  subject,  was  born  July  1,  1801,  and  became  the  mother  of  eleven  children 
—Israel  (born  May  24,  1821),  Catharine  (born  December  3,  1822),  William  D.  (born 


284 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES . 


February  23,  1826),  Levi  (born  May  1,  1828),  Elizabeth  (born  September  25,  1830), 
Jacob  (born  October  17,  1832),  David  (born  November  15,  1834),  Harrison  (born 
May  7,  1837),  Daniel  (born  February  26,  1840),  Mariah  (born  March  17,  1842),  and 
Henry,  born  August  23,  1844;  of  whom  six  sons  and  one  daughter  are  living,  and  all 
are  married  except  one  son.  This  pioneer  couple  are  the  grandparents  of  twenty- 
eight,  and  great-grandparents  of  sixteen  children.  Mr.  Emerick  has  followed  a variety 
of  vocations  in  life,  having  learned  the  shoemaker’s  trade  and  followed  it  some  twenty 
years,  then  butchered  a number  of  years,  when  he  became  a merchant,  continuing 
in  that  line  twenty  years,  from  which  he  retired  after  a long  period  of  active  business 
life.  In  1835,  he  was  chosen  a Justice  of  the  Peace,  in  which  capacity  he  acted  for 
fifteen  years.  He  also  filled  various  other  township  offices,  among  which  were  School 
Director,  Clerk  and  Trustee.  Mr.  Emerick  has  been  a life-long  member  of  the  Lutheran 
Church,  his  wife  adhering  to  the  United  Brethren  denomination. 

CHRISTIAN  ESHELMAN,  farmer,  P.  0.  Germantown,  was  born  in  Lancas- 
ter County,  Penn.,  December  18,  1802,  and  is  a son  of  John  Eshelman,  who  died 
when  our  subject  was  a small  boy.  Christian  grew  to  manhood  in  his  native  State,  and,, 
in  1831,  was  married  to  Catharine  Ebby,  daughter  of  Christian  Ebby,  both  natives 
of  Pennsylvania.  Of  this  union,  two  children  were  born,  one  of  whom,  John  C.,  sur- 
vives. In  1835,  Mr.  Eshelman  came  to  Ohio,  and,  being  a blacksmith  by  trade,  fol- 
lowed that  calling  for  about  twenty-five  years.  His  wife  died,  and,  October  13,  1874, 
he  married  Mrs.  Sarah  Denner,  widow  of  George  Denner,  and  daughter  of  Christopher 
and  Catharine  (Kern)  Emerick,  natives  of  Pennsylvania  and  pioneers  of  German  ! 
Township,  tier  father  was  born  January  23,  1771,  and  died  in  January,  1837.  Her 
mother  was  born  January  30,  1772;  married  Christopher  Emerick  January  16,  1793, 
and  died  in  February,  1836.  Mrs.  Eshelman  was  born  in  German  Township  January 
12,  1811,  and  her  entire  life  has  been  passed  in  this  vicinity.  His  son,  John  C.,  was 
married  to  Ellen  Stump,  who  has  borne  him  two  children;  one  now  living ; he  resides 
close  to  his  father’s  farm,  whose  homestead  is  about  two  and  a half  miles  south  of  Ger- 
mantown, and  the  family  belong  to  the  Lutheran  Church. 

ADAM  FRANK,  attorney  at  law  and  Mayor  of  Germantown,  was  born  in  Ger- 
mantown, Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  July  2,  1831,  and  is  a son  of  Matthew  and 
Barbara  (Loy)  Frank.  His  father  was  a native  of  New  York,  who,  in  his  boyhood  j 
days,  learned  the  shoemaking  trade,  subsequently  emigrating  to  Ohio  and  settling  at 
Germantown  in  an  early  day,  where  he  continued  working  at  his  trade.  A few  years 
after  coming  to  Ohio,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Barbara  Loy,  who  bore  him  six  children,  j 
four  of  whom  are  now  living.  Matthew  died  in  1867,  and  his  wife  in  1877,  both 
dying,  as  they  had  lived,  faithful  members  of  the  U.  B.  Church,  and  respected  by  ail 
who  knew  them.  Our  subject  received  a good  education,  and  graduated  from  the  Ger- 
mantown Academy.  He  learned  the  trade  of  a boot  and  shoemaker,  and  by  industry 
and  careful  saving  accumulated  sufficient  means  to  purchase  a property  which  consti- 
tutes a comfortable  home.  He  was  married  March  7,  1853,  to  Miss  Nancy  A.  Lucas, 
a native  of  this  county,  born  in  1830,  of  which  union  one  daughter,  Mary  C.,  was  the 
issue.  Mrs.  Frank,  after  a few  brief  years  of  married  life,  was  borne  to  the  grave.  Mr. 
Frank  was  again  married,  in  1874,  to  Mrs.  Yanda  L.  Stirewalt,  widow  of  the  Rev. 
Julius  L.  Stirewalt,  who  is  a sincere  member  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  and  who 
endeavors  to  set  a good  example  to  all  with  whom  she  comes  in  contact.  Politically, 
Mr.  Frank  is  a Republican,  and,  in  1865,  was  elected  as  a Justice  of  the  Peace  for 
German  Township,  having  been  elected  in  1864  Mayor  of  Germantown,  which  position 
he  now  occupies.  Subsequently,  was  chosen  Township  Clerk,  and  a member  of  tne 
Board  of  Education,  in  all  of  which  he  was  noted  for  efficiency  and  integrity.  About 
this  time,  his  duties  as  a public  servant  and  his  ambition  to  understand  more  thoroughly) 
the  laws  of  the  land  induced  him  to  abandon  his  trade  and  turn  his  whole  attention  to 
reading  law;  was  finally  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1870,  and  has  since  practiced  his  profes- 
sion. Mr.  Frank  has  long  been  a member  of  the  Masonic  Fraternity,  and  has  beenji 
Permanent  Secretary  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  in  Germantown  for  twenty-four  years.  He  is 
a man  of  shrewd  business  tact  and  sound  judgment,  and  the  fact  of  his  being  intrusted 


GERMAN  TOWNSHIP. 


285 


with  so  many  official  positions  demonstrates  that  his  community  have  confidence  in  his 
ability  and  integrity. 

JAMES  HANKINSON,  farmer  and  miller.  The  parents  of  this  enterprising 
farmer  were  James  and  Sarah  (Cheesman)  Hankinson,  natives  of  Monmouth  County, 
N.  J.,  born,  respectively,  November  14,  1787,  and  March  9,  1796,  were  there  united 
in  marriage,  and  subsequently  came  west,  locating  in  Warren  County,  Ohio,  and  raised 
a family  of  seven  children,  the  mother  dying  October  1,  1867,  and  the  father  April  5, 
1879.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Warren  County,  Ohio,  two  miles  south- 
east of  Germantown,  in  1828,  was  raised  a farmer,  and  September  30,  1855,  was  mar- 
ried to  Rachel  B.  Vandaveer,  born  near  Franklin,  Warren  County,  Ohio,  January  23, 
1835,  and  daughter  of  John  and  Hannah  B.  (Bound)  Yandaveer,  natives  of  Mon- 
mouth County,  N.  J.,  the  former  born  in  1795,  and  his  wife  the  following  year.  Mrs. 
Hankinson’s  parents  were  married  in  their  native  county,  and  had  thirteen  children, 
only  two  of  whom  are  living.  The  father  died  February  5,  1873,  and  the  mother 
July  25,  1876.  Mr.  Hankinson  has  a family  of  four  children — John  H.,  Sarah  M. 
(the  wife  of  John  Wolf),  James  V.  and  George  W.  His  early  education  was  limited, 
but  contact  with  the  world  has  given  him  a knowledge  of  men  and  affairs  that  well  fits 
him  for  his  sphere  in  life.  Beside  farming,  he  was  also  engaged  in  operating  a saw-mill 
and  manufacturing  broom  handles,  moving  to  his  present  location  in  1868,  where  he 
continues  the  mill  business  in  connection  with  the  breeding  of  Poland-China  hogs  and 
fine  poultry,  in  which  lines  he  has  won  many  premiums  at  the  fairs  during  the  past  five 
years,  and  is  the  owner  of  a thoroughbred  two-year-old  colt,  coming  three,  which  he 
claims  is  one  of  the  finest  in  Ohio  Mr.  Hankinson  has  made  the  Devonshire  breed  of 
cattle  a specialty,  believing  thoroughly  in  progress  and  improvement  in  all  things. 

BENJAMIN  B.  HARLAN,  teacher,  Germantown,  was  born  in  Clinton  County, 
Ohio,  March  23,  1845,  and  is  a son  of  David  M.  and  Margaret  Harlan,  he  a native  of 
Kentucky  and  she  of  North  Carolina,  the  former  born  in  1809,  and  the  latter  in  1815. 
The  family  are  of  Irish  and  Scotch  extraction,  and  our  subject's  parents  are  residing  in 
Lafayette  County,  Mo.  Benjamin  B.  was  educated  at  Lebanon,  Ohio,  and  followed 
farming  until  twenty-two  years  of  age,  since  which  time  he  has  been  engaged  in  teaching ; 
has  taught  in  Germantown  six  years,  two  of  which  he  has  been  Superintendent  of  the 
school.  In  1874,  he  married  Margaret  H.  Bond,  daughter  of  John  E.  and  Elizabeth 
(Custis)  Bond,  all  natives  of  Ohio  ; her  paternal  grandfather,  George  Bond,  was  from 
Maryland,  and  Thomas  Custis,  the  maternal  grandfather,  was  a native  of  the  “ Old 
Dominion.”  Mrs.  Harlan  has  had  two  children — George  B.  and  Mary.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  Masonic  Fraternity  and  I.  0.  0.  F.,  and  as  an  educator  has  given  gen- 
eral satisfaction. 

MICHAEL  HETZLER,  retired  farmer,  P.  0.  Germantown.  His  grandfather, 
George  Hetzler,  was  a native  of  Germany,  who  emigrated  to  Pennsylvania,  where  was 
born  George,  the  father  of  our  subject,  who  there  grew  up  and  married  Catherine 
Reem.  Of  this  union,  Michael  was  born  July  2,  1802,  and,  in  1824, 
married  Elizabeth  Blinn,  who  bore  him  three  children,  and  died  in  1838.  The 
following  year,  he  married  Margaret  Ann  Ellis,  a native  of  Virginia,  who  had  ten  chil- 
dren, eight  of  whom  are  living,  and  all  married,  excepting  one  son.  Mr.  Hetzler  owns 
165  acres  of  land  in  German  Township,  joining  Abraham’s  mill,  but  retired  from  farm- 
ing in  April,  1879,  his  wife  having  died  May  16,  1877.  He  is  a member  of  the 
United  Brethren  Church,  and  an  honest  Christian  gentleman. 

ISAAC  HETZLER,  farmer,  P.  O.  Germantown.  This  gentleman’s  parents 
were  Abraham  and  Salome  (Crouse)  Hetzler,  natives  of  Pennsylvania,  from  whence 
they  emigrated  in  1811.  Our  subject  was  born  in  Montgomery  County  March  20, 
1828,  and  was  married  to  Mary  Ann  Geeting  August  15,  1852.  The  wife’s  parents 
were  Adam  and  Elizabeth  (Leeser)  Geeting.  Father  Geeting  died  in  1859,  and  the 
mother  in  1864.  Isaac  Hetzler  and  wife  have  had  born  to  them  Salome  C.,  Adam  W, 
Lizzie,  Eliza,  Ella,  Simon  and  Abraham  L.  Mr.  Hetzler,  since  1852  has  resided  on 
his  farm  of  115  acres,  situated  on  the  Germantown  and  Jacksonburg  road. 

ELIAS  HO  UN,  farmer,  P.  0.  Carlisle,  is  a native  of  Miami  Township,  Mont- 


286 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


gomery  County,  Ohio,  born  February  10,  1838,  and  son  of  Daniel  and  Maria  (Geb- 
hart)  Hohn,  he  a native  of  Maryland,  born  in  1801,  and  his  wife  of  Pennsylvania 
born  in  1806,  and  daughter  of  Henry  and  Elizabeth  Gebhart.  Mr.  Hohn’s  mother 
died  in  1868,  and  his  father  in  1871.  He  was  married  in  1869,  March  18  to  Julia 
Ann  Hibble,  of  Miami  Township,  whose  parents  reside  in  Miamisburg.  Our  subject 
has  one  brother,  Lewis,  who  is  living  in  Shelby  County,  Ohio,  and  one  sister,  Loretta, 
who  resides  in  Miami  Township,  both  being  married  and  all  respected  people.  He 
resides  on  the  Carlisle  and  Germantown  pike,  about  midway  between  those  points. 

L.  H.  HUBER,  tanner,  Germantown,  is  a native  of  Cambria  County,  Penn.,  horn 
at  Johnstown  October  31,  1813,  and  removed  to  Ohio  with  his  parents  at  the  age  of 
six  years,  settling  at  Miamisburg.  The  parents  were  David  and  Susan  Fluck,  the  latter 
dying  at  Van  Wert,  Ohio,  when  our  subject  was  about  ten  years  of  age.  He  was  one 
of  eight  children,  all  of  whom  are  dead  but  two.  December  2,  1838,  he  was  united  in 
marriage  to  Catharine  Coler,  born  in  England  of  parents  Henry  and  Margaret  Coler. 
and  to  them  have  been  born  the  following  children  : John,  David,  Charles  F.,  D.  W. 
George  W.,  Caroline,  Margaret  and  Rachel.  Mr.  Huber  has  been  occupied  as  a tanner 
since  fourteen  years  of  age,  and  he  and  family  belong  to  the  Lutheran  Church. 

WILLIAM  INGRAM,  farmer,  P.  0.  Germantown,  was  born  March  10,  181?. 
Is  a son  of  Archibald  and  Margery  (Odan)  Ingram,  he  a native  of  Ireland,  and  she  of 
Scotland.  Mr.  Ingram  came  to  Ohio  in  1838,  and  in  1840  married  Martha  Kindig, 
daughter  of  Henry  and  Magdalena  Kindig,  natives  of  Pennsylvania.  Mrs.  Ingram 
was  born  October  22,  1818,  and  has  had  six  children,  two  boys  and  four  girls,  viz.:  John, 
Rebecca  Ann,  Michael  H.,  F.  FI.,  Mary  J.  and  Sarah  C.  Mr.  Ingram  is  engaged  in 
raising  tobacco  and  working  on  a farm  ; resides  on  the  Farmersville  road,  and  the  fam- 
ily adhere  to  the  Lutheran  Church. 

JOHN  F.  KERN,  banker,  Germantown.  His  father,  Frederick  Kern,  a native 
of  Maryland,  died  when  cur  subject  was  quite  young,  and  his  mother  married  Jacob 
Beard,  and  soon  after  the  family  came  to  Ohio.  John  F.  was  born  in  Frederick  City, 
Md.,  October  2,  1805,  and  grew  to  maturity  working  on  his  stepfather’s  farm,  but  upon 
reaching  his  twenty-first  year,  he  inherited  a farm  and  saw-mill  property  located  near 
Franklin.  Ohio,  on  the  Big  Miami  River.  Here  he  remained  two  years,  when,  his 
health  failing,  and  thinking  the  locality  did  not  agree  with  him,  he  disposed  of  his  prop 
erty,  and  entered  the  dry  goods  store  of  Winter  & Fisher,  at  Germantown.  Aftor 
learning  the  business,  he  concluded  to  start  for  himself,  and  in  1835  he  made  a trip  to 
Cincinnati  on  horseback,  purchased  a stock  of  dry  goods,  and,  returning  to  German- 
town, began  business,  which  he  continued  for  thirty-three  years.  In  1859,  he  was 
elected  a Justice  of  the  Peace,  served  the  people  faithfully,  and  was  again  tendered  the 
oifice,  but  declined.  He  has  been  chosen  several  times  to  represent  his  township  in  che 
county  conventions.  During  his  mercantile  career,  he  disposed  of  his  business  twice 
finally  retiring  from  merchandising  about  1867.  He  was  one  of  the  organizers  of  the 
First  National  Bank  of  Germantown,  of  which  he  has  been  President  nineteen  con- 
secutive years.  Mr.  Kern  served  as  President  of  the  Germantown  Board  of  Education 
eleven  years,  and  since  his  majority  has  been  a member  of  the  Reformed  Church,  hold- 
ing ofiicial  position  for  many  years  in  that  body,  and  during  his  entire  membership  his  1 
contributions  have  been  constant  and  generous.  Politically,  he  believes  in  principles 
rather  than  partyism,  and  in  all  the  affairs  of  life  he  has  been  always  desirous  of  doing 
good  and  of  benefiting  the  community  in  which  he  has  been  so  long  a leading  citizen. 

SAMUEL  LINDEMUTH,  farmer  and  tobacco  raiser,  P.  O.  Germantown,  was 
born  October  30,  1833,  in  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  and  is  the  son  of  Thomas  and 
Maria  (Tobias)  Lindemuth,  natives  of  the  Keystone  State,  Berks  County.  The  father 
was  born  in  1791,  and  came  to  Ohio  in  1824,  dying  January  13,  1870.  Our  subject 
was  united  in  marriage  with  Maria  Stiver,  daughter  of  John  and  Christina  (Emerick)  jj 
Stiver,  natives  of  Berks  County,  Penn.,  September  3,  1857.  Mrs.  Christina  Stiver  is 
still  living,  being  in  her  eighty-seventh  year.  Mr.  Lindemuth,  our  subject,  is  residing 
on  a farm  of  forty-odd  acres,  lying  about  one  mile  west  of  Germantown. 


HENRY  C.  MOSES,  farmer,  P.  O.  Germantown,  was  born  in  this  county  Sep- 


GERMAN  TOWNSHIP. 


•287 


tember  25,  1824,  and  is  a son  of  Robert  and  Mary  (Crist)  Moses,  natives  of  the  “ Old 
Dominion,”  where  his  father  was  born  in  1800  and  his  mother  in  1802,  coming  to 
Montgomery  County  in  1823,  where  they  spent  their  lives,  Robert  dying  in  January, 
1875,  and  his  wife  in  April,  1881.  Our  subject  was  married,  August  19,  1847,  to 
Mary  Ann  McKean,  daughter  of  William  and  Elizabeth  (Marsh)  McKean,  who  bore 
him  four  children,  one  now  living,  viz.,  Charles  R.  Mrs.  Moses  died  about  1855,  and 
in  1857  he  married  Grace  Rowe,  who  was  born  in  1822,  to  whom  have  been  born  five 
children;  three  now  survive — Elizabeth,  Grace  and  John.  Mr.  Moses  is  the  owner  of 
two  hundred  and  sixty-seven  acres  of  land,  one  hundred  and  seven  in  the  home  tract, 
one-half  mile  north  of  Germantown ; is  a practical  farmer,  who  displays  good  taste 
around  his  homestead,  as  well  as  being  respected  as  a kind  neighbor  and  worthy  citizen. 

REV\  PETER  C.  PRUGH,  minister,  Germantown.  Among  the  early  settlers 
of  Montgomery  County  was  John  Prugh,  a native  of  Carroll  County,  Md.,  born  near 
the  town  of  Westminster  in  1795  ; there  grew  to  manhood  and  married  Catherine 
Haynes,  who  was  born  in  1791,  of  which  union  ten  children  were  the  issue,  six  of 
whom  are  now  living,  viz. : Jesse,  Gideon  G.,  Jacob  H.,  Peter  C.,  Thomas  L.  and  Mrs. 
Samuel  Fauver,  of  Dayton.  In  1818,  Mr.  Prugh  and  family  came  to  Ohio,  locating  on 
one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land  five  miles  south  of  Dayton,  in  the  present  township 
of  Van  Buren,  upon  which  he  and  wife  spent  their  lives,  she  dying  in  1876  and  he  in 
1879,  being  faithful  members  of  the  Reformed  Church.  Peter  C.  was  born  on  the 
old  homestead,  September  13,  1822,  and  after  receiving  a knowledge  of  the  common 
branches  in  the  district  school,  he  attended  the  Dayton  Academy,  where  he  prepared 
himself  for  a collegiate  course.  In  1844,  he  entered  Marshall  College,  located  at  Mer- 
cersburg,  Penn.,  and  in  due  time  graduated  and  received  his  diploma ; then  entered  the 
Theological  Seminary  of  the  Reformed  Church,  under  the  Professorship  of  Rev.  J.  W. 
Nevin,  D.  D.,  and  Rev.  Philip  Schaff,  D.  D.,  where  he  completed  his  studies.  He  re- 
ceived a call  from  the  Reformed  Church  of  Xenia,  Ohio,  took  charge  of  that  and  the 
Beaver  Creek  congregation,  and  remained  there  for  twenty-five  years.  He  was  married, 
April  2,  1852,  to  Miss  Charlotte  Hassler,  of  Mercersburg,  Penn.,  born  April  11,  1828, 
and  daughter  of  Jacob  Hassler,  who  was  a musician  in  the  war  of  1812.  They  have 
had  eleven  children,  seven  now  living,  viz. : Edwin  N.,  John  H.,  Daniel  K.,  William  S., 
Etta  K.,  Mary  A.  and  Frances  Grace.  During  his  sojourn  in  Xenia,  our  subject  was 
instrumental  in  having  the  Soldiers’  Orphans’  Home  located  at  that  point  and  was 
appointed  Chairman  of  the  local  committee  to  confer  with  the  Committee  of  the 
Grand  Army  of  the  Republic  at  their  first  meeting,  and  $25,000  were  raised 
in  Greene  County  toward  building  the  Home.  When  it  was  completed  he  be- 
came Chaplain  and  remained  there  two  years,  and  in  1874  accepted  a call  from  the 
Church  of  the  Cross,  located  on  the  corner  of  Finley  and  Baymiller  streets,  Cincinnati, 
Ohio,  where  he  remained  three  years;  then  came  to  Germantown,  and  now  has  charge 
of  the  Reformed  Church  at  that  point.  Mr.  Prugh  resides  on  a farm  of  seventy  acres 
one-half  mile  west  of  the  town  and  is  a man  of  upright  Christian  character,  who  is 
honored  and  respected  by  a large  circle  of  Montgomery  County’s  most  worthy  citizens. 
His  son,  John  H.,  is  Pastor  of  Grace  Reformed  Church,  Pittsburgh,  Penn.;  is  recog- 
nized as  a man  of  superior  ability,  a scholar,  a theologian  and  an  orator,  who,  since 
taking  charge  of  that  church,  has  secured  one  of  the  largest  Reformed  congregations  in 
that  city. 

SAMUEL  REED,  retired  firmer,  Germantown,  was  born  in  Berks,  now  Schuylkill 
Oouaty,  Penn.,  on  the  20th  of  September,  1796,  and  was  married  on  his  birth-day,  in 
1828,  to  Sarah  Leinba'ch,  who  departed  this  life  on  the  10th  of  June,  1877.  They 
vere  the  parents  of  four  children,  one  only  of  whom  came  to  the  years  of  maturity,  an 
jionored  son,  John  Henry,  who  on  the  6th  of  September,  1860,  married  Mattie  Zeller, 
vhose  parents  were  natives  of  this  county.  They  were  the  parents  of  four  children — 
dary  Magdalene,  Albert  Eugene  (deceased),  Sarah  Lulu  and  Charles  S.  John  Henry 
;?as  a natural  musician,  and  had  considerable  taste  as  an  artist.  He  was,  for  a term  or 
nore,  Township  Assessor  and  Clerk,  and  was  for  a number  of  years  a dry  goods  merchant 
a Germantown.  He  died  June  7,  1874,  in  the  forty-fifth  year  of  his  age,  leaving  an 


288 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


interesting  family  to  mourn  his  death.  The  subject  of  our  sketch,  Samuel  Reed,  came 
to  Ohio  in  1825,  in  company  with  William  Hunsinger,  on  horseback,  for  the  purpose  of 
purchasing  a homestead  for  his  mother,  in  lieu  of  her  dower  in  the  old  homestead  in 
Pennsylvania.  During  this  visit,  he  remembers  seeing  G-en.  Lafayette  in  Cincinnati. 
He  has  two  brothers  yet  living — Jeremiah,  aged  eighty-one,  and  Martin  D.,  aged  sev- 
enty-seven. Mr.  Reed’s  father,  John  Reed,  died  in  1804,  when  Samuel  was  but  eight 
years  old.  His  mother,  Mary  M.  Reed,  subsequently  married  Abram  Suyder,  and  died 
on  the  day  Gen.  Harrison  was  inaugurated  President.  The  family  emigrated  to  Ohio 
in  1833,  coming  in  wagons,  and  consuming  four  weeks  in  the  journey.  They  landed 
near  Dayton  in  the  month  of  June,  and  the  following  September  came  to  German  Town 
ship,  where  they  have  since  lived.  Prior  to  leaving  Pennsylvania,  Mr.  Reed  was 
entrusted  to  the  settling  up  of  various  estates,  and  did  some  of  the  same  kind  of  busi- 
ness in  this  country,  amounting  in  the  aggregate  to  several  thousand  dollars;  He  is  the 
owner  of  170  acres  of  land,  and  while  too  infirm  to  perform  manual  labor,  yet  at  the 
advanced  age  of  eighty-six  years  he  superintends  his  farm  with  much  of  the  agility  of 
his  younger  years.  He  also  superintends  another  farm  of  150  acres.  He  learned  the 
trade  of  paper-maker  when  a boy,  and  followed  it  for  sixteen  years;  when  he  was  appren- 
ticed to  his  employer,  he  was  discharged  and  sent  home  with  instructions  to  put  him 
to  some  other  trade,  but  this  his  mother  would  not  agree  to,  and  he  was  sent  to  another 
man  for  three  years,  for  the  sum  of  $30  and  six  months’  schooling.  He  has  lived 
in  German  Township  for  more  than  forty-seven  years,  and  is  now  enjoying  the  latter) 
years  of  his  life  with  his  widowed  daughter-in  law,  Mrs.  J.  H.  Reed,  and  is  very  happily) 
situated  on  the  corner  of  Plum  and  Center  streets.  He  has  served  as  School  Director 
for  twenty-five  years,  and  is  closing  up  a long  and  useful  life,  and  his  meajory  will  bet 
cherished  long  after  death  by  those  of  his  church  (German  Reformed)  and  others  who) 
knew  his  worth  the  best. 

ELIZABETH  ROHRER,  widow,  P.  O.  Germantown,  daughter  of  Conrad  anti 
Elizabeth  Schultz,  of  Baltimore,  Md.,  was  born  in  that  city  January  25,  1806  Sh< 
was  the  sixth  child  of  a family  of  nine  children,  and  was  educated  at  St.  Joseph’s  Nun  j 
siery,  at  Emmetsburg,  and  at  Rooker’s  school  in  Baltimore,  where  she  received  a thor 
ough  education,  accompanied  with  high  accomplishments.  She  descended  from  a lini 
of  military  men,  her  grandfather  being  a Colonel  in  the  Revolutionary  war,  having 
been  promoted  from  a private  for  gallantry;  and  her  father,  a native  of  France,  par 
ticipated  in  the  war  of  1812,  serving  as  an  artilleryman.  Much  of  her  early  life  wa' 
passed  in  Washington  City,  and  during  the  administration  of  Monroe  and  Adams,  sh) 
was  a welcome  guest  in  the  families  of  these  illustrious  men.  During  the  war  of  1812 
Mrs.  Rohrer  witnessed  the  light  arising  from  the  burning  of  Washington.  She  cam 
West  in  company  with  her  parents  in  1825,  on  a visit,  and  was  present  at  Middietow 
when  Gov.  Clinton,  of  New  York,  raised  the  first  shovelful  of  earth  in  the  digging  c 
the  Miami  Canal.  Our  subject  was  united  in  marriage  to  Samuel  Rohrer,  March  3< 
1826,  and  that  year  removed  to  Dayton,  Ohio,  where  he  embarked  in  the  mercantil 
business.  To  this  couple  were  born  six  children,  four  of  whom  are  now  living,  namely 
Columbus,  Charles  S.,  Josephine  and  Ada  Y.  Mrs.  Rohrer  is  a member  of  the  R< 
formed  Church,  and  her  husband  was  an  Elder  in  the  same.  She  is  a close  Bible  sti 
dent,  and  has  ever  walked  in  the  line  of  holy  men  and  women,  having  been  a teacher  in  tli 
Colored  Sabbath  School  of  Baltimore,  and  organized  the  first  Sunday  school  in  Ge: 
mantown.  She  was  also  the  first  lady  member  of  the  American  Bible  Society  in  Mon 
gornery  County.  Her  husband  was  born  at  Hagerstown,  Md.,  in  October,  1786,  ac 
in  1817  accompanied  Gen.  Harper  and  Dr.  Dideer  to  Europe,  where  he  spent  tv 
years  in  traveling,  and  then  returned  to  his  native  State.  As  was  said  above,  he  can1 
to  Dayton  the  same  year  of  his  marriage,  and  the  following  year  moved  to  Germantow 
and  there  builtabrewery  and  operated  a distillery.  The  father  of  Mr.  Rohrer  was  a m:1 
of  means,  and  in  consequence,  Samuel  received  a thorough  education  and  became  a m; 
of  culture  and  refinement.  He  served  as  a Lieutenant  under  Capt.  Bare,  in  the  w 
of  1812.  This  couple  were  widely  known  for  their  hospitality,  and  their  home  w 
considered  by  the  elite  of  the  day  as  the  center  of  refinement  and  high-bred  cultui 


GERMAN  TOWNSHIP. 


289 


At  their  residence  have  been  entertained  many  distinguished  persons,  among  whom 
were  Gen.  Harrison,  when  a candidate  for  the  Presidency.  Mr.  Rohrer  was  a man  of 
many  virtues,  was  successful  in  business,  and  highly  esteemed  by  his  fellow-citizens. 
He  died  July  12,  1856. 

CHRISTIAN  ROHRER,  retired  distiller,  Germantown.  This  well-known  and 
prominent  citizen  was  born  in  Lancaster  County,  Penn.,  December  2,  1804, 
and  is  a son  of  Christian  and  Anna  Maria  (Forrer)  Rohrer,  natives  of  the  Keystone 
State,  who  were  the  parents  of  nine  children,  five  of  whom  are  now  living,  viz.:  Eliza- 
beth (now  Mrs.  Krider,  of  Pennsylvania),  Catherine  (now  Mrs.  Barr,  of  the  same  State), 
Christian,  Samuel  and  Jacob.  The  father  was  a farmer,  but  soon  after  the  war  of  1812 
began  the  manufacture  of  cotton  goods.  He  was  a man  much  respected,  and  died  June 
16,  1824,  his  widow  surviving  him  until  1850.  Our  subject  grew  to  manhood  in  his 
native  State,  receiving  a good  education,  and  upon  attaining  his  majority  inherited 
from  his  father’s  estate  a farm  and  saw-mill  property.  Hearing  of  the  many  good  bus- 
iness openings  in  the  West,  he  made  a trip  to  Ohio  and  Indiana.  Returning  to  Penn- 
sylvania, he  disposed  of  his  property,  and  in  1831  came  to  Montgomery  County,  pur- 
chased a flouring-mill  from  Andrew  Hinkle,  located  one  mile  west  of  Germantown, 
'which  he  operated  until  1847,  when  he  sold  it  to  Gross  & Brubaker.  He  then  bought 
the  John  Risinger  mill  property,  including  75  acres  of  land,  rebuilt  the  distillery 
which  was  on  the  farmland  embarked  in  the  manufacture  of  highwines  and  liquors, 
making  the  first  Bourbon  whisky  distilled  in  Montgomery  County.  Mr.  Rohrer  was 
married  November  29,  1832,  to  Miss  Margaret  Emerick,  born  in  this  county  March  8, 
(1813,  and  daughter  of  Christopher  Emerick,  one  of  Montgomery  County’s  pioneers. 
Of  this  union  five,  children  were  born,  viz.:  Anna  M.  (now  Mrs.  Grubbs,  of  German- 
sown),  Elizabeth  (now  Mrs.  Kaucher,  of  Yankton,  D.  T.),  Josephine  (now  Mrs.  Byers, 
if  Shelby ville,  Ind.),' David  and  John.  Mr.  Rohrer  is  yet  residing  upon  his  farm, 
which  he  purchased  thirty-five  years  ago,  although  retired  from  active  business.  He 
las  been  one  of  the  most  successful  business  men  in  the  Miami  Yalley,  and  his  success 
|s  a fitting  illustration  of  what  constant  application  and  rigid  industry  can  accomplish 
then  coupled  with  sound  business  judgment.  He  is  one  of  the  charter  members  of  the 
hrst  National  Bank  of  Germantown,  has  always  been  recognized  as  a useful  member  of 
ociety,  ever  taking  a deep  interest  in  all  worthy  public  enterprises,  as  well  as  the  prog- 
ess,  growth  and  development  of  the  Miami  Yalley. 

DAYID  ROHRER,  distiller,  Germantown,  is  a son  of  Christian  and  Margaret 
lohrer,  and  was  born  in  German  Township  November  10,  1835,  receiving  his  educa- 
ion  in  the  school  of  his  district  until  seventeen  years  old,  when  he  entered  his  father’s 
istillery,  where  he  worked  faithfully  until  twenty-two  years  of  age,  at  which  time  his 
ither  gave  him  an  interest  in  this  business.  This  partnership  continued  several  years, 
'hen  it  was  dissolved  by  mutual  consent,  his  father  retiring  and  David  remaining  in 
ie  business,  renting  the  distillery  from  his  father.  Here  our  subject  continued  to  do 
successful  business,  but,  being  a man  of  enterprise,  he  resolved  to  prosecute  his  call- 
)gon  a larger  scale,  so  purchasing  thirty-one  acres  of  land  one  and  a half  miles  west  of  Ger- 
lantown,  he  erected  thereon  a large  distillery  with  a capacity  of  manufacturing  thirty 
irrels  of  choice  Bourbon  whisky  per  day,  which  brands  have  acquired  an  enviable 
mutation  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific,  having  a market  in  many  of  the  leading 
ties  of  the  Union.  He  was  married  February  1,  1865,  to  Miss  Ada  Y.  Rohrer,  daugh- 
r of  Samuel  and  Elizabeth  Rohrer,  a sketch  of  whom  will  be  found  in  this  work, 
fie  was  born  in  German  Township  April  18,  1840,  and  has  had  five  children,  four  of 
hom  are  living — Josie,  Ada  V.,  Eugene  and  Albert.  Mr.  Rohrer  is  the  owner  of  400 
p'es  of  land,  besides  his  distillery,  is  a public-spirited,  enterprising  man,  whose  success 
as  been  marked  by  upright  dealing  in  all  the  affairs  of  life,  and  who  has  won  and 
tained  the  friendship  of  a large  circle  of  Montgomery  County’s  leading  citizens. 

JOSEPH  W.  SHANK,  President  of  the  First  National  Bank,  Germantown,  is  a 
a of  Adam  Shank,  who  was  born  in  Maryland  in  the  year  1778.  When  at  suitable 
pj  he  engaged  in  the  blacksmith  trade.  This  vocation  commanded  his  attention  in 
i.’edericktown  for  some  time,  but  afterward  he  purchased  a farm,  and  for  a few  years 

s 


290 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES : 


in  his  native  State  was  a tiller  of  the  soil.  In  1836,  he  removed  to  Montgomery  Count’ 
Ohio,  locating  in  Madison  Township,  where  he  purchased  240  acres  of  land.  His  mai 
riage  was  celebrated  in  his,  as  well  as  his  wife’s  native  State,  prior  to  his  removal  t 
Ohio,  her  maiden  name  being  Catherine  Doup.  The  issue  of  their  union  was  seve 
children,  two  daughters  and  five  sons.  By  the  time  Adam  had  his  farm  in  Montgomer 
County  under  good  cultivation,  time  had  bent  his  once  strong  and  rugged  frame,  an 
death  followed  about  1856  in  Germantown,  where  he  located  about  1850,  both  he  an 
wife  leaving  the  record  of  an  upright,  practical,  useful  and  Christianlike  life  for  imita 
tion.  Joseph  W.,  whose  name  heads  this  sketch,  was  born  October  8,  1816.  in  th 
same  State  as  his  father.  His  education  was  obtained  at  subscription  schools,  and 
through  his  own  exertions,  laboring  on  his  father’s  farm  until  1838,  when  he,  of  hi 
own  natural  adaptability,  commenced  the  coopering  trade,  which  he  conducted  one  yeai 
thence  embarked  for  St.  Louis,  via  Cincinnati,  locating  in  St.  Clair  County,  Hi. 
where  he  thought  great  advantages  were  offered  to  young  men ; there  engaged  a:>  ai 
inexperienced  hand  at  the  carpenter  trade.  Subsequently,  became  the  owner  of  a horse 
which  he  rode  to  Hagerstown,  Ind.,  and  traded  for  town  property.  This  he  held  thirty 
nine  years,  depreciating  in  value  25  per  cent.  ikbout  1840,  he  engaged  to  the  con' 
tractor  to  assist  in  erecting  the  Third  street  river  bridge  across  the  Great  Miami  ai 
Dayton.  Soon  after  the  completion  of  the  bridge,  he  formed  a partnership  with  hif 
brother  Samuel,  who  was  a contractor  and  builder;  while  thus  engaged,  on  March  16 
1843,  he  married  Mariah  Bruner,  who  was  then  nineteen  years  of  age,  and  a native  o 
Montgomery  County,  Ohio.  To  this  union  were  given  ten  children.  Mr.  Shank  fol 
lowed  carpentering  until  1847,  when  he  resumed  the  vocation  of  farming  on  his  father’ 
farm;  subsequently  became  the  owner  of  a fine  farm,  from  where  he  removed  to  Ger 
mantown.  He  has  been  for  years  one  of  the  Directors  of  the  First  National  Bank  o 
that  place,  of  which  he  is  now  President.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Shank  have  been  for  twenty-fiv 
years  valuable  members  of  the  U.  B.  Church. 

GEOKGE  M.  SMOCK,  farmer,  P.  0.  Germantown,  was  born  January  20 
1812,  and  is  a son  of  John  G.  and  Polly  (Vanmulander)  Smock,  natives  of  New  Jer 
sey,  the  former  of  whom  died  March  18,  1854.  Our  subject  was  married,  January  21 
1843,  to  Christina  Crist,  daughter  of  Michael  and  Mary  (Loy)  Crist,  he  a native  c 
Maryland  and  she  of  this  county,  the  former  dying,  aged  eighty-four,  and  his  wil 
aged  sixty-eight  years.  Mrs.  Smock’s  paternal  grandparents  were  Henry  and  Ohristin 
(Cassel)  Crist,  natives  of  Maryland,  who  came  to  Ohio  in  1805  ; and  her  matern; 
grandparents,  George  P.  and  Nancy  (Foster)  Loy,  were  also  early  settlers  of  this  Sfcati 
Her  father,  Michael  Crist,  was  a blacksmith  in  Germantown,  and  he  and  his  wife  wei 
members  of  the  Methodist  Church.  Mr.  Smock  is  now  residing  in  Germantown,  is 
good  citizen,  kind  neighbor  and  courteous  gentleman. 

DANIEL  B.  STAVEPt,  farmer,  P.  O.  Germantown,  was  born  in  Jefferso 
Township,  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  in  1814,  where  he  resided  until  his  marriage  1 
Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Jacob  Bickle  (both  of  Pennsylvania),  when  he  removed  to  tie 
man  Township,  of  which  he  is  still  a resident.  To  them  were  born  the  followiu 
children:  Christina,  Daniel,  Rebecca  and  William.  The  parents  of  our  subject  wei 
Frederick  and  Elizabeth  (Nowel)  Staver.  Daniel  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Ri 
formed  Church.  In  politics,  he  is  a Democrat.  He  is  in  comfortable  circumstance 
possessing  property  in  Germantown  and  a farm  of  eighty-four  acres  three  miles  nort 
west  of  that  town. 

SAMUEL  STIVER,  farmer,  P.  O.  Germantown.  Among  the  most  worthy  ai 
prominent  farmers  of  German  Township  Samuel  Stiver  holds  a leading  place.  In  3 SGj 
his  parents,  John  and  Margaret  (Wrolf)  Stiver,  natives  respectively  of  Lancaster  ai 
Tofiin  Counties,  Penn.,  left  their  native  State  and  came  to  Montgomery  County,  Ohi 
settling  in  German  Township,  in  the  southwest  part  of  the  county.  John  was  ot  He 
land  Dutch  descent,  his  ancestors  having  come  to  the  colonies  before  the  Revolutions® 
war.  He  and  wife  lived  and  died  in  this  county.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  bo,® 
in  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  February  21,  1816,  here  grew  to  maturity,  inured  ,® 
the  trials  that  fell  to  the  lot  of  every  pioneer  family,  and  March  4,  1841,  was  marriM 


GERMAN  TOWNSHIP. 


291 


to  Catherine  Emerick,  daughter  of  .George  and  Mary  (Good)  Emerick,  the  former  of 
whom  was  a native  of  Maryland  and  the  latter  of  Virginia.  Mrs.  Stiver  was  born  in 
this  county  October  *7,  1819,  and  has  had  six  children,  as  follows : Benjamin  M.,  Will- 
iam C.,  Samuel,  Mary  E.,  John  A.  and  Sarah  C.,  all  of  whom  are  married  and  have 
i families,  excepting  John  A.,  who  resides  at  home  with  his  parents.  Mr.  Stiver  owns 
over  five  hundred  acres  of  land,  three  hundred  and  forty-six  in  German  and  one 
hundred  and  sixty-four  in  Jackson  Township;  has  always  been  recognized  as  a good, 
isuccessful  farmer,  who  looks  carefully  after  his  business  and  seldom  makes  mistakes  in 
his  investments.  He  is  conservative  and  close  in  his  views,  a good  neighbor,  kind  yet 
economical  in  his  family,  and  can  be  safely  classed  as  one  of  the  representative  farmers 
of  the  township. 

J.  M.  SWARTZEL,  farmer,  P.  0.  Carlisle  Station,  was  born  in  German  Township, 
Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  September  19,  1822.  On  the  2d  of  May,  1853,  he  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Louisa  Replogle,  born  May  10,  1835.  This  union  was 
'blessed  with  the  following  children:  John,  Emma,  Charles,  Mary,  William,  Frank, 
(Edward,  Oliver,  Andrew,  Peter  and  one  who  died  in  infancy.  Mr.  Swartzel  is  a son  of 
John  C.  and  Elizabeth  (Crist)  Swartzel,  natives  of  the  State  of  Maryland,  whence  they 
emigrated  in  1804.  The  father  died  in  1850,  and  the  mother  in  1870.  The  paternal 
grandfather  of  our  subject  was  Matthias  Swartzel,  and  that  of  his  wife  was  Henry  Crist. 
Louisa  Replogle  is  the  daughter  of  Daniel  P.  and  Mary  (Lewis)  Replogle,  now  resi- 
dents of  Defiance  County,  Ohio.  Mr.  Swartzel  resides  on  his  farm  of  one  hundred  and 
.wo  acres  of  land  located  about  two  miles  northwest  of  Carlisle  Station,  Warren  County. 

FREDERICK  THOMAS,  farmer,  Germantown  P.  O.,  is  a native  of  Maryland, 
>orn  in  Washington  County  October  21, 1802,  and  sou  of  Gabriel  and  Christina  (Wolf) 
Thomas,  of  that  State,  the  former  born  in  1769  and  dying  in  1857.  The  family  came  to 
Ohio  in  1804,  and  here  our  subject  grew  up  and  received  his  schooling.  In  1846,  he 
uarried  Dinah  Hetzler,  born  May  18,  1807,  and  in  1850  moved  upon  his  present  farm, 
if  102  acres,  two  and  a half  miles  south  of  Germantown.  He  has  been  a member  of  the 
Jnited  Brethren  Church  since  a young  man. 

MICHAEL  TROUT,  physician,  Germantown,  is  the  only  survivor  of  a family  of 
'leven  children,  and  is  the  son  of  George  and  Margaret  (Zigler)  Trout,  both  natives  of 
’ennsylvania.  George,  in  his  minor  days,  learned  the  potter  trade,  and  afterward 
jcated  in  business  on  the  Monongahela  River,  where  he  remained  until  about  1812, 
hen  he  removed  to  Perry  County,  Ohio,  and  continued  his  occupation  (potter)  in  the 
(iwn  of  Somerset.  At  the  close  of  the  Indian  war  of  1812,  he  organized  a militia 
ompany,  and  served  as  its  Captain  until  age  plainly  told  on  his  wrinkled  brow  and 
fosted  hair,  disabling  him  for  parade.  He  was  a practical  and  useful  man  in  his  county, 
ad  was  chosen  as  Associate  Judge.  During  life  he  accumulated  some  property,  and 
enerally  was  a constant  and  generous  contributor  to  all  worthy  enterprises.  He  and 
ife  trod  the  path  of  a united  life -until  old  age  bent  both  their  frames,  when  they  were 
tiled  hence.  Michael,  whose  name  heads  this  biography,  was  born  June  21,  1809, 

. Williamsport,  Washington  Co.,  Penn.,  and  was  brought  to  Perry  County,  Ohio,  by 
(is  parents,  in  childhood.  They  being  located  in  the  town  of  Somerset,  liis  educa- 
;onal  privileges  were  not  so  much  limited  as  many  others  of  that  early  age.  In  1827, 
I came  to  Germantown,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  where  he  taught  one  term  of  school, 
id  has  since  continuously  resided,  except  five  years  in  Wayne  County,  Ind.,  subse- 
tently  obtained  a situation  as  a dry  goods  clerk,  and  during  spare  moments  applied 
mself to  the  reading  of  medicine;  finally,  acquired  a fair  knowledge  of  the  science, 
p this  end  he  entered  the  Ohio  Medical  College  at  Cincinnati  and  improved  his  vaca- 
>n,  under  the  directions  of  Dr.  Espich,  who  was  a reliable  practitioner  and  safe 
junselor.  After  the  completion  of  Dr.  Trout’s  collegiate  or  lecture  courses,  he  be- 
tae  associated  as  partner  with  his  (former)  preceptor.  After  one  year’s  existence  of 
[is  firm,  by  mutual  consent,  it  dissolved,  and  Dr.  Trout  continued  by  himself.  He 
one  among  the  oldest  practicing  physicians  of  Montgomery  County,  has  withstood  the 
j'rms  of  over  half  a century’s  practice.  He  has  been  for  many  years  a member  of  and 
ustee  in  the  Lutheran  Church,  also  a valuable  member  of  the  Order  of  I.  O.  O.  F., 


292 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


having  taken  nearly  all  the  degrees.  Ilis  marriage  was  solemnized  February  21,  1832, 
with  Amelia  Schwartz,  who  was  born  March  4,  1813,  in  Baltimore,  Md.,  and  an  ex- 
emplary member  of  the  Lutheran  Church.  Of  their  eleven  children  three  survive — 
Isadora  L.,  Henry  S.  and  Theodore. 

WILLIAM  WETZ,  retired  tanner,  P.  0.  Germantown,  was  born  in  Germany 
February  15,  1824,  and  is  a son  of  Henry  and  Christina  (Druck)  Wetz,  natives  of  that 
country,  and  parents  of  six  children,  five  of  whom  are  living.  In  1838,  William  be- 
gan to  learn  the  tanner’s  trade,  which  he  completed,  and  in  1848  emigrated  to  Ohio, 
locating  at  Miamisburg,  where  he  worked  at  his  trade  four  years,  thence  removed  to 
Germantown,  where  he  followed  his  trade  until  six  years  ago.  His  father  died  :n 
Germany  and  his  mother  in  Ohio.  Mr.  Wetz  was  married,  December  11,  1856,  to  Eva 
Muller,  born  December  16,  1822,  and  daughter  of  Frank  and  Margaret  Muller,  who 
were  the  parents  of  nine  children,  five  of  whom  are  living.  Mr.  Wetz  is  the  father  of 
two  children,  William  H.  and  Margaret,  the  latter  of  whom  died  in  infancy.  He  is  now  re- 
tired from  active  business  in  the  enjoyment  of  what  his  early  industry  and  economical 
habits  husbanded  through  the  passing  years  from  youth  to  aged  manhood.  He  and 
his  wife  belong  to  the  Evangelical  Association. 

CLINTON  II.  YOUNG,  horse  dealer,  Germantown,  was  born  near  Eaton,  Preble 
County,  Ohio,  November  12,  1856.  Ilis  parents  were  Henry  and  Elizabeth  (Tell) 
Young,  the  former  amative  of  Preble  County,  and  by  occupation  a farmer;  the  father 
served  the  people  of  his  township  as  Trustee  and  Clerk.  The  parents  are  members  of 
the  German  Baptist  Church.  Our  subject  is  one  of  ten  children,  viz. : Sarah  A., 
Mary  J.,  Maria,  Levina,  Martha,  Jemima,  Ella,  Clinton  H.,  Lurten  E.  and  Edward. 
At  the  age  of  eighteen  years,  after  having  had  the  benefit  of  a common  school  educa- 
tion, he  rented  a portion  of  his  father’s  farm,  and  was  united  in  marriage  with  Laura 
E.,  daughter  of  Paul  Marker,  July  21,  1878.  Miss  Marker  was  born  in  Montgomery 
County  March  16,  1858.  Mr.  Marker  was  a member  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  and 
died  March  11,  1880.  This  young  couple  left  the  farm  August  6,  1880,  moving  to 
Germantown,  where  Mr.  Young  engaged  in  the  livery  stable  business,  on  Market  street, 
but  he  is  now  engaged  in  trading  and  buying  horses.  They  are  the  parents  of  j; 
one  child,  Lawrence  0.,  born  August  27,  1879. 

LEVI  ZEARING,  farmer,  P.  0.  Germantown.  The  parents  of  this  gentleman 
were  Peter  Zearing  and  Elizabeth  Boombrake,  who  were  married  in  1816.  The 
former  was  born  in  Lebanon  County,  Penn.,  in  1790,  and  in  1818  came  to  Ohio,  and 
in  two  years  later  settled  in  Section  6,  German  Township  of  this  county,  where  he  died 
August  8,  1858,  in  his  sixty-fifth  year,  the  mother  having  lived  until  April  29,  1862, 
when  she  died  at  the  age  of  seventy-three  years.  Our  subject  was  born  on  the  home- 
stead June  15,  1819,  where  he  has  since  resided  and  been  occupied  as  a farmer.  He 
was  united  in  marriage  with  Ann  Maria,  daughter  of  Barnet  and  Elizabeth  Zearing, 
February  5,  1846.  She  was  born  in  Warren  County,  November  13,  1824.  To  this 
couple  was  born  one  son,  Amos,  who  married  Mary  Hildreth,  and  is  the  father  of  four 
children  by  name,  Oscar,  Eva  May,  Willie  A.  and  Levi  E.  Our  subject  possesses  two 
well-improved  farms;  the  homestead  contains  162  acres,  valued  at  $125  per  acre. 
Everything  thereon  is  kept  in  perfect  order  ; the  barn  is  large  and  commodious,  and 
on  the  land  is  an  extensive  sugar  camp  of  about  800  or  1,000  trees ; the  other  farm  con-  I 
tains  155  acres,  situated  about  three  miles  south  of  Germantown.  The  homestead  is 
reasonably  well  stocked,  and  supplied  with  all  modern  farming  implements.' 

JOHN  ZEHRING,  merchant,  Germantown.  In  the  year  1725,  Ludwig  Zehring 
and  family  emigrated  from  Baden,  Germany,  to  the  American  colonies,  and  prior  to 
1732  located  in  what  afterward  became  Lebanon  County,  Penn.,  purchasing  130  acres 
from  the  Indians,  for  which  he  paid  £20,  10s  lid,  and  with  a few  others  of  his  faitn, 
erected  near  his  farm  the  Swataa  Reformed  Church,  located  two  miles  east  of  Jones- 
town, which  building  has  long  since  been  replaced  by  a more  modern  and  commodious 
house  of  worship.  Here  in  this  county  was  born  William  Zehring,  in  October,  1792,! 
grew  up  under  the  parental  roof,  and  in  1818  married  Miss  Elizabeth  Garst,  who  was 
born  in  the  same  county  in  1794,  of  which  union  were  born  five  children,  viz. : John, 


GERMAN  TOWNSHIP. 


293 


William,  Christian,  Lydia,  now  Mrs.  Binkerd  of  Dayton,  and  Barbara,  now  Mrs.  Mil- 
tenbarger,  of  Warren  County,  Ohio.  The  farm  upon  which  Ludwig  Zehring  settled  is 
yet  owned  by  his  descendants,  and  from  this  point,  in  the  spring  of  1819,  William  and 
wife  started  for  Ohio,  locating  in  Butler  County,  near  Blue  Ball,  where  he  purchased 
fifty  acres  of  land,  upon  which  he  lived  nine  years,  when  he  sold  it  at  a sacrifice  of  $300 
and  bought  a quarter  section  on  Louis  Bun  in  Jackson  Township,  Montgomery  County, 
Ohio.  Here  he  passed  many  years,  raised  his  family,  and  embraced  the  faith  of  tne 
German  Baptist  Church,  of  which  he  ever  tried  to  be  a worthy  member  until  his  death 
in  1810,  his  latter  days  having  been  spent  at  his  son  William’s  residence,  in  Miami 
County,  Ind.  His  widow  still  survives  him  ; is  in  her  eighty-eighth  year  ; makes  her 
home  with  her  daughter}  in  Warren  County,  and  has  also  been  a life-long  member  of 
the  German  Baptist  Church.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Butler  County, 
Ohio,  January  25,  1820,  receiving  his  education  in  the  well-known  log  schoolhouse  of 
the  pioneer  days,  and  so  perseveringly  did  he  prosecute  his  studies,  that  upon  leaving 
school,  he  was  competent  of  teaching,  which  he  followed  in  the  winter  months,  the 
summer  being  devoted  to  farming.  Mr.  Zehring  was  married,  November  25,  1841,  to 
Miss  Nancy  Snavely,  a native  of  Lebanon  County,  Penn.,  who  came  to  Ohio  with  her 
parents,  John  and  Bebecca  Snavely,  in  1831.  Of  this  union  have  been  born  eleven 
children,  ten  of  whom  are  now  living,  and  two  of  the  sons  were  soldiers  in  the  Union 
army,  viz. : S.  Perry,  who  enlisted  in  Company  H,  Thirty-fifth  Begiment  Ohio  Volun- 
teer Infantry,  at  the  age  of  sixteen,  participating  in  all  the  battles  of  his  regiment,  Perry- 
ville,  Ky.,  Chickamauga,  Mission  Bidge  and  Sherman’s  march  to  Atlanta,  Ga.,  being  the 
most  important.  He  served  three  years,  and  during  this  time,  was  never  absent  or  lost 
a day’s  service,  and  was  mustered  out  at  Atlanta,  Ga.,  but  soon  after  reaching  home,  he 
again  concluded  to  enter  the  service  of  his  country,  and  raised  Company  H,  One  Hun- 
dred and  Ninety-seventh  Begiment  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  of  which  he  was  chosen 
Captain,  but  the  war  ending  six  months  subsequently,  with  the  surrender  of  Lee,  the 
regiment  was  mustered  out  of  service.  D.  Washington  Zehring  enlisted  in  1864,  in 
the  Signal  Service,  and  at  the  close  of  the  war,  was  honorably  discharged.  Our  subject 
continued  to  teach  school  and  farm  until  1847,  when,  having  saved  a small  amount  of 
money  he,  in  partnership  with  his  brother  William,  opened  a store  at  Farmersville, 
where  they  did  a successful  business  until  1853,  when  the  partnership  was  dissolved,  and 
John  removed  to  Germantown  and  bought  the  dry  goods  house  of  Stump  & Gunckel, 
where  he  yet  continues  to  do  business.  During  his  mercantile  career  in  Germantown, 
he  has  had  as  partners,  H.  Elliott,  the  present  Common  Pleas  Judge  of  this  district, 
and  J.  S.  Binkerd,  of  Dayton,  and  is,  at  presem,  associated  with  his  son,  S.  Perry,  under 
the  firm  name  of  John  Zehring  & Co.  Politically,  Mr.  Zehring  was  a Democrat  until 
1852,  when  he  severed  his  connection  with  the  Democracy,  and  with  others  of  his  polit- 
ical faith,  assisted  in  organizing  what  has  since  been  known  as  the  Bepublican  party, 
which  principles  he  has  since  advocated.  He  was  at  one  time  nominated  for  the  State 
Senate,  to  represent  the  counties  of  Montgomery  and  Preble,  which  district  had  previ- 
ously given  about  800  Democratic  majority,  but  Mr.  Zehring  was  defeated  by  only 
seventy  votes.  In  1865,  he  was  elected  Justice  of  the  Peace,  which  position  of  trust 
and  confidence  he  has  filled  continuously  up  to  the  present.  He  is  a member  of  the 
Masonic  Fraternity,  also  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  Has  always  been  a man  of  strong,  yet 
liberal  religious  convictions,  and  an  earnest  worker  in  establishing  and  perpetuating 
Sabbath  schools.  He  has  lived  a very  temperate  life,  not  even  using  tobacco  ; retains 
much  of  his  youthful  vigor,  has  always  taken  an  active  part  in  all  public  enterprises, 
and  is  widely  respected  by  all. 


294 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES  : 


RANDOLPH  TOWNSHIP. 

HENRY  BECKER,  miller;  P.  0.,  Union.  Mr.  Becker  is  a native  of  Ohio; 
born  in  Montgomery  County,  May  18,  1816;  is  a son  of  John  and  Rebecca 
Becker.  The  father  emigrated  to  this  State  with  his  parents  in  June,  1815,  being 
a native  of  Lancaster  Co.,  Pa.  Tlid  grandfather  of  our  subject  was 
a miller  by  occupation,  and  erected  one  of  the  early  saw  mills  on  West  Branch. 
John  Becker  was  also  a miller,  and  continued  the  business  of  his  father,  'which 
has  been  handed  down  to  him  whose  sketch  we  pen.  The  mother’s  maiden  name 
was  Hart;  she  died  in  November,  1856.  The  father  served  in  the  township  as 
Trustee  for  a number  of  years,  and  died  in  December,  1857.  Our  subject  is  one 
of  five  children,  four  of  whom  are  now  living,  viz. : Annie,  Rebecca,  David  and 
Henry.  The  latter  was  united  in  marriage  with  Sarah  Sliilt,  in  1840,  and  to  them 
were  born  six  children,  and  of  them  Thomas,  John,  Isaac  and  Catharine  are  now 
living. 

JACOB  E.  BECKER,  Prop.  National  Hotel;  P.  0.,  lamton.  The  subject 
of  this  sketch  is  the  son  of  Hemy  Becker,  a native  of  Lancaster  Co.,  Pa. 
He  was  by  occupation  a farmer  and  shoemaker.  He  was  united  in  mar- 
riage with  Susan  Snader,  and  as  a result  of  this  union  had  ten  children, 
of  whom  eight  are  living,  viz. : Susan,  Solomon,  Samuel. Henry,  Jacob,  George,  j 
Christopher  and  John.  In  1832  Mr.  Becker  moved  from  Pennsylvania  to  Ohio 
and  purchased  a farm  containing  160  acres  in  this  county  near  the  town  of  Liberty,  j 
Mr.  Becker  departed  this  life  a worthy  and  esteemed  member  of  the  Lutheran  ; 
Church,  in  1851.  Jacob  E.,  the  subject  of  this  memoir,  was  born  in  Lancaster 
County,  November  13,  1833,  and  by  being  studious  in  his  habits  managed  to 
obtain  a fair  knowledge  of  all  the  common  branches.  He  was  employed  by  the 
neighboring  farmers  until  the  death  of  his  father,  when  he  returned  home  and  took 
charge  of  the  farm,  remaining  three  years.  At  the  age  of  23  years  he  went 
to  Indiana,  and  remained  one  year,  and  returned  to  Ohio  and  married  Nancy- E. 
Cox,  May  27,  1857.  She  is  the  daughter  of  John  Cox,  a native  of  this  State, 
and  was  born  March  10,  1840.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Becker  are  the  parents  of  four 
children : Charles  E. , Clara  and  Enna  are  now  living.  After  his  marriage  Mr.  Becker 
followed  various  pursuits  until  he  accumulated  enough  capital  to  start  a restaurant 
at  Trotwood  Station,  Madison  Township,  where  he  remained  two  years  and 
purchased  a piece  of  land  near  Miamisburgh  and  turned  his  attention  to  tobacco 
raising,  which  he  continued  cultivating  for  several  seasons  and  then  disposed 
of  it  and  his  farm  and  purchased  28  acres  near  Alexanderville,  where  he  remained 
until  1872,  when  he  made  another  sale  and  moved  to  Liberty  and  purchased 
a hotel,  which  he  managed  two  years,  and  sold  out  and  purchased  a saw  mill 
at  Carrolton,  and  engaged  in  the  lumber  business.  He  soon  disposed  of  this 
business  and  purchased  the  National  House  in  Harrisburg,  where  he  now  resides.  | 

HENRY  Y.  BERK,  farmer;  P.  O.,  lamton,  is  the  son  of  Henry  Berk,  Sr., 
a native  of  Hesse  Darmstadt,  Germany,  and  followed  the  manufacturing  of  linen. 
He  married  Miss  Margaret  Abt,  a native  of  Prussia.  They  were  the  parents 
of  three  children.  Lewis  and  Henry  V.  are  now  living.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Berk  both 
departed  this  life  at  the  age  of  39  years.  Both  were  consistent  members  of  the 
Lutheran  Church.  Henry  V.,  Jr.,  the  subject  of  this  biography,  was  born  in  Hesse 
Darmstadt,  in  1816,  and  was  educated  in  English  and  German.  He  served 
an  apprenticeship  of  three  years,  learning  the  cabinet  trade,  paying  his  instructor, 
as  was  the  custom  of  that  country.  He  worked  journey  work  in  various  parts, 
of  Europe  until  1836,  the  time  of  his  immigrating  to  America.  After  his  arrival 
in  the  United  States  he  located  in  Baltimore  and  engaged  at  his  trade,  remaining 
several  months,  and  then  came  to  Frederickstown,  and  subsequently  to  Vienna 


RANDOLPH  TOWNSHIP. 


295 


Cross  roads,  Clark  Co.,  Ohio,  and  afterward  to  Dayton,  Ohio,  where  he  followed 
his  trade.  By  economy  and  industry  he  was  enabled,  in  1857,  to  purchase  a 
small  farm  of  28  acres,  which  he  has,  by  untiring  industry  and  temperate  habits, 
increased  to  400  acres.  In  1840  he  celebrated  his  marriage  with  Anna  M.  Glass, 
bom  in  Wurtemburg,  Germany,  Dec.  22,  1817.  As  a result  of  this  union  had 
eight  children,  viz. : Mary,  Amelia,  Anna,  Enna,  Ellen,  Henry,  Lewis,  Theodore. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Berk  have  been  identified  with  the  Lutheran  Church  for  a number 
of  years. 

DB.  ALONZO  BOONE,  physician  and  surgeon;  P.  0.,  Iamton.  The  sub- 
ject of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  and  obtained  his  primary 
education  in  the  common  schools  and  attended  the  high  school  at  Dayton.  During 
the  months  of  vacation  he  took  a business  course  in  the  Miami  Commercial 
College  and  a course  in  literature  and  elocution  under  Prof.  Smith.  After  receiv- 
ing his  diploma  he  entered  the  office  of  Dr.  Crook,  of  Dayton,  to  prepare  himself 
for  the  medical  profession.  He  attended  the  lectures  of  the  Ohio  and  Miami 
Medical  Colleges  of  Cincinnati.  He  obtained  his  diploma  and  placed  himself 
under  Dr.  Crum  to  prepare  himself  for  the  field  of  practice.  Mr.  Boone  has 
connected  himself  with  the  Montgomery  County  and  Ohio  State  Medical  Societies 
and  represented  the  interests  of  the  Montgomery  County  Medical  Society  in  the 
American  Medical  Association  of  New  York  city,  and  is  at  present  devoting  his 
time  and  attention  in  advancing  himself  in  the  knowledge  of  his  profession,  and 
has  obtained  a good  share  of  the  practice  in  the  territory  surrounding  the  village 
of  Harrisburgh,  where  he  resides. 

BENJAMIN  BOWMAN,  farmer;  P.  0.,  Dayton.  His  father,  John  Bowman, 
was  one  of  the  pioneers  of  Ohio,  immigrating  from  Bedford  Co.,  Pa.,  at  an  early 
date.  He  was  the  father  of  seven  children,  two  of  whom  survive,  viz. : John  and 
Benjamin.  The  subject  of  this  biography  was  born  in  Madison  Township,  Mont- 
gomery Co.,  Ohio,  in  1812.  His  advantages  for  obtaining  an  education  were 
limited  to  two  months  in  the  year,  which  were  spent  in  the  rude  log  schoolhouse 
of  that  day,  his  father  requiring  , his  services  on  the  farm ; whom  he  assisted  until 
he  arrived  at  the  age  of  24  years.  In  1836  he  was  united  in  marriage  with  Balinda 
Higher,  born  in  Montgomery  County,  Oct.  22,  1816.  As  a result  of  this  union 
had  ten  children,  of  whom  six  are  living,  viz.:  John,  Sarah,  Joseph,  Abraham, 
Anna,  Benjamin.  After  his  marriage  he  rented  his  father’s  farm,  which  he  culti- 
vated on  shares  until  the  death  of  his  parents  and  then  became  its  owner.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Bowman  have  been  earnest  laborers  in  the  German  Baptist  Church  since 
1843,  and  have  won  the  respect  and  esteem  of  all  with  whom  they  have  been  brought 
in  contact. 

WILLIAM  H.  CABL,  undertaker;  P.  0.  Clayton.  The  subject  of  this  sketch 
was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  Oct.  20,  1849.  His  father,  Jacob,  was  united  in  mar- 
riage with  Anna  Thurman.  They  were  the  parents  of  twelve  children,  five 
daughters  and  seven  sons,  viz.:  Mariah,  Sarah  A.,  Elizabeth,  MaryE.,  Rebecca, 
Peter,  Gabriel,  Isaac,  John  W.,  and  William,  our  subject.  Mr.  Carl  emigrated 
to  Ohio  in  1865.  William  assisted  his  father  with  the  duties  of  the  farm  during  the 
days  of  vacation  until  he  was  at  the  age  of  14  years,  after  which  he  worked  on  the 
neighboring  farms  until  he  was  21  years  of  age.  In  1870  he  commenced  to  learn 
the  cabinet  trade,  which  he  continued  in  until  he  finished.  He  worked  journey 
work  in  Dayton  until  he  located  in  Salem,  engaging  in  business  for  himself.  In 
1876  Mr.  Carl  took  for  wife  Elizabeth , Tobias,  whom  he  lived  with  two  years, 
she  being  summoned  by  the  angel  of  death  to  that  rvorld  whence  no  traveler 
returneth. 

BENJAMIN  M.  ENGLE,  miller;  P.  0.,  Dayton.  The  gentleman  whose  name 
stands  at  the  head  of  this  sketch  is  one  of  the  staunch,  energetic  men  that  has  made 
Montgomery  County  what  it  is  to-day.  His  father,  Jacob,  was  a native  of  Lancas- 
ter Co.,  Pa.,  and  possessed  a common  school  education  and  was  brought 
Rp  to  farm  labor.  He  was  united  in  marriage  with  Anna  Moyer,  daughter 


29() 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES  : 


of  Benjamin  Moyer.  They  were  the  parents  of  eight  children,  viz.:  Benjamin  M., 
Tobias,  Abraham  M.,  Jacob  M.,  Elizabeth,  Anna,  Laah,  Martha.  Mr.  Engle 
moved  to  Illinois  and  located  in  Stephenson  County  near  Freeport,  remaining 
two  years,  and  on  account  of  having  bad  health,  returned  to  Ohio  and  settled  near 
Little  York,  Butler  Township,  this  county,  where  he  remained  until  liis  death 
in  1872.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Engle  were  both  members  of  the  River  Brethren  Church. 
Benjamin,  the  subject  of  this  biography,  was  born  in  Lancaster  Co.,  Pa.,  March 
3,  1827.  He  assisted  his  father  until  he  was  20  years  of  age,  and  commenced 
battling  with  the  world  for  himself,  first  engaging  in  the  cultivation  of  tobacco. 
He  was  united  in  marriage  with  Catherine  Winger,  in  1851.  Catherine  was  the 
daughter  of  Rev.  Christian  Winger,  a native  of  Lebanon  Co.,  Penn.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Engle  had  eleven  children,  of  whom  nine  are  now  living,  viz. : Elizabeth,  Anna, 
Catharine,  Jennie,  Effie,  John  H.,  Daniel  W.,  Benjamin,  Rolla  M.  He  moved 
to  Illinois  with  his  father  and  engaged  in  farming.  He  accompanied  his  father 
back  to  Ohio  and  again  rented  of  him  until  he  associated  himself  with  John 
Turner,  and  engaged  in  the  manufacturing  of  flour,  with  remarkable  success,  soon 
being  able  to  purchase  the  interest  of  Mr.  Turner.  Mr.  Engle  started  in  the 
world  without  anything,  and  by  being  temperate  and  industrious  m his  habits, 
has  accumulated  a large  amount  of  property,  both  personal  and  real  estate, 
and  is  now  enjoying  many  of  the  comforts  and  luxuries  of  life  which  he  has 
earned  by  the  hard  toil  of  the  past  years  of  his  life. 

.JAMES  M.  EWING,  farmer;  P.  0.,  Union.  James  Ewing,  the  father 
of  our  subject,  was  a native  of  Lancaster  Co.,  Pa.,  and  emigrated  to  Kentucky, 
probably  in  1800.  From  there  he  came  to  Ohio,  locating  in  Montgomery  County 
about  the  year  1806,  when  it  was  yet  traversed  by  numerous  tribes  of  Indians, 
who  in  their  travels  through  his  section  of  the  country,  often  called  and  shared 
his  kind  hospitality.  Mr.  Ewing  opened  up  a subscription  school  in  a rude  log 
cabin  and  taught  the  few  children  whose  parents  had  dared  to  settle  in  that  wild 
and  unbroken  country.  Mr.  Ewing  was  married  to  Martha  McClintock,  a native 
of  Lancaster,  Pa.  They  were  the  parents  of  eleven  children,  of  whom  three 
are  now  living,  viz.:  Margaret,  Martha  and  James  M.,  the  subject  of  this 
biography.  He  was  born  in  Montgomery  County,  April  3,  1819.  He  assisted 
his  father  in  tilling  the  soil,  receiving  his  education  by  taking  advantage  of  the 
evening  hours.  He  chose  as  a partner  for  life  Mary  J.  Akins,  and  was  the  father 
of  two  sons,  viz. : John  E.  and  Joshua.  At  the  death  of  his  father  he  came 
by  the  home  farm,  and  has  since  added  a considerable  amount  to  it.  Mr.  Ewing 
has  been  a worthy  and  consistent  member  of  the  M.  E.  Church  for  the  past  twenty 
years. 

HENRY  FULKERTH,  farmer;  P.  O.,  Union,  is  the  son  of  Samuel Fulkerth, 
one  of  the  old  pioneers  of  Montgomery  County.  Samuel  was  a carpenter  by  trade, 
and  moved  from  Maryland  to  Pennslyvania  with  his  parents.  He  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Susan  Warner,  and  as  a result  of  this  union  had  six  children, 
of  whom  four  are  now  hving^viz. : Catharine,  Samuel,  John,  Henry.  In  1809 
Mr.  Fulkerth  moved  to  Ohio  and  settled  in  Montgomery  County,  where  the  whoop 
of  the  red  man  rang  through  the  forest,  carrying  terror  to  the  homes  of  the  men 
that  dared  the  frontier.  The  county  abounded  in  every  species  of  game,  from 
the  fish  to  the  otter,  from  the  squirrel  to  the  couger  and  bear.  The  scream 
of  the  “panther”  and  the  squall  of  the  wild  cat  mingled  with  the  sweet  song  of  the  » 
thrush,  and  the  howl  of  the  wolf  drowned  the  melodious  notes  of  the  mocking 
bird,  while  stolid  Bruin  roamed  the  woods  with  no  ear  for  music  except  the  squeal- 
ing of  the  pioneer  hog. 

The  rifle  was  an  inmate  of  every  household,  in  the  use  of  which  Mr.  Fulkerth 
became  very  familiar  and  was  very  solicitous  in  keeping  it  in  perfect  working  | 
condition,  as  the  meats  which  graced  his  pine  table  were  the  inhabitants  of  the 
forest  that  fell  under  his  unerring  aim,  and  his  first  crop  of  corn  was  cultivated 
with  the  rifle  close  at  hand.  Henry,  the  subject  of  this  biography,  was  bom 


RANDOLPH  TOWNSHIP. 


297 


in  Pennsylvania,  July  5,  1809,  and  came  to  Ohio  with  his  parents  in  his  infancy. 
He  assisted  his  father  until  he  was  24  years  of  age,,  spending  his  nights  by  the 
home  fireside  pursuing  his  studies.  He  labored  on  the  neighboring  farms  until 
his  father  presented  him  with  160  acres  of  land  in  Darke  Co.,  Ohio.  He  immediately 
went  to  work  with  an  indomitable  will  to  clear  it  up  and  put  it  under  cultivation. 
In  1830  he  celebrated  his  marriage  with  Catharine  Sebard,  and  as  a result  of  this 
union  had  eleven  children,  of  whom  four  survive,  viz:  Nancy  A.,  Susan,  Jane,  William. 
Mr.  Fulkerth  added  many  valuable  improvements  to  the  farm,  and  at  the  death 
of  his  father  he  disposed  of  it  and  purchased  the  home  farm,  and  has  since  added 
many  material  improvements.  In  1876  Mrs.  Fulkerth  departed  quietly  into  the  next 
world,  esteemed  by  all  with  whom  she  came  in  contact. 

AND  HEW  GILLIAM,  farmer;  P.  0.,  Clayton.  The  gentleman  whose  name 
stands  at  the  head  of  this  sketch  is  a son  of  William  Gilliam,  who  was  a native 
of  Rockingham  Co.,  Va.  He  emigrated  to  Ohio  in  1834  and  settled  in  Montgomery 
County.  He  was  united  in  marriage  with  Anna  Rife,  and  as  a result  of  this  union 
had  ten  children,  of  whom  six  are  now  living,  viz. : Mary,  Francis,  Amanda, 
Sidney  E.,  Jonathan  and  Andrew,  our  subject.  Andrew  was  born  in  Montgomery 
Co.,  Ohio,  April  20,  1840.  He  secured  a common  school  education  and  at  the  age 
of  20  years  took  for  wife  Elizabeth  Nicely,  and  celebrated  their  marriage  Feb.  19, 
1860.  Mrs.  Gilliam  was  the  daughter  of  Jacob  Nicely,  one  of  the  old  pioneers 
of  Montgomery  County.  He  was  born  in  Dauphin  Co.,  Pa.,  in  1802  and  was 
married  to  Charlotte  Longinecker  in  1828.  They  were  the  parents  of  two  children, 
of  whom  Mrs.  Gilliam  is  the  survivor.  Mr.  Nicely  came  by  part  of  his  father's 
farm,  which  he  sold  in  1832  and  came  to  Ohio  and  purchased  220  acres  near 
Salem,  Randolph  Township.  Mr.  Nicely  is  a worthy  member  of  the  German 
Baptist  Church,  and  by  his  exemplary  habits  has  won  the  respect  and 
esteem  of  all  who  know  him.  Mr.  Gilliam,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  is  the  father 
of  five  children.  Anna  is  the  only  one  living.  Mr.  Gilliam  rented  his  father-in- 
law’s  farm  and  gave  his  attention  to  its  cultivation,  and  stock  raising.  He  has 
since,  by  hard  labor  and  industry,  become  proprietor  of  it.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gilliam 
are  both  consistent  members  of  the  German  Baptist  Church,  and  have  taken  deep 
interest  in  the  cause  of  religion. 

SAMUEL  HAWKINS,  physician;  P.  O.,  Union.  His  father,  John,  was 
a native  of  Shenandoah  County,  Va.,  and  came  to  Ohio  and  located  at  Spring 
Valley,  Green  Co.,  Ohio,  where  he  continued  the  honorable  occupation  of  tilling 
the  soil.  He  celebrated  his  marriage  with  Mary  Penyweigh,  in  1818.  Six  children 
were  the  result  of  this  union.  Samuel,  the  subject  of  this  memoir,  is  the  only  one 
who  survives.  He  was  born  in  Green  Co.,  Ohio,  Jan.  2,  1819,  and  received  his 
primary  education  in  the  common  Schools  and  assisted  his  father  until  he  was 
28  years  of  age,  the  time  of  his  commencing  preparation  for  entering  the  medical 
profession.  He  placed  himself  under  Dr.  Cable,  of  Bellbrook,  until  1842,  when 
he  took  a course  of  lectures  and  was  able  to  enter  the  field  of  practice  in  1843.  He 
opened  up  an  office  in  Union,  Randolph  Township,  this  county,  and  has  continued 
practicing  with  remarkably  good  success  until  the  present,  a term  comprising 
a period  of  thirty-seven  years.  Mr.  Hawkins  took  for  wife  Mary  A.  Andrews,  and 
as  a result  of  this  union  had  eight  children,  of  whom  six  are  now  living,  viz.: 
Jennie,  Permelia,  Celia,  Georgia,  Addie,  John  A.  Dr.  H.  is  now  past  sixty  years 
of  age,  and  of  course  the  most  active  part  of  his  life  is  spent,  but  he  furnishes 
a good  example  for  the  future  generation  to  follow. 

CHRISTIAN  HERR,  farmer;  P.  O.  Iamton.  Samuel  Herr,  the  father  of  our 

subject,  was  a native  of  , Cumberland  Co.,  Pa.,  and  possessed  a common 

school  education,  and  in  early  manhood  learned  the  tanning  trade,  which  he  fol- 
lowed successfully  until  he  purchased  80  acres  of  land,  and  then  turned  his  atten- 
tion to  his  farm.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Frances  Long,  daughter  of  Abraham 
1 Long,  a native  of  Pennsylvania.  They  were  the  parents  of  ten  children,  six  of 
whom  are  now  living,  viz:  Mary,  Sarah,  Eliza,  Samuel,  John  and  Christopher. 


298 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


In  1830  Mr.  Herr  disposed  of  his  farm  and  came  to  Ohio,  and  settled  temporarily 
in  Chambersburgh,  Butler  Township,  Montgomery  Co.  He  purchased  a farm 
near  Harrisburgh,  Randolph  Township,  where  he  remained  until  his  death,  in 
1868.  Christian,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  born  Feb.  12, 1830,  in  Lebanon  Co., 
Pa.  He  obtained  a common  school  education,  and  assisted  his  father  until  he  was 
21  years  of  age,  when  be  commenced  life  for  himself  by  renting  land  of  his  father 
on  shares,  and  had  remarkable  success,  soon  being  able  to  purchase  133  acres  of 
his  father.  In  1857  he  took  for  wife  Caroline  Sheets,  daughter  of  Henry  Sheets, 
Mrs.  Herr  living  only  15  months  after  her  marriage.  Mr.  Herr  married  for  his  second 
wife  Julia  Huffer.  They  were  the  parents  of  four  children,  viz:  Susan,  Mary  E., 
Charles  E.,  and  John  C.  Mr.  Herr  is  a member  of  the  Brethren  in  Christ,  and 
Mrs.  Herr  is  a consistent  member  of  the  German  Baptist  Church,  and  both  are 
taking  a deep  interest  in  the  cause  of  religion. 

MRS.  MARY  HERR,  widow  of  Samuel  N.  Herr;  P.  0.,  Union;  farmer, 
Samuel  N.  Herr  was  born  in  Lancaster  Co.,  Pa.,  Jan.  27,  1805;  was  the  possessor 
of  a limited  education,  and  during  the  early  part  of  his  manhood  days  worked  at 
the  carpenter  trade;  wishing  to  change  his  occupation,  turned  his  attention  to  fam- 
ing. lie  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Maiy  Bowman.  By  their  union  there 
were  born  unto  them  three  children ; but  two  are  now  living,  one  son,  Henry,  born 
July  30, 1837,  and  one  daughter,  Susannah,  born  March  29,  1836.  Mr.  Herr  emi- 
grated to  Ohio  in  the  year  1850,  and  located  in  Montgomery  County,  purchased  a 
farm  of  Mr.  Henry  Baugliraboy,  improving  his  farm  by  erecting  several  valuable 
buildings.  The  hand  of  affliction  was  laid  on  Mr.  Herr,  the  typhoid  fever  being  in 
tercepted  by  other  diseases.  After  a short  illness  he  departed  this  life  in  the  spring  of 
1875,  beloved  by  all  who  knew  him.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Lan- 
caster Co.,  Pa.,  Sept.  14,  1803,  and  most  of  her  girlhood  days  were. spent  spinning 
flax,  that  linen  in  those  days  were  made  of,  and  wool  into  yarn  for  stockings, 
attending  to  the  numerous  other  domestic  duties  connected  with  the  life  of  a 
farmer’s  daughter,  until  she  arrived  at  the  age  of  29  years.  Then  was  united  in  mar- 
riage and  commenced  anew  in  life  in  her  own  house.  Emigrating  to  Ohio  with 
her  husband,  providing  her  with  another  home,  until  Time,  with  his  sickle,  entered 
the  peaceful  dwelling  of  Mrs.  Herr,  and  took  from  her  the  companion  of  her  bosom. 
The  farm  being  divided,  the  son,  Henry,  fell  heir  to  the  one-half,  and  Susannah, 
now  Mrs.  Krug,  the  other  half.  Mrs.  Herr  at  this  writing  is  in  her  78th  year,  and 
is  able  to  attend  to  a great  many  of  her  household  duties.  Her  son  Henry  is  trying  to 
add  to  the  comforts  of  his  widowed  mother,  being  now  in  his  43d  year;  has  never 
united  in  marriage;  being  educated  at  the  common  district  schools;  is  a farmer  by 
occupation.  His  farm  yielding  him  20  bushels  of  wheat  and  50  bushels  of  corn  to 
the  acre,  and  other  products  in  proportion.  He  takes  great  pride  in  raising  Poland 
China  breed  of  liogs,  success  crowning  his  labors  as  a stock-raiser. 

HR.  GEORGE  W.  HOUS,  P.  O.,  Clayton;  physician,  was  born  in  Mont- 
gomery Co.,  July  5,  1849.  His  father,  Andrew,  was  born  in  Preble  Co.,  Ohio,  in 
1820,  and  was  united  in  marriage  with  Mary  Richard,  daughter  of  Joseph  Richard. 
They  were  the  parents  of  four  children,  viz:  Joseph,  George  W.,  Elizabeth  and 
Sarah.  George  W.,  our  subject,  received  his  primary  education  in  the  common 
schools,  and  took  a scientific  course  in  the  Ohio  Normal  School,  and  graduated  in 
a medical  course  in  the  Ohio  Medical  College  in  1877,  and  entered  the  field  of 
practice  in  Pyrmont,  remaining  until  1878,  when  he  moved  to  Salem,  where  he 
has  been  practicing  with  good  success  until  the  present. 

JOHN  HYRE,  farmer,  P.  O.,  Little  York,  is  the  son  of  Daniel  Hyre,  and  was 
born  in  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  August  15,  1832.  Daniel,  his  father,  was  a native 
of  North  Carolina,  and  at  the  age  of  six  years  came  to  Ohio  with  his  parents,  and 
settled  in  this  county.  By  occupation  was  a carpenter,  and  by  hard  labor  and 
industry  accumulated  enough  means  to  purchase  120  acres  of  land.  Mr.  Hyre  and  i| 
Miss  Sarah  Stouder  were  united  in  marriage  and  had  nine  children,  seven  of  whom 
are  now  living,  viz:  Sarah,  Lavina,  Ellen,  Barbara,  John,  Henry  C.  and  Alfred. 


RANDOLPH  TOWNSHIP. 


299 


Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hyre  are  both  worthy  members  of  the  German  Baptist  Church,  and 
have  taken  a deep  interest  in  the  cause  of  religion  for  upwards  of  forty  years.  Our 
subject,  .John,  was  educated  in  the  common  schools,  and  at  the  age  of  21  years 
went  to  Indiana  and  rented  40  acres  of  land  of  his  uncle,  paying  two-thirds  of  the 
crop  as  rent.  He  remained  in  Indiana  one  year  and  came  back  to  Ohio,  and 
rented  of  his  father  three  years,  and  again  went  West  and  remained  six  months.  In 
1856  he  celebrated  his  marriage  with  Miss  Martha  Davis.  She  was  born  Dec.  81, 
1835.  They  are  the  parents  of  five  children,  viz:  Edgar  D.,  George,  Arthur, 
Clara  and  Hattie.  Mr.  Hyre  continued  farming;  rented  land  until  1867,  when  he 
purchased  a farm  of  his  father,  which  he  continued  farming  until  the  present,  and 
has  added  many  valuable  improvements. 

JACOB  IAMS,  manufacturer,  P.  0.,  Iamton,  was  bom  April  27,  1830.  His. 
father,  Ely,  was  a native  of  Green  Co.,  Pa.,  and  emigrated  to  Ohio  in  1820,  and 
purchased  a farm  near  the  present  site  of  Trotwood,  Madison  Township.  He 
celebrated  his  marriage  with  Phoebe  Heckathorn,  and  as  a result  of  this  union 
had  eleven  children,  seven  of  whom  are  living  at  present.  Mr.  lams  being  a 
gentleman  of  very  exemplary  habits,  was  elected  Justice  of  the  Peace  of  his  town- 
ship. The  responsibilities  of  this  office  were  discharged  by  its  holder  to  the  satis- 
faction of  all  concerned  for  several  successive  terms.  The  educational  advantages 
of  Jacob,  our  subject,  were  limited,  his  school  days  being  included  in  a very  few 
months,  but  by  applying  his  leisure  time  at  nights  to  his  books,  managed  to  obtain 
a good  knowledge  of  all  the  common  branches.  At  the  age  of  20  years  he  engaged 
in  teaching  school,  and  accumulated  enough  money  to  start  himself  in  the  business 
of  manufacturing  spokes,  hubs  and  felloes,  which  he  continued  in  until  he  failed, 
during  the  panic  of  1872  and  1873,  after  which  he  engaged  in  teaching  school  and 
running  a saw  and  planing  mill  that  he  had  previously  purchased  in  the  village  of 
Harrisbiu’gli,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio.  As  an  evidence  of  the  esteem  in  which 
he  was  held  in  the  community  where  he  lived,  was  elected  to  the  office  of  Justice 
of  the  Peace,  and  discharged  the  duties  of  that  office  with  credit  to  himself  until 
the  expiration  of  a term,  comprising  a period  of  twelve  years.  In  1871  he  took 
for  wife  Charlotte  Sanders,  daughter  of  Bichard  Sanders.  This  union  was  blessed 
with  three  children,  viz:  Elsie  V.,  Mary  B.  and  Alvin. 

REV.  SAMUEL  KINSEY,  Minister  and  Nurseryman,  Kinsey  Station.  The 
gentleman  whose  name  heads  this  sketch,  is  a son  of  Joel  and  Elizabeth  Kinsey.  His 
father  was  a native  of  Virginia,  and  came  to  this  State,  when  quite  young,  with  his 
parents,  who  located  in  Montgomery  County.  He  received  such  education  as  was  at 
that  early  day  available,  and,  after  working  the  farm  with  his  father  until  he  became  of 
age,  he  united  himself  in  marriage  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Brumbaugh,  by  whom  he  had 
three  children,  viz.,  Samuel,  our  subject,  Noah  and  Lydia.  He  then  moved  to  Williams 
County,  Ohio,  where  he  remained  but  a short  time,  when  he  again  moved  to  Miami 
County.  Here  he  was  taken  sick,  and  after  a short  illness,  entered  that  last  long  sleep 
which  knows  no  waking  in  this  life  forever.  His  grief-stricken  widow  disposed  of 
the  property,  and,  with  the  children,  returned  to  the  home  of  her  childhood.  Her  son, 
Samuel,  the  subject  hereof,  who  was  born  May  26,  1832,  went  to  live  with  his  uncle, 
Levi  Kinsey.  When  sixteen  years  old,  his  uncle  moved  to  Indiana,  and  he  commenced 
learning  the  carpenter  trade  with  Emanuel  Flory,  continuing  this  one  year,  at  which  time 
he  was  able  with  some  financial  assistance  from  his  friends,  to  go  to  Indiana,  and  there  ply 
his  trade  in  his  own  behalf.  Success  here  crowned  his  efforts,  and  he  was  soon  enabled 
to  pay  back  the  money  advanced  by  his  friends,  and  shortly  afterward  to  buy  three  acres 
of  land.  On  this  he  erected  a building,  and,  in  partnership  with  one  Jacob  Spitler, 
purchased  a full  stock  of  dry  goods,  groceries,  etc.,  with  which  he  opened  a general  store. 
Shortly  afterward,  he  had  a post  office  established  in  the  town  of  his  adoption,  Bloom- 
field, but  not  being  sufficiently  remunerated  by  the  profits  of  his  store,  he  continued  at 
his  trade,  cabinet-making,  contracting  and  building.  In  April  23.  1852,  he  came  to 
Ohio,  and  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Barbara  Nead,  who  was  born  in  1832,  and 


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daughter  of  Rev.  Peter  Nead.  By  this  union  he  was  blessed  with  the  following  chil- 
dren, to  wit:  Almira,  born  April  7,  1853  ; Mary,  born  August  2,  1854;  Cynthia,  born 
September  9, 1856  ; Clarinda,  born  January  19,  1858  ; William  N.,  born  July  17, 1859 ; 
Lydia,  born  December  23,  1860  ; Sarah,  born  October  24,  1862;  Ellen,  born  Novem- 
ber 3,  1863;  Charles  P.,  born  February  28,  1870;  Jessie  E.,  born  June  14,  1873; 
Allen  V.,  born  February  26,  1875,  and  two  others,  who  are  dead.  In  the  year  1870, 
he,  with  the  assistance  of  his  father-in-law,  established  a monthly  paper  called  the 
Vindicator , which  is  published  in  the  interest  of  the  Old  German  Baptist  faith.  After 
his  marriage,  he,  with  his  wife,  returned  to  Indiana,  but  in  two  years,  or  in  1854, 
he  disposed  of  his  property  and  purchased  forty  acres  of  improved  land,  in 
Whitley  County,  in  the  same  State,  which  he  rented  to  tenants,  while  he  plied 
his  trade.  He  remained  here  one  year,  and  then,  at  the  request  of  his  wife’s 
father,  he  returned  to  Ohio  and  took  charge  of  Mr.  Nead’s  farm,  which  he  farmed  on 
shares,  receiving  one-third  of  the  proceeds  for  his  labor.  Having  abandoned  the  idea  of 
returning  to  Indiana,  he  sold  his  farm  in  that  State  and  bought  fifty  acres  adjoining  his 
fatherinlaw’s  of  a Mr.  Basores.  To  this  he  added  more  from  time  to  time,  until  1879, 
when  he  found  that  economy,  industry  and  frugality,  had  gained  for  him  a farm  of  200 
acres.  Being  interested  in  horticulture,  he  commenced  the  propagation  of  fine  fruit 
trees,  vines  and  plants,  on  a small  scale,  doing  his  own  grafting,  budding  and  trimming. 
His  trees  began  to  have  a reputation  for  quality  throughout  the  neighborhood,  then  the 
State,  and  now  he  is  shipping  them  to  all  parts  of  the  Union,  selling  large  quantities 
annually.  He  has  met  with  some  competition  in  his  new  business,  but  has  always  held 
his  own,  and  to-day  he  knows  no  such  thing  as  opposition.  In  1866,  having  sixty 
acres  of  fruit  trees  demanding  his  attention,  he  took  in  Mr.  Gaines  as  a partner,  hut 
this  combination  was  discontinued,  and  his  son  William,  with  Mr.  George  Yount 
and  Benjamin  J.  Miller,  sons-in-law,  attend  to  this  part  of  his  business. 
During  the  building  of  the  Toledo,  Delphos  & Burlington  Railway,  Mr.  Kinsey 
had  a station  located  near  his  nurseries.  It  was  named  after  him,  and  is  now  a ship- 
ping point  of  no  mean  dimensions.  In  addition  to  his  nurseries  here,  Mr.  K.  is  con- 
nected as  partner  in  a large  nursery  of  seventy-seven  acres,  under  the  management  of 
Mr.  Zubrum,  of  Whitley  County,  Ind.  (near  Columbia  City),  from  which  thousands  of 
trees  are  shipped  to  the  West,  North  and  South.  In  order  to  supply  the  demands  for 
their  apple  trees,  they  are  obliged  to  plant  from  fifteen  to  twenty-five  bushels  of  seeds  1 
each  season.  Mr.  K.  and  his  estimable  wife  are  both  earnest  and  consistent  members 
of  the  Old  German  Baptist  Church,  of  which  he  is  now  a minister,  having  been  chosen  )j 
to  fill  that  important  office  by  the  members  of  his  congregation.  He  is  also  the  editor  of 
the  Vindicator , which  has  before  been  referred  to.  The  life  of  this  man  surely  incii- 
cates  the  great  ends  that  may  be  attained  by  honesty,  industry  and  economy.  Ji 

FRANKLIN  KLEPINGER,  farmer;  P.  O.,  Little  York.  The  subject  of  this 
biography  is  the  son  of  John  KJepinger,  who  came  to  Ohio  with  his  parents  and 
located  in  Montgomery  County.  After  serving  an  apprenticeship  at  the  carpenters 
trade,  he  accompanied  his  parents  to  Indiana,  where  he  remained  one  year,  and  ( 
returned  to  Ohio  and  celebrated  his  marriage  with  Elizabeth  Boyer.  They  were 
the  parents  of  six  sons  and  two  daughters,  viz:  Franklin,  Newton,  Samuel, 
Harvey,  John,  Oliver,  Matilda  and  Harriet.  Soon  after  his  marriage  he  purchased 
50  acres  of  land  and  gave  his  attention  to  agricultural  pursuits.  By  hard  labor  j 
he  accumulated  quite  a large  amount  of  property,  both  personal  and  real.  Mr. 
Klepinger  departed  this  life  Dec.  7,  1880.  He  was  a member  of  the  German 
Baptist  Church,  and  his  exemplary  habits  won  the  esteem  of  a large  circle  of 
friends.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  this  county,  Randolph  Township, 
Aug.  23,  1832.  He  obtained  an  ordinary  education  and  served  an  apprenticeship 
at  the  carpenter’s  trade,  which  he  followed  until  he  was  30  years  af  age,  and  then 
purchased  62  acres  of  land.  May  25,  1862,  he  took  for  wife  Anna  Hisey,  and  as  j| 
a result  of  this  union  had  three  children ; David  is  now  living.  Mrs.  Klepinger 
departed  this  life  in  the  spring  of  1866.  After  the  death  of  his  wife,  Mr.  Klepinger 


RANDOLPH  TOWNSHIP. 


301 


rented  liis  farm,  and  put  his  children  under  the  care  of  his  mother,  and  returned 
to  his  trade,  which  he  followed  until  1868,  at  which  date  he  married  his  second  wife, 
Miss  Anna  D.  Syler.  This  union  was  blessed  with  five  children;  one  daughter 
and  three  sons  are  now  living,  viz:  Aaron  W.,  John  A.  and  Warren  T.  After  his 
marriage  he  returned  to  his  farm,  which  he  has  increased  to  225  acres.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Klepinger  are  both  members  of  the  German  Baptist  Church,  and  their 
children  are  co-workers  with  their  parents  in  the  cause  of  religion. 

JEREMIAH  KOPP,  farmer;  P.  0.,  Iamton.  Among  the  gentlemen  that  we 
are  pleased  to  mention  in  the  pages  of  this  work  is  Jeremiah  Kopp,  horn  in  Lebanon 
Co.,  Pa.,  April  9,  1823.  His  father,  John,  was  a native  of  the  same  county, 
and  followed  the  occupation  of  blacksmith.  He  was  united  in  marriage  with  Mary 
Bender,  and  as  a result  of  this  union  had  eight  children,  of  whom  four  daughters 
and  two  sons  survive,  viz:  Lavina,  Elizabeth,  Catharine.  Margaret,  John  and 
Jeremiah.  Mr.  Kopp  emigrated  to  Ohio  and  located  in  Randolph  Township,  this 
coimty,  in  1825.  He  purchased  a farm  containing  96  acres,  covered  with  a dense 
growth  of  timber,  which  he  rented,  and  engaged  at  his  trade,  which  he  followed 
until  he  had  to  give  it  up  on  account  of  the  effect  that  the  heat  had  on  his  eyes. 
He  turned  his  attention  to  farming,  which  he  followed  until  his  death,  in 
1871.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kopp  were  both  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  and 
departed  this  life  the  same  year.  Jeremiah,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  obtained  an 
ordinary  education,  and  at  the  age  of  eighteen  years  engaged  in  the  vocation  of 
tanning,  which  he  continued  following  as  a journeyman  at  various  places,  until 

1844,  when  he  commenced  business  for  himself,  on  the  Dayton  and  Union  Pike, 
remaining  until  1847,  and  moved  to  Indiana  and  located  at  New  Columbus,  Mad- 
ison Co.,  where  his  family  was  all  taken  down  with  chills  and  fever,  which  he 
battled  with  until  1850,  when  he  came  to  Ohio,  and  turned  his  attention  to  farm- 
ing, renting  land  of  his  father.  He  continued  farming  some  years,  when  he  moved 
to  Phillipsburgh,  where  he  was  engaged  in  the  hotel  business  until  1867,  and  came 
to  Harrisburgh,  Randolph  Township,  and  run  the  National  House  until  1873,  when 
he  purchased  a farm  one-half  mile  south  of  Harrisburgh,  and  erected  a dwelling, 
in  which  he  has  resided  until  the  present.  Mr  Kopp  was  married  to  Hannah  G. 
Boder,  born  April  9,  1826.  They  were  the  parents  of  two  children,  viz:  Margaret 
A.,  born  May  5,  1845,  and  Franklin  P.,  August  22,  1855. 

DAYID  D.  LANDIS,  farmer,  P.  0.,  Clayton,  is  the  son  of  John  Landis,  who 
was  a native  of  Lancaster  Co.,  Pa.,  born  Nov.  17,  1804.  He  served  an  apprentice- 
ship under  his  father,  learning  the  carpenter  and  cabinet  trade.  He  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Sarah  Daugharty,  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  horn  Dec.  9, 
1809.  They  were  the  parents  of  ten  children,  eight  of  whom  are  now  living,  viz : 
Mary,  Anna,  Catharine,  Sarah,  Ezrael,  John,  David  D.  and  William.  Mr.  Landis 
emigrated  to  Ohio  in  1833,  and  purchased  a farm,  containing  80  acres,  in  this 
(Montgomery)  county,  which  he  cultivated,  in  connection  with  the  butchering 
business.  By  temperate  and  industrious  habits  increased  it  to  144  acres.  Mr. 
Landis  was  summoned  out  of  this  world  by  the  angel  of  death  Sept.  15,  1868. 
He  was  an  esteemed  member  of  the  German  Baptist  faith  for  a number  of  years. 
David,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  born  in  this  (Randolph)  township  Nov.  11, 

1845.  He  acquired  an  ordinary  education,  and  at  the  age  of  21  years  commenced 
life  for  himself  by  renting  a piece  of  land  and  giving  his  attention  to  agricultural 
pursuits.  In  1866  he  married  Miss  Eliza  Christian,  daughter  of  John  C.  Christian. 
In  1869  he  moved  to  Illinois  and  rented  a piece  of  land  near  Lincoln,  Logan  Co., 
remaining  two  years,  when  his  health  failed  and  he  returned  to  Ohio  and  rented 
the  farm  he  now  resides  on.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Landis  have  both  been  worthy  and  con- 
sistent  members  of  the  German  Baptist  Church  since  1870. 

FURMAN  K.  PAULY,  farmer,  P.  O.,  Clayton.  Samuel  Pauly,  his  father, 
was  born  in  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  Dec.  24,  1804.  Mr.  Pauly  was  one  of  those 
j staunch,  energetic  pioneers  whose  father  had  dared  to  place  himself  out  on  the 
frontier  when  the  war-whoop  of  the  then  hostile  redman  rung  through  the  woods 


302 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


and  carried  terror  to  the  few  families  that  had  settled  in  the  deep  forests  of  the 
Buckeye  State.  Samuel  Pauly  passed  through  the  usual  routine  incidents  of  a 
pioneer’s  boyhood  days,  and  was  united  in  marriage  with  Arminda  Snook,  daughter 
of  John  Snook,  a native  of  New  Jersey.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pauly  were  the  parents  of 
ten  children,  of  "whom  five  are  now  living,  viz : Arminda,  Rebecca,  Phoebe,  Anna 
and  Furman,  the  subject  of  this  memoir,  who  was  horn  in  Warren  Co.,  Ohio,  Aug- 
14,  1832.  He  obtained  a common-school  education  and  assisted  his  father  until 
1857,  when  he  went  to  Kansas  and  was  taken  down  with  fever;  he  returned  home 
and  remained  until  he  regained  his  health,  and  then  went  to  Missouri  and  located 
at  Hannibal,  engaging  in  the  grocery  business  until  1858,  when  his  health  again 
failed  him  and  he  returned  home  and  turned  his  attention  to  farming,  which  he 
continued  until  1863,  when  he  enlisted  in  the  37tli  Regiment  Ky.  V.,as  4th 
Corporal.  During  his  term  of  service  he  participated  in  the  battle  at  Mt.  Sterling, 
Cyntliikna,  Ky.,  and  was  honorably  discharged  in  1864,  with  his  health  very  much 
impaired  from  exposure.  Pie  came  back  to  Lebanon,  Warren  Co.,  and  associated 
himself  with  his  cousin,  Mr.  John  Pauly,  in  the  grocery  business,  remaining  until 
the  summer  of  1866,  the  time  of  the  breaking  out  of  the  oil  fever.  He  disposed  of 
his  interests  in  the  grocery  and  went  to  Petroleum  Station,  West  Va.,  remaining 
several  weeks,  prospecting  and  boring  without  success,  and  came  to  Montgomery 
County  in  the  spring  of  1867.  He  was  appointed  Storekeeper  at  several  of  the 
distilleries  for  the  Government.  Mr.  Pauly  was  united  in  marriage  with  Phoebe 
Turner,  and  as  a result  of  this  union  had  four  children,  of  whom  two  daughters 
are  now  living — Myrtle  I.  and  Naomi. 

GEORGE  W.  PURCELL,  manufacturer,  P.  0.,  Union  His  father,  Thomas, 
was  a native  of  Prince  William  Co.,  Va.,  and  was  united  in  marriage  with  Anna 
R.  Young.  Eight  children  were  born  to  bless  this  union,  four  sons  and  four 
daughters.  James  and  George  W.  are  living  at  the  time  of  this  writing.  Thomas 
emigrated  to  Ohio  in  1852,  locating  in  Morrow  County,  where  he  remained  until 
his  death  in  1857.  George  W.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  obtained  a fair  educa- 
tion, and  assisted  his  father  with  the  duties  of  the  farm  until  he  arrived  at  the  age 
of  19  years.  In  1861  he  answered  the  call  of  Lincoln  for  75,000  men  and  enlisted 
in  the  20tii  Regiment  Ohio  V.  I.  in  the  three  months  service.  At  the  expiration 
of  this  term  of  service,  he  re-enlisted  in  the  43d  Regiment  Ohio  V.  I.,  and  was 
promoted  to  the  position  of  Corporal  and  subsequently  to  the  position  of  Duty 
Sergeant,  Orderly  Sergeant  and  Sergeant  Major,  after  which  he  was  commissioned 
Second  Lieutenant,  First  Lieutenant;  from  that  to  Captain  in  command  of  his 
company.  During  his  term  of  service  he  was  engaged  in  the  battles  at  New 
Madrid,  Shiloh,  Corinth,  Island  No.  10  and  Resaca,  and  was  with  Sherman  in 
his  march  to  the  sea.  In  1864  he  was  appointed  Hospital  Commissary  by  Geu. 
McPherson,  where  he  remained  until  he  received  his  discharge,  after  which  he 
came  to  Union,  Montgomery  Co.,  and  associated  himself  with  Dr.  S.  Hawkins 
and  commenced  the  manufacturing  of  tile.  He  took  for  wife  Anna  Hawkins, 
daughter  of  Dr.  S.  Hawkins,  and  celebrated  their  marriage  in  1865,  and  as  a result 
of  this  union  had  four  children,  viz:  Samuel  B.,  Charles  F.,  George  V.,  Albert  11. 
As  an  evidence  of  the  popularity  and  esteem  with  which  he  was  held  in  the  com- 
munity where  he  lived,  he  was  elected  a member  of  the  School  Board  in  a special 
district,  and  was  elected  Treasurer  of  the  Board.  He  filled  that  position  to  the 
satisfaction  of  all  concerned  for  a term  comprising  a period  of  six  years,  after  which 
he  was  elected  Assessor  of  his  township.  In  1878  he  was  elected  Commissioner 
of  Montgomery  County,  and  discharged  the  duties  of  that  office  to  the  public 
acceptance  and  credit  to  himself  for  one  term. 

MARY  RASOR,  farmer,  P.  O.,  Iamton,  is  the  widow  of  David  Rasor  and 
daughter  of  Samuel  Herr,  whose  biography  appears  in  this  work.  She  was  bom 
in  Lancaster  Co.,  Pa.,  Oct.  6.  1819;  came  to  Montgomery  County  with  her  parents 
in  1830,  -who  purchased  a farm  in  the  vicinity  of  Harrisburg;  her  early  life  was 
passed  at  home  in  assisting  her  mother  with  the  household  duties.  A spinning 


RANDOLPH  TOWNSHIP. 


308 


wheel  then  graced  the  home,  and  the  daughter  was  apt  in  the  art  of  spinning  and 
weaving.  She  was  united  in  marriage  to  Mr.  Rasor  Nov.  20,  1838,  and  to  them 
were  born  the  following  children:  Lavinia,  Aug.  31,  1839;  Samuel,  June  6,  1841; 
Josiah,  Dec.  8,  1844;  Daniel  B.,  March  16,  1848;  David,  Sept.  1, 1851  and  Harvey, 
March  14,  1856.  Her  husband  was  a native  of  Montgomery  County,  born  March 
80,  1817 ; learned  the  cooper’s  trade,  which  occupation  he  followed  for  many  years 
in  the  manufacture  of  barrels  for  the  numerous  mills  and  distilleries  then  located 
on  the  hanks  of  the  Stillwater.  In  later  years,  after  his  marriage,  he  operated,  in 
connection  with  his  father,  a sawmill,  owned  by  the  latter,  and  in  a few  years, 
through  habits  of  industry  and  economy,  became  possessor  of  the  mill.  He  wras  success 
fulin  this  line  of  business,  and  later  purchased  the  farm  belonging  to  his  father.  Botl 
our  subject  and  her  husband  were  members  of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethre; 
in  Christ,  to  which  organization  she  still  clings,  worshiping  at  the  Riverside  Church. 
Her  husband  died  May  1,  1863,  beloved  by  all  who  knew  him.  The  widow  now 
resides  in  the  town  of  Harrisburg,  where  she  has  erected  a fine  residence,  leaving 
the  farm  in  the  spring  of  1880,  having  rented  it  to  her  sons. 

DANIEL  RINEHART,  farmer,  P.  0.,  Union.  His  father,  Jacob,  was  anative 
of  Virginia,  and  came  to  Ohio  in  1815,  and  settled  in  Preble  County,  near  Win- 
chester. He  was  united  in  marriage  with  Susanna  Brown.  They  were  the  parents 
of  nine  children,  of  whom  four  sons  and  three  daughters  are  now  living,  viz : Enoch, 
John,  Daniel,  Elizabeth,  Fannie,  Susanna  and  Mary.  Mrs.  Rinehart  departed  this 
life  in  1854,  and  Mr.  Rinehart  soon  followed.  They  were  both  members  of  the 
German  Baptist  Church.  Daniel,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  born  in  Virginia, 
August,  1812.  He  obtained  an  ordinary  education,  and  at  the  age  of  23  years 
he  commenced  life  for  himself  by  renting  a piece  of  land  and  giving  his  attention 
to  agricultural  pursuits,  which  he  continued  three  years,  paying  his  rent  by  giving 
a share  of  the  products.  In  1839  he  celebrated  his  marriage  with  Esther  Bran- 
denbaugh,  daughter  of  Henry  Brandenbaugh.  They  had  ten  children,  of  whom 
sis  are  now  living,  viz:  Jacob,  John,  Henry,  Noah,  Saraband  Hannah.  Mr. 
Rinehart  continued  farming,  renting  land  of  his  brother,  remaining  four  years, 
and  purchased  a farm,  containing  104  acres,  and  has  since  added  by  hard  labor  and 
industry  and  the  assistance  of  his  good  wife,  50‘acres,  making  in  all  154  acres,  all 
under  a high  state  of  cultivation,  and  has  added  many  material  improvements,  and 
they  are  now  enjoying  the  comforts  and  luxuries  of  hfe,  earned  by  many  years  of  toil. 
They  are  both  worthy  members  of  the  German  Baptist  Church,  and  the  children 
have  been  co-workers  with  the  parents  in  the  cause  of  religion. 

WILLIAM  M.  ROGERS,  farmer;  P.  O.,  Clayton.  Among  the  descendants  of 
the  old  pioneer  families,  that  we  are  pleased  to  mention  in  the  pages  of  this  work, 
is  William  M.  Rogers,  bom  in  Pendleton  Co.,  Ky.,  August  15,  1835.  His  father, 
Jacob,  was  a native  of  New  Jersey,  born  Dec.  19,  1808.  Jacob’s  educational 
advantages  were  very  limited,  but  by  devoting  all  his  leisure  time  during  his  early 
life  to  his  studies,  and  by  profound  reading  and  continued  reflection,  gathered  a 
mass  of  information.  In  1820  his  mother  was  left  a widow,  and  Jacob  worked  on 
the  neighboring  farms,  and  contributed  his  small  earning  to  the  support  of  his 
mother.  They  moved  to  Pennsylvania  and  remained  eight  years,  when  they  were 
persuaded  by  the  excellent  advantages  and  inducements  that  were  offered  by  the 
Buckeye  State,  to  settle  within  its  boundaries.  They  found  a location  that  pleased 
them  in  Clermont  County,  and  entered  a small  farm  covered  with  timber,  and 
erected  a new  log  cabin  of  round,  unhewn  logs,  and  soon  had  part  of  then  ground 
under  cultivation.  Mr.  Rogers  was  married  to  Mary  A.  Tuston,  in  1829.  Nine 
children  were  the  result  of  this  union.  Mrs.  Jennie  Miller,  George,  Joseph, 
Charles  and  William,  are  now  living.  Soon  after  his  marriage,  Mr.  Rogers  moved 
down  into  Kentucky,  and  settled  in  Pendleton  County,  where  he  accumulated 
quite  a large  amount  of  property,  both  personal  and  real.  In  1843  he  moved  far 
! out  into  the  frontier,  and  settled  in  Missouri,  remaining  two  unsuccessful  years, 

! and  returned  to  Clermont  Co.,  Ohio,  in  1848.  He  continued  there  until  1864, 


304 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


when  he  located  where  he  now  resides,  in  this  (Montgomery)  county.  Our  subject, 
William,  was  educated  in  the  common  schools,  and  brought  up  to  farm  labor, 
remaining  with  his  father  until  he  was  18  years  of  age,  after  which  he  followed 
various  pursuits  until  1860.  He  was  united  in  marriage  with  Maria  L.  , Turner, 
August  10,  1860.  This  union  was  blessed  with  four  children,  of  whom  (two  are 
living,  viz : Eenna  and  Effie.  Mr.  Rogers  continued  in  the  occupation  of  farming 
until  1868,  when  he  engaged  in  the  general  merchandise  business,  which  he  fol- 
lowed two  years,  ^disposed  of  his  stock,  and  came  to  Dayton,  and  carried  on  the 
wholesale  tobacco  and  liquor  business,  until  he  was  compelled  to  sell  out  on  account 
of  having  endorsed  a note  for  a friend,  and  had  it  to  pay.  He  came  to  Salem,  and 
again  engaged  in  farming,  which  he  has  continued  in  until  the  present. 

DAVID  SHAW,  grain  dealer;  P.  0.,  Union.  The  gentleman  ivliose  name 
stands  at  the  head  of  this  sketch,  is  the  son  of  Solomon  Shaw,  who  was  a native 
of  Cumberland  Co.,  Pa.,  and  emigrated  to  Ohio,  and  located  in  Montgomery 
County,  near  Union,  Randolph  Township,  in  1848.  By  occupation  was  a stone 
mason,  which  he  followed  in  connection  with  the  farm,  until  1857,  when  he  moved 
to  Iowa.  Mr.  Shaw  took  for  wife,  Susan  Strone,  daughter  of  George  Strone.  Two 
sons  were  the  result  of  this  union,  viz:  George  and  David.  The  subject  of  this 
memoir  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  March  15,  1833,  and  came  to  Ohio  with  his 
father, Ait  the  age  of  15  years.  He  obtained  a common  school  education,  and  in 
1851  he  went  to  work  at  the  carpenter’s  trade,  which  he  continued  in  until  1850. 
He  was  united  in  marriage  with  Sarah  Herr,  in  1855.  Seven  children  were  bom 
to  bless  this  union,  of  whom  two  sons  and  two  daughters  survive,  viz:  Mary  J., 
Frances,  Edwin  and  William.  Soon  after  his  marriage  he  purchased  his  father-in- 
law’s  farm,  which  he  sold  in  a short  time,  and  purchased  80  acres  in  Darke  County, 
where  he  remained  five  months  and  disposed  of  it  at  a small  advance,  and  located  Jj 
his  family  near  Harrisburgh,  and  went  to  Iowa  to  try  and  find  a genial  opening 
for  business.  Failing  to  find  any  point  that  he  looked  on  with  favor,  he  returned 
home  and  cultivated  rented  land  until  1864,  when  he  purchased  a farm  near 
Union.  In  1866  he  re-visited  the  West,  traveling  in  Kansas  and  Iowa,  with  the  J 
hope  of  finding  a good  location.  Being  disappointed  the  second  time,  he  returned 
home  with  the  intention  of  spending  the  balance  of  his  days  in  the  Buckeye  State. 
In  1880  he  built  a grain  elevator,  with  a capacity  for  20,000  bushels  of  grain,  and  j; 
is  running  a saw  mill  in  connection  with  it,  and  is  doing  a large  and  extensive 
business. 

SAMUEL  SHELLABARGER,  farmer;  P.  O.,  Union.  The  subject  of  this  j 
sketch  was  born  in  Juniata  Co.,  Pa.,  Feb.  23,  1809,  and  is  a son  of  John  and 
Salona  (Rush)  Shellabarger,  who  were  the  parents  of  eight  children,  of  whom  our 
subject  is  the  only  one  now  living.  His  early  life  was  devoted  to  farming,  remain- 
ing upon  the  farm  of  his  father  until  20  years  of  age,  during  which  time  iiis 
schooling  was  limited  to  two  months  each  year,  his  leisure  hours  being  devoted  to 
a close  application  to  his  studies,  the  scriptures  being  one  of  his  favorite  studies.  At 
20  years  of  age  he  was  apprenticed  to  learn  the  trade  of  tanner,  serving  until  he 
mastered  the  same.  In  1832  he  came  Ohio,  locating  in  Clark  County,  where  he 
followed  the  business  of  tanning  successfully  for  six  years.  He  then  engaged  in  the 
mercantile  business  at  Covington,  Miami  Co.,  for  several  years,  and  in  1844  closed 
out  his  dry(  goods  business  and  purchased  his  present  place,  where  he  has  since 
resided.  He  now  owns  183  acres  of  land,  the  productiveness  of  which  can  be 
estimated  by  the  large  crops  of  wheat,  corn  and  other  products  raised  by  him  each 
year.  Mr.  Shellabarger  ]was  united  in  marriage  to  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  John 
Ward.  She  was  born  in  Perry  Co.,  Ohio,  Oct.  14,  1816.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Shellabarger 
were  the  parents  of  twelve  children,  of  whom  six  now  survive,  viz:  Enos,  Malon, 
Newton,  Margaret,  Mary  and  Harriet.  In  1846  Mr.  Shellabarger  united  with  the 
German  Baptist  Church,  of  which  he  has  been  an  exemplary  member  for  a period 
of  thirty-five  years,  having  for  many  years  served  the  same  as  deacon  and  teacher. 

WEBSTER  S.  SMITH,  physician;  P.  O.,  Clayton.  The  gentleman  whose 


RANDOLPH  TOWNSHIP. 


305 


name  stands  at  the  head  of  this  biography  was  bom  in  Montgomery  County,  Nov. 
13,  1856.  His  father,  Isaac,  was  a native  of  Lancaster  Co.,  Pa.,  and  emigrated  to 
Ohio  and  settled  in  Dayton,  engaging  in  the  business  of  contracting  and  building, 
which  he  followed  until  1861,  the  breaking  out  of  the  rebellion.  Mr.  Smith  was 
among  the  first  volunteers,  enlisting  in  the  66th  Regt.,  111.  Yol.  Inf.,  known  as 
“Burgs’  Sharp  Shooters,”  and  served  three  years.  Soon  after  receiving  his  discharge 
was  united  in  marriage  with  Phoebe  Wellbaum,  daughter  of  Christian  Wellbaum. 
They  were  the  parents  of  two  sons,  viz : Harry  and  Webster  S.  Our  subject  received 
his  primary  education  in  the  common  schools,  and  graduated  in  the  high  school  of 
Dayton.  He  engaged  in  teaching  school  and  spent  the  days  of  vacation  in  the 
office  of  Dr.  John  Davis,  preparing  himself  for  the  medical  profession.  He 
attended  the  lectures  of  the  Ohio  Medical  College,  receiving  his  diploma  March  2, 
1880,  and  commenced  the  practice  of  medicine  in  the  village  of  Salem. 

SAMUEL  SMITH,  farmer;  P.  0.,  Kinsey  Station;  was  born  in  Lebanon  Co., 
Pa.,  Dec.  17,  1810.  His  father,  Christian,  was  a native  'of  the  same  county,  and 
spent  his  early  life  as  miller.  After  his  marriage  with  Barbara  Gingerrick,  he 
engaged  in  farming,  which  he  has  continued  in  since.  He  was  the  father  of  eight 
children,  of  whom  sis  survive,  viz : Christina,  Catherine,  Henry,  Chiistian,  Abra- 
ham and  Samuel,  the  subject  of  this  biography.  Samuel’s  educational  advantages 
were  limited.  He  worked  on  the  neighboring  farms  until  he  was  18  years  of  age, 
when  he  apprenticed  himself  to  a shoemaker  to  learn  that  occupation,  and  served 
three  years,  when  he  returned  to  his  farm  and  remained  twTo  years.  In  1833  he 
; started  for  Ohio-and  located  in  Wooster,  engaging  at  his  trade,  serving  Jonathan 
Montgomery.  After  remaining  in  Wooster  a few  months,  he  came  to  Dayton, 
and  located  in  Miami  City,  and  commenced  business  for  himself.  In  1837  he  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Catharine  Famey.  They  were  the  parents  of  eight 
children,  six  of  whom  are  now  living,  viz:  Emaline,  Amanda,  Adaline,  Mary, 
Mahala,  Eliza,  Joseph  and  Charles,  By  economy  and  industry  Mr.  Smith  pur- 
, chased  80  acres  of  land  in  Mercer  County,  covered  with  timber.  He  moved  from 
Miami  City  to  Randolph  Township,  and  purchased  five  acres  in  what  was  called  at 
that  time  the  Warner  settlement,  where  he  built  up  an  excellent  trade,  and  remained 
eight  years,  when  he  disposed  of  his  property  at  an  advance  and  moved  to  Indiana 
and  settled  in  Wayne  County,  on  43  acres  of  land  that  he  had  previously  pur- 
chased. He  run  the  farm  in  connection  with  his  trade  five  years,  disposed  of  it, 
and  returned  to  Montgomery  Co.,  and  purchased  the  farm  where  he  now  resides, 
containing  43  acres.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Smith  have  both  been  members  of  the  church 
since  1844. 

EMOR  E.  SMITH,  farmer;  P.  O.,  Union.  The  father  of  our  subject,  Thomas 
J.  Smith,  was  born  in  Lexington,  Rockbridge  Co.,  Va.,  Aug.  16,  1815.  Being 
deprived  by  death  of  his  father  when  quite  young,  like  many  others,  was  left 
to  make  the  best  he  could  of  life.  When  he  became  old  enough,  he  bound  himself 
1 as  an  apprentice  to  the  trade  of  harness  and  saddle  making  for  five  years ; serving  his 
time,  he  emigrated  in  company  with  his  mother  and  sister  to  Ohio,  in  1838,  locat- 
ing in  Montgomery  County,  and  commenced  to  manufacture  harness  and  saddles 
in  connection  with  keeping  hotel.  Was  united  in  marriage  July  26,  1841,  to  Miss 
Nancy  E.,  Sheets,  born  m Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  July  1,  1823,  daughter  of 
Martin  Sheets,  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  Randolph  Township,  who  cut  his  way 
through  from  Dayton,  clearing  the  underbrush  and  trees,  to  where  he  located 
:on  the  banks  of  Stillwater  river,  one-fourth  of  a mile  from  Union.  By  the  union 
jof  Mr.  Smith  and  Miss  Sheets  there  were  born  unto  them  two  children,  one  son, 
jtlie  subject  of  this  sketch;  one  daughter,  Lora  A.,  at  this  writing  Mrs.  Guye,  born 
Aug.  9,  1850.  Wishing  to  change  his  occupation  after  he  became  the  head 
,of  a family,  Mr.  Smith  embarked  in  the  distilling  business,  remaining  in  it  for  eight 
jyears.  The  price  of  highwines  commenced  to  decline,  and  Mr.  Smith  again  took 
jup  the  first  pursuits  of  his  life,  that  of  manufacturing  saddles  and  harness.  He 
departed  this  life  March  8,  1879;  his  widow  still  survives  him  at  this  writing, 

T 

' 


306 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES : 


residing  at  the  residence  Mr.  Smith  built,  northwest  corner  of  Main  and  First 
streets.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  bom  in  Union,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio, 
May  11,  1842.  Having  had  the  advantage  of  a common  school  education  in  the 
days  of  his  youth,  and  was  put  in  charge  of  his  father’s  distillery  at  the  age  of  15  years, 
under  trying  circumstances,  financially.  By  shrewd  management  young  Smith 
soon  had  the  business  placed  on  a sound  financial  basis  and  entered  into  business 
for  himself,  stocking  his  pens  with  hogs  and  his  distillery  with  grain.  In  1862, 
during  the  days  of  the  Rebellion,  with  the  uncertainty  of  the  government  taxes, 
in  seven  months’  time  realized  $ 22, 000;  having  at  one  time  to  raise  $10,000 
at  three  days’  notice,  for  government  taxes.  Mr.  Smith  raised  the  sum  required, 
which  was  considered  quite  an  effort  for  one  so  young  in  business,  being  under 
age.  Donated  $800  to  the  government  and  furnished  a substitute  to  help  carry 
on  the  war.  Mr.  Smith  has  been  connected  with  many  of  the  projects  of  public 
improvements  throughout  the  county  and  township  in  which  he  resides,  being  one 
of  the  first  seven  men  who  proposed  the  Toledo,  Delphos  & Burlington  R.  R.  He 
has  been  chosen  to  serve  in  several  offices  in  his  township,  and  at  this  wilting 
is  serving  his  community  as  Clerk  of  Township,  representing  the  county  in  Con- 
gressional convention.  Was  united  in  marriage  May  12,  1864,  to  Miss  Amanda 
Smith,  born  in  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  Dec.  21,  1839,  daughter  of  Samuel  Smith. 
By  their  union  there  was  born  unto  them  one  daughter,  Wealthy,  born  Feb.  11, 
1868,  and  departed  this  life  Nov.  11,  1870.  After  the  death  of  their  daughter,  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Smith  adopted  Minnie  M.  Shanck,  born  March  5,  1868,  having  been  with 
them  at  this  writing  seven  years.  Mr.  Smith  is  in  the  prime  of  life,  and  possesses 
the  business  knowledge  and  qualifications  of  a man  of  60  years. 

JOHN  W.  SOLLENBERGER,  minister  and  farmer;  P.  O.,  Union.  The 
subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Franklin  Co.,  Pa.,  March  7,  1823.  His  father, 
Jacob,  was  a native  of  Pennsylvania  and  was  married  to  Anna  Wingard.  They 
were  the  parents  of  two  children,  viz. : Elizabeth  and  John  W.  The  subject  of  this 
sketch  obtained  his  education  in  the  district  schools  of  the  county.  He  emigrated 
to  Ohio  with  his  father  and  settled  in  this  county  at  an  early  day,  and  was  soon 
after  left  an  orphan  by  the  death  of  his  father.  His  mother  married  J ohn  Miller, 
whom  our  subject  assisted  on  the  farm  until  he  was  19  years  of  age,  at  which 
time  he  was  presented  with  sixteen  acres  of  land  by  his  stepfather,  located  in  Elk- 
hart Co.,  Ind.  Not  feeling  inclined  to  cultivate  such  a small  amount,  he  went 
to  work  with  an  indomitable  will  to  add  more  to  it,  first  engaging  at  the  carpenter 
trade,  which  he  continued  working  at  two  years.  In  1844  he  was  married  to  Cath- 
arine Peffly,  the  daughter  of  Jacob  Peffly,  born  Nov.  7,  1823.  They  were,  the 
parents  of  nine  children,  eight  of  whom  are  living,  viz.:  Jacob,  John  J.,  David  P., 
Aaron,  Moses,  William,  Henry  P.,  and  Elizabeth.  In  1845  Mr.  Sollenberger  moved 
onto  his  farm  in  Indiana,  which  he  had  increased,  but  was  yet  covered  with 
timber.  He  erected  a cabin  and  commenced  clearing  off  the  timber,  preparatory 
for  cultivation.  He  remained  until  1850,  when  he  disposed  of  it  and  mqved  to  St. 
Joseph  County,  where  his  health  failed  him  and  was  he  advised  by  his  physician 
to  locate  in  a healthier  clime. 

He  disposed  of  his  farm  in  1853  and  moved  back  to  Ohio  and  settled  where 
he  now  resides.  In  1876  the  residence  of  Mr.  Sollenberger  was  visited  by  the 
messenger  of  death,  who  carried  off  his  esteemed  wife.  She  was  a worthy  member 
of  the  German  Baptist  faith  for  a number  of  years.  Mr.  Sollenberger  married  his 
second  wife,  Sarah  Stouffer,  Aug.  17,  1879.  Mr.  Sollenberger  has  been  indentified 
with  the  German  Baptist  Church  since  1859,  and  has  taken  an  active  interest  in 
the  cause  of  Christianity,  and  is  at  present  one  of  the  deacons  of  the  church. 

ABRAHAM  STOKER,  deceased.  Among  the  old  pioneers  that  we  are  pleased 
to  mention  in  the  pages  of  this  history  is  Abraham  Stoker,  born  April  10,  1815,  in 
this  county.  Mr.  Stoker  was  deprived  of  the  privileges  of  attending  school,  as  he 
was  left  in  the  world  an  orphan  at  the  age  of  14  years.  He  continued  working 
at  farm  labor  until  the  time  of  his  marriage  with  Nancy  Johnston.  He  was  the 


RANDOLPH  TOWNSHIP. 


307 


father  of  five  children.  Catharine,  James,  Levi  and  Owen  are  now  living.  Upon 
his  marriage  he  became  the  owner  of  a farm  of  fifty  acres,  which  he  soon  increased 
to  150  acres.  Mrs.  Stoker  departed  this  life  in  1856.  Mr.  Stoker  married  his 
second  wife,  Evelena  A.  Davis,  March  26,  1857.  She  was  a native  of  England 
and  emigrated  to  America  with  her  parents  in  1855.  They  had  nine  children, 
seven  of  whom  are  living,  viz.:  Martha,  Ellen  N.,  Elizabeth  A.,  Lenora  A.,  Effie, 
Clemet  L.,  Albert  Y.  Soon  after  his  marriage,  Mr.  Stoker  disposed  of  his  farm 
and  purchased  300  acres  in  Madison  Township  near  Posttown.  He  remained  on 
it  five  years  and  exchanged  it  for  the  farm  adjoining,  winch  he  was  compelled 
to  sell  to  pay  off  a note  he  had  endorsed,  and  located  at  Harrison  Station,  Green 
County.  Mr.  Stoker,  not  being'  very  strongly  constituted,  retired  from  active 
labor,  remaining  well  until  1878,  when  he  passed  quietly  into  the  next  world, 
respected  and  esteemed  by  all  who  knew  him.  Mrs.  Stoker,  soon  after  the  burial 
of  her  husband,  purchased  thirty  acres  near  Vandalia,  which  she  exchanged  for 
the  hotel  she  is  now  proprietress  of. 

DANIEL  TATE,  tanner;  P.  0.,  Iamton.  The  gentleman  whose  name 
stands  at  the  head  of  this  sketch  is  the  son  of  Isaac  Tate,  who  was  a native  of 
Adams  Co.,  Pa.  Daniel,  our  subject,  was  born  in  Adams  Co.,  Pa.,  Aug.  24,  1841, 
and  moved  to  Maryland  with  his  parents,  where  he  attended  school  until  he  was 
15  years  of  age,  when  he  was  apprenticed  to  learn  the  carpenter  and  cabinet  trade, 
serving  three  years.  He  worked  journey  work  and  by  his  economy  accumulated 
enough  to  commence  business  for  himself  in  Carrol  Co.,  Md.,  where  he  continued 
two  years  and  came  to  Ohio  and  located  in  this  (Montgomery)  county.  April  15, 
1867,  he  took  for  wife  Mrs.  Catharine  Wolf,  born  Jan.  13,  1828.  and  widow  of  David 
Wolf.  Soon  after  his  arrival  in  Ohio,  he  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  hubs, 
spokes  and  felloes,  which  he  followed  until  1870,  wdren  he  exchanged  for  a stock 
of  dry  goods  and  groceries,  which  he  converted  into  cash  and  turned  his  attention 
to  farming,  which  he  has  continued  in  until  the  present  with  good  success.  Mr. 
Tate  has  never  been  an  aspirant  for  office,  but  has  been  identified  with  several 
of  the  township  offices.  Mrs.  Tate  is  a worthy  member  of  the  German  Baptist 
Church,  and  is  endeavoring  to  bring  up  her  children  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord. 

WALTEB  J.  THOMPSON,  physician  and  surgeon;  P.  O.,  Union.  The 
father  of  our  subject  was  a native  of  Ohio,  born  Sept.  8,  1819.  His  father  died 
when  he  was  quite  young,  and  he  was  left  to  battle  with  the  world  unaided.  He 
possessed  a common  school  education  and  at  20  years  of  age  commenced  working  at 
the  cabinetmakers’  trade  in  Cincinnati.  After  fully  mastering  his  trade  he  returned 
to  Troy,  the  town  of  his  nativity,  where  he  engaged  in  the  business  of  undertaker 
and  furniture  dealer,  at  which  he  still  continues.  Walter  J.,  our  subject,  was  born 
in  Miami  County,  Sept.  8,  1852,  where  he  attended  the  high  school,  located  at 
Troy,  until  he  was  18  years  old,  at  which  time  he  graduated.  He  then  commenced 
the  study  of  medicine  with  Dr.  Green,  a prominent  physician  of  Troy.  After  five 
years  of  diligent  study,  he  entered  the  Ohio  Medical  College  at  Cincinnati,  from 
which  he  graduated  in  due  time.  After  reading  another  year  with  Dr.  Green,  he 
went  to  New  York  City,  where  he  entered  the  Belleview  Hospital  and  Medical 
College.  From  this  he  also  graduated,  and  after  availing  himself  of  special  courses 
of  instruction  on  the  eye  and  ear,  he  returned  to  Ohio  and  entered  into  a partner- 
ship with  his  first  preceptor,  Dr.  Green.  He  soon  dissolved  this  connection  and 
located  in  Union,  and  commenced  the  practice  of  his  profession  with  Dr.  Hawkins 
of  that  place.  He  married  Miss  Addie  Hawkins,  the  daughter  of  Samuel  Hawkins, 
Oct.  14,  1879,  by  whom  he  had  one  son,  Samuel,  born  to  him.  The  doctor  is 
connected  with  the  following  medical  societies  in  the  State:  The  Ohio  State, 
Miami  and  Montgomery  and  the  district  societies  of  Darke,  Shelby  and  Miami 
Counties. 

AMOS  B.  TOBIAS,  farmer;  P.  O.,  Clayton,  was  born  in  Berks  Co.,  Pa.,  in 
i 1824.  His  father,  Michael,  was  a native  of  the  same  county,  and  was  united  in 
marriage  with  a Miss  Booher.  As  a result  of  this  union  had  thirteen  children, 


308 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES : 


viz.:  Christian,  Michael,  «ohn,  Paul,  Jacob,  Daniel,  Elias,  Amos,  Mollie,  Catha- 
rine, Elizabeth,  Sarah,  Mary.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  educated  in  the 
common  schools,  and  was  brought  up  to  farm  labor.  He  came  to  Olno  with  his 
father,  and  settled  in  Montgomery  County,  assisting  him  until  he  was  25  years  of 
age.  He  celebrated  his  marriage  with  Elizabeth  Leisure  in  1819,  and  had  three 
children;  Horace  and  Lee  Edgar  are  now  living.  Soon  after  his  marriage  lie 
rented  a farm  and  followed  the  honorable  vocation  of  cultivating  the  soil,  and  was  very 
successful,  soon  being  able  to  purchase  it.  He  remained  on  it  but  a short  time, 
when  he  disposed  of  it  and  purchased  his  father-in-law’s,  which  he  cultivated 
until  1806,  when  he  disclosed  of  it  and  moved  to  Salem,  and  engaged  in  the 
general  merchandise  business,  which  he  continued  in  up  to  1871;  returned  to  the 
farm,  and  has  since  engaged  in  various  pursuits  up  to  the  time  he  moved  on  his 
present  place. 

HAMILTON  M.  TURNER,  farmer;  P.  0.,  Clayton,  was  born  in  Pennsylva- 
nia, Sept.  18,  1815.  His  father,  John,  emigrated  to  Ohio  from  Pennsylvania  in 
1820,  and  settled  in  Montgomery  County.  Mr.  Turner  was  by  occupation  a farmer 
and  distiller.  He  was  united  in  marriage  with  Margaret  Wagoner.  They  were 
the  parents  of  eight  children,  viz:  Nancy,  Mary,  James.  H.,  John  W.,  William, 
Oliver  P.,  Joseph  M.  and  Hamilton  M.  Mr.  Turner,  by  his  exemplary  habits, 
soon  commanded  the  respect  of  all  who  knew  him.  As  an  example,  to  show  the 
esteem  in  which  he  was  held,  he  was  elected  representative  of  his  county  to  the 
Legislature  in  1827  and  1829,  and  in  1830  was  elected  Associate  Judge  in  the  court 
of  common  pleas.  Hamilton  M.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  educated  in  the 
district  schools  of  the  county,  and  assisted  his  father  with  the  farm  duties,  until  he 
was  22  years  of  age.  He  was  married  to  Hannah  Harburgh,  daughter  of  David 
Harburgh,  one  of  the  early  pioneers  of  this  county  Mr.  Turner  raised  a very 
exemplary  family  of  ten  children,  of  whom  five  survive,  viz:  Margaret,  Maria, 
Phoebe,  Harriet  and  Anna.  In  1839  he  engaged  in  the  milling  and  distilling  bus- 
iness, associating  himself  with  his  brother  John,  until  1812,  when  he  drew  out  his 
interest  and  moved  to  Indiana,  but  failing  to  find  a satisfactory  opening,  soon 
returned  to  this  county,  and  again  connected  himself  with  his  brother,  who  had 
previously  taken  in  Jacob  Heck  as  a partner,  the  firm  being  known  as  Turner, 
Heck  & Co.  They  continued  m business  until  1818,  when  our  subject  then  with- 
drew and  formed  a partnership  with  his  brothers,  John  and  Joseph,  and  built  a 
large  brick  distillery  on  the  banks  of  Wolf  Creek,  in  Salem,  and  run  it  in  connec-  j 
tion  with  the  dry  goods  and  grocery  business  until  1851,  when  our  subject  drew  out 
and  purchased  what  was  then  known  as  the  Engle  mill,  on  the  banks  of  the  Still- 
water, near  where  he  now  resides.  Mr.  Turner,  desiring  to  build  up  a more 
extensive  business,  again  entered  into  partnership  with  his  brothers,  and  erected  a 
large  flouring  mill  at  Greenville,  Darke  Co.,  Ohio,  which  they  soon  converted  into 
a distillery,  at  a cost  of  $30,000.  In  the  summer  of  1811  they  had  the  misfortune 
to  lose  the  mill  at  Salem,  it  being  destroyed  by  a stroke  of  lightning,  which  burnt  II 
it  and  20,000  bushels  of  grain;  the  loss  being  estimated  at  $ 15, 000.  They  imme- 
diately began  the  work  of  replacing  it,  which  was  done  in  ninety  days.  In  the 
fall  of  1856,  they  again  dissolved  partnership,  our  subject  retaining  the  property  at 
Salem,  and  in  1861  he  disposed  of  his  dry  goods  business,  and  gave  his  exclusive 
attention  to  the  distillery.  Having  some  surplus  capital  on  hand,  he  purchased  an  J 
interest  in  the  firm  of  Walker  & Moses,  which  he  drew  out  at  the  expiration  of  jj 
three  years,  not  having  time  to  give  it  the  proper  attention;  also  in  a short  time  )| 
closed  out  his  distillery  as  the  advance  in  revenue  and  the  declining  price  of  spirits 
was  such,  as  to  render  it  useless  to  continue  longer.  He  is  at  present  operating  a j| 
saw  and  flouring-mill  in  connection  with  his  farm.  Mr.  Turner  is  now  67  years  cf 
age,  and  of  course  the  most  active  pari  of  his  life  is  spent,  but  he  has,  by  untiring 
labor  and  industry,  accumulated  enough  of  this  world’s  goods  to  keep  him  and 
his  good  and  industrious  wife  the  balance  of  their  days.  ■ i 

E.  F.  WARNER,  P.  O.,  Clayton,  was  born  in  Randolph  Township,  Montgom- 


| 


RANDOLPH  TOWNSHIP. 


309 


ery  Co.,  Ohio,  on  the  28th  clay  of  Feb.,  1828.  Is  a school  teacher  by  profession,  but 
has  retired  from  teaching.  Was  married  twice ; his  first  wife’s  name  was  Catharine 
Caufman,  died  Dec.  11,  1862.  In  1865  was  married  to  Rachel  A.  Lasure,  and 
have  six  children  from  second  union.  Minnie  May,  Catharine  Elizabeth,  Sylvia  Lode- 
mia,  John  Elliot,  Arthur  Livingstone  and  Edith  Irene,  are  the  names  of  his 
children.  John  J.  Warner,  the  father  of  E.  F.,  was  born  in  Bedford  Co.,  Pa.,  in 
1808;  came  with  his  father,  Jacob  Warner,  to  Randolph  Township  in  1812.  In 
1811  Henry  Warner,  the  great-grandfather  of  this  subject,  came  with  all  his 
children  down  the  Ohio  river,  in  flat-bottom  boats  from  Pittsburgh  to  Cincinnati. 
The  son’s  names  were  Jacob,  John,  Henry,  Andrew,  David  and  Daniel.  The  girls 
were  Catharine  and  Elizabeth.  They  all  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits.  Each 
one  opened  a farm  in  said  township,  but  all  have  long  since  “gone  the  way  of  all 
the  earth.”  They  founded  a large  settlement,  known  as  the  “Warner  Settlement,” 
far  and  near.  There  are  but  two  of  the  name  living  in  the  township,  E.  F.  Warner 
and  Enos  Warner.  The  present  generation  has  migrated,  and  some  of  them  are 
living  in  every  western  State,  from  Ohio  to  the  Pacific  slope,  and  most  of  them  are 
still  engaged  in  tilling  the  soil.  Henry  Warner,  the  great  grandfather  of  the 
present  generation,  came  from  Wittenburg,  Gemany,  over  a century  ago,  and 
settled  in  Frederick  Co.,  Md.  At  the  close  of  the  revolutionary  war,  settled  in 
Bedford  Co.,  Pa.,  and  from  there  migrated  to  Ohio  in  1811. 

HENRY  C.  WEAVER,  merchant;  P.  0.,  Iamton.  The  father  of  our  sub- 
ject, Henry  Weaver,  Sr.,  was  born  in  Adams  Co.,  Pa.,  Feb.  22,  1815.  He  had 
the  advantage  of  a common  school  education,  and  his  early  years  were  passed  upon 
a farm.  He  emigrated  to  this  county,  settling  near  Little  York,  where  he  was 
engaged  in  huckstering,  exchanging  dry  goods  and  groceries  for  produce,  which  he 
disposed  of  in  Cincinnati.  The  mother  was  the  daughter  of  Richard  Sandhan, 
who  was  one  of  the  early  proprietors  of  a large  and  flourishing  mill  and  woolen 
factory  in  the  neighborhood  of  Little  York,  and  who  was  also  a prominent  mason. 
As  a result  of  this  union  ten  children  were  born,  seven  of  whom  are  living.  Eliz- 
abeth, Mary,  Annie,  Jane,  Wealthy,  Emma  and  our  subject,  who  was  born  in 
Montgomery  County,  March  21,  1849.  After  receiving  instruction  in  the  common 
branches,  he  learned  the  trade  of  a cooper,  but  desiring  a change  in  occupation, 
two  years  later  found  him  in  a.  flouring  mill.  He  had  a taste  for  mercantile  pur- 
suits, and  as  soon  as  he  had  accumulated  sufficient  means,  he  purchased  a stock  of 
goods,  and  at  Little  York  opened  a dry  goods  store.  Here  he  remained  eight 
years,  during  which  period,  through  habits  of  industry  and  economy,  combined 
with  business  tact,  had  become  a successful  and  prosperous  business  man,  having 
made  and  saved  several  thousand  dollars ; but  not  content  with  the  size  of  his  bus- 
iness and  location,  in  the  spring  of  1880  he  built  at  Harrisburgli  a large  and 
commodious  store-room,  stocking  it  with  a choice  selection  of  dry  goods,  groceries, 

! and,  in  fact,  everything  found  in  a general  store.  Mr.  Weaver  is  a good  citizen  and 
an  active  and  enterprising  business  man,  anu  has  filled  several  minor  offices  of  honor 
and  trust  tendered  him  by  the  citizens  of  the  community  in  which  he  resides.  He 
was  united  in  marriage  with  Catharine  Mast,  March  2,  1869,  and  the  union  was 
blessed  with  eight  children,  six  of  whom  are  now  living,  by  names  Sarah,  Maud, 
Dixon,  Harry,  Wesley  and  William  H. 

WILLIAM  A.  WEST,  carriage  manufacturer;  P.  0.,  Union.  William  A. 
West  is  the  son  of  William  West,  Sr.,  who  was  a native  of  Virginia,  and  came  to 
Ohio  with  his  father,  in  the  year  1810,  and  settled  in  Green  County,  making  the 
journey  all  the  way  in  a wagon.  Upon  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  of  1812,  he 
enlis.ed  as  a corporal,  and  for  gallantry  was  promoted  to  the  position  of  recruiting 
officer  for  Gen.  Hull’s  army.  After  the  surrender  of  Gen.  Hull,  was  taken  with 
the  prisoners  of  war  to  Canada,  where  they  received  their  parole.  Mr.  West 
joined  a party  of  seven,  and  set  out  for  their  respective  homes  in  Ohio,  and  during 
I their  journey,  were  attacked  several  times  by  the  roving  bands  of  Indians,  who 
were  at  war  against  the  settlements  along  the  border,  and  became  separated.  Mr. 


1 


310 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


West  being  a man  that  possessed  wonderful  powers  of  endurance,  and  was  very  fleet 
of  foot,  arrived  home  in'  safety,  his  companions  never  being  heard  from.  It  was 
supposed  that  they  fell  victims  to  the  scalping  knife.  Mr.  West  chose  Elizabeth 
as  a partner  for  life,  she  being  a native  of  Virginia.  They  were  the  parents  of  four 
children,  viz : Margaret,  David,  John  and  William  W.  The  subject  of  our 
biography  was  born  in  Green  Co.,  Ohio,  April  <3,  1817,  and  was  thrown  out  on  the 
cold  charities  of  the  world  by  the  death  of  his  parents  when  quite  young;  conse- 
quently his  opportunity  for  obtaining  an  education  was  very  limited.  But  by 
being  very  economical  he  managed  to  pay  three  months  tuition  in  a subscrip- 
tion school,  which,  with  the  time  he  devoted  to  his  studies  during  his  leisure 
hours,  obtained  a fair  knowledge  of  reading,  writing  and  arithmetic.  About  1839 
he  engaged  with  a gentleman  in  Union  to  learn  the  wagon-makers’  trade,  remain- 
ing one  year,  after  which  he  was  employed  at  various  other  places,  until  1842, 
when  he  located  in  Piqua,  Miami  Co.,  Ohio,  and  engaged  in  business  for  himself, 
which  he  carried  on  with  marked  success  until  he  unfortunately  lost  his  capital  by 
endorsing  a note  for  a friend,  which  closed  up  his  business.  Mr.  West,  with 
energy  and  untiring  industry,  was  soon  enabled  to  commence  business,  the  second 
time  locating  in  Union,  this  (Montgomery)  county,  where  he  carried  on  business 
until  1859,  when  he  went  to  Missouri,  and  settled  near  Union,  in  Franklin  J| 
County,  where  he  followed  agricultural  pursuits  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He 
returned  to  Union,  this  county,  in  1865,  and  engaged  in  the  manufacturing  of  car- 
riages, which  he  has  continued  in  until  the  present,  with  good  success.  Mr.  West 
has  never  been  an  aspirant  for  office,  but  served  the  township  in  the  capacity  of 
Justice  of  the  Peace  for  several  years.  Mr.  West  took  for  wife  Rhoda  Martin,  a 
native  of  Kentucky.  Thirteen  children  were  born  to  bless  this  union,  five  of 
whom  are  now  living,  viz:  John,  George,  Frank,  Alice  and  Rachel. 


JEFFERS.ON  TOWNSHIP. 

THOMAS  L.  ASKINS,  farmer,  P.  0.,  Ellerton,  was  born  in  Frederick  Co., 
Md.,  June  7th,  1828,  and  is  a son  of  Daniel  and  Nancy  A.  Asians,  of  that  State, 
who  came  to  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  in  1881.  Daniel  was  in  limited  circumstances 
upon  reaching  Ohio,  but  by  hard,  constant  labor,  he  and  wife  managed  to  provide  j 
themselves  with  a comfortable  home  before  old  age  came  upon  them.  They  had 
seven  children — four  sons  and  three  daughters — five  of  whom  are  now  living.  Mrs. 
Nancy  A.  Askins  was  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  for  fifty-four 
years,  and  died  March  25,  1877 ; her  husband  followed  her  to  his  last  earthly  home  ! 
Aug.  7,  1880,  having  been  a member  of  the  Union  Baptist  Church  nearly  all  of  his 
life.  Thomas  L.  grew  up  a farmer,  and  as  such  has  passed  his  days  thus  far.  He  was 
married  Dec.  11,  1853,  to  Sarah  A.  Getter,  daughter  of  George  and  Mary  Getter,  |i 
who  was  born  Sept.  25,  1835,  of  which  union  eleven  children  are  the  fruits,  ten 
now  living,  as  follows: — William H.,  James  B.,  George  W.,  Maria  E.,  Peter  T.,  Mary 
A.,  Jacob  D.,  Thomas  L.  (dec.),  Sarah  C.,  Perry. G.,  and  Lottie. 

Our  subject  owns  a nice  farm  of  40  acres,  well  improved,  which  constitutes  a 
comfortable  home.  Although  his  advantages  for  an  education  were  limited,  he  in- 
herited good  business  talents, and  good  common  sense,  which  have  fitted  him  for  life  s | 
duties.  He  has  been  a trustee  of  his  township  eight  years, and  a Justice  of  the  Peace  six, 
thus  demonstrating  that  he  is  a man  well  respected  by  the  community  in  which  he 
lives.  His  wrife  died  March  27,  1881,  in  full  fellowship  with  the  Lutheran  Church, 
and  respected  by  all  who  knewr  her. 


JEFFERSON  TOWNSHIP. 


311 


GEORGE  W.  BECKER,  farmer,  P.  0.,  Ellerton,  was  born  in  this  township, 
March  25,  1836,  ancl  is  a son  of  Henry  and  Susanna  Becker,  natives  of  Lancaster 
Co.,  Pa.,  who  settled  in  Jefferson  Township,  about  1816,  commencing  life  in  a log 
cabin  in  the  dense  forest.  They  had  a family  of  eleven  children,  eight  of  whom  are 
now  living,  Henry  dying  in  1851,  aged  63  years,  a sincere  adherent  of  the  Lutheran 
Church.  His  wife  was  born  Jan.  13,  1799;  is  still  living  and  a member  of  the 
Reformed  Church.  George  W.  lived  with  his  parents  until  his  majority,  and  was 
married  Jan.  8,  1860,  to  Sarah  Kelsey,  daughter  of  David  and  Margaret  Kelsey, 
natives  of  Pennsylvania,  who  came  to  this  township  at  an  early  day.  Mrs.  Becker 
was  here  born  Feb.  4,  1840,  and  has  bore  Mr.  Becker  six  sons  and  one  daughter,  as 
follows:  RosaB.,  Valerius,  William  H.,  David E.,  Francis  M.,  Seabury,  and  Jesse  L. 
Mr.  Becker  is  a member  of  the  Lutheran  and  his  wife  of  the  United  Brethren  church. 
Franklin  A.  Stupp,  who  married  their  daughter  Rosa  B.,  was  born  May  13,  1859, 
and  is  a son  of  Isaac,  and  Leah  Stupp,  natives  of  Pennsylvania.  He  is  a member 
of  the  Lutheran  Church,  and  his  wife  of  the  Reformed  denomination.  Mr.  Becker 
and  family  are  among  the  worthy,  law-abiding  people  of  their  community. 

NOAH  COLER,  farmer,  P.  0.,  Liberty,  was  born  in  Maryland  in  1828,  and  is 
a son  of  Joseph  and  Elizabeth  Coler,  natives  of  the  same  State  and  of  German 
English  extraction  (name  formerly  spelled  Roller).  Mr.  Coler  has  one  brother, 
C.  A.,  and  two  sisters,  Mrs.  Susanna  Collett  (dec.),  and  Mrs.  Jane  C.  Cotterman.  They 
came  to  Jackson  Township,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  in  1833,  where  Joseph 
remained  until  his  death,  his  widow  yet  surviving  him.  Noah  grew  to  manhood  on 
a farm,  receiving  his  education  in  the  neighborhood  schools,  and  followed  the  voca- 
tion of  school  teaching  for  a time.  He  was  married  in  Preble  Co.,  Ohio,  March  7, 
1852,  to  Eliza  A.  Gregg,  daughter  of  Silas  and  Susan  Gregg,  the  former  a native  of 
Georgia,  the  latter  of  Preble  Co.,  Ohio,  of  "which  union  ten  children  have  been  bom, 
viz.,  Elijah  -J.,  Aaron,  Jehu,  Ezra  E.,  Ira,  Perry,  (dec.)  Emma,  (dec.)  Ida  M.,  Etta, 
(dec.)  and  Christian,  (dec).  Mr.  Coler  has  filled  many  minor  offices  of  trust,  and 
being  a man  of  more  than  ordinary  abilities,  is  recognized  as  one  of  the  best  repre- 
sentative farmers  of  Jefferson  Township,  as  he  is  one  of  the  most  successful  in  the 
county.  He  is  the  owner  of  a fine  farm  of  320  acres  in  a high  state  of  cultivation, 
and  makes  the  breeding  of  thoroughbred  stock  a specialty,  having  now  some  fine 
specimens  of  Short  Horn  cattle  and  Poland  China  hogs  on  his  farm.  Mr.  Coler  is 
a progressive,  enterprising  citizen,  who  readily  seaports  every  measure  that  he 
believes  will  be  a benefit  to  the  county  "which  has  been  his  home  for  forty-eight  years. 

ELIJAH  J.  COLER,  manufacturer,  P.  O.,  Liberty,  was  born  in  Jefferson 
Township,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  July  16,  1853,  and  is  the  eldest  son  of  Noah 
Coler,  one  of  the  leading  farmers  of  this  township,  whose  sketch  appears  in  this 
work.  He  grew  up  on  the  homestead,  remaining  with  his  parents  until  of  age,  during 
which  time  he  partially  learned  the  art  of  working  in  wood,  his  mind  ever  leaning 
towards  mechanical  construction.  In  the  fall  of  1876  he  invented  a patent  gate, 
receiving  his  patent  in  Jan.  1877,  upon  which  he  has  since  improved,  until  to-day 
it  is  recognized  as  one  of  the  best,  if  not  the  best  gate  in  the  market.  He  manu- 
factured this  gate  first  at  New  Lebanon,  but  in  1880  removed  to  Liberty,  where  in 
the  fall  of  1881,  he  erected  a commodious  shop  where  all  classes  of  general  jobbing 
is  done,  besides  the  manufacture  of  his  gate,  two  sorts  of  which  he  is  making,  viz. : 
'‘Coler’s  Automatic”  and  “Coler’s  Duplex,”  the  latter  being  the  one  most  in  demand, 
as  it  always  opens  from  the  horses  and  never  freezes  fast  in  cold  weather,  advan- 
tages that  can  be  thoroughly  appreciated  by  all  who  may  have  used  a patent  gate. 
He  has  manufactured  hundreds  of  these  gates,  sending  them  throughout  Ohio, 
Indiana,  Illinois,  Missouri  and  Kansas,  also  to  the  East,  and  everywhere  they  have 
given  good  satisfaction.  Mr.  Coler  was  married  Feb.  3,  1881,  to  Laura  E.  Gifford, 
of  Preble  Co.,  Ohio,  whose  father  is  dead,  but  her  mother  is  yet  residing  in  that 
county.  Mr.  Coler’s  success  is  the  result  of  his  own  efforts,  having  personally  in- 
troduced his  gate  throughout  those  States  mentioned,  and  his  future  may  be  justly 
udged  from  the  past. 


312 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


JOHN  H.  ECK,  farmer,  P.  0.,  Ellerton,  is  the  son  of  Elias  and  Rachel 
(Weaver)  Eck,  he  a native  of  Maryland,  she  of  this  county.  They  were  the  parents 
of  eight  children,  five  sons  and  three  daughters, viz., Amanda  (dec.)  Sarah  A.,  John  H., 
Horace,  Charles  0.,  Willis  A.,  George  W.,  Rachel  E.  The  subject  of  this  sketch 
was  horn  in  this  county,  June  7,  1851,  and  lived  at  home  until  his  majority,  work- 
ing upon  the  farm  and  attending  school  during  the  winter.  For  three  years  after 
his  majority,  he  worked  at  the  carpenter  trade.  Aug.  26,  1875,  he  was  united  in 
marriage  with  Mary  E.  Getter,  horn  Sept  1,  1854,  the  only  child  of  George  W.  and 
Catharine  (Marker)  Getter,  of  this  township.  By  this  union  they  have  been  blessed 
with  one  son,  Walter  I.,  born  Dec.  31, 1878.  Mr.  Eck  has  a very  pleasant  home  on 
section  28,  where  he  now  resides. 

JOHN  W.  FITZGERALD,  Minister,  P.  0.,  Liberty.  The  subject  of  this 
sketch  was  bom  in  Scott  County,  Kentucky,  A.  D.  1839.  His  grand-father,  Jesse 
Fitzgerald,  was  a nephew  of  Lord  Fitzgerald,  of  Ireland,  and  two  great  uncles  of 
John  W.  Fitzgerald  bore  a conspicuous  part  in  the  early  struggles  of  American  in- 
dependence. They  were  with  Washington  and  Lafayette  at  the  surrender  of 
Cornwallis.  John  M.  Fitzgerald,  son  of  Jesse  Fitzgerald,  was  born  in  Fayette 
Co.,  Ky.,  and  at  the  age  of  25  he  wTas  united  in  marriage  to  Mary  S. 
Smallwood,  grand-daughter  of  Dr.  Thomas  E.  Bond,  medical  purveyor  in  the  Con- 
tinental Army.  The  result  of  this  union  was  twelve  children,  of  which  John  W. 
Fitzgerald  was  the  second.  John  received  his  early  training  in  the  State  of  Ken- 
tucky. In  the  year  1853  his  father  migrated  to  the  State  of  Virginia.  Having  a 
large  family,  he  was  unable  to  give  proper  attention  to  the  education  of  his  children,  | 
but  John,  through  his  own  energy  and  perseverance,  was  able  to  take  one  course  at 
the  Buchanan  Normal  School,  at  the  close  of  which  the  civil  war  broke  out,  and  as 
everything  in  that  part  of  the  State  was  thrown  into  confusion,  it  being  the  line  of  i 
military  operations,  John  was  unable  to  pursue  his  studies  any  further.  During 
this  second  great  struggle  for  liberty,  John  wras  not  idle,  but  took  part  in  the  great 
panorama  of  the  day,  and  was  a greater  part  of  the  time  on  special  detail  caring  ' 
for  and  gathering  up  the  wounded  of  both  armies.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  ' 
returned  home.  Was  united  in  marriage  to  Missouri  A.  Bond,  November  23,  1860, 
and  they  connected  themselves  with  the  German  Baptists,  in  the  year  1867.  He 
was  called  to  the  ministry  in  June,  1869,  was  advanced  to  the  second  degree  of  the 
ministry  in  the  State  of  West  Virginia  on  the  6th  day  of  October  1870,  and  con- 
tinued  to  labor  with  success  in  that  State  until  the  year  1875,  when  he  moved  his 
family  to  Franklin  Co.,  Ky.,  in  which  State  he  labored  as  a missionary  until 
the  year  1877.  In  March  of  that  year  he  settled  in  Darke  Co.,  Ohio,  and  labored 
with  the  brethren  of  Darke  County  until  the  25th  of  March,  1880,  when  he  loca  ted  j 
in  Jefferson  Township,  Montgomery  County,  and  is  at  present  preaching  in  what  is 
known  as  the  Bear  Creek  Church. 

GEORGE  GETTER,  deceased,  was  the  son  of  John  and  Mary  M.  (Lambert) 
Getter,  natives  of  Lancaster  Co.  Pa.,  who  about  1818  came  to  this  township,  from 
the  Keystone  State,  where  they  lived  and  died.  They  were  the  parents  of  eight 
children,  viz.,  John,  George,  Jacob,  Polly,  Anna,  all  of  whom  are  dead,  and  Louisa, 
Sallie  and  William  are  living.  Our  subject  was  born  in  Lancaster  Co.,  Pa.,  Feb.  3, 
1805,  and  lived  at  home  until  his  marriage  with  Mary  E.  Wertz,  March  14,  1828. 
She  was  the  daughter  of  Daniel  and  Sarah  (Weimer)  Wertz,  natives  of  Pennsylvania, 
and  was  born  in  Warren  Co.,  Ohio,  Aug.  25,  1808.  Her  parents  had  a family  of 
fourteen  children,  thirteen  of  whom  raised  families,  and  one  son  died  unmarried. 
The  names  are  as  follows:  Anthony,  Catherine,  Nancy,  Sarah,  John,  Jacob,  all  c!ec. 
and  Daniel,  Jerome,  Caroline,  Elizabeth,  Harriet,  Rachel,  Lavina  and  Mary  E.,  who 
are  living.  To  George  and  Mary  E.  Getter  were  born  thirteen  children,  viz.,  John 
G.,  Daniel  (dec.)  George  W.,  (dec.)  William  W.,  Sarah,  Jacob,  Joseph  L.,  Peter 
T.,  (dec.)  Mary  E.,  Samuel,  Perry  P.,  (dec.)  Henry  B.,  and  Albert  T.,  all  of  whom 
lived  to  be  married  and  have  families.  Mr.  Getter  began  life  in  very  limited  cir- 
cumstances, not  having  a table,  chair  or  even  a knife,  fork  or  spoon  in  their  little 


JEFFERSON  TOWNSHIP. 


313 


log  cabin,  all  of  which  they  borrowed  until  able  to  buy  the  same  from  their  scanty 
earnings,  but  by  constant  toil  and  rigid  savings  they  finally  secured  a comfortable 
home  ere  his  death,  July  5,  1875,  owning  160  acres  of  good  land  in  Section  22. 
Mr.  Getter  was  Township  Treasurer  for  twelve  years,  Infirmary  Director  for  six 
years,  and  held  many  minor  positions,  all  of  which  he  filled  with  credit  and  satis- 
faction. He  was  a faithful  member  of  the  Lutheran  Church  for  about  57  years,  to 
which  his  widow  has  also  belonged  for  more  than  half  a century.  Mrs.  Getter 
fives  in  the  old  homestead,  enjoying  the  blessings  of  this  fife,  with  a bright  hope  in 
the  one  to  come,  and  has  the  consolation  of  seeing  her  children,  grand-children  and 
great-grand-children  settled  around  her  and  respected  members  of  society. 

JOHN  N.  GETTER,  farmer,  P.  0.,  Liberty.  This  gentleman  is  a descendant 
of  one  of  the  pioneer  families  of  Jefferson  Township,  and  here  first  saw  the  fight 
Sept.  14,  1836.  He  is  a son  of  John  and  Eve  Getter,  natives  of  the  Keystone 
State,  and  lived  with  his  parents  until  Ins  marriage,  May  8,  1856,  to  Phoebe  A. 
Schenck,  daughter  of  Ward  and  Anna  Schenck,  of  Clear  Creek  Township,  Warren 
Co.,  Ohio.  Soon  after  this  event  he  bought  the  farm  of  80  acres  upon  which  he 
has  since  made  his  home.  This  marriage  was  blest  by  eleven  children,  five  of 
whom  died  in  infancy  and  six  yet  surviving,  viz.,  Clement  L.,  Florence, Y.,  Arthur  E., 
Emma  A.,  Ida  B.,  and  John  C.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Getter  are  members  of  the  Lutheran 
Church,  and  respected,  worthy  citizens. 

ISAAC  HAINES,  P.  0.,  Dayton,  Superintendent  of  the  County  Infirmary, 
was  born  in  Lancaster  Co.,  Pa.,  Nov.  19,  1827,  and  is  a son  of  Allen  and  Nancy 
(Lemmon)  Haines,  he  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  and  she  of  Ireland,  who  came  to 
Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  in  1828,  where  both  resided  until  death.  Our  subject  grew 
up  on  the  farm,  receiving  his  education  in  the  district  schools.  He  was  married 
Aug.  17,  1848,  to  Barbara  A.  Teeter,  a native  of  Ohio,  born  Dec.  17,  1829,  and 
daughter  of  Jacob  and  Elizabeth  (Dunston)  Teeter,  natives  of  Virginia,  who 
settled  in  this  county  in  1832,  where  her  mother  died,  her  father  yet  residing  here. 
To  Isaac  and  Barbara  A.  Haines  seven  children  have  been  born,  as  follows: 
Elizabeth  A.,  Daniel  W.,  (dec.)  Sarah  C.,  Birdie,  (dec.)  Walter,  Emma,  (dec.)  and 
Clarence  E.  Mr.  Haines  followed  farming  all  his  life,  and  in  Jan.,  1879,  he  was 
appointed  by  the  Directors,  Superintendent  of  the  County  Infirmary,  which  official 
position  of  trust  and  confidence  he  is  still  holding.  Politically  he  is  a staunch 
Democrat,  believing  firmly  in  the  rock-ribbed  principles  of  Jeffersonian  democracy. 
He  was  trustee  of  Madison  Township  six  years.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the 
Christian  Church,  and  he  belongs  to  the  I.  0.  0.  F.  Mr.  Haines  is  an  intelligent, 
well  read  farmer,  and  is  thoroughly  competent  of  filling  the  position  he  now  holds, 
with  credit  to  himself  and  satisfaction  to  the  directors  and  citizens  of  Montgomery 
County. 

JOHN  HISER,  farmer,  P.  0.,  Dayton,  is  a son  of  John  and  Barbara  Hiser, 
and  was  born  Aug.  9,  1811  lived  at  home  until  his  marriage,  Oct.  21,  1832,  to 
Mary  Caylor,  daughter  of  Daniel  and  Mary  Caylor,  of  Jefferson  Township.  Her 
mother  was  born  in  North  Carolina,  Dec.  28,  1792,  is  in  possession  of  her  mental 
faculties,  and  bids  fair  to  five  a number  of  years  yet.  She  was  twice  married.  Her 
first  husband  died  March  23,  1838,  and  four  years  after  she  was  married  to  Samuel 
Noffsinger,  who  lived  about  nine  years,  thus  again  leaving  her  a widow.  She  is  a 
member  of  the  German  Baptist  Church,  and  is  spending  her  last  days  happily  with 
her  daughter,  Mrs.  Hiser,  which  is  the  old  homestead.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hiser  are  the 
parents  of  two  children,  Mrs.  David  Hatterman,  of  this  township,  being  the  surviv- 
ing one,  and  both  are  members  of  the  German  Reformed  Church. 

JOHN  H.  LINEBAUGH,  wagon-maker,  P.  0.,  Ellerton.  John  H.  Line- 
baugh,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  born  in  the  village  of  Myersville, 
Frederick  Co.,  Md.,  in  the  year  1837,  Nov.  26.  He  spent  his  early  life 
with  his  parents,  Jonathan  and  Catherine  Shank  Linebaugh.  Mr.  Linebaugh 
is  of  German  extraction.  The  vocation  -followed  by  our  subject  while  with 
his  father,  was  farming.  In  his  boyhood  he  gained  a fair  common-school  educa- 


314 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


tion,  while  living  at  home.  But  not  feeling  satisfied  to  stop  there,  attended 
Dickinson  College  of  Carlisle,  Pa.,  thinking  of  graduating  himself.  But  at  the 
breaking-out  of  the  Rebellion  changed  somewhat  his  collegiate  course,  and  his 
school  days  there  came  to  an  end.  In  the  spring  of  1863  Mr.  Linebaugh  came  to 
this  county,  a single  man  in  search  of  his  fortune,  locating  in  Jefferson  Township, 
whefe  he  married  Margaret  J.  Patten,  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Margaret  Patten, 
residents  of  this  county.  The  fruits  of  their  union  are  as  follows:  Charles  F., 
John  Edward,  Loiza  Alice,  Elcie  Jane,  Henry  Mason  and  Thomas  Patten,  all 
living  but  Charles  Franklin,  John  Edward  and  Loiza  Alice.  After  marriage  Mr. 
Linebaugh  moved  to  Indiana,  to  make  his  home  and  follow  teaching,  but  not  find- 
ing matters  just  as  expected  came  back  to  Ohio  and  located  at  Liberty,  teaching1 
their  school  six  months,  after  which  time  he  moved  to  Gfettersburg  and  lived  on  a 
place  then  owned  by  Mr.  Snepp,  while  building  his  house,  the  present  home,  Mr. 
Linebaugh’s  present  vocation  being  farming,  wagon-making  and  undertaking.  He 
was  elected  to  the  office  of  Magistrate  in  the  summer  of  1869,  and  has  held  that 
position  ever  since,  discharging  his  duties  with  ability  and  alacrity.  In  politics  a 
Democrat  and  a warm  supporter  of  Democratic  principles ; also  an  active  member 
in  the  Reform  Church,  as  also  is  his  wife.  Mr.  Linebaugh  began  life  with  nothing, 
but  has  been  quite  prosperous  in  all  his  business  interests.  He  is  a man  largely 
known  in  his  locality,  being  a good  neighbor,  a kind  husband  and  father,  whole- 
some in  all  his  habits  and  a man  highly  respected  throughout  the  county. 

LEVI  P.  MEDLAR,  farmer,  P.  0.,  Dayton,  is  the  son  of  Samuel  and  Mary 
(Staver)  Medlar,  he  a native  of  Berks  Co.,  Pa.,  and  emigrated  to  this  county 
1832;  she  born  in  this  comity.  They  were  the  parents  of  eight  children,  five  sons 
and  three  daughters,  viz:  Levi  P.,  of  this  sketch,  Hiram,  Elizabeth,  Alvin  L., 
Benton  I.,  Daniel  W.,  Clara  A.  and  Amelia  M.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was 
born  May  23,  1848,  and  lived  with  his  parents  until  his  majority.  Sept.  26,  187 .J 
he  was  united  in  marriage  with  Susan  E.  Huffman,  born  May  23,  1852,  daughter 
of  John  and  Elizabeth  (Fink)  Huffman,  natives  of  Lebanon  Co.,  Pa.,  who  emigra- 
ted to  this  county  about  1835.  He  died  1859,  she  surviving  him.  Since  his 
marriage  our  subject  has  purchased  a home  in  Sec.  4.  By  this  union  they  have 
had  three  children,  two  living— a son  and  a daughter — viz:  Luther  E.,  born  Feb. 
22,  1878;  Laura  May,  born  May  23,  1880.  He  is  a member  of  the  Reformed  and 
she  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 

CORNELIUS  MICHAEL,  farmer  and  manufacturer  of  sorghum  syrup,  P.  0., 
Dayton,  is  a son  of  John  and  Charlotte  Michael,  natives  of  Frederick  Co.,  Md.,  who 
came  to  this  township  in  1836,  and  settled  upon  the  farm  where  he  yet  resides. 
He  began  life  in  Ohio  a poor  man,  but  by  well  directed  effort  he  has  accumulated 
a large  property,  being  now  considered  one  of  the  wealthiest  men  of  his  township. 
They  have  had  nine  children;  eight  now  survive.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was 
born  May  10,  1830,  and  came  to  this  county  with  his  parents,  with  whom  he  lived 
until  25  years  of  age,  his  schooling  being  little.  He  was  married  Aug.  12,  1855, 
to  Sophia  Crouder,  daughter  of  Jacob  and  Rachel  Crouder,  of  German  Township, 
this  county,  who  was  born  May  9,  1838.  Of  this  union  ten  children  have  been 
given  them,  viz:  John  W.,  Noah  E.,  Jacob  A.,  George  W.,  Emanuel  (deceased) 
Seabery  F.,  Laura  M.,  Ora  E.,  Edward  L.  and  Clara  S.  Mr.  Michael,  wife  and 
eldest  son  are  members  of  the  United  Brethren  Church.  For  the  three  years  fol- 
lowing his  marriage  Mr.  Michael  worked  by  the  day  and  on  rented  land,  after 
which  he  rented  farms  for  five  years;  at  the  expiration  of  this  time  he  bought  12j 
acres  of  land  near  Carrollton  Station,  upon  which  he  built  a factory  for  the  manu- 
facture of  sorghum  syrup,  and  continued  this  business  successfully  at  that  point  for 
six  years,  when  he  sold  out  and  bought  the  farm  of  120  acres,  where  he  has  since 
resided.  Beside  running  his  farm  he  still  manufactures  sorghum,  and,  having  the 
latest  and  best-improved  machinery,  produces  a superior  article  of  syrup.  Mr. 
Michael  deserves  praise  for  the  steady  success  he  has  made  in  life,  having  by  his 


JEFFERSON  TOWNSHIP. 


815 


own  efforts  accumulated  a handsome  property,  the  legitimate  result  of  persistent 
industry  and  rigid  saving. 

GEORGE  MILLER,  blacksmith  and  farmer,  P.  0.,  EllertOn,  was  horn  in 
Germany,  Dec.  23,  1831,  and  is  a son  of  G.  and  Catherine  (Straub)  Miller,  who 
were  the  parents  of  seven  children,  four  now  living,  viz:  Henry,  George,  Catherine 
and  Conrad.  Our  subject  emigrated  to  the  United  States  in  March,  1852,  and 
engaged  in  farm  work  in  Delaware,  and  the  following  May  went  to  New  York, 
possessing  a capital  of  about  $50,  and  there  worked  on  a farm  about  six  months, 
then  came  west  to  Circleville,  Ohio,  where  he.  served  a three  years  apprenticeship 
at  the  blacksmith  trade,  afterwards  working  about  one  year  as  a journeyman  for 
the  same  firm.  He  then  came  to  Dayton,  Ohio,  worked  three  months  in  a carriage 
shop  and  the  following  three  years  was  employed  in  the  Union  carshops,  from 
where  he  went  to  Germantown,  this  county;  remained  there  one  year,  working 
at  his  trade;  thence  to  Simsbury,  where  he  commenced  in  business  for  himself, 
which  he  prosecuted  about  nine  years ; then  came  to  Gettersburg  and  purchased 
the  comfortable  residence  where  he  now  lives.  Here  he  continued  the  blacksmith- 
ing  business  for  about  ten  years,  since  which  time  he  has  devoted  his  attention 
principally  to  the  raising  of  tobacco,  and  has  been  very  successful.  He  was  married 
in  1855  to  Mary  A.  Schaffer,  of  Dayton,  daughter  of  the  Rev.  Absalom  Schaffer, 
who  was  Pastor  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  of  Dayton  for  many  years. 
Mrs.  Miller  was  bom  in  1832,  and  had  four  children  by  this  union,  viz ; David, 
Isaiah,  Clara  and  Sarah  M.  The  mother  dying  Aug.  25,  1871,  Mr.  Miller  married 
for  his  second  wife  Mrs.  Anna  Beck,  daughter  of  -John  Getter,  who  died  March  25, 
1879  without  issue.  In  religious  belief  Mr.  Miller  is  a Lutheran,  as  were  his  parents 
before  him;  yet  he  is  a man  of  liberal  Hews,  devoid  of  narrow-mindedness,  and  is 
much  respected  by  friends  and  neighbors. 

ABSALOM  NICHOLAS,  (deceased)  was  born  in  this  township,  upon  the  farm 
where  his  widow  now  lives,  Aug.  16,  1828,  and  was  a son  of  Abraham  and  Mary 
Nicholas,  prioneers  of  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio.  Our  subject  grew  to  maturity  on 
the  old  homestead  and,  like  all  pioneer  children,  received  his  education  in  the 
school  of  his  district.  He  was  married  June  5,  1851,  to  Mary  A.  Rowlands,  a 
native  of  AVales,  who  came  to  this  country  with  her  parents,  Rowland  and  Eliza- 
beth Rowlands,  when  she  was  a small  child.  To  Absalom  and  Mary  A.  Nicholas 
seven  children  were  born,  five  of  whom  are  living — Elizabeth  -J.  (wife  of  Peter 
Little,  of  Dayton),  Joseprir  L.,  Catherine  E.  (wife  of  Franklin  Puterbaugh,  of 
Harrison  Township)),  Abraham  R.  and  Laura  V.  Mr.  Nicholas  was  much  respiected 
and  was  often  offered  official  position  in  his  township),  but  declined  on  account  of 
poor  health.  He  died  Sept.  22,  1871,  a faithful  member  of  the  United  Brethren 
Church,  to  which  denomination  his  widow  and  three  of  the  children  also  belong, 
and  one  daughter  adheres  to  the  Baptist  Church. 

HENRY  RECHER,  retired  farmer,  P.  0.,  Liberty.  The  grandparents  of  this 
well-to-do  farmer  were  Peter  and  Elizabeth  (Protzman)  Recher,  natives,  respec- 
tively, of  Pennsylvania  and  Maryland,  vdio  came  to  Jefferson  Township,  Mont- 
gomery Co.,  Ohio,  in  1805,  settling  on  Little  Bear  Creek,  where  they  passed  the 
balance  of  their  days.  They  raised  a family  of  eight  boys  and  twro  girls,  viz : Peter, 
Joseph,  Jacob,  Daniel,  Frederick,  John,  Elias,  Lewis,  Lica  and  Susan,  one  of  the 
daughters  being  the  first  wife  of  the  Rev.  David  Winters,  and  all  of  the  sons  mar- 
rying but  Jacob.  Of  the  above  Joseph,  Peter  and  Lewis,  with  their  wives,  are 
living,  also  the  wives  of  Daniel  and  Frederick.  The  father  of  our  subject  was 
Daniel,  who  was  but  two  years  old  when  his  parents  came  to  this  county,  and  here 
he  grew  to  manhood  amidst  the  primitive  woods  and  frontier  scenes  of  the  Miami 
Valley,  growing  up  pure,  rugged  and  free  like  the  giant-trees  surrounding  his  cabin 
home.  Up)on  reaching  his  maturity  he  was  married  to  Mary  Magdalene  Appde , 
daughter  of  Henry  Appde,  who  came  from  Pennsylvania,  with  his  wife  and  family, 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


316 

died.  Henry  Apple  was  the  father  of  six  hoys  and  seven  girls,  viz:  John,  Henry, 
George,  Elias,  Enoch,  Daniel,  Margaret,  Catherine,  Elizabeth,  Eaf,  Mary  Magda- 
len, Barbara  and  Lena,  of  which  the  following  are  living:  Elias,  Enoch,  Daniel, 
Margaret,  Catherine,  Eaf,  Mary  Magdalen  and  Lena,  all  of  whom  were  married 
and  temperate,  respected  people.  To  Daniel  and  Mary  Magdalen  Recher  were 
born  three  children,  viz;  Henry,  Phillip,  (who  died  in  infancy)  and  Lydia  (the 
wife  of  C.  Becker,  of  Dayton).  Our  subject  was  born  upon  the  old  homestead  in 
Jefferson  Township,  July  22,  1834;  grew  up  under  the  parental  roof,  and  attended 
the  district-school  of  his  neighborhood,  where  he  received  a limited  education,  but, 
possessing  a large  store  of  good  common  sense,  he  has  been  moderately  successful 
in  life,  for  which  he  is  very  thankful  to  the  great  Ruler  who  watches  over  all.  He 
was  married  Jan.  11,  1855,' to  Nancy  Kelsey,  daughter  of  David  and  Margaret 
(Nicholas)  Kelsey,  natives  of  Ohio,  who  are  now  spending  their  last  days  with  Mrs. 
Recher,  lie  being  in  his  79tli  and  his  wife  in  her  73d  year.  Mrs.  Recher  was  the 
eldest  daughter  in  a family  of  seven  children,  viz:  James  K.  (deceased),  Nancy, 
Rachel  (deceased),  Sarah,  Juliann,  Lydia  A.  and  William,  the  living  being  married 
and  having  families.  Mrs.  Recher  was  horn  May  17,  1836,  and  has  had  one 
daughter  by  this  union,  Laura  E.,  born  Aug.  23,  1856,  who  married  Enos  Michael 
eight  years  ago,  to  whom  she  has  borne  one  son,  Clarence  E.  Mr.  Reclier’s  father 
died  fifteen  years  ago,  and  his  mother  is  now  living  with  her  daughter,  Mrs.  Becker. 
Our  subject,  after  marriage,  settled  on  the  farm  where  he  now  resides,  most  of 
which  he  cleared,  also  quarrying  stone,  burning  lime  and  making  sorghum  molasses, 
the  latter  of  which  he  manufactured  on  a large  scale.  Beginning  with  one  horse  for 
grinding  cane,  and  boiling  the  juice  in  the  old  fashioned  way,  he  soon  changed  this 
for  the  more  modern  steam  engine,  finally  using  a forty-horse  power  engine,  and 
boiling  by  steam.  After  this  he  began  buying  logs  and  running  a saw-mill,  in  all 
of  which  he  displayed  the  same  energy,  honesty  and  success.  He  operated  the  first  | 
steam  thresher  in  the  township,  also  the  first  circle  clips  saw-mill;  bought  and  sold  i 
a great  deal  of  land,  but  in  all  his  dealings  no  man  could  ever  say  that  they  did 
not  receive  every  cent  the  contract  called  for.  Politically,  Mr.  Recher  is  a Dem- 
ocrat, and  since  his  18th  year  has  been  a devoted  member  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  || 
his  Avife  joining  the  United  Brethren  soon  after  marriage,  to  which  church  her 
son-in-law  and  wife  also  belong.  Mr.  Recher  is  ever  anxious  to  further  the  interests 
of  Christianity,  and  his  time  and  money  are  always  ready  to  assist  and  encourage  J 
God’s  needy  poor.  Every  benevolent  purpose  finds  in  him  a warm  friend  and 
earnest  supporter,  and  the  temperance  cause  has  no  more  determined  advocate  | 
and  defender.  He  is  a good  neighbor,  a fond  father,  a provident  husband  and 
an  earnest  Christian,  whose  whole  desire  is  to  try  and  serve  the  Lord  by  every 
means  in  Ins  power. 

JAMES  A.  RIDENOUR,  Minister,  P.  0.  Ellerton.  The  subject  of  this  sketch, 
Elder  James  A.  Ridenour,  was  born  July  12,  A.  D.  1840,  in  Portland  'Township, 
Preston  County,  W.  Va.  His  parents’  names  were  Jacob  and  Mary.  He  was 
raised  a farmer;  his  parents  being  poor  and  school  facilities  not  being  what  they 
are  now,  he  enjoyed  but  a limited  education.  In  June,  1861,  he  entered  the  min  ! 
istry  in  the  German  Baptist  Church,  having  been  a member  of  that  denomination 
since  his  sixteenth  year.  On  the  12th  of  September,  1861,  he  was  united  in  mar- 
riage with  Mary  E.  Bucklew,  of  the  same  county  and  State  aforesaid-.  In  the 
spring  of  1863,  he,  with  his  wife,  moved  to  Selbysport,  Garrett  County,  Mary-  | 
land,  and  in  the  spring  of  1864  they  removed  back  again  to  West  Virginia,  locat- 
ing in  the  bounds  of  the  Sandy  Creek  congregation,  some  twenty-five  miles  from  1 
the  place  of  his  birth.  For  this  congregation  he  preached  sixteen  years.  In  the 
spring  of  1880,  he,  with  his  wife  and  nine  children,  removed  to  Montgomery  j 
County,  Ohio,  locating  on  the  Germantown  pike,  three  miles  west  of  Dayton,  lor  J 
one  year,  and  in  the  spring  of  1881  he  moved  five  miles  further  west  to  his  little 
farm  near  Gettersburg,  in  Jefferson  Township,  where  lib  still  resides,  and  at! 
present  preaches  for  three  congregations,  the  one  in  which  he  lives,  in  Montgomery 


.JEFFERSON  TOWNSHIP 


317 


County,  one  in  Greene  County  and  one  in  Preble  County.  He  has  at  this  time 
ten  children — six  sons  and  four  daughters,  nine  are  living  and  one  is  dead.  The 
names  of  the  living  in  the  order  of  their  ages  are:  James  Q.,  Nancy  E.,  John 

W.,  Martin  W.,  Jacob  F.,  Mary  A.,  Eliza  M.,  Sylvanus  F.  and  Violet  C.,  and  the 
name  of  the  one  deceased  was  Samuel  C. ; he  died  in  infancy.  His  labors  m the 
ministry  were  mostly  confined  to  the  congregations  in  which  he  resided,  from  the 
firs.,  up  to  1875.  On  the  7th  of  January,  1876,  he  had  the  misfortune  to  be  burnt 
out,  so  completely  burnt  out  that  he  was  left  penniless,  turned  out  in  the  midst  of 
winter,  with  wife  and  eight  children,  all  without  a suit  of  clothes.  The  fire  was 
during  the  night,  and,  being  awakened  by  the  flames,  he,  with  difficulty  and  at 
the  risk  of  his  own  life,  succeeded  in  saving  the  family,  but  not  without  himself 
being  seriously  injured  by  the  flames.  Some  of  the  children  had  to  be  dropped 
from  the  second-story  to  the  ground,  as  the  only  means  by  which  they  could  be 
saved.  Fortunately,  none  were  hurt.  The  entire  family  had  to  escape  from  the 
burning  building  by  knocking  out  windows  and  escaping  directly  from  the  bed- 
rooms; the  fire  had  possession  of  the  doors;  there  was  no  insurance,  hence  all  was 
lost.  From  the  time  of  this  sad  occurrence  up  to  the  present  he  has  spent  a con- 
siderable portion  of  his  time  traveling  as  an  evangelist,  preaching  and  baptizing 
hundreds  of  penitent  believers,  who  confessed  Christ.  This  work  he  loves  above  any 
other  of  his  life.  His  labors  as  an  evangelist  extended  to  several  different  States. 
It  was  while  on  one  of  these  tours  that  he  first  visited  the  Miami  Valley,  about 
February,  1879,  and  while  pursuing  his  labors  at  Liberty,  Sharpsburg,  Trotwood, 
Dayton  and  other  places,  his  brethren  and  friends  solicited  him  to  move  with  his 
family  to  Ohio,  holding  out  as  an  inducement  for  him  to  do  so  a donation  of 
$ 8,000,  to  assist  him  in  procuring  a home.  He  now  lives  on  the  little  farm  above 
alluded  to,  contented  and  happy,  and  tries,  by  his  faithful  labors  in  the  ministry,  to 
render  satisfaction  to  his  brethren  and  friends  as  an  equivalent  for  the  favor,  hop- 
ing that  a longer  and  more  intimate  acquaintance  will  only  tend  to  increase  and 
strengthen  their  affection  for  each  other. 

JOHN  T.  SNEPP,  farmer,  P.  0.  Ellerton,  is  a son  of  John  and  Catherine 
(Rhodaheffer)  Snepp;  was  born  Dec.  2,  1841,  and  lived  with  his  parents  until  his 
majority,  when  he  spent  two  years  at  Wittenburg  college,  Springfield,  Ohio,  after 
which  he  continued  to  assist  his  father  on  the  farm.  He  was  married  Jan.  7, 
1868,  to  Martha  A.  Snider,  who  was  bom  July  8,  1840.  She  wras  a daughter  of 
Adam  and  Mary  (Haymaker)  Snider;  he  a native  of  Baltimore,  Md.,  and  she  of 
Rockbridge  Co.,  Va.,  who  were  the  parents  of  six  children,  viz.,  Sarah  J.,  Nancy  C., 
J ohn  T. , Martha  A. , Mary  E.  and  Frances  S.  The  only  son,  J ohm  T . , -was  a member 
of  the  93d  O.  V.  I. ; was  taken  prisoner  at  the  battle  of  Stone  River;  suffered  the 
starvation  and  misery  of  Andersonville,  and  afterwards  of  Florence,  Tenn.,  where 
he  was  exchanged,  but  the  joyful  news  came  too  late  and  that  very  day  he  was 
numbered  among  the  dead,  and  sleeps  in  a Southern  grave.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Snepp 
are  the  parents  of  four  sons,  viz.,  Samuel  E.,  born  Oct.  31,  1868;  Hugh  A.,  born 
March  2,  1870;  Arther'E.,  born  Jan.  13,  1872;  Lauren  H.,  born  Sept.  13,  1873. 
He  is  a member  of  the  Lutheran  and  she  of  the  Reformed  Church.  She  has  been 
quite  a Sabbath-school  worker.  He  has  been  Township  Clerk  for  the  past  five 
years,  filling  that  position  with  credit  to  himself  and  honor  to  his  fellow  men. 
They  have  a very  pleasant  home  on  Sec.  28,  where  they  enjoy  the  esteem  and 
respect  of  their  neighbors  and  many  friends. 

SAMUEL  SNEPP,  farmer,  P.  O.  Ellerton,  is  the  son  of  John  Snepp,  whose 
biography  appears  in  this  work.  Samuel,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  bom  in 
this  township  July  30,  1845.  Lived  at  home  with  his  parents  until  his  majority, 
assisting  upon  the  farm  and  attending  school.  For  three  •winters  after  his 
majority  he  attended  school  at  Wittenburg  College,  Springfield,  Ohio.  Oct.  15, 
1875,  lie  was  united  in  marriage  to  Elizabeth  Snider,  daughter  of  Adam  and 
Mary  (Haymaker)  Snider,  who  are  made  mention  of  in  the  biography  of  John  T. 
Snepp  in  this  book.  By  this  union  they  have  had  two  daughters,  viz.,  Mary  C., 


318 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


born  Jan.  17,  1877,  died  Oct.  1,  1877;  Edith,  born  March  4,  187S,  and  died 
Aug.  20,  1880.  Since  their  m arriage  he  has  continued  to  live  upon  the  home- 
stead in  Sec.  27,  where  he  has  a bright  prospect  for  the  future.  He  is  an 
acceptable  member  of  the  Lutheran  Church  and  she  of  the  German  Reformed. 

PAUL  STUPP,  farmer,  P.  0.  Ellerton.  Paul  Stupp,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch,  was  horn  in  Lebanon  Co.,  Penn.,  in  March  1859,  and  lived  with  his 
father,  assisting  upon  the  farm  and  attending  school  during  winter.  His  father 
emigrated  from  Pennsylvania  April,  1871,  and  has  resided  in  this  county  since 
that  time.  He  is  the  son  of  John  and  Amelia  (Yeizer)  Stupp.  Amelia  Yeizer  was 
the  daughter  of  Peter  and  Rebecca  (Gerrett)  Yeizer,  horn  Oct.  19,  1882.  Jolm 
and  Amelia  (Yeizer)  Stupp  were  married  June  17,  1856.  By  this  union  tiiey  were 
the  parents  of  four  children — three  hving,  one  son  and  two  daughters,  viz,, 
Rebecca,  born  June  28,  1857 ; Paid,  born  in  March,  1859,  and  Katie,  wife  of 
William  Lucas,  born  April  28,  1862.  Dec.  21,  1868,  Amelia  (Yeizer)  Stupp,  died 
in  Lebanon  Co.,  Penn.  Mr.  Stupp  lived  a widower  until  Aug.  4,  1866,  when  he 
was  united  in  marriage  with  Henriette  Ibach,  daughter  of  Lawrence  J.  and  Leah 
(Matthews)  Ibach,  of  Lebanon  Co.  Penn.,  (she  was  born  Jan.  19,  1840.)  John 
and  Henriette  (Ibach)  Stupp  are  the  parents  of  four  children,  one  son  and  three 
daughters,  viz.,  Elizabeth  S.,  born  June  17,  1867;  Emma,  born  March  31,  1870; 
Sallie,  born  Sept.  14,  1876,  and  Charlie,  born  Sept.  28,  1878.  John  Stupp  is  the  son 
of  William  and  Lydia  (Forry)  Stupp.  They  were  born  in  Berks  Co.,  Penn.,  and  were 
the  parents  of  five  children,  Caroline,  John,  Harriet,  Purseville  and  Edmund.  Lydia 
(Forry)  Stupp  died,  and  William  was  then  united  in  marriage  with  Elizabeth 
Groby.  By  this  union  they  had  three  children,  one  son  and  two  daughters,  Lydia, 
Emma,  (deceased),  and  William  Stupp.  Peter  and  Rebecca  (Gerrett)  Yeizer  ivere 
the  parents  of  seven  children — three  hving  besides  Mrs.  Stupp  and  three  others 
deceased.  Henriette  Ibach,  John  Stupp’s  second  wife,  is  the  daughter  of  Lawrence 
J.  and  Leah  (Matthews)  Ibach.  Lawrence  J.  and  Leah  are  the  parents  of  ten 
children,  viz.,  Sarah,  Burger,  Henriette,  (John  and  James  deceased)  Franklin, 
Charles  William,  Lawrence  and  Emma.  Lawrence  J.  Ibach,  marked  the  astro- 
nomical calculations  of  the  principal  almanacs  in  use,  his  being  considered  the 
most  correct.  He  is  a blacksmith  and  lives  in  Lebanon  Co.  Penn. 

ABRAHAM  TROXELL,  farmer,  P.  O.  Liberty.  The  subject  of  our  sketch, 
Abraham  Troxell,  was  born  in  Miami  Township,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  in  the 
year  1832,  Jan.  25.  His  parents,  Samuel  Troxell  and  Rosanna  (Weaver)  Troxell, 
were  natives  of  Pennsylvania.  They  emigrated  to  Ohio  and  located  with  their 
parents  in  Miami  Township  and  grew  to  man  and  womanhood.  The  father  and 
mother  of  our  subject  were  not  married  until  full  maturity,  and  the  fruits  of  mar- 
riage are  as  follows:  Mary  Ann,  Lewis  and  Abraham.  Lewis  died  in  his  sixteenth 
year.  Mr.  Troxell,  in  his  boyhood,  lived  under  the  parental  roof  until  reaching 
his  eighteenth  year,  after  which  time  he  worked  by  the  month  two  seasons.  Then 
began  life  for  himself ; raised  tobacco  and  butchered  until  his  marriage,  in  1858, 
to  Rebecca  Protzman,  daughter  of  John  and  Margaret  Protzman.  Their  mar- 
riage has  been  quite  fruitful;  have  had  born  to  them  Minerva  L.,  Mary  R., 
Charles  E.,  George  W.,  Lovie  A.,  William  A.  Ida  May  and  Minnie  A.;  all  living 
but  Ida  May,  who  died  at  the  age  of  six  months.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Troxell  are  blessed 
with  the  society  of  their  children  except  a little  babe  and  Minerva  L.,  who  has 
taken  upon  herself  the  burthen  of  a family,  her  husband’s  name  being  David  Pliil- 
baum.  After  the  marriage  of  our  subject  he  was  engaged  in  the  grocery  busi- 
_ ness  one  year,  after  which  time  he  went  to  farming,  and  bought  the  farm  where 
he  now  lives,  in  Jefferson  Township,  having  made  valuable  improvements  to  his  [ 
home,  thereby  making  it  really  desirable.  From  the  appearance  of  his  place  oue 
can  only  say  Mr.  Troxell  has  been  a financial  success.  He  is  looked  upon  as 
one  of  the  leading  farmers  of  his  township,  and  has  always,  and  is  to-day,  regard- 
ed as  one  of  the  most  charitable  men  in  our  land,  being  ready  to  administer  to 
the  wants  of  the  needy.  Neither  is  he  alone  in  these  deeds  of  charity.  The  same 


MADISON  TOWNSHIP. 


319 


qualities  are  possessed  by  the  entire  family.  He  has  served  the  people  of  his 
township  in  places  of  public  trust,  having  been  elected  Township  Trustee  four 
times.  May  prosperity  reward  him  and  Ins  for  their  many  deeds  of  charity  and 
kindness. 


M&DSS©rf  TOWNSHIP. 

SAMUEL  BASOEE,  farmer;  P.  0.,  Trotwood,  is  a native  of  Lebanon  Co.r 
Pa.  He  is  a son  of  Benjamin  and  Mary  Basore,  both  natives  of  the  Keystone 
State.  Our  subject’s  early  life  was  spent  on  the  farm  in  a manner  incident  to 
youth.  But  on  arriving  at  the  age  of  maturity,  he  learned  the  trade  of  cooper, 
which  he  followed  for  many  years  in  Pennsylvania  and  for  fourteen  years  after 
coming  to  this  State.  About  thirty-five  years  ago  he  was  married  to  Lydia  Fetters. 
They  are  parents  of  eight  children,  viz. : Absolom,  Sarah,  Catharine,  Susannah, 
Lydia,  Samuel  and  John  living,  and  an  infant  deceased.  About  twenty  years  ago 
Mr.  Basore  abandoned  the  trade  of  cooper  and  bought  the  farm  of  100  acres  on 
which  he  lives  and  devoted  his  energies  to  the  raising  of  grain  and'  stock.  He  has 
added  to  his  possessions  a farm  of  165  acres  in  Butler  Township.  Mr.  Basore’s 
success  in  life  has  been  due  entirely  to  his  own  exertions,  and  as  wTe  gaze  with 
admiration  on  the  granaries  filled  with  the  life  giving  products,  we  are  constrained 
to  say,  by  his  labor,  industry,  perseverance  and  integrity  he  has  made  himself  one 
of  the  substantial  farmers  of  Madison  Township. 

ABEAHAM  DENLINGEE,  farmer;  P.  0.,  Box  791,  Dayton.  The  subject 
of  this  sketch  is  a native  of  Lancaster  Co.,  Pa.,  born  Aug.  4,  1806.  He  is  a son 
of  Abraham  and  Annie  (Neff)  Denlmger.  His  parents  dying  when  he  was  but 
a boy,  he  lived  with  his  grandfather  until  after  he  attained  the  age  of  17.  He  then 
engaged  to  learn  the  trade  of  blacksmith  wfith  Amos  Cooper,  near  Lancaster, 
where  he  remained  two  years,  after  which  he  worked  with  his  uncle,  Isa&c  Bresler. 
He  then  farmed  for  the  widow  of  Michael  Sechrist  about  one  year.  Again  he 
returned  to  Amos  Cooper  and  worked  two  years  more  at  the  trade.  Being  dissat- 
isfied with  the  opportunities  offered  to  young  men  in  that  section,  he  decided 
to  come  to  Ohio  on  a tour  of  inspection,  and  in  the  spring  of  1832,  carried  it  into 
execution.  While  here  he  bought  the  farm  on  which  he  now  resides.  He  then 
returned  to  his  old  home,  where  he  remained  until  the  fall  of  the  same  year,  com- 
pleting his  arrangements  for  leaving  for  his  permanent  home.  He  has  been  twice 
married.  First  to  Margaret  Miller,  daughter  of  Daniel  Miller,  in  the  spring  of 
1833.  Seven  children  were  the  result  of  this  union,  four  of  whom  are  still  living. 
David,  born  March  25,  1838,  was  killed  in  the  service  of  his  country  at  Atlanta, 
Ga.  Mr.  Denlinger’s  second  marriage  was  consummated  in  April,  1865,  with 
Eliza  Linville. 

After  coming  to  this  State  Mr.  D.  followed  his  trade  in  connection  with  farm- 
ing for  a year  or  two,  after  which  he  devoted  his  entire  attention  to  the  farm  until 
his  mechanical  head  planned  and  his  once  skilled  hand  wrought  out  a wire  horse 
rake.  Of  these  he  made  and  sold  between  five  and  six  thousand,  they  being  the 
first  in  this  section  of  the  country.  For  a number  of  years  past  he  has  spent  his 
time  quietly  on  the  farm  and  only  wrought  out  such  inventions  as  his  active 
genius  could  invent  for  his  own  comfort  and  use,  such  as  farm  implements,  self- 
opening gates,  etc.  Some  fourteen  years  ago  Mr.  D.  was  afflicted  with  dropsy  in 
the  severest  form.  He  tried  unsuccessfully  the  different  modes  of  treatment 
which  the  most  skillful  physicians  could  offer,  with  no  good  results.  He  then 
determined  on  a regular  cold  water  treatment,  which  he  continued  for  three 


320 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


years,  and  effected  a perfect  cure,  since  which  time  he  has  enjoyed  excellent  health. 
Mr.  D.  was  reared  among  the  Friends  in  Pennsylvania,  and  though  not  a member 
of  the  sect  still  leans  fondly  toward  that  faith. 

A.  A.  DENLINGER,  farmer;  P.  0.,  Trotwood,  was  the  son  of  Abraham  and 
Margaret  Denlinger.  Born  Feb.  25,  1836,  in  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio.  Acquired 
his  education  in  the  common  schools,  starting  out  in  life  at  the  age  of  21  years. 
He  married  Miss  Sarah  Garber,  an  accomplished  lady.  They  are  the  parents 
of  eight  children:  Lonoina,  Clara,  Ira,  Anna,  Liza,  Laura,  Edgar  and  Elmer,  who 
are  all  living.  The  mother  departed  this  life  March  1,  1872,  leaving  the  father 
and  eight  children  to  mourn  the  loss.  He  hved  a widower  for  three  years,  then 
married  a lady  by  the  name  of  Anna  Bowman.  They  have  three  children,  Austin, 
Stella,  Sybilton,  who  are  all  living  at  the  present  writing.  Our  subject  was  elected 
Trustee  of  Madison  Township  in  the  year  1868,  and  has  retained  the  office  every 
year  except  one  up  to  the  present  writing.  He  has  been  a member  of  the  school 
board  for  over  twelve  years,  and  takes  an  active  part  in  the  way  of  educating  the 
youth.  He  now  owns  a farm  of  100  acres,  beautifully  situated  and  well  cultivated, 
He  is  also  an  active  worker  in  the  Democratic  party,  and  is  well  situated  for  enjoy- 
ing  the  pleasures  of  this  life. 

WILLIAM  GILLIAM,  retired  farmer;  P.  0.,  Trotwood.  Was  born  in  the 
State  of  Kentucky,  Dec.  2,  1807.  He  is  a son  of  Richard  Gilliam,  deceased  of 
Champaign  Co.,  Ohio.  Richard  was  horn  in  Virginia,  where  he  was  uuited  in  mar- 
riage to  Martha  Hodge,  of  Virginia.  By  this  union  there  were  born  to  them  five 
children,  William,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  the  only  one  now  living.  Richard 
and  family  emigrated  to  Kentucky,  and  from  there  he  moved  to  Ohio  and  settled 
in  Clark  Co.,  in  a very  early  day.  He  then  moved  to  Champaign  Co.,  where  he 
died.  His  widow,  Martha,  and  family  returned  to  Virginia,  where  she  died.  Wil- 
liam was  left  an  orphan  when  quite  young.  He  had  to  make  his  home  with 
strangers.  He,  however,  by  '‘pluck  and  energy,”  pushed  himself  along  in  hfe.  He 
learned  the  tanner  and  currier  trade;  served  three  years  as  an  apprentice; 
worked  five  years  as  a journeyman.  He  then  engaged  in  the  business  two  years  for 
himself  in  Rockingham  Co.,  Va.  He  was  united  in  marriage  Feb.  26,  1833,  to 
Miss  Anna  Rife,  of  Rockingham  Co.,  Va.  By  this  union  there  has  been  born 
to  them  ten  children,  six  of  whom  are  now  living,  viz.:  Mary  A.,  born  Dec,  17, 
1835;  Andrew,  born  April  21,  1840.  Fie  is  married  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Nicely, 
a daughter  of  Jacob  Nicely,  of  Randolph  Township.  Andrew  now  resides  in 
Miami  City,  Ohio.  Frances,  born  April  20,  1844,  now  the  wife  of  William 
Gunther,  of  Madison  Township.  Jonathan,  born  Nov.  2,  1850;  he  is  married 
to  Miss  Martha  Seybold,  a daughter  of  David  Seybold,  of  Randolph  Township. 
Amanda,  born  Nov.  6,  1852,  and  Sidney,  born  Oct.  27,  1859.  William  emigrated 
to  Ohio  and  settled  in  Madison  Township,  Montgomery  County,  in  1835.  In  the 
same  year  he  moved  to  Perry  Township,  where  he  remained  some  four  years, 
when  he  returned  to  Madison  Township,  where  he  has  since  lived.  He  taught 
school  in  Virginia,  and  after  having  come  to  Ohio,  he  taught  in  Perry  and  Madison 
Townships. 

Mr.  Gilliam  has  served  as  a School  Director  a number  of  terms  in  his  school 
district.  He  was  elected  Township  Trustee  one  term.  Was  elected  a Justice 
of  the  Peace,  but  refused  to  serve.  He  was  elected  Township  Clerk  in-1854-,  and 
continued  in  the  office  until  1874,  in  all  twenty  years  in  Madison  Township.  Mr. 
Gilliam  owns  a farm  of  146  acres  of  land  where  lie  hves  adjoining  Trotwood.  Iiis 
wife,  Anna,  is  a member  of  the  German  Baptist  Church  and  has  been  since  1836. 
Mr.  Gilliam,  on  account  of  his  age,  has  quit  farming.  His  son  Jonathan  is  living 
on  the  old  home  place,  engaged  in  farming  it.  Sidney  E.  is  a school  teacher.  She 
has  taught  school  for  the  past  two  or  three  years. 

LEWIS  C.  KIMMEL,  County  Commissioner;  P.  O.,  Dayton.  This  gentle- 
man belongs  to  a family  of  this  county  of  distinguished  Revolutionary  fame. 
David  Kimmel,  the  great  grandparent  and  founder  of  the  family  in  America,  was 


MADISON  TOWNSHIP. 


321 


born  among  the  mountains  of  Switzerland.  He  came  to  this  country  in  1760, 
settling  in  what  is  now  known  as  York  Co.,  Pa.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the  Revo- 
lutionary War,  David,  his  son  and  grandparent  of  the  present  family,  quickly 
embraced  the  cause  of  the  patriots.  The  principles  of  liberty  instilled  in  his  heart, 
in  his  own  native  Republic,  and  the  remembrances  of  the  songs  of  freedom  he  had 
from  infancy  listened  to  in  his  Alpine  home,  were  enough  to  guide  his  arm  in  the 
struggle  of  his  adopted  country.  He  was  with  Washington  in  his  marches  and 
engagements  in  New  York  and  New  Jersey.  He  was  among  those  who  made  the 
famed  and  perilous  trip  across  the  Delaware  in  midwinter,  and  as  a result  of  the 
undertaking  capturing  Trenton  and  the  Hessian  soldiers.  He  participated  in 
the  victorious  battle  of  Princeton,  fought  in  the  terrible  and  disastrous  battle 
of  Brandywine,  witnessed  Burgoyne’s  surrender  at  Saratoga,  and  suffered  with  co- 
patriots  the  miseries  and  privations  of  Valley  Forge.  For  seven  years  he  fought 
the  good  fight  as  one  of  the  heroes  of  ’76,  and  at  last  witnessed  and  participated 
in  the  culmination  of  that  grand  struggle  for  liberty  and  independence,  the  sur- 
render of  Cornwallis  at  Yorktown.  After  the  war  this  old  hero  returned  to  his 
home  to  quietly  and  peacefully  engage  in  the  pursuits  of  his  life,  and  henceforth 
enjoy  the  liberty  he  had  so  gallantly  fought  to  win.  Lewis  Kimmel’s  grandparent, 
on  his  mother’s  side,  Samuel  Niswonger,  from  whom  the  Niswongers  of  this  county 
descended,  also  greatly  distinguished  himself  in  the  Revolution,  being  in  almost  all 
the  principal  battles  fought  in  the  North. 

David  Kimmel,  the  grandparent,  had  six  children,  and  with  Lewis,  the  father 
of  our  subject,  came  to  Ohio  in  1817,  settling  in  Madison  Township,  this  county. 
Lewis  lived  on  this  farm  up  to  the  time  of  his  death,  about  five  years  ago.  Samuel 
Niswonger  came  to  this  country  in  1791.  He  belonged  to  the  River  Brethren, 
a branch  of  the  Dunkard  Church.  David  Kimmel  belonged  to  the  Dunkard  sect 
proper.  The  remains  of  both  of  these  Revolutionary  soldiers  rest  in  the  burial 
ground  of  the  Dunkard  Church,  seven  miles  west  of  Dayton.  Lewis,  Sr.,  had 
twelve  children,  eleven  now  living,  of  whom  Lewis,  Jr.,  our  subject,  was  born  in 
1848.  His  boyhood  career  was  that  of  a farmer  boy,  working  on  the  farm  in  sum- 
mer and  attending  school  in  winter.  In  politics  he  is  a Democrat,  following  the 
example  of  his  father,  who  had  marshalled  under  Jackson  and  the  earlier  Demo- 
cratic fathers.  Up  to  the  time  of  his  election  to  the  office  of  County  Commissioner, 
he  had  never  sought  office.  The  office  he  now  occupies  is  one  of  much  importance 
to  ike  people,  involving,  as  it  does,  the  supervision  and  control  of  all  the  monies  of 
the  county,  and  Mr.  K.  was  triumphantly  elected  to  it  only  after  a bitter  partizan 
fight.  It  is  but  just  to  say  that  Mr.  Kimmel  has  always  received  the  hearty  co- 
operation of  his  colleagues  in  an  effort  to  maintain  the  dignity  and  economically 
administer  the  business  of  this  high  and  responsible  office.  He  was  married  on  the 
12th  of  September,  1872,  to  Miss  May  Miller,  daughter  of  John  Miller,  on  the 
Eaton  Pike,  in  Jefferson  Township,  Montgomery  County.  By  her  he  has  had  two 
children,  both  living,  a boy  6 years  old  and  a girl  8 years  old. 

M.  LANDIS,  farmer;  P.  0.,  Trotwood.  Mr.  Landis  is  a farmer  and  tobacco 
raiser.  Our  subject  was  the  son  of  Abraham  and  Mary  Landis,  was  bom  in  Mad- 
ison Township,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  in  the  year  1886,  June  10.  Attained  his 
education  in  the  common  schools.  Started  out  in  life  at  the  age  of  19  years;  mar- 
ried Mary  Schock  in  the  year  1861.  Bought  seven  acres  of  his  father’s  old  home 
farm,  living  on  it  ’till  1865,  he  then  bought  the  farm  he  now  owns  of  51  acres, 
which  is  well  cultivated  in  raising  grain  and  tobacco.  He  is  an  active  politician  in 
the  Democratic  party,  and  has  been  a Township  Trustee  since  1873,  he  is  also  a 
member  of  the  school  board,  and  takes  an  active  interest  in  education. . 

PHILIP  STETTLER,  retired  farmer;  P.  0.,  Trotwood.  The  subject  of  this 
memoir  was  born  in  Miami  Township,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  Feb.  4,  1813.  His 
father,  Daniel  Stettler,  was  a native  of  Berks  Co.,  Pa.  He  was  born  in  June,  1773. 
His  grand  father,  George  V.  Stettler,  emigrated  from  Pennsylvania,  and  settled  in 
Miami  Township,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  in  the  year  1804,  where  he  lived  until 

. u 


322 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


bis  death,  April  23,  1815.  Daniel  Stettler,  was  united  in  marriage  about  the  year 
1810,  to  Catharine  Gelires.  She  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  and  emigrated  to  Ohio 
in  1805.  She  lived  in  Butler  Co.,  Ohio,  at  the  time  of  her  marriage.  This  union 
was  blessed  by  the  birth  of  four  children,  two  of  whom  are  now  living,  viz:  Philip, 
the  subject  of  this  memoir,  and  Hannah,  wife  of  Jacob  Schen,  of  Miamisburg, 
Ohio.  Daniel  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812.  He  died  in  Miami  Township, 
June,  1853,  in  his  80th  year.  His  wife,  Catharine,  died  Nov.  27,  1863.  She  was 
born  in  the  year  1783.  Philip  was  reared  on  his  father’s  farm  in  Miami  Township, 
until  he  was  married,  excepting  a part  of  the  time  when  he  learned  and  worked  at 
the  cooper  trade.  He  was  united  in  marriage  July  3,  1838,  to  Mary  Ann  Bertels,  a 
daughter  of  John  Bertels,  of  Jefferson  Township.  He  was  born  in  Hamburgh, 
Prussia,  Oct.  20,  1788.  He  emigrated  to  America  and  settled  in  Pennsylvania,  in 
the  year  1800.  He  served  as  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812.  He  was  married  to 
Catharine  Elizabeth  Moyer,  of  Berks  Co.,  Pa.  He  emigrated  to  Ohio  in  1834, 
and  settled  in  Jefferson  Township,  Montgomery  Co.  He  died  Jan.  30,  1853.  His 
widow  died  April,  1851,  she  was  born  July  22,  1802.  By  the  marriage  of  Philip 
and  Mary  Ann,  there  have  been  born  to  them  four  children,  two  of  whom  are  now 
living,  viz:  Monroe  D.,  bom  Nov.  1,  1846.  He  is  united  in  marriage  to  Mrs.  Dr. 
Patten.  He  resides  in  Madison  Township,  and  Francis. C.,  born  Nov.  6,  1856. 
Mr.  S.  is  a member  of  the  German  Reformed  Church,  and  his  wife  is  a member  of 
the  Lutheran  Church.  Mr.  Stettler  moved  to  Madison  Township,  March  31, 1864. 
He  is  the  owner  of  a farm  where  he  lives,  near  Trotwood,  of  158  acres.  Mr.  S. 
served  one  term  as  a Township  Trustee  in  Madison  Township.  He  is  a man  who 
does  not  seek  political  preferment,  but  prefers  to  follow  the  more  certain  and  quiet- 
life  of  a farmer.  He  is  now  in  the  declining  days  of  his  life,  reaping  the  reward 
of  an  industrious  and  economical  career. 

STEPHEN  ULLERY,  farmer;  P.  O.,  Trotwood.  The  subject  of  this 
memoir  was  horn  in  Randolph  Township,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  June  11,  1831. 
His  father,  Samuel  Ullery,  was  a native  of  Huntington  Co.,  Pa.  He  was  born  in 
the  year  1794.  The  father  of  Samuel,  Stephen  Ullery,  emigrated  to  Ohio  from 
Pennsylvania,  and  settled  in  Montgomery  County  in  1811.  Samuel  was  united  in 
marriage  to  Miss  Susan  Miller.  By  this  union  there  was  born  to  them  one  child,  viz : 
Susan,  now  the  wife  of  David  Beechley,  of  Madison  Township.  His  wife,  Susan, 
died  and  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  his  second  wife,  Susan  Whitehead,  a 
daughter  of  Valentine  Whitehead,  of  Madison  Township,  deceased.  By  this  union 
there  were  born  to  them  ten  children,  eight  of  whom  are  now  living,  viz:  Moses, 
who  lives  in  Madison  Township ; Aaron,  who  lives  in  Randolph  Township ; Stephen, 
of  Madison  Township;  Mary,  now  wife  of  David  Cripe,  of  Madison  Township; 
Samuel  of  Madison  Township ; Christopher  of  Madison  Township,  and  Valentine 
of  Dakota  Territory.  Samuel  Ullery  lived  and  died  a member  of  the  German  Bap- 
tist Church.  He  departed  this  life  Jan.  23,  1865.  His  widow  is  still  living,  and 
is  a member  of  the  same  church.  Stephen,  the  subject  of  this  memoir,  was  reared 
a farmer,  and  has  since  followed  the  choice  of  his  youth.  He  was  united  in 
marriage  May  23,  1850,  to  Maria  C.  Mumma,  a daughter  of  Samuel  Mumma,  cf 
Harrison  Township,  deceased.  She  was  born  April  1832.  The  marriage  cere- 
mony was  performed  by  Rev.  Priser,  of  the  Lutheran  Church.  This  marriage 
has  been  blessed  by  the  birth  of  eleven  children,  of  whom  eight  are  now  living,  viz: 
Samuel,  Susan,  wife  of  Perry  Holler,  of  Madison  Township,  Stephen  E.,  Katie  <1., 
now  the  wife  of  Greely  Pfoutz,  of  Madison  Township,  Ira  C.,  Amos  S.,  Monroe  D. 
and  Harry  C.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ullery  are  members  of  the  German  Baptist  Church. 
Mr.  Ullery  has  been  a resident  of  Montgomery  County  since  his  birth,  in  1831. 
He  is  the  owner  of  a farm  of  97  acres  of  land,  where  he  lives,  near  Trotwood,  in 
Madison  Township. 

JOHN  VANIMAN,  farmer;  P.  O.,  Trotwood.  The  subject  of  this  memoir 
was  born  in  Madison  Township,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  March  2,  1823.  His 
father,  Jacob  Vaniman,  was  bom  in  the  year  1793,  in  the  State  of  Pennsvl- 


■ 


WAYNE  TOWNSHIP. 


323 


vania.  He  emigrated  to  Ohio  from  Pennsylvania,  in  the  year  1803,  and  settled  in 
Madison  Township,  Montgomery  County.  Jacob  Yaniman  was  united  in  marriage 
to  Miss  Polly  Bowman,  a daughter  of  David"  Bowman,  of  Jefferson  Township, 
deceased.  This  union  was  blessed  by  the  birth  of  ten  children,  eight  of  whom  are 
now  living,  viz:  John,  the.  subject  of  this  memoir;  Elizabeth,  now  the  wife  of  Jacob 
Garber,  of  Madison  Towhship;  David,  who  lives  in  Illinois;  Jacob  of  Illinois; 
Daniel  of  Illinois ; Polly,  wife  of  Samuel  Teter,  of  Madison  Township ; Barbara, 
wife  of  Samuel  W.  Stutsman  of  Illinois.  Jacob  Vaniman  was  a member  of  the 
German  Baptist  Church.  He  departed  this  life  in  the  year  1861.  John,  the 
subject  of  this  memoir  was  reared  a farmer,  and  has  since  followed  the  choice  of  his 
youth.  He  was  united  in  marriage  March  27,  1844,  to  Elizabeth  Landis,  a daughter 
of  Samuel  Landis,  of  Jefferson  Township,  deceased.  By  this  marriage  there  have 
been  born  to  them  nine  children,  all  of  whom  are  now  living,  viz:  Mary,  the  wife 
of  Martin  Niswander,  of  Madison  Township;  Catharine,  wife  of  Daniel  Garber, 
of  Darke  Co.,  Ohio;  Elizabeth,  wife  of  Noah  Eby  of  Illinois;  David,  of  Madison 
Township;  Samuel  of  Washington  Township;  Daniel  W.,  Sarah,  Barbara  and 
Rachael.  Elizabeth  departed  this  life,  Sept.  7,  1870.  She  was  a member  of  the 
German  Baptist  Chinch.  Mr.  Vaniman  was  united  to  his  second  wife,  Barbara 
Cripe,  (nee  Brandt,)  a daughter  of  Abraham  Brandt,  deceased,  May  17,  1873.  Mr. 
Yaniman  united  with  the  German  Baptist  Church  in  the  year  1843.  The  baptis- 
mal service  was  performed  by  John  Brower,  a minister  of  the  chinch  of  his 
choice.  His  wife,  Barbara,  united  with  the  same  church  in  the  year  1844.  Mr. 
Vaniman  moved  upon  the  farm  which  he  now  owns,  of  134  acres  of  land,  in  Mad- 
ison Township,  in  1864,  where  he  has  since  continued  to  reside.  Mr.Vaniman  has 
been  elected  a number  of  terms  as  a school  director  in  his  district. 

MRS.  SARAH  WEAVER,  P.  0.,  Mummaville.  The  subject  of  this  sketch 
was  born  in  Jefferson  Township,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  June  2,  1822.  She  is  a 
daughter  of  James  Ohver,  late  of  Jefferson  Township,  deceased.  James  Oliver 
was  a native  of  Rockingham  Co.,  Va.  Sarah  was  united  in  marriage  June  6,  1843, 
to  George  Weaver.  He  was  bom  Nov.  8,  1808,  in  Rockingham  Co.,  Va.  By  this 
union  there  was  born  to  them  one  child,  who  is  still  living,  viz:  Mary  Ann,  born 
Jan.  16,  1844.  In  the  year  1846,  George  Weaver  settled  in  Madison  Township, 
where  he  hved  until  his  death,  March  28,  1880.  His  widow,  the  subject  of  this 
memoir,  is  still  living  on  the  old  homestead  in  Madison  Township.  Mrs.  Weaver 
is  a member  of  the  German  Baptist  Church.  She  united  with  the  church  in  1880, 
The  baptismal  services  were  performed  by  John  Smith,  a minister  of  the  church  of 
her  choice.  Her  daughter,  Mary  Ann,  was  united  in  marriage  Jan.  22,  1860,  to 
Dr.  C.  Patten  of  Union,  Randolph  Township.  By  this  marriage  there  was  born 
to  them  one  child,  viz:  George  O.,  born  March  19,  1862.  Dr.  C.  Patten  died  May 
1,  1863.  His  widow,  Mary  Ann,  was  united  in  marriage  to  her  second  husband, 
Monroe  D.  Stettler,  May  1,  1863.  By  this  union  there  has  been  born  to  them 
one  child,  viz : Harry  N.,  horn  Feb.  26,  1876.  (For  a history  of  Monroe  D.  see 
sketch  of  Phillip  Stettler.)  Monroe  D.  hves  on  the  “old”  Weaver  homestead. 


WAYNE  TOWNSHIP. 

JOHN  ALLEN,  farmer;  P.O.  Brandt,  Miami  Co.,  was  born  in  Monmouth  Co., 
N.  J.,  Nov.  19,  1797,  of  parents,  William  and  Sarah  (Johnston)  Allen,  natives  of  the 
same  county  and  State,  the  latter  dying  when  our  subject  was  only  four  years  of  age, 
and  ten  years  later  he  was  an  orphan,  his  father  dying  in  1811,  soon  after  which 
he  was  bound  as  an  apprentice  to  a blacksmith,  until  21  years  of  age.  During  the 
lifetime  of  his  father  he  received  the  usual  rudimentary  training  that  the  schools  of 


324 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


the  period  afforded,  and  in  the  indenture  it  was  stated  that  four  months  schooling 
should  he  given  him.  It  was  under  these  circumstances  that  Mr.  Allen  began  life. 
After  reaching  his  majority,  and  having  served  his  time  as  an  apprentice,  he  left 
the  State  of  his  nativity  on  foot,  in  the  month  of  August,  bound  for  Ohio.  Arriv- 
ing at  Franklin,  Warren  County,  that  same  month,  he  at  once  found  employment, 
and  worked  in  that  village  at  ironing  wagons  until  the  middle  of  December,  when 
he  returned  to  New  Jersey,  and  on  the  15tli  of  the  following  June,  was  united  in 
marriage  ■with  Margaret  Jolmes  of  Middlesex  County.  On  the  4tli  of  June,  1830, 
he  emigrated  to  Ohio,  having  then  three  children,  namely:  Sarah,  Andrew  J.  and 
Stephen  J.  He  stopped  for  a while  in  the  vicinity  of  Franklin,  then  removed  (Sep- 
tember 15,)  to  his  present  farm  in  Section  18,  in  the  extreme  northern  part  of 
Montgomery  County,  (Wayne  Township,)  near  the  Miami  County  line,  where  he 
has  since  resided.  There  have  been  added  to  his  family  here,  William  and  Alice. 

Of  the  five  children,  Andrew  J.  and  Stephen  J.  are  still  living,  the  latter  now  serving 
as  County  Treasurer.  The  wife’s  parents  were  natives,  the  father,  Stephen  Johnes, 
of  New  Jersey,  and  the  mother,  — Titus,  of  Berks  Co.,  Pa.  The  wife  of  our  sub- 
ject died  Dec.  14,  1871.  Mr.  Allen  has  served  the  people  of  Wayne  Township  as 
Trustee  for  twenty-three  years.  He  is  an  intelligent  and  practical  man,  and  one  of 
considerable  business  tact,  which  in  connection  with  great  industry,  has  enabled 
him  to  amass  quite  a fortune.  He  and  his  sons  now  possessing  in  the  neighborhood 
of  1000  acres  of  land.  In  politics  he  is  a Democrat,  and  at  one  time  was  nomi- 
nated on  that  ticket  with  Peter  P.  Lowe,  of  Dayton,  for  Representative  in  the  State 
Legislature,  but  was  defeated.  He  is  genial,  kind-hearted,  and  has  been  a use- 
ful man  to  the  citizens  of  the  township  and  county,  and  his  home  has  ever  been 
hospitable,  “the  latch  string  ever  out.” 

DAVID  13ASKINAN,  retired  farmer;  P.  0.,  Osborn,  GreeneCo.,was  born  Oct  6, 
1822.  He  received  a common  school  education.  When  he  attained  the  age  of  nine 
years  his  father  died,  and  he  was  thrown  out  to  battle  with  the  cruel  world.  He  was  j 
bound  out  to  his  uncle,  but  ran  away,  after  being  cruelly  treated  and  over- worked  j 
for  two  years  He  went  home  to  his  mother  who  had  previously  gone  to  house- 
keeping; remained  with  her,  following  agricultural  pursuits,  until  he  joined  his  ' 
brother  in  tilling  the  soil  for  themselves.  His  brother  sickened  and  died  the  same 
year,  and  passed  over  the  golden  shore  to  the  other  side  of  the  Jordan,  from  whence 
no  traveler  returneth.  David  then  rented  land,  tilled  the  soil  for  himself,  and  j 
boarded  with  his  mother  until  his  marriage  in  1849,  to  Elizabeth,  daughter  of 
John  and  Peggy  Garber.  He  continued  the  occupation  of  farming,  renting  land 
until  1851,  when  he  purchased  100  acres  where  he  now  resides,  and  by  untiring  , 
industry  and  close  attention  to  business,  temperate  and  industrious  habits,  he  has 
obtained  a large  amount  of  property.  Mr.  Baskinan  is  one  of  the  staunch  ener- 
getic  men  that  has  raised  Montgomery  County  to  its  present  standard.  He  was 
elected  to  the  offices  of  Township  Trustee  and  Supervisor,  and  discharged  the  many 
responsibilities  incident  to  his  official  duties  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  all  con- 
cerned. He  has  never  identified  himself  with  any  religious  organization,  but  is 
moral  in  his  deportment,  honest,  a kind  and  indulgent  parent  and  husband,  kind 
and  hospitable  to  all  that  come  under  his  roof.  He  has  won  the  respect  and  con- 
fidence of  all  with  whom  he  is  brought  in  contact.  He  was  the  father  of  two 
children,  one  of  whom  is  living,  John  fi.,  born  Sept.  15,  1851. 

JACOB  BEYL,  retired  farmer;  P.  O.,  Osborn  Greene  Co.  The  gentleman 
whose  name  heads  the  following  sketch,  was  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  this  county, 
and  is  now  classed  among  its  most  prominent  citizens.  He  is  one  of  the  staunch, 
energetic  men  that  have  made  the  Buckeye  State  what  it  is  to-day.  He  was  born  in 
Northampton  Co.,  Pa.,  Aug.  6, 1806,  and  for  twenty-one  years  aided  his  father  in  the 
care  of  the  home  place.  His  education  was  very  limited,  being  only  such  as  could 
be  obtained  in  the  district  schools  of  the  county,  which  were  then  not  the  best. 

In  1827,  at  the  age  of  21  years  he  married  Magdaline,  the  daughter  of  Jacob  and 
Aney  Hartman.  As  a result  of  this  union  they  had  born  to  them  seven  children, 


WAYNE  TOWNSHIP. 


325 


of  whom  four  are  now  living,  viz:  Elizabeth,  Solomon,  Catharine  and  Matilda. 
After  marriage  he  rented  land  of  his  father,  and  lived  near  the  old  homestead  until 
his  father’s  death,  when  he  purchased  the  home  farm.  Here  he  made  his  home 
until  1838,  when  he  came  to  Ohio,  locating  in  Fairfield,  Green  County,  and  engaged 
in  the  business  of  grocer.  Not  making  a success  of  the  new  business  he  sold  out, 
went  to  Indiana,  and  again  became  a tiller  of  the  soil  on  a farm  he  had  previously 
purchased.  Tiring  of  his  new  home  he  disposed  of  his  Indiana  farm  and  returning 
to  the  “Buckeye  State,”  opene  a grocery  in  Dayton,  where  he  carried  on  success- 
fully for  nine  months,  at  the  expiration  of  which  time  he  disposed  of  his  stock  and 
made  an  extended  visit  to  the  place  of  his  nativity.  In  1846  he  returned  to  Ohio 
and  purchased  the  farm  where  he  now  resides,  which  contains  147  acres.  At  the 
time  of  his  taking  possession  there  were  hut  30  acres  of  it  under  cultivation,  hut 
with  his  usual  untiring  zeal  he  commenced  the  clearing  of  the  balance,  and  now  it 
is  all,  with  the  exception  of  15  acres,  being  tilled  by  this  sturdy  farmer’s  son,  who 
is  caring  for  his  father’s  farm.  The  improvements  on  the  farm  consist  of  a large 
two-story  brick  residence,  a large  barn,  and  such  other  improvements  as  will  be 
found  surrounding  the  model  farmer  of  to-day.  In  closing  this  sketch  we  will  say 
Mr.  Beyl  has  lived  a life  of  honesty  and  integrity,  and  is  now  reaping  the  reward 
in  the  respect  of  his  fellow  men  and  the  happy  family  that  surround  him.  He 
and  his  worthy  wife  have  both  been  connected  with  the  Lutheran  Church  for  sixty 
years  past,  and  in  the  bright  hereafter  they  are  sure  to  receive  the  merited  blessing 
for  their  fidelity  to  the  Master’s  cause. 

JESSE  F.  BOOHER,  farmer;  P.  0.,  Taylorsville.  Among  the  prominent 
farmers  of  this  county  is  Jesse  F.  Booher,  who  was  horn  Feb.  24,  1836.  He  ob- 
tained his  education  in  the  district  schools  of  the  county,  and  was  brought  up  to 
farm  labor.  He  was  united  in  marriage  with  Loviua,  daughter  of  John  and  Eliza 
Sintz,  in  1860,  and  rented  land  and  set  out  with  an  indomitable  will  to  gain  some 
of  the  comforts  of  life.  He  purchased  a farm  in  Indiana,  containing  80  acres,'  and 
moved  his  family  on  to  it.  lie  remained  there  three  years  and  disposed  of  it,  and 
returned  to  this  township  and  purchased  the  farm  wdiere  he  now  resides,  contain- 
ing 80  acres  in  1877,  about  60  acres  is  under  cultivation  and  improved.  They  are 
the  parents  of  two  children,  viz:  John  D.  and  Clark  L. 

JAMES  CAMPBELL,  farmer:  P.  O.,  Osborn,  Greene  Co.  The  gentleman 
whose  name  heads  this  sketch,  is  a man  who  deserves  a place  in  the  front  rank  of  the 
old  pioneers.  He  was  born  Oct.  28,  1811.  His  father,  John  D.,  was  a native  of 
Washington  Co.,  Pa.,  and  came  to  Ohio  in  1805,  and  settled  in  this  township.  He  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Margaret  Grimes.  They  were  the  parents  of  seven 
children,  of  whom  two  are  living,  viz : Samuel  A.  and  James,  the  subject  of  this 
memoir,  was  educated  in  the  common  schools.  He  was  not  permitted  to  attend 
school  regularly,  hut  by  applying  himself  diligently  to  his  studies  he  obtained  a 
good  understanding  of  the  English  language,  and  assisted  his  father  in  tilling  the 
soil.  Pie  celebrated  his  marriage  with  Ruth,  daughter  of  Daniel  and  Elanor  Filer, 
May  11,  1842,  and  moved  on  to  the  farm  where  lie  now  resides,  which  he  had  pre- 
viously purchased,  and  by  hard  labor  and  industry,  has  added  51  acres,  making  in 
all  1 01 J acres,  of  which  about  80  acres  are  under  cultivation.  Mrs.  Campbell  was 
summoned  out  of  this  world  by  the  angel  of  death  in  1864.  She  was  a worthy 
member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  They  were  the  parents  of  five  children,  of 
whom  four  are  living  at  the  present  time  of  writing. 

CHARLES  CROOK,  retired  farmer;  P.  O.,  Taylorsville.  The  gentleman 
whose  name  stands  at  the  head  of  this  sketch  is  a son  of  Thomas  Crook,  and  a 
brother  of  the  distinguished  Brig.  Gen.  George  Crook.  His  father,  Thomas,  was 
born  in  Baltimore,  Md.,  Nov.  30,  1788,  and  was  united  in  marriage  with  Elizabeth 
Matthews,  in  1812,  with  whom  he  lived  thirty-two  years.  They  were  the  parents 
of  ten  children,  of  whom  six  are  living  at  the  time  of  writing,  viz:  Catharine,  now 
Mrs.  Thomas  Ater;  Maria,  now  Mrs.  Samuel  Sulivan;  Thomas,  Capt.  Walter,  (his 
sketch  appears  in  the  biographies  of  Butler  Township,);  Brig.  Geu.  George  and 


326 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


Charles.  His  wife  was  summoned  out  of  this  world  in  1844.  She  was  a lady  who  was 
esteemed  by  a large  circle  of  friends,  and  treated  everybody  that  came  under  their 
roof  with  kindness  and  respect  Mr.  Crook  celebrated  his  marriage  with  his  second 
wife,  Anna  Galahan,  Oct.  14,  1845.  He  survived  his  second  wife  five  months. 
Mr.  Crook,  by  occupation  was  a morocco  dresser,  but  his  health  becoming  impaired 
was  compelled  to  seek  a more  active  employment,  and  in  1814  he  made  his  first 
journey  from  Baltimore,  Maryland  to  Ohio  on  horseback,  and  purchased  the  farm 
where  he  resided  until  his  death.  He  returned  to  Baltimore  and  emigrated  in  com- 
pany with  his  brothers-in-law,  Judge  Mathews  and  John  Mathews,  to  Ohio  the 
same  year  in  wagons.  From  the  time  of  locating  here  his  principal  occupation  had 
been  farming.  By  temperate,  industrious  habits  and  close  attention  to  his  busi- 
ness, he  accumulated  a large  amount  of  property,  both  personal  and  real.  He 
was  elected  to  the  office  of  Justice  of  the  Peace  for  a number  of  terms,  and  dis- 
charged the  duties  of  that  office  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  all  concerned.  He 
was  summoned  out  of  this  world  by  the  angel  of  death  in  1874.  He  was  a man 
of  exemplary  habits,  and  was  held  in  high  esteem  by  the  citizens  of  Wayne  Town- 
ship, and  all  with  whom  he  met,  and  he  wras  one  of  the  men  that  raised  Montgomery 
County  to  its  present  standard.  He  never  identified  himself  with  any  church,  yet 
he  was  moral  in  his  deportment,  and  the  family  have  lost  in  him  a kind,  indulgent 
father,  and  the  community  a good  citizen.  Charles  Crook,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch,  was  born  Oct.  17,  1830,  and  obtained  his  primary  education  in  the  district 
schools  of  the  county,  and  received  a higher  course  in  the  High  School  at  Spring- 
field.  He  assisted  his  father  with  agricultural  pursuits  until  he  was  united  in  mar- 
riage with  Eliza  Booher,  in  1855.  They  had  three  children,  viz:  Charles  W., 
(deceased,)  Laura  E.  and  Thomas  T.,  he  cultivated  the  home  farm  until  his 
father’s  death,  after  which  he  became  owner.  Mr.  Crook  has  never  sought  any 
office,  but  was  elected  to  the  office  of  County  Commissioner,  which  he  filled  for 
three  years,  beginning  in  the  fall  of  1873,  thus  showing  the  confidence  and  esteem 
with  which  he  was  held  in  the  county.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Crook  are  both  worthy 
members  of  the  German  Reformed  Church,  and  have  taken  an  active  interest  in 
the  cause  of  religion  since  1872.  Mr.  Crook  is  a man  of  untiring  industry,  and 
possesses  good  business  qualities.  He  is  a kind  and  indulgent  parent  and 
husband,  and  is  held  in  high  esteem  by  his  many  friends. 

BIOGRAPHY  OF  A CENTENARIAN. 

John  Cuppy  was  born  at  Morristown,  N.  J.,  March  11,  1761.  When  an 
infant  twelve  months  old  his  father  emigrated  to  Hampshire  Co.,  Va.  In  1779 
lie  joined  the  American  army  as  a private  and  was  placed  in  Capt.  McManus’  com- 
pany and  ordered  into  Eastern  Virginia  to  fight  against  the  numerous  bands 
of  Tories  that  were  organizing  to  join  Col.  Tarlton  for  the  purpose  of  raiding  and 
laying  waste  the  settlements  in  North  and  South  Carolina.  He  was  present  at  the 
capture  and  execution  of  George  Wolf,  the  leader  of  a notorious  band  of  outlaws, 
who  carried  on  a guerilla  warfare  under  the  supervision  of  Tarlton  in  North  Caro- 
lina; at  which  time  he  received  an  honorable  discharge,  and  returned  to  his  home 
in  Hampshire  County.  He  entered  the  service  again  in  1781,  at  which  time  he 
was  attached  as  a private  to  a company  of  volunteers  under  the  command  of  Capt. 
Robert  Means.  Before  the  company  received  orders  to  march,  the  news  of  Lord 
Cornwallis’  surrender  at  Yorktown  was  confirmed. 

On  the  receipt  of  this  intelligence,  the  company  was  disbanded  and  the  soldiers 
returned  to  their  homes,  again  holding  themselves  in  readiness  for  a future 
campaign.  In  1788  Mr.  Cuppy  emigrated  to  Ohio  Co.,  Va.,  and  erected  a log 
cabin  on  the  banks  of  the  Ohio  river,  near  the  site  of  New  Cumberland.  The 
government  erected  a block  house  and  stationed  a small  body  of  soldiers  near 
where  the  town  of  Wellsburgh  now  stands,  for  the  purpose  of  protecting  the  hardy 
pioneers  from  the  numerous  bands  of  hostile  Indians  who  frequently  crossed  the 
Ohio  river  to  murder  and  rob  the  settlers. 

Mr.  Cuppy  and  one  of  liis  neighbors,  after  being  attacked  by  the  Indians,  and 


WAYNE  TOWNSHIP. 


327 


causing  two  of  them  to  “bite  the  dust,”  by  their  never-failing  rifles,  removed  his 
family  to  Cox’s  Block  House,  which  was  then  occupied  by  Capt.  Samuel  Brady, 
who  had  command  of  thirty  sharp  shooters.  After  removing  his  family  to  a place 
of  safety,  he  entered  the  service  of  the  United  States  as  a scout.  From  the  spring 
of  1791  to  the  autumn  of  1794,  in  company  with  Capt.  Samuel  Brady,  his  mess- 
mate, he  acted  as  a scout  along  the  hanks  of  the  Ohio  river.  During  this  eventful 
period  of  his  hfe,  he  endured  many  privations  and  made  numerous  hair  breadth 
escapes.  For  four  consecutive  years  he  never  slept  on  a bed.  He  was  present 
and  took  an  active  part  in  the  bushwhack  battle  at  Cross  Creek,  between  thirty 
scouts  and  a large  party  of  Indians.  In  this  battle  Lawson  Yanbuskirk,  George 
Aidy  and  William  Davis  were  killed,  and  Samuel  B-icks  wounded.  The  Indians 
were  routed  with  a loss  of  fifteen  killed  and  nine  wounded. 

Shortly  after  the  termination  of  his  active  service  as  a scout,  he  was  appointed 
by  Lieutenant  Governor  Wood,  the  then  acting  Governor  of  Virginia,  on  the  17th 
day  of  August,  1796,  Captain  of  a company  in  the  1st  BataUion  of  the  4th  Begi- 
ment  of  the  10th  Brigade,  3d  Division,  Virginia  Militia.  In  a short  time  after 
receiving  this  appointment,  he  was  called  upon  to  aid  in  the  suppression  of  the 
rebellion  caused  by  the  passage  of  the  “Excise  Laws.”  In  this  expedition  he 
was  eminently  successful,  and  won  the  esteem  of  his  superior  officers  and  comrades 
in  arms. 

. When  the  insurrectionary  movement  was  arrested  and  quiet  restored,  he 
retired  from  the  army,  and  returned  with  his  family  to  his  log  cabin  home  on  the 
banks  of  the  beautiful  Ohio  river.  At  that  time  the  country  was  an  almost 
unbroken  forest,  and  it  required  strong  arms  and  stout  hearts  to  convert  the  howl- 
ing wilderness  into  the  beautiful  farms  that  can  be  seen  at  the  present  time  in  that 
locality.  He  remained  in  the  State  of  Virginia,  devoting  himself  entirely  to  the 
peaceful  pursuits  of  agriculture,  until  the  autumn  of  1821,  at  which  time,  owing 
to  the  death  of  his  wife,  to  whom  he  was  devotedly  attached,  he  disposed  of  his 
farm  and  removed  to  Lawrenceburg,  Ind.,  where  he  resided  with  his  son-in-law, 
Mr.  Samuel  Bartholomew,  who  married  his  eldest  daughter,  Elizabeth.  In  the 
spring  of  1823  he  came  to  Southern  Ohio,  and  settled  on  a farm  in  Wayne  Town- 
ship, where  he  resided  until  the  time  of  his  death.  He  was  not  only  a kind  husband 
but  an  affectionate  father,  and  greatly  beloved  by  his  children. 

In  his  manners  he  waB  plain  <and  unaffected;  in  his  habits,  strictly  temperate. 
The  most  disgusting  spectacle  imaginable  in  his  sight  was  that  of  a drunkard.  In 
his  dealings  with  the  world  there  was  a dignified  generosity,  which  shunned  all  low 
trickery  and  cunning  in  trade  and  everything  that  had  the  semblance  of  meanness 
and  dishonesty.  He  was  a true  patriot  and  loved  his  country,  whose  rise,  progress 
and  spreading  glory  he  had  been  permitted  to  witness.  He  had  a fine  constitution, 
a well  wrought,  muscular  frame,  and  enjoyed  most  excellent  health  until  near  the 
close  of  his  pilgrimage.  He  was  fond  of  manual  labor,  and  when  75 
years  of  age  could  use  the  sickle  and  lead  in  the  harvest  field  with  ease.  He  had 
been  a professor  of  religion  for  half  a century  and  a member  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  for  forty-five  years.  He  loved  the  church  and  its  ordinances, 
and  his  seat  was  seldom  vacant  at  the  house  of  worship,  unless  lawfully  hindered. 
When  80  years  old  he  would  walk  one  and  a-half  miles  to  meet  his  brethren  in 
the  house  of  worship.  He  stood  in  their  midst  like  the  aged  forest  oak.  A new 
generation  of  trees  had  sprung  up  about  him,  while  those  who  put  forth  their 
young  branches  when  he  did,  had  all  been  felled  by  the  tempest  of  death — an 
ambassador  of  the  past  generation.  What  a privilige  to  listen  to  the  experiences 
of  a man  who  had  seen  the  snows  of  one  hundred  winters ! Many  a hill  of  diffi- 
culty had  he  climbed  and  trodden  many  a vale  of  humiliation.  How  refreshing 
to  hear  him  say  that  he  “has  never  regretted  setting  forth  on  his  pilgrimage  to  Zion, 
and  that  the  pleasures  are  sweeter  and  the  toils  less  irksome  than  in  youth.” 

How  sweet  the  memory  of  the  venerable  centenarian  who  had  no  fear  of  death. 
He  was  hut  a short  time  confined  to  the  house  or  sick  chamber.  The  noble  taber- 


328 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


nacle  was  at  last  worn  out,  and  the  weary  wheels  of  life  stood  still.  He  had  great 
peace  of  mind,  strong  faith  and  imperishable  hope.  For  a long  time  he  seemed 
conscious  of  the  near  approach  of  death,  and  frequently  expressed  a desire  to 
depart  to  that  beautiful  summer -land  where  “sickness,  pain  and  death  are  felt  and 
feared  no  more.”  On  the  28th  of  June,  1861,  in  the  stillness  and  hush  of  the  early 
morning  twilight,  he  died  without  a struggle,  aged  100  years,  three  months  and 
seventeen  days.  He  was  the  last  survivor  of  the  party  of  scouts  who  patrolled 
the  banks  of  the  Ohio  river  during  the  Indian  war,  which  terminated  in  1794. 
His  children,  five  in  number,  the  fruits  of  his  first  marriage,  are  all  long  since 
dead.  His  grandchildren,  great  grandchildren  and  great  great  grandchildren,  to 
the  number  of  over  one  hundred,  are  distributed  among  eight  of  the  Western 
States  from  Indiana  to  California  and  Oregon,  all  living  in  the  West  except  three 
great  grandchildren,  who  reside  near  Norfolk,  Va. 

Lydia  Oilar  Cuppy,  second  wife  of  John  Cuppy,  was  born  in  Monroe  County 
(now  Greenbrier),  Va.,  Feb.  8,  1798.  She  came  with  her  parents  to  the  vicinity 
of  New  Carlisle,  Clark  County,  who,  in  1811,  settled  on  the  land  now  occupied  by 
John  Williams.  The  following  year  witnessed  the  commencement  of  the  war 
between  Great  Britain  and  the  United  States,  and  the  few  log  cabin  settlers  who 
had  reared  their  primitive  homes  hi  the  Mad  River  Valley  either  volunteered  or 
were  drafted,  and  so  there  remained  at  home  but  here  and  there  a male  member 
of  the  family.  During  the  absence  of  her  father  in  the  war,  she  resided  in  thefami- 
ilies  of  Thomas  Stockstill,  Henry  Williams  and  Capt.  John  Williams,  all  of  which 
men  were  in  the  war.  In  1816  she  was  united  in  marriage  with  Joseph  Russell, 
and  to  them  were  born  four  children,  all  of  whom  are  long  since  deceased.  Mr. 
Russell  died  in  January,  1823,  and  in  October,  1824,  his  widow  married  John 
Cuppy,  with  whom  she  bore  in  common  the  many  trials  incident  to  pioneer  life. 
Since  the  death  of  her  husband  Mrs.  Cuppy  has  resided  with  her  eldest  son,  Henry, 
on  the  old  homestead.  The  second  son,  Fletcher  P.,  has  long  resided  in  Wash- 
ington City,  and  is  an  able  and  successful  practitioner  of  the  law.  Mother  Cuppy 
often  speaks  of  the  many  trials  and  privations  incident  to  pioneer  hfe,  and  the 
unusual  amount  of  hard  labor  that  was  required  to  furnish  the  means  of  subsist- 
ence for  those  bearing  arms  against  a hostile  and  savage  foe.  The  pioneer  women 
of  many  families  were  compelled  to  cultivate  the  few  acres  that  had  been  cleared 
by  their  husbands,  and  perform  all  the  labor  required  of  the  sterner  sex,  but  stimu- 
lated by  a love  of  liberty,  they  labored  with  strong  hands  and  willing  hearts.  In 
early  life  Mrs.  Cuppy  united  with  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  to  use  her 
own  language,  “she  has  long  since  outgrown  the  old  Orthodox  idea  of  religion 
as  advocated  by  the  pulpit — round  dancers  and  hot  gospelers  of  the  early  part 
of  the  nineteenth  century.”  To  attack  these  ideas  and  shake  off  the  superstition 
inculcated  in  our  early  moral  training  requires  an  iron  will  and  a determined  pur- 
pose, and  no  pioneer  woman  is  more  abundantly  blessed  with  these  qualifications 
than  her.  Speaking  of  the  shock  of  the  earthquake  here  in  1812,  she  says  that  the 
ministers  considered  it  as  evidence  of  the  wrath  and  displeasure  of  the  Deity,  and 
the  cyclone  of  the  same  year,  they  spoke  of  as  the  breath  of  an  angry  God.  She 
says  “she  now  believes  in  worshiping  a God  of  love  and  not  a God  of  hate  and 
anger.”  “The  following  stanzas,”  says  Mrs.  Cuppy,  “were,  in  my  girlhood,  sung 
on  funeral  occasions: 


“Pi  aised  be  the  Lord.  I pardoned  am, 

My  spouse,  good  soul,  is  pardoned  too. 

We  shall  be  saved,  through  Christ  the  Lamb, 
In  spite  of  all  that  we  can  do. 

"Our  children,  boys  and  girls,  are  all. 

(By  pious  parents  sanctified,) 

Are  safe  in  grace  what’er  befall, 

For  who  shall  Christ’s  elect  divide? 


"For  others  it  is  nought  to  me 
Who  shall  be  saved,  or  who  be  damned. 
For  grace  shall  still  exi  lted  be. 

And  saints  rejoice  tho’  hell  be  crammed,” 


WAYNE  TOWNSHIP. 


329 


ABRAHAM  DARST,  farmer,  P.  0.,  Fiahburg  Box,  was  bom  in  Miami  County, 
Aug.  20,  1817.  His  father,  Isaac  Darst,  came  to  Ohio,  and  settled  in  this  county 
in  1807.  He  was  married  to  Jane  Morgan  in  1812.  The  result  of  this  union  was 
nine  children,  of  whom  five  are  living,  viz:  Sarah  A.,  Charles,, Abraham,  Mary, 
Isaac.  Abraham,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  obtained  his  education  in  the  common 
schools.  He  was  united  in  marriage  to  Sarah,  daughter  of  Henry  and  Susan 
Deam,  March  21,  1838.  He  rented  land  and  set  out  with  a will  to  gain  some  of  the 
comforts  of  life.  In  1842  he  purchased  the  farm  where  he  now  resides,  containing 
120  acres.  He  has  a large,  commodious  farm  house,  and  has,  with  the  assistance 
of  his  good  and  industrious  wife,  made  many  mateiial  improvements  to  correspond. 
Mrs.  Darst  has  been  a worthy  member  of  the  German  Reformed  Church  for  a 
number  of  years,  and  is  esteemed  by  a large  circle  of  friends  and  all  who  are  brought 
in  contact  with  her.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Darst  are  the  parents  of  three  children,  of 
whom  two  are  living,  viz:  Warran  H.  and  Alvina.  Mr. Darst  has  arrived  at  the 
advanced  age  of  68  years,  and  is  now  reaping  the  reward  of  his  toil  all  through 
life. 

ADAM  DEAM,  farmer,  P.  0.,  Sulphur  Grove,  was  born  April  12,  1817.  His 
father,  Henry,  was  a native  of  Virginia,  and  came  to  Ohio  with  his  father  in  1802, 
and  settled  in  what  is  now  Warren  County,  near  Springsboro.  After  Mont- 
gomery County  rvas  laid  out,  he  moved  to  Wayne  Township.  He  was  imited  in 
marriage  with  Susanna,  daughter  of  Benjamin  Kiser,  in  1813.  They  were  the 
parents  of  seven  children,  of  whom  six  are  living,  viz:  Adam,  Hemy  H.,  Hannah 
A.,  Sarah  A.,  David  W.  and  Lewis  R.  He  purchased  160  acres  that  ■was  covered 
with  a dense  growth  of  timber,  and  built  a cabin,  moved  into  it,  and  went  to  work 
to  put  it  under  cultivation  and  try  to  gain  some  of  the  comforts  of  life.  He  has 
since  added,  by  hard  labor  and  industry,  104  acres,  in  Shelby  County,  making  in 
all  264  acres.  Mr.  Deam  was  summoned  out  of  this  world  in  1862.  His  wife 
survived  him  eight  years.  They  were  both  worthy  members  of  the  German  Re- 
formed Church,  and,  aided  by  their  children,  had  been  consistent  workers  in  the 
advancement  of  religion.  They  were  held  in  high  esteem  by  all  who  knew  them. 
Adam,  the  subject  of  this  memoir,  obtained  his  education  in  the  common  schools, 
was  reared  on  the  farm  and  assisted  his  father  in  agricultural  pursuits  until  he  was 
21  years  of  age,  and  followed  various  pursuits  until  1841,  when  he  was  married  to 
Julia  A.,  daughter  of  John  and  Eliza  Bond.  They  have  one  child,  viz:  Sarah  E., 
(now  Mrs.  J.  S.  Booher).  Mr.  Deam  rented  land  for  seven  years  and  accumulated, 
with  the  assistance  of  his  good  and  industrious  wife,  enough  to  purchase  the  house 
and  farm  where  he  now  resides,  containing  72  acres,  nearly  all  under  cultivation 
and  improved.  They  both  have  been  consistent  members  of  the  German  Reformed 
Church  for  the  past  thirty-three  years.  Mr.  Deam  has  never  been  an  aspirant  for 
office,  but  was  elected  to  the  office  of  Township  Trustee  and  Path  Master  for  a 
number  of  years.  Mr.  Deam  is  now  64  years  of  age ; and  by  industry  has  managed 
to  save  something  to  keep  them  in  their  declining  years. 

JESSE  GARVER,  farmer  and  stockraiser,  P.  O.,  Dayton,  is  one  of  the  enter- 
prising men  of  this  township,  and  was  born  Dec.  5,  1840.  His  father  was  born 
in  Pennsylvania,  June  10,  1800,  and  was  united  in  marriage  with  Mary,  daughter 
of  John  Lucas,  in  1820.  They  were  the  parents  of  sixteen  children,  of  whom  twelve 
are  living,  viz:  Samuel,  Mary,  David  L.,  George  W.,  Liddy,  Margaret,  Sarah, 
Amos  L.,  Jesse  A.,  Catherine,  Malinda  and  John  C.  Jesse,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch,  was  educated  in  the  common  schools,  and  was  brought  up  to  agricultural 
pursuits,  and  remained  with  his  father  until  1862,  when  he  obtained  a position 
as  traveling  salesman  for  Baker  & Co.,  of  the  Geneva  Nursery,  in  New  York 
State,  which  position  he  held  until  1864,  when  he  engaged  in  the  stock  business 
for  himself,  which  he  carried  on  very  extensively,  furnishing  stock  for  the  East- 
ern market  until  1872.  He  purchased  the  place  where  he  now  resides,  contain- 
ing 120  acres,  of  which  100  acres  are  under  a good  state  of  cultivation.  He 
celebrated  his  marriage  with  Lucinda,  daughter  of  Israel  and  Susan  Brower,  in 


330 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


1866.  They  are  the  parents  of  one  child — Clara  B.,  born  Dec.  20,  1877.  Mr. 
Garver  has  a large  and  comfortable  farm  house,  and,  with  the  assistance  of  his 
good  and  industrious  wife,  has  added  many  material  improvements  to  correspond. 
He  is  very  industrious  and  persevering,  and  is  successful  in  all  of  his  business 
transactions,  and  has  accumulated  enough  of  this  world’s  goods  to  enjoy  many  of 
the  comforts  and  luxuries  of  this  life. 

JOHN  M.  GBE1DER,  Bishop,  P.  0.,  Osborn,  Greene  Co.,  was  born  in  Penn- 
sylvania, Feb.  28,  1823.  His  grandfather,  John  Greider,  is  supposed  to  be  a descen- 
dant of  Jacob  Greider,  who  was  one  of  the  oppressed  Menonites,  and  fled  with  Jacob 
Hostator  from  Switzerland  to  Wurtemberg,  taking  nothing  with  them  but  a few 
linens  and  wearing  apparel.  Greider  remained  but  a short  time,  but  emigrated 
to  America,  and,  in  company  with  Hostator,  after  paying  the  brethren  of  their 
faith  a visit  at  Peoquea,  settled  on  the  north  side  of  the  Conestoga,  about  2 miles 
south  from  the  present  site  of  Lancaster.  Here  he  entered  a tract  of  land,  contain- 
ing about  800  acres,  in  1716  or  ’17,  among  the  new  surveys  at  Conestoga.  Here  ■ 
he  erected  a temporary  shelter,  a tent,  covered  with  cloth  brought  from  Switzer- 
land, which  served  him  and  the  family  until  autumn,  when  the  tent  gave  way  to  a 
cabin,  built  of  round,  unhewn  hickory  saplings,  and  covered  with  bark.  When  the 
weather  became  cold,  his  tawny  neighbors,  the  Indians,  paid  him  regular  night 
visits,  to  obtain  shelter  with  him  and  sleep  by  the  side  of  a genial  fire.  They  fre- 
quently supplied  him  with  fresh  fish  and  venison,  which  they  gave  in  exchange 
for  bread.  On  one  of  these  occasions,  Mr.  Greider,  having  that  day  consulted  his 
almanac,  to  regulate  his  clock  by  the  rising  and  setting  sun,  noticed  that  there 
would  be,  in  a few  weeks,  an  eclipse  of  the  moon.  He  informed  his  guests  that 
on  a certain  evening  the  moon  would  hide  her  face.  To  hear  that  the  moon  : 
would  refuse  to  shine,  was  nothing  new  to  them,  as  they  had  seen  eclipses 
before,  but  that  their  white  neighbor  should  possess  so  much  prescience  as  to 
know  this  before-liand,  was  strange  to  them.  At  the  time  specified  for  the  broad- 
faced moon  to  hide  her  disk,  fifty  or  sixty  Indians  assembled'  there.  To  their  | 
utter  astonishment  the  moon’s  face  began  to  lessen.  Profound  silence  pre- 
vailed. Their  spokesman  expressed  the  cogitation  of  their  wonder-stricken 
visitors:  “’Tis  the  white  man’s  God  ’tells  him  this,  else  he  would  not  know  it. ” 
We  will  now  return  to  our  subject.  His  grandfather,  John,  was  born  Feb.  17, 
1764,  and  received  his  education  in  the  common  schools,  which  he  only  had  the 
privilege  of  obtaining  at  certain  times,  but  by  making  good  use  of  his  time  and 
being  studious  in  his  habits,  he  acquired  a fair  understanding,  and  was  well  fitted  to 
discharge  the  many  responsibilities  incident  to  his  ministerial  duties,  and  was  a 
regularly  ordained  Minister  of  the  Menonite  Church.  He  was  united  in  marriage 
with  Martha  Hertzler,  and  was  the  father  of  seven  children,  viz:  Elizabeth,  John, 
Christian,  Jacob,  Maria,  Michael,  Martha,  of  whom  three  are  living,  viz:  Christian, 
Maria  (now  Mrs.  Herr),  Martha  (now  Mrs.  Funk).  His  father,  Christian,  was 
born  Nov.  8,  1799.  He  obtained  his  education  in  the  common  schools,  and  was 
brought  up  to  farm  labor.  He  was  united  in  marriage  with  Susan,  daughter  of 
Benjamin  and  Elizabeth  (Coffman)  Miller,  in  1812,  and  purchased  land  of  his 
father  to  the  amount  of  134  acres,  of  which  about  90  acres  were  under  a good  state 
of  cultivation  and  improved.  They  were  the  parents  of  twelve  children,  of  whom 
nine  are  living,  viz:  John  M.,  Benjamin  M.,  Jacob  M.,  Amos  M.,  Elizabeth,  Susan, 
Anna,  Mary,  Barbara.  John  M.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  obtained  his  education 
in  the  common  schools,  which  he  did  not  have  the  opportunity  of  attending  very  1 
regularly,  but,  by  close  attention  and  studious  habits,  he  acquired  a fair  under- 
standing, and  was  well  fitted  to  discharge  the  duties  that  were  laid  upon  him.  He 
was  brought  up  to  farm  labor,  and  assisted  his  father  with  the  duties  incident  to 
a farmer’s  life,  and  remained  at  home  until  1847,  when  he  was  united  in  marriage  ; 
with  Anna,  daughter  of  John  and  Fanny  Erb.  They  rented  land  and  took  hold 
■with  an  indomitable  will  to  make  a home  and  try  to  gain  some  of  the  comforts  of  | 
life.  In  1856  they  set  out  to  try  their  fortune  in  the  great  West,  and  followed  the 


WAYNE  TOWNSHIP. 


331 


tide  of  emigration  that  was  flowing  westward  at  that  time,  and  settled  in  Clark 
County,  where  he  remained  but  a short  time,  and  purchased  the  farm  where  he 
now  resides,  containing  160  acres  and  a large  and  commodious  farm  house,  and 
has  added,  with  the  assistance  of  his  good  and  noble  wife,  many  other  material 
improvements  to  correspond.  They  are  the  parents  of  thirteen  children,  of  whom 
ten  are  living,  viz:  Samuel  E.,  Tobias  E.,  Barbara  E.,  Mary  E.,  Susanna  E., 
Christian  E.,  John  E.,  Benjamin  E.,  Jacob  E.  and  Elizabeth.  Mr.  Greider  organ- 
ized the  first  Menonite  Congregation  in  this  county,  and  was  ordained  as  Deacon 
Dec.  15,  1861,  and  was  regularly  ordained  as  Minister,  Dec.  20,  1862,  and  was 
well  qualified  for  the  responsibilities  incident  to  his  ministerial  duties.  He  organ- 
ized and  held  meetings  in  his  home  and  in  the  school  houses  in  the  neighborhood, 
and  finally  erected  a church  in  Clark  County,  where  they  assemble  and  are  actively 
working  for  the  conversion  of  souls,  and  have  succeeded  in  bringing  a large  con- 
gregation together.  The  church  is  now  in  a prosperous  condition.  Mr.  Greider 
was  ordained  as  Bishop  in  1872,  thus  showing  the  confidence  and  esteem  that  the 
congregation  held  him  in,  to  bestow  the  highest  honors  of  the  church  upon  him. 
Mr.  Greider  is  now  58  years  old;  he  furnishes  an  example  for  future  generations, 
that  is  worthy  of  their  imitation. 

ABRAM  H.  KENDIG,  farmer;  P.  0.,  Osborn  Greene  Co.  The  subject  of  this 
sketch  was  bom  in  Lancaster  Co.,  Pa.,  May  17,  1823,  and  was  reared  to  agri- 
cultural pursuits  in  his  native  county,  until  February  1849,  when  he  emigrated  to 
Ohio  and  located  upon  his  present  farm,  where  he  has  lived  for  a period  of  thirty- 
two  years.  He  has  a farm  of  nearly  200  acres,  in  Montgomery  and  Clark  Counties, 
nearly  all  under  a high  state  of  cultivation,  largely  brought  to  this  condition  by  his 
own  personal  exertions.  He  has  taken  a deep  interest  in  religion,  having  been  a 
member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  for  a period  of  twenty  years ; his  wife 
has  also  been  a member  of  the  same  church  for  forty  years.  He  has  been  twice 
married.  His  first  wife  was  Miss  Maria  Rohrer,  of  Lancaster  Co.,  Pa.  She  died 
in  1850,  leaving  two  children,  Elizabeth  and  Mary  Ann.  The  latter  is  now  dead, 
and  the  former  living  in  Clark  County.  Feb.  10,  1852,  he  married  Miss  Elizabeth 
Shepherd,  born  in  Lancaster  Co.,  Pa.,  May  4,  1828,  one  of  six  children  born  to 
Henry  L.  and  Susan  (Sherer)  Shepherd,  who  came  west  with  their  family  in  1834. 
Her  father  emigrated  to  this  country  wdth  his  sister  in  1816,  and  her  mother  w'as 
a daughter  of  Gottlieb  Sherer,  a farmer  and  distiller  of  Lancaster  Co.,  Pa.  By  this 
his  second  marriage  Mr.  Kendig  had  five  children,  viz:  John  W.,  Susan  A.,  and 
Albert  N.,  nowT  dead,  and  Henry  F.,  now  married  and  living  on  the  home  place, 
and  Susie  Emma,  aged  16  years,  and  living  at  home  with  her  parents.  Mr.  Kendig 
is  the  youngest  son  of  John  K.,  who  died  in  October,  previous  to  our  subject’s  birth, 
leaving  a widow  and  six  children  to  mourn  his  loss.  The  widow,  who  was  one  of 
the  best  of  mothers,  and  a good  Christian  woman,  raised  the  family  in  the  fear  of 
God,  and  had  her  reward  in  seeing  them  all  reach  the  age  of  discretion,  as  sober, 
industrious,  Christian  men  and  women.  A full  history  of  the  Shepherd  family 
will  be  found  in  the  biography  of  Robert  Sloan,  in  this  work. 

THOMAS  B.  MINNICH,  teacher  and  Justice  of  the  Peace;  P.  O.,  Sulphur 
Grove,  was  born  Jan.  7,  1843,  in  Clark  County.  His  grandfather,  Peter,  was  a 
native  of ‘York  Co.,  Pa.  He  was  united  in  marriage  with  Martha  Stevenson,  about 
1814.  They  were  the  parents  of  eight  children,  of  whom  four  are  living  at  the 
time  of  writing,  viz:  Andrew  J.,  Martin  V.,  Thomas  B.  and  Rosetta  M.  Mr. 
Minnich  was  a patriot  of  the  war  of  1812,  and  by  occupation  a farmer.  He  emi- 
grated to  Ohio  and  located  in  Clark  County,  about  1822,  when  it  was  yet  a wilder- 
ness, and  entered  a tract  of  land  containing  200  acres,  which  was  covered  with  a 
dense  growth  of  timber.  He  built  a log  cabin  and  went  to  work  with  an  indomitable 
will  to  try  and  gain  some  of  the  comforts  of  life.  He  was  summoned  out  of  this 
world  by  the  angel  of  death  in  1842,  and  his  wife  survived  him  thirty  years.  He 
never  identified  himself  with  any  church,  but  lived  a moral  life.  His  father, 
Arthur,  was  born  in  1820,  and  was  united  in  marriage  with  Sarah  Flick,  in  1841. 


332 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 


He  received  liis  education  in  the  common  schools  and  taught  one  winter  prior  to 
his  marriage.  He  cultivated  his  father’s  farm  until  his  decease  in  1848,  leaving 
one  child,  viz:  Thomas  B.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  who  obtained  his  primary- 
education  in  the  common  schools,  and  received  a scientific  course  at  the  Normal 
School  at  Lebanon,  and  followed  teaching  through  the  winter  until  the  present,  and 
was  engaged  in  the  fruit  tree  business  in  the  summer  for  nine  years,  at  which  he 
was  very  successful,  accumulating  a fine  property.  He  was  elected  to  the  office  of 
Justice  of  the  Peace  in  1879.  Mr.  Minnicli  was  united  in  marriage  with  Clara  S., 
daughter  of  Frederick  and  Sophia  K.  Croft,  in  1876.  He  was  the  parent  of  one 
child,  who  died  m infancy. 

JACOB  NEFF,  farmer;  P.O., Osborn,  Greene  Co., was  born  in  Lancaster  Co.,  Pa., 
Nov.  20,  1815.  He  is  a son  of  John  Neff,  who  was  born  in  Lancaster  Co.,  Pa.,  about 
the  year  1780.  He  was  a farmer  and  weaver  and  married  Elizabeth  Scherer,  by 
whom  he  had  eleven  children.  Of  these,  four  sons  and  four  daughters  are  now  living, 
viz:  Susan,  Henry,  Jacob,  (our  subject,)  Elizabeth,  Nancy,  Daniel,  Matthew  and 
David.  All  live  in  Ohio  except  the  latter,  who  is  a physician  in  Kingston,  Mis- 
souri. Our  subject  was  reared  to  agricultural  pursuits  in  Lancaster  County  until 
he  was  18  years  of  age,  when,  in  1884,  he  emigrated  with  his  parents  and  their 
family  to  Ohio,  and  located  in  Clark  County.  In  the  year  following,  1835,  they 
came  to  Montgomery  and  located  on  the  farm  now  occupied  by  Jacob,  where  the 
latter  has  since  lived.  In  1852  his  father  removed  to  Clark  County,  where  his 
death  occurred  May  12,  1873.  When  his  father  moved  to  Clark  County,  Jacob  and 
his  brother  David  took  the  Montgomery  County  farm  and  worked  it  on  shares  fcr 
six  years.  After  this  Jacob  farmed  it  four  years  on  shares,  and  then  purchased  it 
of  his  father.  He  now  owns  some  350  acres  of  land  in  Clark  and  Montgomery 
Counties,  300  of  which  is  under  a high  state  of  cultivation,  and  containing  three 
sets  of  good  farm  buildings.  He  married  Mary  Harnish,  who  was  also  a native  of 
Lancaster  County,  March  9,  1852.  They  had  twelve  children,  nine  of  whom  are 
now  living,  viz:  Hetty,  Albert,  Elizabeth,  Frank,  Mary,  Jacob,  Jr.,  Emma,  Henry 
and  Christian.  All  of  these  are  now  living  at  home,  except  Lletty,  who  married  : 
C.  K.  Brenner,  an  estimable  farmer  of  this  township. 

ROBERT  SLOAN,  retired  farmer;  P.  O.,  Osborn,  Greene  County.  The  fam- 
ily  whose  genealogy  we  here  trace,  was  one  of  those  widely  connected  pioneer 
families,  which  came  to  this  State  from  Pennsylvania,  when  our  country  was  yet 
new  and  wild.  It  has  been  truly  said,  that  these  early  fathers  formed  the  founda- 
tion on  which  the  glorious  State  of  Ohio  has  since  been  built.  Moved  by  a spirit  j 
of  adventure,  or  stories  told  concerning  the  hidden  wealth  of  the  New  World,  they 
left  their  comfortable  homes  in  their  native  land,  and  came  here  to  subdue  a 
wilderness  and  lend  a helping  hand  to  the  works  of  civilization.  Many  of  them 
came  from  the  Emerald  Isle.  Among  these  was  the  great-grandfather  of  the  man 
whose  name  heads  this  sketch.  Lie  was  born  in  the  County  Antrim,  Ireland,  and 
came  to  this  country  about  the  time  William  Penn  died,  in  1718.  He  was  a 
member  of  the  seceding  branch  of  the  Protestant  Church.  He  settled  and  com- 
menced his  farm  labor  in  Lebanon  Co.,  Pa.  Of  his  wife  or  marriage  we  can  learn 
nothing  further, than  that  by  her  he  had  born  to  him  two  sons.  One  of  these  emi- 
grated to  the  great  West  and  was  never  heard  of  afterward.  The  other,  who  was 
the  grandfather  of  our  subject,  settled  on  a farm  eight  miles  north-west  of  his 
father.  He  married  a lady  of  his  neighborhood  named  Mower.  Shortly  after 
marriage  he  united  with  the  Presbyterian  Church,  in  which  he  was  for  a longtime 
ruling  elder.  He  was  the  father  of  five  sons  and  two  daughters,  viz:  John,  Robert, 
Alexander,  James,  William,  Isabella  and  Jane.  He  owned  three  farms,  on  which  » 
he  placed  John,  James  and  William.  Robert  and  Alexander  became  cabinet 
makers.  John,  the  eldest  son  and  father  of  our  subject,  was  married  to  Miss 
Elizabeth  French,  March  27,  1792,  and  had  by  her  four  sons  and  nine  daughters, 
as  follows:  Alexander,  John  F.,  James,  Robert,  Jane,  Eliza,  Sallie,  Mary,  Isabella, 
Margaret,  Martha,  Nancy  and  Lucinda.  At  the  time  of  his  marriage,  John  was 


WAYNE  TOWNSHIP. 


333 


25  and  liis  wife  16  years  of  age.  He  took  the  farm  his  father  gave  him  and  at 
once  commenced  putting  it  under  cultivation,  making  improvements  on  it  from 
time  to  time,  as  required.  He  also  erected  a distillery  and  established  a hue  of 
freight  teams  for  hauling  merchandise  from  Philadelphia  to  Pittsburg.  Shortly 
after  this,  Alexander  left  home  to  take  charge  of  a farm  in  Lycoming  County,  John 
F.  left  to  leam  a trade,  and  death  claimed  three  daughters  and  one  son,  James, 
leaving  the  father  with  no  help  other  than  that  afforded  by  his  youngest  son, 
Robert,  our  subject,  who  was  at  this  time  but  nine  years  old.  Thus  matters  stood 
until  the  spring  of  1883,  when,  having  disposed  of  his  property,  he  procured  horses 
and  conveyances,  and  on  April  1st  started  with  his  family  for  Ohio,  where  he 
arrived  in  21  days,  stopping  in  Wayne  Township,  Montgomery  County,  ten  miles 
north  of  Dayton,  on  the  farm  formerly  owned  by  Levi  Jennings  and  afterwards  by 
Samuel  Barnett.  Not  finding  any  land  suiting  him  better  than  that  on  which  he 
first  stopped,  he  bought  220  acres  of  it,  with  an  unfinished  brick  house  -which 
stood  on  it.  This  land  was  called  then  well  improved,  having  been  partially 
cleared,  and  containing  a log  barn  of  moderate  proportions,  and  a Virginia  worm 
fence,  ten  rails  high,  around  the  door-yard.  Here  he  found  the  horse-weed  to 
be  the  farmer's  greatest  adversary,  as  it  would  soon  grow  to  the  height  of  ten  and 
fifteen  feet  unless  closely  watched.  Having  now  arrived  at  the  age  of  63  years,  Mr. 
Sloan  confided  all  his  business  to  his  son,  Robert,  as  he  was  getting  too  old  to 
manage  it.  On  the  11th  of  Sept.,  1847,  his  wife  died,  and  lie  followed  her  on  Lie 
3rd  of  December  following.  His  wife’s  father  was  of  Scotch-Irish  parents,  born 
aboard  ship  while  they  were  coming  to  America.  Her  mother  was  of  Holland 
Dutch  descent  and  a native  of  New  Jersey.  Her  ancestors  came  to  this  country  in 
1623,  when  New  Jersey  was  colonized.  Her  father  and  mother,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
French,  were  married  about  1767,  and  had  one  son  and  two  daughters,  James, 
Elizabeth  and  J ane  French.  They  kept  a public  house  on  their  farm  on  the  main 
road  from  Harrisburg  to  Jonestown,  sixteen  mules  northeast  of  Harrisburg.  Mr. 
F.  died  in  early  life,  and  his  wife  carried  on  the  business  until  the  close  of  the  revo- 
lutionary war,  when  she  was  married  again  to  a revolutionary  veteran  named  James 
Dixon.  They  both  lived  on  the  old  farm  to  a ripe  old  age.  Of  the  other  members 
of  the  Sloan  family,  Robert,  the  second  son,  (brother  of  John,)  was  a citizen  of 
Harrisburg,  where  he  prosecuted  a very  successful  business.  He  married  Sarah 
McCormick,  March  28,  1799,  and  had  by  her  six  children,  Alexander,  John,  Wil- 
liam, Eliza,  Isabella  and  Mary  Jane.  Their  first  son  and  daughter  are  yet  living; 
the  rest  have  gone  to  that  “undiscovered  country  from  whose  bourne  no  traveler 
returns.”  Their  youngest  son,  William,  died  at  St.  Paul,  Minn.,  March  17,  1880, 
at  the  age  of  65  years,  43  of  which  had  been  spent  in  the  medical  department  of  the 
regular  army.  He  was  in  the  Seminole  war  in  Florida,  in  the  Mexican  war  and 
the  war  of  the  rebellion,  in  which  latter  he  was  made  Colonel  “for  meritorious  ser- 
vices at  various  military  posts.”  Alexander,  the  third  son,  married  Miss  Jane 
French,  and  settled  in  Williamport  on  the  Susquehannali  river.  He  raised  a fam- 
ily of  six  children,  Robert,  French,  Alexander,  Maria,  Eliza  and  Mary.  James,  the 
fourth  son,  married  Miss  Nancy  M.  Creight,  and  had  also  a family  of  six  children, 
Alexander,  James,  William,  Jennett,  Elizabeth  and  Sarah  Mary.  He  settled  on 
the  farm  given  to  him  by  his  father.  They  were  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  then  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Rev.  James  Snodgrass.  William,  the 
youngest  son,  was  never  married.  He  remained  on  the  home  farm  with  his  sister 
Elizabeth.  Of  him  we  greatly  regret  to  say,  that  he  was  the  only  one  of  this  exten- 
sive connection  that  ever  became  addicted  to  the  use  of  strong  drink.  He  died  in 
middle  life.  Jane,  the  youngest  daughter,  married  Alexander  Bell,  and  had  two 
children,  Alexander  and  Ann.  Of  the  family  of  John  Sloan,  Alexander,  the  eldest 
son  who  remained  in  Pennsylvania,  married  Elizabeth  Crook,  and  had  six  children, 
viz:  John,  James,  William,  Mary,  Elizabeth  and  Lucy.  John  died  young  and  the 
rest  are  still  living.  After  his  father’s  removal  to  Ohio,  he  also  disposed  of  his  prop- 
erty, and  following  his  father,  settled  on  part  of  the  same  farm.  J.  F.,the  next 


334 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES  : 


brother,  was  bom  Aug.  23,  1802,  and  at  the  age  of  sixteen  learned  the  cabinet 
making  trade.  He  spent  some  time  in  traveling,  but  finally  settled  in  New  York 
State,  where  he  remained  until  1835,  when  for  his  health  he  also  came  to  Ohio. 
Here  he  remained  until  after  the  death  of  his  father.  He  then  went  to  Indiana- 
polis, Ind.,  and  shortly  afterward  turned  his  property  into  money,  with  which 
lie  bought  horses,  cattle  and  wagons,  and  in  company  with  others  from  Indiana- 
polis, started  with  a wagon  train  for  Oregon  Territory.  It  is  said  he  owned  the 
larger  part  of  the  train.  In  the  spring  of  1852  they  left  Indianapolis,  and  nothing 
more  was  heard  of  J.  F.,  until  the  latter  part  July  of  that  year,  when  a letter  was 
received  from  one  of  the  company,  saying  that  on  the  2nd  of  July  they  had  camped 
on  the  north  branch  of  the  river  Platt,  and  that  on  the  morning  of  the  third  Mr 
Sloan  mounted  his  horse  and  started  driving  his  cattle  through  the  river,  but  while 
doing  so  he  fell  from  his  horse  and  was  drowned.  A rather  suspicious  feature  of 
this  case  is  that  Mr.  S.  had  $200,  a gold  watch  and  other  valuables  on  his  person, 
and  though  they  searched  for  the  body  it  was  never  recovered,  nor  has  it  been 
heard  of  to  this  day.  If  the  above  be  true,  he  died  on  the  3rd  of  July,  1852,  aged 
43  years  and  8 months.  He  was  in  life  a member  in  good  standing  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  James,  who  was  born  Dec.  5,  1809,  died  when 
only  16  years  of  age.  Robert,  whose  name  appears  at  the  head  of  this  sketch, 
was  born  in  Lebanon  Co.,  Pa.,  Sept.  7,  1811,  and  came  to  Ohio  with  his  father. 

In  religious  belief  he  followed  in  the  footprints  of  his  ancestors.  At  the  age 
of  21  years  he  united  with  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  West  Hanover  Township, 
Dauphin  Co.,  Pa.,  of  which  he  continued  a zealous  and  leading  member  until 
his  removal  to  Ohio,  when  he  was  obliged  to  sever  his  church  relationship.  He 
however  united  with  the  church  of  the  same  denomination  in  Bath  Township, 
Green  County,  immediately  on  his  arrival  here.  He  is  now,  together  with  the  rest 
of  his  family,  a member  of  the  Osborn  Presbyterian  Church.  During  the  whole  of  j| 
his  father’s  life  the  entire  management  of  the  farm  devolved  on  Robert,  and  it 
could  not  have  fallen  into  better  hands,  for  the  father’s  care  of  his  own  property  I 
could  not  have  exceeded  the  son’s  care  of  his  father’s  property.  He  was  married  to 
Miss  Mary  A.  Shepherd,  Wayne  Township,  this  County,  Dec.  15,  1846,  and  had  born 
to  him  by  her  one  son  and  two  daughters,  whose  names  and  dates  of  birth  are  as 
follows:  Susie  E.,  born  June  16,  1848;  Henry  C.,  born  June  1,  1851,  and  Mary 
E.,  born  June  27,  1854.  Susie  received  a liberal  education,  which  enabled  her  to 
enter  the  ranks  of  school  teachers,  after  which  she  married  H.  H.  Kneisley. 
Henry  C.  married  Miss  Nancy  J.  Dille,  of  Clark  Co.,  Ohio,  Feb.  19,  1871.  Mary 
E.  married  J.  H.  Barkman,  Sept.  28,  1876.  He  is  an  enterprising  and  influential 
merchant  of  Osborn.  Before  leaving  this  family,  we  desire  to  say  a word  concern- 
ing Mr.  Sloan’s  standing  in  the  neighborhood,  and  indeed,  wherever,  he  is  known, 
for  all  who  know  him  bear  their  testimony  of  his  honesty,  integrity  and  worth.  He 
is  one  of  the  very  few  perfectly  honest  men  of  to-day.  Speaking  of  him,  one  friend 
says,  “His  word  is  as  good  as  his  bond,  and  loss  of  life  would  not  tempt  him  to 
violate  either.”  He  is  a conscientious  and  consistent  member  of  the  church;  an 
indulgent  and  loving  father;  and  a thoughtful  and  devoted  husband.  He  is  gladly- 
accorded  a place  in  this  work.  His  wife,  Mary  A.  Sloan,  was  born  in  Lancaster 
Co.,  Pa.,  Nov.  8,  1822.  Her  father,  H.  L.  Shepherd,  was  a native  of  the  village 
of  Villars,  in  the  Canton  Berne,  Switzerland,  where  he  was  born  Dec.  17,  ,1799. 

He  came  to  this  country  in  1816,  as  company  for  his  sister,  who  had  married  a 
gentleman  of  this  country  under  the  following  circumstances:  Mr.  Flotron,  a 
jeweler,  (the  gentleman  referred  to  above,)  a native  of  Lancaster,  Pa.,  who  was 
on  a traveling  tour  in  Europe,  became  acquainted  with  the  Shepherd  family,  who 
were  also  jewelers,  and  took  a liking  to  their  daughter,  Mary  A.,  the  sister  referred  ! 
to  above.  He  asked  her  hand  in  marriage,  but  she  being  an  only  daughter,  the 
parents  refused  to  let  her  leave  them,  and  Mr.  Flotron  was  compelled  to  return  to 
America  without  her.  He  had  been  here  but  a short  time  before  he  concluded 
that  she  was  necessary  to  his  happiness,  and  he  accordingly  returned  to  Switzer- 


WAYNE  TOWNSHIP. 


335- 


land  tcfagain  press  his  suit.  This  time  he  was  successful,  and  they  were  married. 
The  parents  resolved  to  send  her  youngest  brother  with  her,  to  see  her  safe  in  her 
new  home  and  then  return  to  them.  They  started  in  1816,  and  after  a rough 
voyage  landed  at  New  York,  and  from  there  went  to  Lancaster,  Pa.,  the  groom’s 
home.  During  their  voyage  over  they  met  with  frequent  storms,  and  in  one 
instance  were  wrecked  and  almost  lost.  After  arriving  at  their  home,  the 
sister,  not  liking  to  be  left  alone,  induced  her  brother  to  remain  with  her  and  not 
to  return  home.  He  therefore  entered  the  employ  of  Gottlieb  Scherer,  a farmer 
and  distiller,  with  whom  he  remained  until  1821.  In  this  year  he  married  Miss 
Susan  Sherer,  sister  of  his  employer,  and  had  by  her  six  children,  three  sons  and 
three  daughters,  one  of  the  latter  afterward  becoming  Mr.  Sloan's  wife.  In  the 
spring  of  1833  he  emigrated  to  Ohio,  and  died  Jan.  4,  1861,  being  followed  by  his 
wife,  who  died  Feb.  4,  1864.  Mrs.  Flotron  (nee  Shepherd)  having  lost  her 
husband,  returned  to  her  parents  in  Switzerland,  with  one  son  and  one  daughter. 
She  lived  to  a ripe  old  age.  Her  grand-son,  Leo  Flotron,  emigrated  to  America 
in  1866,  and  engaged  in  jeweling  in  the  city  of  Dayton.  He  was  a highly  esteemed 
citizen  and  had  the  respect  of  all.  He  married  Miss  Kate  Rouzer,  and  had  by  her 
one  son,  whose  name  was  John  R.  His  biography  will  be  found  among  the 
sketches  of  Dayton,  in  another  part  of  this  work.  We  have,  in  the  above,  men- 
tioned the  four  brothers  of  our  subject,  sons  of  John  Sloan,  Sr.,  and  we  will  now 
speak  of  the  nine  sisters.  Jane  was  born  May  10,  1767.  She  was  never  married, 
but  resided  with  her  father  until  his  death,  when  she  went  to  Jay  Co.,  Ind.,  where 
she  died.  Eliza  was  born  Nov.  28,  1795,  and  died  June  27, 1819.  Salhewasbom 
July  21,  1797,  and  was  married  to  John  Caldwell,  by  whom  she  had  two  children, 
J.  B.  and  Sarah.  She  died  while  visiting  her  father,  Oct.  27,  1822.  Mary  was 
bom  March  26,  1799,  and  married  John  Brown,  by  whom  she  had  one  son,  James, 
the  father  of  the  present  James  Brown,  of  New  Carlisle.  Her  husband  died  and 
she  came  to  Ohio  with  her  father,  and  married  here  the  second  time  to  John  Paul, 
the  first  settler  of  Clark  County.  Isabella  was  born  June  17,  1801.  She  married 
John  Gilfilen  and  had  one  daughter,  who  married  Isaac  Shartel,  of  Clark  County. 
Mr.  Shartel  and  wife  moved  to  Minnesota,  and  from  there  to  Florida,  where  they 
now  live.  Margaret  was  born  Jan.  19,  1805.  She  married  William  McFarland, 
and  had  by  him  four  sons  and  four  daughters.  They  came  to  Ohio  in  1832,  and 
lived  in  Wayne  Township,  this  County,  a number  of  years,  after  which  they  moved 
to  Jay  Co.,  Ind.  Martha  was  born  Dec.  21,  1809,  and  came  to  Ohio  with  her 
father.  Here  she  married  Stewart  Forgy,  of  Clark  County,  and  had  three  sons  and 
two  daughters.  Her  husband  died,  leaving  her  with  a young  family  to  care  for, 
but  she  did  not  survive  him  long.  Nancy  was  born  -July  5,  1813,  and  came  to 
Wayne  Township  in  1833,  where  she  resided  with  her  father  until  June  21,  1841, 
when  she  married  Rev.  Franklin  Berryhill,  of  Green  County.  She  was  the  mother 
of  two  sons  and  two  daughters.  She  died  June  13,  1864,  aged  51  years,  1 mouth 
and  8 days.  Lucinda  was  born  July  5,  1814.  She  was  with  her  father’s  family 
when  they  came  to  Ohio,  March  5,  1835.  She  married  Caleb  Quick,  of  Clark 
County,  who  was  born  March  16,  1812.  They  had  five  children,  three  sonsmnd 
two  daughters.  Mr.  Quick  was  a farmer  until  his  father’s  death,  when  he  became 
a merchant.  He  afterward  became  licensed  to  preach  by  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church.  He  also  studied  medicine  and  moved  to  New  Waverly,  Ind.,  where  he 
practiced  the  latter  profession  a number  of  years.  He  died  Jan.  16,  1876,  leav- 
ing two  sons  practicing  medicine  in  his  stead,  and  a wife  and  family  to  mourn  the 
loss  of  a loving  father  and  devoted  husband.  This  closes  a sketch  of  one  of  those 
good  old  Presbyterian  families  who  have  done  so  much  toward  making  our  country 
what  it  is  to-day.  There  are  pages  that  might  be  written  of  them,  but  for  want  of 
space  we  forbear. 

SAMUEL  STRASBURG,  wagon  maker  and  farmer;  P.  0.,  Sulphur  Grove. 
The  gentleman  whose  name  heads  this  sketch  is  one  of  the  prominent  men  of  this 
township,  and  is  one  that  has  made  Wayne  Township  what  it  is  to-day.  He  was 


336 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


born  in  Maryland,  July  19,  1819.  His  father  was  a native  of  Germany,  and  came 
to  America  and  settled  in  Maryland  at  a very  early  date.  He  was  united  in  mar- 
riage with  Miss  Fenderberg.  They  were  the  parents  of  five  children ; hut  one  is 
living  at  the  time  of  writing.  Mrs.  Strasburg  was  summoned  out  of  this  world 
about  1800.  Mr.  Strasburg  came  to  Ohio  and  settled  in  Clark  County  in  1801, 
and  entered  a tract  of  land  containing  about  150  acres,  covered  with  a dense 
growth  of  timber,  and  immediately  went  to  work  to  clear  it  up  and  put  it  uuder 
cultivation.  He  was  united  in  marriage  with  his  second  wife  about  1803.  They 
were  the  parents  of  nine  children,  of  whom  four  are  living  at  the  time  of  writing, 
viz:  Jacob,  Samuel,  Frederick  and  Nancy.  Samuel,  the  subject  of  this  sketch, 
was  educated  in  the  district  schools  of  the  county.  He  applied  all  His  spare  time 
at  night  to  his  studies,  and  has  acquired  a fair  knowledge  of  reading,  writing  and 
arithmetic.  He  assisted  his  father  on  the  farm  until  he  was  seventeen,  when  he 
engaged  with  his  brother  to  learn  the  wagon  maker’s  trade  and  served  three  years. 
He  took  for  his  wife  Mary  A.,  daughter  of  Henry  and  Elizabeth  Brandenberg,  in 
1841,  and  started  in  business  for  himself  and  carried  it  on  successfully  until  1854, 
when  he  purchased  the  farm  where  he  now  resides,  containing  80  acres,  which  he 
cultivated  in  connection  with  his  shop.  They  are  the  parents  of  seven  children. 
Magdaline,  Catharine,  John  W.,  Naomi  and  Charles  are  living.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Strasburg  are  both  members  of  the  German  Reformed  Church,  and  their 
children  are  laborers  with  them  in  the  cause  of  religion.  Mr.  Strasburg  is  now  61 
years  old;  he  has  succeeded  in  accumulating  enough  of  this  world’s  goods  to  keep 
them  until  the  angel  of  death  summon  them  to  their  last  abode. 

JACOB  E.  ZEDEKER,  farmer;  P.  O.,  Fishberg  Box.  Among  the  early 
pnoneers  of  this  county  that  are  worthy  of  mention  in  this  work,  is  Jacob  E.  Zedeker, 
bom  Sept.  20,  1813.  His  father,  John,  -was  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  and  came 
to  Ohio  in  1805,  when  it  was  yet  a wilderness.  Fie  was  the  father’  of  seven 
children,  of  whom  six  are  living,  viz:  Daniel,  Catharine,  Sarah,  Elizabeth,  Mary 
and  Jacob,  the  subject  of  this  memoir,  who  obtained  his  education  in  the  district  Ij 
schools  of  the  country,  when  greased  paper  was  used  for  windows  and  clapboards  I 
for  seats.  He  did  not  have  the  privilege  of  attending  school  very  regularly,  but 
being  studious  in  his  habits,  he  acquired  a fair  understanding  of  the  English 
language.  He  assisted  his  father  with  the  farm  duties  until  his  marriage  with 
Mary,  daughter  of  William  and  Mary  Campbell,  in  1833.  They  were  the  parents 
of  nine  children,  of  whom  eight  are  now  living,  viz:  John  W.,  Elizabeth  M.,  Mary  | 
M.,  Sarah  J.,  Martha  A.,  Julia  A.,  Daniel  S.,  Jacob  E.,  and  an  adopted  son, 
Clemet  Y.  Slanker.  He  rented  land  of  his  father,  and  at  the  death  of  his  parents, 
purchased  the  interest  of  the  heirs.  It  contained  142  acres,  nearly  all  in  a high 
state  of  cultivation  and  well  improved.  Mrs.  Zedeker  is  a member  of  the  United 
Brethren  Church,  and  the  children  are  co-workers  with  her  in  the  cause  of  religion. 
Mr.  Zedeker  has,  with  the  assistance  of  his  good  wife,  accumulated  enough  of  this 
world’s  goods  to  keep  them  in  their  declining  years. 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP. 


337 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP. 

ALFRED  N.  ATKINSON,  farmer,  P.  0.  New  Lebanon,  born  in  Maryland 
April  19,  1826,  is  a son  of  John  and  Catharine  (Warvel)  Atkinson,  he  a native  of 
Pennsylvania  and  she  of  Maryland.  The  maternal  grandfather,  John  Warvel,  was  a 
native  of  Maryland,  but  emigrated  to  Ohio  and  located  in  Perry  Township,  this  county, 
in  1833,  and  bore  his  full  share  of  the  hardships  of  pioneer  life,  most  of  this  country 
being  still  an  unbroken  wilderness  with  but  few  roads,  and  those  the  worst  kind  of  mud 
roads.  His  wife  died  in  Perry  Township,  aged  seventy  years,  after  which  he  came  into 
Jackson  Township  and  spent  the  rest  of  his  life  with  his  grandson,  our  subject;  he 
died  in  1844,  aged  seventy-one  years.  John  and  Catharine  Atkinson  had  one  child, 
Alfred  N.,  and  he,  when  about  seven  years  of  age,  with  his  mother  and  grandfather 
Warvel  and  his  family,  came  to  Ohio  at  the  date  above  mentioned.  A few  years  after 
their  arrival  here,  his  mother  was  married  to  Daniel  DeRush,  with  whom  she  lived  till 
his  death,  which  occurred  in  1856,  since  which  time  she  has  lived  with  our  subject. 
She  is  now  quite  old  and  feeble,  being  in  her  eighty-second  year.  Our  subject  was 
raised  to  farm  labor,  growing  up  to  manhood  familiar  with  all  the  hardships  of  those 
early  days,  and  upon  the  same  farm  where  he  now  resides,  being  the  old  home  place  of 
his  step-father;  and,  as  he  had  no  children  of  his  own,  Mr.  Atkinson  at  his  death  be- 
came heir  to  his  property  and  here  he  has  resided  to  the  present  time — a continued 
residence  of  nearly  a half-century.  Mr.  Atkinson  was  married,  April  17,  1873,  to 
Catherine,  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Magdalene  (Gross)  Orth,  natives  of  Bavaria,  Ger- 
many, who  emigrated  to  America  about  1836  and  located  in  Jackson  Township,  this 
county,  on  the  farm  now  owned  by  John  Kiger.  He  died  in  Mad  River  Township  in 
1852 ; his  wife  is  still  living,  now  residing  in  Dayton.  They  had  three  children — 
Adam  Leo,  Catharine  and  Mary  B.  Mr.  Atkinson  has  a good  farm  of  seventy-six 
acres,  upon  which  he  ha3  erected  good,  substantial  buildings,  and  has  good  improve- 
ments, with  everything  comfortable  and  convenient  around  him.  He  and  wife  are 
worthy  members  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church. 

JOHN  BOWMAN,  farmer,  P.  0.  New  Lebanon,  one  of  the  oldest  residents  now 
living  in  Jackson  Township,  was  born  in  Warren  County,  Ohio,  November  3,  1797 ; is 
a son  of  David  and  Barbara  (Bowser)  Bowman,  he  a native  of  Maryland  and  she  of 
Pennsylvania.  The  first  knowledge  we  have  of  the  grandfather,  John  Bowman,  he  was 
a resident  of  Maryland;  thence,  of  Pennsylvania;  thence,  he  became  a resident  of 
Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  on  Bear  Creek ; thence,  he  moved  into  Indiana,  near 
Hagerstown,  where  he  lived  till  his  death,  dying  at  a ripe  old  age,  having  passed 
through  his  share  of  the  labors  of  pioneer  life.  David,  the  father  of  our  subject,  came 
to  Ohio  and  located  in  Warren  County  about  17-95,  remaining  there  only  a few  years; 

She  located  in  this  county  near  the  mouth  of  Bear  Creek  ; thence,  in  the  west  part  of 
Jefferson  Township,  on  the  farm  now  owned  by  John  Brumbaugh;  there  he  resided 
till  his  death,  which  occurred  about  1859,  aged  eighty-five  years;  his  wife  lived  several 
years,  and  died  aged  ninety-three  years.  They  had  six  children ; two  now  survive — 
John  and  Catharine.  These  were  truly  pioneers  of  the  county.  All  was  then  an 
unbroken  forest,  with  Indians  and  wild  beasts  in  plentiful  numbers.  Our  subject,  the 
second  sou  of  his  father,  was  born  after  the  arrival  of  his  parents  in  this  new  and  wild 
country,  and  here  he  was  raised  and  grew  to  manhood,  ipured  to  all  that  pertains  to  a 
rough  pioneer  life.  He  was  married  in  November,  1829,  to  Elizabeth,  daughter  of 
Peter  L.  and  Magdalene  Bright,  natives  of  Virginia,  but  became  residents  of  this  county 
and  township  about  1828  and  lived  and  died  here.  Mr.  Bowman  and  wife  have  had 
nine  children;  eight  now  survive — David,  Joseph,  John,  Samuel,  Isaac,  Mary  Ann, 
Daniel  and  Peter.  His  wife  died  May  17,  1879,  aged  sixty-six  years.  Mr.  Bowman 
is  now  in  his  eighty-fifth  year,  and  has  resided  on  the  place  where  he  now  lives  fifty-two 
years — over  half  a century.  He  bought  this  place  of  Jacob  Lesher,  taking  it  right  in 


338 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


the  woods,  with  not  a stick  amiss;  now  he  has  a fine  farm,  with  good  buildings  and 
improvements,  with  all  the  comforts  and  conveniences  of  modern  life.  But  what  toils, 
deprivations  and  rigid  economy  it  took  to  bring  about  this  result ! Ask  the  rising  gen- 
erations? They  realize  it  not.  They  know  nothing  of  it,  only  as  they  hear  it  handed 
down  by  their  ancestors,  or  read  it  from  the  pages  of  history,  and  they  cannot  give 
too  much  honor  to  these  worthy  old  pioneers  for  their  great  work,  the  fruits  of  which 
they  may  enjoy  for  ages  to  come.  Joseph,  the  second  son,  is  now  carrying  on  the  farm. 
He  was  married,  June  lb,  1878,  to  Mary  E.,  daughter  of  Stephen  and  Mary  Wright, 
natives  of  Rockingham  County,  .Virginia,  by  whom  he  has  had  three  children — one 
only  living,  Seth  Thomas. 

DAVID  R.  BOWMAN,  farmer ; P.  0.  New  Lebanon;  born  in  this  township  on 
the  old  home  place  of  his  father  September  4.  1830  ; is  a son  of  John  and  Elizabeth 
Bowman,  whose  history  is  given  in  sketch  of  John  Bowman  in  this  work.  Our  sub- 
ject lived  with  his  father,  and  was  brought  up  to  farm  labor  till  twenty-five  years  of  age; 
was  married  April  17,  1856,  to  Mary,  daughter  of  Michael  and  Sarah  (Flory)  Priser, 
he  a native  of  Maryland,  but  became  an  early  settler  of  this  county  and  lived  and  died 
here.  His  wife  died  in  1834;  they  had  five  children — Barbara,  Samuel,  John,  Mary 
and  Joseph.  Mr.  Prizer  married  for  his  second  wife  Margaret  Ann  Simpler,  by  whom 
he  bad  one  child — William ; his  second  wife  died  and  he  was  married  the  third  time  to 
Catharine  Fiant,  by  whom  he  had  four  children — Elizabeth,  Daniel,  Jonas  and  Noah. 
Mr.  Prizer  died  January  6,  1875,  aged  seventy-five  years;  his  widow  is  still  living,  now 
seventy-five  years  of  age.  Mary  Prizer  was  born  February  12,  1832.  Mr.  Bowman 
and  wife  have  six  children — -Barbara  A.,  born  February  14,  1857 ; Minnie  E.,  January 

20,  1859;  Joseph  P.,  September  30.  1861;  Amanda  L.,  January  14,  1864;  Emma 
K.,  May  24,  1866,  and  Eliza  C.,  born  January  13,  1869.  Mr.  Bowman  has  always 
followed  farming  as  an  occupation,  and  has  always  resided  in  the  immediate  neighbor-  jj 
hood  of  his  birthplace,  never  living  over  one  mile  from  the  old  home  place ; he  bought 
and  located  upon  the  place  where  he  now  lives,  in  March,  1874.  Mr.  Bowman  and 
wife  are  worthy  members  of  the  German  Baptist  Church,  to  which  they  have  belonged  j! 
about  six  years. 

GEORGE  W.  BPHGHT,  retired,  New  Lebanon  ; born  in  Fairfield  County,  Ohio, 
January  1,  1809;  is  a son  of  George  and  Francis  (Bowman)  Bright,  natives  of  Vir- 
ginia. The  grandfather  was  Peter  Bright,  whose  birthplace  is  not  now  known,  but  he 
lived  and  died  in  Virginia.  George  Bright  and  family  emigrated  to  Ohio  and  located 
in  Fairfield  County  in  1804;  here  he  lived  till  quite  aged  and  feeble,  when  he  took  upi1 
his  residence  with  some  of  his  children  in  Hocking  County,  and  died  there  in  August, ! 
1864,  aged  eighty  years;  his  wife  died  in  July,  1876,  aged  ninety-two  years.  They 
were  parents  of  thirteen  children;  three  now  survive — George  W.,  Joseph  and  John  6.! 
Mr.  Bright  was  a man  of  good  education  and  taught  school  many  seasons;  was  a good 
penman  and  did  a great  deal  of  public  business  in  making  deeds  and  other  legal  pa- 
pers; he  served  for  some  time  as  Clerk  of  the  County  and  other  local  offices,  being  a 
prominent  and  useful  man  in  his  day  and  community.  Our  subject  was  married  June 

21,  1832,  to  Mary  Beery,  by  whom  he  had  five  children,  all  now  deceased.  His  wife 
died  May  31,  1850,  aged  thirty-four  years.  On  February  23,  1851,  he  was  married  to 
Mrs.  Mary  Culp,  daughter  of  Solomon  and  Margaret  Ilufford,  he  a native  of  Virginia, j 
and  she  of  Pennsylvania;  by  this  union  they  have  three  children — Mary,  born  August 

22,  1853;  Catharine,  born  April  7,  1855;  Effie,  born  January  23,  1862.  Mr.  Bright 
first  located  in  Hocking  County,  Ohio,  where  he  resided  several  years;  he  resided  in 
Hocking  and  Fairfield  Counties,  till  in  November,  1865,  when  he  removed  to  Mont- 
gomery County  and  bought  and  located  upon  the  farm  where  he  now  lives  and  has! 
since  resided.  This  farm  consists  of  fifty  acres,  which  he  purchased  of  William  Clay- 
ton ; has  good  buildings  and  improvements,  and  constitutes  a very  pleasant  home  and" 
residence;  he  also  owns  eighty  acres  in  Mercer  County.  Mr.  Bright  has  filled  several 
offices ; was  one  of  the  Board  of  Examiners  of  teachers  for  many  years,  also  Township] 
Trustee  and  Clerk  of  the  township;  is  now  living  retired  from  all  active  labor  or  busi- 
ness. He  and  wife  are  worthy  members  of  the  German  Baptist  Church,  also  four  of 
his  children  became  members  of  the  same  church. 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP. 


v 


339 


EZRA  COOK,  farmer;  P.  0.  Farmersville;  born  in  this  county  and  township 
September  7, 1840;  is  a son  of  Frederick  and  Catharine  Cook,  natives  of  Pennsylvania. 
The  grandfather,  Christian  Cook,  was  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  but  the  great-grand- 
father was  a native  of  Germany,  who  emigrated  to  America  in  an  early  day.  Chris- 
tian Cook  emigrated  from  Pennsylvania  to  Ohio,  locating  in  this  township  upon  the 
farm  where  Isaac  Musselman  now  lives,  ia  1806,  when  the  country  for  miles  around  was 
almost  an  unbroken  wilderness,  the  Indians  and  wild  beasts  roaming  the  forests  at  will ; 
here  he  opened  out  right  in  the  woods  to  make  a home  and  a farm,  and  here  he  labored 
and  endured  the  many  trials  and  hardships  of  those  pioneer  days,  until,  in  1814,  he  was 
called  away  by  death  from  works  to  rewards  at  the  early  age  of  forty-four  years,  and 
there,  upon  the  same  farm  where  he  lived  and  labored,  he  was  buried,  and  there  his 
remains  rest  to  the  present  day;  his  wife  died  in  1863,  aged  eighty-nine  years.  They 
were  parents  of  eleven  children;  five  now  survive — Margaret,  Frederick,  Christina, 
Sarah  and  Michael.  Frederick  was  seven  years  of  age  when  his  father  died,  but  his 
mother  managed  to  keep  her  family  together  and  raise  them  by  her  own  hard  labor. 
Mr.  Cook  arrived  at  manhood;  was  married  in  1829,  to  Catharine,  daughter  of  Henry 
and  Eve  Apple,  natives  of  Pennsylvania;  issue,  seven  children;  six  now  survive— -Re- 
becca, Henry,  Catharine,  Ezra,  Aaron  and  Mary  Ann.  Mr.  Cook,  after  his  marriage, 
located  upon  the  farm  where  he  now  lives,  and  has  ever  since  resided,  a period  of  fifty- 
one  years;  he  has  cleared  up  the  greater  portion  of  the  farm  now  in  cultivation ; 
erected  all  the  buildings  on  the  place,  and  did  a great  amount  of  hard  labor,  and  is 
now  seventy-four  years  of  age.  Our  subject  lived  with  his  father  till  after  his  majority. 
Was  married  February  26,  1863,  to  Sarah,  daughter  of  Henry  and  Sophia  Staver, 
whose  history  is  given  in  sketch  of  Henry  Staver;  by  this  union,  they  have  eight  chil- 
dren— Izora  Jane,  Tilitha  Florence,  Cordie  Alice,  Ida  Effie,  Daisie  B.,  Robert  A., 
Christian  A.  and  Daniel  W.  Mr.  Cook,  after  his  marriage,  located  upon  the  place 
where  he  now  lives,  and  has  resided  for  seventeen  years. 

GILBERT  DAVIS,  farmer  ; P.  0.  Johnsville  ; born  in  Washington  County, 
Md.,  December  10,  1837,  is  a son  of  Zachariah  and  Eva  (Heller)  Davis,  natives  of 
Maryland.  The  paternal  grandfather,  Gilbert  Davis,  was  a native  of  Wales,  emigrating 
to  America  in  an  early  day.  He  lived  and  died  in  Maryland.  The  maternal  grand- 
father, Daniel  Heller,  was  a native  of  Germany,  but  was  brought  to  America  when  about 
four  years  of  age,  and  also  lived  and  died  in  Maryland.  Zachariah  and  wife  were  born 
and  raised  and  spent  their  entire  lives  in  their  native  State,  Maryland.  They  were 
parents  of  twelve  children,  eight  now  survive — George,  Daniel.  Mary,  Joseph,  Sarah, 
Gilbert,  John  and  Lucy.  Our  subject,  at  twelve  years  of  age,  started  out  into  the 
world  to  earn  what  he  could,  working  here  and  there  as  he  could  find  work,  and  thus 
continued  till  his  majority,  obtaining  but  a limited  education.  In  August,  1859,  Mr. 
Davis  emigrated  to  Ohio,  and  located  in  Johnsville,  this  county,  and  entered  upon  farm- 
ing, which  business  he  followed  till  the  fall  of  1874,  when  he  entered  upon  mercantile 
trade,  which  he  followed  about  four  years,  having  a good  trade  ; thence,  he  sold  out  and 
located  upon  the  farm  where  he  now  lives,  and  has  since  resided.  On  February  4, 
1864,  was  celebrated  his  marriage  with  Eliza  Jane,  daughter  of  Henry  and  Mattie  C. 
Toby,  natives  of  Maryland,  but  who  became  residents  of  Preble  County,  Ohio,  in  quite 
an  early  day.  They  were  parents  of  ten  children ; eight  now  survive — Elizabeth,  David, 
Millie,  Richard,  Eliza  Jane,  Orion,  Perry  and  William.  Eliza  Jane  was  born  in  this 
county  September  14,  1847  ; by  this  union  they  have  had  nine  children  ; six  now  sur- 
vive— William  P.,  Rolandus,  Edward,  Arvel,  Charles  and  Harry.  In  the  war  of  the 
rebellion,  Mr.  Davis  volunteered  in  his  country’s  defence,  by  enlisting  in  August,  1862, 
in  the  One  Hundred  and  Twelfth  Regiment  Ohio  Yolunteer  Infantry,  which  was  after- 
ward consolidated  with  the  Sixty-third  Regiment,  in  which  he  served  till  the  close  of 
the  war ; was  with  Gen.  Sherman  in  his  entire  raid  through  the  South,  escaped  without 
a wound,  received  his  discharge  and  returned  home. 

DANIEL  S.  DRAYER,  farmer;  P.  0.  Farmersville;  was  born  in  Preble  County, 

1 Ohio,  January  24,  1840,  is  a son  of  Daniel  and  Elizabeth  (Gantz)  Drayer,  he  a native 
of  Pennsylvania  and  she  of  Maryland.  The  grandfather,  Peter  Drayer,  was  also  prob- 


340 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


ably  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  but  emigrated  to  Ohio  in  1818,  locating  in  Jackson 
Township,  on  the  farm  where  our  subject  now  resides,  and  there  he  lived  and  died. 
This  farm  he  purchased  of  Robert  Harding,  taking  the  place  when  it  was  mostly  in  the 
woods,  and  here  he  bore  his  share  of  pioneer  life  and  died,  aged  seventy-six  years. 
Daniel  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  August  27,  1809,  being  about  nine  years  of  age  when 
brought  to  this  county,  and  here  was  raised,  and  grew  to  manhood,  accustomed  to  all  the 
hardships  and  scenes  of  pioneer  life  ; was  married,  March  28,  1833,  to  Elizabeth  Gantz, 
born  in  Maryland,  September  19,  1808..  They  had  thirteen  childreu,  nine  now  living 
— Susanna  0.,  Eliza  Anu,  Mary  E.,  Elizabeth  R.,  Daniel  S.,  Simon  P.,  Malissa  K., 
John  H.  and  Valentine.  Mr.  Drayer  located  in  Preble  County;  resided  there  til! 
1848;  thence  bought  the  farm  where.  Mr.  Lowrnan  now  lives,  in  Jackson  Township  ; 
thence,  two  years  later,  bought  the  old  homestead  place,  where  our  subject  now  lives, 
and  there  resided  till  his  death,  March  3,  1876,  aged  sixty-six  years  and  six  months; 
his  wife  is  still  living,  now  seventy-three  years  of  age.  In  the  fall  of  1853,  Mr.  Drayer 
fell  from  his  wagon  in  crossing  a ditch,  and  so  injured  his  spine  that  he  was  a cripple 
the  balance  of  his  life.  Our  subject  was  married,  October  13,  1867,  to  Joan,  daughter 
of  Lloyd  and  Margaret  Templin  ; he  was  born  in  Maryland  ; married  in  Warren  County, 
Ohio,  where  he  located,  and  are  still  residents  of  that  county.  They  had  five  children, 
four  now  living — Utilla,  Joan,  Elizabeth  and  Albert.  Joan  was  born  August  29, 1843. 
She  has  borne  Mr.  Drayer  six  children;  five  now  survive — Valentine  J.,  born  August  19, 
1868;  Mary  Olive,  October  11,  1870;  Jessie,  April  11,  1877;  Bell,  November  18, 
1879,  and  Minnie,  born  November  18,  1879.  Mr.  Drayer  and  wife  have  resided  ail 
their  married  life  where  they  now  live,  except  from  1870  to  1875,  during  which  they 
resided  in  Indiana,  returning  to  the  home  farm  by  the  urgent  request  of  his  father, 
where  they  have  since  resided.  This  farm  has  been  in  the  Drayer  family  since  its  first 
purchase,  in  1818,  a period  of  sixty-three  years.  Mr.  Drayer  now  holds  no  office  ; was 
Justice  of  the  Peace  while  living  in  Indiana.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Re- 
formed Church. 

OSCAR  F.  EDWARDS,  M.  D.,  physician,  New  Lebanon.  Among  the  profes- 
sional men  of  New  Lebanon,  and  one  of  its  most  prominent  citizens,  we  here  present 
Dr.  Oscar  F.  Edwards,  who  was  born  in  Butler  County,  Ohio,  April  13,  1836;  is  a son 
of  William  C.  and  Nancy  (Hall)  Edwards,  he  a native  of  New  Jersey,  and  she  of  Vir- 
ginia. The  paternal  grandfather,  Usal  Edwards,  was  also  a native  of  New  Jersey,  but 
who  emigrated  to  Ohio  with  his  family  and  located  in  Butler  County  in  1805,  where  he 
resided  till  his  death.  Williaifi  C.  was  about  two  years  of  age  when  brought  to  Butler 
County  by  his  father,  and  there  he  grew  to  manhood  accustomed  to  the  hardships  and 
trials  of  pioneer  life.  Was  married  and  became  the  father  of  nine  children ; seven  now 
survive — Benjamin,  Angeline,  Oscar  F.,  Harriet,  Julius,  Bryant  H.  and  Wilbur  J. 
Mr.  Edwards  has  followed  farming  as  an  occupation,  and  resided  in  Butler  County  till  ! 
the  spring  of  1865,  when  he  became  a resident  of  Shelby  County,  where  he  has  since 
resided.  He  is  a prominent  and  prosperous  farmer,  and  while  in  Butler  County  held  the 
office  of  Justice  of  the  Peace  for  nine  years.  Our  subject  remained  with  his  father 
brought  up  to  farm  labor  till  eighteen  years  of  age,  receiving  a good  common-school 
education;  thence  he  was  in  a printing-office  in  Hamilton  one  or  two  years;  thence  en- 
tered upon  teaching,  which  occupation  he  followed  five  winters ; in  the  winter  of  1859-69, 
he  attended  Bacon’s  Commercial  College  at  Cincinnati,  but  in  the  meantime,  he  had 
devoted  much  time  to  the  reading  of  medicine,  having  determined  to  make  the  practice  j 
of  medicine  his  profession.  In  October,  1862,  he  entered  the  Eclectic  Medical  Insti- 
tute of  Cincinnati,  and,  on  the  18th  of  February,  1864,  he  graduated  and  received  his 
diploma;  on  April  9,  of  the  same  year,  he  located  in  New  Lebanon  and  commenced  the  jj 
practice  of  his  profession,  where  he  still  resides,  and  where  he  has  built  up  a good  and 
lucrative  practice,  and  has  won  the  esteem  and  confidence  of  his  community  ; was 
elected  Justice  of  the  Peace  in  fall  of  1875,  and  re-elected  in  1878.  In  April,  1879, 
was  elected  Mayor  of  the  town,  and  re-elected  in  April,  1881 ; has  been  Notary  Public  and 
held  various  other  offices  as  placed  upon  him  by  the  votes  of  his  community.  On  Feb- 
ruary 26,  1867,  he  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Susan,  daughter  of  John  and 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP. 


341 


Eliza  Martin,  natives  of  Pennsylvania;  they  were  parents  of  eight  children — Sarah, 
Mary,  Reuben,  Catharine,  William,  Susan,  Henry  and  Sophia;  he  died  September  19, 
1879;  his  widow  is  still  living,  now  seventy-four  years  of  age.  Dr.  Edwards  and  wife 
by  their  union  have  had  six  children;  five  now  survive — Blanche,  John  W.,  Omar  K., 
Hortense  E.  and  Monica  E. 

HENRY  GABLE,  farmer ; P.  0.  Farmersville;  born  in  Butler  County,  Ohio,  Jan- 
uary 23,  1837 ; is  a son  of  Lewis  and  Elizabeth  (Long)  Gable,  natives  of  Reading, 
Penn.  The  paternal  grandfather,  Lewis  Gable,  was  a native  of  England,  but  who  emi- 
grated to  America  about  1788,  being  about  twenty  years  of  age;  he  served  as  a soldier 
in  the  war  of  1812,  and  resided  in  Pennsylvania  till  his  death.  Lewis,  the  eldest  son 
of  his  father,  was  born  in  1794,  and  grew  to  manhood  in  his  native  State,  Penn- 
sylvania, but  emigrated  to  Ohio  about  1819;  was  married  and  became  the  father  of  six 
children;  three  now  survive — William,  Susan  and  Henry.  Mr.  Gable  became  a resi- 
dent of  Montgomery  County  about  1840;  was  a farmer  by  occupation,  and  passed  the 
remainder  of  his  life  in  this  county,  dying  in  Jackson  Township  on  the  farm  where 
Henry  now  lives,  July  26,  1870,  aged  seventy-six  years.  Our  subject  remained  with 
his  father  till  his  death;  was  married  November  15,  1860,  to  Mary  Jane,  daughter  of 
Jacob  and  Sarah  Eagle,  he  a native  of  Maryland,  and  she  of  Pennsylvania;  issue,  seven 
children;  five  now  survive — Amanda  Catharine,  Amelia  Jane,  Emma  Cenora,  Jesse 
Allen  and  Bessie.  Mr.  Gable,  since  his  majority,  has  lived  upon  the  same  farm  where 
he  now  resides,  a period  of  twenty-five  years;  his  farm  consists  of  111  acres  with  good 
buildings  and  improvements,  located  about  one  mile  east  of  Farmersville,  and  is  a very 
pleasant  home  and  residence ; he  also  owns  eighty  acres  of  land  three  miles  north  of  Farm- 
ersville. Mr.  Gable  has  been  School  Director  eleven  years,  and  Township  Treasurer 
four  years;  is  a worthy  member  of  the  German  Reformed  Church,  to  which  he  has 
belonged  twenty-six  years. 

ABRAHAM  GAUVEY,  merchant,  New  Lebanon  ; born  in  Jefferson  Township, 
this  county.  January  6,  1850  ; is  a son  of  Martin  and  Susanna  (Miller)  Gauvey,  he  a 
native  of  Pennsylvania  and  she  of  this  county;  the  paternal  grandfather,  Martin  Gau- 
vey, was  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  and  lived  and  died  in  his  native  State.  He  was  a 
preacher  in  the  German  Baptist  Chnrch.  The  maternal  grandfather,  Abraham  Miller, 
was  a native  of  Virginia,  but  became  a resident  of  this  county  probably  about  1820, 
and  here  married  and  lived  till  his  death.  The  father  of  our  subject  emigrated  from 
Pennsylvania  to  this  county  about  1827,  when  about  twenty-one  years  of  age  ; was 
married  to  Anna  Rollman,  by  whom  he  had  two  children— one  only  now  living — 
Sarah,  who  is  a resident  of  Dayton.  His  wife  died  about  1836.  On  April  18,  1841, 
he  was  again  united  in  marriage  to  Susanna  Miller,  daughter  of  Abraham  and  Christina 
Miller,  natives  of  Virginia,  by  whom  he  had  six  children.  Five  now  survive — George 
B.,  Martin  V.,  Daniel,  John  G and  Abraham.  Mr.  Gauvey  was  a miller  by  trade, 
which  business  he  followed  through  life.  He  died  March  30,  1854,  aged  forty-eight 
years.  On  February  20,  1856,  his  widow  was  married  to  Dauiel  Brumbaugh,  a native 
of  Miami  County,  but  who  was  raised  and  grew  to  manhood  in  this  county ; issue,  four 
children,  three  now  living — Mary  E.,  Sarah  Jane  and  Alvin  J. 

Our  subject  was  four  years  of  age  when  his  father  died,  but  was  cared  for  by  his 
mother  till  old  enough  to  work,  when  he  was  placed  out  to  work  on  a farm,  and  thus 
continued  till  fourteen  years  of  age ; from  this  time  till  twenty  years  of  age,  he  raised 
tobacco  on  shares,  but  in  the  meantime  he  had  obtained  a good  common  school  educa- 
tion; thence  he  taught  school  several  winters.  In  November,  1878,  he  purchased  a 
general  stock  of  merchandise  and  entered  upon  the  mercantile  trade,  which  business  he 
has  successfully  carried  on  since  ; has  a good  and  increasing  trade,  and  has  the  confi- 
dence of  his  community ; has  served  as  Clerk  of  the  town  since  its  first  incorporation. 
Was  married  March  26,  1874,  to  Miss  Virginia  S.,  daughter  of  Solomon  and  Elizabeth 
Stoner,  natives  of  Virginia;  issue,  three  children— Sadie  Isabel,  born  December  27, 
1874;  Hattie  Jane,  born  April  14,  1877,  and  Jesse  S.,  born  March  20,  1879. 

CYRUS  II.  GILBERT,  farmer;  P.  O.  Germantown  ; born  in  this  county,  May 
17,  1832,  is  a son  of  James  and  Sarah  (Zeller)  Gilbert,  he  a native  of  Maryland  and 


342 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


she  of  Ohio.  The  paternal  grandfather,  Jeremiah  Gilbert,  was  a native  of  England, 
who  emigrated  to  America  at  quite  an  early  day,  and  located  in  Maryland,  where 
he  lived  till  his  death.  The  maternal  grandfather,  John  Zeller,  was  a native  of  Penn- 
sylvania, but  became  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  German  Township,  this  county, 
where  he  lived  and  died.  James,  while  quite  a young  man,  emigrated  to  Ohio,  locating 
in  this  county,  in  Jefferson  Township  ; was  married  and  became  the  father  of  ten  chil- 
dren ; seven  now  survive — Cyrus  H.,  Lovina,  John  A.,  Sarah,  Candace,  James  M. 
and  Oliver  F.  Mr.  Gilbert  was  a wagon  maker  by  trade,  which  business  he  followed 
for  several  years  ; thence  gave  his  attention  to  farming,  which  occupation  he  has  since 
followed.  Mr.  Gilbert  commenced  in  life  a poor  man,  and  by  his  own  industry  and 
good  management  became  possessed  of  a large  amount  of  property  and  has  given  each 
of  his  children  a farm,  enabling  them  to  have  a good  start  in  life.  He  is  now  eighty- 
one  years  of  age  and  quite  robust  and  active  for  one  of  his  age.  He  and  wife  are  now 
residing  in  Germantown,  retired  from  the  active  labors  of  life.  Our  subject  remained 
with  his  father  till  twenty-three  years  of  age;  was  married  January  11,  1855,  to  Mary, 
daughter  of  Michael  and  Elizabeth  Myers,  he  a native  of  Maryland  and  she  of  Vir- 
ginia. Mr.  Myers  was  brought  to  this  county,  Jefferson  Township,  in  1803,  and  grew 
to  manhood  inured  to  the  scenes  and  trials  of  those  early  days.  He  was  here  when 
they  ground  their  meal  by  hand  on  a crank  mill ; when  grain  sold  for  64c  per  bushel, 
the  only  market  being  to  supply  the  immigrants  who  arrived  as  new  settlers  of  the 
neighborhood.  There  was  then  no  market  for  anything  at  Dayton,  and  very  little  at 
Cincinnati.  These  were  times  when  it  took  great  physical  and  mental  strength,  great 
powers  of  endurance  and  stamina  of  character  to  carry  them  through  ; but  they  were 
true  to  their  purpose,  and  well  and  faithfully  did  they  perform  their  labors,  and  the 
present  and  future  generations  will  reap  the  benefits  of  their  labors.  Cyrus  Gil- 
bert and  wife  by  their  union  have  had  eight  children — Lizzie  Jane,  Charles  I.,  F.  Ida, 
Sallie  Ann,  Laura  A.,  Rosa  E.,  Abraham  L.  and  James  Edmond.  Mr.  Gilbert,  after 
his  marriage,  bought  and  located  upon  the  farm  where  he  now  lives  and  has  since 
resided,  a period  of  twenty-six  years  ; his  farm  is  in  the  southeast  corner  of  the  town- 
ship, and  consists  of  136  acres  of  land,  with  good  buildings  and  improvements,  consti- 
tuting a very  pleasant  home  and  farmer’s  residence.  He  also  owns  a farm  of  121  acres 
in  Preble  County,  Ohio.  Mr.  Gilbert  is  one  of  the  prominent  farmers  of  Jackson 
Township  and  stands  high  in  his  community  as  a man  of  ability  and  integrity  of  char- 
acter; is  one  of  the  Trustees  of  the  township.  He  and  wife  are  active  and  consistent 
members  of  the  United  Brethren  Church,  to  which  he  has  belonged  since  eighteen 
years  of  age,  a period  of  thirty-one  years. 

ABRAHAM  HARP,  farmer  ; P.  0.  Farmersville  ; born  in  Jefferson  Township, 
this  county,  October  31,  1816  ; is  a son  of  Jacob  and  Elizabeth  (Bowman)  Harp, 
natives  of  Berks  County,  Penn.  The  grandfather,  Frederick  Harp,  was  probably  born 
in  Pennsylvania,  where  he  spent  all  his  life  till,  two  weeks  before  his  death,  he  came  to 
this  county  and  died  and  was  buried  here.  Jacob,  who  was  raised  and  grew  to  man- 
hood in  his  native  State,  emigrated  to  Ohio  in  the  spring  of  1816,  coming  through  by 
team,  and  was  six  weeks  on  the  road  ; he  located  in  Jefferson  Township,  where  he 
resided  till  April,  1857,  when  he  moved  to  Germantown  and  resided  till  his  death, 
which  occurred  in  August  following  the  same  year,  aged  seventy-seven  years ; his  w’fe 
died  about  1875,  aged  ninety-four  years.  They  were  parents  of  eight  children,  two 
sons  and  six  daughters,  of  whom  four  now  survive — Catharine,  Fanny,  Abraham 
and  Christina.  Mr.  Harp  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812 ; was  one  of  the 
pioneers  of  the  county,  and  bore  his  full  share  of  the  hardships  and  deprivations  of 
those  early  days.  Our  subject  was  born  and  raised  in  this  county  and  inured  to  the 
scenes  and  events  of  those  times  ; remained  with  his  father  till  thirty-three  years  of 
age ; was  married  December  7,  1844,  to  Polly,  daughter  of  Jacob  and  Mary  Peters, 
natives  of  Pennsylvania,  but  who  became  residents  of  this  county,  locating  on  the  farm 
where  Mr.  Harp  now  lives,  in  1831  ; by  this  union  they  have  had  seven  children,  six 
now  living— Jeremiah,  Mariah,  Leah,  Henry,  Sarah  and  David.  Mr.  Harp  has 
always  followed  farming  as  an  occupation;  he  bought  and  located  upon  his  present  farm 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP. 


343 


in  the  spring  of  1868,  where  he  has  since  resided.  Mr.  Harp  started  out  in  life  a poor 
man,  but  by  his  own  labor,  industry  and  good  management  has  accumulated  a good 
amount  of  property ; he  owns  three  farms,  embracing  350  acres  of  good  land , with 
good  buildings  and  improvements,  also  another  twenty-acre  tract  of  land.  Mr.  Harp 
and  wife  are  members  of  the  United  Brethren  Church,  to  which  they  have  belonged 
twenty-five  years,  and  he  has  been  Treasurer  of  the  Sabbath  school  for  twenty  years. 

SAMUEL  M.  HECK,  farmer;  P.  0.  Farmersville  ; born  in  Virginia,  July  13, 
1813  ; is  a son  of  David  and  Magdalena  (Spitler)  Heck  ; he  is  a native  of  Maryland 
and  she  of  Pennsylvania.  The  grandfather,  David  Heck,  was  a native  of  Maryland, 
but  his  father  was  born  in  Germany.  David,  the  grandfather,  was  a soldier  in  the 
Revolutionary  war,  was  one  of  the  most  active  and  devoted  patriots  of  the  country  ; he 
lived  and  died  in  his  native  State,  Maryland.  David,  the  father,  was  the  eldest  of  a family 
of  three  sons  and  two  daughters,  and  when  but  a boy  left  his  home  to  battle  with  the 
world,  and  to  make  his  own  livelihood  ; he  learned  the  trades  of  blacksmithing  and 
wagon  making,  which  busines  he  followed  during  his  life.  He  left  his  native  State  and 
became  a resident  of  Virginia,  where  he  resided  till  the  fall  of  1819,  when  he  came  to 
Ohio  and  located  in  Madison  Township,  this  county,  where  he  resided  till  his  death;  he 
died  January  13,  1878,  aged  ninety-four  years  ; his  wife  died  about  1858.  They  were 
parents  of  seven  children;  six  now  survive — Samuel  M.,  John,  David,  Elizabeth,  Susan 
and  Polly  Ann.  Mr.  Heck  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812  ; he  became  one  of  the 
early  pioneers  of  this  county  and  bore  his  full  share  of  the  hardships  and  deprivations 
of  this  then  new  country,  opened  out  right  in  the  woods,  clearing  a good  farm ; was  one 
of  the  prominent  and  active  men  in  all  public  enterprises  of  his  day;  was  a Justice  of 
the  Peace  six  years,  and  was  a Director  and  the  Treasurer  of  the  Dayton  & Eaton  Pike, 
from  its  completion  till  his  feebleness  from  old  age  forbade  his  acting  in  that  capacity  longer 
and  in  his  death  passed  away  one  of  our  most  worthy  pioneers  and  useful  citizens.  Our 
subject,  who  was  the  eldest  of  his  father’s  family,  and  consequently  took  a leading  part 
in  clearing  up  and  opening  out  the  farm,  and  being  one  of  that  active  nature  who  loved 
hard  work,  found  at  the  age  of  sixteen  that  he  was  liable  to  break  down  his  health, 
turned  his  attention  to  acquire  an  education ; he  attended  school  eighteen  months,  then 
began  teaching,  and  taught  six  years  ; thence  took  instruction  from  a celebrated  teacher 
from  Connecticut  about  six  months ; thence  renewed  his  profession  of  teaching,  which 
he  followed  fifteen  years  more,  when  his  health  failing  him,  he  turned  his  attention  to 
farming;  was  married  December  25,  1839,  to  Catharine,  daughter  of  Abraham  and 
Elizabeth  Warner,  natives  of  Pennsylvania  ; issue  nine  children,  eight  now  survive — 
Mary  Ann,  Amanda,  James  F.,  Melissa,  David  B.,  Altha  L.,  Minnie  A.  and  Laura  A. 
Mr.  Heck,  after  his  marriage,  resided  on  his  farm  near  Johnsville,  till  the  fall  of  1873, 
when  he  sold  this  farm  and  in  the  spring  of  1874,  bought  and  located  upon  the  place 
where  he  now  resides.  This  farm  he  purchased  of  Peter  Buzzard,  agent  for  the  estate 
of  Samuel  Buzzard,  deceased  ; it  consists  of  ninety-five  acres  with  good  buildings  and 
improvements,  and  cost  $10,000.  Mr.  Heck  having  obtained  a good  education,  and 
being  naturally  of  an  active  spirit  has  filled  most  all  the  positions  and  offices  of  trust  in 
his  township,  being  finally  compelled  by  his  advancing  years  to  refuse  further  official 
trusts.  In  the  spring  of  1880,  Mr.  Heck  was  foreman  on  a special  jury  in  trying  the 
“ Huffman  will  case,”  one  of  the  most  important  cases  ever  tried  in  this  county,  in 
which  was  involved  $1,500,000,  and  upon  which  the  jury  sat  nineteen  days,  rendering 
a verdict  in  favor  of  the  plaintiff — the  Seely  heirs.  He  has  done  a great  amount  of 
surveying  in  his  neighborhood,  and  has  been  one  of  the  most  active  and  useful,  as  he 
is  now  most  respected,  citizens  of  this  township. 

DAVID  E.  HEISEY,  merchant  and  Postmaster,  Farmersville,  born  in  Lancas- 
ter County,  Penn.,  August  12,  1835,  is  a son  of  Martin  and  Elizabeth  (Engle)  Heisey, 
natives  of  Pennsylvania.  The  grandfather,  John  Heisey,  was  also  a native  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, who  lived  and  died  in  his  native  State.  The  maternal  grandfather,  Jacob  Engle, 
was  also  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  and  lived  and  died  in  Lancaster  County,  Penn.  Mr. 
Martin  Heisey  emigrated  to  Ohio  in  May,  1850,  coming  through  in  wagons,  and  were 
twenty-one  days  making  the  journey.  He  located  in  Miami  County  and  remained  there 


344 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


till  in  September ; thence  located  in  Butler  Township,  this  county,  where  he  has  since 
resided.  He  always  followed  farming  as  an  occupation,  till  advancing  years  forbade  his 
further  active  labor,  and,  having  obtained  a good  competency,  has  lived  retired,  princi- 
pally from  hard,  active  labor,  for  many  years.  Mr.  Heisey  was  married  and  became  the 
father  of  eleven  children;  five  now  survive — John,  Barbara,  Martha,  Susan  and  David 
E.  His  wife  died  in  January,  1875,  aged  seventy-two  years ; he  is  still  residing  on 
the  old  home  place,  now  about  eighty-six  years  of  age.  Our  subject  remained  with  his 
father  till  near  his  majority,  brought  up  to  farm  labor,  receiving  a good  common  school 
education ; then  for  some  years  engaged  in  various  business  as  agent,  when,  on  the 
breaking-out  of  the  war  of  the  rebellion,  he  enlisted  in  the  Sixty-third  Ohio  Volunteer 
Infantry  and  served  through  the  war,  being,  during  this  time,  veteranized  by  re-enlist- 
ment. He  was  first  under  Bosecrans  and  afterward  with  Gen.  Sherman  on  his  cele- 
brated raid  through  the  South ; was  wounded  at  the  battle  of  Atlanta  and  disabled  for 
a time,  but  at  the  close  of  the  war  returned  safely  home.  Mr.  Heisey  enlisted  as  a 
private,  was  promoted  to  Orderly  Sergeant,  thence  to  First  Lieutenant,  in  which 
capacity  he  served  to  the  end  of  the  war.  In  the  spring  of  1866,  Mr.  Heisey  entered 
into  the  general  merchandise  trade  with  D.  W.  Sinks,  in  Farmersville,  and  thus  con- 
tinued till  the  summer  of  1867,  when  they  sold  out.  In  the  spring  of  1868,  he  entered 
in  partnership  with  John  Flory  in  the  mercantile  trade,  in  Winchester,  Preble  Co., 
Ohio,  and  continued  till  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year,  when  he  sold  out  his  interest  to 
Mr.  Flory.  In  the  spring  of  1869,  he  bought  out  a harness  and  trimming  shop  in  Farm- 
ersville and  put  in  a stock  of  groceries,  and  continued  in  this  combination  of  business 
about  three  years;  thence  sold  out  the  harness  and  trimming  department,  continued  the 
grocery  business  combined  with  hardware  and  notions  to  the  present  time ; was  ap- 
pointed Postmaster  in  1870,  which  office  he  has  since  held.  Mr.  Heisey  was  united  in 
marriage,  March  19,  1868,  to  Anna,  daughter  of  Edward  and  Ellen  Liviugood,  natives 
of  Pennsylvania,  but  who  became  residents  of  Ohio,  where  he  died.  They  were  parents 
of  seven  children  ; three  now  survive — Anna,  Samuel  Peter  and  Zephaniah.  Mr.  IM- 
sey  and  wife  by  their  union  have  had  five  children,  three  now  living,  Edward  M.,  Her- 
bert S.  and  Glenna  B. 

DANIEL  HOOPS,  farmer,  P.  0.  Farmersville,  born  in  this  township  August  24, 
1817,  is  a son  of  Evan  and  Susanna  (Sheets)  Hoops,  he  a native  of  Pennsylvania 
and  she  of  Virginia,  he  becoming  a resident  of  Virginia  when  quite  young.  He  was 
twice  married ; first,  to  Catharine  Kinsey,  by  whom  he  had  seven  children,  three  now 
living — Jane,  John  and  Christian.  In  1811,  Mr.  Hoops,  with  his  family,  emigrated  to 
Ohio  and  located  in  Jackson  Township  on  the  place  now  owned  by  W.  Kennedy. 
This  place  he  took  right  in  the  woods,  with  not  a stick  amiss,  and  commenced  in  true 
log-cabin  life.  Being  one  of  the  earliest  settlers,  he  experienced  all  the  roughness  and 
hardships  of  true  pioneer  life.  He  was  a tailor  by  trade,  and  applied  nearly  all  his  time 
to  that  business,  hiring  the  clearing-up  of  his  farm  done  by  others.  It  is  said  that  he 
had  so  much  work  pressed  upon  him,  that  for  weeks  he  never  went  to  bed  to  sleep  ex 
cept  on  Saturday  nights,  taking  what  little  rest  he  could,  when  he  became  tired,  by 
laying  his  head  on  a bolt  of  cloth,  taking  a short  sleep,  then  going  to  work  again,  and 
thus  he  labored  on.  He  lost  his  wife  by  death  December  25,  1814.  In  the  summer 
of  1816,  he  married  for  his  second  wife  Susanna  Sheets,  by  whom  he  had  seven  chil- 
dren, five  now  living — Daniel,  Sarah,  Minerva,  Henry  and  Solomon.  Mr.  Hoops  died 
in  June,  1862,  aged  eighty-two  years;  his  wife  is  still  living,  now  residing  in  Veils 
County,  Ind.,  at  eighty-nine  years  of  age,  and  is  still  a spry  and  hearty  old  lady.  Our 
subject,  born  and  raised  here,  grew  to  manhood  inured  to  the  scenes  and  hardships  of 
those  early  days;  was  married,  May  26,  1842,  to  Mary  Ann,  daughter  of  Jacob  and 
Sarah  Ann  De  Lawter,  natives  of  Maryland,  who  emigrated  to  Ohio  in  1820,  located 
in  Jackson  Township,  and  were  among  the  early  settlers,  opening  out  in  the  woods 
without  a stick  amiss,  and  here  he  lived  till  his  death,  July  17,  1877,  aged  eighty- 
three  years,  having  a continued  residence  on  the  place  where  he  first  located  of 
fifty-seven  y’ears.  His  wife  died  in  Farmersville  December  29,  1880,  aged  eighty- 
three  years.  Their  children  numbered  eleven,  six  now  living — Rebecca,  Mary  Ann. 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP. 


345 


Catharine,  David,  Lewis  and  Elizabeth.  Mr.  Hoops  and  wife  have  four  children — 
Sarah,  Susanna,  Jacob  and  Rebecca  Jane.  Mr.  Hoops,  after  his  marriage,  located 
near  the  old  home  place  ; is  now  on  the  third  place  he  ever  owned,  and  all  have 
been  within  one  mile  of  the  old  homestead.  The  farm  upon  which  he  now  lives  he 
purchased  of  the  administrator  of  Jacob  Smith,  deceased,  in  the  fall  of  1863,  and 
located  on  the  same  in  March,  1864 ; has  one  hundred  acres  of  land,  with  good 
buildings  and  improvements.  Mr.  Hoops  has  served  as  Constable  and  Township 
Trustee,  but  now  refuses  all  public  offices,  believing  them  unprofitable. 

DAVID  KINSEY,  farmer,  P.  0.  Farmersville,  was  born  on  the  farm  where  he 
now  resides,  February  25,  1815,  is  a son  of  John  and  Elizabeth  (Mullendore)  Kinsey, 
natives  of  Virginia.  The  maternal  grandfather,  Jacob  Mullendore,  was  also  a native  of 
Virginia,  but  emigrated  to  Ohio  and  located  in  this  county  where  Gettersburg  now 
stands  in  1801  or  1802,  here  he  carried  on  the  tanning  business  for  many  years  till  his 
death.  He  was  a veiy  active,  industrious  man,  and  carried  quite  an  extensive  business 
for  those  pioneer  days.  During  the  war  of  1812,  he  hauled  flour  to  Greenville  for  the 
army,  and  they  tried  to  press  his  team  into  the  service,  but  by  hard  driving  he  escaped, 
and  returned  home.  John  Kinsey  came  to  this  county  with  Mr.  Mullendore,  was 
drafted  in  the  war  of  1812,  but  hired  a substitute.  He  entered  the  land  from  the 
Government  upon  which  our  subject  now  lives  in  1817,  and  here  he  lived  till  his  death. 
He  opened  out  right  in  the  woods,  cutting  out  the  first  stick  of  timber,  built  a log 
house  and  commenced  in  rough  pioneer  style,  roofed  his  house  with  boards  without  any 
nails,  and  every  severe  storm  would  blow  off  his  roof,  and  again  he  would  re-roof  it; 
and  thus  he  lived  and  endured  all  the  many  hardships  and  deprivations  of  those  early 
days.  But  before  he  died  he  had  erected  the  present  large  barn  that  still  stands  on  the 
place,  which  was  at  that  time  one  of  the  best  in  the  township.  He  died  in  March, 
1819.  He  was  the  father  of  eight  children,  three  now  living — Mary,  David  and 
Jonas.  His  widow  married  for  her  second  husband,  Jacob  Meyers,  by  whom  she  had 
five  children,  two  now  survive — Lydia  and  John.  She  died  in  1855.  Our  subject  was 
raised  and  grew  to  manhood  on  the  old  home  place,  where  he  now  lives ; was  married 
October  18,  1839,  to  Catharine,  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Elizabeth  Mullendore,  he  a 
native  of  Virginia,  and  she  of  Pennsylvania.  They  were  parents  of  nine  children, 
seven  now  living — Jacob,  Elizabeth,  Catharine,  George,  Aaron,  Susanna  and  Joseph  ; 
two  deceased — Daniel  and  Noah.  Mr.  Kinsey  and  wife  have  eleven  children,  all  living 
— Joseph,  Elizabeth,  Nancy  Jane,  JqFn  W.,  Susan,  George  A.,  Aaron,  NoahM.,  Perry 
D.,  Catharine  and  Charles  Franklin.  Mr.  Kinsey  after  their  marriage  located  in  Ger- 
man Township,  where  he  lived  eleven  years,  thence  moved  on  to  the  old  home  farm,  where 
he  has  since  resided.  This  farm  has  always  remained  in  the  family  name  ever  since  its 
first  entry  from  the  Government.  Mr.  Kinsey  has  from  time  to  time  purchased  more 
land  till  at  one  time  he  was  owner  of  over  1,000  acres  of  land,  constituting  him  one  of 
the  largest  land-owners  in  this  vicinity.  He  has  since  given  some  to  his  children  and 
sold  a portion,  and  still  owns  550  acres;  has  erected  a good  brick  house  upon  the 
home  place,  and  made  other  improvements  till  he  has  a fine  home  and  residence.  Mr. 
Kinsey  has  been  one  of  the  most  active  business  farmers  of  this  township,  and  has  ac- 
cumulated a large  amount  of  property  by  his  own  industry  and  good  management,  and 
his  history  and  that  of  his  ancestors  is  of  more  than  ordinary  interest,  and  deserves  a 
special  place  in  the  history  and  records  of  this  county. 

GEORGE  P.  MICHAEL,  farmer,  P.  O.  Germantown,  was  born  in  Frederick 
County,  Md.,  December  9,  1834,  is  a son  of  John  and  Charlotte  (Dull)  Michael, 
natives  of  Maryland.  The  paternal  grandfather,  Peter  Michael,  was  also  a native  of 
Maryland,  but  became  a resident  of  Montgomery  County  in  the  spring  of  1836,  and 
located  in  German  Township,  where  he  lived  till  his  death.  John,  about  six  months 
after  their  arrival  in  this  county,  located  in  Jefferson  Township,  where  he  has  since 
resided.  He  is  the  father  of  eight  children — Cornelius,  Rhuanna,  George  P..  John  H., 
Jacob,  Mary  M.,  Wesley  and  Enos.  Mr.  Michael  lost  his  wife  by  death,  since  which 
his  eldest  daughter  has  been  his  housekeeper.  He  is  now  seventy-six  years  of  age,  and 
still  resides  upon  the  same  place  where  he  first  located,  having  made  a continued  resi- 


346 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES  : 


de nee  here  of  forty-four  years.  Our  subject  lived  with  his  father  till  his  majority; 
was  married  February  24,  1856,  to  Sarah,  daughter  of  Jonathan  and  Lydia  Myers, 
natives  of  Pennsylvania,  but  who  became  among  the  pioneers  of  this  county,  locating 
here  about  1803,  when  all  was  a wilderness,  filled  with  wild  beasts  and  Indians.  Mr. 
Myers  is  now  a resident  of  Germantown,  and  has  reached  the  advanced  age  of  eighty- 
two  years.  He  endured  his  full  share  of  the  trials  and  hardships  of  the  pioneer  days, 
but  he  has  lived  to  see  the  great  transformation  of  this  once  wild  country  into  one  of 
the  most  beautiful  and  wealthy  counties  of  the  State.  And  to  him  and  all  other  co- 
workers of  those  early  days  is  due  great  praise  and  honor  for  the  work  they  accom- 
plished. Mr.  Michael,  by  this  union,  became  the  father  of  eight  children,  seven  now 
living — Ellen,  Mary  Ann,  Lucinda,  Emma,  Amanda,  Perry  and  Charles  E.  His  wife 
died  January  29,  1874.  On  December  7,  1876,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Mollie,  daugh- 
ter of  Peter  and  Anna  (Bowen)  Rauch,  he  a native  of  Ohio  and  she  of  Pennsylvania; 
by  this  union  they  have  two  children — Jesse  P.  and  George  Oscar.  Mr.  Michael 
bought  and  located  upon  the  farm  where  he  now  lives  in  the  winter  of  1872  ; it  con- 
sists of  103  acres  of  land  with  good  buildings  and  improvements,  constituting  a pleas- 
ant home  and  residence. 

CHRISTIAN  MUSSELMAN,  tobacco  dealer,  New  Lebanon,  born  in  Germany, 
April  12,  1823,  is  a son  of  David  and  Elizabeth  Musselman,  natives  of  Germany,  who 
lived  and  died  in  their  native  country.  They  were  parents  of  nine  children ; eight  now 
survive — David,  Henry,  Christian,  Jacob,  John,  Barbara,  Magdalena  and  Christina.  The 
sons  are  all  residents  of  this  country,  but  the  daughters  are  still  residents  oi  Germany. 
Mr.  Musselman  was  a farmer  in  his  native  country,  and  carried  on  quite  an  extensive 
business,  also  carried  on  quite  an  extensive  business  in  distilling,  and  in  raising  stock, 
and  was  a leading  man  in  his  community.  Our  subject  was  only  nine  years  of  age  when 
his  father  died  ; he  then  lived  with  his  uncle  till  fourteen  years  of  age,  when  he  learned 
the  cabinet-making  business,  which  he  followed  till  the  spring  of  1846,  when  he  emi- 
grated to  America,  and  landed  at  New  Orleans  June  10,  1846,  thence  came  direct  to 
this  place,  where  he  had  a brother  who  had  preceded  him  ; here  he  located,  and  has  since 
resided,  with  the  exception  of  about  two  years’  residence  in  Dayton  ; was  married,  Sep- 
tember 25,  1848,  to  Miss  Eliza,  daughter  of  John  and  Mary  Myers,  natives  of  Mary- 
land, now  residents  of  Preble  County.  They  had  seven  daughters  and  six  sons,  nine 
now  survive — Emanuel,  Margaret,  Mary,  Eliza,  Catharine,  Julia  Ann,  Elizabeth, 
John  P.  and  Sanford  N.  Eliza  was  born  in  Maryland,  January  22,  1831,  and  came 
with  her  parents  to  this  county  in  1833.  Mr.  Musselman  and  wife,  by  this  union, 
have  had  six  children,  five  now  survive — John  H.,  Mary  C.,  David  J.,  Elizabeth  Ellen, 
and  Clara  N.  Mr.  Musselman,  after  his  marriage,  located  in  New  Lebanon,  where  he 
carried  on  his  trade  till  about  1860,  when  he  entered  upon  the  business  of  buying  leaf 
tobacco,  which  business  he  has  ever  since  successfully  followed.  Mr.  Musselman  is  an 
active  and  prominent  man  in  his  community;  was  elected  a Justice  of  the  Peace  in 
1857  and  served  three  terms,  after  which  he  refused  to  serve  longer,  though  earnestly 
urged  to  do  so  by  a confiding  public.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Reformed 
Church. 

BEJAMIN  FRANKLIN  NUSHAWG,  carpenter,  Farmersville,  was  born  m 
Wayne  Township,  this  county,  January  4,  1853;  is  a son  of  Israel  B.  and  Elizabeth 
(Fields)  Nushawg,  natives  of  Berks  County,  Penn.  The  grandparents  were  John  and 
Catharine  Nushawg,  natives  of  Pennsylvania.  The  great-grandfather,  Michael  Nushawg, 
was  a native  of  Germany,  but  who,  when  one  and  a half  years  of  age,  was  brought  to 
America  somewhere  from  1750  to  1760,  and  spent  his  entire  life,  and  died  in  Pennsyl- 
vania in  1823.  John,  the  grandfather,  raised  in  Pennsylvania,  grew  to  manhood,  was 
married,  and  became  the  father  of  two  children,  one  only  now  living — Israel  B.  In 
June,  1840,  he  came  with  his  family  to  Ohio,  and  located  in  Madison  Town- 
ship, this  county,  where  he  resided  till  his  death,  August  22,  1852,  aged  nearly 
seventy-two  years.  His  wife  died  in  October,  1853,  aged  seventy-two  years.  Israel 
B.  was  born  in  Berks  County,  Penn.,  May  12,  1821,  being  about  nineteen  years 
of  age  when  he  came  to  this  county,  and  lived  with  his  father  till  his  death  ; was  mar- 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP. 


347 


ried,  March  14,  1853,  to  Mary  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Jacob  and  Elizabeth  Fields, 
natives  of  Pennsylvania,  but  became  residents  of  this  county  in  1833.  They  had  nine 
children ; six  now  survive — Mary  Elizabeth,  Catharine,  Edward  J.,  Arabel  and  George 
and  Jacob  (twins).  Mr.  Fields  died  March  11,  1859  ; his  widow  is  still  living,  now 
seventy-five  years  of  age.  Mary  Elizabeth  was  born  in  Madison  Township,  October  14. 
1833.  Mr.  Nushawg  and  wife  have  eleven  children,  all  living — Benjamin  F.,  Mary 
C.,  George  W.,  Edward  J..  Israel  W.,  Amanda  E.,  William  L , Oliver  C.,  Ella  Nora 
F.,  Jonathan  P.  and  Harriet  Luella.  In  the  fall  of  1853,  Mr.  Nushawg  bought  and 
located  upon  the  place  where  he  now  lives,  and  has  since  resided.  Our  subject  re- 
mained with  his  father  till  twenty-three  years  of  age.  since  which  time  he  has  followed 
the  carpenter  trade.  Was  married,  January  6,  1876,  to  Lydia  A.  Ellen,  daughter  of 
George  and  Magdalena  Cupp,  he  a native  of  Virginia  and  she  of  Pennsylvania  They 
are  parents  of  five  children ; three  now  survive — Nancy,  Lydia  A.  Ellen  and  Emma.  Mr. 
Nushawg  and  wife,  by  their  union,  have  one  child — Warnan  Luther.  Mr.  Nushawg, 
after  his  marriage,  located  in  Farmersville,  where  he  has  since  resided  and  followed  his 
trade,  as  contractor  and  builder,  aod,  although  comparatively  a young  man,  he  has  all 
the  work  he  can  do,  and  is  doing  quite  a large  business  in  his  line. 

JOHN  N.  PRINTZ,  general  merchant,  Farmersville,  born  in  Butler  County,  Ohio, 
March  7,  1828,  is  a son  of  John  and  Hannah  (Julie)  Printz,  he  a native  of  Pennsyl- 
vania. and  she  of  New  Jersey.  The  maternal  grandfather,  Henry  Julie,  was  also  a native 
of  New  Jersey.  Mr.  John  Printz,  the  father,  emigrated  to  Ohio  when  a young,  single 
man  and  settled  in  Warren  County;  was  married  and  became  the  father  of  six  children; 
four  now  survive — Edwin  Pt.,  Dianthe,  John  N.  and  Edward  R.  Mr.  Printz,  after 
residing  for  awhile  in  Butler  County,  returned  to  Warren  County,  where  he  resided  till 
his  death;  his  wife  lived  till  May  13,  1873,  when  she  departed  this  life.  Our  subject 
was  about  ten  years  of  age  when  his  father  died,  and  he  was  then  thrown  upon  the 
world  and  raised  among  strangers,  and  received  a limited  education,  and  was  brought 
upon  the  stage  of  action,  as  he  arrived  to  manhood,  to  launch  out  for  himself  the  best 
he  could.  Having,  at  fifteen  years  of  age,  commenced  to  learn  the  tailoring  business, 
which,  in  due  time,  he  mastered,  and  followed  that  business  twenty-eight  years.  Was 
married,  March  7,  1850,  to  Miss  Mary  L.,  who  was  born  in  Vermont  August  3,  1832 ; 
a daughter  of  Earl  and  Frances  (Bushnell)  Smith,  natives  of  Vermont.  They  were 
parents  of  four  children  ; three  now  survive— Cylena  F.,  Lucy  A.  and  Mary  L.  The 
second  child  and  only  son,  Joyce  C.,  grew  to  manhood,  and,  when  about  thirty-two 
years  of  age,  was  Captain  of  the  steamer  Phoenix  on  Lake  Michigan,  and,  on  Novem- 
ber 21,  1847,  his  boat  took  fire  and  was  entirely  consumed,  and  all  on  board  lost  (130 
passengers),  except  the  Clerk,  Mr.  Jackson,  who  was  saved  by  clinging  to  a mast.  Mr. 
Smith’s  wife  died  November  21,  1830.  He  married  for  his  second  wife  Miss  Mary 
Pearson,  by  whom  he  had  one  child — Emma  F.  On  the  10th  of  August,  1842,  he 
was  called  to  mourn  the  death  of  his  second  wife.  On  July  4,  1843,  he  was  again 
married  to  Mrs.  Sallie  Jackson,  by  whom  he  had  one  child — Nathan  C.  Mr.  Smith 
and  family  emigrated  to  Ohio  in  1838  and  located  in  Lake  County,  where  he  resided 
till  his  death,  which  occurred  September  21,  1872,  aged  seventy-seven  years.  Mr. 
Printz  and  wife  by  their  union  have  ten  children — -Mary  E.,  Hannah  G.,  Abraham  E., 
Francis  F.,  Edward  C.,  Emma  F.,  David  E.,  Lurenda  Candace,  Orlando  C.  and  Zamia 
May.  Mr.  Printz  became  a resident  of  this  county,  locating  at  Farmersville  in  Septem- 
ber, 1854,  where  he  has  since  resided.  Here  he  followed  his  trade  till  the  fall  of  1866, 
when  he  entered  upon  the  mercantile  trade,  in  which  he  continued,  till,  in  1869,  he  sold 
out.  In  the  spring  of  1872,  he  again  opened  out  a general  store,  in  which  he  has  con- 
tinued to  the  present  time,  and  is  now  the  leading  merchant  in  Farmersville,  doing  a 
good  trade,  having  the  confidence  and  respect  of  his  community;  and,  we  may  justly 
say,  much  credit  is  due  Mr.  Printz  for  the  success  he  has  made  in  business  life ; start- 
ing as  he  did  a poor  boy  and  cast  upon  the  world  among  strangers  to  choose  his  own 
course  of  life,  his  posterity  may  well  feel  proud  of  and  fondly  cherish  his  memory  for 
ages  to  come. 

JACOB  PULSE,  farmer,  P.  0.  Farmersville,  born  in  Lebanon  County,  Penn., 


348  x 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


February  10,  1816  ; is  a son  of  Jacob  and  Polly  (Nouse)  Pulse,  natives  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, but  who  emigrated  to  Ohio  and  located  in  Butler  County  in  1821,  where  they 
lived  about  eight  or  ten  years,  thence  located  in  this  county  in  Jackson  Township, 
where  he  lived  till  his  death,  which  occurred  about  1857,  being  about  seventy-two 
years  of  ase,  and  had  been  a resident  of  this  township  many  years  ; his  wife  died 
many  years  previous,  or  about  1831.  This  was  his  first  wife,  and  by  her  he  had  eight 
children  ; three  now  survive — Solomon,  Jacob  and  Daniel.  He  married  for  his  second 
wife  Polly  Mengle,  by  whom  he  had  one  child,  Julia  Ann.  In  little  more  than  a year, 
he  was  called  to  mourn  the  death  of  his  second  wife.  He  was  married  the  third  time 
to  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Mabee,  by  whom  he  had  one  son,  now  deceased,  and  one  daughter, 
Elizabeth.  With  his  third  and  last  wife  he  lived  till  his  death.  Mr.  Pulse  was  a car- 
penter and  joiner  by  trade,  which”  business  he  followed  all  his  life.  Our  subject  lived 
with  his  father  till  about  fifteen  years  of  age,  when  he  left  home  to  learn  the  carpenter 
and  joiner  trade,  which  business  he  afterward  followed  about  eighteen  years  ; thence  he 
entered  upon  farming.  He  bought  and  located  upon  the  farm  now  owned  by  David 
Stoner,  where  he  resided  till  the  spring  of  1869,  when,  having  sold  that  farm,  he  bought 
and  located  upon  his  present  farm,  where  he  has  since  resided.  Mr.  Pulse  was  married 
April  15,  1841,  to  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Adam  and  Mary  Basore,  native  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, but  who  became  residents  of  this  county  in  1835.  They  were  parents  of  five 
children  ; two  now  living — David  and  Daniel.  Mr.  Pulse  and  wife  by  their  union  have 
had  six  children  ; four  now  survive — William  M.,  Joseph,  Charles  Allen,  and  Mary 
Ann.  His  wife  died  August  12,  1880,  aged  sixty-three  years  and  seven  months.  Mr. 
Pulse  started  in  life  a poor  boy,  and  by  labor  and  industry  has  acquired  a good  com- 
petency ; owns  a farm  of  168  acres,  with  good  improvements,  constituting  a good  home 
and  residence. 

PHILIP  ROADES,  farmer,  P.  0.  Farmersville,  born  in  this  county  and  town- 
ship October  14,  1828,  is  a son  of  Jacob  T.  and  Sarah  (Siler)  Roades,  he  a native  of 
Pennsylvania  and  she  of  Virginia.  The  paternal  grandfather,  Philip  Roades,  emigrated 
from  Pennsylvania  to  Ohio  and  located  in  Montgomery  County  about  1804,  being  one 
among  the  early  settlers,  locating  here  when  there  were  only  a few  cabins  where  the 
large  city  of  Dayton  now  stands,  and  witnessed  and  experienced  a full  share  of  the 
hardships  of  pioneer  life,  and  the  trials  and  dangers  of  the  war  of  1812.  Jacob  was 
about  nine  years  of  age  when  brought  to  this  county,  and  here  was  raised  and  inured 
to  the  scenes  of  pioneer  life;  was  married  and  became  the  father  of  nine  children  by 
his  first  wife  ; six  now  survive — Magdalena,  Philip,  Philemon,  Amos,  Thomas  and 
Elizabeth.  His  wife  died  and  he  was  married  to  Josephine  Fullmore,  by  whom  he  had 
four  children;  three  now  survive— Amanda,  William  and  John.  Mr.  Roades  died  in 
March,  1872,  aged  seventy-seven  years.  Our  subject  lived  with  his  father  till  twenty- 
seven  years  of  age;  was  married  August,  1852,  to  Mary  Ann,  daughter  of  Joseph  and 
Mary  Weldy,  by  whom  he  had  five  childreu  ; two  only  now  survive — Eliza  Jane  and 
Jacob  D.  Mr.  Roades  soon  after  his  marriage  bought  and  located  upon  the  farm  where 
he  now  lives  and  has  since  resided — a period  of  twenty-eight  years.  He  has  a fine 
farm  of  eighty-two  acres,  with  good  buildings  and  improvements,  and  constitute  a very 
pleasant  home  and  residence,  located  about  one  mile  southeast  of  Farmersville. 

JOHN  RUMBARGER,  farmer,  P.  0.  Farmersville,  born  in  Lancaster  County, 
Penn.,  July  2,  1796  ; is  a son  of  George  and  Margaret  Rumbarger,  natives  of  Penn- 
sylvania, but  who  emigrated  to  Ohio  and  located  the  farm  where  John  now  lives,  in  the 
summer  of  1806,  being  among  the  first  pioneers  of  this  township.  Here  he  labored 
and  toiled  clearing  up  his  farm,  enduring  the  many  hardships  of  that  early  day,  and 
lived  and  died  on  the  same  farm  upon  which  he  first  located.  He  was  the  father  of 
two  children,  one  only  now  living — John — who  still  resides  upon  the  old  home  place ; 
is  now  nearly  eighty-five  years  of  age  and  has  made  a continued  residence  here  of  sev- 
enty-five years,  a period  of  time  almost  unprecedented. 

Mr.  Rumbarger  was  married  August  24,  1816,  to  Elizabeth  Miller,  who  was  born 
in  Kentucky,  August  14,  1799  ; issue,  eleven  children;  nine  now  survive — Michael, 
Katharine,  Mary,  Eli,  Elizabeth,  Anna,  Christiana,  Hiram  and  Henry.  His  wife 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP. 


349 


departed  this  life  March  23,  1874.  Mr.  Rumbarger  has  seen  the  rough  side  of  pioneer 
life,  living  for  several  years  a close  neighbor  of  the  Indians  and  wild  beasts,  the  settlers 
being  few  and  far  between  ; when  they  had  to  go  ten  miles  to  get  their  grists  ground, 
no  schools  and  no  churches.  But  he  has  lived  to  see  great  changes  take  place  under 
the  progressive  hand  of  civilization.  The  mighty  forests  have  disappeared  and  waving 
fields  of  grain  appear  in  their  stead  ; fine  churches  and  schools  dot  the  land,  and  com- 
fort and  plenty  prevail.  These  changes  are  so  great  that  could  those  venerable  ances- 
tors be  here  and  behold  these  beautiful  homes  and  fields  of  this  county,  they  could 
scarcely  believe  that  it  was  the  same  country  where  they  once  lived  and  endured  so 
many  trials  and  hardships  ; and  our  present  and  future  generations  cannot  give  too 
much  praise  and  honor  to  their  memory  for  the  first  hard  strokes  they  gave  toward 
bringing  this  country  to  its  present  flourishing  condition.  Henry  now  has  charge  of 
the  old  home  place,  with  whom  his  aged  father  now  lives;  he  was  born  here  July  10, 
1839  ; was  married  October  31,  1871,  to  Mrs.  Eliza  J.  Leias.  Mrs.  Leias,  by  her  first 
husband,  had  two  children,  Louisa  Ann  and  Sarah  Catharine. 

ELI  RUMBARGER,  farmer,  P.  0.  Farmersville,  born  June  19,  1823,  on  the 
old  home  place,  where  his  father,  John  Rumbarger,  now  lives',  and  whose  history  ap- 
pears in  sketch  of  Henry  Rumbarger;  our  subject  remained  with  his  father  till  twenty- 
seven  years  of  age  ; was  married  June  3,  1850,  to  Miss  Harriet,  daughter  of  John 
and  Sallie  Shell,  natives  of  Pennsylvania.  The  paternal  grandfather,  Henry  Shell, 
was  also  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  but  became  an  early  settler  of  this  county,  locating 
near  Miamisburg,  probably  between  1820  and  1825,  where  he  lived  and  died.  The 
maternal  grandfather,  Jacob  Kercher,  was  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  and  became  one  of 
the  early  settlers  of  Miami  Township,  locating  there  early  in  the  nineteenth  century, 
when  there  were  only  a few  houses  in  Cincinnati,  and  resided  in  that  township  till  his 
death.  John  Shell  was  but  a young  man  when  he  came  to  this  county  with  his  father; 
was  married  here  and  became  the  father  of  three  children.  Two  now  survive — Matilda 
and  Harriet.  His  wife  died  in  the  fall  of  1829.  He  married  for  his  second  wife 
Catharine  Gebliart,  by  whom  he  had  four  children,  three  now  living — Henry,  Emiline 
and  Andrew  Cass.  Mr.  Shell  died  in  October,  1866,  aged  sixty-two  years.  Harriett 
was  born  near  Miamisburg,  March  2,  1830.  Mr.  Rumbarger  and  wife  by  this  union 
have  had  three  children,  two  now  living — Rebecca  and  Sarah  Jane.  After  their  mar- 
riage, they  lived  with  his  father  on  the  home  farm  eight  years,  then  lived  on  a rented 
farm  two  years,  below  Dayton ; thence,  in  spring  of  1860,  bought  and  located  upon 
the  farm  where  he  now  lives  and  has  since  resided,  with  the  exception  of  two  or  three 
years,  between  1872  and  1875,  during  which  they  lived  in  Miamisburg.  This  farm  he 
purchased  of  David  Troup;  it  consists  of  100  acres,  with  good  buildings  and  improve- 
ments.  Mr.  Rumbarger  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  to  which  they 
have  belonged  for  forty  years,  and  he  has  been  Elder  in  the  same  for  several  years. 

JOSEPH  RODEHEFFER,  farmer,  P.  O.  Farmersville.  born  in  this  county  and 
township  February  27,  1816,  is  a son  of  Samuel  and  Barbara  (Ruby)  Rodeheffer,  na- 
tives of  Virginia,  but  who  emigrated  to  Ohio  and  located  in  Jackson  Township  in  1813, 
and  soon  after  his  arrival  was  drafted  and  served  a short  time  in  the  war  of  1812.  His 
first  location  was  on- the  farm  now  owned  by  David  Bowman,  and  here  he  lived  till  his 
death.  This  place  he  took  right  in  the  woods,  and  commenced  to  make  a home  and  a 
farm,  cutting  out  the  first  stick  ever  taken  from  the  land,  and  here  he  toiled  and  labored 
for  many  years,  enduring  the  hardships  and  deprivations  of  those  early  days ; but  he 
lived  to  clear  up  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres  of  land,  erected  a good  brick  house  and 
other  buildings,  making  a very  comfortable  home  and  a good  farm;  but  this  was  accom- 
plished by  a great  amount  of  labor  and  close  economy,  such  as  the  present  and  future 
generations  know  and  realize  very  little.  They  were  parents  of  nine  children  ; six  now 
survive — Catharine,  John,  Joseph,  Samuel,  Abraham  and  Mary.  Our  subject,  being 
born  and  raised  in  this  township,  grew  to  manhood  familiar  with  the  scenes  and  hard- 
ships of  those  early  days ; was  married,  December  10,  1830,  to  Sarah,  daughter  of 
Peter  and  Margaret  Souders,  he  a native  of  New  Jersey  and  she  of  Pennsylvania;  issue, 
nine  children ; five  now  survive — John  A.,  Mary,  Altha,  Lucinda  and  Ira.  His  wife 


350 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES : 


died  in  July,  1860.  On  May  18,  1864,  he  was  married  to  Elizabeth,  daughter  of 
Frederick  and  Catharine  Stiver,  natives  of  Pennsylvania;  issue,  two  children;  one  only 
living — William  Henry.  Mr.  Rodeheffer,' after  his  marriage,  located  on  the  farm  where 
he  now  lives,  and  has  since  resided  with  the  exception  of  five  years,  during  which,  he 
lived  in  Jelferson  Township.  This  farm  was  the  old  home  place  of  the  Souders  family, 
and  was  purchased  of  the  heirs ; it  consists  of  one  hundred  and  fifty-one  acres  of  land, 
with  good  buildings  and  improvements.  Mr.  Rodeheffer  and  wife  are  members  of  the 
Lutheran  Church,  to  which  he  has  belonged  for  forty-seven  years. 

SAMUEL  SHANK,  farmer,  P.  0.  Johnsville,  born  in  Perry  Township  January 
15,  1819,  is  a son  of  Jacob  and  Elizabeth  (Noffsinger)  Shank,  he  a native  of  Virginia 
and  she  of  Pennsylvania.  He  was  born  in  February,  1784,  was  raised  and  grew  to 
manhood  in  his  native  State,  and  in  the  fall  of  1808  he  emigrated  to  Ohio  and  located 
in  Montgomery  County,  where  he  married  in  1810  and  located  on  the  farm  where  he 
still  resides,  and  has  made  a continued  residence  of  seventy-two  years,  and  all  since  his 
marriage,  which  is  probably  unprecedented  in  the  history  of  any  other  man  in  the 
county.  His  wife  died  January  10,  1862,  since  which  he  has  remained  a widower  and 
has  resided  with  his  son.  They  had  twelve  children  ; seven  now  survive — Daniel,  Sam- 
uel, Susanna,  Henry,  Eliza,  Catharine  and  Elizabeth.  This  is  a sketch  of  one  of  the 
true  pioneers  of  the  county,  opening  out  right  in  the  woods,  living  the  real  log  cabin 
life.  The  neighbors  were  few  and  far  between,  when  they  had  to  go  several  miles  to 
assist  each  other  in  raising  their  cabins,  and  Mr.  Shank  was  always  sent  for,  from  far 
and  near,  to  act  as  a “cornerman,”  he  being  one  of  the  most  experienced  and  muscular 
men  of  that  day.  He  is  now  past  ninety-eight  years  of  age ; has  lived  to  see  vast 
changes  take  place  in  this  county ; has  seen  the  vast  forests  disappear  and  fine  fields  of 
waving  grain  grow  in  their  stead  ; the  rude  and  primitive  log  cabins  supplanted  by  large 
and  commodious  brick  and  frame  houses ; the  old  wooden  mold-board  plows  and  other 
clumsy  and  imperfect  implements  to  pass  from  use,  and  fine  steel  and  sulky  plows  and 
machinery  of  the  most  improved  kinds  brought  into  use  to  do  the  work  of  the  farmers 
with  ease  and  comfort ; in  fact,  has  seen  nearly  all  of  his  cotemporaries  pass  away 
from  the  stage  of  action  to  that  world  “from  whose  bourne  no  traveler  e’er  returns,” 
and  still  he  is  here,  and,  should  the  “ Reaper  Death  ” spare  his  life  two  or  three  years 
longer,  will  have  seen  one  hundred  summers  come  and  go ; but  whether  he  be  sum- 
moned away  sooner  or  later,  the  records  of  his  long,  upright  and  useful  life  can  never 
be  effaced  from  the  pages  of  history  or  the  kind  remembrance  of  his  posterity.  Our 
subject  was  married,  September  14,  1843,  to  Miss  Anna  Heck,  by  whom  he  had  three 
children — David,  Samuel  N.  and  John  A.  His  wife  died  November  6,  1862.  Ou  May 
31,  1863,  he  was  married  to  Mary  C.  Young,  by  whom  he  had  three  children,  two  now 
living — William  T.  and  Susan  Flora.  His  second  wife  died  February  8,  1872.  On 
March  30,  1873,  he  was  married  to  Sarah  C.,  daughter  of  Abraham  and  Mary  F. 
Brandenburg,  natives  of  Maryland;  issue,  three  children — Althea  B.,  Mary  Elizabeth 
and  Jacob  A.  Mr.  Shank  spent  the  first  five  years  of  his  married  life  at  home  with 
his  father;  thence,  in  the  fall  of  1848,  bought  and  located  where  he  now  lives  and  has 
since  resided — a period  of  thirty-two  years.  This  farm  he  purchased  of  David  Leslie. 
It  now  consists  of  seventy-six  acres,  upon  which  he  has  erected  all  the  buildings ; has 
good  improvements,  a good  farm  and  a pleasant  home.  Mr.  Shank  and  wife  are  m ‘in- 
bers  of  the  United  Brethren  Church. 

HARVEY  B.  SFITLER,  farmer,  P.  O.  Farmersville,  born  on  the  farm 
where  he  now  resides,  July  18,  1849,  is  a son  of  John  and  Lydia  (Baker)  Spitler,  he 
a native  of  Pennsylvania,  she  of  Ohio.  The  paternal  grandfather,  Jacob  Spitler,  was 
also  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  but  emigrated  to  Ohio  in  1832,  and  located  in  Perry 
Township,  where  he  lived  till  his  death.  The  maternal  grandfather,  John  Baker,  was 
also  born  in  Pennsylvania,  but  lived  the  greater  portion  of  his  life  in  this  county,  but  a 
few  last  years  of  his  life  were  spent  in  Preble  County,  Ohio.  His  boyhood  days  were 
amid  the  scenes  and  hardships  of  the  earliest  pioneers  of  our  county,  while  the  Indians 
and  wild  beasts  roamed  at  will  through  the  forests.  John  Spitler  was  a boy  about 
thirteen  years  of  age  when  brought  to  this  county  by  his  parents,  and  here  raised  to 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP. 


351 

manhood,  was  married,  and  became  the  father  of  three  children — Ephraim,  Harvey  and 
Samuel.  Mr.  Spitler,  after  his  marriage,  lived  a few  years  on  his  father’s  farm,  thence 
bought  and  located  upon  the  farm  where  he  now  lives,  in  Preble  County ; here  he  has 
since  resided,  a period  of  about  thirty-five  years.  Our  subject  lived  with  his  father  till 
after  his  majority  ; was  married,  October  10,  1869,  to  Mary  Ellen,  daughter  of  John 
and  Margaret  Wieland,  he  a native  of  Maryland  and  she  of  Preble,  Ohio.  They  were 
parents  of  eight  children;  five  now  survive — George,  Mary  E.,  Etura,  Dora  and  Perry 
J.  Mr.  Spitler  and  wife,  by  their  union,  have  two  children — Birtus  and  John  AMn. 
Soon  after  his  marriage,  Mr.  Spitler  located  upon  the  farm  where  he  now  lives,  and  has 
since  resided.  This  farm  was  purchased  from  Mr.  Yost,  and  consists  of  159  acres, 
which  is  now  divided  into  two  farms,  occupied  by  our  subject  and  his  youngest  brother. 
Mr.  Spitler  has  large,  fine  buildings,  and  good  improvements,  which  constitute  a fine 
home  and  farmer’s  residence. 

HENRY  STAYER,  farmer,  P.  0.  Farmersville,  born  in  Dauphin  County,  Penn., 
March  27,  1795,  is  a son  of  Adam  and  Fanny  (Dupes)  Staver,  natives  of  Pennsylvania. 
The  grandfather,  Jasper  Staver,  was  also  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  but  the  great- 
grandfather, Jasper  Staver,  was  a native  of  Germany,  and  emigrated  to  America  early 
in  the  seventeenth  century ; he  was  a Lutheran  minister,  and  is  said  to  be  the  third 
minister  who  came  from  Germany  to  this  country.  The  grandfather,  Jasper,  and  one 
of  his  sons  came  over  the  mountains  from  Pennsylvania  on  horseback  to  Ohio  to  see 
the  country  and  prospect  for  a home  in  1805.  and  while  here  bought  two  farms,  one 
on  Twin  Creek  and  one  on  Bear  Creek,  the  former  in  German  and  the  latter  in  Jeffer- 
son Township.  They  returned  home  to  Pennsylvania,  and  the  next  spring,  in  1806, 
they  took  their  families  and  moved  to  this  county ; coming  to  Pittsburgh,  thence  by 
flatboat  to  Cincinnati,  six  of  them  coming  by  land  on  horseback,  and  met  the  others  at 
Cincinnati,  when  the  boat  arrived,  and  there,  with  their  horses  and  wagons,  started  for  their 
new  homes,  and  were  four  days  making  the  distance,  about  fifty  miles,  an  average  of 
twelve  and  a half  miles  per  day,  so  bad  were  the  roads  in  that  early  day.  Adam  was 
born  in  1767,  and  his  wife  was  five  years  older  than  he.  Here  they  lived  and  strug- 
gled together,  battling  with  the  many  hardships  of  pioneer  life.  But  they  were  solaced 
through  all  their  many  trials  with  the  encouraging  thought  that  their  children  and  de- 
scendants shall  reap  the  benefits  and  fruits  of  all  their  labors,  and  thus  they  continued 
to  good  old  age.  She  died  July  15,  1854,  aged  ninety-one  years  six  months  nine 
days  ; he  died  August  25,  1854,  aged  eighty-seven  years  two  months  three  days. 
They  were  parents  of  seven  children,  six  sons  and  one  daughter,  three  now  survive — 
Barbara,  now  widow  Vance,  living  in  Elkhart  County,  Ind.,  now  in  her  ninetieth  year, 
Henry  and  Valentine.  Our  subject  was  eleven  years  of  age  when  brought  to  this 
county,  and  here  he  was  raised  accustomed  to  the  scenes  and  hardships  of  those  early 
days,  grew  to  manhood  and  was  married,  October  7,  1820,  to  Anna  Swartzley,  by  whom 
he  had  three  son  and  two  daughters,  three  now  living — Samuel,  Jonathan  and  Eliza- 
beth. His  wife  died  June  12,  1828.  In  the  fall  of  1830,  he  married  for  his  second 
wife,  Sophia  Bickel,  by  whom  he  had  eleven  children  ; seven  survive — Rebecca,  Lydia 
A.,  Israel,  Sarah,  Matilda,  John  Henry  and  Lucinda.  Mr.  Staver,  after  his  marriage, 
located  upon  the  place  where  he  now  lives,  and  has  since  resided,  a period  of  sixty  years, 
Mr.  Staver  started  in  life  a poor  man,  and  by  good,  honest  labor,  a constant  industry 
and  economy,  he  has  accumulated  a large  amount  of  property;  is  now  owner  of  nearly 
700  acres  of  land.  In  this  sketch  of  family  history,  we  hand  down  to  posterity  ex- 
amples of  true  pioneer  history  of  good  works,  crowned  with  a success  in  life,  worthy  of 
imitation,  and  worthy  to  be  cherished  and  honored  by  generations  yet  unborn. 

BENJAMIN  M.  STIVER,  farmer,  P.  O.  Farmersville,  born  in  German  Town- 
ship, this  county  July  17,  1842  ; is  a son  of  Samuel  and  Catharine  (Emerick)  Stiver, 
both  natives  of  German  Township.  The  paternal  grandfather,  John  Stiver,  was  a 
•native  of  Berks  County,  Penn.,  hut  emigrated  to  Ohio  and  located  upon  the  farm 
where  Samuel  Stiver  now  lives,  in  April,  1806,  where  he  lived  till  his  death,  April  25, 
I860  ; he  had  reached  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-two  years,  and  was  one  of  the  early 
pioneers  of  that  township,  and  had  borne  his  full  share  of  the  hardships  of  those  early 


852 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


days.  He  was  a Captain  in  the  army  in  the  war  of  1812.  Samuel  was  born  on  the 
farm  where  he  now  resides  Feb.  21,  1817  ; was  raised  and  grew  to  manhood,  married, 
and  became  the  father  of  six  children — Benjamin,  William,  Samuel,  Mary,  John  and 
Sarah.  After  his  marriage,  he  lived  with  his  father  seven  years,  thence  bought  a farm, 
upon  which  he  lived  seven  years ; thence  bought  the  home  farm  of  his  father  and 
moved  upon  it,  where  he  still  resides,  now  sixty-four  years  of  age.  This  farm  was 
entered  from  the  Government  by  John  Stiver,  and  has  ever  since  remained  in  possession 
of  the  Stiver  family,  a period  of  three-fourths  of  a century.  Our  subject  lived  with 
his  father  till  in  his  twenty-fourth  year  of  age;  was  married,  January  28,  1866,  to 
Christina,  daughter  of  Daniel  and  Elizabeth  Stiver,  he  a native  of  this  county  and  she 
of  Pennsylvania.  By  this  union  they  have  had  four  children,  one  only  now  living — 
Sarah.  After  their  marriage,  he  resided  in  German  Township  seven  years,  thence 
located  upon  the  place  where  he  now  lives  and  has  since  resided.  And  here  we  would 
relate  that  our  subject,  Benjamin  Stiver,  is  the  identical  person  whose  house  in  German 
Township  was  visited  with  such  strange  demonstrations  in  July,  1871,  the  full  account 
of  which  was  published  in  the  Cincinnati  Commercial  July  28,  1871.  These  demon- 
strations were  not  only  strange,  but  very  destructive.  Household  goods  and  utensils 
were  promiscuously  thrown  around,  and  many  dollars’  worth  broken  and  destroyed,  and 
no  visible  hand  touched  them,  and  no  philosophical  solution  of  the  phenomenon  has 
ever  been  reached  ; but  the  facts  in  the  case  as  set  forth  in  the  paper  above  stated  is 
fully  vouched  for  by  credible  witnesses,  and  the  writer  of  this  has  received  the  facts 
directly  from  Mr.  Stiver  and  his  wife  as  they  occurred,  the  truth  of  which  cannot  be 
disputed,  and,  as  far  as  the  writer  can  judge,  can  only  be  accounted  for  as  a wonderful 
miraculous  occurrence  of  modern  times. 

DANIEL  A.  STOCKSLAGER,  farmer,  P.  0.  Farmersville,  born  in  Maryland 
April  6,  1830  ; is  a son  of  Philip  and  Sarah  (Smutz)  Stockslager,  he  a native  of  Penn- 
sylvania and  she  of  Maryland.  The  paternal  grandfather,  John  Stockslager,  was  born 
in  Germany,  but  emigrated  to  America,  and  located  in  Pennsylvania,  and  there  married 
and  lived  several  years;  thence  became  a resident  of  Washington  County,  Md.,  where 
he  lived  till  his  death.  The  maternal  grandfather,  Abraham  Smutz,  was  also  born  in 
Germauy,  but  emigrated  to  America  and  settled  in  Pennsylvania,  thence  in  Maryland, 
and,  about  1833,  came  to  Ohio  and  located  in  Jackson  Township,  on  the  place  now 
owned  by  Frank  Cotterman,  where  he  resided  till  his  death.  Philip  was  born  in  Penn- 
sylvania in  1802  ; was  about  nine  years  of  age  when  they  moved  into  Maryland;  there 
he  was  raised  to  manhood,  married  and  resided  till  in  1834,  when  he  came  with  his 
family  to  Montgomery  County,  and  located  on  the  farm  where  Joseph  Bell  now  lives, 
and  there  resided  till  about  1862,  when  he  bought  and  located  upon  the  farm  where  his 
son  Philip  now  lives,  and  there  resided  ten  years,  thence  located  in  Farmersville,  where 
he  died  April  11,  1880,  aged  nearly  seventy-nine  years.  They  were  parents  of  five 
children  ; four  now  survive — Daniel  A.,  Elizabeth,  Barbara  and  Philip  P.  Mr.  Stock- 
slager was  a man  of  great  integrity  of  character,  and  of  more  than  ordinary  business 
capacity  ; when  he  came  to  this  county,  he  was  possessed  of  about  $1,300  ; by  careful 
investment,  honest  labor  and  industry,  he  became  quite  wealthy,  owning  500  acres  of 
good  land,  besides  his  town  property  in  Farmersville  ; was  a useful  member  in  society; 
served  as  Justice  of  the  Peace  three  years,  and  died  respected  by  all  who  knew  him. 
Our  subject  was  about  four  years  of  age  when  brought  to  this  county ; here  was 
raised  and  grew  to  manhood ; was  married,  Sept.  15,  1852,  to  Rebecca,  daughter  of 
Adam  Staver,  by  whom  he  had  six  children — Sarah  Emma,  Catharine  Anna  Bell, 
Martha  Alice,  John,  Eliza  Jane  and  Lewis.  His  wife  died  March  18,  1866,  aged 
nearly  thirty-five  years.  On  October  16,  1866,  he  was  united  in  marriage  with  Eliza- 
beth, daughter  of  John  and  Margaret  A.  Minderman,  natives  of  Germany,  but  who 
emigrated  to  xAmerica  and  located  in  this  county  about  1840,  near  Dayton  ; thence 
located  in  Preble  County,  where  they  lived  till  his  death,  April  22,  1880,  aged  seventy- 
seven  years ;'  his  wife  is  still  living,  now  residing  in  Missouri  with  two  of  her  children  ; 
they  had  six  children,  four  now  living — Henry,  Elizabeth,  Frederick  and  Sarah  Ann. 
Mr.  Stockslager,  by  this  union,  has  seven  children — Calvesta  Izora,  Filena,  Ida,  George 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP. 


353 


and  Charles  (twins),  Nora  and  Walter.  After  their  marriage,  Mr.  Stoekslager  located 
upon  the  farm  where  he  now  lives,  and  has  since  resided  ; this  place  he  bought  of  his 
father,  upon  which  he  has  erected  all  the  buildings  upon  the  place  except  the  house, 
and  has  now  everything  comfortable  and  convenient  around  him.  Mr.  Stoekslager  is 
a prominent  man  of  his  community ; has  been  Towbship  Trustee  many  years. 

ABRAHAM  F.  SWARTZEL,  farmer,  P.  0.  Farmersville,  born  on  the  farm 
where  he  now  lives,  February  8,  1839  ; is  a son  of  Abraham  and  Sarah  Swartzel.  The 
grandfather,  Abraham  Swartzel,  was  a native  of  Pennsylvania ; the  great  grandfather, 
Mathias  Swartzel,  was  a native  of  Germany,  but  emigrated  to  America  prior  to  the 
Revolutionary  war,  and  became  a soldier  in  the  defense  of  our  colonies  during  that 
sanguinary  struggle  for  their  independence.  He  finally  became  a resident  of  this 
county  about  1803,  where  he  lived  and  died,  departing  this  life  about  1820.  He  was 
the  father  of  four  sons  and  five  daughters.  Abraham,  the  grandfather  above  men- 
tioned, was  the  third  son  of  his  father’s,  and  emigrated  to  Warren  County  about  1799; 
there  he  lived  about  two  years,  thence  in  1801  he  moved  into  Montgomery  County, 
Jackson  Township,  being  one  of  the  first  settlers ; he  entered  a section  of  laud,  put  up 
a log  cabin  and  commenced  right  in  the  woods  to  make  a home  and  a farm ; and  here 
he  endured  all  the  trials  and  hardships  of  those  early  days — such  as  the  present  and 
future  generations  can  know  nothing  of  only  as  they  read  of  them  from  the  pages  of 
history;  he  was  drafted  in  the  war  of  1812,  but  hired  a substitute  ; he  departed  this 
life  in  1840.  Mr.  Swartzel  was  a prominent  man  of  his  community,  and  held  the 
office  of  Township  Trustee  for  many  years,  was  also  Treasurer  of  the  township  ; was 
the  father  of  thirteen  children  ; two  now  survive — John  A.  and  Joshua.  When  he 
came  to  this  county,  he  was  a poor  man  ; but  by  his  own  industry  and  good  manage- 
ment, he  became  possessed  of  a large  amount  of  property  ; at  onetime  he  owned  eleven 
farms,  and  thus  was  enabled  to  give  each  of  his  children  a good  start  in  life.  Abraham, 
the  father,  was  born  and  raised  on  the  old  Swartzel  place,  now  owned  by  Philip  Stock- 
slager  ; here  he  grew  to  manhood  ; was  married  and  became  the  father  of  four  children, 
three  now  living — Sarah  Ann,  Jeremiah  and  Abraham  F.  After  his  marriage,  he 
bought  and  located  upon  the  farm  where  our  subject  now  lives  ; this  farm  he  bought  of 
his  father,  which  was  then  mostly  in  the  woods,  and  here  he  commenced  ta  make  a home 
and  a farm  ; and  here  he  resided  till  his  death,  February  6,  1839  ; his  wife  is  still 
living,  now  sixty-eight  years  of  age  ; she  was  born  in  Lebanon  County,  Penn.,  February 
13,  1813.  Our  subject,  born  a short  time  after  the  death  of  his  father,  was  raised 
and  grew  to  maturity  under  the  care  of  his  mother,  who  was  a woman  of  great  energy 
and  fortitude,  and  possessed  of  more  than  ordinary  judgment  and  skill  to  manage  the 
affairs  of  business,  and  her  example  is  worthy  to  be  handed  down  to  posterity  and 
receive  due  honor  for  the  many  trials  and  hardships  she  endured.  Mr.  Swartzel  was 
married  May  10,  1863,  to  Sarah,  daughter  of  James  and  Sarah  Gilbert,  he  a native  of 
Maryland  and  she  of  this  county,  whose  history  is  fully  given  in  sketch  of  Cyrus  H. 
Gilbert;  issue  six  children — Salmon  James,  Samuel  C.,  Charles  E.,  George  W.,  Winter 
Z.  and  Horace.  Mr.  Swartzel  is  still  living  upon  the  old  home  place,  where  he  was 
born,  and  has  made  a continued  residence  to  the  present  time  ; here  he  has  a fine  farm 
and  improvements.  He  is  a member  of  the  Reformed  Church  and  his  wife  of  the 
United  Brethren  Church. 

HARVEY  VENUS,  farmer,  P.  O.  Farmersville,  born  in  this  county  in  Perry 
Township,  August  19,  1824  ; is  a son  of  John  and  Susannah  (Cox)  Venus,  natives  of 
Virginia.  The  paternal  grandfather,  John  Venus,  was  also  a native  of  Virginia  and 
lived  and  died  in  his  native  State.  The  maternal  grandfather,  Jacob  Cox,  was  a native 
of  Virginia,  who  lived  and  died  there.  John  Venus  emigrated  to  Ohio  and  located  in 
Perry  Township,  where  he  was  one  of  the  early  pioneers  of  that  township,  locating 
there  early  in  the  century,  where  he  bore  his  full  share  of  the  trials  and  hardships  of 
those  days ; he  was  the  father  of  nine  children  ; six  now  survive — Elizabeth,  Margaret, 
Sarah,  Susan,  Harvey  and  Lavina.  Mr.  Venus  died  September  6,  1862,  aged  nearly 
eighty-one  years  ; his  wife  in  May,  1862,  aged  seventy-nine  years.  Our  subject,  who 
was  born  and  raised  and  grew  to  manhood  in  this  county,  was  married  in  October,  1855, 

w 


354 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES  : 


to  Julia  Ann,  daughter  of  John  and  Matilda  Mause,  natives  of  Pennsylvania  ; by  this 
union  they  have  had  six  children  ; three  now  survive— John  Albert,  Jonathan  and 
David  K.  Mr.  Yenus,  after  his  marriage,  lived  one  year  with  his  father  on  the  home 
place  ; thence  three  years  in  Madison  Township ; thence  in  spring  of  1850,  he  bought 
and  located  upon  the  place  where  he  now  lives  and  has  since  resided.  The  farm  was 
purchased  in  two  tracts,  100  acres  of  Isaac  Kilmer  and  50  acres  of  Thomas  Leslie,  a 
great  portion  of  which  he  has  cleared  up  from  the  woods,  and  has  erected  all  the  build- 
ings and  made  all  the  improvements,  which  are  all  No.  1,  and  constitutes  one  of  the 
best  and  finest  forms  and  residences  in  Jackson  Township.  He  has  since  purchased 
more  land,  till  now  he  owns  216  acres,  and  all  of  which  he  has  made  and  accumulated 
by  his  own  industry  and  economy.  He  is  also  a man  holding  the  confidence  of  his 
community,  and  is  now  Township  Trustee,  which  office  he  has  filled  one  term  iu 
previous  years.  Mr.  Venus  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Reformed  Church. 

W.  A.  WEAVER,  Postmaster  and  general  store,  New  Lebanon,  born  in  this 
township,  June  18,  1845,  is  a son  of  John  I.  and  Catharine  (Pence)  Weaver,  he 
was  born  in  Schuylkill  County,  Penn.,  August  4,  1799;  she  was  born  in  Shenandoah 
County,  Va.  John  I.  was  brought  to  this  county  by  his  parents  in  1805,  locating  in 
Jefferson  Township,  where  he  was  raised  and  grew  to  manhood  inured  to  the  scenes 
and  hardships  of  those  early  days  ; was  married  and  became  the  father  of  seven  chil- 
dren; five  now  survive — Mary  M.,  Catharine,  Urias,  John  D.  and  W.  A.  Mr.  Weaver, 
after  his  marriage,  located  in  the  southeast  part  of  Jackson  Township,  where  he  resided 
ten  years,  engaged  in  the  distilling  business;  thence,  in  spring  of  1832,  he  bought  and  | 
located  upon  the  farm  where  he  now  lives  and  has  since  resided,  a period  of  nearly  half 
a century  ; he  is  a prominent  man  and  farmer  in  this  community  and  well  and  respect-  I 
ably  known  ; has  been  Township  Treasurer  and  Township  Trustee ; was  one  of  the  Di- 
rectors in  the  building  of  the  Dayton  and  Western  turnpike,  which  office  he  filled 
twelve  or  fourteen  years.  Pie  is  now  eighty-two  years  of  age,  and  of  course  has 
retired  from  all  active  business,  and  lives  honored  and  respected  by  a large  circle  of  j! 
friends.  Our  subject  was  brought  up  to  farm  labor  till  he  arrived  at  his  majority  ; was 
married  January  28,  1866,  to  Miss  Mattie  M.,  daughter  of  George  and  Susau  Tobias,  j| 
he  a native  of  Pennsylvania  and  she  of  this  county  ; they  had  ten  children  ; four  now 
survive — Rebecca,  Sarah  M.,  Mattie  and  Mary.  Mr.  Weaver  and  wife  have  had  four 
children,  three  now  living — Vernon  A.,  Franklin  J.  and  Elsie  Ardella.  Mr.  Weaver  ; 
farmed  about  five  years  after  his  marriage  ; thence,  in  fall  of  1872,  entered  upon  mer- 
cantile trade  in  New  Lebanon,  in  partnership  with  his  brother,  John  D.,  which  partner- 
ship  continued  till  November,  1875,  when  they  dissolved  and  divided  the  stock,  and 
William  A.  continued  business  at  the  old  stand,  where  he  has,  by  close  attention  to 
business,  his  affableness  of  manners  and  accommodation  to  his  customers,  won  the  con- 
fidence  of  the  people  and  has  established  a good  trade,  which  is  yearly  increasing;  is  j 
now  serving  on  his  second  term  as  Treasurer  of  the  corporation  of  New  Lebanon,  and 
has  been  Postmaster  since  his  commencement  in  mercantile  business. 

LEWIS  A.  WEAVER,  farmer,  P.  O.  Farmersvilie,  born  in  Germantown,  this 
county,  September  28,  1853,  is  a son  of  Daniel  and  Mary  Ann  (Heineke)  Weaver, 
also  natives  of  this  county.  The  maternal  grandfather,  Christian  Henry  Daniel  Hei-  f 
ncke,  was  born  at  Cuxhaven,  Hanover,  December  15,  1793  ; emigrated  to  America  in 
1817,  and  landed  at  Baltimore  September  14,  and  soon  after  came  to  Ohio.  He  j 
acquired  a liberal  education  in  the  schools  of  his  native  land,  and  here  he  devoted  him- 
self to  the  study  of  theology.  But  at  that  time  there  was  no  theological  seminary  of 
the  Lutheran  Church  in  this  Western  country,  and  he  was  necessitated  to  pursue  his 
studies  privately,  under  the  direction  of  Pastors  Dechant,  Dill  and  others.  In  the  fa!! 
of  1820,  he  applied  to  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Synod  of  Ohio  for  authority  to  preach 
the  Gospel ; and  sustaining  a creditable  examination,  he  was  unanimously  received  into 
the  ranks  of  the  ministry  of  that  church.  On  January  1,  1826,  Rev.  Mr.  Heineke 
accepted  a call  from  the  Lutheran  Church  of  Miamisburg  and  became  the  second  pastor 
of  that  church  after  its  organization.  He  served  this  congregation  to  the  end  of  his 
laborious  life,  July  10,  1859,  a term  of  thirty-three  years.  Rev.  Mr.  Heineke  was  a 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP. 


355 


more  than  ordinary  theologian,  stocked  with  useful  knowledge  ; well  posted  in  the 
doctrines  of  his  church,  possessing  a clear  head  and  an  honest  heart,  and  able  to  pre- 
sent his  views  in  few  words,  clearly  and  with  great  force  ; was  modest  and  a friend  of 
peace.  Possessing  such  amiable  qualities,  his  labors  were  sought  eagerly  by  those  who 
knew  him,  and  were  highly  appreciated.  Daniel  Weaver  was  born  May  13,  1822  ; 
was  married  and  became  the  father  of  three  children  ; was  thrice  married  ; first,  to 
Sarah  Replogle,  by  whom  he  had  one  child — Philip  ; his  wife  died,  after  which  he 
married  Mary  Ann  Heincke,  by  whom  he  had  two  children — -Lewis  Alfred  and  Samuel 
H.  His  second  wife  died  November  5,  1862,  aged  thirty-nine  years.  His  third  wife 
was  Sarah  Ann  Geiger,  with  whom  he  lived  till  his  death,  which  occurred  March  26, 
1878,  aged  fifty-six  years;  his  widow  is  still  living  on  the  old  home  place  in  this  town- 
ship. Mr.  Weaver  was  a wagon-maker  by  trade,  which  business  he  followed  seventeen 
years ; thence  he  gave  his  attention  to  farming,  which  he  followed  the  remainder  of  his 
life.  He  took  great  delight  in  hunting,  and  about  the  holidays  of  each  year  it  was  his 
custom  to  make  a hunting  tour  in  Paulding  and  other  northern  counties  for  deer  and 
other  game,  and  as  a marksman  it  was  said  his  aim  was  sure  and  never  missed  its  mark. 
He  was  a very  industrious  person  from  his  boyhood  up,  economical  and  saved  every 
penny.  Starting  in  life  with  no  capital,  he  became  possessed  of  eighty  acres  of  land 
and  quite  an  amount  of  money,  being  financially  well  situated  before  his  death.  Our 
subject  grew  to  maturity,  receiving  a good  common  school  education  ; thence  he 
attended  the  Normal  School  at  Lebanon  six  months ; thence  he  taught  school  one  year; 
thence  entered  upon  farming,  which  occupation  he  has  since  followed ; was  married  Sep- 
tember 16,  1875,  to  Mary  E.,  daughter  of  Jacob  and  Elizabeth  Apple,  both  natives  of 
this  township  ; by  this  union  they  have  two  children — Charles  Henry  and  Walter  Ed- 
mund. Mr.  Weaver  bought  and  located  upon  the  farm  where  he  now  resides  in  the 
spring  of  1879  ; the  farm  he  purchased  of  Jacob  Apple  ; it  consists  of  fifty  acres  of 
land  with  good  buildings  and  improvements.  Mr.  Weaver  and  wife  are  members  of  the 
Lutheran  Church  and  he  is  a very  active  and  popular  teacher  in  the  Sabbath  school. 

GEORGE  WIELAND,  farmer,  P.  0.  Farmersville,  born  in  Maryland,  November 
4,  1824,  is  a son  of  Burnhard  and  Elizabeth  Wieland,  he  a native  of  Maryland  and  she 
of  Virginia.  The  grandfather,  Burnhard  Wieland,  was  a native  of  Germany,  but  who 
emigrated  to  America  and  settled  in  Maryland,  where  he  lived  and  died ; his  son,  Burn- 
hard, was  born  and  raised  in  Maryland  ; was  married,  and  became  the  father  of  nine 
children  ; six  survive — Susan,  John,  Jacob,  Samuel,  George  and  Elizabeth.  Mr.  Wie- 
land resided  in  his  native  State  till  his  death,  which  occurred  about  1831  ; his  widow 
came  to  this  State  and  lived  in  this  county  till  her  death,  which  occurred  about  1865. 
Our  subject  was  about  seven  years  of  age  when  his  father  died,  after  which  he  remained 
with  his  mother  till  her  oldest  son  was  of  age  and  married,  and  settled  in  life,  when 
George  lived  with  him  till  his  majority  ; was  married,  October  4,  1850,  to  Susan, 
daughter  of  Frederick  and  Susan  Rudy,  natives  of  Maryland,  who  lived  and  died  in  their 
native  State.  They  were  parents  of  eight  children  ; six  now  survive — Hanson,  Daniel, 
Joshua,  Lucretia,  Rebecca  and  Susan.  Mr.  Wieland  emigrated  to  Ohio  in  1839,  re- 
maining here  a few  years,  thence  returned  to  Maryland  ; thence,  after  three  or  four  years, 
he  came  to  this  county  again,  thence  returned  to  Maryland,  married  and  brought  his 
wife  here  and  located  upon  the  farm  where  he  now  lives  and  has  since  resided,  a period 
of  thirty  years.  This  farm  he  purchased  of  William  Zehring  ; it  consists  of  169  acres 
of  land,  upon  which  he  has  erected  all  the  buildings  on  the  place,  which  are  large  and 
commodious,  with  good  improvements,  constituting  a good  home  and  farm  residence. 

MARTIN  WOGAMAN,  farmer,  P.  0.  Johnsville,  born  in  Madison  Township, 
February  25,  1825,  is  a son  of  John  and  Mary  (Burket)  Wogaman,  he  a native  of 
Pennsylvania  and  she  of  North  Carolina.  The  grandfather,  John  Wogaman,  a native 
of  Pennsylvania,  came  to  Ohio  and  located  in  Perry  Township,  on  the  farm  now  owned 
by  S.  Crull,  in  1805,  and  was  with  Christian  Wogaman,  among  the  first  settlers  of 
Perry  Township.  Here  Mr.  Wogaman  resided  till  the  death  of  his  wife,  about  1835, 
after  which  he  lived  with  his  son  John,  in  Madison  Township,  till  his  death,  about 
1844  or  1845.  John,  the  father,  was  born  in  Pennsylvania  in  1797  ; was  eight  years 


356 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


of  age  when  they  settled  in  this  county,  and  here  he  was  raised,  and  grew  to  manhood, 
accustomed  to  the  hardships  and  roughness  of  pioneer  life;  was  married  to  Mary  Bur- 
ket  August  13,  1818,  with  whom  he  lived  till  March  2, 1881,  when  death  took  her  from 
him  ; she  was  eighty-seven  years  of  age,  and  they  had  shared  the  toils  and  hardships, 
as  well  as  the  joys  of  life,  for  nearly  sixty-three  years.  They  had  seven  children  ; six 
now  survive — George,  Anna,  Martin,  Sarah,  Moses  and  Mary.  He  is  still  living,  now 
eighty-four  years  of  age.  Our  subject  was  married,  October  15,  1848,  to  Hannah  E., 
daughter  of  John  Id.  and  Mary  (Suman)  Brandenburg,  natives  of  Maryland,  who  came 
with  their  parents  to  this  county  when  about  eight  years  of  age,  being  among  the  early 
settlers  of  Van  Buren  Township,  and  here  they  were  raised  and  grew  to  maturity;  were 
married  and  had  nine  children,  eight  now  living — William  H.,  Catharine,  John,  Han- 
nah E.,  Elizabeth,  Anna,  Peter  and  Isaac.  They  lived  in  Van  Buren  Township  till 
about  1836,  when  they  moved  into  Dayton,  where  they  lived  till  their  death ; he  died 
in  1837  and  his  wife  in  1849.  Mr.  Wogaman  and  wife  have  the  following  children — John 
Webster,  Arminda,  Willis  E.  and  Harry  H.  After  their  marriage,  they  located  in 
Madison  Township,  where  they  resided  till  February,  1875,  thence  located  upon  the 
farm  where  they  now  live.  This  farm  he  purchased  of  Jacob  Baker ; it  consists  of 
142  acres,  with  large,  commodious  buildings  and  good  improvements,  constituting  a 
pleasant  home  and  residence.  This  is  a brief  sketch  of  one  of  the  oldest  pioneer  fami- 
lies, whose  lives  and  labors  make  up  a prominent  part  of  the  histories  of  the  communi- 
ties and  townships  in  which  they  lived.  They  were  men  of  undoubted  integrity,  and 
of  intellectual  and  moral  worth.  John  Wogaman  held  the  office  of  Township  Trustee 
several  years,  and  is  a devoted  Christian  man.  Martin,  our  subject,  held  the  offices  of 
Township  Trustee  and  Assessor  for  many  years.  He  and  wife  are  members  of  the 
Christian  Church,  to  which  they  have  belonged  for  eighteen  years. 

JONATHAN  P.  WOOD,  physician  and  surgeon,  P.  0.  New  Lebanon,  born  in 
Warren,  R.  I.,  Jan.  2, 1817  ; a descendant  of  Dr.  Thomas  Wood,  who  emigrated  to  North 
America  in  1642,  and  settled  in  Newport,  R.  I.  J.  P.  Wood  came  to  Ohio  in  October 
1828,  where  he  remained,  living  in  Dayton  until  1834,  when  he  returned  to  Rhode 
Island  ; was  two  years  in  Brown  University,  after  which  read  medicine  with  Dr.  Alfred 
Wood,  of  Taunton,  Mass.,  and  completed  preparatory  studies  at  Berkshire  Medical 
School,  Pittsfield,  Mass.,  settled  in  Jackson  Township,  Montgomery  County,  Ohio, 
the  fall  of  in  1845,  where  he  now  resides. 


BUTLER  TOWNSHIP, 

JAMES  I.  ANDERSON,  steam-saw  and  planing  mills,  Vandalia,  born  in  Butler 
Township  January  23,  1836.  His  father,  William  Anderson,  a native  of  Pennsylvania, 
emigrated  to  Ohio  in  1811,  and  bought  Government  land  at  $1  per  acre  ; lived  here  all 
his  life;  died  November  23,  1867.  James  remained  on  the  farm  with  his  father  until 
his  death,  where  he  removed  to  where  we  now  find  him,  and  engaged  in  the  above- 
mentioned  business.  Has  been  in  good  standing  in  the  United  Brethren  Church  for 
fifteen  years  ; has  been  a member  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  for  four  years  ; also  held  the  office 
of  Supervisor  for  two  years.  He  married  Rebecca  L.,  third  daughter  of  John  Car- 
rnony,  of  Champaign  County,  December  27,  1855;  seven  children  have  been  born  to 
them,  four  of  whom  are  living — Orien  E.,  Etta  M.,  Frank  A.  and  Wilber  E.  Mr. 
Anderson’s  mother  was  a native  of  Warren  County,  Ohio,  and  was  born  in  the  year  I 
1798.  (Unfortunately,  the  exact  date  of  this  lady’s  birth  is  lost.)  She  was  a member  JJ 
of  the  United  Brethren  Church,  and  died  January  23,  1881,  after  a long  and  useful 
life  of  eighty-three  years. 

COL.  WILLIAM  BAGGOTT,  retired,  P.  0.  Vandalia,  is  one  of  the  early  settlers  ! 
of  Ohio.  Born  in  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  December  25,  1798,  he  remained  at  home  with 
his  parents  until  fourteen  years  of  age,  when  he  engaged  with  David  Allman  to  learn 
the  cooper  trade.  This  calling  he  followed  for  six  years  under  Mr.  Allman’s  instruc- 


BUTLER  TOWNSHIP. 


357 


tions,  at  the  expiration  of  which  time  he  began  work  on  his  own  account  at  Newmarket. 
He  emigrated  to  Ohio  in  the  spring  of  1823  and  settled  in  Licking  County,  where  he 
remained  twelve  years,  when  he  removed  to  Clark  County.  His  last  move  was  to  where 
he  now  resides.  These  various  moves  were  necessary  on  account  of  his  occupation, 
contractor  on  the  “National  Gravel  Road.”  He  bought  the  farm  where  he  now  resides 
in  1838.  He  married  Miss  Hannah,  fourth  daughter  of  Tunis  Quick,  May  20,  1823. 
Six  children  have  been  born  to  them,  three  of  whom  are  living.  Mrs.  Baggott  de- 
parted this  life  January  17,  1865;  the  remains  are  buried  in  the  cemetery  near  the 
Lutheran  Church  in  this  township.  Mr.  Baggott  has  been  a member  of  St.  John’s 
Commandery,  F.  & A.  M.,  for  forty-two  years.  He  has  never  sought  any  office  what- 
ever, but  has  lived  a quiet,  retired  life,  and  the  writer  takes  pleasure  in  spreading  this 
sketch  on  the  page  of  history  for  the  benefit  of  his  family  and  his  numerous  friends. 

A.  M.  BARRETT,  minister,  Yandalia,  was  born  in  Indiana  County,  Penn., 
June  30,  1853 ; remained  at  home  with  his  parents  until  the  year  1867,  when  he 
entered  school  at  Glade  Run  Academy,  Armstrong  County,  from  which  institution  he 
graduated  in  the  fall  of  1875,  and  the  same  year  removed  to  Springfield,  Ohio,  and 
entered  Wittenberg  College,  where  he  remained  until  the  summer  of  1878,  graduating 
with  high  honors.  In  September  of  the  same  year,  he  entered  the  “ Theological  Semi- 
nary ” and  completed  his  studies  in  the  year  1880.  Last  July,  he  received  and  accepted 
a call  from  Vandalia  pastorage,  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church,  under  the  control  of  the 
General  Synod.  Although  Mr.  Barrett  is  a late  comer  in  this  vicinity,  his  calling 
places  him  in  a position  to  do  much  good.  He  is  a courteous  gentleman,  and  we  pre- 
dict for  him  a life  of  usefulness. 

MICHAEL  BENNERT,  teacher,  Vandalia,  is  one  of  the  veteran  educators  of 
this  county,  born  in  Baden,  Germany,  March  21,  1846.  The  family  emigrated  to  this 
country,  landing  at  New  Orleans,  in  the  year  1855.  His  father,  David  Bennert,  died 
on  the  journey,  fifty  miles  south  of  Louisville,  Ky. ; his  remains  are  buried  at  the  foot 
of  “Blue  River  Island.”  The  family  first  settled  at  Liberty,  where  they  remained  one 
year,  and  then  removed  to  where  we  now  find  them  and  engaged  in  farming,  which 
occupation  he  followed  up  to  the  year  1859.  He  received  his  education  at  Southwest- 
ern Normal  School,  at  Lebanon,  Ohio.  He  enlisted  in  the  Seventy-fourth  Ohio  Vol- 
unteer Infantry,  October,  1861,  then  under  command  of  Col.  G.  Moodie,  and  served 
until  his  term  of  enlistment  expired,  when  he  returned  to  Vandalia  and  commenced 
teaching.  He  married  Elizabeth,  youngest  daughter  of  John  Taylor,  November  4, 
1869.  Five  children  have  been  born  to  them — Louis  A.,  Wilber  D.  and  Dawes  T., 
the  youngest  being  twin  daughters,  Flora  and  Lora.  Mr.  Bennert  is  a member  of 
Vandalia  Lodge,  No.  657,  I.  0.  0.  F. ; has  been  a member  of  the  United  Brethren 
Church  for  fifteen  years. 

G.  H.  BRENNER,  farmer,  P.  0.  Vandalia,  born  in  Montgomery  County, 
December  24,  1833,  where  he  has  lived  all  his  life.  From  the  above  it  will  be  seen 
that  the  subject  of  this  sketch  is  one  of  the  pioneers  of  this  county.  He  remained 
with  his  parents  until  he  arrived  at  his  majority,  at  the  expiration  of  which  time  he 
bought  the  farm  where  he  now  resides.  The  home  consists  of  seventy  acres,  situated 
on  the  National  Road,  a half  mile  west  of  Vandalia.  In  the  year  1875,  he  built  a fine 
residence,  and  the  place  is  valued  at  about  $12,000.  He  has  held  the  offices  of  Town- 
ship Trustee  and  Treasurer  of  the  Vandalia  Town  Hall ; is  also  a member  of  the  School 
Board.  He  married  the  eldest  daughter  of  Louis  Mills,  September  24, 1857  ; five  chil- 
dren have  been  born  to  them — Charles  0.,  Emma  J.,  Laura  G.,  Birdie  B.  and  George 
G. ; the  latterwas  born  June  19,  1858.  He  married  Sarah  E.  McDonald,  of  Arcanum, 
December  24,  1877.  One  child  is  the  result  of  this  union — -William  L.  Mrs.  Brenner 
has  been  a consistent  member  of  the  Lutheran  Church  for  nine  years.  The  friends  of 
this  family  are  numerous,  and  they  are  spoken  of  by  their  neighbors  as  people  who  are 
an  ornament  to  the  circles  in  which  they  move. 

ANDREW  BRENTLINGER,  firmer,  P.  0.  Chambersburg,  born  in  Pickaway 
County,  October  4,  1818,  and  remained  at  home  with  his  parents  until  nineteen  years 
of  age.  His  first  purchase  was  eighty  acres  in  Allen  County,  in  1840  ; this  he  held 


358 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


for  speculation  until  1850.  He  first  settled  in  this  township  in  1844.  The  farm 
where  he  now  resides  he  purchased  in  1862.  The  place  consists  of  160  acres  under 
good  cultivation  ; a fine  two-story  brick  residence  and  other  permanent  improvements 
adorn  the  farm,  valued  at  about  $13,000.  He  married  Miss  Ruth  Watt,  March  18, 
1844  ; two  children  were  born  to  them — Cordelia  J.  and  Mary  E.,  the  former  now  Mrs, 
John  Beeson  and  the  latter  Mrs.  Andrew  Eiesman,  located  at  Mexico,  Mo.  Ruth 
departed  this  life  December  27,  1846;  the  remains  lie  in  the  Frybaek  Cemetery. 

Again  he  married  Ann  E.,  eldest  daughter  of  John  Polhamus,  June  7,  1847  ; ten 

children  have  been  the  result  of  this  union,  eight  of  whom  are  living — Martha  A.,  died 
August  9,  1848;  John,  died  January  16,  1856;  Thomas  J.,  Caroline,  William,  Alice 
N.  and  Eliza  A.  Alice  married  W.  S.  Sunderland,  who  died  July  18,  1878,  and  is 
buried  in  Tippecanoe  Cemetery;  two  children  were  born  to  them,  one  of  whom  is  living — 
Walter  E.  Mary  6.  died  June- 5,  1879,  and  is  buried  beside  her  father.  Mr.  B.  has 

been  a member  of  the  Reed  Cornmandery,  F.  & A.  M.,  for  eighteen  years,  and  a member 

of  the  United  Brethren  Church  for  twenty-nine  years. 

JOHN  Q.  A.  COOVER,  farmer,  P.  O.  Spanker.  Among  the  enterprising 
young  men  of  this  county  is  John  Q.  A.  Coover,  born  February  13,  1847.  His 
father,  John  M.,  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  February  13,  1808,  and  came  with  his 
father  to  Ohio  in  1829  and  located  in  this  county.  He  was  deprived  of  the  advantages 
of  obtaining  more  than  an  ordinary  education  and  was  brought  up  to  farm  labor.  His 
father  was  summoned  away  by  death,  which  threw  all  the  responsibilities  of  the  farm 
and  the  support  of  a large  family  upon  him  and  his  brother,  and  they  managed  the  farm 
until  1840,  when  he  was  united  in  marriage  with  Mary,  daughter  of  James  and  Mary 
Duncan  ; they  purchased  it  and  cultivated  it  in  partnership  successfully  until  his  decease 
in  1876.  He  was  elected  Representative  of  this  county  in  1860-61.  Mr.  Coover  was 
a self-made  man,  having  begun  life  for  himself  in  1840,  with  nothing  but  his  energy 
and  strength  to  rely  upon,  successfully  battled  with  the  difficulties  of  pioneer  life,  and 
did  his  full  share  toward  making  Butler  Township,  as  it  is  to-day,  one  of  the  most 
productive  portions  of  Montgomery  County.  He  was  the  father  of  three  children, 
viz. : Benjamin  F.  (deceased),  Martha  E.  and  John  Q.  A.  The  subject  of  this 

sketch  obtained  his  primary  education  in  the  common  schools,  attended  Wittenberg 
College  three  years,  and  assisted  his  father  during  vacation.  He  celebrated  his  marriage 
with  Sella  C.,  daughter  of  John  and  Elizabeth  Beard,  June  18,  1874,  and  rented  of 
his  father  until  his  decease,  when  he  inherited  his  father’s  interest  in  the  farm  and 
remained  in  partnership  with  his  uncle  until  1878,  when  he  purchased  his  interest  and 
has  cultivated  it  successfully  until  the  present  time.  Mr.  Coover’s  business  qualities 
are  good,  and  he  is  calculated  to  make  a successful  farmer,  as  he  is  long-headed  and  enter 
prising.  Two  children  were  born  to  them,  viz.  : Winferd  F.  Y.  and  Leila.  He  has 

230  acres,  about  175  of  which  is  under  a high  state  of  cultivation  and  nicely  improved. 

W ALTER  CROOK,  grain  merchant,  Postmaster, ticket  and  express  agent,  Tadmor, 
was  born  in  this  county,  Feb.  29,  1824 ; remained  with  his  parents  on  the  farm  until  he 
had  attained  his  majority  ; then  removed  to  Miami  County,  near  West  Charleston,  Ohio, 
settling  on  a farm  of  eighty  acres ; remained  three  years,  at  the  expiration  of  which 
time  he  purchased  a farm  near  Vandalia.  At  the  outbreak  of  the  war,  he  enlisted  in 
the  Seventy- fourth  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  then  under  command  of  Col.  G.  Moodie. 
Served  two  months  as  a private  soldier,  when  for  meritorious  conduct  he  was  promoted 
to  the  rank  of  Captain  and  assigned  to  the  command  of  Company  F,  with  which  he 
served  with  honor  and  distinction  until  his  term  of  enlistment  expired.  He  then  returned 
to  this  county,  and  in  the  year  1869  bought  the  warehouse,  which  interest  he  still  con- 
trols. Has  conducted  the  business  of  the  railroad  and  post  office  for  eleven  years,  to  the 
entire  satisfaction  of  all  concerned.  Mr.  Crook  owns  a fine  residence  near  the  station  ; 
has  held  the  office  of  Township  Treasurer  for  twelve  years ; has  been  a member  of  St. 
John’s  Cornmandery,  Masonic  fraternity,  for  twenty-two  years.  Was  married  to  Miss 
Martha  Jane  Bates,  of  Montgomery  County,  in  the  year  1847.  Mr.  Crook  is  a man  of 
fine  business  qualifications  and  a respected  citizen. 

LAFAYETTE  CURTIS,  traveling  salesman,  Vandalia,  born  in  Cincinnati, 


BUTLER  TOWNSHIP. 


359 


August  11,  1847;  removed  to  this  county  with  his  father  in  the  fall  of  1855  ; re- 
mained at  home  with  his  parents  until  twenty-seven  years  of  age  ; he  has  been  a mem- 
ber of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  for  eleven  years.  He  married  Miss  Nancy 
Palmer,  November  29,  1874  ; two  children  have  been  born  to  them — Minnie  M.  and 
Lulu  A.  Mrs.  Curtis  contracted  pulmonary  consumption  sixteen  years  ago  and  gradu- 
ally grew  worse  until  the  15th  of  August,  1880,  when  death  came  to  her  relief.  Her 
remains  lie  in  Poplar  Grove  Cemetery.  Mr.  Curtis  owns  a nice  residence,  consisting  of 
five  acres,  on  which  he  erected  a fine  two-story  frame  house,  valued  at  $1,800. 

JACOB  DEARDORF,  farmer,  P.  0.  Chambersburg,  is  one  of  the  early  pioneers 
and  prominent  farmers  of  Butler  Township,  born  March  23,  1815.  His  father,  Benj- 
amin, was  born  in  Adams  County,  Penn.,  and  moved  to  York  County  at  an  early  date, 
(where  our  subject  was  born).  He  was  united  in  marriage  with  Hannah  Harbolt. 
They  were  the  parents  of  eight  children,  viz.  : Elizabeth,  George,  Rachel,  Jacob,  John, 
Abram,  Benjamin,  Samuel.  Jacob  received  his  education,  which  was  an  ordinary  one 
for  those  days,  in  the  common  schools,  they  being  very  few  and  several  miles  apart  ; 
thus  the  opportunity  of  obtaining  a good  education  was  limited.  In  1826,  he  went  to 
work  for  his  uncle,  where  he  remained  for  two  years,  then  returned  to  his  father,  re- 
maining only  a short  time,  when  he  engaged  with  a neighboring  farmer  for  8J  cents 
per  day  for  one  year.  During  this  time  his  mother  was  summoned  away  by  death, 
loved  and  respected  by  her  many  friends.  Jacob  returned  home  to  learn  the  carpenter’s 
trade  with  his  father,  working  in  the  summer  and  going  to  school  in  the  winter,  as 
there  was  not  much  building  during  the  winter  months.  He  finished  his  trade  and 
worked  with  his  father  until  1834,  when  he  was  encouraged  to  come  West  by  the  tide 
of  emigration  that  was  flowing  westward  at  that  time.  On  his  arrival  in  Ohio,  he 
located  in  Tuscarawas  County,  where  he  remained  only  a short  time  and  went  to  Warren 
County.  Not  finding  his  business  in  a very  prospering  condition,  came  to  Montgomery 
County  and  settled  in  this  township  and  followed  his  business  of  contracting  and  build- 
ing, meeting  with  good  success.  He  celebrated  his  marriage  with  Rhoda,  daughter  of 
Robert  and  Nancy  Hosier,  December  5,  1839.  and  moved  to  Pickaway  in  the  spring  of 
1840,  where  he  carried  on  his  business  with  marked  success,  contracting  and  building 
and  dealing  in  real  estate  very  extensively  until  1856,  when  he  became  tired  of  the 
active  business  life  that  he  was  pursuing,  purchased  a farm  of  ninety-five  acres  that  was 
nearly  all  under  a good  state  of  cultivation,  and  retired  to  a quiet  life  on  the  farm, 
where  he  enjoys  all  the  comforts  of  a happy  home.  They  are  the  parents  of  eight 
children,  viz.  : Wilson  P.,  Mary  A.,  Nancy,  Benjamin  F.,  John  G.,  William  E.,  Laura 
F.  and  Robert  O.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Deardorf  have  been  members  of  the  Christian 
Church  for  the  past  ten  years,  and  their  children  are  colaborers  with  them  in  the 
cause  of  religion.  He  possesses  good  business  qualities,  is  usually  successful  and  enter- 
prising and  a man  that  is  respected  by  a wide  circle  of  friends  and  all  who  are  brought 
in  contact  with  him. 

JOSEPH  H.  DeBRAY,  physician  and  surgeon.  Little  York,  born  in  Miami  Co., 
April  28, 1841,  received  his  preliminary  education  at  Pleasant  Hill,  in  the  public  schools, 
and  finished  his  studies  at  the  Friends’  Academy  in  Miami  County  ; commenced  the  study 
of  medicine  under  the  instructions  of  William  Patty,  M.  D.,  where  he  remained  three 
years;  commenced  the  practice  of  medicine  in  the  year  1867,  at  Pleasant  Hill,  but 
after  a short  time  he  removed  to  Dayton,  and  established  himself  in  the  drug  business 
at  No.  115  East  Third  street,  which  calling  he  prosecuted  one  year,  at  the  expiration  of 
which  time  he  abandoned  the  store  and  resumed  his  practice.  Two  years  ago  he  located 
where  we  now  find  him,  he  has  a good  practice  which,  by  close  application  to  his  pro- 
fession, is  gradually  increasing.  He  has  been  a member  of  the  Brethren  Church  for 
fifteen  years.  He  married  Miss  Carrie,  third  daughter  of  Richard  Shepherd,  August 
14,  1865;  four  children  have  been  born  to  them,  three  of  whom  are  living — Rutherford 
B.,  Dora  A.  and  the  youngest,  an  infant,  unnamed  at  this  writing.  The  eldest  died  in 
infancy,  and  lies  in  Woodland  Cemetery.  The  Doctor  has  never  sought  any  office,  but 
has  devoted  himself  to  his  profession,  is  a courteous  gentleman  who  commands  the  re- 
spect of  all  good  citizens. 


360 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


STEPHEN  DODSON,  farmer,  P.  0.  Vandalia,  was  born  in  Pickaway  County, 
Ohio,  May  20,  1840,  but  his  mother  dying  when  he  was  only  six  years  old,  he  went  to 
live  with  Jonathan  Harpster,  of  Allen  County,  Ohio,  who  reared  and  educated  him. 
In  1860,  he  removed  to  Montgomery  County,  where  he  was  married  to  Sarah  A. 
Wells,  the  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Mary  (Johnson)  Wells,  October  18, 1863,  of  which 
union  has  been  born  one  son — Harry,  who  died  in  infancy.  Mr.  Dodson  has  been  a 
member  of  the  United  Brethren  Church  for  twenty  years,  and  is  well  known  and  re- 
spected in  Butler  Township.  He  and  wife  are  living  on  her  parents’  old  homestead, 
ministering  to  the  wants  of  the  venerable  couple  in  their  last  days. 

REV.  EPHRAIM  EBY,  minister,  Little  York,  was  born  in  Lancaster  County. 
Penn.,  May  27,  1833  ; remained  at  home  until  twenty-two  years  of  age,  during  which 
time  he  learned  the  business  of  milling.  He  removed  to  Ohio  in  the  spring  of  1858, 
and  settled  where  we  now  find  him.  He  entered  the  ministry  of  the  Brethren  fa 
Christ  May  17,  1869.  He  married  Miss  Elizabeth,  fifth  daughter  of  Rev.  John  Win- 
ger, April  5,  1860;  three  children  have  been  born  them — Annie  W.,  John  Wesley 
and  George  W.  The  former  is  now  Mrs.  Silas  Myers,  located  on  the  home  farm. 
Christian  Eby,  the  father  of  the  subject  of  this  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  in  February, 
1800,  and  died  June  28,  1870.  The  remains  are  buried  in  Strickler  Cemetery,  Lan- 
caster County,  Penn. 

C.  W.  EBY,  farmer,  P.  O.  Vandalia,  born  in  Lancaster  County,  Penn.,  April  18, 
1841  ; he  received  his  education  at  the  State  Normal  School,  Millersville,  Penn.,  finish- 
ing his  education  in  the  summer  of  1861.  He  remained  at  home  with  his  father  until 
he  arrived  at  his  majority,  when  he  removed  to  Ohio,  locating  near  Little  York,  April, 
1862,  at  which  place  he  taught  his  first  school,  1862-63.  During  the  next  five  years, 
he  taught  in  Vandalia.  Districts  No.  8 and  9.  His  first  purchase  was  ten  acres  of  land,  at 
a cost  of  8950.  By  industry  and  economy,  acre  after  acre  has  been  added,  until  now  the 
home  consists  of  seventy  acres,  all  in  a fine  state  of  cultivation,  with  good  substantial 
buildings;  total  valuation  about  $8,000.  In  the  meantime,  he  has  been  largely  interested 
in  educational  matters,  teaching  in  District  No.  2,  eight  years.  Has  been  Township 
Superintendent  of  Schools  four  years,  and  has  been  a member  of  the  United  Brethren 
Church  for  twenty-two  years.  He  married  Miss  Fanny,  youngest  daughter  of  Rev. 
John  Winger,  of  Little  York,  March  17,  1864.  Three  children  have  been  born  to 
them — Almira,  Clara  M.  and  Anna  Mary.  Mr.  Eby  never  sought  any  office  whatever, 
but  has  lived  a quiet,  retired  life,  and  is  a man  respected  by  a wide  circle  of  friends. 

HENRY  EIDEMILLER,  farmer,  P.  O.  Vandalia  ; born  in  Maryland  February 
28,  1837.  He  removed  with  his  parents  to  this  State  in  the  year  1837,  and  settled  in 
Montgomery  County,  where  he  remained  until  the  time  of  his  father’s  death,  which 
occurred  August  29,  1877.  His  remains  are  buried  in  Maple  Hill  Cemetery,  near  Tip- 
pecanoe, Ohio.  Henry  remained  at  home  with  his  father  until  he  reached  his  twenty- 
fourth  year.  His  first  purchase  was  the  farm  on  which  he  now  lives,  110  acres,  orig1- 
nal  cost,  $4,017.50,  now  valued  at  $12,000.  The  farm  is  situated  on  the  Miami  and 
Montgomery  gravel  road,  two  miles  north  of  Vandalia,  and  is  the  dividing  line  between 
the  two  counties;  a large  and  commodious  dwelling  and  barn  adorn  the  place,  and  the 
evidence  is  not  lacking  to  establish  the  fact  that  Montgomery  County  farmers  are  up 
with  the  times.  He  married  Miss  Mary  B.,  eldest  daughter  of  James  Madison,  of 
Miami  County,  December  12,  1860.  Five  children  are  the  result  of  this  union ( four 
of  whom  are  living.  His  wife  departed  this  life  November  5,  1873.  He  was  again 
married  to  Miss  Lizzie  Huffman  March  4,  1874;  three  children  have  been  born  to 
them.  Mr.  Eidemiller  is  a prominent  citizen,  and  a man  who  commands  the  respect  of 
all  with  whom  he  comes  in  contact.  , 

JOHN  EWING,  farmer,  P.  O.  Spanker,  was  born  in  Ohio  October  29, 
1823.  His  father,  William,  was  born  in  Kentucky  October  27,  1789;  came  to  Ohio 
with  his  parents  in  1797,  and  settled  in  Montgomery  County,  Washington  Township. 
He  received  his  education  in  the  common  schools,  and  was  brought  up  to  farm  labor 
He  was  united  in  marriage  with  Jane  Magarva  in  1819.  They  were  the  parents  of 
five  children — Elizabeth,  James,  Nancy,  John,  and  one  dying  in  infancy.  When  he 


BUTLER  TOWNSHIP. 


361 


m 


arrived  at  the  age  of  twenty-one,  he  inherited  his  father’s  farm,  containing  160  acres, 
and  has  since  added,  by  economy  and  persevering  labor,  400  acres,  making  in  all,  560. 
The  subject  of  this  sketch  obtained  his  education  in  the  district  schools,  and  assisted  his 
father  on  the  farm  until  he  celebrated  his  marriage  with  Julia,  daughter  of  John  S. 
and  Susan  Hole,  in  1851,  when  he  rented  of  his  father  for  the  following  seven  years,  and 
proved  very  successful.  In  1859,  he  purchased  a farm  in  Washington  Township,  con- 
taining 144  acres,  where  he  remained  until  1865,  when  he  sold  it  and  purchased  the 
place  where  he  now  resides,  containing  120  acres,  which  is  nearly  all  under  cultivation. 
He  has  a large  and  commodious  farm  house,  and  many  other  improvements  to  corre- 
spond, which  could  only  have  been  obtained  by  hard  labor,  perseverance  and  industry, 
with  the  assistance  of  his  noble  wife.  He  has  never  been  an  aspirant  for  office,  but  has 
been  elected  Township  Trustee,  which  shows  the  popularity  and  confidence  he  holds  in 
his  township.  He  and  wife  are  worthy  members  of  the  Christian  Church  and  their 
children  are  co-workers  with  them  in  the  cause  of  religion.  They  are  the  parents  of 
three  children — Mary  M.,  Eva  and  Olive.  Mr.  Ewing  is  an  industrious  and  enterpris- 
ing man,  and  is  held  in  high  esteem  in  his  community. 

REV.  S.  S.  HOLDEN,  minister,  P.  O.  West  Milton,  Miami  County,  Ohio. 
Among  the  many  men  of  Ohio  who  have  devoted  their  lives  to  the  ministry,  our  sub- 
ject occupies  a leading  place.  He  was  born  in  Harrison  County,  W.  Va.,  September  6, 
1832,  and  remained  with  his  father  until  he  attained  his  twenty-third  year,  removing 
with  his  parents  to  Champaign  County,  Ohio,  in  1835,  thence  to  Kalida,  Putnam 
County,  where  he  received  his  education.  Receiving  his  theological  training  from  his 
father,  he,  in  1854,  entered  the  ministry  of  the  United  Brethren  Church,  and  in  1856 
joined  the  Auglaize  Conference,  preaching  in  different  portions  of  Ohio  and  Indiana 
for  thirteen  years.  In  1869,  he  was  called  to  the  Miami  Conference,  his  first  work 
being  on  the  Beavertown  Circuit,  ninety  members  being  received  during  the  first  three 
years.  He  next  went  to  Germantown,  fifty-eight  members  being  received  there,  and 
after  filling  various  other  pulpits  he  was  finally  called  to  Beavertown  Circuit,  where  we 
now  find  him.  During  his  twenty-three  years  of  ministerial  services,  he  has  been  in- 
strumental in  building  nine  churches,  one  of  them  being  called  “ Holden  Chapel”  in 
honor  of  the  founder,  and  it  is  one  of  the  finest  church  buildings  in  the  county,  costing 
$5,000,  its  graceful  spire  standing  as  a monument  to  his  untiring  energy.  To  illus- 
trate his  efficiency  as  a man  of  deeds  we  refer  to  a few  of  the  many  things  accom- 
plished by  him  during  his  labors  in  the  Lord’s  vineyard.  During  his  two  years  work 
at  Springboro,  on  the  Utica  Mission  Circuit,  although  he  found  no  church  organiza- 
tion there,  one  was  soon  effected;  “ Centennial  Chapel,”  built  at  a cost  of  $5,000,  and 
seventy-six  members  received.  He  has  collected  for  missionary  and  other  purposes 
$25,727.40,  and  has  received  into  the  church  1,610  members  ; he  has  never  missed  an 
appointment  on  account  of  ill  health,  and  in  an  early  day  he  rode  on  a circuit  in  Jay, 
Blackford  and  Wells  Counties,  Ind.,  150  miles  every  three  weeks,  filling  seventeen  ap- 
pointments ; surely  his  has  been  a grand  work.  He  was  married  September  30,  1856, 
to  Sarah  A.  Buxton,  second  daughter  of  Singleton  Buxton,  of  Mercer  County,  Ohio, 
of  which  union  five  children  have  been  born,  three  of  whom  are  living — Pierson  B., 
William  S.  and  Ella.  To  every  appearance,  Mr.  Holden  is  only  in  the  prime  of  life, 
and  imbued  as  he  is  with  a spirit  of  Christian  energy,  and  a love  of  doing  good,  his 
work  is  sure  to  be  crowned  with  the  diadem  of  success  in  this  life  and  the  eternal  crown 
of  happiness  in  the  next. 

ISOM  JOHNSON,  farmer,  P.O.  Vandalia,  was  born,  raised  and  received  his  educa- 
tion in  Montgomery  County.  Born  December  25,  1827,  and  remained  at  home  on  the 
farm  with  his  parents  until  seventeen  years  of  age.  He  then  engaged  with  John  Shoup 
to  learn  the  carpenter  trade,  which  occupation  he  followed  for  twelve  years.  His  first 
purchase  in  real  estate  was  160  acres  of  land  in  Shelby  County;  selling  this  to  advantage, 
he  then  bought  the  place  where  he  now  resides,  133  acres,  all  in  a fine  state  of  cultivation. 
The  improvements  are  of  the  very  best.  The  farm  is  located  one  mile  north,  and  one 
half  mile  east  of  Vandalia.  In  addition  to  this,  he  owns  182  acres,  the  total  valuation 
being  about  $40,000.  When  he  first  commenced  business  for  himself  a two-year-old 


362 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES  : 


coit  was  his  sole  preperty.  Here  is  an  example  of  energy  and  economy  well  worthy 
of  imitation  by  the  rising  generation  of  the  county.  He  married  Miss  Massey,  fourth 
daughter  of  Isaac  Miller,  June  5,  1853  ; three  children  are  the  result  of  this  union — 
John  H.,  William  A.  and  Amanda  E.,  the  latter  now  Mrs.  William  Shoup,  all  are 
living  near  the  old  homes.  Mr.  Johnson  is  looked  up  to  as  a man  of  sound  judgment 
and  good  business  qualifications,  is  a courteous  gentleman  and  a good  citizen. 

JOSEPH  D.  JOHNSON,  farmer,  P.  O.  Yandalia.,  was  born  in  Butler  Town- 
ship March  30,  1830,  and  has  lived  here  all  his  life;  remained  at  home  with  his  father 
until  he  attained  his  majority ; then  entered  into  a contract  to  work  a farm  on  the  shares 
with  his  brothers,  John,  Alexander,  Morton  and  Isom.  At  the  expiration  of  one  year, 
he  bought  the  farm  where  he  now  resides.  Owns  fifty-nine  acres,  all  under  good  cultiva- 
tion, on  which  stands  a good,  comfortable  house,  the  whole  valued  at  $5,000.  On  every 
hand  one  can  see  the  evidences  of  thrift,  prosperity  and  comfort.  He  was  married  to 
M iss  Mary  Ann  Retten,  of  Bethel  Township,  Miami  County,  September  3,  1854.  One 
child  was  born  to  them,  who  died  in  infancy.  Has  been  a member  of  the  Evangelical 
Lutheran  Church  for  twenty-one  years.  Has  held  the  office  of  Supervisor  two  years, 
and  that  of  School  Director  six  years,  both  of  which  he  has  filled  to  the  satisfaction  of 
all  concerned. 

ALEXANDER  V.  JORDAN,  general  country  store,  Yandalia;  is  one  of  the 
leading  merchants  of  that  village ; was  born  at  Edenton,  Clermont  County,  Ohio,  May 
21,  1839,  and  remained  at  home  with  his  father  until  twenty-eight  years  of  age,  receiv- 
ing his  education  in  the  public  schools.  His  first  purchase  was  forty-seven  acres  of 
land  at  a cost  of  $1,700  ; at  the  expiration  of  two  years,  selling  to  good  advantage,  he 
removed  to  where  we  now  find  him,  and  engaged  in  the  mercantile  trade  in  March, 
1868,  associating  himself  with  R.  L.  Coffman;  the  store  invoiced  $2,400.  This  part- 
nership continued  for  twelve  years,  when  Mr.  Coffman  retired,  leaving  the  subject  of 
this  sketch  sole  proprietor.  Enlisted  in  the  One  Hundred  and  Fifty-third  Ohio 
National  Guard  for  one  hundred  days,  and  served  until  the  expiration  of  his  term  of 
enlistment ; participated  in  the  battles  of  North  River  and  Green  Spring  Run,  Va.,  the 
federal  forces  losing  in  killed  and  wounded  twenty  per  cent  of  the  entire  command. 
His  youngest  brother,  Charles,  was  captui’ed  in  the  first  mentioned  engagement,  and 
after  passing  through  all  the  horrors  of  Andersonville,  he  died  of  starvation  Oct.  16, 
1864,  aged  twenty  years.  Mr.  Jordan  has  held  the  offices  of  City  Treasurer  six  years, 
City  Clerk  two  years,  and  Treasurer  of  the  school  fund  three  years  ; has  been  a con- 
sistent member  of  the  United  Brethren  Church  for  eleven  years.  He  married  Laura 
A.,  second  daughter  of  David  Coffman,  of  West  Alexandria,  Ohio,  December  24, 1867, 
four  children  have  been  born  to  them,  three  of  whom  are  living — Charles,  Louie  M. 
and  Carrie  E.  We  regard  Mr.  Jordan  as  a man  of  good  business  qualifications,  and  a 
courteous  gentleman,  who  commands  the  respect  of  his  friends  and  neighbors. 

JOHN  R.  LIMBERT,  farmer,  P.  O.  Chambersburg,  one  of  the  early  pioneers  of 
this  county,  was  born  December  5,  1811,  in  Perry  County,  Penn.  His  father, 
Henry,  was  born  in  Lancaster  County,  Penn.,  about  1786,  and  was  united  in  marriage 
with  Catharine,  daughter  of  Adam  Wagoner;  were  the  parents  of  thirteen  children— 
John  R.,  Barbara  (deceased),  Lewis,  Henry  (deceased),  Mary,  George,  Levi,  Adam, 
Susanna,  Elizabeth,  Sarah,  Peter  (deceased),  Catharine  (deceased).  The  subject  of 
this  memoir  received  a fair  education  in  the  common  schools,  and  learned  the  wagon- 
maker’s  trade  with  John  Garlig,  where  he  served  two  years,  and  worked  as  journey- 
man four  years,  when  he  engaged  in  business  for  himself  and  pursued  it  successfully  for 
eleven  years,  when  he  purchased  a saw-mill  and  ran  it  in  connection  with  his  business 
for  seven  years,  and  then  exchanged  it  for  the  farm  he  now  resides  on,  of  fifty-one  acres, 
in  1843.  It  is  under  a good  state  of  cultivation  and  well  improved.  He  celebrated 
his  marriage  with  Regana,  daughter  of  George  and  Elizabeth  Slenker,  May  24,  1836, 
and  bad  one  child  who  died  in  infancy.  Mrs.  Limbert  departed  this  life  September  2, 
1880.  She  was  a good  and  noble  woman,  esteemed  by  her  many  friends,  and  all  with 
whom  she  associated.  Mr.  Limbert  has  never  been  an  aspirant  for  office,  but  has  been 
Justice  of  the  Peace  and  Trustee  of  the  township,  thus  showing  the  prominence  and 


BUTLER  TOWNSHIP. 


363 


confidence  he  holds  in  the  community  in  which  he  lives.  He  is  now  sixty-nine  years  of 
age,  and  the  most  active  part  of  his  life  is  spent.  He  has  left  a record  and  history  of 
success  and  confidence  that  future  generations  would  do  well  to  imitate. 

MICHAEL  C.  MILLER,  farmer,  P.  0.  Yandalia,  was  born  at  Linglestown,  Dauphin 
County,  Penn.,  March  28,  1829,  and  removed  with  his  father  to  Montgomery  County, 
in  1834.  In  1847,  the  family  again  removed  to  Preble  County,  Ohio.  He  remained 
on  the  farm  with  his  parents  until  1858,  then  rented  a farm  near  Germantown  ; here 
he  remained  five  years,  and  during  this  time  by  industry  and  economy  he  saved  82,000. 
With  this  capital  he  purchased  a farm  of  eighty-six  acres,  near  New  Madison,  Darke 
County.  Here  he  remained  another  five  years.  Having  an  opportunity  to  sell  to  good 
advantage,  he  disposed  of  all  his  possessions  and  removed  to  where  we  now  find  him. 
He  owns  twenty  acres  in  a high  state  of  cultivation,  and  a fine  two-story  frame  resi- 
dence graces  the  grounds.  Although  Mr.  Miller  is  not  an  old  resident  of  the  county 
a he  is  one  of  its  prosperous  men.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Hetzler,  of  Ger- 
mantown, Ohio,  January  14,  1858.  He  has  been  a consistent  member  of  the  United 
Brethren  Church  for  eighteen  years. 

REY.  JOHN  C.  MILLER,  minister,  Yandalia,  born  in  Union  Deposit,  Dauphin 
County,  Penn.,  August  15,  1831.  Removed  with  his  father  to  Montgomery  County, 
November,  1833.  After  a lapse  of  fourteen  years  the  family  again  removed  to  Preble 
County,  Ohio.  Mr.  Miller  had  only  the  advantages  of  a common  school  education, 
but  by  hard  study,  at  the  age  of  twenty-nine  years,  he  received  an  appointment  in 
the  ministerial  service  of  the  United  Brethren  Church,  to  which  profession  he  still  ad- 
heres, and  is  now  laboring  on  the  Salem  Circuit,  filling  four  different  appointments,  viz.: 
Salem,  Phillipsburg,  Brookville  and  South  Arlington.  He  owns  a comfortable  resi- 
dence within  the  corporate  limits  of  Yandalia.  He  married  Miss  Helen  Coffman,  of 
Enterprise,  Preble  County,  August  17,  1854.  Nine  children  are  the  result  of  his 
union,  seven  of  whom  are  living.  Lawrence  C.,  the  eldest  son,  is  now  undergoing  a 
classical  course  at  Otterbein  University,  preparatory  to  entering  the  ministry.  Ulysses 
G.,  thirteen  years  of  age,  is  deaf,  having  lost  his  hearing  by  brain  fever  when  only  one 
year  old.  He  is  now  being  educated  at  the  Deaf  and  Dumb  Asylum,  at  Columbus, 
Ohio. 

JOSEPH  MILLER,  farmer,  P.  0.  Tadmor,  born  April  11,  1844.  Remained 
at  home  with  his  parents  until  twenty-two  years  of  age.  His  first  move  was  to  Miami 
County,  where  he  rented  land  and  remained  one  year,  and  this  one  year  is  the  total 
time  that  he  has  lived  outside  of  the  county  where  he  was  born.  In  1868,  he  removed 
to  where  we  now  find  him.  His  first  purchase  was  thirty  acres,  at  a cost  of  $1,200, 
which  he  still  owns.  He  started  with  literally  nothing  and  to-day,  through  his  own 
exertions  and  that  of  his  good  wife,  he  is  worth  about  $4,000.  He  married  Matilda, 
second  daughter  of  S.  S.  Wells,  February  16,  1868.  Two  children  have  been  born  to 
them — Laura  M.  and  Harvey  C. — both  promising  children.  The  biography  of  both 
his  father  and  grandfather  will  be  found  in  this  volume,  in  connection  with  the  life 
sketch  of  Isaac  Miller. 

ISAAC  MILLER,  farmer,  P.  O.  Tadmor.  The  man  of  whom  we  now  write 
traces  his  lineage  back  to  the  pioneer  stock  of  the  State.  His  father  emigrated  to  Ohio 
in  an  early  day  and  settled  in  this  county  on  165  acres  of  Government  land,  on  which 
he  remained  until  his  death,  the  date  of  which  is  unfortunately  lost.  His  remains  are 
buried  in  the  city  of  Dayton,  near  where  the  courthouse  now  stands.  The  subject  of 
this  sketch  was  born  on  the  farm  where  he  now  resides,  March  7,  1828,  and  has  spent 
his  entire  life  here.  It  becomes  our  duty  to  chronicle  a very  remarkable  fact,  that  the 
father  and  son  lived  on  the  same  farm  for  near  three-quarters  of  a century.  He  bor- 
rowed the  money  to  make  his  first  purchase,  thirty  acres  for  $840,  and  through  his  own 
exertions  is  to-day  in  fair  circumstances.  He  enlisted  in  the  Seventy-fourth  Ohio  Vol- 
unteer Infantry,  October  21,  1861,  then  under  command  of  Col.  Granville  Moodie, 
and  served  until  the  close  of  the  war.  Was  engaged  in  the  battle  of  Stone  River  and 
many  others.  For  meritorious  services  was  promoted  from  the  ranks  to  a First  Lieu- 
tenant and  assigned  to  the  command  of  Company  G,  and  was  honorably  discharged  July 


364 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES : 


17.  1865.  He  married  Miss  Martha,  second  daughter  of  Henry  Westerman,  January 
29,  1851.  Three  children  have  been  born  to  them,  two  of  whom  are  living — Ellen 
and  Lizzie.  Henry  died  June  22,  1867,  and  lies  in  Sunderland’s  Cemetery.  The  first 
mentioned  is  now  Mrs.  Jacob  Ryder,  of  Preble  County,  the  latter  Mrs.  John  C.  Miller, 
of  Harrisburg.  He  has  been  a member  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  for  sixteen 
years,  is  a gentleman  and  a good  citizen. 

JOHN  P.  NINE,  Principal  of  the  Yandalia  School,  Yandalia,  born  in  Miami 
County,  April  12,  1847;  remained  at  home  with  his  parents  until  the  year  1865  ; 
received  his  education  at  Northwestern  University,  Evanston,  111.,  commenced  teach- 
ing in  Union  Township  in  1865,  which  occupation  he  followed  until  June,  1868,  when  he 
entered  the  ministry  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  under  the  direction  of  Elder 
Bennett  on  Feesburg  Circuit.  At  the  expiration  of  one  year  the  Quarterly  Conference 
granted  him  a leave  of  absence,  for  the  purpose  of  taking  a theological  course.  In  1875, 
he  was  admitted  into  the  Cincinnati  Conference,  and  labored  one  year  at  Sears  street  and 
Ebenezer  Churches,  Dayton.  The  following  year,  he  received  an  appointment  to  Ger- 
mantown and  Winchester  Circuit,  but  failing  health  forced  him  to  abandon  the  calling 
of  his  choice.  He  next  engaged  to  teach  in  District  No.  1,  this  township;  after  filling 
this  position  three  years,  he  was  next  chosen  Principal  of  the  High  School  at  Vandalia. 
He  married  Emma  A.,  youngest  daughter  of  David  North,  of  Yandalia,  December  24, 
1871  ; four  children  have  been  born  to  them,  two  of  whom  are  living.  Is  a member  of 
Vandalia  Lodge  657,  I.  0.  0.  F. 

M.  V.  PATTON,  physician  and  surgeon,  Vandalia,  was  born  in  the  city  of  Spring- 
field  August  31,  1843  ; lost  his  father  when  only  four  years  of  age,  and  was  taken  by 
Henry  Bates,  of  Wayne  Township,  to  raise  and  educate.  He  entered  school  at  Dayton 
in  the  year  1861.  After  completing  his  studies  he  removed  to  Vandalia  and  com-  : 
menced  the  study  of  medicine  under  the  instructions  of  J.  D.  Kemp,  M.  D.,  and  finished 
his  medical  education  under  J.  J.  Mcllhenny,  of  Dayton.  Commenced  the  practice  of  * 
medicine  at  Harrisburg,  Ohio,  1875,  where  he  remained  three  years,  at  the  expiration  I 
of  which  time  he  established  himself  where  we  now  find  him.  He  married  Annie  E., 
youngest  daughter  of  Jacob  Richmond  of  Daytcn,  April  28,  1870  ; one  child  is  the 
result  of  this  union — Gertrude  C.  The  Doctor  has  a large  and  increasing  practice,  and  j! 
is  recognized  as  a good  physician. 

JAMES  PATTY,  retired  farmer,  P.  0.  Little  York,  is  one  of  the  old  pioneers 
and  prominent  farmers  of  this  township  ; he  was  born  March  9,  1812.  His  father,  ( 
Charles,  was  a native  of  South  Carolina,  born  about  the  year  1788,  in  what  was  then  j| 
called  the  Columbia  District.  He  was  united  in  marriage  with  Phoebe,  daughter  of  : 
Enoch  and  Phoebe  Pierson.  They  came  to  Ohio  and  located  in  Miami  County  in  1807, 
and  were  the  parents  of  nine  children,  viz. : Mary,  Rebecca,  Enoch,  John,  Mark,  Will-  1 
iam,  Phoebe,  Ann  and  James.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  obtained  his  education  in 
the  common  schools,  and  assisted  with  the  farm  duties  until  he  married  Mary,  daughter 
of  James  and  Margaret  Beck,  in  1833.  He  moved  to  Shelby  County  in  1835,  and  re- 
mained there  until  1839,  after  which  he  moved  to  this  township  and  settled  on  the  j: 
place  where  he  now  resides.  It  contained  160  acres,  but  he  has  since  added  thirty- J 
eight  acres,  situated  near  the  banks  of  the  Stillwater  River,  making  in  all  198  acres,  of  i 
which  150  are  under  a good  state  of  cultivation.  They  are  the  parents  of  ten  children, 
viz. : Charles,  Nancy,  Phoebe,  John,  George,  Martha,  Anna,  Margaret',  Mark  and 
Mary,  four  of  whom  are  dead. 

PERRY  N.  RANKIN,  merchant  and  Postmaster,  Little  York,  was  born  near 
Johnsville,  March  14,  1856.  He  remained  at  home  on  the  farm  until  twenty-two  years  j 
of  age,  and  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools.  His  first  venture  in  life  was 
in  the  above-named  business  at  Frederick,  Miami  County,  where  he  remained  eight1 
months,  at  the  expiration  of  which  time  he  removed  this  store  to  where  we  now  find  | 
him;  was  appointed  Postmaster  last  April ; amount  of  stock  carried  $2,000,  his  falljj 
purchase  will  amount  to  $2,000,  and  the  spring  purchase  to  $1,000.  He  commenced 
in  mercantile  life  with  $500  ; his  yearly  sales  aggregate  about  $8,000.  He  married 
Miss  Anna  N.,  eldest  daughter  of  Frederick  Smith,  January  1,  1879  ; one  child  has 


BUTLER  TOWNSHIP. 


365 


been  born  to  them — Stella.  Mr.  Rankin  is  jet  a young  man,  and  his  business  places 
him  in  a position  to  become  one  of  the  leading  business  men  of  Montgomery  County. 

DAVID  RYDER,  retired  farmer,  P.  0.  Vandalia,  was  born  November  2,  1812. 
His  father,  Jacob  Ryder,  was  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  and  was  united  in  marriage 
with  Mary  Wortce ; she  departed  this  life  in  1819.  They  were  the  parents  of  nine 
children;  five  of  whom  are  living,  viz.:  Catharine,  Elizabeth,  John,  Susanna  and 

David.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  obtained  his  education  in  the  common  schools,  and 
was  brought  up  to  farm  labor.  He  came  to  Ohio  with  his  father,  locating  in  this 
county,  Jefferson  Township,  in  1828.  He  married  Catharine,  daughter  of  John  and 
Mary  Keener,  in  1834  ; rented  his  father’s  farm  the  following  year,  after  which  he 
purchased  his  present  place,  containing  133  acres,  nearly  all  under  a good  state  of  culti- 
vation. Mr.  Ryder  commenced  in  life  a poor  boy,  but  by  hard  labor,  together  with 
temperate  and  correct  business  habits,  he  has  accumulated  considerable  property,  in 
which  he  has  been  nobly  assisted  by  his  good  and  industrious  wife,  and  they  are  now 
reaping  the  reward  of  their  labor.  They  have  been  members  of  the  New-School 
Lutheran  Church  for  upwards  of  forty  years,  having  a large  circle  of  friends  and  are 
highly  esteemed  by  all  who  know  them,  being  hospitable  and  kind  to  all.  Mr.  Ryder 
has  been  School  Director  for  several  years.  They  are  the  parents  of  nine  children  ; of 
whom  seven  are  living,  viz.  : Mary,  Michael,  David,  Jacob,  John,  Henry  and  Ema- 

line,  while  two,  Nancy  and  Anna,  are  dead. 

RICHARD  SUNDERLAND,  farmer,  P.  0.  Vandalia.  The  man  of  whom  we 
write  comes  of  the  pioneer  stock  of  this  county  born  in  Butler  Township,  June  28, 
1818;  he  has  lived  within  one-half  mile  of  his  birth-place  all  his  life.  Educational 
advantages  in  his  boyhood  days  were  very  meager.  The  schoolhouse  in  which  he 
received  his  education  was  built  of  round  poles,  the  windows  consisted  of  holes  ten 
inches  wide  and  six  to  eight  feet  long,  covered  with  oiled  paper,  the  desks  and  seats 
were  composed  of  slabs,  and  the  floor  was  rough  hewn  slabs,  laid  loose  on  the  ground. 
School  was  kept  not  to  exceed  four  months  in  the  year,  and  was  supported  by  subscrip- 
tion, no  school  fund  then  being  in  existence.  Mr.  Sunderland  remained  on  the  farm 
where  he  was  born  until  he  became  of  age,  then  rented  eighty  acres  on  which  he  re- 
mained until  1866,  when  he  bought  thirty  acres  at  a cost  of  81,000,  and  has  kept 
adding  thereto  year  after  year,  until,  at  this  date,  we  find  him  possessed  of  300  acres, 
all  under  good  state  of  cultivation.  In  1879,  he  erected  a large  and  commodious  brick 
dwelling  at  a cost  of  $3,000.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Elanor  Reed,  March  25,  1839  ; 
three  children  were  born  to  them,  two  of  whom  are  still  living,  the  oldest  daughter, 
now  being  Mrs.  Elwood  Purnace,  of  Story  County,  Iowa.  Mrs.  Sunderland  de- 
parted this  life  in  1855,  when  he  was  again  married  to  Miss  Nancy  Wells,  of  Mont- 
gomery County,  March  13,  1856  ; eight  children  bless  this  union  ; six  are  living,  the 
two  oldest  being  twin  girls.  Mr.  Sunderland  is  still  vigorous  and  apparently  only  in 
his  prime.  Has  held  the  office  of  Township  Trustee  fifteen  years  ; has  been  a consist- 
ent member  of  the  United  Brethren  Church  for  twenty  years,  and  is  now  serving  a ten 
years’  term  as  Land  Appraiser.  His  judgment  and  business  qualifications  are  very 
good,  and  as  a man  and  neighbor  he  ranks  with  any  in  his  township. 

JAMES  SUNDERLAND,  farmer,  P.  O.  Vandalia.  Among  the  many  enter- 
terprising  farmers  of  this  county  the  name  of  James  Sunderland  occupies  a prominent 
place.  He  is  descended  from  pioneer  stock  of  the  county  and  traces  his  lineage  back 
to  the  days  of  “ye  olden  time.”  Was  born  on  the  farm  where  we  now  find  him, 
August  31,  1823,  and  it  is  a remarkable  fact  that  Mr.  S.  has  spent  his  entire  life  on 
this  farm.  At  the  age  of  twenty-one  years  he  began  life  by  working  this  (his  father’s) 
farm  on  the  shares,  which  he  continued  to  follow  until  the  year  1866.  By  industry 
and  economy  he  was  by  this  time  enabled  to  purchase  thirty  acres,  for  which  he  paid 
$1,000.  Fortune  smiled  upon  him,  and  as  year  after  year  passed  by,  acre  after  acre 
was  added  to  the  first  purchase,  until  now  518  acres  constitute  the  homestead.  In 
1877,  Mr.  Sunderland  erected  a fine  residence,  which  is  in  keeping  with  the  rapid  ad- 
vancement of  the  county.  This  is  one  of  the  model  farms  of  the  county,  and  is  valued 
at  $26,000.  His  educational  advantages  were  the  same  as  those  of  his  brother  Richard, 


366 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


whose  biography  will  be  found  in  this  volume.  This  gentleman,  we  look  upon  as  a very 
fair  sample  of  the  self-made  men  of  our  times.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Mary  Wells, 
April  18,  1844;  eight  children  have  been  born  to  them,  two  of  whom  are  still  living, 
Matilda  J.  and  Della  A. ; both  are  married  and  live  on  the  home  farm.  Mr.  Sunder- 
land has  never  sought  any  office  whatever,  but  has  lived  a quiet,  retired  life,  'and  the 
historian  deems  it  but  just  to  spread  his  sketch  upon  the  pages  of  history  as  one  of 
the  worthy  men  of  Montgomery  County. 

PETER  TENNEY  deceased,  a native  of  New  Jersey,  born  September  12,  1808  ; 
he  emigrated  to  Ohio  with  his  parents  in  1811,  and  settled  in  this  county;  his  mother 
died  the  same  year  the  family  arrived  in  Ohio,  and  Peter  was  taken  to  be  educated  by 
a widow  lady,  Mrs.  Lowery.  With  this  lady  he  remained  fifteen  years,  when  he 
returned  to  his  father,  who,  in  the  meantime,  had  removed  to  Clark  County ; he 
remained  at  home  until  he  was  twenty-one  years  of  age.  He  married  Miss  Nanev, 
third  daughter  of  George  Drummond,  May  27,  1830.  Twelve  children  have  been  bora 
to  them,  eleven  of  whom  are  living.  Elizabeth,  the  eldest  daughter,  died  February  9, 
1870  ; the  remains  lie  in  what  is  now  known  as  the  Fenner  Cemetery.  Mr.  Tenny  was 
one  of  the  pioneers  of  this  county,  and  was  well  known  all  over  Northern  and  Central 
Ohio.  He  departed  this  life  June  9,  1880.  His  remains  are  buried  in  Maple  Grove 
Cemetery.  His  widow  still  lives  on  the  farm  two  and  a half  miles  north  of  Yandalia, 
on  the  Springfield  and  Union  gravel  road.  She  is  very  vigorous  for  one  of  her  age,  j 
and  to  judge  from  appearances  only  in  the  prime  of  life.  She  was  born  near  Fairfield, 
Clark  County,  August  9,  1810,  and  has  been  a consistent  member  of  the  Christian 
Church  for  eighteen  years.  By  request  of  Mrs.  Tenney,  we  locate  all  the  children  as 
follows:  George  Tenney,  Peabody,  Kansas,  grain  and  coal  dealer;  John  C.  Tenney, 
Sheridan,  Neb.,  farmer;  Franklin  Tenney,  Sheridan,  Neb.,  agricultural  implement 
dealer  ; Mrs.  Sarah  Saunders,  Casstown,  Ohio  ; Mrs.  Margaret  Addleman,  Athens,  Ohio; 
Mrs.  Mary  Townsley,  Dayton,  Ohio;  Mrs.  Rosanna  O’Neil,  Dayton,  Ohio;  Mrs.  Nancy 
Ketcham,  Springfield,  Ohio ; Mrs.  Calista  Oaks,  Butler  Township  ; William  Tenney, 
Milton,  Ohio  ; Mrs.  Esther  Kerr,  Tippecanoe  City,  Ohio.  Twenty-six  grandchildren 
are  living,  and  the  aggregate  age  of  this  family  is  over  800  years. 

HARRISON  WAYMIRE,  farmer,  P.  O.  Yandalia.  Daniel  Way  mire,  the  great 
grandfather  of  our  subject,  was  born  in  North  Carolina;  came  to  Ohio  and  settled  in 
the  southern  part  of  this  township  at  an  early  date.  He  was  united  in  marriage  with 
Sophia,  daughter  of  Philip  and  Elizabeth  Plummer  about  1796.  They  were  the  par- 
ents of  thirteen  children  ; those  living  are  Davis,  Daniel,  John,  Catharine,  Elizabeth, 
Henry,  Sarah,  Rosanna,  Isabel.  Davis,  the  grandfather,  was  born  February  8,  1802. 
He  was  brought  up  to  farm  labor,  and  assisted  his  father  until  his  marriage  with  Mary,  i 
daughter  of  Joseph  and  Margaret  Pierson  in  1831,  and  moved  to  the  place  where  he 
now  resides,  which  he  had  bought  two  years  before  his  marriage.  He  was  elected  to 
the  office  of  Justice  of  the  Peace  in  1832,  which  position  he  filled  with  credit  and 
houor  for  over  forty  years.  They  are  the  parents  of  three  children — John  C.,  George 
C.  and  Austin.  He  was  the  owner  at  one  time  of  over  400  acres  of  land,  and  as  his  lj 
children  arrived  at  their  majority  he  gave  them  each  a farm,  reserving  103  acres  to  keep 
himself  comfortably  in  his  declining  years.  John  C.,  the  father  of  our  subject,  was 
born  November  9,  1832  ; married  Mary,  daughter  of  John  S.  and  Margaret  Anderson,  jj 
June  1,  1850.  John  C.  united  with  the  Christian  Church  in  1855,  and  was  an  earnest 
laborer  and  consistent  Christian,  as  well  as  a kind  and  indulgent  father  and  husband 
until  his  decease  in  1875,  which  threw  all  the  responsibilities  of  the  farm  on  Harrison. 

He  received  a common  school  education,  and  assisted  with  the  farm  labor  until  his 
father’s  death.  He  celebrated  his  marriage  March  11,  1875,  with  Bell,  daughter  of 
Henry  and  Mary  Kline.  They  are  the  parents  of  two  children — Alta  May  and  Lena  j 
Grace.  He  has  103  acres,  nearly  all  in  a high  state  of  cultivation  and  handsomely  S 
improved.  Mr.  Way  mire  is  a good  financier,  long  headed,  and  a man  of  untiring  'j 
industry,  religiously  honest,  conscientious  and  just.  He  has  as  large  and  commodious  ' 
a farm  house  as  any  one  in  the  township. 


HENRY  WAYMIRE,  retired  farmer,  P.  O.  Iamton.  The  father  of  Henrv 


BUTLER  TOWNSHIP. 


367 


Waymire  was  a native  of  North  Carolina,  and  was  born  in  1776.  On  his  arrival  in 
Ohio,  he  located  with  his  father  in  this  township.  He  celebrated  his  marriage  with 
Sophia,  daughter  of  Philip  and  Elizabeth  Plummer,  in  1796.  They  were  the  parents 
of  thirteen  children  ; the  living  ones  are  Davis,  born  February  8,  1802  ; Daniel,  April 
26,  1806;  John,  August  31,  1808;  Catharine,  March  5,  1811;  Elizabeth,  July  14, 
1812;  Henry,  July  6,  1816;  Sarah,  June  8,  1818;  Rosanna,  October  19,  1821; 
Isabell,  May  27,  1824.  Henry  received  an  ordinary  education,  for  those  days,  as  the 
number  of  schoolhouses  was  limited  and  far  between,  going  to  school  in  the  winter  and 
assisting  with  the  farm  duties  in  the  summer.  His  father  died  in  1825,  and  on  his 
arrival  at  the  age  of  twenty-one,  became  owner  of  the  homestead,  which  contained  160 
acres,  since  which  he  has  added,  by  hard  labor  and  industry,  181  acres  on  Section  13, 
sixty-five  on  Section  18,  fourteen  on  Section  7,  103  on  Section  12,  nearly  all  of  which 
are  under  a good  state  of  cultivation.  He  has  been  elected  to  the  township  offices  for 
thirty-five  years,  and  is  also  Notary  Public.  He  was  married  to  Malinda,  daughter  of 
Sylvaniis  and  Elizabeth  Swallow,  in  1837.  They  were  the  parents  of  three  children, 
viz. : Mary  A.,  Davis  and  Augustus.  In  1840,  his  wife  passed  into  the  dark  valley  of 
death,  beloved  by  all  who  knew  her.  His  children  being  young  and  needing  a mother’s 
care,  he  sought  the  hand  of  Hannah,  the  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Margaret  Pierson, 
and  was  married  in  the  fall  of  1840.  They  have  had  by  this  union  two  children,  viz.  : 
Eli  R.  and  Oliver  P.  Mr.  Waymire  is  one  of  the  most  enterprising  and  progressive 
citizens  of  the  county,  and  his  family  are  noted  for  generous  hospitality. 

DANIEL  W.  WAYMIRE,  farmer,  P.  O-  Iamton,  was  born  in  Butler  Township, 
August  21,  1839.  His  father,  John,  was  born  in  this  township  in  1808,  and  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Margaret  Coble,  of  this  county.  They  were  the  parents  of  four 
children,  viz.  : Isaac  C.,  Sarah,  Hamilton  and  Daniel  W.  The  subject  of  this  memoir 
obtained  his  education  in  the  district  schools,  and  was  brought  up  to  farm  labor.  He  lived 
with  his  parents  until  1860,  after  which  time  he  farmed  his  father’s  place  on  shares  until 
his  marriage  with  Amanda,  daughter  of  Philip  and  Elizabeth  Miller,  in  1863.  He  has 
been  identified  with  the  township  offices.  They  are  members  of  the  Christian  Church, 
and  have  been  earnest  laborers  and  consistant  Christians.  They  are  the  parents  of 
three  children,  viz.  : Welby  L.,  Eva  A.  and  Carrie  O. 

CHRISTOPHER  C.  WEISENBORN,  farmer,  P.  O.  Chambersburg,  was  born 
in  Prussia,  December  17,  1820.  He  emigrated  to  America  and  settled  in  Dayton, 
Ohio,  in  1844,  where  he  remained  but  a short  time,  when  he  rented  106  acres  in  But- 
ler Township  and  cultivated  it  until  1852,  when  it  was  purchased  by  him.  Christo- 
pher obtained  his  education  in  the  schools  of  Prussia,  which  was  a very  ordinary  one.  He 
has  since  added  to  his  farm,  by  hard  labor  and  untiring  industry,  thirty-nine  acres,  making 
145~acres,  nearly  all  under  a good  state  of  cultivation.  He  was  united  in  marriage 
with  Sophia  Shettletrier,  in  1848.  They  were  the  parents  of  two  children,  viz. : Caro- 
line (now  Mrs.  George  Shoup)  and  Christopher  (deceased).  Mrs.  Weisenborn  was  sum- 
moned out  of  this  world,  leaving  the  children  almost  in  their  infancy.  Mr.  Weisenborn, 

; seeing  that  his  little  ones  needed  a mother’s  care,  sought  the  hand  of  Lesetta,  daughter 
of  Christopher  and  Caroline  Densmier,  and  was  married  May  29,  1853;  are  the  parents 
often  children,  viz.  : Anne  M.,  Catharine  S.,  John  C.,  Gottlieb  O.,  John,  Louisa  M., 
Mary  C.,  William  F.,  George  H.  and  Henry  W.  Mr.  Weisenborn  has  been  a life-long- 
member  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  and  has  brought  up  his  children  in  the  fear  of  the 
Lord. 

SAMUEL  WELLS,  retired  farmer,  P.  O.  Vandalia.  Among  the  pioneers  of 
Montgomery  County  few  are  left  to  tell  of  the  privations  and  hardships  endured  in  the 
earlv-settlement  of  the  Miami  Valley,  but  in  the  old  settler  whose  name  heads  this 
sketch,  together  with  his  venerable  wife,  we  have  a living  link  stretching  back  to  the 
time  when  this  county  was  a dense  forest  and  civilization  crude  throughout  its  length 
and  breadth.  Samuel  Wells  was  born  in  the  State  of  Maryland,  June  15,  1798,  and 
was  the  son  of  William  and  Rhody  Wells,  natives  of  that  State,  who  died  when  Samuel 
was  a child.  He  was  taken  to  the  home  of  his  uncle,  Samuel  Wells,  who,  together 
with  his  wife,  Martha,  cared  for  their  nephew  until  he  reached  manhood.  In  1817, 


368 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


the  whole  family  came  to  Ohio,  settling  in  Miami  County,  where  our  subject  remained 
until  1822,  when  he  removed  to  where  we  now  find  him..  He  was  married  to  Mary 
Johnson,  September  18,  1822,  of  which  union  five  children  were  born,  viz.  : Rebecca 
(the  wife  of  Isaac  Wademan),  Mary  (wife  of  James  Sunderland),  William,  Nancy 
(wife  of  Richard  Sunderland),  and  Sarah  (wife  of  Stephen  Dodson),  all  of  whom  are 
living  within  sight  of  the  old  homestead.  Mrs.  Wells  was  the  daughter  of  David  and 
Mary  Johnson,  and  was  born  in  Rowan  County,  N.  C.,  December  23,  1802,  emigrating 
with  her  widowed  mother  to  Ohio,  in  1809,  settling  in  Montgomery  County,  where  she 
has  since  resided.  When  Mr.  Wells  and  wife  built  their  log  cabin  upon  the  present 
homestead,  there  were  but  two  farmers  settled  between  him  and  where  “ Ebenezer 
Church”  now  stands,  and  the  dense  forest  abounded  in  wild  game.  Here  they  have 
lived  and  labored  hand  in  hand  for  over  fifty-nine  years,  the  last  forty -three  of  which 
they  have  been  consistent  members  of  the  Disciple  Church,  and  as  they  pass  down  the 
valley  of  life  they  have  the  consolation  of  knowing  that  their  children  are  among  the 
most  respected  citizens  of  their  township,  and  that  they  themselves  will  leave  a record 
of  honesty,  morality  and  Christian  charity  which  their  descendants  may  point  to  with 
just  pride  and  filial  reverence. 

WILLIAM  WELLS,  farmer,  P.  0.  Yandalia,  was  born  May  16,  1830,  in  this 
township,  and  has  never  lived  out  of  the  county.  He  remained  at  home  on  the  farm 
with  his  parents  until  twenty-two  years  of  age.  His  first  purchase  was  twenty-seven 
acres,  for  which  he  paid  $675,  or  $25  per  acre.  At  the  time  he  bought  it  (1854), 
it  was  all  timber,  but  by  hard  labor  and  economy  acre  after  acre  has  been  added,  until 
now  the  home  contains  267  acres  in  a high  state  of  cultivation.  In  1873,  he  built  a 
fine  residence  and  other  substantial  improvements  have  been  made.  The  valuation  to- 
day is  about  $23,000,  and  it  is  situated  on  the  “ New  Troy  Turnpike,”  one  mile  north 
of  Vandalia.  This  is  one  of  the  model  farms  of  the  county.  He  married  Miss  Nancy, 
second  daughter  of  William  Sunderland,  May  25,  1852.  Five  children  have  been  born 
to  them,  three  of  whom  are  living — Ellis  E.,  William  S.  and  Charley  H.  The  first 
named  married  Miss  Emma  Clemmer,  October  23,  1879.  Mr.  Wells  has  been  a mem- 
ber of  the  School  Board  nine  years,  and  both  he  and  wife  have  been  consistent  mem- 
bers of  the  United  Brethren  Church  for  twenty  years. 

DeLAFAYETTE  WESTERMAN,  general  county  store  and  proprietor  of  Eagle 
Hotel.  Vandalia,  was  born  in  this  township  December  28,  1844,  and  has  spent  most  of 
his  life  here.  He  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools ; remained  with  his 
father  until  fourteen  years  of  age.  His  mother  died  when  he  was  but  eight  years  old, 
which  necessitated  the  dissolution  of  his  father’s  family,  hence  his  leaving  home  at  such 
an  early  age.  When  eighteen,  he  enlisted  in  the  One  Hundred  and  Thirty-second  Ohio 
Volunteer  Infantry  for  one  hundred  days.  At  the  expiration  of  his  term  of  enlistment,  lie 
returned  home,  and  spent  several  years  working  on  a farm  as  a hired  hand.  From  this 
time  until  1868,  he  followed  the  occupation  of  clerk  in  a dry  groods  and  grocery  store,  at 
Chambersburg,  soon  after  which  he  engaged  in  mercantile  business  at  Chambersburg, 
and  in  1869,  he  removed  his  store  to  where  we  now  find  him.  He  carries  a general 
assortment  of  goods  and  keeps  the  only  hotel  in  the  place,  and  is  worth  $4,000.  Leav- 
ing home  so  young  and  accumulating  this  amount  with  no  assistance  shows  both  good 
management  and  sound  judgment.  April  18,  1868,  he  married  Miss  Fannie  E.  Shif- 
fert,  of  Madison  County,  Ky.  Four  children  are  the  result  of  this  marriage,  two  of 
whom  are  still  living — Nellie  L.  and  Lorena  G.  Mr.  Westerman  is  a courteous  gentle- 
man, and  one  of  the  most  enterprising  business  men  of  Vandalia. 

REV.  JOHN  WINGER  (deceased)  was  born  in  Lancaster  County,  Penn.,  Feb- 
ruary 26,  1807;  remained  at  home  with  his  father  until  twenty-seven  years  of  age, 
during  which  time  he  learned  the  business  of  manufacturing  woolen  goods ; removed  to 
Ohio  with  his  parents  in  the  year  1827,  and  settled  in  Montgomery  County,  where  he 
remained  until  his  death.  He  organized  the  church  known  as  the  Brethren  in  Christ, 
in  the  Stillwater  Valley  ; entered  the  ministry  in  1840,  under  the  guidance  of  the 
River  Brethren,  where  he  continued  to  labor  until  the  organization  of  the  church,  now 
known  as  the  Brethren  in  Christ,  which  occurred  about  1853.  He  was  a preacher  for 


PERRY  TOWNSHIP. 


369 


thirty-nine  years,  and  during  the  time  never  asked  for  or  received  any  pay  for  his  min- 
isterial services.  He  married  Miss  Sarah  Moyer,  and  eight  children  were  born  to  them, 
seven  of  whom  are  living.  Sarah  departed  this  life  August  20,  1847,  and  the  remains 
are  buried  on  the  farm  where  we  now  write.  Again  he  married  Miss  Catharine  Slot- 
terbeck,  and  two  children  was  the  result  of  this  union,  one  of  whom  is  living.  On  the 
28th  of  January,  1879,  Mr.  Winger  was  afflicted  with  apoplexy,  from  the  effects  of 
which  he  died,  and  his  remains  lie  beside  those  of  his  wife  Sarah.  Catharine,  his 
second  wife,  died  July  20,  1878,  and  the  remains  rest  in  the  same  enclosure.  Rev. 
Winger  was  a man  widely  known  and  universally  beloved.  He  had  written  a short 
sketch  of  his  life,  but  it  has  never  been  published ; half  of  his  good  deeds  will  never  be 
known,  as  he  speaks  more  of  the  good  done  by  others  than  himself,  but  eternity  will 
unfold  the  record  of  his  life. 


PERRY  TOWNSHIP. 

GEORGE  BIXLER,  farmer,  P.  0.  Brookville,  born  in  Maryland,  December  18, 
1820;  is  a son  of  Samuel  and  Leah  (Mausj  Bixler,  natives  of  Maryland,  emigrating  to 
Ohio  in  August,  1827,  locating  in  Preble  County,  residing  there  till  the  spring  of  1829, 
when  they  removed  into  Montgomery  County,  locating  on  Wolf  Creek,  about  ten  miles 
from  Dayton,  where  they  resided  till  their  death.  He  died  May  16,  1859.  She  died 
December  31,  1866.  They  were  parents  of  seven  children  ; five  now  survive — George, 
Eliza  Ann,  Catharine,  Anna  Mary  and  David.  Mr.  Bixler  was  a miller  by  trade, 
which  business  he  followed  about  ten  years,  till  the  time  of  locating  on  his  farm  in 
Montgomery  County.  When  he  came  to  Ohio  to  look  for  a location,  he  and  his  brother- 
in-law  came  through  on  horseback,  with  only  one  horse,  riding  alternately  while  the 
other  walked : thus  making  the  entire  distance  of  over  500  miles.  This  was  during 
the  pioneer  days  before  railroads  existed.  He  made  three  trips  back  and  forth  from 
his  native  State  in  this  manner,  when  traveling  was  in  that  day  through  the  then  thinly 
settled  country,  attended  with  many  dangers.  On  his  second  trip,  he  brought  with 
him  $800  in  silver,  in  his  saddle-bags  across  his  horse.  This  was  in  the  time  of  the 
so-called  “wild  cat”  money,  when  nothing  but  gold  and  silver  were  of  any  certain 
value  at  any  distance  from  its  place  of  issue.  This  silver  he  deposited  with  the  land- 
lords at  the  various  taverns  where  he  put  up  over  night  on  his  journey,  for  safety.  At 
one  stopping  place,  on  the  mountains,  he  had  some  fears  of  robbery,  from  suspicious  ap- 
pearances, but  he  came  through  safely,  and  invested  his  money  in  the  firm  above-men- 
tioned, on  Wolf  Creek,  purchasing  160  acres  of  land  at  $5  per  acre.  Shortly  after 
their  death,  this  same  land  was  sold  at  $80  per  acre,  thus  showing  what  his  improve- 
ments and  the  advance  in  the  value  of  land  in  this  vicinity  had  accomplished.  He 
was  a man  of  industrious  habits  ; never  went  in  debt ; always  paid  as  he  went.  What 
he  did  he  did  safely,  and  ran  no  risks.  Our  subject  remained  with  his  brother  till 
twenty-six  years  of  age  ; was  married  February  18,  1817  to  Rachel  Ann,  daughter  of 
John  and  Phebe  Clemmer,  natives  of  Virginia,  but  became  pioneer  settlers  of  this 
county,  locating  here  just  after  the  war  of  1812,  he  having  been  a soldier  in  that  war. 
Mr.  Bixler  and  wife  have  had  seven  children ; six  now  survive — Samuel  J.,  Mary  E., 
John  A.  H.,  David  M.,  William  I.  B.  and  Jessie  Fremont.  Mr.  Bixler  has  always 
followed  farming.  He  bought  and  located  where  he  now  lives  in  the  spring  of  1849, 
where  he  has  since  resided — a period  of  thirty-two  years.  Has  a good  farm  of  185 
acres,  with  large,  fine  buildings  and  good  improvements;  also  owns  255  acres  in  Darke 
County.  Mr.  Bixler  is  one  of  the  most  prosperous  and  prominent  farmers  of  Perry 
Township,  holding  the  confidence  of  his  people  and  community.  Politically,  a Repub- 
lican, he  has  been  Township  Treasurer  two  terms ; is  a man  of  integrity  and  honor, 
whose  life,  like  his  father’s,  has  been  such  as  is  worthy  of  imitation  by  the  rising  gen- 
erations. He  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 

JOHN  W.  BOWMAN,  farmer,  P.  O.  Johnsville,  born  in  this  county,  Jackson 

x 


370 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


Township,  March  7,  1833  ; is  a son  of  John  and  Elizabeth  (Bright)  Bowman  ; he  is  a 
native  of  Warren  County,  Ohio,  and  she  of  Virginia.  The  grandfather,  David  Bow- 
man, was  born  in  Maryland,  but  emigrated  to  Ohio  and  located  in  Warren  County 
about  1795,  where  he  resided  for  a few  years,  when  he  moved  into  this  county,  and  lo- 
cated in  Madison  Township,  where  he  was  one  of  the  early  pioneers ; and  here  he  lived 
and  died.  The  grandfather,  Peter  L.  Bright,  was  born  in  Virginia,  but  became  a resi- 
dent of  Jackson  Township,  this  county,  where  he  lived  till  his  death.  John  Bowman 
was  born  in  1797.  Here  he  was  raised  and  grew  to  maturity,  inured  to  the  trials  and 
hardships  in  those  early  days  in  this  then  almost  entire  wilderness ; was  married  and 
became  the  father  of  nine  children,  eight  now  living:  David  R.,  Joseph,  John  W., 
Samuel,  Isaac,  Mary  Ann,  Daniel,  Peter  L.  Mr.  Bowman,  after  his  marriage,  bought 
and  located  in  Jackson  Township,  and  opened  out  right  in  the  woods  ; has  remained 
there  to  the  present  time;  has  over  100  acres  cleared  and  in  good  cultivation  ; erected 
good  buildings,  and  brought  the  farm  into  its  present  state  of  improvement,  with  all 
the  conveniences,  making  a fine  farmer’s  residence.  He  lost  his  wife  in  the  spring  of 
1877.  He  is  still  living  on  the  home  place,  where  he  has  now  made  a continuous  resi- 
dence of  over  half  a century,  and  has  reached  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-four  years. 
Our  subject  remained  with  his  father  till  thirty-three  years  of  age;  was  married  April 
7,  1867,  to  Catharine,  daughter  of  John  and  Mary  Keener.  Natives  of  Pennsylvania,  |{ 
but  became  settlers  of  Madison  Township,  this  county,  December  1,  1831,  where  they 
still  reside.  They  are  parents  of  seven  children — Sebastian,  Abraham,  John,  Elizabeth, 
Catherine,  Jacob  and  David  (twins).  Mr.  Bowman  and  wife  have  three  children — 
Mary  Elizabeth,  John  D.  and  Jeremiah  A.  Mr.  Bowman  commenced  his  business 
life  on  twenty  acres  of  land,  which  he  bought,  adjoining  his  father’s  farm,  where  he  re- 
sided till  the  spring  of  1873,  when  he  bought  and  located  on  the  place  where  he  now  lives 
and  has  since  resided.  Their  farm  consists  of  seventy-six  acres,  mostly  in  cultivation, 
with  good  buildings  and  improvements,  located  juston  the  outskirts  of  Johnsville,  con- 
venient to  schools,  church  and  post  office,  and  is  a very  pleasant  home. 

DR.  J.  BROWER,  physician  and  surgeon,  Johnsville,  born  in  West  Alexan- 
dria, Preble  County,  Ohio,  February  14,  1841  ; is  a son  of  Joseph  and  Maria  (Spattv) 
Brower,  he  a native  of  this  county,  and  she  of  Switzerland.  The  grandfather,  Abra- 
ham  Brower,  was  a native  of  Virginia ; he  emigrated  to  Ohio  and  located  near  Ger- 
mantown about  1805,  being  one  of  the  early  pioneers;  he  resided  there  a short  time, 
thence  he  moved  into  Preble  County,  where  he  resided  till  his  death.  Joseph,  who 
was  born  about  1809,  or  about  four  years  after  his  father  came  to  this  county,  was 
rocked  in  the  pioneer  cradle,  and  grew  up  to  manhood  inured  to  the  scenes  and  hard- 
ships of  those  primitive  times,  receiving  but  a meager  education,  such  as  those  days 
afforded  ; but  he  possessed  a natural  ability  and  became  a very  popular  man  of  his  day  ; 
was  elected  Justice  of  the  Peace  when  only  eighteen  years  of  age  ; held  many  of  the 
offices  of  his  township  and  county  ; was  County  Treasurer  for  four  years,  and  became 
a man  of  wealth  and  influence,  and  is  still  residing  near  West  Alexandria,  now  over 
“ three  score  years  and  ten,”  loved  and  respected  by  all  who  know  him.  Our  subject,  who 
was  born  and  raised  in  Preble  County,  and  educated  in  the  common  schools,  conceived 
the  idea  in  his  youthful  days  of  becoming  a physician,  and  early  commenced  to  prepare 
for  that  profession  by  entering  upon  a course  of  study  under  Dr.  O.  E.  Tillson,  of  West 
Alexandria,  with  whom  he  remained  several  years,  thence  in  the  winter  of  1875 
entered  the  Eclectic  Medical  Institute  at  Cincinnati ; went  through  their  complete 
course  on  the  practice  of  medicine  and  surgery,  and  graduated  in  1878,  receiving  his 
diploma  with  honors.  He  immediately  located  in  Johnsville,  and  commenced  the  prac- 
tice of  his  profession  ; has  now  been  located  here  four  years  ; has  a good,  lucrative 
practice,  and  from  his  affableness  of  manners  and  social  qualities,  his  thorough  course 
aud  preparation  for  his  profession,  with  his  natural  ability  and  love  for  the  same,  we  may 
safely  predict  for  him  a growing  practice  and  a success  in  his  profession  second  to  but 
few  in  the  county. 

JOSEPH  BROWN,  farmer,  P.  O.  Brookville,  born  in  this  county  March  20, 1837, 
is  a son  of  Joseph  and  Marilla  Elizabeth  (Michael)  Brown,  natives  of  Maryland,  who  j 


PERRY  TOWNSHIP. 


371 


emigrated  to  Ohio,  locating  first  in  Butler  County  about  1830,  remaining  one  year, 
thence  to  Montgomery  County,  where  they  resided  till  their  death;  he  died  August  17, 
1839,  aged  about  forty  years  ; his  wife  died  August  30,  1880,  aged  eighty  years.  They 
were  parents  of  eight  children,  three  now  living — Caroline,  Amanda  and  Joseph.  Mr. 
Brown  was  a blacksmith  by  trade,  which  business  he  followed  while  living  in  Maryland, 
but  after  coming  to  Ohio  he  gave  his  attention  to  farming  till  his  death.  Two  of  his 
sons,  Josiah  and  Solomon,  were  in  the  war  of  the  rebellion  ; the  former  died  of  sickness 
in  a hospital  and  never  returned  home  ; the  latter  contracted  disease,  of  which  he  never 
recovered,  and  died  some  four  years  after  his  return.  Our  subject  was  in  his  third 
year  when  his  father  died,  but  his  mother,  who  was  a woman  of  courage  and  resolution, 
kept  her  family  together  and  raised  them  all  till  they  grew  to  maturity.  Joseph  mar- 
ried, January  20,  1859,  to  Sarah  M.,  daughter  of  John  and  Elizabeth  (Hubler) 
Wright,  natives  of  Ohio ; they  were  parents  of  seven  children,  five  now  living — 
Sarah  M.,  George  W.,  Oliver  Perry,  Jane  and  Samuel  Michael.  Mr.  Brown  and  wife 
by  tfieir  marriage  have  four  children — Cerella  R.,  Perry  A.,  Mary  Elizabeth  and  Emma 
J.  Mr.  Brown  has  always  followed  farming  during  his  life,  and  all  in  this  county 
except  about  five  years,  during  which  he  lived  in  Shelby  County ; he  has  bought  and 
sold  and  lived  on  several  different  farms  during  his  life.  He  bought  and  located  upon 
his  present  farm  in  March,  1880  ; this  farm  consists  of  eighty  acres,  fifty  of  which  are 
in  cultivation,  with  good  buildings  and  improvements,  and  is  very  pleasantly  situated 
about  one-half  mile  southwest  of  Brookville. 

SAMUEL  BRUMBikUGH,  farmer,  P.  O.  New  Lebanon,  born  on  the  farm 
where  he  now  lives  February  4,  1823,  is  a son  of  George  and  Elizabeth  (Yaniman) 
Brumbaugh,  natives  of  Pennsylvania.  The  paternal  grandfather,  Conrad  Brumbaugh, 
was  born  in  Germany,  and  came  to  America  probably  prior  to  the  Revolutionary  war, 
and  experienced  many  of  the  troubles  with  the  Indians ; he  lived  and  died  in  Pennsyl- 
vania. The  maternal  grandfather,  John  Vaniman,  was  born  in  England,  but  came  over 
to  America  in  a very  early  day  and  lived  for  many  years  in  Pennsylvania ; thence,  in 
1805,  he  came  to  Montgomery  County  and  located  in  Madison  Township,  and  entered 
his  land  from  the  Government.  He  was  truly  a pioneer  of  the  county,  and  experienced 
the  very  roughest  and  wildest  of  pioneer  life,  and  there  he  lived  and  died.  The  first 
winter  they  lived  on  corn,  turnips  and  wild  game,  getting  their  corn  ground  up  on  Mad 
River,  carrying  it  on  horseback  through  blazed  paths  several  miles  to  mill.  These  were 
times  that  tried  men’s  souls,  and  much  praise  is  due  them  for  the  great  work  they  done 
in  opening  out  this  wilderness,  which  now  has  become  such  a beautiful  country  filled 
with  a plenty  of  all  the  comforts  of  life.  George  Brumbaugh  emigrated  to  Ohio  when 
a young  man,  about  1807-08.  Was  married  in  1815,  and  located  on  the  land  where 
Samuel  now.lives;  this  farm  then  had  about  six  acres  cleared,  and  here  he  spent  his 
life’s  labors,  passing  through  the  scenes  and  hardships  of  those  ’early  settlers  ; he  died 
in  March,  1848,  aged  fifty-eight  years  ; his  wife  died  in  January,  1871,  aged  eighty- 
two  years.  They  were  parents  of  two  children — Samuel  and  Catharine.  Mr.  Brum- 
baugh served  in  the  war  of  1812.  Our  subject,  who  was  born  and  raised  on  the  farm 
where  he  now  lives,  was  married,  September  11,  1845,  to  Mary,  daughter  of  Jacob  and 
Catharine  Rife,  natives  of  Virginia,  but  who  became  residents  of  this  county  about 
1837.  They  were  parents  of  five  children,  three  now  living — Jacob,  Elizabeth  and 
Mary.  Mary  was  born  in  Virginia  February  11,  1823,  and  wa3  about  thirteen  years  of 
age  when  brought  to  this  county.  Mr.  Brumbaugh  and  wife  have  had  seven  children — 
George,  Jacob  R.,  Emanuel,  Catharine  A.,  Elizabeth  E.,  Sarah  J.  and  Isaac  C.  After 
their  marriage  they  located  on  the  old  home  place  with  his  father,  and  here  he  has  spent 
his  entire  life  ; has  now  been  a resident  of  this  farm  fifty-eight  years  ; has  a good  farm 
of  185  acres,  with  good  buildings  and  improvements,  and  expects  to  pass  the  remainder 
of  his  days  upon  the  place  where  his  eyes  first  saw  the  light  of  day.  Mr.  Brumbaugh 
and  wife  are  worthy  members  of  the  German  Baptist  Church,  to  which  they  have  be- 
longed for  thirty  years. 

PHILIP  CRAWFORD,  farmer,  P.  O.  Johnsville,  born  in  Frederick  County, 
Md.,  September  16,  1818;  is  a son  of  Joseph  and  Margaret  (Mort)  Crawford,  natives 


372 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


of  Pennsylvania,  but  who  emigrated  to  Ohio  and  located  in  Montgomery  County  in 
1829,  where  he  lived  till  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1832  ; his  wife  died  in  1851. 
They  were  parents  of  four  children — Catharine,  Philip,  Elizabeth  and  Lydia.  The 
grandfather,  Crawford,  was  a native  of  England,  and  lived  but  a few  years  after  com- 
ing to  America,  and  bat  little  is  now  known  of  his  life.  Our  subject  was  about  eleven 
years  of  age  when  brought  to  this  county  by  his  parents,  and  about  fourteen  when  his 
father  died,  after  which  he  was  raised  by  his  mother  till  he  grew  to  manhood ; was 
married  December  28,  1843,  to  Jane,  daughter  of  George  and  Mary  Purcell,  natives  of 
Pennsylvania,  but  who  became  early  settlers  of  Preble  County  and  later  of  Warren 
County.  They  were  parents  of  six  children  ; four  now  living — Poster,  Jane,  Thomas 
and  Harvey.  Jane  was  born  in  Warren  County.  Mr.  Crawford  and  wife  have  had 
ten  children;  seven  now  survive — John,  Mary,  Leander,  Daniel  and  Isabell  (twins), 
Agnes  and  Alice.  Mr.  Crawford’s  entire  life  has  been  spent  in  this  township  since  eleven 
years  of  age,  and  has  followed  the  trade  of  bricklayer  until  1875,  since  which  he  has 
given  his  attention  to  farming  ; he  bought  the  farm  upon  which  he  now  lives  in  1848, 
purchasing  the  same  of  Jacob  Harry,  and  in  the  spring  of  1849,  located  upon  the  farm 
with  his  family,  where  he  has  since  resided,  a period  of  thirty-two  years.  Mr.  Craw 
ford  commenced  in  life  a poor  man,  and  by  his  own  labor,  industry  and  good  manage- 
ment has  accumulated  a good  competency  ; he  now  owns  150  acres  of  land,  constitut- 
ing three  farms,  the  greater  part  of  which  is  in  good  cultivation  with  good  improve- 
ments. Mr.  Crawford,  as  a citizen  and  neighbor,  is  held  in  high  esteem  ; has  been 
Assessor  of  his  township  fifteen  years.  This  is  an  example  of  success,  obtained  purely 
by  his  own  labor  and  industry,  which  is  worthy  of  imitation,  and  which,  placed  upon  the 
pages  of  this  history,  we  trust  may  be  read  by  and  produce  its  salutary  effect  upon 
•the  rising  generations. 

JACOB  DIEHL,  farmer,  P.  0.  New  Lebanon,  born  on  the  adjoining  farm 
where  his  brother  John  now  lives,  February  24,  1816,  whose  ancestral  history  is  given 
in  his  brother  Eli’s  sketch  in  this  work.  Our  subject  was  married  September  20, 
1842,  to  Catharine,  daughter  of  David  and  Catharine  Brumbaugh,  whose  history  and 
ancestors  are  given  in  sketch  of  Samuel  Brumbaugh.  Mr.  Diehl  and  wife  have  four 
children — John  W.,  born  July  18,  1843;  Catharine  A.,  June  20,  1846;  George  L., 
May  31,  1850,  and  Samuel  P.,  born  July  27,  1856.  In  the  spring  of  1844,  Mr.  Diehl 
bought  and  located  upon  the  farm  where  he  now  lives  and  has  since  resided,  a period  of 
thirty-seven  years.  It  consists  of  a quarter-section  of  good  land  upon  which  he  has 
erected  good  buildings,  large  and  commodious,  with  everything  comfortable  and  con- 
venient around  him,  constituting  a very  pleasant  home  and  farmer’s  residence.  Mr. 
Diehl,  in  early  life,  obtained  a good  common-school  education  and  taught  school  sev- 
eral winters.  He  is  a man  of  undoubted  integrity,  commanding  the  confidence  and 
respect  of  his  community  ; has  always  avoided  lawsuits,  desiring  peace  and  good  will 
to  all.  He  and  wife  are  worthy  members  of  the  German  Baptist  Church,  having  been 
such  for  thirty-five  years. 

JOHN  DIEHL,  farmer, *P.  O.  New  Lebanon,  born  on  the  farm  where  he  now 
lives,  October  31,  1826,  is  a son  of  John  and  Susanna  Diehl,  whose  history  is  given 
in  sketch  of  Eli  Diehl.  The  subject  of  this  biography  was  born,  raised  and  grew  to 
manhood  where  he  now  lives;  was  married  October  2,  1851,  to  Susanna,  daughter  cf 
John  and  Elizabeth  Erisman,  natives  of  Pennsylvania,  but  who  became  residents  of 
this  county  about  1832,  where  they  still  reside  ; they  had  nine  children;  six  now  sur- 
vive— Susanna,  Jacob  R.,  John,  Matilda,  Sarah  A.  and  Andrew.  Mr.  Diehl  and  wife 
have  four  children — Aaron,  Nathaniel,  John  Q.  and  Sarah  A.  Mr.  Diehl  has  passed 
all  his  life  upon  the  old  home  place,  except  about  seven  years’  residence  in  the  edge  of 
Jackson  Township  on  the  farm  now  owned  by  William  Clayton,  and  from  'which  he 
moved  back  to  the  old  place  and  scenes  of  his  childhood,  which  as  time  advances  grow 
more  dear  to  him,  and  from  which  he  will  probably  never  part  while  life  remains.  Mr, 
Diehl  and  wife  are  worthy  members  of  the  German  Baptist  Church. 

ELI  DIEHL,  farmer,  P.  O.  New  Lebanon,  born  in  this  county  and  township 
March  16,  1829,  is  a son  of  John  and  Susanna  (Miller)  Diehl ; he  a native  of  Penn- 


PERRY  TOWNSHIP. 


373 


sylvania,  and  she  of  Virginia.  The  paternal  grandfather,  Jacob  Diehl,  was  a native 
of  Bedford  County,  Penn.,  but  emigrated  to  Ohio  and  located  iu  Jefferson  Township 
in  1806,  residing  there  many  years:  thence  became  a resident  of  Perry  Township, 
where  he  lived  till  his  death.  He  was  by  trade  a cabinet-maker,  and  followed  his  trade 
in  connection  with  farming  for  many  years,  being  one  among  the  early  settlers  of  this 
county.  When  there  was  no  regular  undertakers  as  in  our  present  day,  he  was  often 
called  upon  to  make  coffins,  and  often  delivered  them  on  horseback  at  a distance  of  sev- 
eral miles.  The  maternal  grandfather,  Isaac  Miller,  was  a native  of  Virginia,  but  emi- 
grated to  Ohio  and  located  in  Jefferson  Township  iu  1805,  where  he  lived  till  his  death  ; 
he  was  a soldier  in  the  Revolutionary  war.  These  were  true  pioneers  of  the  county, 
and  bore  their  share  of  the  hardships  and  deprivations  of  those  early  days,  and  they 
deserve  great  credit  and  a kind  remembrance  from  the  present  and  future  generations 
for  the  great  work  they  did  in  bringing  to  its  present  condition  this  beautiful  and 
rich  county,  with  all  its  productiveness  and  conveniences.  John  was  about  seventeen 
years  of  age  when  brought  to  this  county  ; here  he  arrived  at  his  majority  ; was  mar- 
ried and  became  the  father  of  ten  children ; seven  now  survive — Aaron,  Jacob,  Samuel, 
Abraham,  John,  Eli  and  Noah.  Mr.  Diehl  located  on  the  farm  where  John  now  lives  ; 
this  land  was  entered  from  the  Government  by  his  father,  and  here  he  commenced 
right  in  the  woods  to  make  a home  and  a farm,  and  of  course  experienced  true  log- 
cabin  life  with  all  its  concomitants  ; here  he  spent  his  entire  life  ; he  died  August  26, 
1874,  aged  nearly  eighty-five  years.  He  lived  in  the  times  when  it  took  hard  labor 
aud  industry  to  win  ; when  the  principal  market  was  Cincinnati,  and  Mr.  Diehl  did  a 
great  deal  of  teaming  to  that  place  over  the  then  almost  impassable  mud  roads.  Our 
subject  was  married  in  October,  1861,  to  Mary  Wilson,  a native  of  this  county,  by 
whom  he  had  two  children,  both  deceased.  His  wife  died  in  February,  1864.  On 
February  22,  1866,  he  was  married  to  Mrs.  Mary  A.  Bates,  daughter  of  Johnsey  and 
Nancy  Randall,  natives  of  Maryland  ; by  this  union  they  have  had  four  children  ; two 
now  survive— Edwin  R.  S.  and  Nellie  E.  Mr.  Diehl,  after  his  marriage,  located  upon 
the  place  where  he  now  lives  aud  has  since  resided,  which  joins  on  the  east  the  old 
homestead  farm  where  he  was  born  and  raised-'  having  lived  from  childhood  to  the  pres- 
ent time  on  the  same  quarter  section  of  land.  His  place  is  situated  adjoining  the  village 
of  New  Lebanon  on  the  north  ; has  erected  all  good  buildings  upon  his  farm,  and  has  a 
very  pleasant  home  convenient  to  school,  church,  stores  and  post  office.  Mr.  Diehl  is 
well  and  favorably  known  ; is  a man  of  good  education,  and  in  his  younger  years  taught 
school  eight  or  nine  years  ; has  served  as  Justice  of  the  Peace  ; is  a kind  neighbor  and 
an  excellent  citizen. 

SAMUEL  ERBAUGH,  farmer,  P.  O.  New  Lebanon,  born  in  Rockingham 
County,  Va.,  February  3,  1830,  is  a son  of  Abraham  and  Susanna  Erbaugh,  and  brother 
of  George,  whose  sketch  appears  in  this  work,  in  which  appears  the  ancestral  history. 
Samuel  was  in  his  fifth  year  when  brought  to  this  county;  here  he  was  raised  and  grew 
up  to  manhood.  Was  married  August  22,  1850,  to  Hester,  daughter  of  Michael  and 
Christina  Hay  (see  sketch  of  George  Erbaugh),  by  which  union  they  have  the  follow- 
ing children — Mary,  Amy,  Rachel,  Susanna,  Michael,  Christina,  Samuel,  John,  Harvey 
and  Uriah.  Mr.  Erbaugh,  after  his  marriage,  located  upon  the  farm  where  he  now  lives, 
and  has  since  resided ; this  farm  he  bought  of  his  father,  being  a part  of  the  old  home- 
stead place,  upon  which  he  has  erected  most  of  the  buildings  on  the  place  and  made 
other  improvements,  and  now  has  a very  pleasant  home  and  residence.  He  and  wife  are 
worthy  members  of  the  German  Baptist  Church,  to  which  they  have  belonged  about 
twenty-five  years. 

GEORGE  ERBAUGH.  farmer,  P.  0.  New  Lebanon,  born  on  the  place  where  he 
now  lives  March  20,  1841,  is  a son  of  Abraham  and  Susanna  (Coffman)  Erbaugh, 
natives  of  Virginia.  The  grandfather,  Jacob  Erbaugh,  was  a native  of  Pennsylvania. 
The  great-grandfather,  Abraham  Erbaugh,  was  born  in  Germany  and  emigrated  to  this 
country  about  the  middle  of  the  eighteenth  century,  and  located  in  Pennsylvania,  where 
he  lived  till  his  death;  he  had  two  sons,  Jacob  and  Abraham,  the  former  growing  to 
manhood  and  from  whom  have  descended  all  the  families  by  the  name  of  Erbaugh  now 


374 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 


in  America,  as  far  as  is  known;  the  latter  was  a very  intelligent,  promising  youth,  but 
was  killed  when  fourteen  years  of  age,  by  his  team  becoming  frightened,  throwing  him 
from  his  wagon,  which  ran  over  him,  killing  him  almost  instantly.  The  grandfather, 
Jacob,  moved  from  Pennsylvania  to  Rockingham  County,  Va.,  where  he  raised  his 
family  and  resided  till  the  fall  of  1834,  when  he,  with  his  son  Abraham  and  his  family, 
came  to  Ohio  and  located  in  Perry  Township  on  the  farm  where  our  subject  now  lives; 
here  the  grandfather  lived  only  about  four  weeks,  when  the  messenger,  Death,  called 
him  from  works  to  rewards.  He  lived  just  long  enough  to  see  the  future  home  of  his 
son  and  his  descendants,  when  he  passed  away,  aged  about  seventy-eight  years.  Abra- 
ham, the  father,  remained  upon  the  place  where  they  first  located  till  his  death,  which 
occurred  October  26, 1871,  aged  seventy-two  years;  his  widow  is  still  living  and  resides 
upon  the  old  home  place  with  her  son,  George,  now  eighty-one  years  of  age.  They  had 
eleven  children ; eight  now  survive — Anna,  Sarah,  John,  Samuel,  Abraham.  Susanna, 
Hettie  and  George.  Mr.  Erbaugh  was  a man  of  firm  principles,  and  very  upright  in 
his  life  and  business  transactions.  Was  a worthy  and  earnest  member  of  the  German 
Baptist  Church;  was  elected  Deacon  in  the  church  while  living  in  Virginia  and  after- 
ward became  a minister  in  the  same,  and  finally  was  ordained  to  the  Eldership.  Our 
subject,  who  was  born,  raised  and  grew  to  manhood  on  the  farm  where  he  now  lives,  was 
married  September  27,  1863,  to  Mary  Ann,  daughter  of  Michael  and  Christina  Hay, 
he  a native  of  Pennsylvania  and  she  of  Ohio,  who  were  parents  of  seven  children — 
John,  Hester,  Salome,  Joseph,  Michael,  Abraham  and  Mary  Ann.  By  this  union  Mr. 
Erbaugh  and  wife  have  had  ten  children ; five  now  survive — Laura  Bell,  Amy  K., 
Meeda  A.,  George  Alger  and  Ivan  Leroy.  Mr.  Erbaugh  has  now  made  a continued 
residence  upon  the  old  home  place  for  forty  years,  and  anticipates  spending  the  balance 
of  his  life  upon  the  place  where  his  eyes  first  saw  the  light  of  day,  and  where  are  so 
many  hallowed  scenes  and  associations  of  his  fearlv  childhood. 

JOSIAH  A.  FOSTER,  farmer,  P.  0.  Pyrmont,  born  in  this  county  and  township, 
November  2,  1831,  is  a son  of  Isaac  P.  and  Rebecca  (Ware)  Foster,  he  a native  of 
Pennsylvania  and  she  of  New  Jersey,  emigrating  to  Ohio,  locating  in  Warren  County 
in  1828.  The  ancestors  were  of  English  and  Scotch  descent,  who  came  to  America 
with  the  u Pilgrims”  in  the  “ Mayflower,”  landing  at  Plymouth  Rock  in  1620,  and 
were  firm  in  their  support  of  the  colonies  in  gaining  their  independence,  being  active 
in  service  during  the  Revolutionary  war,  and  again  in  the  war  of  1812.  Mr.  Isaac 
Foster,  when  young,  was  a drummer  boy  in  gathering  recruits  for  the  army.  Mr.  Fos- 
ter, after  a short  residence  in  Warren  County,  located  in  Cincinnati,  where  he  followed 
his  trade — that  of  a carpenter — for  two  years,  erecting  several  buildings  for  Mr.  Long- 
worth,  who  filled  so  active  a part  in  the  early  history  of  Cincinnati.  Thence  he  moved 
to  .Montgomery  County,  two  and  one-half  miles  south  of  Pyrmont,  where,  in  a primi 
live  log  cabin,  our  subject  was  born.  Here  he  resided  twenty-three  years.  Thence 
removed  to  Darke  County,  north  of  Greenville,  and  afterward  located  in  Greenville, 
where  he  died  in  January,  1875.  He  was  married  in  1821  ; issue,  eleven  children, 
seven  now  living — Kesiah,  Josiah  A.,  Henry  S.,  Rebecca  W.,  John  W.,  Ezekiel  L. 
and  Francis  M.  His  wife  is  living  with  her  son,  Henry,  at  Union  City,  now  seventy- 
seven  years  of  age.  Mr.  Foster  was  a man  of  great  energy,  good, ability  and  great 
moral  worth  ; one  who  held  the  contidence  of  the  people,  a Justice  of  the  Peace  for 
many  years,  an  earnest  politician  and  public  spirited,  leading  in  all  enterprises  for  the 
general  public  good.  In  the  war  of  the  rebellion,  he,  with  nearly  all  his  sons,  enlisted 
in  the  service  of  their  country.  Even  his  daughter,  Kesiah,  entered  as  a nurse  in  the 
hospital.  One  son  sacrificed  his  life,  being  severely  wounded  in  the  battle  of 
Stone  River,  and  died  at  Nashville.  Our  subject  grew  to  maturity  under  his  father’s 
care  ; was  married  April  15,  1856,  to  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  George  and  Joanna  Riley, 
he  a native  of  Pennsylvania  and  she  of  New  Jersey,  their  ancestors  being  among  the 
earliest  settlers  in  this  county.  John  Van  Cleve,  of  the  maternal  ancestry,  is  said  to 
be  the  first  male  child  born  in  Dayton,  The  grandfather,  Tunis  Van  Cleve,  was  a sol- 
dier in  the  revolution  and  died  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-nine  years.  Our  subject 
and  wife  have  had  eight  children;  six  now  survive — Florence  E.,  Henry  C.,  Jesse  A., 


PERRY  TOWNSHIP. 


375 


Joseph  M.,  Homer  M.  and  Vernon.  Mr.  Foster  for  a time  was  engaged  in  the  manu- 
facture of  woolen  cloths,  thence  turned  his  attention  to  farming-,  which  business  he  has 
since  followed.  He  was  in  the  war,  enlisting  in  the  One  Hundred  and  Thirty-first  Ohio 
Volunteer  Infantry,  in  1863,  serving  four  months.  The  record  of  this  family  exhibits 
their  ancestors  as  among  the  first  pioneers  of  this  county  and  taking  prominent  and 
leading  positions,  active  in  all  the  interests  of  this,  then,  growing  county,  and  patriotic 
almost  to  a fault,  giving  their  lives  and  their  means  to  the  defense  of  their  country. 
And  the  same  patriotic  spirit  of  the  ancestors  seems  to  pervade  the  Fosters  of  to-day, 
and  their  record  is  one  of  which  their  descendants  may  delight  to  read  and  see  recorded 
upon  the  pages  of  history. 

JESSE  D.  HARRY,  farmer,  P.  0.  Pyrmont,  born  in  Preble  County,  April  12, 
1819,  is  a son  of  Jacob  and  Mary  (Davis)  Harry,  natives  of  North  Carolina.  The 
grandfather,  Sampson  Harry,  was  a native  of  Wales,  emigrating  to  America  prior  to 
the  Revolutionary  war,  serving  in  that  war  in  defense  of  the  colonies  to  gain  their  inde- 
pendence, and  was  killed  in  the  battle  of  King’s  Mountain,  in  North  Carolina.  The 
grandfather,  Henry  Davis,  was  born  in  England,  emigrated  to  New  Jersey,  thence  to 
North  Carolina,  where  he  lived  and  died.  He  served  for  a long  time  as  Surveyor,  and 
became  Judge  of  the  court  at  Salisbury,  N.  C.,  in  which  capacity  he  acted  as  long  as 
his  health  and  age  would  permit.  Jacob  and  family  emigrated  to  Ohio,  locating  in  this 
county  in  the  fall  of  1812,  residing  here  several  years  ; thence  he  removed  into  Preble 
County  and  resided  till  spring  of  1827 ; thence  back  to  this  county,  where  he  resided 
till  his  death,  which  occurred  in  the  fall  of  1850.  His  wife  died  April  8,  1861.  They 
were  parents  of  seven  children  ; three  now  survive — John,  Jacob  and  Jesse  D.  Mr. 
Harry  was  one  of  the  pioneers,  coming  here  about  the  time  of  the  war  of  1812,  and, 
though  not  in  the  army  as  a soldier,  yet  he  did  some  government  service  by  hauling 
grain  and  provisions  to  St.  Mary’s,  for  the  army.  He  was  raised  with  few  privileges 
for  an  education,  but  was  an  upright  and  industrious  man,  very  robust  and  muscular, 
and  endured  many  remarkable  hardships.  Our  subject  grew  to  manhood,  was  married 
September  10,  1810,  to  Delila,  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Sarah  (Black)  Moore,  he  a 
native  of  Pennsylvania  and  she  of  Virginia,  and  who  were  early  settlers  in  Preble 
County,  locating  thereabout  1812.  Mrs.  Moore  is  now  eighty-eight  years  of  age  and 
living  with  our  subject,  remarkably  robust  for  one  of  her  age,  has  done  a great  deal  of 
hard  labor  in  her  day  and  is  able  now  to  walk  three  or  four  miles  with  ease.  Mr. 
Harry  and  wife  have  had  nine  children,  seven  now  living— Mary  C.,  Jacob,  Perry, 
Garland,  Sarah  M.,  Mantilla  and  Olive  A.  Samuel,  the  eldest  son,  enlisted  in  the  war 
of  the  rebellion,  and  died  of  camp  diarrhoea,  in  the  Oberlin  Hospital,  at  Memphis,  Oc- 
tober 18,  1862.  In  the  fall  of  1841,  Mr.  Harry  located  in  Preble  County  and  resided 
there  till  the  fall  of  1850,  when  he-moved  back  into  Montgomery  County,  where  he 
has  since  resided  ; has  been  an  active,  prominent  man  of  Perry  Township.  Has  served 
as  Assessor  five  years,  Township  Trustee  one  year,  Justice  of  the  Peace  two  terms,  and 
was  Deputy  Marshal  for  Clay,  Perry  and  Jackson  Townships,  and  County  Commis- 
sioner for  six  years.  This  sketch  embraces  the  history  of  a family  and  their  ancestors 
who  were  among  the  early  pioneers  of  the  county,  and  whose  lives  are  so  fully  identified 
with  the  progress  and  events  of  our  county’s  growth  and  prosperity,  that  its  record 
placed  here  upon  the  pages  of  this  history  will  be  read  by  their  descendants  in  grateful 
remembrance  for  the  great  part  they  have  taken  in  its  development. 

THOMAS  HECATHORN,  farmer,  P.  O.  Brookville,  born  in  Pennsylvania, 
February  1,  1826,  is  a son  of  Daniel  and  Mary  (Boyd)  Hecathorn,  he  a native  of 
Pennsylvania  and  she  probably  of  Virginia.  They  emigrated  to  Ohio  and  located  in 
this  county,  near  where  Trotwood  is  now  located,  in  the  summer  of  1827.  Here  they 
lived  on  rented  farms  for  a time,  thence  bought  and  located  on  the  place  now  owned  by 
Jacob  Comer,  where  they  resided  till  their  death.  They  were  parents  of  ten  children  ; 
five  now  survive— James,  Martin,  Thomas,  Catharine  and  Abigail.  He  was  a soldier 
in  the  war  of  1812.  Our  subject  remained  with  his  father  till  about  twenty-five  years 
of  age;  was  married  in  December,  1850,  to  Delila,  daughter  of  John  and  Elizabeth 
Cox.  By  this  union  they  had  three  children — Ellen,  David  and  Eliza.  His  wife  died 


376 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


December  18,  1855,  aged  twenty-six  years.  On  April  2,  1857,  he  was  married  to 
Rebecca,  daughter  of  Richard  Clayton,  a native  of  Virginia.  By  this  union  they  have 
had  six  children  ; three  now  survive — Almedia,  Maud  and  James.  Mr.  Hecathorn  has 
always  been  a farmer  by  occupation  and  has  spent  his  married  life  in  Perry  Township. 
He  bought  the  farm  upon  which  he  now  lives  in  December,  1835,  and  located  upon 
the  same  in  the  spring  following,  where  he  has  since  continued  his  residence.  The 
farm  consists  of  about  eighty  acres,  mostly  in  cultivation  with  good  improvements. 
He  was  drafted  in  the  late  war  of  the  rebellion,  but  hired  a substitute.  He  has  been 
Township  Trustee  several  years,  besides  several  other  minor  offices.  He  and  wife  are 
members  of  the  New  School  Lutherans,  to  which  they  have  belonged  some  eighteen 
years. 

DAVID  H.  HEETER,  farmer,  P.  0.  Johnsville,  born  in  Madison  Township, 
this  county,  December  3,  1825,  is  a son  of  Frederick  and  Elizabeth  (Kreitzer)  Heeter. 
natives  of  Pennsylvania.  The  grandfather,  Sebastian  Heeter,  was  a native  of  Hun- 
tingdon County,  Penn.,  but  became  a settler  of  this  county  about  1815,  locating  in 
Madison  Township,  and  lived  and  died  there.  The  grandfather,  Andrew  Kreitzer,  a 
native  of  Pennsylvania,  who  emigrated  to  Ohio  and  settled  in  Jefferson  Township  about 

1805,  being  among  the  early  pioneers.  Frederick  was  about  sixteen  years  of  age  when 
brought  to  this  county  by  bis  father,  Sebastian  ; here  he  grew  to  manhood  inured  to 
the  hardships  of  those  early  settlers ; was  married  and  became  the  father  of  twelve 
children,  and,  what  is  remarkable,  all  are  now  living,  and  the  youngest  of  whom  is  now 
thirty-eight  years  of  age,  viz.,  Diana,  Elizabeth,  David,  Catharine,  Absolom,  Daniel, 
Hannah,  Mary,  Sarah  Ann,  John,  Lucinda  and  Eli.  Mr.  Heeter  was  a farmer 
throughout  his  life,  and  spent  his  days  in  Madison  and  Perry  Townships.  He 
died  in  August,  1862,  aged  sixty -two  years.  His  wife  is  still  living  on  the  old  home 
place,  now  seventy-nine  years  of  age.  Mr.  Heeter  commenced  in  life  a poor  man,  but 
by  his  industry  and  economy  he  acquired  a good  competency,  and  when  he  died  left  his 
family  very  comfortably  situated.  Our  subject  remained  with  his  father  till  nearly 
twenty-four  years  of  age;  was  married  March  11,  1849,  to  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  John 
and  Elizabeth  Clayton,  he  a native  of  New  Jersey  and  she  of  Pennsylvania.  By  this 
union  they  have  had  seven  children  ; four  now  survive — Alfred,  Elizabeth,  Allen  and  Eph- 
raim. Mr.  Heeter  has  been  a resident  of  this  township  during  all  his  married  life. 
He  bought  and  located  upon  the  farm  where  he  now  lives  in  the  spring  of  1851,  hav- 
ing made  a continued  residence  of  thirty  years.  He  owns  about  two  hundred  acres  of 
land,  and  on  the  home  place  has  erected  a large  brick  house  and  other  buildings,  having 
all  good  improvements,  constituting  a good  home  and  fine  farmer’s  residence.  Politically 
a Democrat,  he  has  been  Township  Trustee  one  term.  He  and  wife  are  members  of 
the  Lutheran  Church,  to  which  he  has  belonged  about  thirty-seven  years. 

JACOB  A.  HEPNER,  farmer,  P.  0.  Johnsville,  born  on  Section  34,  Perry 
Township,  May  24,  1828,  is  a son  of'  John  and  Elizabe'h  (Diehl)  Hepner,  he  a native 
of  Rockingham  County,  Va.,  and  she  of  Bedford  County,  Pennsylvania.  The  grand 
father,  Henry  Hepner,  was  born  in  Lancaster  County,  Penn.,  in  1762;  the  great- 
grandfather, George  Hepner,  was  born  in  Hanover,  Germany,  in  1735  ; emigrated  to 
America  in  1757,  locating  in  Lancaster  County,  Penn.  In  1760  was  married  to 
* Utilla  Kline  ; issue  one  son  and  one  daughter — Henry  and  Catharine.  Henry  Hepner 
was  married  to  Mary  Hyser  and  soon  after  moved  to  Rockingham  County,  Va,  in 

1806,  emigrated  to  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  and  located  in  Jackson  Township,  en- 
tering land  from  the  Government,  a part  of  which  was  in  Jefferson  and  a part  in  Jack- 
son  Townships,  and  here  he  passed  bis  entire  life.  He  began  right  in  the  woods  in 
true  pioneer  style,  carefully  selecting  a spot  where  there  was  a very  large  oak  tree, 
which  he  felled  to  the  ground,  and  around  the  stump  erected  a log  cabin,  and  carefully 
dressed  off  the  “ oak  stump,”  which  was  utilized  as  a table  for  a long  time.  He  died, 
aged  seveDty-thx-ee  years  His  wife  lived  to  the  advanced  age  of  nearly  ninety-seven 
years.  They  had  six  children — George  and  Polly  (twins),  John,  Sophia,  Lydia  and 
Diana  (twins).  The  four  first  mentioned  were  born  in  Virginia,  and  the  last  two  in 
Ohio.  John  Hepner  was  born  in  1797,  being  about  eight  years  tff  age  when  brought 


PERRY  TOWNSHIP. 


377 


to  this  county,  and  here  he  was  raised,  and  grew  to  manhood  inured  to  the  scenes  and 
hardships  of  true  pioneer  life,  and  doubtless  ate  with  good  relish  many  a meal  from  the 
“ oak  stump  table.”  He  was  married  in  1 824-,  and  became  the  father  of  three  sons 
and  four  daughters — George,  Jacob  A.,  Mary,  Elizabeth,  Rosanna,  John  and  Lydia. 
Mr.  Hepner,  after  his  marriage,  located  on  the  southeast  quarter  of  Section  34,  in 
Perry  Township.  This  land  he  obtained  from  his  father-in-law,  Jacob  Diehl,  who 
entered  it  from  the  Government.  He  commenced  right  in  the  woods  with  not  a stick 
amiss,  and  here  Mr.  Hepner  bore  his  full  share  of  pioneer  and  log-cabin  life,  the  fruits 
of  his  labors  his  descendants  are  still  enjoying;  and  here  he  peacefully  passed  away 
from  earth  with  all  its  toils  and  labors,  in  April,  1852,  nearly  forty-five  years  of  age.  His 
wife  died  November  29, 1849.  She  was  born  in  November,  1800,  being  forty-nine  years 
of  age  at  her  death.  Our  subject  was  about  fourteen  years  of  age  when  his  father  died. 
He  remained  with  his  mother  on  the  home  place  till  her  death,  thence  Mr.  Hepner 
and  his  older  brother,  George,  took  charge  of  the  farm  and  provided  for  the  minor 
children  till  they  arrived  at  majority.  On  April  20,  1852,  George  and  Jacob  bought 
the  farm  and  our  subject  resided  there  till  August  19,  1857.  He  was  married  Sep- 
tember 19,  1852,  to  Eve,  daughter  of  Michael  and  Barbara  Neff,  he  a native  of  Ken- 
tucky, and  she  of  Pennsylvania.  By  this  union  they  have  had  twelve  children — Mary 
C.,  born  August  22,  1853,  and  died  March  26,  1854 ; Minerva,  born  September  23, 
1854;  Sarah  A.,  April  22,  1856;  Amanda  R.,  October  9,  1858;  Elizabeth,  Decem- 
ber 23,  1860;  Emma,  December  7,  1862;  Clara,  March  22,  1865  ; George  W.,  Jan- 
uary 4,  1867;  Jacob  A.,  April  12,1870;  William  A.,  June  14,  1872;  Maurice, 
January  3,  1876,  and  died  June  18,  1876,  and  Omar  V.,  born  February  27,  1877. 
At  above-mentioned  date  (August  19,  1857),  Mr.  Hepner  with  his  family  located  where 
they  now  live  and  have  since  resided.  This  farm  he  purchased  of  Henry  Heistand, 
which  at  that  time  had  about  forty  acres  cleared;  now  he  has  115  acres  in  good  culti- 
vation ; has  erected  all  the  buildings  and  made  other  improvements,  and  being  located 
just  out  of  the  village  of  Johnsville,  it  constitutes  a very  pleasant  home  and  farmer’s 
residence.  These  early  pioneers  of  whom  we  have  here  made  this  brief  sketch,  whose 
lives  and  labors  have  produced  such  extensive  results  in  bringing  this  then  wilderness 
of  a country  into  its  now  beautiful  farms,  possessed  of  so  many  comforts  and  con- 
veniences of  life,  and  whose  lives  were  thoroughly  imbued  with  morality,  kindness  and 
good  deeds,  deserve  a most  grateful  remembrance  from  their  descendants  and  all  future 
generations  who  may  be  the  partakers  of  the  benefits  of  their  noble  lives  and  labors. 

ANDREW  HOUSE,  farmer,  P.  O.  Pyrmont,  born  in  Preble  County,  Ohio, 
November  29,  1820,  is  a son  of  George  and  Catharine  House ; he  a native  of  Virginia 
and  she  of  Pennsylvania,  but  who  became  early  settlers  in  Preble  County,  probably 
about  1816,  being  among  the  pioneers  opening  out  right  in  the  woods.  They  were 
parents  of  ten  children  ; four  now  survive — John,  Mary,  Sarah  and  Andrew.  Mr.  House 
lived  on  the  farm  on  which  he  first  located  till  his  death,  a period  of  forty-eight  years  ; 
he  died  September  1,  1864,  aged  eighty-four  years  ; his  wife  died  October  4,  1863.  aged 
nearly  eighty-two  years.  Andrew  remained  with  his  father  till  after  his  majority  ; was 
married  September  7,  1843,  to  Maria,  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Ann  Maria  (Hennich) 
Reic-hard,  natives  of  Pennsylvania.  They  were  parents  of  four  children ; three  now 
survive — John  J.,  Elizabeth  and  Maria.  His  wife  died  April  29,  1872,  aged  seventy- 
five  years.  Mr.  Reichard  was  born  December  3,  1793;  is  a son  of  Joseph  and  Mary 
Reichard,  he  a native  of  Germany  and  she  of  Pennsylvania.  They  lived  and 
died  in  Pennsylvania ; they  were  parents  of  thirteen  children,  seven  sons  and  six  daugh- 
ters— Joseph  being  the  only  son  now  surviving,  and  two  daughters — Margaret  and 
Anna.  Mr.  Joseph  Reichard  came  to  Ohio  and  located  in  Montgomery  County,  in 
what  is  now  Perry  Township,  in  May,  1819,  and  settled  on  a piece  of  land  which  his 
brother  John  had  previously  entered,  and  commenced  right  in  the  woods  to  clear  up 
the  land  and  put  up  a log  cabin  ; was  married  January  9,  1816,  to  Ann  Maria  Hen- 
nich. Mr.  Reichard  saw  much  of  pioneer  life ; he  lived  in  this  township  till  in  1866,  a 
period  of  forty-six  years,  when  he  moved  on  to  a small  piece  of  land  just  in  the  edge  of 
Preble  County,  which  he  owned,  and  here  he  resided  till  the  death  of  his  wife,  after  which 


378 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


be  lived  with  his  son-in-law.  Mr.  House  lived  in  this  township  for  two  years,  when  Mr. 
House  and  family,  with  Mr.  Reichard,  moved  on  to  the  place  where  they  now  live  and 
where  Mr.  Reichard  was  living;  at  the  time  of  the  death  of  his  wife  ; here  they  have  since 
resided.  Mr.  Reichard  has  been  a very  industrious,  hard-working  man,  whose  integrity 
was  undoubted,  and  who  has  always  held  the  confidence  of  his  community ; has  held 
many  of  the  public  offices — as  Trustee,  Constable,  Overseer  of  the  Poor,  etc.  He  was 
in  the  war  of  1812,  being  one  of  the  few  who  now  survive  who  were  in  that  war.  He 
is  now  past  eighty-eight  years  of  age,  enjoys  quite  good  health,  but  is  blind,  having 
been  so  about  four  years.  He  is  very  pleasantly  situated,  living  with  his  daughter, 
Maria,  and  her  husband,  Mr.  Andrew  House.  Mr.  House  and  wife  are  parents  of  four 
children — Joseph,  Elizabeth,  George  and  Sarah,  all  arrived  at  maturity,  married  and  set- 
tled in  life,  except  George,  who  is  still  single,  and  is  now  a practicing  physician  at 
Salem,  this  county. 

HENRY  HULL,  Sr.,  farmer,  P.  0.  Johnsville,  born  in  Virginia  November  2, 
1806,  is  a son  of  John  and  Mary  (Rinehart)  Hull,  natives  of  Virginia,  their  anceS' 
tors  being  from  Germany.  John,  with  his  family,  emigrated  from  Virginia  to  Ohio  in 
1820,  locating  at  a place  called  Old  Town,  where  they  lived  about  two  years,  thence 
located  in  Montgomery  County,  Perry  Township,  where  they  resided  till  their  death. 
They  were  parents  of  five  children,  who  are  now  living — Henry,  David,  Elizabeth, 
Mary  and  Adam.  Henry  was  about  eighteen  years  of  age  when  he  came  to  this 
county  with  his  parents,  being  the  oldest  child  of  the  family,  here  they  were  raised  and 
grew  to  maturity,  inured  to  the  scenes  and  hardships  of  this  then  new  country.  Henry 
was  married  to  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  John  and  Salome  Crull,  to  whom  ten  children 
were  born,  all  now  living — John,  Josiah,  Samuel,  Henry,  David,  Mary  Ann,  Elizabeth, 
Salome,  Noah  and  Edward.  He  lost  his  wife  by  death  March  4,  1877.  Mr.  Hull, 
after  his  marriage,  located  on  the  farm  where  he  now  lives,  and  has  since  resided,  a 
period  of  nearly  half  a century.  He  started  in  life  with  eighty  acres  of  land,  which 
was  in  the  woods,  and  by  his  own  labors  and  industry  cleared  it  up  and  accumu- 
lated more  means  and  purchased  more  land  from  time  to  time  till  he  became  owner  of 
over  800  acres  of  land.  This  is  an  example  of  success  from  honest  labor  and  economy 
and  good  management,  which  has  but  few  if  any  equals,  and  is  a record  of  which  his 
descendants  may  well  feel  proud,  and  from  which  example  the  poorest  man  may  take 
courage  and  feel  that  he  can  succeed  if  he  only  practices  the  same  industry  and 
economy.  He  has  since  divided  the  greater  share  among  his  children,  thus  giving 
them  a good  start  in  life.  He  is  now  in  the  seventy-fifth  year  of  his  age,  is  very  deaf,  and 
has  been  thus  afflicted  for  many  years.  His  farm  is  now  carried  on  by  his  two  sons — 
Samuel  and  Henry — who  are  unmarried,  and  make  their  home  with  him.  Mr.  Hull 
has  been  a member  of  the  German  Baptist  Church  for  many  years. 

Note.— Since  the  above  was  written,  Henrv  Hull,  Sr.,  died,  his  death  occurring 
March  30,  1881. 

JESSE  D.  LEHMAN,  farmer  and  leaf-tobacco-dealer,  P.  O.  Johnsville,  was  born 
in  this  county  and  township  December  6,  1839  ; is  a son  of  Henry  and  Catharine 
(Crawford)  Lehman,  he  a native  of  Ohio  and  she  of  Maryland.  The  grandfather, 
Henry  Lehman,  was  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  but  emigrated  to  Ohio,  locating  at  New 
Lancaster,  where  he  resided  till  about  1825,  when  he  removed  to  Montgomery  County, 
and  here  lived  till  his  death.  He  was  the  father  of  eight  children,  four  now  survive — 
Elizabeth,  now  Mrs.  Sharp,  living  in  Indiana;  Henry;  Hannah,  now  Mrs.  Hosier,  resid- 
ing in  Dayton  ; and  David.  The  grandfather,  Joseph  Crawford,  was  born  in  Frederick 
County,  Md.,  but  became  a resident  of  this  county  about  1829,  where  he  lived  til!  his 
death.  Henry  was  eleven  years  of  age  when  brought  to  this  county  by  his  father;  was 
raised  and  grew  to  maturity  inured  to  the  hardships  of  a new  settlement;  was  married 
and  became  the  father  of  five  children — four  now  survive  : Jesse  D.,  Philip,  Noah  and 

Margaret,  now  Mrs.  Hull.  Mr.  Lehman  was  a cooper  by  trade,  which  business  he  fol- 
lowed about  forty  years,  generally  renting  his  farm,  but  during  his  later  years  has  lived 
mostly  retired  from  all  active  business.  He  has  been  a hard-working,  industrious  man, 
who  devoted  himself  closely  to  his  business,  never  desiring,  or  holding  office ; commenc- 


PERRY  TOWNSHIP. 


379 


ing  in  life  a poor  man,  has,  by  his  own  efforts,  accumulated  a good  competency,  and  now 
in  his  advanced  years  is  able  to  live  in  comfort,  free  from  the  general  anxieties  of  life. 
Our  subject  remained  with  his  father,  raised  to  his  trade  till  about  twenty-four  years  of 
age ; was  married  December  17, 1863,  to  Amanda,  daughter  of  John  and  Mary  King, 
whose  history  is  given  in  sketch  of  Eli  Wogamon,  in  this  work.  Mr.  Lehman  and 
wife  have  three  children : Webster  Corwin,  John  Henry  and  Oliver  Warren.  Mr. 

Lehman,  after  his  marriage,  gave  his  attention  to  farming  for  about  ten  years  ; thence  he 
Entered  upon  mercantile  trade,  also  in  connection  with  that  business  engaged  largely  as 
dealer  in  leaf  tobacco,  and  thus  continued  till  May  2,  1880,  when  he  sold  out  in  the 
mercantile  business,  and  since  gives  his  exclusive  attention  to  buying  tobacco,  and  the 
superintending  of  his  farm.  The  farm  upon  which  he  resides,  he  bought  in  the  spring 
of  1876,  and  mot'ed  onto  it  in  the  spring  of  1878.  Mr.  Lehman,  from  his  youth  up, 
has  exhibited  a general  business  tact ; by  his  own  industry  and  good  management,  before 
he  had  reached  twenty-one  years  of  age,  he  had  saved  money  enough  and  bought  twen- 
ty-four acres  of  land,  giving  him  a fine  start  in  life;  since  which  he  has  improved  his 
means  and  talents  ; kept  himself  active  and  accumulating,  till  now  he  has  a good  farm 
and  ample  means  to  live  comfortably,  and  conduct  an  active  trade  in  leaf  tobacco.  Al- 
though not  seeking  nor  holding  offices,  as  the  nature  of  his  business  and  inclination  for- 
bid it,  yet  a confiding  community  _ have  pressed  him  into  service  as  School  Director  for 
sixteen  years,  and  a member  of  the  Board  of  Education  during  the  same  period  of  time. 

Note. — Since  the  above  was  written,  Mr.  Lehman  died  ; his  death  occurring  Jan- 
uary 21,  1882. 

JOHN  W.  LONG,  farmer,  P.  O.  Brookville,  born  in  this  county  February  17, 
1831,  is  a son  of  Isaac  and  Esther-  (Miller)  Long,  natives  of  Ohio.  The  grandfather, 
Michael  Long,  was  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  but  became  one  of  the  early  pioneers  of 
this  county,  settling  here  soon  after  1800;  was  here  through  all  the  Indian  troubles, 
and  all  the  hardships  of  those  early  days.  Daniel  Miller,  the  maternal  grandfather,  was 
also  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  emigrating  to  this  county  about  the  same  time  of  the 
Longs,  and  were  truly  pioneers  of  the  country,  enduring  the  trials  and  dangers  which 
only  those  early  settlers  knew  and  realized.  Isaac,  being  born  here,  amidst  these  scenes 
and  dangers,  grew  up  to  manhood  inured  to  all  the  many  hardships ; was  married,  and 
became  father  of  ten  children— Daniel,  John  W.,  Elizabeth,  Susanna,  Samuel, 
Isaac,  Mary,  Henry,  Joseph  and  Harriet.  Mr.  Long  and  wife  have  passed  their 
entire  life  in  this  county ; have  always  followed  farming,  and  were  an  industri- 
ous and  prosperous  family  ; he  is  now  one  who  has  the  confidence  of  his  com- 
munity ; was  Township  Trustee  for  several  years.  Our  subject  remained  with  his 
father  till  his  marriage  with  Sarah,  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Lydia  Basore ; he 
is  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  and  she  of  this  county.  This  marriage  was  cele- 
brated December  22,  1853 ; by  this  union  they  have  had  seven  children,  six 
now  survive — -Mary  E.,  Samuel  H.,  John  E.,  Elmer  I.,  Susie  A.,  Sadie  Ida.  After 
their  marriage,  they  located  upon  the  pla  e where  he  now  lives,  and  has  since  resided,  a 
period  of  twenty-eight  years ; he  has  cleared  up  a great  portion  of  his  farm,  and  erect- 
ed all  the  buildings  on  the  place  which,  with  all  the  improvements,  are  good,  and  con- 
stitute a fine  home  and  farmer’s  residence. 

GEORGE  MELLINGER,  farmer,  P.  0-,  Brookville,  born  in  Pennsylvania  April 
5,  1844,  is  a son  of  Joseph  and  Lydia  (Kissinger)  Mellinger,  natives  of  Pennsylvania. 
Joseph  spent  his  life  at  farming  in  Pennsylvania,  until  the  breaking-out  of  the  war  of 
the  rebellion,  when  in  the  draft  made  for  soldiers  he  hired  as  a substitute,  but  being 
quite  advanced  in  years  and  not  able  to  stand  the  hardships  of  a soldier’s  life,  he  was 
discharged  from  the  service  and  shortly  afterward  came  to  Ohio  to  this  county,  where 
he  died.  His  wife  located  near  Salem,  this  county,  where  she  was  married  to  Jackson 
McNally,  with  whom  she  lived  till  her  death,  which  occurred  August  16,  1863.  Joseph 
and  Lydia  were  parents  of  four  children,  three  now  living — William,  George  and  Nancy 
Bell.  Our  subject  was  thrown  upon  the  world  at  twelve  years  of  age,  to  work  his 
own  way  through  life.  He  went  here  and  there,  wherever  he  could  find  work  and  a 
home,  and  thus  continued  till  seventeen  years  of  age,  when  in  October,  1861,  he  enlist- 


380 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES : 


ed  in  the  defense  of  his  country,  in  the  Seventy-first  Regiment  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry, 
under  Col.  Mason ; served  out  his  time  and  re-enlisted  as  a veteran,  and  served  till  the 
close  of  the  war.  His  regiment  was  in  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland,  and  he  saw  and 
participated  in  twenty-two  different  battles,  some  of  the  hardest  fought  battles  being 
those  at  Shiloh,  Franklin,  and  that  at  Atlanta,  Gfa.  At  the  close  of  the  war,  he  re- 
ceived an  honorable  discharge  and  returned  home.  He  was  married,  May  26,  1868,  to 
Malinda,  daughter  of  David  and  Nancy  Lana  (McCormack)  Spittler;  by  this  union 
they  have  had  five  children — Ambrose,  Edna  Irene,  Flora  Bell,  Clara  Viola  and  Lottie 
Fidelia.  Mr.  Mellinger,  after  his  marriage,  lived  on  rented  farms  till  March,  1880. 
when  he  bought  and  located  upon  the  place  where  he  now  lives  ; he  has  twenty  acres  of 
good  land,  with  good  buildings,  constituting  a pleasant  and  comfortable  home.  Mr.  Mel- 
linger has  had  a “rough-and-tumble”  life,  being  thrown  upon  the  world  when  only- 
twelve  years  of  age,  and  enlisting  in  the  war  at  seventeen  year’s  of  age,  having  seen 
much  of  the  rough  side  of  life.  He  is  now  quite  pleasantly  located,  and  we  may  trust 
and  hope  that  the  balance  of  his  life  may  be  as  pleasant  and  profitable  as  his  past  has 
been  rough  and  unpleasant. 

SIMON  MIKESELL,  general  merchant,  Johnsville,  born  in  Bedford  County, 
Penn.,  April  7,  1839;  is  a son  of  John  and  Elizabeth  (Richey)  Mikesell,  natives  of 
Pennsylvania.  The  maternal  grandfather,  Isaac  Richey,  was  probably  a native  of  Penn- 
sylvania, and  lived  and  died  in  his  native  State  ; he  married  Mary  Whetstone  ; they 
had  four  sons  and  four  daughters.  Mr.  Richey  was  a man  of  good  education,  and  fol- 
lowed teaching  as  a profession  for  several  years  ; was  a devoted  brother  in  the  German 
Baptist  Church,  and  became  a minister  and  a bishop  in  the  same  ; was  one  of  the  most 
strenuous  and  exacting  kind  ; would  not  enter  a house  that  was  carpeted,  or  ride  in  a 
carriage  with  springs,  believing  these  things  tended  to  evil.  John  Mikesell  was  a farmer 
by  occupation,  and  lived  and  died  in  Pennsylvania.  He  died  in  August,  1839,  aged 
forty-four  years.  His  wife  died  in  the  fall  of  1857,  aged  fifty-nine  years.  They  had 
eight  children,  four  sons  and  four  daughters  ; four  of  whom  are  living — -Mary,  Susanna, 
Samuel  and  Simon.  Our  subject  was  only  six  months  old  when  his  father  died,  and 
the  whole  care  and  responsibility  of  raising  and  educating  Simon,  devolved  upon  his 
mother,  and  faithfully  did  she  perform  her  work,  bringing  him  up  to  the  honorable  and 
healthy  labor  of  farming,  with  a good,  common  school  education.  When  he  arrived  at 
nineteen  years  of  age  death  deprived  him  of  his  mother.  In  the  fall  of  I860,  Mr.  Mike- 
sell went  West,  and  in  the  spring  of  1861,  on  the  breaking-out  of  the  rebellion,  he 
volunteered  in  the  defense  of  his  country,  and  enlisted  in  the  Eighth  Regiment  Mis- 
souri Volunteer  Infantry,  and  served  three  years  ; was  engaged  iu  many  of  the  hardest 
fought  battles  of  the  West — at  Fort  Donelson,  Shiloh,  Corinth,  Vicksburg,  etc.,  and 
fortunately,  escaped  without  a wound,  and  in  the  summer  of  1864,  his  time  of  service  ' 
having  expired,  he  received  his  discharge  at  Louisville,  Ky. ; thence  he  entered  the  employ 
of  the  Royer  Wheel  Company,  at  Cincinnati,  in  the  turning  business  ; this  business  he  j 
followed  at  Cincinnati,  Tippecanoe,  Harrisburg  and  Troy  about  twelve  years.  Thence,  f 
entered  as  traveling  salesman  for  Studabaker,  manufacturer  of  woolen  cloths,  for  four 
years.  Thence  rented  the  Studabaker  factory  and  ran  it  one  year.  Thence  entered  the  j 
mercantile  trade  in  Johnsville,  in  partnership  with  Lee  Thompson,  in  September,  1880, 
in  which  business  he  still  continues,  and  is  having  a good  and  prosperous  trade.  Was 
married,  December  25,  1860,  to  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Daniel  and  Elizabeth  Shuss, 
natives  of  Pennsylvania.  Mr.  Shuss  still  resides  in  his  native  State  ; Mrs,  Shuss  is 
deceased.  They  were  parents  of  nine  children  ; seven  now  survive — John,  Jacob, 
Daniel,  Adam,  Mary  Ann,  Rebecca  and  Elizabeth.  Mr.  Mikesell  and  wife  have  had, 
by  their  union,  eight  children  ; four  now  living — Freemont,  Harvey,  Daniel  and  Edward. 
Mr.  Mikesell  and  wife  are  worthy  members  of  the  German  Baptist  Church,  in  which  1 
he  has  been  elected  as  a minister.  * 

ROBERT  MILLIKIN,  farmer,  P.  0.  Amity,  born  in  this  county  Nov.  8, 1833  , is 
ason  of  Mathew  and  Anna  (Hecathorn)  Millikin,  natives  of  Pennsylvania.  The  grandfather, 
Robert  Millikin,  was  a native  of  Ireland,  who  emigrated  to  America  some  time  in  the 
latter  part  of  the  eighteenth  century,  and  was  the  father  of  five  children.  The  grand- 


PERRY  TOWNSHIP. 


381 


father,  Daniel  Hecathorn,  was  a native  of  Virginia,  but  became  a settler  in  this  county 
about  1828,  where  he  lived  and  died.  Mathew  emigrated  from  Pennsylvania  to  this 
county  about  1830,  and  was  the  father  of  seven  children  ; six  now  survive — Margaret, 
Daniel,  Robert,  Anua,  Andrew  and  Martha.  Mr.  Millikin  was  a farmer  by  occupa- 
tion, and  resided  in  this  county  till  his  death.  He  died  in  May,  1848  ; his  wife  died 
in  June,  1860.  Our  subject  was  fifteen  years  of  age  at  the  time  of  the  death  of  his 
father,  but  remained  with  his  mother  till  after  his  majority;  was  married,  August  25, 
1859,  to  Barbara,  daughter  of  Daniel  and  Elizabeth  Garber,  natives  of  Virginia,  but 
who  emigrated  to  this  county  about  1828,  where  they  lived  till  her  death  in  April,  1870. 
He  is  still  living  in  this  township,  now  over  eighty-four  years  of  age.  They  were  parents  of 
nine  children  ; eight  now  survive — James,  Henry,  Josiah,  Washington,  John,  Susanna, 
Rebecca  and  Barbara.  Mr.  Millikin  and  wife  have  had  seven  children  ; five  now  sur- 
vive— Daniel,  George  W.,  Rebecca  J.,  James  M.  and  John  R.  Mr.  Millikin  has 
always  resided  in  this  township  and  followed  farming  as  a business.  He  bought  and 
located  upon  the  place  where  he  now  lives  in  the  spring  of  1865.  This  farm  consists 
of  sixty  acres  of  land,  mostly  in  cultivation,  with  good  improvements. 

JOHN  G.  MILLS,  farmer,  P.  0.  Pyrmont,  was  born  in  Dayton,  Ohio,  July  4, 
1837  ; is  a son  of  John  and  Sallie  Ann  (Gest)  Mills,  natives  of  New  Jersey.  Moses 
Mills,  the  grandfather,  was  a native  of  New  Jersey,  but  removed  to  Ohio  in  1806,  locat- 
ing in  Greene  County.  At  this  time  John  was  about  one  year  old,  and  was  raised  and 
grew  to  maturity  in  Greene  and  Clark  Counties.  He  became  a resident  of  Dayton 
about  1834  or  1835,  and  engaged  in  mercantile  trade  for  several  years.  In  1840,  he 
was  elected  Auditor  of  the  county,  and  re-elected  five  times  in  succession,  thus  serving 
in  this  office  twelve  consecutive  years.  In  1852,  he  bought  three  quarter  sections  of 
school  land  in  Perry  Township,  and  moved  on  to  it  in  1853.  In  1854,  he  returned  to 
Dayton  and  was  elected  Secretary  of  the  Dayton  & Michigan  Railroad,  which  posi- 
tion he  held  for  a short  time,  and  was  then  appointed  Cashier  of  the  Dayton  Bank, 
which  position  he  held  till  1857  ; thence  removed  to  his  farm  and  resided  on  it  one 
year ; in  1858,  was  nominated  by  the  Republican  party  as  a candidate  for  Sheriff  of  the 
county  ; was  elected  and  served  two  years.  Soon  after  the  expiration  of  his  office,  the 
war  of  the  rebellion  having  commenced,  he  received  an  appointment  from  the  Govern- 
ment as  Provost  Marshal  for  this  district,  and  first  located  in  Hamilton,  and  thence  in 
Dayton,  holding  said  office  until  the  close  of  the  war,  or  till  the  office  was  abolished, 
since  which  time  he  has  lived  mostly  retired  from  any  active  office  or  business.  Having 
served  a long  and  active  life,  ever  possessing  the  confidence  of  the  people,  and  having  held 
many  offices  of  trust,  which  were  filled  to  the  universal  satisfaction  of  the  people,  and  of 
whose  record  his  descendants  may  ever  feel  proud,  and  which  will  ever  stand  on  the 
pages  of  history  as  a monument  to  his  memory.  He  was  the  father  of  six  children  ; 
three  now  survive — John  G.,  Charles  and  Truman  B.  Our  subject  was  raised  in  Day- 
ton  and  remained  with  his  father  till  his  majority,  receiving  a good  education  and  be- 
came a graduate  of  the  Dayton  High  School ; thence  he  engaged  in  teaching  school, 
which  profession  he  followed  three  years ; thence  he  entered  upon  the  business  of  farm- 
ing, locating  upon  the  place  where  he  now  lives  and  has  since  resided.  Mr.  Mills  hav- 
ing a thorough  education,  is  capable  of  filling  positions  of  trust,  and  of  being  a great 
benefit  to  his  neighborhood  and  community.  He  has  been  a member  of  the  school 
board  for  twelve  years  or  more.  He  was  married,  December  27, 1860,  to  Miss  Rebecca, 
daughter  of  Daniel  and  Mary  Mundhenk,  he  a native  of  Philadelphia  and  she  of  New 
Jersey;  issue,  five  children — Sallie,  Sherman,  Daniel  O.,  Rosa  and  John. 

TRUMAN  B.  MILLS,  farmer,  P.  O.  Pyrmont,  was  born  in  Montgomery  Coun- 
ty, June  27,  1847 ; is  a son  of  John  and  Sallie  Ann  Mills,  whose  history  appears  in 
the  sketch  of  John  G.  Mills,  in  this  work.  Mr.  Mills  was  raised  in  Dayton,  receiving 
a good  education  in  the  common  schools  and  high  school  of  Dayton.  On  the  breaking- 
out  of  the  war  of  the  rebellion,  he  enlisted  in  the  one-hundred-day  service  in  the  One 
Hundred  and  Thirty-first  Regiment  Ohio  National  Guards,  under  Col.  John  Lowe,  and 
served  through  his  time  of  enlistment  and  returned  home  ; thence  entered  as  clerk  un- 
der his  father,  who  was  then  Provost  Marshal,  where  he  remained  about  one  year ; thence 


382 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


attended  the  Commercial  College  of  Dayton,  after  which  he  became  assistant  book- 
keeper for  the  wholesale  dry  goods  house  of  Darst,  Herchelrode  & Co.,  where  he  re- 
mained a few  months,  thence  became  book-keeper  for  A.  B.  Darst,  thence  Deputy 
Clerk  in  the  Clerk’s  office  at  Dayton.  But  such  business  proving  too  confining  for  his 
health,  he  turned  his  attention  to  farming.  On  November  6,  1873,  he  was  married  to 
Miss  Eliza  Jane,  daughter  of  Hiram  and  Jane  C.  (Williams)  Lewis,  he  a native  of  New 
York  State  and  she  of  Dayton.  Mr.  Lewis  became  a resident  of  Dayton  about  1846; 
was  married  and  resided  there  about  five  years,  thence  removed  to  Painesville,  Ohio, 
and  lived  till  1855,  when  he  returned  to  Dayton,  where  he  has  since  resided.  He  has 
been  quite  a prominent  and  active  man;  was  engaged  in  the  nursery  business  for  several 
years,  and  latterly  in  the  insurance  business,  and  in  the  manufacture  of  fruit  tree  labels. 
Mr.  Mills  and  wife  by  their  union  have  three  children — Olive  B.,  born  December  5, 
1875;  Nellie  C.,  born  June  14,  1877,  and  Jennie  W.,  born  February  6,  1879.  Ia 
1873,  Mr.  Mills  located  upon  the  farm  where  he  now  lives  and  has  since  resided,  which 
farm  is  a part  of  the  school  lands  bought  by  his  father  in  an  early  day,  as  mentioned  in 
sketch  of  John  G.  Mills.  The  farm  consists  of  177  acres  of  land,  mostly  in  cultivation, 
with  good  buildings  and  improvements,  constituting  a pleasant  home  and  residence. 

JOSHUA  Y.  MILLS,  farmer,  P.  0.  Pyrmont,  born  in  this  township  and  county 
August  31, 1839,  is  a son  of  William  and  Jane  Mills,  whose  history  appears  in  sketches 
of  G.  M.  Mills  in  this  work.  Our  subject  lived  at  home  with  his  father  till  his 
majority.  Was  married,  November  1,  1866,  to  Anna,  daughter  of  Jacob  and  Catharine  | 
Myers,  whose  history  appears  in  sketch  of  Jacob  Myers  in  this  work.  Mr.  Mills  and 
wife  have  had  six  children — Emma,  Flora,  John,  Mattie,  Cora  C.  and  ijva  Jane.  Mr. 
Mills,  after  his  marriage,  located  on  the  farm,  where  he  now  lives  and  has  since  resided,  j 
His  farm  consists  of  eighty  acres,  sixty  of  which  are  in  cultivation,  with  good  brick 
house,  a good  barn  and  large  tobacco  shed,  which  he  has  erected  since  he  came  upon  the 
place,  the  whole  improvements  in  excellent  condition,  constituting  a fine  home  and  resi- 
dence. Mr.  Mills  and  wife  are  members  of  the  United  Brethren  Church,  to  which  they  ;! 
have  belonged  twelve  years.  After  the  breaking-out  of  the  war  of  the  rebellion,  Mr. 
Mills  answered  the  call  of  his  country  by  enlisting  October  28,  1861,  in  the  Seventy-first 
Regiment  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  under  Col.  Mason  and  served  through  the  war  in 
the  army  of  the  Cumberland,  and  was  engaged  in  many  of  the  hard-fought  battles  and  skir- 
mishes  of  that  army ; some  of  the  principal  of  which  were  the  battles  of  Shiloh,  Fort 
Donelson,  Franklin,  Nashville,  Atlanta,  etc.,  and  escaped  with  but  one  wound  which 
was  obtained  at  the  battle  of  Nashville;  was  discharged  from  the  army  on  the  6th  of 
January,  1866,  and  returned  safely  home. 

GEORGE  M.  MILLS,  farmer,  P.  O.  Pyrmont,  born  in  Montgomery  County,  Au- 
gust 1,  1850,  is  a son  of  William  and  Jane  (Campbell)  Mills.  The  grandparents,  j 
Joshua  and  Lucy  (Curless)  Mills,  natives  of  New  Jersey;  emigrated  to  Ohio  iu  1819, 
living  in  Warren  and  Preble  Counties  for  a short  time,  when,  in  1820,  moved  into  the 
woods  in  Montgomery  County,  Perry  Township,  opening  out  by  cutting  the  first  stick 
of  timber,  clearing  up  a small  patch,  putting  up  a log  cabin,  the  wild  beasts  and  deer 
being  very  plentiful.  Here  they  made  their  start  in  life  and  endured  all  the  hardships 
of  those  early  days.  They  were  parents  of  nine  children;  six  now  survive — Jane, 
John,  Rebecca,  William,  Sarah  and  Mary.  Mr.  Mills  was  a very  industrious,  hard- 
working man,  one  who  was  physically  and  mentally  strong,  and,  during  his  life,  accom- 
plished a great  deal  of  work.  He  cleared  up  a good  farm  and  erected  good  buildings, 
and  enjoyed  in  his  last  days  the  conveniences  and  comforts  of  a good  farm  and  home. 

He  died  about  1850  or  1851,  his  wife  having  died  a few  years  previous  to  his  death. 
William  remained  with  his  father  till  his  majority.  Was  married,  February  10,  1827,  j 
to  Jane  Campbell,  a native  of  Warren  County;  by  her  he  had  seven  children;  five  dow 
living — Bethany,  Samuel,  Naomi,  Joshua  and  William.  His  wife  died  October  .'7, 
1848.  On  October  18,  1849,  was  celebrated  his  marriage  with  Jane  Smith,  daughter 
of  John  and  Phebe  Clemmer,  he  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  and  she  of  Virginia;  by 
this  second  marriage,  they  had  five  children — George,  Charles  Edgar,  Eliza  Jane,  j 
Josiah  and  Hiram.  Mr.  Mills  followed  farming  as  an  occupation,  and  has  always  j| 


PERRY  TOWNSHIP. 


383 


resided  in  Perry  Township ; has  labored  industriously  in  his  younger  days,  and  was 
reasonably  prosperous  in  his  life,  accumulated  a good  competency,  and,  as  old  age  and 
infirmity  came  upon  him,  he  retired  to  Pyrmont,  and,  in  1879,  gave  up  all  active  labor, 
where  he  hopes  to  pass  the  remainder  of  his  days  free  from  the  toils  of  life.  Mr.  Mills 
and  wife  are  members  of  the  United  Brethren  Church,  and  have  been  Christian  work- 
ers for  many  years.  Our  subject  grew  up  to  maturity  under  his  father’s  care,  brought 
up  to  farm  labor;  receiving  a good  education,  and,  at  eighteen  years  of  age,  became  a 
teacher  and  taught  school  four  winters,  since  which  he  has  given  his  attention  to  farm- 
ing. Was  married,  October  ?4,  1878,  to  Martha  Dell,  daughter  of  Levi  W.  and  Sarah 
E.  (Sodders)  Mundhenk,  he  a native  of  this  county,  and  she  of  Greene  County;  they 
are  parents  of  three  children — Clarence  Willie,  Lizzie  Forest  and  Martha  Dell. 

CHARLES  E.  MILLS,  farmer,  P.  0.  Pyrmont,  born  in  this  county  December 
9,  1851,  is  a son  of  William  and  Eliza  Mills,  whose  history  appears  in  sketch  of  G. 
M.  Mills  in  this  work.  Our  subject  lived  with  his  father  till  about  nineteen  years  of 
age.  Was  married  August  7,  1870,  to  Anna,  daughter  of  Charles  and  Margaret  (Gus- 
tin)  Wysong,  he  a native  of  Virginia  and  she  of  Ohio.  They  were  parents  of  twelve 
children;  ten  now  living — Hannah,  Harrison,  Mina,  Stephen,  Lydia,  Elizabeth,  Rachel, 
Jacob,  Margaret  and  Anna.  Mr.  Wysong  became  an  early  settler  of  Montgomery 
County,  locating  here  about  1826,  and  is  now  living  in  Preble  County,  seventy-nine 
years  of  age.  Mr.  Mills  and  wife  have  four  children — Charles  W.,  Stephen  Elva, 
Hurly  0.  and  Maggie  E.  Mr.  Mills  lived  in  Preble  County  two  years  after  his  mar- 
riage, then  in  fall  of  1872  located  upon  the  place  where  he  now  lives  and  has  since' 
resided.  The  farm  consists  of  thirty-one  acres,  mostly  in  cultivation  with  good 
improvements. 

DANIEL  MUNDHENK  (deceased),  born  in  Philadelphia  January  18,  1814, 
is  a son  of  Daniel  and  Anna  Maria  Mundhenk,  whose  history  is  given  in  sketch  of 
Charles  Mundhenk  in  this  work.  Daniel  (deceased)  came  to  this  county  with  his  father 
and  grew  to  maturity,  inured  to  the  hardships  of  pioneer  life.  Was  married  November 
27, 1834,  to  Mary,  daughter  of  Joshua  and  Lucy  Mills,  whose  history  appears  in  sketch 
of  George  M.  Mills  in  this  work;  by  this  union  they  had  eleven  children;  six  now  sur- 
vive— Mary  Ann,  Rebecca,  Eleanor,  Daniel,  Perry  and  Charles  H.  Mr.  Mundhenk 
died  October  9,  1875.  He  was  a quiet,  unassuming  man,  who  attended  closely  to  his 
own  business;  a man  of  strict  integrity;  a kind  husband  and  father,  providing  well  for 
his  family;  living  honored  and  respected  by  all  who  knew  him,  and  died  mourned  by  a 
large  circle  of  friends,  and  regretted  by  a confiding  people.  He  and  wife  were  mem- 
bers of  the  United  Brethren  Church  to  which  they  belonged  for  forty  years.  His 
widow  is  still  living  on  a part  of  the  home  farm,  where  she  has  a good  brick  house  con- 
stituting a fine  home  and  residence. 

FREDERICK  MUNDHENK,  farmer,  P.  0.  Pyrmont,  a native  of  this  county, 
born  July  4,  1818,  is  a son  of  Daniel  and  Anna  Maria  Mundhenk.  whose  history 
appears  in  a sketch  of  Charles  Mundhenk,  in  this  work.  Mr.  Mundhenk  remained  with 
his  father  till  twenty-six  years  of  age.  He  was  married,  November  30,  1843,  to  Catha- 
rine, daughter  of  John  Hook,  a native  of  Virginia,  who  became  a resident  of  Mont- 
gomery County  about  1830  to  1832.  By  this  union  they  had  five  children,  three  of 
whom  survive — James,  William,  and  Minnie  Etta — and  two  deceased,  Mary  Elizabeth 
and  Luella.  His  wife  died  June  4,  1870.  On  June  6,  1872,  was  celebrated  his  mar- 
riage with  Martha,  daughter  of  Charles  and  Catharine  (Share)  Fiet,  he  a native  of 
Germany  and  she  of  Pennsylvania.  Mr.  Fiet  emigrated  to  America  in  1805,  locating 
in  Pennsylvania,  where  he  was  married  and  resided  till  1823,  when  he  removed  to  Ohio, 
locatingrin  Warren  County,  where  he  resided  two  years;  thence  to  Preble  County,  and 
resided  one  year;  thence  into  Montgomery  County,  where  he  resided  till  his  death, 
which  occurred  January  16,  1850.  They  were  parents  of  ten  children,  five  of  whom 
now  survive — Mary,  Catharine,  Barbara,  Martha  and  Emma.  His  widow  is  still 
living,  and  is  now  making  her  home  with  her  daughter,  Mrs.  F.  Mundhenk.  Mr.  Mund- 
henk by  his  second  wife  has  one  child,  Frederick.  Mr.  Mundhenk’s  entire  life  has  been 
spent  in  this  county,  and  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  Pyrmont.  He  has  been  an  active 


384 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES  : 


and  industrious  man,  and,  like  his  father  before  him,  has  done  much  for  the  interests 
and  benefit  of  his  community.  He  ran  a steam  saw-mill  for  twenty-seven  years,  seven- 
teen years  of  which  was  on  the  mill  built  by  his  father,  and  was  the  first  saw-mill  built 
in  Perry  Township.  He  and  his  brothers,  Augustus  and  Henry,  built  the  first  grist 
mill  and  the  only  one  ever  erected  in  Perry  Township,  which  mill  they  ran  about  six- 
teen years,  when  they  sold  it,  and  it  was  removed  to  Baltimore,  on  the  border  of  Parke 
County.  Since  that  time  Mr.  Mundhenk  has  lived  retired  from  all  active  business.  We 
feel  justified  in  saying  that  his  life  has  been  one  of  activity,  honor  and  usefulness,  which 
can  detract  nothing  from,  but  rather  add  further  laurels  to  the  history  of  the  Mundhenk 
family. 

JOHN  MUNDHENK,  farmer,  P.  0.  Pyrmont,  born  in  this  county  and  township 
October  14,  1820,  is  a son  of  Daniel  and  Anna  Maria  Mundhenk,  whose  history  appears 
in  a sketch  of  Charles  Mundhenk  in  this  work.  Our  subject  maintained  his  home 
with  his  father  till  twenty-seven  years  of  age.  He  was  married  in  1847  (the  exact  date 
being  lost  through  fire)  to  Mary,  daughter  of  John  and  Margaret  (May)  Levingston, 
natives  of  Virginia,  by  whom  he  had  one  child,  Samantha,  now  Mrs.  Joseph  Shaffer. 
With  her  he  only  lived  about  two  years,  when  the  reaper,  Death,  took  her  away.  On 
May  10, 1855.  was  celebrated  his  second  marriage,  with  Mary  Jane,  daughter  of  William 
and  Martha  Sodders,  he  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  and  she  of  Warren  County,  Ohio,  by 
whom  he  has  had  five  children — Ida  M.,  Clarence  J.,  Cora,  Howard,  and  Charles.  Mr. 
Mundhenk,  after  his  marriage,  located  in  Pyrmont,  where  he  entered  upon  mercantile 
trade  in  partnership  with  George  Beid,  and  about  one  year  after  they  were  burned  out, 
losing  their  entire  stock,  when  Mr.  Mundhenk  found  himself  $1,600  in  debt.  But 
their  creditors  requested  them  to  go  on  with  business  again,  and  they  would  furnish  \ 
them  with  goods.  They  did  so,  and  continued  about  eight  or  nine  years,  when  Mr. 
Mundhenk,  having  paid  up  his  indebtedness,  bought  out  his  partner,  Mr.  Reid,  and  [ 
continued  the  business  about  three  years.  He  then  sold  out,  and  entered  upon  farming, 
purchasing  the  place  where  he  now  lives,  being  a part  of  the  old  Mundhenk  farm,  and 
here  he  has  since  resided.  Mr.  Mundhenk  is  a man  who  has  held  the  confidence  of  his 
community.  He  has  been  Township  Clerk  eight  years,  and  a Justice  of  the  Peace  six 
years.  Politically,  Mr.  Mundhenk  is  a stanch  Republican. 

CHARLES  MUNDHENK,  farmer,  P.  O.  Pyrmont,  a native  of  Montgomery 
County,  born  October  7, 1832,  is  a son  of  Daniel  and  Anna  Maria  (Hagerman)  Mundhenk ; j 
natives  of  Germany.  Daniel  was  born  at  Pyrmont.  Germany,  December  28,  1777. 
He  lived  with  his  father  till  he  grew  to  manhood,  and  at  about  twenty  years  of  age,  i 
being  of  an  enterprising  spirit,  he  gained  the  idea  that  there  might  be  abetter  country 
for  a poor  man  than  that  in  which  he  was  raised,  and  he  went  to  Hamburg,  and  fromj 
there,  after  a residence  of  over  a year,  he  shipped  on  board  a whaling  vessel,  and  on  his 
voyage  reached  Greenland  ; returned  to  Hamburg,  and  finally  arrived  home  to  his  par- 
ents in  September,  1800.  Was  married,  in  1803,  to  Sophia  Louisa  Sprengel,  a native 
of  Holzhausen,  by  whom  he  had  five  children,  all  now  deceased.  In  1807,  Mr. 
Mundhenk,  with  his  family  and  brother  Henry,  his  sister  Dorothy,  and  his  uncle, 
Christian  Heydon,  after  a journey  of  twenty-eight  days,  through  Prussia  and  Holland, 
arrived  at  Texel,  and  shipped  on  board  the  vessel  “ William  P.  Johnson,”  under  Capt. 
Moses  Wells,  bound  for  America,  and  set  sail  August  22,  1807.  After  an  extremely 
stormy  voyage,  during  which  more  than  once  they  gave  themselves  up  as  lost  and  re- 
signed themselves  to  the  care  of  a merciful  God,  they  arrived  safely  upon  the  Ameri- 
can coast,  and  on  the  2d  of  December  of  the  above  year  landed  at  Philadelphia 
Here  he  lived  till  September  9,  1808,  when  he  went  with  his  family  to  New  York,; 
thence  to  Hartford,  Conn.,  where  he  entered  upon  farming,  remaining  only  one  or  two 
years  ; returned  to  Philadelphia,  and  here,  on  November  11,  1811,  was  called  to  mourn 
the  death  of  his  beloved  wife.  On  July  30,  1812,  he  married  Anna  Maria  Hagerman, 
by  whom  he  had  eight  children ; four  now  survive — Henry,  Frederick,  John  and  Charles. 
From  Philadelphia,  about  1815,  he  removed  to  Lancaster  County,  Penn.,  and  early 
in  1817  came  to  Ohio,  and  shortly  after  located  in  Montgomery  County.  Here  he: 
became  a pioneer  in  Perry  Township,  entering  one-fourth  section  of  land,  entered  upon 


PERRY  TOWNSHIP. 


385 


the  arduous  task  of  clearing  up  the  land  from  its  primeval  growth  of  forest  timber  to 
make  a farm  and  a home.  He  toiled  on  from  year  to  year,  and  in  a short  time  became 
owner  of  more  land,  and  finally  became  possessor  of  600  acres,  embracing  the  very 
ground  upon  which  the  village  of  Pyrmont  now  stands.  He  laid  out  the  town,  gave  it 
its  name  after  the  name  of  his  native  place  in  Germany,  and  in  honor  and  memory  of 
which  stands  engraved  upon  his  tombstone  his  name  as  proprietor  of  Pyrmont.  On 
July  4,  1835,  he  was  called  to  mourn  the  death  of  his  second  wife.  On  August  3, 
1841,  he  married  Mrs.  Margaret  Hubler,  by  whom  he  had  one  child,  Caroline.  He 
died  in  March,  1859,  honored  and  beloved  by  a large  circle  of  friends,  and  by  all  who 
knew  him — a man  of  undaunted  integrity — one  who  had  seen  the  rough  side  and  en- 
dured the  many  trials  and  hardships  of  pioneer  life,  having  seen  this  country  in  its 
wildest  state ; but  through  his  and  others’  sturdy  strokes  lived  to  see  the  forests  disap- 
pear, and  waving  fields  of  grain  to  take  their  place;  the  rude  and  primitive  log-cabin 
and  schoolhouses  supplanted  by  fine  frame  and  brick  houses,  and  the  comforts  and  con- 
veniences which  labor  and  wealth  are  sure  to  bring  to  prevail.  His  life  was  one  of  suc- 
cess and  usefulness ; having  the  unbounded  confidence  of  the  people,  he  was  elected  to 
and  served  in  nearly  all  the  offices  of  his  township.  A man  of  great  heart,  kind,  and 
given  to  ail  just  and  benevolent  purposes,  truly  public  spirited,  always  first  and  fore- 
most in  all  public  enterprises ; and  iu  his  death  his  family  lost  a kind  father  and  hus- 
hand,  and  the  public  a great  benefactor.  Our  subject,  the  youngest  son  of  his  father, 
remained  with  him  till  after  his  majority,  was  married,  November  23,  1854,  to  Rachel, 
daughter  of  George  and  Rachel  Ivens,  natives  of  New  Jersey,  but  who  became  early 
settlers  of  this  county,  probably  locating  here  about  1825.  Rachel  was  born  November 
19,  1835,  in  this  county  and  township.  Bv  this  union  they  have  had  five  children  ; 
four  now  survive — Elizabeth  F.,  Carrie,  Mary  and  Berdie.  Mattie,  the  second  child, 
died  April  11,  1874,  nearly  sixteen  years  of  age,  just  budding  into  womanhood.  Mr. 
Mundhenk  has  always  remained  upon  the  old  home  place;  has  a beautiful  home,  with 
good  buildings  and  improvements,  and  all  the  conveniences,  constituting  a pleasant 
home  and  residence,  and  which  are  doubly  endeared  to  him  by  the  fond  recollections  of 
his  childhood,  and  the  many  works  in  sight  the  handiwork  of  his  noble  father.  Mr.  Mund- 
henk, though  holding  no  offices  of  public  trust,  is  such  from  choice,  having  refused 
repeatedly  to  accept  them,  which  have  often  been  pressed  upon  him  by  a confiding 
people,  as  he  is  a man  of  good  literary  attainments,  great  moral  worth  and  undoubted 
integrity.  This  brief  sketch  is  of  a family  whose  life’s  labors  form  such  a part  of  the 
history  of  this  township,  and  are  held  in  such  high  esteem  by  all  who  know  them,  that 
we  feel  we  have  been  incompetent  in  the  space  we  have  to  devote  to  this  subject  to  do 
them  the  justice  they  deserve ; but  trust  we  have  so  far  portrayed  the  general  character 
of  their  useful  lives  as  to  carry  their  memory  down  to  future  generations,  who  shall 
cherish  and  honor  them  long  after  their  forms  shall  lay  ruddering  in  the  dust. 

L.  WILLIAM  MUNDHENK,  farmer,  P.  0.  Pyrmont,  is  the  youngest  sou  of 
Mary  Ann  Mundhenk,  who  was  born  in  Germany,  February  13,  1790,  and  is  a daugh- 
ter of  John  Henry  and  Anna  Maria  Feit,  natives  of  Germany.  In  the  fall  of  1806 
they  determined  to  .emigrate  to  America,  their  country  then  being  engaged  in  war,  it 
was  expected  that  all  their  sons  old  enough  to  do  military  duty  would  be  forced  into  the 
army,  it  was  arranged  that  the  mother  and  her  children  should  proceed  to  America  and 
Mr.  Feit  should  follow  the  next  year,  or  as  soon  as  possible  By  strategy  and  careful 
management,  the  family  eluded  the  sentries,  and  arrived  at  Amsterdam,  where  they  ob- 
tained passes  to  America  and  set  sail  on  the  ship  “ Cornelia,”  under  Capt.  Delmore. 
But  before  reaching  the  ocean,  while  passing  through  the  English  Channel,  the  mother 
was  taken  sick  and  died,  and  by  the  kindness  of  the  Captain  they  were  permitted  to 
take  her  body  on  shore  where  it  was  buried.  Then  the  children  were  left  alone,  with- 
out father  or  mother,  and  continued  their  journey,  and  in  due  time  landed  safely  at 
Philadelphia  where  the  children  were  11  sold”  or  bound  out  to  pay  their  passage.  The 
father,  who  remained  in  Germany,  tried  to  follow  his  family,  but  as  he  was  aged  and 
no  friends  with  him,  he  was  refused  passage,  and  before  an  opportunity  came  for  him 
to  get  away  he  was  taken  sick  and  died.  Mary  Ann,  the  mother  of  our  subject,  after 

r 


386 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES : 


serving  three  years  in  Philadelphia  to  pay  her  passage,  continued  to  work  out  till  June 
4,  1812,  when  she  married  Lewis  Mundhenk,  a native  of  Germany,  and  on  the  next 
day  they  departed  for  Yew  York,  where  they  resided  four  years  ; thence  removed  to 
Ohio,  locating  in  Montgomery  County,  near  Germantown,  and  a few  years  after  located 
on  the  place  where  she  now  lives  and  has  since  resided ; being  the  first  and  only  settler 
at  that  time  between  Lewisburg  and  Brookville.  Here  they  opened  out  in  the  woods 
in  an  open  log  cabin  in  November  in  the  midst  of  a deep  snow  ; here  they  toiled  and 
labored  year  after  year  to  make  a farm  and  a home,  “ Aunt  Mary”  proving  a true 
helpmeet,  being  robust  and  healthy.  She  would  chop  wood,  grub,  make  fence,  etc., 
would  do  more  work  than  half  the  men.  They  knew  no  such  word  as  “ fail,”  and 
they  did  not,  but  cleared  up  and  became  owners  of  a large  farm,  erected  large  and  com- 
modious buildings,  and  now  have  a beautiful  home  and  farmer’s  residence.  But  for 
twenty-one  years  before  the  death  of  Mr.  Mundhenk,  his  mind  became  affected  from 
religious  excitement,  so  that  he  was  unfitted  for  business  ; and  during  this  time  espe- 
cially appeared  the  great  powers,  mentally  and  physically,  of  “ Aunt  Mary,”  who,  with 
her  children,  took  charge  of  and  kept  the  business  of  the  farm  moving  right  along  ; and 
we  may  safely  say  that  not  one  woman  in  a thousand  has  gone  through  or  could  go 
through  the  hardships  and  trials  she  has  endured.  She  has  been  the  mother  of  eleven 
children,  seven  grew  to  maturity;  five  now  survive — Anna  Maria,  Philip,  Lewis, 
Daniel  E.  and  L.  William.  Mr.  Mundhenk  departed  this  life  April  10,  1859.  Since 
his  death  his  wife  has  resided  with  our  subject  on  the  old  home  farm.  William  was 
married  September  11,  1857.  to  Sarah  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Dr.  William  and  Martha 
Sodders,  he  a native  of  Pennsylvania  and  she  of  Ohio.  William  and  wife  have  three 
children — Martha  Dell,  Clarence  W.  and  Lizzie  Forest.  We  have  here  a brief  sketch 
of  one  of  the  early  pioneers,  and  whose  labors  and  hardships  are  but  partially  portrayed, 
yet  we  trust  we  have  placed  enough  on  these  pages  of  history  to  carry  her  in  grateful 
remembrance  to  the  descendants  of  future  generations,  who  shall  have  to  sow  and  reap 
much  from  the  benefits  of  her  many  labors. 

JACOB  MYERS,  farmer,  P.  O.  Pyrmont,  born  in  Lancaster  County,  Penn., 
August  17,  1818,  is  a son  of  Samuel  and  Barbara  (Harnish)  Myers,  natives  of  Penn- 
sylvania, and  who  lived  and  died  in  their  native  State.  They  were  parents  of  twelve 
children,  ten  growing  to  maturity,  and  nine  now  living — Ann,  Rudolph,  Barbara, 
Mary,  Jacob,  Fannie,  Elizabeth,  Mattie  and  Abraham.  Our  subject  remained  with  his 
father  till  his  majority;  was  married  in  1843  to  Catharine,  daughter  of  John  and  Anna 
Hiller,  natives  of  Pennsylvania ; issue  nine  children  ; eight  now  survive — Anna, 
John,  Jacob,  Allen,  Mary  E.,  Emma,  Amanda  and  Ida.  Mr.  Myers  came  from  his 
native  State  to  Ohio  in  the  spring  of  1845,  and  bought  and  located  upon  the  farm 
where  he  now  lives  and  has  since  resided,  a period  of  thirty-six  years.  His  first  pur- 
chase was  160  acres  from  John  W.  Harris,  from  which  he  has  since  sold  sixty  acres, 
leaving  him  100  acres,  which  is  of  excellent  quality,  and  mostly  in  cultivation,  with 
good  buildings  and  improvements,  constituting  a fine  home  and  farmer’s  residence.  Mr 
Myers  has  been  one  of  the  industrious  farmers  of  Perry  Township,  a man  of  integrity 
and  honor,  and  who  has  been  very  successful  in  life  ; has  the  confidence  of  the  people 
and  his  community  ; has  held  several  offices  of  trust  in  the  township ; was  Township 
Treasurer  for  several  years,  and  has  been  a man  whose  life  and  history  form  quite  an 
integral  part  of  the  history  of  this  township,  and  as  such  we  take  pleasure  iu  placing 
it  upon  the  pages  of  this  book  for  the  benefit  of  his  descendants  and  of  future  genera- 
tions. 

ABRAHAM  NEFF,  farmer,  P.  0.  New  Lebanon,  born  in  Jefferson  Township, 
this  county,  June  7,  1818  ; is  a son  of  Michael  and  Hester  (Weaver)  Neff  ; he  a na- 
tive of  Kentucky  and  she  of  Pennsylvania.  The  paternal  grandfather,  Leonard  Neff, 
was  probably  a native  of  Virginia,  and  afterward  a resident  of  Pennsylvania,  thence 
became  a settler  in  Kentucky,  near  Boonsboro,  about  1793  or  1794,  and  lived  and  died 
there,  being  one  among  the  early  settlers,  and  shared  fully  in  the  dangers  and  trials  with 
the  Indians  and  the  war  of  1812.  He  died  about  1844  or  1845,  aged  eighty  years. 
Michael  Neff  was  born,  raised  and  grew  to  manhood  in  Kentucky,  under  the  sturdy  in- 


PERRY  TOWNSHIP. 


387 


fluences  of  pioneer  life,  and  about  1815  emigrated  to  Montgomery  County,  locating  in 
Jefferson  Township,  where  he  resided  till  the  spring  of  1828,  when  he  came  into  Perry 
Township  and  located  on  the  farm  where  our  subject  now  resides,  and  here  he  lived  till 
his  health  failing  he  resolved  to  visit  the  White  Sulphur  Springs  of  Virginia  and  try 
to  recuperate  his  health,  but  he  failed  to  reach  there,  dying  in  Charleston,  Va.,in  July, 
1851,  aged  fifty-seven  years.  His  wife  died  many  years  previous,  probably  about  1825. 
They  were  parents  of  four  children  ; three  now  survive — Abraham,  Michael,  now  a resi- 
dent of  Texas,  and  Elizabeth,  now  Mrs.  Friedline,  living  in  Indiana.  Mr.  Neff  was 
thrice  married ; his  second  wife  was  Barbara  Flory,  by  whom  he  nad  six  children  ; four 
now  living — Sarah,  Joseph,  Eve  and  Jonathan.  His  third  wife  was  Mrs.  Lydia  Flory. 
by  whom  he  had  two  children  ; one  now  surviving — Susan;  one  deceased — George;  was 
killed  in  the  army  at  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  The  maternal  grandfather,  Peter 
Weaver,  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany,  emigrating  to  America  when  a young  man, 
locating  in  Pennsylvania,  where  he  married  and  lived  several  years;  thence  became  one 
of  the  early  settlers  of  Montgomery  County  about  1806,  residing  here  several  years  ; 
thence  locating  in  Darke  County,  and  finally  in  Northern  Indiana,  where  he  and  his 
wife  died.  Our  subject  remained  with  his  father  till  after  his  majority,  and  being  born 
here,  was  familiar  in  childhood  with  the  roughness  of  pioneer  life,  and  obtained  his 
limited  education  in  the  primitive  log  schoolhouse;  was  married  January  9,  1840,  to 
Tracey,  daughter  of  Gabriel  aud  Margaret  Billmyer.  natives  of  Maryland,  who  became 
residents  of  this  county  in  1827,  where  they  resided  many  years;  thence,  about  1848, 
moved  to  Illinois,  where  they  lived  till  their  death.  They  had  thirteen  children  ; nine 
now  survive — Margaret,  Susan,  Tracy,  Charity,  Martin,  Harrison,  Caroline,  Euan  and 
Thornton.  Mr.  Neff  and  wife  have  had  fifteen  children  ; ten  survive — John,  Maranda, 
Allen,  Mary,  Maggie,  xlmelia  and  Althea  (twins),  Peter,  Hettie  and  Minnie.  Mr. 
Neff  has  passed  all  his  married  life  on  his  present  farm,  except  the  three  first  years 
spent  in  Defiance  County,  Ohio,  having  made  a continued  residence  here  of  thirty-eight 
years.  His  farm  consists  of  157  acres  of  land,  with  good  buildings  and  improvements, 
which  are  of  his  own  erection,  and  has  everything  comfortable  and  convenient  around 
Mm.  He  is  a man  well  and  respectably  known  in  his  community ; has  held  the  office 
of  Township  Trustee  three  years,  aud  other  local  offices.  He  and  his  wife  are  worthy 
members  of  the  German  Baptist  Church. 

NOAH  RHOADS,  farmer,  P.  0.  Pyrmont.  About  1S10,  Jacob  and  Catharine 
Rhoads  emigrated  from  Bedford  County,  Penn.,  to  Ohio,  and  located  in  Montgomery 
County,  where  they  resided  till  their  death.  They  came  here  in  indigent  circumstances, 
but  by  industry  and  economy,  became  possessed  of  an  ample  competency,  owning  a good 
farm  and  home  with  the  comforts  of  life.  They  were  parents  of  eight  children  ; six 
now  living — Betsey,  Jacob,  Nancy,  Abraham,  John  and  David.  Jacob,  the  second 
child  and  the  father  of  our  subject,  was  born  in  Bedford  County,  Penn.,  August  22, 
1805,  and  consequently,  when  brought  to  this  county  by  his  father  was  about  five  years 
of  age.  Here  he  was  raised  and  inured  to  the  hardships  of  pioneer  life  ; they  being 
strictly  pioneers — the  settlers  at  that  time  being  few  and  far  between — the  country 
mostly  a dense  forest,  inhabited  by  wild  beasts  and  Indians.  Mr.  Rhoads  has  been 
twice  married.  First  to  Barbara  Souders,  by  whom  he  had  ten  children  ; eight  now 
living — Noah,  Abraham,  Jacob,  Peter,  Jonas,  Hiram,  Catharine  and  Malinda.  His 
second  wife  was  Maria,  daughter  of  Nicholas  and  Margaret  Shade,  natives  of  Pennsyl- 
vania. By  her  he  had  five  children  ; four  now  survive — Margaret,  David,  Henry  and 
Amanda.  Mr.  Rhoads,  like  his  father,  has  been  a hard-working,  industrious  man,  and 
has  prospered  and  accumulated  a good  property.  He  purchased  the  farm  upon  which 
he  now  lives  about  thirty-four  years  ago  and  has  siuce  resided  there.  He  is  now  in  the 
seventy-sixth  year  of  his  age,  and  has  been  a resident  of  Montgomery  County  seventy- 
one  years,  and  his  life  and  labors  made  up  quite  an  integral  part  of  the  early  history  of 
this  country.  Our  subject,  the  eldest  son  of  Jacob  and  Barbara  Rhoads,  was  born  Oc- 
tober 27,  1830,  in  Montgomery  County,  was  raised  here,  remaining  with  his  father  till 
his  majority  ; was  married,  April  3,  1856,  to  Mary  Ann,  daughter  of  John  and  Rachel 
Thompson,  natives  of  Ohio,  and  whose  lives  have  been  mostly  identified  with  Montgomery 


388 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


County.  By  this  union  they  have  had  seven  children  ; six  now  survive — Levi,  Allen, 
Lawreuoe,  Abner,  Charles  and  Luella.  He  lost  his  wife  by  death  January  5, 1878.  Mr, 
Rhoads  started  out  in  life,  working  out  by  the  month  for  wages  ; then  rented  farms 
for  a time,  and  thus  by  industry  and  economy  saved  money,  by  which  he  purchased  a 
farm.  He  became  owner  of  the  farm  where  he  now  lives  in  March,  1873,  where  he 
has  since  resided.  Has  erected  nearly  all  the  line  buildings  upon  the  place.  Has  a 
good  improved  farm,  and  every  convenience  for  the  comforts  of  life.  Is  now  one  among 
the  most  prominent  farmers  of  Perry  Township,  and  has  accumulated  most  of  his 
property  by  his  own  industry,  economy  and  good  management. 

PETER  RHOADS,  farmer,  P.  0.  Brookville,  born  in  this  county  and  town- 
ship January  13,  1835,  is  a son  of  Jacob  and  Barbara  Rhoads,  whose  history  appears 
in  sketch  of  Noah  Rhoads  in  this  work.  Our  subject  remained  at  home  till  after  his 
majority.  Was  married,  November  4,  1858,  to  Mary  Magdalene,  daughter  of  David 
and  Grizza  Ann  Spittler,  he  a native  of  Pennsylvania  and  she  of  Ohio.  They  were 
parents  of  five  children,  four  now  living — -William,  Mary  M.,  Catharine  and  Grizza  j 
Ann.  Mr.  Rhoads  and  wife  by  their  marriage  have  six  children,  five  now  survive — ! 
William  H.,  born  August  18,  1859;  Ida  Isabel,  January  31,  1862  ; Minerva  Adela, 
July  9,  1863  ; Simon  Peter,  January  30,  1870  ; and  Althea  Orilla,  January  27,  1876. 
Mr.  Rhoads  has  made  farming  his  occupation  throughout  his  life.  In  the  spring  of  1867, 
he  bought  and  located  upon  the  place  where  he  now  lives  and  has  since  resided.  He 
started  out  in  life  with  but  little  means  and  a very  limited  education,  having  in  his 
childhood  days  enjoyed  but  few  advantages  of  schools ; but  his  life  has  been  one  of 
remarkable  success,  showing  a natural  ability  and  euergy  which,  when  coupled  with 
industry  and  close  application  to  business,  has  procured  him  a good  competency.  He  j 
has  an  excellent  farm,  with  fine  large  buildings,  which  he  has  erected  by  his  means  and 
labor,  and  has  brought  everything  into  convenient  and  comfortable  condition,  con- 
stituting a very  pleasant  home  and  farmer’s  residence.  He  now  owns  165  acres  of 
land,  the  greater  portion  of  which  is  in  good  cultivation.  He  is  an  example  of  success 
in  business  life  by  his  own  industry  and  good  management,  without  the  aid  and  help  of 
education,  which  is  worthy  of  imitation  and  encouragement  by  others,  and  which  is  l 
rarely  seen  under  like  circumstances. 

STEPHEN  SWIIIART,  farmer,  P.  O.  West  Alexandria,  Preble  Go.,  born  in 
this  county  May  18,  1827,  is  a son  of  Jonathan  and  Sophia  (Cloyd)  Swihart,  he  a 
native  of  Pennsylvania  and  she  of  Virginia.  The  grandfather,  Adam  Swihart,  was  | 
born  in  Pennsylvania,  but  emigrated  to  Ohio  and  located  in  Jackson  Township  in  1805. 
Here  he  participated  in  the  pioneer  work  of  opening  out  the  country,  which  was  then 
mostly  a dense  forest,  and  filled  with  wild  beasts  and  Indians.  Here  he  spent  most  of  -i 
his  life,  till  in  his  later  years  he  moved  into  Preble  County,  where  he  died.  The  grand-  jj 
father  Cloyd  was  among  the  first  settlers  of  Preble  County,  entering  his  land  right 
from  the  Government,  which  he  held  till  his  death,  after  which  the  estate  was  divided  j! 
among  the  heirs,  and  Jonathan  Swihart  took  that  portion  of  the  property  lying  in  ; 
Jackson  Township,  this  county,  to  whom  the  court  made  a deed,  being  the  first  sale  ot 
the  laud  made  after  its  entry  from  the  Government.  Here  Jonathan  resided  till  his 
death,  over  half  a century.  He  died  September  19,  1876,  aged  seventy-four  years: 
his  wife  is  still  living  on  the  home  place,  seventy-six  years  of  age.  They  were  parents  1 
of  eight  children,  six  now  survive — James,  Stephen,  Jonathan,  Catharine,  Eliza  and 
Anna.  Our  subject  remained  with  his  father  till  after  his  majority.  Was  married  jj 
January  17,  1850,  to  Hannah,  daughter  of  Andrew  and  Salome  Clemmer,  natives  of 
Virginia,  but  who  were  among  the  first  settlers  of  Perry  Township,  this  county.  They 
had  eleven  children,  six  now  living — George  L.,  David  H.,  Andrew,  Sallie,  Mahala.  and 
Hannah.  Mr.  Swihart  and  wife  have  had  twelve  children,  eight  now  survive — Francis 
M.,  William  Henry,  James  Oliver,  Alva  Walter,  Mahala  F.,  Eliza  Jane,  Lovina  Alice 
and  Sarah  Ann.  Mr.  Swihart,  after  his  marriage,  lived  a few  years  in  Indiana,  thence 
located  in  this  county,  and  in  1859  bought  and  located  upon  the  farm  where  he  now 
lives  and  has  since  resided.  This  sketch  gives  a brief  history  of  two  pioneer  families 
of  this  county,  who  went  through  all  the  many  dangers,  trials  and  hardships  of  that 


PERRY  TOWNSHIP. 


389 


early  day  which  only  those  who  endured  them  fully  knew  and  realized.  Their  first  pro- 
ductions only  found  a market  at  Cincinnati,  a distance  of  fifty  miles.  They  hauled 
flour  to  Cincinnati  over  mud  roads  almost  impassable,  and  sold  it  for  $1.25  per  barrel. 
These  were  times  that  “ tried  men’s  souls,”  and  too  much  praise  and  honor  cannot  be 
given  them  by  the  present  and  future  generations  for  the  great  labors  they  performed, 
the  benefits  of  which  they  are  enjoying  and  will  continue  to  enjoy  for  ages  to  come. 

CHRISTIAN  YOGE,  farmer,  P.  0.  Johnsville,  born  in  Germany,  March  21, 
1840,  is  a son  of  Henry  and  Margaret  Voge,  also  natives  of  Germany,  but  in  Septem- 
ber, 1847,  they  emigrated  with  their  family  to  America,  and  landed  at  New  Orleans, 
thence  by  steamboat  to  Cincinnati,  thence  by  canal  they  came  to  Dayton,  thence  by 
two-horse  wagon  to  West  Alexandria,  Preble  County,  where  they  soon  located  on  a 
farm  and  resided  till  the  spring  of  1872,  when  Christian,  our  subject,  bought  and  lo- 
cated upon  the  farm  where  he  now  lives ; then  his  father  and  mother  came  here  and 
lived  with  him  till  Henry’s  death,  which  occurred  October  22,  1874.  The  mother  is 
still  living  with  our  subject,  now  in  the  sixty-seventh  year  of  her  age.  They  were  parents 
of  nine  children,  seven  now  living— Harmon,  born  December  17,  1837  ; Christian  ; 
John,  November  22,  1842  ; Detrick,  December  9,  1848  ; Henry,  April  7,  1851  ; Anna 
Margaret,  June  28,  1855,  and  Charles,  June  24,  1858.  Our  subject  was  in  his  eighth 
year  when  brought  to  this  country.  Here,  he  was  raised  and  grew  to  manhood  ; was 
married  April  13,  1880,  to  Lena,  daughter  of  Frederick  and  Mary  Sandman,  natives  of 
Germany,  and  who  are  still  residing  there.  They  are  parents  of  seven  children,  six 
now  living — Henry,  Sophia,  Anna,  Dora,  Lena  and  Frederick.  The  two  sons  still  live 
in  Germany,  the  oldest  living  on  the  home  farm,  and  the  youngest  is  a teacher  ; the 
four  daughters  having  emigrated  to  this  country.  Three  of  them,  Sophia,  Anna  and 
Dora  reside  in  Cincinnati,  all  married  and  settled  in  life.  Mr.  Yoge’s  farm  consists  of 
188  acres,  the  greater  portion  of  which  is  in  cultivation,  with  good  buildings  and  im- 
provements. This  family,  of  whom  we  have  written  this  sketch,  came  to  this  country 
with  but  little  means,  but  by  their  own  industry  and  labor,  have  become  possessed  of  a 
good  competency,  Mr.  Voge  now  owning  a large  farm  with  good  improvements,  which 
is  one  of  the  best  in  his  neighborhood,  and  cost  him  over  $13,000,  and  which  he  has 
nearly  all  paid  for.  This  is  an  example  of  industry  and  prosperity  worthy  of  imitation 
by  all  future  generations. 

GEORGE  W.  WARVEL,  farmer,  P.  O.  Johnsville,  born  in  this  county  and 
township,  November  7,  1839,  is  a son  of  George  and  Elizabeth  (Haynes)  Warvel,  na- 
tives of  Rockingham  County,  Ya.  The  grandfather,  Christopher  Warvel,  was  a native 
of  Maryland,  and  removed  to  Virginia,  where  he  died.  The  grandfather,  Jonas  Haynes, 
was  probably  a native  of  Maryland,  but  removed  to  Virginia,  where  he  lived  and  died. 
George  and  family  emigrated  to  Ohio,  locating  in  Warren  County,  in  the  summer  of 
1823,  residing  there  about  six  years,  when  they  came  to  Montgomery  County,  iocating 
in  Perry  Township,  where  they  resided  until  their  death.  He  died  in  May,  1864.  and 
his  wife  in  December,  1863.  They  were  parents  of  five  children.  Three  now  survive 
— Jonas,  Christina  and  George  W.  Mr.  Warvel  was  a farmer  through  life,  a hard- 
working, industrious  man,  and  religiously  of  the  United  Brethren  faith.  Our  subject 
lived  with  his  father  till  his  death  ; was  married  August  23,  1863,  to  Lydia,  daughter 
of  Joel  and  Elizabeth  Wogamon  (see  sketch  of  Eli  Wogamon).  Mr.  Warvel  and 
wife  by  this  union  have  had  four  children ; two  now  survive — Ephraim  and  Elizabeth. 
Mr.  Warvel  has  spent  his  entire  life  in  Perry  Township;  has  given  his  attention  to 
various  kinds  of  business  as  circumstances  seemed  to  justify  ; has  followed  the  carpen- 
ter trade  considerably,  erecting  a great  many  buildings  in  his  neighborhood  ; has  run  a 
threshing  machine  three  seasons,  and  has  been  one  season  in  the  saw-mill  business.  He 
is  a large,  muscular  man,  industrious  and  economical,  aod  one  who  believes  in  “ wear- 
ing, and  not  rusting,  out has  the  confidence  and  respect  of  his  community  ; has  been 
Township  Trustee,  is  a kind  neighbor  and  a good  citizen. 

DAVID  WEAVER,  farmer,  P.  0.  Brookville,  born  in  Greene  County,  Ohio, 
January  18,  1823,  is  a son  of  Martin  and  Susanna  (Jordon)  Weaver,  natives  of  Vir- 
ginia, the  ancestors  being  written  up  in  the  sketch  of  W.  A.  Weaver,  in  this  work. 


390 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


Martin  emigrated  from  Virginia  to  Ohio  while  a young  man,  about  1815,  and  located 
in  Greene  County,  where  he  was  married  and  lived  about  six  years;  thence  moved  to 
Montgomery  County,  near  Gettersburg,  and  lived  there  a few  years ; thence  moved 
into  Madison  Township,  on  Wolf  Creek,  where  he  lived  till  his  death.  His  wife  lived 
till  March  19,  1875,  when  she  too  passed  away  nearly  seventy-seven  years  of  age.  They 
were  parents  of  fourteen  children  ; nine  now  survive — David,  Eliza,  Sarah,  Jemima, 
Martin,  John,  Adeline,  Susanna  and  Catharine.  Mr.  Weaver  was  one  of  the  early  pio- 
neers of  this  county,  who  endured  the  many  hai’dships  of  that  early  day.  He  was  a soldier 
in  the  war  of  1812.  He  and  wife  were  both  active  and  consistent  members  of  the  Lutheran 
Church,  he  for  many  years  and  she  for  a period  of  thirty  years,  and  raised  her  large 
family  under  her  watchful  care  and  earnest  prayers.  Our  subject  remained  with  his 
father  till  January  4,  1844,  when  he  was  united  in  marriage  with  Anna  Mary,  daugh- 
ter of  Richard  and  Margaret  McSherry,  natives  of  Adams  County,  Penn.,  who  emi- 
grated to  Ohio  and  settled  in  this  county  in  1834,  where  he  resided  till  his  death,  which 
occurred  December  4,  1874,  aged  seventy-four  years.  He  was  an  honest  and  indus- 
trious citizen,  respected  and  highly  esteemed  by  a large  circle  of  friends  and  acquaint- 
ances. From  a small  beginning  he  had  accumulated  a good  competency,  and  in  his 
later  years  enjoyed  the  comforts  of  his  labors.  In  1872,  was  celebrated  their  golden  wed- 
ding, the  fiftieth  anniversary  of  their  marriage,  at  which  time  there  was  a pleasant  re- 
union of  relatives  and  friends.  His  venerable  wife  is  still  living  at  Germantown,  now 
seventy-nine  years  of  age.  Mr.  Weaver  and  wife  have  four  children,  Sarah  Jane,  Mar- 
garet S.,  Daniel  R.  and  Mary  J.  C.  Mr.  Weaver’s  life  has  been  that  of  a farmer.  He 
bought  and  located  upon  the  place  where  he  now  lives,  in  February,  1848 ; has  resided 
there  thirty-three  years ; is  highly  esteemed  and  respected  ; has  been  Township  Trustee  jj 
several  years.  He  and  wife  are  earnest  and  consistent  memoers  of  the  Lutheran 
Church,  to  which  they  have  belonged  over  forty  years. 

PETER  S.  WEAVER,  farmer,  P.  0.  Pyrmont,  born  in  this  county,  Jefferson  j 
Township,  January  29,  1840,  is  a son  of  Peter  and  Cassidiana  (Fisher)  Weaver,  natives  jj 
of  Pennsylvania.  The  grandfather,  Michael  Weaver,  emigrated  from  Pennsylvania  to  j 
Ohio  with  his  family  and  located  in  Jefferson  Township  in  June,  1804,  being  one  of  j, 
the  early  pioneers,  locating  on  Little  Bear  Creek,  three  miles  north  of  Miamisburg. 
Here  he  opened  out  right  in  the  woods,  and  experienced  all  the  wildness  and  hardships  S 
of  those  pioneer  days,  and  here  he  lived  and  died.  The  maternal  grandfather,  Frede-  j 
rick  Fisher,  was  also  an  early  settler  here  a few  years  later  than  the  Weaver  family. 
Peter  Weaver  was  in  his  eleventh  year  when  his  father  brought  them  to  this  new 
country;  was  raised  and  inured  to  the  many  hardships  of  pioneer  life;  grew  to  matu- 
rity ; was  married  and  became  the  father  of  four  childreu,  three  now  living — Johu, 
Henry  P.  and  Peter  S.  Mr.  Weaver  was  twice  married,  and  the  first  two  childreu 
mentioned  above  were  by  his  first  wife,  and  the  last  mentioned  by  his  last  wife  ; he  died 
July  20,  1879,  aged  nearly  eighty-six  years  ; his  wife  is  still  living,  now  eighty-one 
years  of  age.  Mr.  Weaver  was  a carpenter  by  trade  and  a natural  mechanic,  being  able 
to  make  and  construct  almost  anything  made  from  wood.  He  made  quite  a leading 
business  of  manufacturing  wind  mills  for  many  years  ; he  made  and  put  up  the  first  one 
ever  erected  in  Ohio,  and  at  the  time  was  only  nineteen  years  of  age.  He  was  a 
remarkably  hard-working,  industrious  man,  of  undoubted  integrity  of  character,  an 
active  church  member,  being  a member  of  the  Lutheran  Church  sixty  years  or  more, 
and  holding  all  the  prominent  offices  in  the  church — Trustee,  Deacon  and  Elder  ; one 
who  gave  freely  of  his  labor  and  means  to  build  churches  and  support  the  Gospel,  and  ! 
in  his  death  the  community  lost  a worthy  citizen  and  the  church  an  earnest  worker,  jj 
Our  subject  lived  with  his  father  till  his  majority.  Was  married,  March  1,  1860,  to 
Huldah  Anna,  daughter  of  James  and  Sarah  Sharits,  he  a native  of  Virginia,  and  she 
of  Pennsylvania,  becoming  residents  of  this  county  about  1830  ; by  this  union  they  (j 
have  had  nine  children,  six  now  survive — Adelia  M.,  Martha  M.,  Sarah  C.,  Adam  0.,  |j 
Margaret  A.  and  Amanda  E.  Mr.  Weaver,  after  his  marriage,  resided  with  his  father 
and  carried  on  his  farm  eight  years  ; thence  bought  and  located  in  J ackson  Township  j 
till  in  1876  he  sold  out,  and  in  the  fall  of  1878  bought  and  located  upon  his  present 


PERRY  TOWNSHIP. 


391 


farm,  which  consists  of  sixty-five  acres,  fifty  of  which  are  in  cultivation  with  good 
buildings  and  improvements,  constituting  a very  pleasant  home.  Mr.  Weaver,  by  his 
industry,  acquired  a good  competency,  but  has  met  several  losses — had  his  barn  burned, 
lost  quite  heavily  by  a severe  storm,  and  some  by  bad  debts ; estimating  all  his  losses 
since  his  marriage  from  above  causes  to  reach  at  least  $4,000.  Notwithstanding,  he 
still  lives  comfortably  fixed,  and  has  the  right  faith  and  courage  to  go  on  and  take  life 
agreeably.  Mr.  Weaver  follows  the  footsteps  of  his  father  in  his  devotion  to  Chris- 
tianity ; became  a member  of  the  Lutheran  Church  when  seventeen  years  of  age,  and 
was  taken  into  the  church  by  one  of  the  first  preachers  of  this  denomination  in  this 
county,  Rev.  Henry  Heinaker ; since  living  at  his  present  location,  he  is  a great  dis- 
tance from  any  Lutheran  Church,  and  for  convenience  he  and  his  wife  have  joined  the 
United  Brethren  Church. 

WARREN  A.  WEAVER,  farmer,  P.  0.  Pyrmont,  born  in  this  county  March 
20,  1850,  is  a son  of  Martin  V.  and  Eliza  (Zehring)  Weaver,  he  a native  of  Pennsyl- 
vania and  she  of  Ohio.  The  great-grandfather,  Michael  Weaver,  emigrated  from  Ger- 
many  and  settled  in  Virginia,  where  he  lived  and  died  ; also  the  great-grandfather, 
Joseph  Jordon,  was  from  Germany,  and  came  to  Virginia,  where  he  died.  The  grand- 
father, Jacob  Weaver,  and  wife,  Anna  Catharine,  came  from  Virginia  to  Ohio  and 
located  in  Greene  County  in  1817,  where  they  resided  till  1830,  thence  moved  into 
Montgomery  and  lived  here  till  their  death ; he  died  in  the  fall  of  1854,  and  she  in 
June,  1874;  issue,  eight  children;  six  now  survive — John  J.,  George,  Martin  V., 
Levi,  Jacob  and  Sophia.  Mr.  Weaver  was  a man  of  limited  education,  possessing  in  his 
boyhood  days  but  meager  advantages  of  schools,  and  being  among  the  early  pioneers 
endured  the  hardships  and  deprivations  of  those  times,  was  a very  industrious  hard- 
working man,  and  whose  character  and  integrity  was  undoubted.  He  was  a soldier  in 
the  war  of  1812.  Martin  V.  was  a carpenter  by  trade.  Was  married,  April  26, 1849, 
to  Eliza,  daughter  of  David  and  Christine  Zehring,  natives  of  Pennsylvania,  but  who 
became  residents  of  Warren  County,  Ohio,  about  1820,  where  they  resided  till  about 
1831,  thence  moved  into  Perry  Township,  Montgomery  County,  where  they 
resided  till  his  death  in  June,  1863  ; his  wife  is  still  living  with  her  daughter, 
now  nearly  eighty  years  of  age.  Martin  V.  was  born  December  16,  1823; 
Eliza  was  born  May  25,  1826 ; by  their  union  they  have  had  eight  children, 
five  now  living — Warren  A.,  Alvin  C.,  Alma  M.,  Charles  E.  and  Arthur  G.  Mr. 
Weaver,  after  his  marriage,  located  at  Liberty,  Jefferson  Township,  where  he  fol- 
lowed his  trade  in  connection  with  the  undertaking  business  till  1864,  when,  after  the 
death  of  his  father-in-law,  he  moved  on  to  his  old  home  place,  where  he  continued  his 
former  business  till  1873,  when  he  sold  out  everything  connected  with  that  business, 
since  which  he  has  engaged  in  the  sale  of  agricultural  implements  and  buying  leaf 
tobacco.  He  owns  seventy-five  acres  of  land,  fifty-one  acres  constituting  the  home 
place  just  at  the  outskirts  of  Johnsville,  upon  which  he  has  remodeled  the  house  and 
erected  other  buildings,  and  now  has  everything  in  good  condition  constituting  a beau- 
tiful home  and  residence.  Mr.  Weaver  is  one  of  those  active,  stirring  men  who  never 
“rusts  out,”  and  one  who  holds  the  confidence  of  his  community  ; has  been  Township 
Trustee  two  years  and  School  Director  for  many  years  ; has  given  all  his  children  a 
good  education,  who  have  nearly  all  become  school  teachers,  and  filling  positions  of 
trust  and  usefulness.  Our  subject  remained  with  his  father  till  nearly  twenty-one  years 
of  age.  Was  married,  January  1,  1874,  to  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  David  and  Eliza- 
beth Heeter,  natives  of  this  county  ; by  this  union  they  have  four  children— Florence 
V.,  Perry  W.,  Lulu  C.  and  one  infant.  Mr.  Weaver  received  a good  education,  and 
taught  school  two  winters ; thence  bought  and  located  upon  the  place  where  he  now 
resides ; the  farm  consists  of  thirty-six  acres,  all  in  cultivation,  with  good  improve- 
ments, and  is  a very  pleasant  home.  Mr.  Weaver  has  served  one  term  as  Township 
Clerk. 

DAVID  W.  WOGAMON,  farmer,  P.  O.  Pyrmont,  born  in  Madison  Township, 
this  county,  October  3,  1823,  is  a son  of  John  and  Sarah  (Weidner)  Wogamon,  he  a 
native  of  Pennsylvania,  and  she  of  Virginia.  Christian  Wogamon,  the  grandfather  of 


392  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 

our  subject,  emigrated  from  Pennsylvania  to  Ohio,  and  settled  in  the  southeast  part  of 
Perry  Township  in  1805,  and  was  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  this  township ; here  he 
entered  his  land  and  commenced  right  in  the  woods,  and  lived  and  died  here.  John, 
who  was  in  his  eighth  year  when  his  father  first  located  here,  grew  to  manhood,  inured 
to  the  hardships  of  pioneer  life  ; was  married,  still  residing  with  his  father  for  a short 
time,  then  bought  and  located  on  a farm  just  in  the  edge  of  Madison  Township,  where 
he  lived  till  about  1850,  when  he  sold  out  and  bought  a piece  of  land  which  included 
the  farm  upon  which  our  subject  now  lives,  and  also  the  farm  adjoining  it  on  the  south  ; 
here  he  lived  till  about  1871,  thence  moved  into  Jefferson  Township,  where  he  still  re- 
sides, now  in  his  eighty-fifth  year.  His  wife  died  about  1842.  They  had  nine  chil- 
dren— Joel,  David  W.,  Christian,  Hannah,  Margaret,  John,  Jacob,  Sarah  and  Manassa, 
He  married  for  his  second  wife  Mrs.  Susanna  Bilheimer,  with  whom  he  lived  several 
years,  when  she  died ; for  his  third  wife  he  married  Mrs.  Catharine  Barks,  with  whom 
he  now  lives.  Mr.  Wogamon  started  in  life  a poor  man  ; saw  many  hardships  of  those 
early  days,  while  the  wild  beasts  and  Indians  were  plentiful  throughout  this  section. 
But  by  constant  labor  and  a frugal  and  upright  life,  he  gained  a good  competency,  and 
can  now  rest  from  his  labors  in  his  later  years.  He  was  throughout  his  life  a worthy 
member  of  the  German  Baptist  Church.  The  maternal  grandparents,  David  and  Mary 
Weidner,  were  also  early  settlers  of  this  county,  locating  here  shortly  after  Christian 
Wogamon  ; they  lived  and  died  here  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty  years.  Our  subject 
lived  with  his  father  and  made  that  his  home  till  twenty-five  years  of  age  ; was  married 
in  the  spring  of  1851  to  Barbara  Wogamon,  by  whom  he  had  three  children,  two  now 
living — John  Henry  and  Barbara  Ellen.  His  wife  died  September  29,  1855.  On 
September  7,  1856,  he  married  Mrs.  Patience  Olemmer,  by  whom  he  had  two  children, 
one  now  living — George  W.  His  second  wife  died  March  12,  1862.  For  his  third 
wife  he  married  Mrs.  Grace  Mundhenk,  daughter  of  William  and  Jane  Garwood,  by 
whom  he  has  had  four  children  ; three  now  survive — Sarah  J.,  Emma  May  and 
Lucy  M.  His  wife  has  one  child  living  by  her  first  husband.  Anna  M.  Mr. 
Wogamon  bought  and  located  upon  his  present  farm,  where  he  has  now  resid- 
ed twenty-nine  years;  has  a good  farm  of  fifty  acres  ; has  cleared  up  thirty-five  acres  of 
it ; has  erected  a good  brick  house  and  other  buildings,  and  has  a pleasant  home  and 
residence.  This  sketch  is  of  one  of  the  first  pioneer  families  of  this  township,  whose 
lives  have  been  made  up  of  hardships  and  usefulness,  and  whose  character  for  honor, 
integrity  and  moral  worth  is  undoubted  ; and  of  such  lives  their  descendants  in  years  to 
come  can  read,  and  feel  to  praise  them  for  their  many  labors  and  good  works. 

ELI  WOGAMON,  farmer,  P.  0.  Johnsville,  born  in  Montgomery  County,  March 
14,  1840,  is  a son  of  Joel  and  Elizabeth  (Overholzer)  Wogamon,  natives  of  Pennsylva 
nia.  The  paternal  grandfather  is  fully  written  of  in  the  sketch  of  D.  W.  Wogamon,  m 
this  work.  The  maternal  grandfather,  Philip  Overholzer,  was  a native  of  Pennsylva- 
nia, who  became  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  this  county.  Joel  was  but  a child  when 
brought  to  this  county  by  his  parents,  was  raised  and  grew  to  manhood  inured  to  the 
scenes  and  hardships  of  that  early  pioneer  life ; was  married  and  became  the  father  of 
thirteen  children,  eleven  now  survive — David,  John,  Mary,  Susanna,  Benjamin,  Chris- 
tian, Elizabeth,  Eli,  Lydia,  Joel  and  Michael;  was  a farmer  by  occupation,  and  spent 
his  entire  life  in  Perry  Township ; was  a very  industrious  man,  and  acquired  a good 
competency,  becoming  owner  of  240  acres  of  land  before  his  death,  and  all  obtained  by 
his  own  labor  and  industry.  Our  subject  lived  with  his  father  till  after  his  majority; 
was  married,  in  the  fall  of  1861,  to  Eliza  Jane,  daughter  of  John  and  Mary  King,  na- 
tives of  Virginia,  who  became  pioneers  of  this  county,  locating  on  Section  20,  Perry  • 
Township,  in  1815  ; they  were  parents  of  six  children,  four  now  survive — Eliza  Jane, 
Sarah,  Lucinda  and  Amanda.  Mr.  Wogamon  and  wife  have  five  children — Philip, 
Nettie  Jane,  Ephraim,  Elmer  and  Arthur.  Mr.  Wogamon  has  always  resided  in  this 
township,  and  has  followed  farming  as  an  occupation,  and  ever  since  his  marriage  has 
lived  on  the  farm  where  he  now  resides,  except  five  years,  during  which  he  lived  on 
David  Hull’s  farm.  His  farm  consists  of  fifty-five  acres,  mostly  in  cultivation,  situated 
on  the  northwest  quarter  of  Section  21,  this  township. 


PERRY  TOWNSHIP. 


393 


ABRAHAM  WOMBOLD,  merchant  and  Justice  of  the  Peace,  Johnsville,  a 
native  of  Montgomery  County,  born  January  24,  1838,  is  a son  of  John  and  Susan 
(Williams)  Wombold,  natives  of  Pennsylvania.  The  paternal  grandfather,  Andrew 
Wombold,  was  also  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  and  lived  and  died  there.  He  was  the 
father  of  eight  children,  four  cow  survive — Tobias,  Elizabeth  (now  Mrs.  Henry 
Brown)  John  and  Peter.  He  was  a soldier  in  the  Revolutionary  war.  The  maternal 
grandfather,  Samuel  Williams,  was  born  in  Pennsylvania  and  lived  and  died  there. 
John  with  his  family  emigrated  to  Ohio,  locating  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  State, 
where  they  resided  several  years,  thence  moved  to  Montgomery  County,  where  he  still 
resides.  His  wife  departed  this  life  September  10,  1874.  They  had  fourteen  children, 
sis  now  survive — Abraham,  John,  Mathias,  Eliza  (now  Mrs.  Newsoek),  Mary  Ann 
(now  Mrs.  Heistand)  and  Lydia  Ann  (now  Mrs.  Keafaurer).  Mr.  Wombold  is  a boot 
and  shoemaker  by  trade,  which  business  he  followed  several  years,  thence  entered  upon 
farming,  which  he  followed  about  twenty-five  years,  during  which  time  he  raised  his 
large  family  to  the  healthy  and  honest  labor  of  farming.  About  1868,  he  located  in 
Johnsville,  and  again  took  up  his  former  trade,  which  he  has  since  followed.  He  is 
now  seventy-two  years  of  age,  but  looks  much  younger,  being  very  robust  and  active 
for  one  of  his  age.  Our  subject,  at  eighteen  years  of  age,  left  home  to  learn  the  car- 
penter trade,  and  followed  that  business  till  1874,  with  the  exception  of  three  years’ 
service  in  the  army.  He  enlisted  August  22,  1862,  in  the  One  Hundredth  and  Twelfth 
Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  which  was  afterward  consolidated  with  the  Sixty- 
third  Regiment,  in  which  he  served  till  the  close  of  the  war.  He  served  in  the  Army 
of  the  Cumberland  and  was  favored  in  passing  through  the  war  without  a wound.  He 
had  five  brothers  in  the  service — all  volunteers — two  of  whom,  G-eorge  and  Henry, 
never  returned,  but  died  of  disease  contracted  from  hardship  and  exposure,  Henry  in 
the  hospital  at  Corinth,  Miss.,  and  George  at  Charleston,  Va.  After  1874,  Mr.  Wom- 
bold followed  farming  three  years.  In  February,  1878,  he  bought  of  Gilbert  Davis 
his  stock  of  merchandise  in  Johnsville  and  entered  upon  the  mercantile  trade,  in  which 
business  he  has  since  continued.  Mr.  Wombold  started  in  life  with  no  capital  but  a 
good  physical  constitution  and  willing  hands.  With  these  he  went  to  work  and  with 
his  firmness  of  character  and  integrity  he  has  won  the  confidence  of  the  people,  has  a 
good  stock  of  merchandise  with  a good  trade,  which  is  yearly  increasing.  He  was 
Township  Clerk  three  terms  and  is  now  Justice  of  the  Peace,  which  office  he  has  held 
for  six  years.  On  June  19,  1859,  Mr.  Wombold  was  united  in  marriage  with  Mary 
A.,  daughter  of  William  and  Marger  Ann  Wallace,  natives  of  Virginia,  by  whom  he 
has  had  six  children — Erven  Leroy,  Elmer,  Lizzie  Vinnettie,  Charles  W.,  Maud  and 
Ruthie  Bell. 

JOSEPH  R.  WRIGHT,  farmer  and  mail  carrier,  P.  0.  Pyrmont,  born  in  this 
county  and  township,  February  12,  1837,  is  a son  of  Aaron  and  Ruth  C.  (Hackett) 
Wright,  natives  of  New  Jersey.  The  maternal  grandparents,  Aaron  and  Ruth  (Max- 
well) Hackett,  were  natives  of  New  Jersey,  emigrated  to  Ohio  and  located  in  W^arren 
County,  in  the  spring  of  1805,  at  Waynesville.  There  they  resided  till  1829,  when 
they  removed  to  Illinois.  The  great-grandparents  were  John  and  Elizabeth  (Jones) 
Maxwell.  Elizabeth  was  the  daughter  of  Thomas  and  Mary  Jones.  They  had  six 
children — Usher,  born  September  24,  1733;  Elizabeth,  born  September  5,  1744; 
Ruth,  born  November  9,  1745  ; Thomas,  September  24,  1750  ; Mary,  September  4, 
1753 ; Sarah,  born  March  28,  1756.  John  and  Elizabeth  Maxwell  were  parents  of 
Ruth,  born  March  4,  1770;  Mary,  born  February  20,  1772  ; Elizabeth,  December  7, 
1773;  Sarah,  October  14,  1777;  Jones,  March  28,  1780;  Rebecca,  January  18, 
1782;  and  Armella,  born  February  2,  1786.  Sarah,  the  fourth  daughter,  was  mar- 
ried to  Samuel  Test,  at  Salem,  N.  J.,  May  19,  1796.  He  was  of  English  descent.  It 
is  said  three  brothers  by  the  name  of  Test  came  to  America  with  William  Penn,  and 
from  these  have  originated  all  of  that  name.  Samuel  and  Sarah  Test’s  family  are  as 
follows:  Elizabeth,  born  March  31,  1797,  and  died  August  9,  1836;  Samuel,  born 
August  6,  1798,  united  in  marriage  with -Hannah  Jones,  February  23,  1826,  and  died 
August  10,  1849  ; Rachel,  born  May  14,  1800,  and  died  November  24,  1802  ; John, 


394 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES  : 


born  February  25,  1802,  married  Mary  Andrew,  September  25,  1823;  Rachel,  the 
second,  born  September  19,  1804,  married  to  Mark  Test,  November  20,  1833,  and  died 
March  8,  1845  ; Zaccheus,  born  November  10,  1806,  and  died  March  7,  1816;  Mary, 
born  June  25,  1808,  and  married  James  Doyle,  May  14,  1824  ; Sarah,  born  May  23, 
1811,  and  married  Israel  Kirk,  July  1,  1833;  Lydia,  born  March  12,  1813,  and  mar- 
ried Benjamin  Bond,  March  28,  1832  ; Ruth,  born  April  16,  1818,  and  married  Silas 
Bundrant,  May  31,  1843,  and  Alpheus,  born  February  6,  1821,  and  married  Elizabeth 
Moffitt,  January  2,  1850.  The  mother,  Sarah  Test,  died  March  10,  1846  ; Samuel, 
the  father,  died  September  18,  1856.  John  Maxwell,  the  great-grandfather  above 
mentioned,  was  a soldier  in  the  Revolutionary  war,  serving  faithfully  through  the  entire 
struggle.  Aaron  Wright  and  family  came  from  Warren  County,  and  located  in  Mont- 
gomery County,  in  1829,  and  resided  iu  Perry  Township.  His  wife  died  in  Mav. 
1839.  By  her  he  had  ten  children,  three  now  survive — Sarah  T.  (now  Widow  Birk), 
living  in  Darke  County,  Ohio,  Jesse  J.  and  Joseph  R.  In  the  fall  of  1840,  he  was 
again  married  to  Mary  Monford,  by  whom  he  had  two  children — Cornelius  M.  and 
Mary,  now  Mrs.  Albert,  of  Brookville.  Mr.  Wright  remained  a resident  of  Perry 
Township  till  in  1868,  he  located  in  Brookville,  and  lived  retired  from  all  active  busi- 
ness till  his  death.  He  died  May  20,  1879,  aged  nearly  eighty-one  years.  Mr.  Wright 
was  among  the  early  settlers  of  this  county,  an  industrious,  energetic  man,  and  by  his 
labor  and  economy  gained  a good  competency.  His  integrity  was  undoubted,  and  lived 
a temperate,  moral  and  Christian  life.  He  became  a member  of  the.  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church  when  quite  young,  was  a Class-leader  and  Circuit  Steward  for  many  years, 
and  in  his  death  the  community  lost  a good  citizen  and  the  church  an  earnest  worker. 
Our  subject  was  married  October  18,  1858,  and  in  three  months  after  was  called  to 
mourn  her  early  death.  On  April  19,  1861,  he  enlisted  in  the  Eleventh  Regiment, 
Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  for  the  three  months  service,  under  Capt.  Nolan,  and  went 
forward  to  battle  for  his  country.  On  June  25,  1861,  he  re-enlisted  in  the  Twelfth 
Regiment  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  under  Col.  Lowe  ; served  about  two  and  one-half 
years,  thence  entered  as  a veteran,  and  was  transferred  to  the  Twenty-third  Regiment, 
in  June,  1864,  in  which  he  served  till  severely  wounded  in  battle,  near  Winchester, 
Va.,  September  19,  1864,  and  placed  in  the  hospital  at  Winchester.  Thence  from 
Cumberland,  Md.,  received  a furlough,  and  on  February  21,  1865,  at  Camp  Dennison; 
was  discharged  from  further  service  on  account  of  disability.  He  was  in  many  hard 
fought  battles,  one  of  the  severest  of  which  was  that  of  Antietam.  During  his  entire 
service,  he  was  under  fire  of  the  enemy,  in  the  aggregate  a period  of  forty  days,  and  in 
consideration  of  his  services  and  disability  he  receives  a quarterly  pension.  In  April, 
1866,  Mr.  Wright  was  united  in  marriage  with  Caroline,  daughter  of  John  H.  and 
Sophia  Oelslager,  natives  of  Germany,  who  emigrated  to  America  and  became  residents 
of  this  county  about  1837.  By  this  union  they  have  three  children — Henrietta,  Ruth 
E.  and  Charles  Henry.  After  the  war,  Mr.  Wright  followed  farming  about  six  years, 
thence,  in  spring  of  1871,  he  purchased  his  present  property  in  Pyrmont,  erected  good 
and  substantial  buildings  and  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year  located  here  with  his  family, 
where  he  has  since  resided,  and  for  five  years  past  has  had  the  contract  of  carrying  the 
mail  between  Pyrmont  and  Brookville. 

WILLIAM  WYRICK,  merchant,  Johnsville,  As  a representative  of  the 
mercantile  trade  in  Johnsville,  we  here  have  the  pleasure  to  present  the  name  of 
William  Wyrick,  who  was  born  in  this  county  May  22,  1845,  a son  of  David  and  Mary 
(Furry)  Wyrick,  he  a native  of  the  county,  and  she  of  Maryland.  The  grandfather, 
William  Wyrick,  was  a native  of  North  Caiolina,  but  emigrated  to  Ohio  about  1817, 
and  located  in  Jackson  Township,  where  he  lived  till  his  death.  David,  who  was  born 
in  this  county  in  1820,  was  raised  and  grew  to  manhood,  inured  to  the  scenes  and  hard- 
ships of  those  early  days.  He  was  married  and  became  the  father  of  two  children, 
William  and  Elizabeth  (deceased).  Mr.  Wyrick  was  a farmer  by  occupation  through- 
out his  life.  He  was  a very  industrious,  hard-working  man,  one  whose  character  was 
undoubted,  and  was  esteemed  and  respected  by  all  who  knew  him.  He  became  pos- 
sessed of  a good  competency,  owning  200  acres  of  land,  upon  which  he  had  good 


PERRY  TOWNSHIP. 


395 


improvements.  Here  he  lived  till  his  death,  March  18,  1872.  His  wife  is  still  living, 
being  now  fifty-six  years  of  age,  and  resides  in  Johnsville.  Our  subject  remained  at 
home  upon  the  farm  till  the  spring  of  1872,  when  he  and  his  father  purchased  the 
stock  of  general  merchandise  of  J.K.  Campbell,  in  Johnsville,  and  commenced  upon 
mercantile  trade,  which  continued  only  a short  time,  in  consequence  of  the  death  of  his 
father.  Since  then  he  has  continued  the  business  alone,  or  in  partnership  with  others, 
the  last  partnership  being  dissolved  in  the  spring  of  1880.  He  is  now  carrying  on  the 
business  by  himself.  Mr.  Wyrick,  as  a business  man,  has  been  very  successful.  He 
has  established  a good  trade— a trade  second  to  none  in  Johnsville.  He  is  very  social 
and  affable  in  his  manners,  kind  and  accommodating  in  business,  and  possesses  the 
confidence  of  his  community.  Mr.  Wyrick  has  been  twice  married  ; first,  in  July,  1867, 
to  Miss  Rebecca,  daughter  of  Jesse  I).  and  Delila  Harry,  whose  history  is  given  in 
sketch  of  Jesse  D.  Harry,  in  this  work.  By  this  union  they  had  four  children,  three  of 
whom  are  now  living — -Olive  M.,  Mary  D.,  and  Berba  T.  His  wife  died  March  6,  1875. 
On  February  21,  1876,  he  was  married  to  Mary,  daughter  of  Andrew  and  Elizabeth 
Morrisson,  natives  of  Maryland ; issue,  two  children — Myrtle  M.  and  Daisie  C. 

TILMAN  WYSONG-,  farmer,  P.  0.  Pyrmont,  born  on  the  farm  where  he  now 
resides  March  27,  1840,  is  a son  of  Valentine  and  Lydia  (Barnhart)  Wysong,  he  a 
native  of  this  county,  and  she  of  Preble  county.  The  grandfather,  Jacob  Wysong,  was 
a native  of  Virginia,  but  became  a resident  of  Montgomery  County  prior  to  the  war  of 
181  jl,  and  lived  and  died  here.  The  grandfather,  David  Barnhart,  was  a native  of 
Maryland,  and  also  an  early  pioneer,  coming  here  about  the  same  time  as  the  Wysongs. 
Valentine  was  born  about  the  time  of  the  war  of  1812,  and  was  raised  and  grew  to 
manhood,  inured  to  the  scenes  and  hardships  of  those  early  and  troublesome  days.  He 
was  married,  and  became  tbe  father  of  seven  children,  five  of  whom  are  now  living — 
Huldah,  Tilman,  Amauda,  Sarah  and  Matilda  Ann.  Mr.  Wysong  followed  farming 
and  bricklaying  during  his  life,  which  was  all  spent  in  this  township  except  the  last 
four  years  of  his  life,  during  which  he  lived  in  Covington,  Miami  County.  He  cleared 
up  one  farm  in  this  township  almost  entirely,  and  did  a great  amount  of  hard  work. 
He  finally  moved  to  Covington,  having  obtained  a good  competency,  and  intending  to 
retire  from  all  active  labor ; but  there  he  still  worked  more  or  less  at  his  trade,  and  was 
elected  a member  of  the  City  Council.  He  died  in  March,  1876,  beloved  and  esteemed 
by  all  who  knew  him,  and  in  his  death  the  community  lost  a worthy  man  and  valued 
citizen.  His  wife  is  still  living,  and  is  now  in  Shelby  County,  Ohio.  Our  subject  lived 
with  his  father  till  twenty-three  years  of  age.  He  was  married  February  24,  1863,  to 
Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Christian  and  Susan  Martin,  natives  of  Pennsylvania,  early  set- 
tlers of  this  county,  locating  here  about  1833,  and  who  were  the  parents  of  eight  chil- 
dren, six  of  whom  are  living — Susan,  Isaac,  Sarah,  Elizabeth,  John  and  Jacob.  Mr. 
Wysong  and  wife  have  had  two  children,  one  of  whom  is  now  living,  Edward.  Their 
lives  have  been  passed  in  this  township,  and  engaged  in  farming,  and  they  reside  upon  the 
old  home  farm,  which  consists  of  forty  acres,  mostly  in  cultivation,  with  good  buildings 
and  improvements.  He  has  been  Constable  one  term.  Mr.  Wysong  and  wife  are  mem- 
bers of  the  United  Brethren  Church,  having  been  such  for  ten  years. 


396 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


CLAY  TOWNSHIP. 

LEYI  BAKER,  grain,  tobacco  and  stock  dealer,  Brookville.  Michael  Baker,  his 
grandfather,  was  born  in  Somerset  County,  Penn.  He  married  Catharine  Schmooker 
of  the  same  State.  The  result  of  this  union  was  twelve  children,  of  whom  three  are 
living,  viz.:  Samuel,  Elizabeth  and  Benjamin.  They  emigrated  to  Ohio  in  1804,  and 
entered  a tract  of  land  near  Dayton,  containing  600  acres.  The  friendly  Indians  in 
the  neighborhood  advised  him  to  change  his  location  on  account  of  what  was  called  the 
“ milk  sick.”  Mr.  Baker  thereupon  moved  to  Clay  Township,  and  entered  a tract  of 
1,200  acres.  At  the  time  the  land  was  entered,  there  were  about  three  hundred  Indians 
of  the  Shawnee  tribe  camped  on  the  place  and  remained  about  two  years.  During 
this  period  the  neighboring  tribes  were  commiting  many  depredations  along  the  border, 
and  nearly  all  the  families  became  alarmed  and  moved  to  Dayton.  The  friendly  Indians 
prevailed  on  Mr.  Baker  to  remain  and  conceal  himself,  and  they  would  take  care  of  him, 
but  he  thought  he  would  rather  go  to  Dayton.  In  a short  time  after  his  arrival,  he 
concluded  that  he  would  be  much  safer  on  his  own  place,  and  therefore  returned. 
When  he  arrived  the  friendly  Indians  were  glad  to  see  him,  and  demonstrated  their  de- 
light by  giving  a feast  which  lasted  a couple  of  days.  Mr.  Baker  passed  from  this 
world  in  1853.  The  family  lost  in  him  a kind  and  indulgent  parent,  and  the  community 
a good  citizen.  Benjamin,  the  father  of  our  subject,  was  born  in  this  township  the  25th 
day  of  March,  1 810.  He  married  Francis  Niswonger  in  1830  ; as  a result  of  this  union, 
had  twelve  children,  the  following  of  whom  are  living — Sadie,  Malinda,  Sarah,  Johanna, 
Mary,  Minerva,  Noah,  Levi,  Cyrus  C.,  Sylvester.  Mr.  Baker  was  an  Old-Line  Whig,  but 
since  the  organization  of  the  Republican  party  has  been  a faithful  supporter  of  its  in- 
terests. He  has  been  a consistent  member  of  the  German  Baptist  Church  for  the  past 
thirty  years.  Levi,  the  subject  of  this  memoir,  was  born  January  9,  1836,  and  obtained 
his  education,  in  the  common  schools,  and  assisted  his  father  with  the  farm  duties  until 
twenty  years  of  age,  when  he  was  united  in  marriage  with  Catharine  A.  Ganger,  in 
1856.  There  were  born  to  bless  this  union,  two  children,  Mary  A.  and  one  who  died 
in  infancy.  He  continued  tilling  the  soil  for  six  years,  and  then  engaged  in  the  grain 
business,  which  he  has  followed  successfully  until  the  present.  As  an  evidence  of  the 
esteem  and  popularity  with  which  he  is  held  in  the  community  where  he  lives,  he  was 
elected  Assessor  of  his  township,  which  position  he  filled  for  a period  of  thirteen  years. 
Mrs.  Baker  was  summoned  out  of  this  world  April  5,  1879.  He  married  for  his  second 
wife  Rebecca  Koonts,  November  18,  1879,  and  they  have  one  child,  Edith  L.  Baker. 

In  1862,  he  engaged  in  the  general  merchandise  business,  which  he  continued  until 
1870,  when  he  disposed  of  his  store  and  engaged  in  the  produce  and  stock  business 
exclusively.  He  possesses  good  business  qualities,  and  has  been  successful  in  every 
enterprise  that  he  has  been  engaged  in.  Althpugh  he  has  never  identified  himself  with 
any  church,  he  has  led  an  honest  and  upright  life. 

JACOB  BAKER,  farmer,  P.  O.  Brookville.  His  father,  Jacob  Baker,  is  the 
son  of  Michael  Baker,  whose  sketch  appears  with  the  biography  of  Levi  Baker.  Jacob  j 
obtained  a very  limited  education,  and  assisted  his  father  in  clearing  the  land  of  timber. 

He  was  united  in  marriage  with  Sarah  Michael  in  1854.  Had  fourteen  children,  of 
whom  nine  are  living.  Jacob,  the  subject  of  our  sketch,  was  born  in  1836,  and  reared 
on  the  farm.  He  celebrated  his  marriage  with  Sarah  Shank  in  1 854.  They  are  the  parents 
of  three  chlidren,  viz.,  Permelia,  Almira  and  Lawrence  L.  Mr.  Baker  has  followed  the 
occupation  of  tilling  the  soil  to  the  present  time,  with  good  success.  He  cast  his  first 
vote  for  “father  Abraham,”  and  has  since  been  identified  with  the  Republican  party. 

NOAH  W.  BAKER,  hotel  and  liveryman,  Brookville.  Michael  Baker,  Jr.,  was 
a son  of  Michael  Baker,  Sr.,  who  came  to  this  county  in  1805,  from  Lancaster  County, 


CLAY  TOWNSHIP. 


397 


Penn.  Michael  Baker,  Jr.,  was  born  about  the  year  1812  ; after  reaching  manhood  he 
married  Betsey  Warner,  by  whom  he  had  seven  children.  After  her  death  he  married 
her  sister  Roseann,  and  they  were  the  parents  of  three  children,  two  of  whom  are 
still  living — Harvey  C.  and  Noah  W. ; the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  November 
15,  1848,  and  was  married  June  5,  1870,  to  Sophia  Borden,  who  was  born  in  Preble 
County,  Ohio,  October  17,  1853.  They  are  the  parents  of  five  children.  Mr.,  Baker 
has  been  in  the  hotel  business  for  twelve  years,  seven  of  which  he  has  been  in  the 
Eureka  House,  which  he  built  in  1873.  In  politics,  Mr.  Baker  is  a Republican. 

SAMUEL  G.  BARNES,  dry  goods  and  groceries  and  carriage  manufacturing, 
Brookville,  was  born  in  Erie  County,  N.  Y.,  May  5,  1836.  His  father  was  a native  of 
the  same  State  and  county,  and  was  united  in  marriage  with  Charlotte  Rowe  about  the 
year  1821,  and  had  nine  children,  viz.:  Jane,  Martha  M.,  Eliza,  Laura  A.,  Charlotte 
A.,  Mary  M.,  James  G\,  Samuel  Gl.,  Alice  M.  Mr.  Barnes,  by  occupation  was  a miller, 
which  he  followed  up  until  the  time  he  came  to  Ohio  in  1838.  He  locatedUn  Marion 
County  and  died  a short  time  after  his  arrival,  leaving  a large  family  to  the  care  of 
Mrs.  Barnes,  who  managed  to  keep  them  together  until  1845,  when  she  broke  up  house- 
keeping, and  our  subject  was  bound  out  to  a neighboring  farmer  until  he  was  twenty- 
one.  Our  subject  at  this  time  was  nine  years  of  age,  and  had  been  to  school  only  one 
winter,  but  being  of  an  inquiring  disposition  and  of  studious  habits,  he  obtained  a fair 
knowledge  of  reading,  writing  and  arithmetic.  In  1847,  the  farmer  with  whom  our 
subject  was  bound,  failed,  and  our  subject  was  thrown  on  his  own  resources  at  the  age 
of  eleven  years.  He  followed  various  pursuits  until  1849,  when  he  engaged  with 
Morrhous  & Davis,  at  Xenia,  Greene  Co.,  Ohio,  to  learn  carriage-smithing,  and  con- 
tinued in  their  service  for  a term  comprising  a period  of  five^  years,  and  worked  at 
journey  work  until  1857,  when  he  took  for  a wife  Rebecca  Snyder,  and  as  a result  of 
this  union  had  one  son — Charles  A.  Mr.  Barnes  continued  at  journey  work  until 
1859,  when  he  commenced  business  for  himself  in  Plattsburg,' Clark  Co.,  Ohio.  Mrs. 
Barnes  was  summoned  out  of  this  world  in  1861,  when  he  disposed  of  his  business 
and  went  at  his  country’s  call  for  volunteers,  and  enlisted  in  Company  C,  Thirtieth 
Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  as  Corporal,  and  in  a short  time  was  made  Color  Sergeant, 
which  position  he  continued  in  until  he  was  wounded  at  the  battle  of  South  Mountain, 
Md.,  and  was  confined  to  the  hospital  for  a period  of  nine  months,  when  He  was  put  in 
Company  F,  Twenty -first  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  stationed  most  of  the  time  at  Phila- 
delphia. He  received  his  discharge  in  1864,  and  re-enlisted  in  the  same  company 
until  the  close  of  the  war.  His  marriage  with  his  second  wife,  Eliza  Biggart,  was  cele- 
brated in  1865,  eleven  months  prior  to  his  receiving  his  discharge  from  service.  He 
continued  following  his  trade  in  Philadelphia  until  1870,  when  he  came  West  to  Dayton, 
Ohio,  remaining  but  a short  time,  and  then  came  to  Brookville,  where  he  now  resides  ; 
continued  working  as  a journeyman  until  1872,  when  he  embarked  once  more  in  the 
carriage  manufacturing  business  for  himself,  which  he  continued  operating  very  suc- 
cessfully until  1880,  when  he  disposed  of  his  shop  and  purchased  a stock  of  dry  goods 
and  groceries.  He,  having  a large  and  extensive  circle  of  acquaintances,  was  soon  able 
to  command  a large  trade.  In  1881,  he  associated  himself  with  A.  F.  Roller  in  the 
carriage  manufacturing  business. 

JESSE  A.  BINKLEY,  farmer,  P.  O.  Center,  was  born  in  Lancaster  County, 
Penn.,  December  7,  1814  ; he  is  a son  of  Samuel  Binkley,  deceased,  of  Miami  Town- 
ship. Samuel  was  born  in  Lancaster  County,  Penn.,  June,  1786.  He  was  united  in 
marriage  to  Miss  Catharine  Beam,  of  Lancaster  County,  Penn.,  1805.  She  was  born 
June,  1786.  By  this  union  there  were  nine  children  born  to  them,  eight  of  whom  are 
now  living.  The  youngest  is  past  fifty  years  of  age.  A rather  remarkable  circum- 
stance is  that  there  was  not  a death  in  the  family  for  more  than  fifty  years  from  the 
date  of  their  marriage.  In  the  spring  of  1837,  Samuel  and  family  emigrated  to  Ohio, 
and  settled  in  Germantown,  Montgomery  County.  They  lived  there  some  nine  months, 
when  they  moved  to  Miami  Township,  where  Samuel  continued  to  live  until  his  death, 
in  1872,  in  his  eighty-sixth  year.  His  widow  is  still  living  in  Miami  Township,  in  her 
ninety-sixth  year.  She  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  Jesse,  the 


398 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES : 


subject  of  this  sketch,  remained  at  home  with  his  parents  on  the  farm  ; a part  of  the 
time  was  spent  in  the  “ Shuey  Mill,”  in  Germantown.  He  had  learned  milling  in 
Pennsylvania.  Jesse  was  united  in  mariage  November  19,  1846,  to  Miss  Caroline 
Whisler,  who  was  born  November  27,  1823,  a daughter  of  Daniel  Whisler,  deceased,  of 
Miami  Township.  This  union  has  been  blessed  by  the  birth  of  twelve  children,  eleven 
of  whom  are  now  living,  viz.:  Henry,  born  June  10,  1848  ; William  A.,  born  March 
24,  1849 ; Adaline,  born  October  30,  1850,  now  the  wife  of  A.  Rhodes,  of  Anderson, 
Ind.;  Newton,  born  June  18,  1852;  Jesse,  born  April  8,  1853;  Caroline  W.,  born 
December  19,1854,  wife  of  William  Worman,  of  Clay  Township;  Alice  A.,  born 
December  6,  1856,  wife  of  John  H.  Welsh,  of  Randolph  Township;  Jacob  B.,  born 
May  2,  1858;  Pharis,  born  January  2,  1861;  Samuel,  born  June  11,  1862;  and 
Theora,  born  December  2,  1867.  Their  daughter  Clara  was  born  October  1,  1865,  and 
died  January  3,  1866.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Binkley  and  seven  of  their  children  are  members 
of  the  United  Brethren  Church  at  Phillipsburg,  Ohio.  Mr.  Binkley  has  been  a Town- 
ship Trustee  for  several  terms  in  Clay  Township.  In  1847,  he  moved  to  Clay  Town- 
ship, and  settled  on  the  farm  where  he  has  since  lived.  He  owns  a farm  of  160  acres, 
well  improved,  with  a large  dwelling  and  substantial  outbuildings. 

LEWIS  CAYLOR,  farmer,  P.  0.  Brookville,  is  the  grandson  of  Peter  Caylor,  who 
emigrated  from  Virginia  to  Ohio,  locating  in  Jefferson  Township.  It  cannot  be  as- 
certained at  what  time,  but  it  was  almost  a wilderness,  and  the  Indians  were  very 
numerous.  He  was  united  in  marriage  with  Sarah  Retter.  One  daughter  and  five 
sons  were  born  to  bless  this  union,  three  of  whom  are  living,  viz.,  Joseph,  Benjamin 
and  Elizabeth.  The  father  of  our  subject  was  born  in  Jefferson  Township,  September 
19,  1812.  He  celebrated  his  marriage  with  Elizabeth  Miller.  Ten  children  were  born 
to  them — John,  Susan,  Lucinda,  Anna,  Peter,  Lewis,  Hannah  are  living  at  the  present 
writing.  Lewis,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  born  in  Jefferson  Township  January 
26,  1845,  and  assisted  his  father  with  the  duties  of  the  farm  until  1865,  when  he  mar- 
ried Lidy  A.  Baker.  They  were  the  parents  of  two  children — Altha  M.  and  Herod 
V.  Mr.  Claylor’s  principal  occupation  has  been  tilling  the  soil.  He  purchased  a farm 
in  Van  Buren  Township,  Darke  Co.,  Ohio,  in  1867,  remaining  until  1878,  and  dis- 
posed of  his  place  and  purchased  the  farm  where  he  now  resides.  As  an  evidence  of 
the  popularity  and  esteem  with  which  he  is  held  in  the  community  where  he  lives,  he 
was  elected  to  the  office  of  Justice  of  the  Peace,  which  office  he  has  filled  to  the  entire 
satisfaction  of  all  concerned. 

JACOB  CARMONY,  farmer,  P.  O.  West  Baltimore,  was  born  in  Washington 
Township,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  July  10,  1823.  He  is  a son  of  Jacob  Carmony, 
late  of  Clay  Township,  deceased.  Jacob  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  October  18,  1790. 
He  emigrated  to  Ohio  and  settled  in  Washington  Township,  Montgomery  County,  in 
1810  or  1811.  He  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mary  Stansell,  a daughter  of  Henry 
Stansell,  deceased,  of  Washington  Township,  Montgomery  County.  She  was  born 
June  4,  1796,  in  Mason  County,  Ky.  By  this  union  there  were  born  to  them  six 
children,  four  of  whom  are  now  living — Henry  S.,  of  Miami  County,  Ohio;  Elizabeth, 
wife  of  George  Halloway,  of  Portland,  Ind.  ; William,  of  Lawrence  County,  111.,  and 
Jacob,  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  Jacob,  Sr.,  lived  in  Washington  Township  until 
1866,  when  he  moved  to  Clay  Township,  where  he  died  April  26,  1869.  His  wife 
died  in  Clay  Township,  January  1,  1872.  Jacob.  Jr.,  lived  with  his  parents  engaged 
in  farming  until  he  was  married,  September  16,  1846,  to  Miss  Mary  Tice,  a daughter 
of  Joseph  Tice,  of  Clay  Township,  where  he  died  October  4,  1871.  She  was  born  in 
the  State  of  New  Jersey,  April  24,  1829.  By  this  union  there  have  been  born  to  them 
nine  children,  six  of  whom  are  now  living,  viz.,  William  J.,  born  May  16,  1847  , 
Joseph  T.,  born  May  23,  1849  ; Arminte,  born  August  25,  1854,  wife  of  Joseph 
Lasure,  of  Indiana;  Clara,  born  May  24,  1859,  wife  of  William  Thompson,  of  Preble 
County,  Ohio;  Sarah  E.,  born  February  17,  1861,  wife  of  Lewis  Westfall,  of  Clay 
Township,  and  Henry  J.,  born  December  15,  1862.  William  J.  was  married  to  Miss 
Sarah  A.  Rasor,  a daughter  of  D.  Rasor,  of  Clay  Township,  September  27,  1868. 
They  have  had  five  children  born  to  them,  viz.,  Clara  E.,  Milton  O.,  Emma  L.,  Henry 


CLAY  TOWNSHIP. 


399 


W.  and  Francis  J.  Mrs.  Carmony  is  a member  of  the  New-School  Baptist  Church  at 
Gordon,  Darke  Co.  Mr.  C.  has  resided  in  Montgomery  County  all  his  life.  He  is  the 
owner  of  a farm  of  166  acres  in  Clay  Township,  where  he  lives. 

WARREN  H.  COOK,  farmer,  P.  0.  Clayton,  was  born  in  Clay  Township, 
Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  March  18,  1840.  He  is  a son  of  the  late  Harris  Cook,  a 
native  of  Providence,  R.  I.,  who  emigrated  to  Ohio  in  an  early  day.  Warren  lived  at 
home  with  his  parents  until  twelve  years  of  age,  when  his  parents  sent  him  to  a select 
school  at  West  Milton,  Miami  Co.,  Ohio  (known  as  the  Quaker  Seminary),  where  he 
attended  two  terms.  When  he  was  only  fifteen  years  old  he  taught  a school  in 
Darke  County,  Ohio,  and  the  following  summer  he  attended  the  schools  at 
West  Milton.  The  next  winter  he  taught  school  in  Darke  County  ; then 
remained  at  home  for  a year,  when  he  attended  the  Normal  School  at  Troy, 
Miami  Co.,  Ohio.  The  subsequent  winter  he  taught  the  schools  at  Pattysville, 
Miami  County;  the  next  winter  he  taught  a school  north  of  Georgetown,  where  he 
commenced  the  study  of  medicine  with  his  brother-in-law,  Dr.  Bobbs,  of  Phillipsburg, 
In  the  winter  of  1861-62,  he  taught  the  Phillipsburg  schools  again.  In  August,  1862, 
he  enlisted  in  Company  E,  Sixty-third  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry.  His  regiment  served 
in  the  Fifteenth  and  Sixteenth  Army  Corps.  He  was  in  active  service  some  fourteen 
months,  when,  by  order  of  Secretary  Stanton,  he  was  detached  from  active  service  and 
attached  to  the  Adjutant  General’s  office  at  Washington,  D.  C.  He  had  charge  of  the 
Corresponding  Bureau  under  Col.  Taylor  until  he  was  discharged.  Upon  his  return 
home,  he  attended  medical  lectures  at  the  Miami  Medical  College,  at  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  In 
1865-66,  on  account  of  rheumatism  contracted  while  in  the  army,  he  had  to  abandon 
the  study  of  medicine.  In  the  summer  of  1866,  he  attended  the  Normal  School  at 
Dayton,  Ohio.  In  the  following  winter  of  1866-67,  he  taught  the  schools  at  Salem, 
Montgomery  County,  and  in  1867—68,  the  Brookville  schools.  From  1869  to  1871, 
he  taught  a school  four  miles  northwest  of  Dayton.  April  13,  1871,  he  was  united  in 
marriage  to  Miss  Hattie  N.  Turner,  a daughter  of  H.  M.  Turner,  of  Montgomery 
County.  By  this  Union  there  have  been  born  to  them  two  children,  viz.,  Bertha  A., 
born  November  9,  1872,  and  Malcomb,  December  4, 1874.  Hattie  N.,  his  wife,  was  born 
November  16,  1848.  In  1875,  he  moved  to  Grant  County,  Ind.,  where  he  engaged  in 
the  drug  business  with  Dr.  Bobbs.  This  partnership  continued  one  year,  when  Dr. 
Bobbs  retired,  and  Mr.  Cook  continued  the  business  one  year,  when  he  sold  out  and 
returned  to  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  and  settled  on  the  farm  where  he  now  resides. 
Mr.  Cook  is  the  owner  of  a farm  of  110  acres  of  land  in  Clay  Township,  northwest  of 
Salem  three-quarters  of  a mile. 

WILLIAM  DILTS,  farmer,  P.  0.  Brookville,  was  born  in  Hunterdon  County, 
N.  J.,  May  21,  1815.  His  father,- William,  was  born  in  1765,  and  was  united  in 
marriage  with  Catharine  Holcomb  about  1790.  They  were  the  parents  of  eleven  chil- 
dren, of  whom  eight  are  living,  five  daughters  and  three  sons.  William,  the  subject  of 
this  memoir,  was  educated  in  the  common  schools  and  brought  up  to  farm  labor.  He 
was  apprenticed  at  the  age  of  seventeen  years  to  learn  the  carpenter’s  trade,  and  served 
four  years,  and  continued  in  the  employ  of  his  brother  until  he  was  united  in  marriage 
with  Mary  Allen  in  1837.  Followed  his  trade  until  the  fall  of  1837.  In  the  spring 
of  1838,  he  packed  all  his  worldly  possessions  in  a wagon  and  started  for  the  West. 
He  arrived  at  West  Baltimore,  this  township,  after  a long  and  tedious  journey  of 
twenty-one  days.  In  1839,  he  rented  a rude  cabin  near  Brookville,  and  followed  his 
trade  until  1843,  when  he  moved  to  Liberty  Corners,  remaining  three  years  and  pur- 
chased the  farm  where  be  now  resides.  Mrs.  Dilts  was  summoned  from  earth  to  the 
spirit  land  in  1867.  He  married,  for  his  second  wife,  Maria  Conrad,  in  1869.  Mr. 
Dilts  is  the  father  of  eight  children,  five  by  his  first  wife,  and  three  by  his  second. 
Mr.  Dilts  has  been  a worthy  and  consistent  member  of  the  Baptist  Church  for  the  past 
thirty  years.  Mr.  Dilts  started  in  the  world  with  nothing  but  good  health,  and,  with 
the  assistance  of  his  good  and  industrious  wife,  accumulated  enough  of  this  world’s 
goods  to  keep  them  in  their  declining  years. 

WILLIAM  G.  EWING,  farmer,  P.  0.  West  Baltimore,  is  a son  of  John  Ewing, 
a pioneer  of  Washington  Township,  Montgomery  County,  Ohio.  John  Ewing,  Sr.,  the 


400 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


grandfather  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  a native  of  Kentucky.  He  emigrated 
from  Kentucky  and  settled  in  Washington  Township,  Montgomery  County,  in  the  year 
1707.  He  was  one  of  the  first  Associate  Judges  of  Montgomery  County.  John  Ewing,  the 
father  of  William  G.,  was  born  in  Washington  Township,  Montgomery  County,  in  1802, 
where  he  now  lives.  He  is  the  oldest  person  living  in  the  township  that  was  born  in  it. 
He  was  united  in  marriage  in  the  year  1823,  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Ewell,  a daughter  of 
Joel  Ewell  (deceased),  of  Washington  Township,  Montgomery  County.  The  Ewell 
family  came  to  Montgomery  County  from  New  Jersey  in  a very  early  day  and  settled  in 
Washington  Township.  Elizabeth  was  born  in  1804;  by  the  marriage  of  John  and 
Elizabeth  there  were  born  to  them  fourteen  children,  four  of  whom  are  now  living — 
Jeremiah,  born  1825;  William  G.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  Elizabeth,  born 
February,  1827,  and  Robert,  born  September  7,  1838.  The  subject  of  this  sketch 
was  born  March  30,  1826.  John  and  Elizabeth  are  still  living  in  Washington 
Township;  John  is  in  his  eightieth  year  and  Elizabeth  in  her  seventy-eighth 
year.  William  G.  lived  at  home  on  the  farm  until  1849,  when  he  went  to  California 
and  remained  until  May,  1854,  when  he  returned.  He  was  united  in  marriage 
November  4,  1856,  to  Miss  Malinda  Sunderland,  a daughter  of  Aaron  Sunder- 
land (deceased),  of  Washington  Township.  She  was  born  February  13,  1838;  by 
this  union  there  have  been  born  to  them  six  children,  three  of  whom  are  now  living — 
Cora  M.,  born  October  27,  1863;  Lilly  M.,  born  January  14,  1866,  and  William  A., 
born  February  7,  1876.  Three  of  their  children  are  dead,  viz. : A son  who  died  in 

infancy  April  8,  1859;  Otto  W.  died  September  3,  1864;  and  Laura  S.  died  September 
22,  1865.  In  1869,  Mr.  Ewing  moved  to  Clay  Township  and  settled  on  the  farm  upon 
which  he  has  since  lived.  He  owns  a farm  of  1052  acres.  Mrs.  Ewing  is  a member  of  the 
New-School  Baptist  Church  at  Centerville,  Ohio.  Mr.  Ewing,  while  residing  in  Wash- 
ington Township,  was  Trustee  one  term.  In  Clay  Township,  he  has  been  a member  .of  ,j 
the  school  board  for  some  time.  He  served  in  Company  I,  One  Hundred  and  Thirty-  J! 
first  Regiment  Ohio  National  Guards,  under  Col.  Lowe,  of  Dayton. 

HUGH  FERGUSON,  farmer,  P.  O.  Bachman,  was  born  in  Montgomery  County, 
Ohio,  March  30,  1831.  He  is  a son  of  William  Ferguson  (deceased),  late  of  Dayton,  [ 
Ohio.  William  was  born  in  Delaware  in  the  year  1787.  He  was  united  in  marriage  in 
the  year  1808,  to  Miss  Jane  Watson,  of  Delaware;  by  this  union  there  were  born  to 
them  nine  children,  four  of  whom  are  now  living — Christopher  B.,  who  lives  in  Day- 
ton;  Robert  H.,  of  Darke  County,  Ohio;  Joseph  J.,  who  lives  in  Missouri,  and  Hugh,  j 
the  subject  of  this  sketch.  William  Ferguson  emigrated  from  Delaware  to  Ohio  and 
settled  in  Montgomery  County,  where  he  lived  until  his  death.  He  settled  first  in 
Dayton,  when  there  were  but  few  houses  at  that  point.  William  was  a farmer.  He 
died  in  Dayton  October  21, 1874,  in  his  eighty-eighth  year.  His  wife  (Jane)  was  born 
in  Delaware  in  1787 ; she  died  June  20,  1871,  in  her  eighty-third  year.  Hugh  was 
reared  on  a farm,  and  has  since  continued  to  follow  the  choice  of  his  youth.  He  was 
united  in  marriage  January  28,  1858,  to  Miss  Fidelia  Valentine,  a daughter  of  Jona- 
than  Valentine,  of  Dayton,  Ohio;  she  was  born  September  19,  1836;  Jonathan  Val-  J| 
entitle  was  a native  of  New  Jersey;  he  died  in  Dayton  in  1864;  by  the  marriage  of 
Hugh  and  Fidelia  there  has  been  born  to  them  seven  children,  six  of  whom  are  cow 
dead.  They  have  one  daughter  living — Lizzie  M.,  born  May  11,  1862.  Mr.  Fergus,  j, 
son  has  been  a resident  of  Montgomery  County  since  his  birth,  excepting  three  years 
he  lived  in  Greene  County,  Ohio.  In  March  14,  1871,  he  moved  to  Clay  Township, 
where  he  has  since  continued  to  live.  He  is  the  owner  of  a farm  of  seventy-two  acres. 
Mr.  Ferguson  and  daughter  are  members  of  the  United  Brethren  Church  at  South 
Arlington,  Ohio.  Mrs.  Ferguson  is  a member  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  Greene  I 
County,  Ohio. 

JACOB  FLORY,  farmer,  P.  O.  Center,  Ohio  ; was  born  in  Clay  Township,  Mont- 
gomery Co.,  Ohio  (on  the  farm  now  owned  by  John  Sayler),  September  7,  1828.  He 
is  a son  of  the  late  Jacob  Flory,  Sr.,  who  emigrated  from  Pennsylvania  in  1805  or 
1806,  and  settled  in  Montgomery  County,  near  Liberty.  Jacob,  Sr.,  was  united  in  ; 
marriage  to  Miss  Mary  Overholzer.  He  settled  in  Clay  Township  in  1817-18.  At  j 


CLAY  TOWNSHIP. 


401 


the  time  of  his  death  in  1867,  he  owned  the  John  Sayler  farm  in  Clay  Township  ; at 
the  time  of  his  death  lie  was  seventy  years  old ; he  had  eight  children  living  at  the 
time  of  his  death.  Jacob,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  reared  on  a farm,  and  has 
since  engaged  in  the  calling  of  his  youth.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Frances  Peffly,  a 
daughter  of  Jacob  Peffly,  of  Clay  Township,  January  20,  1856.  By  this  union  there 
have  been  born  to  them  seven  children,  all  of  whom  are  now  living,  viz.:  Wilson,  born 
September  3,  1853  ; Lydia  Ann,  born  January  3,  1855  ; Jacob,  born  April  5,  1856  ; 
Simon,  born  October  10,  1857  ; Benjamin,  born  August  28,  1859  ; Emma,  born  Jan- 
uary 22,  1863  ; and  Levi,  born  October  9,  1866.  Mr.  Florv  and  wife  are  members  of 
the  “ Brethren  in  Christ  ” Church.  Mr.  Flory  is  the  owner  of  a farm  of  eighty  acres 
in  Clay  Township,  where  he  resides.  His  farm  is  well  improved  with  a very  cheerful 
residence,  substantial  barn  and  other  outbuildings. 

GEORGE  GANGER,  farmer,  P.  0.  Bachman.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was 
born  in  Perry  Township,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  September  5,  1810.  His  father,  John 
Ganger,  was  a native  of  New  Jersey.  He  was  born  in  the  year  1766,  and  emigrated 
to  Maryland.  In  1796,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Barbara  Redman,  of  Maryland.  By 
this  union  there  were  born  to  them  eleven  children,  five  of  whom  are  now  living,  viz.: 
Joseph,  of  Shelby  County,  Ohio  ; Samuel,  of  Elkhart  County,  Jnd.;  John,  of  Elkhart 
County,  Ind.;  George,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  and  Jacob,  of  Elkhart  County,  Ind. 
The  youngest  child  (Jacob)  is  now  in  his  sixty-eighth  year.  John  Ganger  emigrated 
to  Ohio  from  Maryland,  and  settled  in  Perry  Township,  Montgomery  County,  about  the 
year  1809.  He  died  in  Clay  Township  in  1853,  in  his  eighty-seventh  year.  His  wife, 
Barbara,  died  in  1847  in  Perry  Township  ; she  was  born  in  the  year  1769.  George 
lived  at  home  with  his  parents  engaged  in  farming  until  he  was  married.  He  was 
united  in  marriage,  June  12, 1834,  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Reicbard,  of  Preble  County,  Ohio, 
a daughter  of  Joseph  Reichard.  He  was  born  in  Center  County,  Penn.,  in  the  year 
1793.  He  was  married  to  Miss  May  Heiney,  of  Pennsylvania;  he  emigrated  to  Ohio 
in  the  year  1819,  and  settled  in  Montgomery  County.  By  the  marriage  of  George  and 
Elizabeth  there  have  been  born  to  them  eight  children,  five  of  whom  are  now  living, 
viz.:  Mary  Ann,  born  November  22,  1835,  now  the  wife  of  John  Myers,  of  Clay  Town- 
ship ; George  W.,  February  20,  1848;  William,  May  4,  1853;  Elizabeth,  May  29, 
1857,  now  the  wife  of  Ezra  Whip,  of  Dayton,  Ohio;  and  Levi  B.,  November  1,  1861. 
In  1843,  George  Ganger  moved  with  his  family  to  Clay  Township,  and  settled  on  the 
farm  upon  which  he  now  lives.  Mrs.  Ganger  is  a member  of  the  United  Brethren 
Church  at  South  Arlington.  Mr.  Ganger  is  the  owuer  of  a farm  of  1291  acres,  near 
Bachman.  Their  son  William  was  united  in  marriage  May  12,  1878,  to  Miss  Eliza 
Eck,  a daughter  of  James  Eck,  of  Clay  Township.  William  is  engaged  in  farming 
the  home  place. 

CHRISTOPHER  GISH,  physician  and  surgeon,  Brookville.  Mathias  Gish  was 
born  in  Lancaster  County,  Penn.,  in  1789,  and  was  married  to  Frauces  Hammaker  in 
Cumberland  County,  Penn.,  about  the  year  1811,  and  removed  to  Franklin  County, 
and  from  thence  to  what  was  then  Mifflin  County,  now  Juniata  County.  While  ia 
Frauklin  County,  he  learned  the  trade  of  miller.  He  removed  to  Ohio  in  1836,  and 
settled  in  Shelby  County,  but  soon  came  to  Montgomery  County,  where  he  lived  the 
rest  of  his  life,  dying  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-six  years.  They  were  the  parents 
of  six  children,  four  boys  and  two  girls — John,  Abram.  Eliza,  Mathias,  Fannie  and 
Christopher.  The  subject  of  our  sketch  was  born  in  Franklin  County,  Penn.,  on 
March  20,  1815,  and  came  to  Ohio  in  1834,  having  left  his  home  two  years  prior  to 
that  time,  and  joined  himself  to  a millwright,  with  whom  he  worked  for  two  years  at  a 
compensation  of  84  per  month,  from  which  he  had  to  clothe  himself.  This  scanty 
allowance  formed  in  him  habits  of  economy  which  formed  the  basis  of  his  present 
fortune.  In  his  native  State  he  received  a common-school  education,  and  an  academic 
education  at  the  Dayton  Academy.  Read  medicine  with  the  late  Dr.  Bosler,  of  Day- 
ton,  going  to  the  Medical  College  of  Ohio  at  Cincinnati  in  1S40-41,  and  also  in  1852- 
53,  when  he  graduated.  Since  1841,  he  has  been  constantly  in  the  practice,  and  has 
been  very  prominent  in  the  medical  profession  in  Montgomery  County  ever  since.  He 


402 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES : 


married  Mary  Feit  December  27,  1842.  She  was  the  daughter  of  Charles  Feit,  a 
native  of  Prussia,  and  came  to  America  in  1808.  His  father  was  left  behind 
to  attend  to  some  business,  and  died  soon  after;  his  mother  died  during  the 
voyage.  Thus,  landing  at  Philadelphia  an  orphan,  he  was  sold  to  a Chester  County 
farmer  to  defray  his  passage,  with  whom  he  stayed  until  he  was  twenty-one  years  of 
age.  Mrs.  Gish  was  born  in  Chester  County  July  24,  1819.  Dr.  Gish  has  been  earn- 
est and  devoted  in  his  work  for  education  and  the  elevation  and  advancement  of  human- 
ity. He  is  a man  of  broad  views,  and  well-developed  knowledge  in  the  affairs  of 
life. 

SOLOMON  GOOD,  minister,  Backman,  is  the  son  of  Jacob  Good,  who  was  born 
in  Rockingham  County,  Va.,  December  17,1814,  and  emigrated  to  Ohio  in  1816,  with 
his  father,  and  located  in  Fairfield  County.  He  was  united  in  marriage  with  Anna  Busy, 
daughter  of  Abraham  and  Anna  Busy,  in  1840.  These  worthy  individuals  labored  dil- 
igently for  the  support  of  an  increasing  family,  nor  in  the  midst  of  harassing  struggles 
did  they  neglect  the  mental  improvements  of  their  progeny  under  the  most  depressing 
circumstances.  They  raised  a very  exemplary  family  of  nine  children.  Mary  (Bery) 
Solomon,  Daniel  Ely  (Sarah  McKinsey),  Elizabeth  Balinda  are  now  living.  In  1840, 
Mr.  Good  journeyed  farther  out  to  the  frontier,  and  purchased  a farm  in  Adams  Couuty, 
Ind.,  and  has  continued  pursuing  the  occupation  of  tilling  the  soil  until  the  present. 
Solomon  was  born  September  22,  1845,  and  was  educated  in  the  common  school,  and 
assisted  his  father  in  clearing  and  cultivating  the  farm.  He  married  his  wife  j 
on  February  26,  1867.  She  was  the  daughter  of  the  Rev.  John  Winger,  one  of  the 
pioneer  members  of  the  Brethren  in  Christ  Church,  and  has  done  much  toward  enlight- 
ening the  people  and  advancing  the  interests  of  that  denomination.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Good 
are  the  parents  of  two  children,  viz.,  John  and  David  J.  Mr.  Good  continued  farm- 
ing until  1877,  when  he  moved  to  Ohio  and  located  in  this  township,  where  he  now  re- 
sides, and  is  engaged  in  the  merchandise  trade.  Believing  in  the  refining  and  elevating 
tendencies  of  religion,  he  joined  the  Brethren  in  Christ  Church.  In  1875,  he  felt 
himself  called  of  the  Holy  Ghost  to  preach,  and,  as  he  stated,  though  feeling  unworthy 
and  incapable,  yet  he  felt  in  duty  bound  to  obey  the  call,  and  was  regularly  ordained  as 
minister,  and  worked  actively  for  the  advancement  of  the  cause.  Six  months  later  he  ; 
had  organized  a congregation,  and  erected  a church  at  Winger  Town,  in  the  village  where 
he  now  resides.  For  the  past  three  years  he  has  been  sowing  seed  here  and  there, 
preaching  Christ,  seeking  after  the  welfare  of  the  church  with  a fatherly  care,  rarely 
omitting  to  administer  good  advice  to  those  with  whom  he  conversed. 

ALBERT  GRUENIG,  bakery  and  confectionery,  Brookville,  Ohio,  was  born  in  j 
Rhine,  Bavaria,  Germany,  January  3,  1841  ; his  father,  Jacob,  was  born  in  Rhine,  Ba- 
varia, Germany,  in  the  year  1796;  he  was  a miller  and  baker.  The  subject  of  this 
sketch  learned  his  trade  with  his  father.  His  father  died  in  1871,  in  Germany,  iD  his 
seventy-six  year.  His  mother  was  born  in  the  same  place  as  her  husband ; she  was 
born  in  the  year  1813 ; she  died  in  1845.  Albert,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  had  one 
sister  and  one  brother.  His  sister,  Mary,  is  dead  ; his  brother,  Phillip,  lives  in  Paris, 
France.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  came  to  America  and  landed  at  New  York  City  on 
the  19th  day  of  August,  1865.  He  first  came  to  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  where  he 
was  engaged  in  baking  for  a year  and  a half,  when  he  went  to  Germantown,  Ohio,  and 
followed  his  trade  until  1867,  when  he  returned  to  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  where  he  remaiued 
until  the  fall  of  1868,  when  he  returned  to  Germantown,  where  he  carried  on  a bakery 
until  1872,  then  he  moved  to  Brookville,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  where  he  now  resides. 

He  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Rebecca  Jane  Wright,  of  Germantown,  on  the 
sixth  day  of  June,  1872.  The  marriage  ceremony  was  performed  by  Rev.  Isaac  H. 
Reiter,  of  the  German  Reformed  Church,  of  Miamisburg,  Ohio.  They  have  had  four 
children  born  to  them,  three  of  whom  are  dead,  viz.,  John  Albert,  Anna  E.  and  Ed- 
ward. They  have  one  daughter  living,  viz.,  Dora  Louisa,  who  was  born  November  9,  | 

1876.  Mr.  G.  has  been  engaged  in  business  in  Brookville  since  1872;  he  is  the  lead- 
ing baker  in  the  town  and  has  accumulated  considerable  town  property  in  Brook- 
ville through  his  own  industry. 


CLAY  TOWNSHIP. 


403 


RICHARD  M.  HART,  farmer,  P.  0.  West  Baltimore,  was  born  in  Butler 
County,  Ohio,  July  25,  1823.  His  father,  George  W.  Hart,  was  born  in  New  Jersey, 
in  the  year  1789.  He  emigrated  to  Ohio,  and  settled  in  Butler  County  in  a very  early 
day.  He  was  united  in  marriage,  in  1817,  to  Miss  Rachel  Pierson,  of  Butler  County. 
Rachel  was  born  in  New  Jersey  in  1793;  George  W.  Hart  died  in  Hamilton  County, 
Ohio,  in  1840.  His  wife,  Rachel,  died  in  April,  1867.  Richard  began  life  at  the 
bottom  rung  of  the  ladder,  working  by  the  day  at  any  honorable  work  he  could  get,  assisting 
his  widowed  mother  to  support  the  family.  George  W.  and  family  moved  from  Butler 
County  to  Montgomery  in  1830,  where  he  worked  at  the  carpenter’s  trade.  In  the 
spring  of  1836,  they  moved  to  Lockland,  Hamilton  County,  where  he  died.  Robert  M. 
was  united  in  marriage,  December  24,  1846,  to  Miss  Harriet  McGrew.  who  was  born 
September  11, 1823,  a daughter  of  James  McGrew,  of  Preble  County,  Ohio.  He  was 
a native  of  Pennsylvania.  By  this  union  there  have  been  born  to  them  four  children,  all 
of  whom  are  now  living,  viz.  : Asbury  E.,  born  April  23,  1848  ; James  L.,  born  Octo- 
ber 19,  1851  ; George  W.,  born  September  5,  1854,  and  Hattie  M.,  born  December  11, 
1866.  Asbury  E.  married  to  Miss  Ella  Sullivan,  of  Arcanum,  Darke  Co.,  Ohio. 
George  W.  married  to  Miss  Susan  Doner,  of  Randolph  Township,  Montgomery 
County.  In  the  year  1840,  the  subject  of  this  sketch  and  his  mother  returned  to  Mont- 
gomery County  and  settled  in  Clay  Township,  where  he  has  since  lived,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  one  year  (1847).  Robert  lived  in  Butler  County.  Mr.  Hart  and  wife  are 
members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  at  Gordon  Darke  County.  Mr.  Hart  has 
been  a member  of  the  School  Board  in  Clay  Township  for  six  years.  He  was  a member 
of  the  One  Hundred  and  Thirty-first  Regiment  Ohio  National  Guards,  under  Col. 
J.  G.  Lowe,  of  Dayton.  He  is  the  owner  of  a farm  of  thirty-nine  acres  in  Clay  Town- 
ship, where  he  resides. 

JOHN  JOHN,  retired  farmer,  P.  O.  Center,  was  born  in  Stark  County,  Ohio, 
May  14,  1812.  His  father,  David  John,  was  born  in  Botetourt  County,  Va.,  March 
29,  1788.  He  and  his  family  emigrated  to  Ohio  in  1809,  and  settled  in  Stark  County, 
when  it  was  a vast  wilderness.  They  had  but  one  neighbor  anywhere  near ; their  fre- 
quent visitors  were  bears,  wolves,  wild  cats  and  Indians.  They  had  to  fell  trees  in  order 
to  build  their  cabin.  In  1829,  David  John  and  his  family  moved  to  Montgomery 
County,  and  settled  in  Clay  Township,  one  mile  south  of  Phillipsburg,  where  he  resided 
until  1839,  when  he  moved  to  Wayne  County,  Ind.,  and  settled  near  Hagerstown,  where 
he  died  November  4,  1872,  in  his  eighty-fifth  year.  The  mother  of  the  subject  of  this 
sketch  was  born  in  York  County,  Penn  , September  22,  1792.  She  was  married  to 
David  March  26,  1811.  Her  maiden  name  was  Mishler.  She  died  in  Wayne  County, 
Ind.,  August  21,  1843.  David  John  and  wife  were  baptized  in  Stark  County,  Ohio,  in 
1817,  by  Daniel  Garver,  at  David  Graybills,  at  the  Yearly  Meeting  of  the  German 
Baptist  Church,  and  died  in  the  triumph  of  that  faith.  The  subject  of  this  sketch 
lived  at  home  with  his  parents  until  he  was  twenty  years  old,  working  by  the  day  for  a 
start  in  life.  In  his  twenty-first  year,  he  commenced  to  learn  the  carpenter  trade,  and 
J continued  to  work  at  it  for  ten  years.  He  learned  his  trade  with  Philip  Studebaker, 
of  Phillipsburg.  In  1838,  he  purchased  eighty-five  acres  of  laud  in  Clay  Township, 
being  a part  of  the  farm  upon  which  he  now  resides  ; he  has  added  to  it  until  he  has 
now  a farm  of  162  acres;  near  the  town  of  Phillipsburg.  He  was  united  in  marriage, 
May  14,  1833,  to  Miss  Nancy  Warner,  a daughter  of  Jacob  Warner,  of  Clay  Town- 
ship. This  union  has  been  blessed  by  the  birth  of  ten  children,  seven  of  whom  are  now 
living,  viz. : Elizabeth  (now  the  wife  of  Aaron  Miller,  of  Clay  Township),  Lydia,  Mary 
|(now  the  wife  of  Escp  Smith,  of  Brookville),  Lewis  W.,  Samuel,  Hetta  Ann  (now  the 
wife  of  William  Binkley,  who  is  engaged  in  farming  his  father-in-law’s  farm)  and 
(Susanna.  Mr.  John  and  wife  were  baptized  in  the  German  Baptist  Church  in  1841, 
at  Michael  Miller’s,  by  Isaac  Karn,  in  Randolph  Township.  Mr.  John  quit  farming 
jeight  years  ago,  and  is  now  taking  his  ease  in  his  declining  days,  the  result  of  his  in- 
dustry and  economy. 

ABRAHAM  B.  LANDIS,  farmer  and  teacher,  P.  0.  West  Baltimore,  was  born 
in  Monroe  Township,  Darke  Co.,  Ohio,  July  11,  1845.  He  is  a son  of  Daniel  Landis, 


404 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


of  Miami  City,  Montgomery  County.  Daniel  was  born  in  Stark  County,  Ohio,  in  1818. 
Abraham  Landis,  the  grandfather  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  moved  to  Montgomery 
County  and  settled  in  Madison  Township  in  1825.  Daniel  Landis  was  united  in  mar- 
riage, in  1841,  to  Miss  Susanna  Basore,  of  Miami  County,  Ohio.  She  was  born  in 
Lancaster  County,  Penn.,  in  1820;  by  this  union  five  children  were  born  to  them,  all 
of  whom  are  now  living.  Daniel  and  Susanna  are  members  of  the  German  Baptist 
Church.  Abraham,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  attended  the  Normal  School  at  Lebanon, 
Ohio,  in  1865.  He  taught  school  for  seven  years  in  Montgomery,  Darke  and  Miami 
Counties.  Mr.  Landis  was  united  in  marriage  August  18,  1870,  to  Miss  Laura  E. 
Smock,  who  was  born  January  12,  1851.  She  is  a daughter  of  George  Smock,  of 
Warren  County,  Ohio  ; he  is  a native  of  New  Jersey.  Catherine,  the  mother  of  Laura, 
was  a Schenck,  one  of  the  prominent  families  of  Warren  County.  By  this  union  there 
have  been  born  to  them  three  children,  now  living,  viz.:  Cecilia  A.,  born  October  8, 1871 . 
Lilly  M.,  born  February  20,  1872,  and  Walter  V.,  born  September  22,  1874.  These 
children  are  unusually  bright  and  intelligent.  Mr.  Landis  is  a member  of  the  A.,  F.  & 
A.  M.,  at  Ithaca,  Darke  Co.,  Ohio.  Mr.  Landis  has  been  a member  of  the  School 
Board  of  Clay  Township  for  five  years.  Mr.  Landis  is  the  owner  of  a farm  of  sixty- 
seven  acres  of  land  in  Clay  Township,  where  he  resides.  He  has  been  for  eight  years 
dealing  quite  extensively  in  buying  tobacco. 

HENRY  MUNDHENK,  retired,  Brookville,  was  born  in  Lancaster  County,  Penn  , 
April  17,  1816,  and  is  a son  of  David  and  Anna  Maria  Mundhenk,  whose  history  is 
fully  given  in  Perry  Township.  Our  subject  came  with  his  parents  to  this  county,  and 
here  grew  to  manhood,  receiving  a fair  education  in  the  schools  of  his  township.  He 
was  married  May  22,  1851,  to  Mary  Ann  Read,  who  was  born  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio, 
January  18,  1829,  and  a daughter  of  Jonathan  and  Sarah  Read,  natives  of  New  Jer- 
sey. Her  father  was  born  in  1801,  and  came  to  this  county  about  1826,  where  he  lived 
many  years,  and  was  universally  respected.  He  finally  moved  to  Iowa,  where  he  pur-  j 
chased  a large  tract  of  land,  with  the  intention  of  settling  all  his  children  upon  it,  and 
there  died  several  years  ago.  To  Henry  and  Mary  Ann  Mundhenk  have  been  born  i 
three  children,  viz.:  Josephine,  the  wife  of  William  Beardsheare,  who  is  President  of 
the  Western  College,  Iowa;  Sarah  A.,  deceased;  and  Charlie  L.,  who  is  a student  at 
the  Western  College.  Mr.  Mundhenk  has  followed  milling  nearly  all  his  life,  and  has 
been  one  of  the  successful  men  of  Perry  Township,  but  is  now  retired  from  active  busi-  j| 
ness,  living  in  Brookville,  on  the  fruits  of  his  early  industry.  Politically,  he  is  a Repub'  I;1 
lican,  and  he  and  wife  are  members  of  the  United  Brethren  Church.  They  are  modest, 
unassuming  people,  and  benevolent,  kind  neighbors,  who  are  ever  ready  to  assist  the  f 
poor  and  needy,  as  well  as  to  give  their  means  in  helping  along  every  worthy  enterprise,  jj 
Intelligent,  well  read,  and  courteous,  they  are  respected  by  all  who  know  them. 

SAMUEL  NISWONGER,  farmer,  P.  O.  Baltimore,  is  one  of  the  stanch,  ener- 
getic men  of  Montgomery  County.  His  father,  Samuel,  was  born  in  Virginia  in  1788, 
and  was  united  in  marriage  with  Ellen  Dillon.  Ten  children  were  born  to  bless  this  J 
union,  eight  of  whom  are  living  at  the  time  of  writing,  viz.:  James,  Levi,  John  I)., 
Elizabeth,  Catharine,  Sarah,  Prudia  and  Samuel.  He  came  to  Ohio,  and  located  near 
the  present  site  of  Salem,  in  this  township,  and  entered  160  acres,  all  in  timber.  Mr. 
Niswonger  was  a worthy  member  of  the  River  Brethren  faith,  and  was  summoned  out  j 
of  this  world  in  1869.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  educated  in  the  common  schools  J 
and  brought  up  to  farm  labor.  He  was  united  in  marriage  with  Rachel  Studebaker,  and  j. 
five  children  have  been  born  to  bless  this  union,  of  whom  two  are  living,  viz.:  Andrew  [ 
and  Rachel.  Mrs.  Niswonger  passed  from  this  world  in  1857.  Mr.  Niswonger’s  prin- 
cipal occupation  has  been  farming;  he  cultivated  his  father’s  farm  until  1855,  when  hell 
purchased  the  farm  where  he  now  resides,  containing  eighty  acres.  He  married  bis  jj 
second  wife,  Lydia  Cupp,  in  1862. 

MRS.  SUSANNA  NISWONGER,  farmer,  P.O.  Clayton.  The  subject  of  this  bio- 
graphical sketch  was  born  in  Darke  County,  Ohio,  February  6, 1842,  a daughter  of  Jacob 
Hinsey.  She  was  married  to  George  Niswonger  November  17,  1870.  He  departed 
this  life  July  6,  1879.  He  was  a son  of  John  Niswonger,  deceased,  of  Clay  Township. 


CLAY  TOWNSHIP. 


105 


Mrs.  Niswonger  is  the  owner  of  seventeen  acres,  where  she  resides,  in  Clay  Township. 
She  has  a beautiful  home,  surrounded  with  everything  to  make  her  life  cheerful  and 
pleasant. 

JESSE  P.  0 LINGER,  dry  goods  and  groceries,  Brookville.  John  Olinger,  grand- 
father of  our  subject,  was  born  in  Bucks  County,  Penn. ; his  grandmother,  Mary,  was 
horn  in  the  same  State  ; four  children  were  born  to  bless  this  union.  Judge  George 
Olinger,  the  youngest,  was  born  in  Bedford  County,  Penn.,  the  18th  day  of  February, 
1793,  and  reared  on  the  farm,  and  was  possessed  of  an  active,  physical  constitution.  He 
.never  wholly  forsook  his  first  honorable  calling.  His  early  advantages,  especially  in 
educational  matters,  were  limited,  but  by  being  of  an  inquiring  disposition  he  sought  for 
and  gathered  a mass  of  information  which  could  only  be  acquired  by  profound  reading 
and  continued  reflection.  October  21 , 1813,  he  was  joined  in  the  holy  banns  of  matrimony 
to  Margaret  Hardman,  of  Kentucky;  ten  children  was  the  result  of  this  union,  viz.  : 
Israel  H.,  Catharine,  Jesse  P.,  Susan,  Margaret,  Sarah,  Mary,  Mariah,  Agnes,  Eliza  A.; 
all  are  living,  excepting  Susan,  Catharine,  Margaret  and  Mary.  Mrs.  Olinger  was  a 
member  of  the  German  Baptist  Church ; she  died  May  14,  1863,  leaving  a large 
family  to  mourn  her  loss.  Judge  Olinger  was  one  of  the  early  pioneers  of  this  county 
and  occupied  a prominent  position  in  its  history.  In  the  year  1827,  he  was  elected 
Justice  of  the  Peace  for  his  township,  and  continued  in  office  for  twelve  years,  when  he 
declined  further  honors  in  that  direction.  About  the  year  1835,  Mr.  Olinger  was 
elected  an  Associate  Judge  of  the  Common  Pleas  Court,  a position  of  honor  which  he 
held  with  credit  to  himself  for  a term  of  about  six  years.  In  the  year  1829,  Judge 
(dinger  was  elected  one  of  the  Commissioners  of  the  county,  and  continued  in  that 
office  for  six  or  seven  years,  and  so  popular  was  his  administration  of  the  affairs  of  the 
county  that  his  friends  desired  him  to  keep  on  running ; he  declined,  however,  and  at- 
tempted to  retire  to  private  life.  But  it  was  insisted  that  he  must  do  something  in  a 
public  capacity,  and  he  was  put  into  the  position  of  Land  Appraiser  for  a number  of 
years.  Judge  Olinger  was  a gentleman  of  the  “ old  school,”  but  belonged  to  that  pro- 
gressive class  of  old  men  that  recognized  the  fact  that  the  world  moves.  In  politics,  he 
was  always  a firm  and  consistent  supporter  of  the  Democratic  party.  James  Monroe 
was  the  first  President  for  whom  he  voted.  The  Judge,  although  not  iu  favor  of  total 
abstinence , was,  however,  an  advocate  for  moderation  and  temperance  in  all  things. 
The  common-school  interest  found  in  him  a faithful  friend.  His  life  was  spent  mainly 
in  a continued  round  of  mental  and  physical  activity,  and  he  passed  quietly  out  of  this 
world  in  1875,  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-two  years.  The  family  lost  in  him  a kind 
parent  and  the  community  a good  citizen.  Jesse,  our  subject,  was  educated  in  the 
common  schools  and  was  brought  up  to  the  honorable  occupation  of  tilling  the  soil, 
which  he  continued  following  until  1861.  He  married  Mary  A.  Stoufl’er  in  1848;  by 
this  union  there  were  bom  to  them  four  children,  viz.:  Elizabeth,  deceased,  George  Id., 

David  H.  and  Charles  W.  Mrs.  Olinger  died  in  1859.  In  1861,  he  disposed  of  his 
farm  and  moved  to  Brookville,  and  purchased  a stock  of  drugs  and  groceries,  which  he 
has  managed  successfully  until  the  present.  As  an  evidence  of  the  popularity  and 
esteem  with  which  he  was  held  in  the  community  where  he  lives  he  was  elected  to  the 
office  of  Justiee  of  the  Peace  in  1855,  which  position  he  filled  to  the  entire  satisfaction 
of  all  concerned.  He  married  his  second  wife,  Amy  C.  Dilts,  in  1868.  They  are  both 
worthy  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  and  have  taken  an  active  interest  in  the 
cause  of  religion. 

MRS.  RICKEY  ORTMAN,  farmer,  P.  0.  Center,  Ohio,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch,  is  the  widow  of  Henry  Ortrnan,  of  Clay  Township.  She  was  born  in  Deapols, 
Germany,  December,  17,  1825,  and  was  united  in  marriage  with  Henry  Ortrnan, 
in  1846,  in" Germany.  In  1848,  they  emigrated  to  America,  and  settled  in  Miarnis- 
burg,  Montgomery  County,  Ohio.  In  April,  1861,  Henry  Ortrnan  moved  to  Clay 
Township,  and  settled  on  the  farm  where  he  died,  November  19,  1875.  There  were 
born  to  Henry  and  Rickey  twelve  children,  eight  of  whom  are  now  living,  viz.,  Bern- 
hart,  born  August,  1847  ; Mary,  born  March  31,  1857  ; John,  born  January  25,  1859  ; 
Elizabeth,  born  October  3,  1860  ; Frederick,  born  March  25,  1862  ; Minnie,  born 


406 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES  : 


November  24,  1865;  Henry,  born  September  2,  1865,  and  Rickey,  May  9,  1867.  j 
The  following  children  have  died,  Frederick,  Lucinda,  and  two  who  died  in  infancy.  Mrs. 
Ortman  and  sis  of  her  children  are  now  living  on  the  old  homestead.  They  own  130 
acres  of  land  in  Clay  Township,  well  improved  with  a fine  dwelling,  substantial  barn 
and  other  buildings.  Mrs.  Ortman  and  family  are  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church  at  jj 
Phillipsburg,  Ohio. 

FREDERICK  PANSING,  farmer,  P.  0.  Center,  is  a native  of  Hanover, 
Germany,  born  October  25,  1839.  His  father,  John  F.  Pansing,  was  born  in  Hanover, 
Germany,  in  1797.  He  was  married  in  1826  to  Miss  Caroline  Ratga.  They  emigrated 
to  America,  and  landed  at  New  Orleans,  La.,  December  1,  1847j  and  from  there  came 
to  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  and  from  there  to  Miamisburg,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  where 
they  lived  until  1860,  when  they  purchased  the  farm  upon  which  they  now  reside,  in 
Clay  Township.  There  have  been  born  to  John  F.  and  Caroline,  six  children,  three  of 
whom  are  now  living,  viz.,  Sophia,  now  the  widow  of  F.  Nidert,  of  Harrison  Township,  j 
Rickey,  wife  of  George  Machenhmer,  of  Miamisburg,  Ohio,  and  Frederick,  the  ( 
subject  of  this  sketch.  John  F.  is  still  living  with  his  son  Frederick,  in  his  eighty- 
fifth  year,  and  Caroline,  in  her  seventy-seventh  year.  Frederick  was  united  in  marriage, 
December  24,  1863,  to  Miss  Susanna  Spitler,  a daughter  of  John  Spitler,  of  Union 
Township,  Miami  Co.,  Ohio,  she  was  born  April  17,  1845.  By  this  union  there  have  | 
been  born  to  them  ten  children,  eight  of  whom  are  now  living,  viz.:  Emma,  born  Sep- 
tember  10,  1864;  Matilda,  born  May  6,  1266;  William,  born  February  10,  1868; 
Nora,  born  March  19,  1870;  Caroline,  born  May  22,  1872;  Ellen,  born  August  30, 
1873  ; Effa,  born  November  29,  1877  ; Halley,  born  December  21,  1880.  Mr.  Pan-  j 
sing  is  a member  of  the  Lutheran  Church  at  Phillipsburg,  Ohio,  Mrs.  Pansing  is  a 
member  of  the  United  Brethren  Church  at  the  same  point.  Mr.  Pansing  has  been 
elected  Infirmary  Director  two  terms  in  Montgomery  County.  He  has  been  elected  Town- 
ship Trustee  for  seven  years,  and  has  been  a member  of  the  School  Board  for  six  years, 
in  Clay  Township.  This  shows  the  estimation  in  which  Mr.  Pansing  is  regarded  by 
the  citizens  of  the  county  and  his  neighbors  in  the  township.  Mr.  Pausing  is  the  owner 
of  a farm  of  eighty-six  and  a half  acres  in  Clay  Township. 

NATIIANlAL  PEGRAM,  boots  and  shoes,  Brookville,  was  born  June  4, 1843, 
in  Warren  County,  N.  C.  He  was  born  a slave,  and  has,  consequently,  been  deprived  of 
all  educational  advantages.  During  the  rebellion,  he  was  pressed  into  the  service  of  the 
Confederate  army  as  a servant  to  his  master,  who  was  wounded  in  the  engagement  at 
Lynchburg,  and  Pegram  was  taken  prisoner  by  the  Union  forces  and  conveyed  to  Tar-  j, 
ville,  where  he  entered  the  service  of  Lieut.  Burns,  of  the  Union  army.  In  this  J 
capacity,  he  continued  for  nine  months,  when  he  started  for  his  former  home.  While  jj 
en  route,  he  was  recaptured  near  Wytheville,  Va.,  and  held  for  an  account  of  himself. 
He  escaped  in  the  night,  and  by  concealing  himself  in  the  day-time  succeeded  in  reach-  J 
ing  his  destination,  after  a long  and  tedious  journey  of  six  weeks.  His  mistress 
allowed  him  the  privilege  of  engaging  in  the  boot  and  shoe  trade  in  his  own  behalf,  he  j 
paying  her  $50  per  month  in  confederate  money  to  indemnify  her  for  the  loss  of 
his  labor.  He  continued  this  business  successfully  until  1867,  at  which  time  he  dis- 
posed of  his  stock  in  trade  and  shipped  as  cook  and  steward  on  a wrecking  vessel  from 
Wilmington,  N.  C.  Not  liking  this  occupation,  he  availed  himself  of  an  early  oppor- 
tunity which  presented  itself  of  escaping  by  stowing  himself  in  the  hold  of  a tug  which 
was  unloading  provisions  alongside  of  his  ship.  Arriving  at  Wilmington,  he  was,  con- 
fronted by  the  shipper,  of  whom  he  demanded  his  pay,  which  was  refused  He  at  once 
commenced  legal  proceedings,  attached  the  tug,  and  thereby  obtained  satisfaction  in  the 
sum  of  $500.  In  1869,  he  commenced  driving  team  for  Adams  Express  Company,  j 
and  at  one  time  received  a present  of  $25  and  two  suits  of  clothes  for  honesty  in 
handling  a $30,000  money  package.  In  1870,  he  repaired  to  Baltimore,  Md., 
where  he  engaged  in  shoemaking.  Eighteen  months  thereafter,  he  went  to  Washington,  t 
D.  C.,  where  he  remained  four  years  in  the  employ  of  the  Government  as  watchman  in 
the  Treasurer’s  Office  and  Interior  Department.  In  1880,  he  went  to  Cincinnati,  then 
to  Key  West,  Ky.,  then  to  Dayton,  Ohio,  then  to  Brookville,  where  he  now  resides. 


CLAY  TOWNSHIP. 


407 


He  married  Sarah  Gardner,  by  whom  he  had  five  children.  Of  these,  four — Nathaniel, 
Louisa,  Eugene  and  Mary  A. — are  now  living.  In  1865,  he  was  deprived  by  death  of 
his  better  half.  In  1875,  he  took  to  wife  Elizabeth  Allen,  by  whom  he  had  one  child, 
which  died  in  its  infancy.  In  religious  belief,  Mr.  P.  is  an  earnest  and  consistent 
Methodist,  and  takes  every  opportunity  of  enlightening  his  people  in  the  truths  of  that 
Gospel  to  which  he  is  so  devoted. 

HENRY  RASOR,  farmer,  P.  0.  Clayton.  John  Rasor  was  born  in  Dauphin 
County,  Penn.,  August  25,  1791,  and  came  to  Ohio  in  1807,  and  settled  in  this 
county.  He  married  Miss  Hannah  Michaels  in  1820.  They  were  the  parents  of 
twelve  children,  nine  of  whom  are  still  living — Peter,  John,  David,  Daniel,  Samuel, 
Noah,  Catherine,  Mary  and  Henry.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  March  21, 
1827,  on  the  same  place  he  now  owns.  He  married  Miss  Malinda  Baker,  daughter  of 
Benjamin  Baker,  of  Clay  Township.  They  are  the  parents  of  eight  children,  all  of 
whom  are  living — Levi,  Sadie,  Cicero,  Noah,  John  II.,  Martha,  Hannah  F.  and  Samuel 
E.  Mr.  Rasor  received  his  education  in  the  common  schools  of  Clay  Township.  In 
politics,  Mr.  Rasor  is  a Democrat.  He  and  his  wife  have  been  members  of  the  Brethren 
in  Christ  Church  for  twenty-three  years. 

MICHAEL  N.  REED,  farmer,  P.  0.  Dodson,  was  born  in  Madison  Township, 
Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  December  18,  1829.  He  is  a son  of  Peter  Reed,  of  Madi- 
son Township,  deceased.  Peter  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  February  26.  1788.  The 
father  of  Peter,  Conrad  Reed,  was  a native  of  Germany;  he  emigrated  to  America  and 
settled  in  Pennsylvania  in  a very  early  day.  He  was  married  in  Pennsylvania.  He 
then  wended  his  way  westward,  and  settled  in  Clermont  County,  Ohio,  in  the  year 
1816.  He  was  the  father  of  ten  children;  only  one  is  supposed  to  be  living,  viz.: 
Elizabeth,  wife  of  Jacob  Bailey,  of  Illinois.  Peter,  the  father  of  Michael  N.,  emigrated 
to  Ohio,  and  settled  in  Madison  Township,  Montgomery  County,  in  the  year  1816. 
Peter  was  united  in  marriage,  March  28,  1S22,  to  Miss  Wilhelmina  Neipman,  a 
daughter  of  Engle  Neipman  ; he  was  born  in  Germany  in  1757  ; he  emigrated  to  Penn- 
sylvania in  the  year  1793;  he  died  in  Pennsylvania,  July  11.  1814.  Wilhelmina  was 
born  July  31,  1793.  By  the  marriage  of  Peter  and  Wilhelmina  there  were  born  to 
them  five  children,  viz.:  Abraham  (now  dead),  John,  of  Dayton,  Ohio ; Henry,  of 
Clay  Township  ; Michael  N.;  Benjamin,  who  lives  in  Missouri,  and  Peter,  of  Madison 
Township.  Peter  continued  to  live  in  Madison  Township  from  the  year  1816  until 
his  death,  May  11,  1874;  he  was  in  his  eighty-second  year  at  the  time  of  his  death. 
His  wife,  Wilhelmina,  died  November  18,  1875,  in  her  eighty-third  year.  Michael  N. 
made  his  home  with  his  parents,  most  of  the  time  engaged  in  farming,  until  his  mar- 
riage. He  was  united  in  marriage,  March  4,  1852,  to  Miss  Mary  Wagoner,  a daughter 
of  John  Wagoner,  of  Randolph  Township,  Montgomery  County ; she  was  born  May 
19,1828;  her  father  was  a native  of  Pennsylvania.  By  their  marriage  there  were 
born  to  them  two  children,  one  of  whom  is  now  living,  viz.:  Daniel  W.,  born  June  3, 
1853, a carpenter  by  trade.  He  was  united  in  marriage,  August  18,  1874.  to  Miss 
Emma  Somer,  a daughter  of  Joseph  Somer,  of  Clay  Township.  Emma  was  born  April 
15,  1858  ; they  had  one  child  born  them,  Melvin  S.,  born  February  21,  1877. 
Emma  died  August  27,  1879.  The  daughter  of  Michael  N.  and  Mary,  Emily  Frances, 
who  died  April  16,  1866,  was  born  August  9,  1856.  Mr.  R.  and  wife  are  members 
of  the  United  Brethren  Church,  at  Brookville.  Mr.  R.  settled  in  Clay  Township  Feb- 
ruary, 1870,  and  owns  a farm  of  forty-five  acres  of  good  land. 

WILLIAM  R.  SANFORD,  druggist,  Brookville,  was  born  in  LTnion  County, 
Ind.,  December  20,  1855.  William  R.  is  a son  of  Charles  C.  Sanford,  deceased. 
Charles  C.  was  born  on  Nantucket  Island,  Mass.,  in  the  year  1796,  and  was  a cooper 
by  trade ; in  1814,  he  went  on  the  sea  as  a sailor,  and  continued  to  follow  the  sea  until 
1836,  when  he  emigrated  to  Indiana,  and  settled  in  Union  County.  In  1843  or  1844, 
he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Minerva  P.  Howe,  of  Indiana.  By  this  union  there 
were  born  to  them  four  children,  three  of  whom  are  now  living,  viz.:  Ann  L.,  wife  of 
William  E.  Pentecost,  of  Union  County,  Ind.;  Lueretia,  wife  of  Joseph  H.  Pente- 
cost, of  Union  County,  Ind.;  and  William  R.  Their  son,  Albert,  died  in  1855, 


408 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES : 


Charles  C.  and  wife  died  in  Union  County,  Ind.;  in  1861,  William  R.  entered  a 
drug  store  as  a clerk  when  he  was  twenty-one  years  old,  in  Brighton,  111.,  and  from 
there  he  went  to  Fidelity,  111.,  and  clerked  there  for  sometime  in  a drug  store;  in 

1877,  he  came  to  Brookville,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  where  he  has  since  continued  to 
reside;  in  1878,  he  purchased  a drug  store,  and  has  continued  in  business  since.  He 
was  united  in  marriage,  September  25,  1878,  to  Miss  Lizzie  S.  Marshall,  a daughter  of 
William  B.  Marshall,  of  Clay  Township.  Mrs.  Sanford  was  born  in  1859.  Mr.  Sanford 
and  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  at  Brookville,  Ohio,  and  he  is 
one  of  the  leading  druggists  of  that  town. 

JOHN  SAYLER,  farmer,  P.  0.  Clayton,  Ohio,  was  born  in  Maryland,  June  18, 
1842,  was  brought  up  on  his  father’s  farm,  and  lived  at  home  with  his  parents  until 
October,  1862,  when  he  came  to  Ohio  and  located  in  Harrison  Township,  Montgomery 
County.  April  18,  1865,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Harriet  Wampler,  a 
daughter  of  Jesse  Wampler,  of  Harrison  Township;  she  was  born  June  15,1845. 
Jesse  Wampler  emigrated  from  Maryland  and  settled  in  Montgomery  County  in  1812. 
(The  Wampler  family  is  one  of  the  representative  families  of  the  county.)  In  1871, 
Mr.  Sayler  moved  to  Clay  Township,  and  in  the  spring  of  1872  purchased  the  H.  M. 
Turner  farm  of  160J  acres,  adjoining  the  town  of  Salem  on  the  west,  where  he  now 
resides.  There  have  been  born  to  them  five  children,  viz.:  Jessie,  born  September  6, 
1866;  Charles,  October  1,1867;  Lloyd,  February  20,1869;  Howard,  August  18, 

1878,  and  Milton,  March  28,  1878.  Mr.  Sayler  has  been  elected  a member  of  the 
School  Board  of  Clay  Township  for  two  terms.  Mrs.  Sayler  is  a member  of  the  Ger- 
man Baptist  Church.  She  was  baptized  in  the  church  by  Israel  Brower,  in  Harrison 
Township,  in  1866.  The  marriage  ceremony  of  John  and  Harriet  was  performed  by 
Peter  Nead,  of  the  German  Baptist  Church. 

LEWIS  R„  SMITH,  Justice  of  the  Peace  and  Notary  Public,  Brookville.  Peter 
Smith,  the  father  of  Lewis  R.,  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  was  by  occupation  a miller 
and  farmer,  and  was  united  in  marriage  with  Catharine  Rickard  about  the  year  1808,  and 
they  were  blessed  with  a family  of  seven  children,  viz.:  John,  Mary  (deceased),  Peter, 
Rebecca,  Lewis,  Henry  (deceased)  and  Samuel.  Mr.  Smith  was  a patriot  of  the  war 
of  1812.  In  1825,  he  emigrated  to  Ohio,  and  located  in  Stark  County,  and  continued 
in  the  occupation  of  tilling  the  soil  until  1833,  when  he  disposed  of  his  farm  to  advan- 
tage and  moved  to  Montgomery  County,  locating  in  Clay  Township,  near  the  present 
site  of  Phillipsburg,  where  he  purchased  a farm  containing  eighty-five  acres,  under  cul- 
tivation. In  1855,  he  disposed  of  his  farm  and  moved  into  Phillipsburg,  where  he 
remained  until  be  was  summoned  out  of  this  world,  in  1866.  His  wife  died  in  1865. 
Lewis,  the  subject  of  this  memoir,  was  born  October  25,  1827,  and  obtained  a very 
limited  education ; but,  being  of  an  inquisitive  nature,  by  profound  reading  he  gathered 
a mass  of  information.  By  occupation  he  was  a wagon-maker,  and  followed  various 
other  pursuits,  until  he  celebrated  his  marriage  with  Lydia  J.  Davis,  in  1857.  There 
was  born  to  bless  this  union  two  children,  viz.:  Silas  W.  and  Cassius  C.,  and  both  passed 
out  of  this  world  in  1861  with  the  measles,  which  had  settled  on  the  lungs,  and  their 
mother  followed  them  the  same  year,  leaving  our  subject  to  bear  his  grief  alone.  A few 
months  prior  to  the  death  of  his  wife  he  engaged  in  the  tinning  business,  in  which  he 
continued  until  the  breaking-out  of  the  rebellion.  He  answered  the  call  of  his  country 
for  volunteers  and  enlisted  as  a private,  August  15,  1861,  in  the  Eighteenth  United 
States  Infantry  for  three  years,  and,  at  the  expiration  of  this  term  of  service,  name'  home 
to  visit  his  friends.  He  re-enlisted  in  the  Fifteenth  Regiment  United  States  Veteran 
Volunteers,  of  Hancock’s  corps,  and  served  until  the  close  of  the  war.  In  1865,  he 
engaged  in  the  business  of  contracting  and  building,  in  which  he  continued  until  1875. 
During  this  period  he  married  his  second  wife,  Mrs.  Mary  Thomas,  the  widow  of  a 
fallen  comrade.  By  this  union  they  had  three  children,  of  whom  one  survives,  George 
V.  C.  As  an  evidence  of  the  esteem  in  which  he  was  held  in  the  community,  he  was 
elected  to  the  office  of  Justice  of  the  Peace,  and  has  discharged  the  responsibilities  of 
that  office  with  public  acceptance  and  credit  to  himself  for  a term  comprising  a period 
of  five  years.  He  has  held  many  other  positions  of  public  trust,  and  always  acquitted 


CLAY  TOWNSHIP. 


409 


himself  with  honor.  In  1880,  he  located  in  Brook ville,  where  he  now  resides,  and  was 
commissioned  to  enumerate  the  census  of  his  township. 

JAMBS  B.  S.  SMITH,  attorney  at  law,  Brookville,  was  born  in  Dauphin  County, 
Pennsylvania,  and  came  to  Ohio  in  1837.  He  married  Miss  Rogers  in  Dauphin  County, 
Pennsylvania,  some  few  years  prior  to  that  time.  They  were  the  parents  of  three  chil- 
dren— Wilson,  Elizabeth  and  James  R.  S.  The  subject  of  our  sketch  was  born  in  the 
then  county  of  Huntingdon,  Penn.,  now  Blair,  near  the  town  of  Hollidaysburg, 
August  16, 1824,  and  came  to  Ohio  with  his  father  in  1837,  coming  all  the  way  in  their 
own  conveyances,  against  the  protest  of  their  friends — the  journey  being  made  in  the 
winter.  On  September  12,  1854,  he  married  Miss  Harriet  McCarter,  of  this  county. 
They  were  the  parents  of  six  children,  four  of  whom  are  still  living — Minnie,  Nellie, 
Mary  and  William.  Mr.  Smith  received  a common  school  education  in  the  schools  of 
Clay  Township,  and  a collegiate  course  at  Farmers’  College,  College  Hill,  Cincinnati. 
He  read  law  with  Wood  & Nead,  of  Dayton.  He  enjoys  the  confidence  of  his  neigh- 
bors, and  has  a large  practice  in  this  neighborhood.  Mr.  Smith  in  politics  is  a Repub- 
lican, and  has  figured  largely  in  the  politics  of  this  section.  He  was  appointed  to  the 
office  of  Assistant  Revenue  Assessor  under  Abraham  Lincoln  in  1864,  removed  under 
Andrew  Johnson,  and  re-appointed  under  U.  S.  Grant  in  1869,  and  filled  that  office  rill 
it  was  abolished.  In  his  early  life,  he  followed  the  profession  of  school  teacher  for  many 
years.  In  the  spring  of  1856,  he  went  to  Kansas,  and  located  in  Lawrence,  in  the 
midst  of  the  political  storms  then  sweeping  over  that  Territory,  and  was  a prominent 
member  of  the  Free  State  party  in  that  part  of  the  State — was  recognized  as  a Radical 
among  them.  He  was  the  first,  Mayor  of  Brookville,  and  organized  the  village  govern- 
ment. 

NOAH  H.  STECK,  farmer,  P.  0.  West  Baltimore,  is  one  of  the  industrious  and 
enterprising  young  men  of  Clay  Township.  He  was  born  in  Jackson  Township,  Mont- 
gomery County,  Ohio,  February  21,  1858.  He  is  a son  of  John  A.  Steck,  a farmer 
in  Clay  Township.  John  A.  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany,  in  1821.  He  was  married 
while  in  Germany  to  Miss  Margaret  Burk,  in  the  year  1848.  In  the  year  1850,  John 
A.  and  family  emigrated  to  America  and  settled  in  Montgomery  County  the  same  year. 
By  this  union  there  were  born  to  them  eight  children,  all  of  whom  are  now  living. 
John  A.  has  lived  in  Montgomery  County  since  he  came  to  America,  excepting 
five  years  spent  in  Preble  County,  Ohio.  He  is  the  owner  of  a farm  in  Clay  Township, 
where  he  lives,  of  ninety-six  acres.  John  A.  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Lutheran 
Church,  in  Darke  County.  Noah  H.  started  in  life  as  a farmer  and  has  willingly  fol- 
lowed the  choice  of  his  youth  since. 

HENRY  STOUFFER,  farmer,  P.  0.  Clayton.  Frederick  Stouffer  was  born  in 
Lancaster  County,  Penn.,  August  24,  1814,  and  came  to  Ohio  in  1818,  with  his  father, 
John  Stouffer,  who  was  born  in  Lancaster  County,  Penn.,  and  settled  in  Clay  Town- 
ship. John  was  married  to  Isabel  Kelly,  a native  of  the  same  county  and  State. 
They  were  the  parents  of  six  children,  three  of  whom  still  survive — Henry,  Jane  and 
Frederick,  the  latter  of  whom  married  Miss  Mary  Jane  Weaver.  She  was  born  Octo- 
ber 14,  1815,  in  Augusta  County,  Va.;  they  were  the  parents  of  nine  children,  eight 
of  whom  are  still  living — Elizabeth,  Luther,  Samuel,  Sarah,  Prudence,  Leander,  John 
and  Henry  E.,  the  subject  of  our  sketch,  who  was  born  March  11,  1850,  in  this  county. 
He  was  married  November  28,  1878,  to  Miss  Amanda  A.  Beachler,  who  was  a daugh- 
ter of  George  Beachler,  who  was  born  December  11,  1822,  in  this  county,  and  married 
Susan  Booher,  November  2,  1848.  They  had  four  children,  two  of  whom  are  still 
living — Mamie  and  Amanda  A.,  who  was  born  April  13,  1850,  in  Dayton.  Henry 
and  Amanda  A.  Stouffer  have  one  child,  Tessie  B.,  who  was  born  November  14,  1880. 

SIMON  P.  STRADER,  farmer,  P.  O.  West  Baltimore,  was  born  in  Washington 
Township,  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  September  10,  1818.  His  father,  Sampson  P. 
Strader,  was  born  in  North  Carolina,  in  the  year  1796,  and  emigrated  to  Ohio  and  set- 
tled in  Montgomery  County  at  an  early  day.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Mary  E.  Benner, 
in  1817.  By  this  union  there  were  born  to  them  five  children,  four  of  whom  are  now 
living.  Sampson  Strader  died  in  1877,  in  his  eightv-first  year.  His  wife,  Mary,  died 


410 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES : 


in  1878.  Simon  remained  at  home  with  his  parents  on  the  farm  until  he  was  married. 

He  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Lydia  A.  Johnson,  a daughter  of  Zenas  Johnson, 
of  Alexandersville,  Ohio,  October  26,  1842.  The  marriage  ceremony  was  performed 
by  Rev.  David  Winters,  of  Dayton,  Ohio.  By  this  union  there  were  born  to  them 
eleven  children,  five  of  whom  are  now  living,  viz.  : Mary  A.,  born  October  8,  1843 
(now  the  wife  of  Dr.  J.  F.  Winst,  of  Alexandersville,  Ohio),  Jacob  F.,  October  21, 
1858;  Chester  J..  born  June  1,  1863;  Chauncey  S.,  born  February  23,  1865,  and 
Howard  V.,  born  July  1,  1869.  The  following  children  are  dead  : Simon  V.,  Charity 
M.,  Payton  D.,  Lydia  A.  and  Lawton  D.  Mr.  Strader  has  resided  in  Montgomery 
County  for  the  past  sixty-four  years,  excepting  two  years  when  he  lived  in  Darke 
County,  Ohio.  Mrs.  Strader  is  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  at  Carrolton, 
Montgomery  County.  Mr.  Strader  is  the  owner  of  a farm  of  sixty-three  acres,  in  Clay 
Township,  where  he  resides. 

MRS.  TAMAR  THOMAS,  farmer,  P.  0.  Center,  Ohio,  is  a pioneer,  and  was 
the  first  white  child  born  in  Union  Township,  Miami  Co.,  Ohio.  She  was  born  on  the 
9th  day  of  September,  1802,  and  is  the  daughter  of  Caleb  Mendenhall,  deceased.  Her 
parents  emigrated  to  Ohio  from  North  Carolina,  and  settled  in  Miami  County 
the  day  that  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born.  Tamar  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Isaac  Thomas  October  26,  1827,  and  moved  to  Clay  Township,  Montgomery  County, 
the  same  year.  In  1817,  Isaac  Thomas  emigrated  to  Montgomery  County,  Ohio, 
and  settled  in  Clay  Township.  In  1821,  he  entered  ninety-two  acres  of  land 
from  the  Government.  His  widow  now  resides  on  the  same.  This  marriage  was 
blessed  by  the  birth  of  eight  children,  five  of  whom  are  now  living,  viz.:  Permelia 

(now  the  wife  of  Isaac  Goodyear,  of  Miami  County,  Ohio),  Harriet  (now  the  wife  of 
H.  Jones, of  Darke  County),  Milo,  Caleb  (who  is  the  owner  of  a farm  adjoining  the  old, 
homestead  in  Clay  Township).  He  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Harriet  Coffman 
June  23,  1859.  She  was  born  October  16,  1837.  There  have  been  born  to  them  nine 
children,  six  of  whom  are  now  living,  viz.:  Adam  S.,  Rebecca  E.,  Ora  May.,  WardB., 

Tifhn  Aldis  and  Alta  Pearl.  Caleb  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Christian  Church  at 
Phillipsburg,  Caleb  is  a member  of  Lodge  No.  120,  F.  & A.  M.,  at  Marshall,  Henry  Co., 
Iowa.  Caleb  lived  seven  years  in  Iowa  engaged  in  running  a saw-mill.  Seth,  a deceased 
son,  was  a member  of  Company  IP,  Sixty-third  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry ; he  died  at 
Memphis,  Tenn.,  August  31,  1863,  in  his  twenty-eighth  year.  Susannah,  a daughter  of 
Mrs.  Thomas,  and  the  wife  of  Francis  M.  Ibaugh,  died  February  24,  1870.  Elam, 
deceased,  was  married  and  left  a wife  and  one  child,  Ida  Bell,  who  now  makes  her  home 
with  her  grandmother.  Irwin  T.  was  born  January  28,  1838  ; he  is  a twin  brother  to 
Susannah,  deceased.  He  was  married  November  7,  1858,  to  Miss  Sarah  Tibbs,  of 
Phillipsburg.  They  had  nine  children  born  them ; four  daughters  are  dead.  The 
following  are  now  living,  viz.:  Arnold  F.,  Francis  O.,  William  W.,  Cora  0.  and  Web- 

ster E.  Irwin  is  the  owner  of  a farm  of  eighty-five  acres  in  Clay  Township,  near  the 
“ old  homestead.”  Irwin  is  a member  of  Lodge  No.  594  Independent  Order  of  Odd 
Fellows,  at  Phillipsburg.  He  has  served  two  terms  as  Township  Trustee.  He  is  the 
President  of  the  Special  School  Board  of  Phillipsburg.  Isaac  Thomas  came  to  Clay 
Township  as  above  stated  in  1817,  and  lived  in  the  township  until  his  death  September 
17,  1880,  in  his  seventy-seventh  year.  He  lived  and  died  a member  of  the  “ Friends’ 
Church.  His  widow  is  a member  of  the  same  denomination.  She  is  now  in  her  seven- 
ty-ninth year,  a woman  of  clear  mind,  and  remarkably  active  for  one  of  her  age;  What 
wonderful  changes  has  she  been  permitted  to  witness  in  the  development  of  this  county. 

JOHN  J.  TURNEY,  farmer,  P.  0.  Voorhees,  is  a son  of  Joseph  Turney,  who 
was  a native  of  Westmoreland  County,  Penn.  He  was  united  in  marriage  with 
Margaret,  daughter  of  the  Rev.  W.  Webber,  about  1812  ; he  was  a descendant  of 
King  William  of  Holland  ; eleven  children  were  born  to  bless  this  union — Benjamin, 
Rachel,  John  J.,  Weaver  A.,  Joseph,  Margaret  and  Elizabeth  are  living  at  present.  j: 
They  emigrated  to  Ohio  in  1819,  and  endured  all  the  hardships  and  privations  incident 
to  a journey  over  the  mountains  in  wagons  ; when  they  arrived  in  Pittsburgh  they  ob- 
tained a passage  down  the  Ohio  River  in  a keel-boat  as  far  as  Portsmouth,  and  continued 


CLAY  TOWNSHIP. 


411 


their  journey  to  Franklin  County  in  wagons  and  located  in  Blenden  Township,  and 
commenced  clearing  off  the  timber  preparatory  to  making  a home.  The  subject  of  this 
sketch  was  born  April  10,  1821,  and  passed  through  the  usual  routine  of  life  incident 
to  pioneer  days,  attending  school  at  every  opportunity.  His  educational  advantages 
were  limited ; but,  being  of  an  inquisitive  nature  and  a constant  reader,  he  gathered  a 
mass  of  information.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  years,  the  desire  to  see  other  places 
and  to  find  a congenial  and  promising  opening  for  business,  induced  him  to  visit  various 
places,  engaging  in  such  employment  as  he  could  find.  One  journey  that  we  will 
mention  is  a trip  that  he  and  his  brother  made  down  the  river  from  Cincinnati  to  New 
Orleans  in  1839,  on  a flat-boat.  As  they  were  filled  with  no  desire  to  remain  in  that 
great  southern  metropolis,  they  journeyed  up  the  Arkansas  River  as  far  as  Little  Rock; 
not  finding  any  employment,  they  came  back  to  Pine  Bluff  and  accepted  a contract  of 
clearing  up  a piece  of  ground  containing  ten  acres,  covered  with  timber  and  a dense 
canebrake.  There  were  three  of  them,  and  John  J.,  our  subject,  was  to  cut  the  timber 
and  the  other  two  the  canebrake.  As  they  had  no  almanac  or  any  other  means  of 
telling  the  day,  they  continued  their  work  as  usual  Sunday  morning  ; our  subject  was 
not.  made  aware  of  the  fact  until  near  mid-day,  when  his  brother  gave  a terrible  yell, 
and  Mr.  Turney  made  all  possible  speed  to  where  they  were  working,  fearing  that  some 
accident  had  happened.  When  he  arrived  to  where  they  were,  they  asked  him  if  he 
knew  it  was  Sunday.  They  surrendered  their  contract  to  a couple  of  young  men,  after 
they  had  spent  about  four  weeks  time  on  it,  and  went  up  the  river  about  fifteen  miles 
and  rented  a small  farm  and  commenced  tilling  the  soil.  They  had  labored  hard  to  get 
their  seed  in  the  ground  in  season,  and  expected  to  reap  the  benefit  of  their  exertions 
in  the  fall.  Their  crops  had  obtained  a fair  start  when  a heavy  rain-storm  came  up 
and  laid  the  fruits  of  their  toil  under  a vast  area  of  water,  destroying  everything.  This 
discouraged  our  subject  so  much  that  he  concluded  to  seek  an  opening  elsewhere,  and  he 
purchased  a skiff  and  bid  his  brother  farewell,  and  started  down  the  river  ; the  next  day, 
he  overtook  an  Indian  chief  and  his  wife  who  were  wending  their  way  down  the  river, 
trading  at  the  villages  that  stand  upon  the  banks  of  the  Arkansas,  but  they  went  so 
slow  that  our  subject  soon  left  them  far  behind.  As  he  neared  the  mouth  of  the  river, 
the  current  slackened  considerably  from  the  fact  that  the  Mississippi  was  very  high  and 
backed  up  the  x4rkansas  for  several  miles,  and  this  obstructed  his  progress  ; he  disposed 
of  his  boat  and  continued  his  journey  on  foot  ; in  the  evening,  arrived  at  the  resi- 
dence of  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  that  neighborhood  and  applied  for  a night’s  lodg- 
ing and  was  at  first  refused,  but  they  finally  concluded  to  accommodate  him  for  the 
night.  They  put  him  up  in  the  loft  over  the  dining  room,  which  was  ascended  by  means 
of  a ladder.  He  passed  the  night  very  comfortably  and  continued  his  journey  in  the 
morning.  About  mid-day,  he  arrived  to  where  there  was  a low  place  in  the  road  where 
the  water  made  its  way  through  and  spread  back  over  the  country,  and  he  was  com- 
pelled to  make  a crossing  here  or  make  an  extensive  detour  of  twenty  miles.  But  he 
was  fully  determined  to  cross  here,  and  threw  his  bundle  and  coat  over  and  then  waded 
into  the  water  until  it  reached  his  neck.  He  arrived  in  Napoleon,  after  a journey 
of  four  days,  and  obtained  a deck  passage  on  a steamboat  to  Cincinnati,  and 
in  a short  time  he  arrived  at  home.  In  1842,  he  moved  with  his  father  to  Union 
County,  and  purchased  a farm  that  was  covered  with  timber,  and  iu  a short  time  had  a 
considerable  part  of  it  under  cultivation.  In  1843,  our  subject  engaged  at  his  trade  of 
tanning  at  Marysville,  Union  County,  Ohio,  remaining  but  a short  time,  and  went  to 
Fort  Wayne,  Iud.  ; thence  to  Warren,  where  he  associated  himself  with  Benjamin 
Rickhard,  and  carried  on  the  tanning  business  until  the  fall  of  1844,  when  he  disposed 
of  his  interest  and  returned  to  Fort  Wayne  and  worked  journey  work  until  July,  1845. 
He  visited  various  other  places  in  search  of  employment,  but  was  not  successful  until  he 
reached  Buffalo,  N.  Y.  He  remained  there  a few  months  and  came  to  Dayton,  stopping 
at  the  many  towns  on  the  road.  He  continued  working  at  his  trade  in  Dayton  during 
the  winter  of  1846-47,  and  then  went  to  Franklin,  Warren  County,  and  engaged  with  the 
firm  of  Evans  & Worley,  and  remained  in  their  service  for  eight  years,  and  was  ad- 
mitted as  one  of  the’firm,  Mr.  Worley  retiring.  Mr.  Evans  was  interested  in  the  firm 


412 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


of  Evans  & Meyers,  in  Shelby  County,  and  Mr.  Turney  purchased  the  interest  of  Mr. 
Meyers.  Mr.  Turney  celebrated  his  marriage  with  Eliza  J.  Ross  in  1848.  They 
were  the  parents  of  eight  children,  six  boys  and  two  girls — Jared,  Joseph,  Edward, 
George,  Gertrude  A.  and  Clifford  were  living  at  the  time  of  this  writing.  Mr. 
Turney  continued  in  the  tanning  business  until  1869,  when  he  sold  out  and  engaged 
in  the  manufacturing  of  harness  and  collars,  and  dealing  in  leather  until  1876,  when  he 
concluded  to  retire  from  active  business  life  to  the  farm,  and  purchased  the  land  where 
he  now  resides.  Mr.  Turney  has  been  identified  with  the  township  offices  and  has 
taken  an  active  interest  in  promoting  Democratic  principles.  In  1879,  the  death  mes- 
senger visited  the  residence  of  Mr.  Turney,  and  carried  off  his  wife  from  earth  to  the  spirit 
land.  She  was  an  estimable  lady  and  took  great  care  in  raising  her  children  up  in  the 
fear  of  the  Lord.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Turney  were  both  worthy  and  consistent  members  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church. 

EASON  B.  WILLIAMSON,  farmer,  P.  0.  Center,  Ohio,  is  a native  of  Clay 
Township,  Montgome^  County,  Ohio.  He  is  a son  of  Joseph  Williamson,  a pioneer 
of  Clay  Township.  Joseph  was  born  in  Hampshire  County,  Penn.,  January  22,  1797. 
His  parents  emigrated  to  Ohio  in  1803.  They  came  first  to  Cincinnati,  Hamilton  Co., 
Ohio,  and  from  there  they  moved  to  Warren  County,  Ohio.  They  moved  to  Clay  Town- 
ship, Montgomery  County,  in  about  1818.  John  Williamson,  the  grandfather  of  Eason, 
when  he  settled  in  Clay  Township  in  1818,  entered  from  the  United  States  two  quarter 
sections  of  land,  where  he  lived  until  his  death  in  January,  1855,  he  was  ninety  years 
old  at  the  time  of  his  death.  He  was  a soldier  in  the  Revolutionary  war.  Joseph 
Williamson,  the  father  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  united  in  marriage  December 
29,  1819,  to  Miss  Sarah  Bower.  She  was  born  in  Muhlenburg  County,  Ky.,  September 
13,  1802.  She  is  a daughter  of  John  Bower,  who  was  born  in  Lebanon  County,  Penn., 
in  1763,  and  emigrated  to  Kentucky,  and  in  the  year  1812  moved  with  his  family  to 
Clay  Township,  Montgomery  County.  As  a result  of  this  marriage,  there  have  been 
born  to  Joseph  and  Sarah  ten  children,  nine  of  whom  are  now  living — John  B.,  born 
October  16,  1821  (now  living  in  Darke  County,  Ohio),  Elisha  A.  born  October  16, 

1823  (now  of  Illinois),  Delilah,  born  June  29,  1825  (now  the  widow  of  Henry 

Pearson,  of  Kansas),  Garrette,  born  August  22,  1827  (now  living  in  West  Balti- 
more, Preble  Co..  Ohio),  Nancy,  born  March  10,  1830  (now  the  wife  of  Benjamin 
Culver,  of  Illinois),  Emeline,  born  June  25,  1835  (the  wife  of  Josiah  Falkner,  of 
Clay  Township),  Civilla,  born  May  12,  1839  (now  the  wife  of  William  Devenport,  of 
Phillipsburg).  Eason  B.  was  born  June  14,  1843,  and  Sarah  April  24,  1845 
(the  widow  of  Lewis  Warner,  of  Clay  Township).  Joseph  is  still  living  in  his 
eighty-fifth  year,  and  his  wife  Sarah  in  her  seventy-ninth  year.  They  have 
lived  together  as  man  and  wife  for  the  last  sixty-two  years.  What  wonderful 
changes  have  taken  place  in  the  development  of  Clay  Township  and  Montgomery 
County  since  they  settled  in  Clay  Township.  They  belong  to  a generation  that 
has  passed  away.  Joseph  owns  seventy-nine  and  a half  acres  of  one  of  the  quarter 
sections  entered  by  his  father  in  1 818,  where  he  now  lives.  His  son  Eason  lives 

on  the  old  home  place,  taking  care  of  his  venerable  father  and  mother.  Eason 

was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Isabel  Leedy,  daughter  of  Jacob  Leedy,  of  Darke 
County,  Ohio,  February  21,  1867.  As  a result  of  this  union,  there  have  been  born  to 
them  three  children  now  living — -Emma  A.,  born  December  27,  1867  ; Alma  C.,  born 
January  15,  1869,  and  Sarab  G.,  born  July  19,  1871.  Eason,  as  has  been  stated, 
lives  on  the  old  home  place  caring  for  his  father  and  mother.  He  is  the  owner  of  a 
small  farm  adjoining  the  old  homestead. 

SAMUEL  WAGOMAN,  farmer,  P.  O.  Brookville.  Joel  Wagoman  was  born  in 
Somerset  Couuty,  Penn.,  in  1792.  He  came  to  Ohio  in  1805,  and  settled  in  Mont- 
gomery County,  and  married  Rachel  Jacobs  about  the  year  1821  ; settled  on  the  farm 
now  owned  by  his  son  Samuel  in  1822,  on  which  he  continued  to  live  until  his  death  in 
1831.  He  was  the  father  of  four  children,  three  of  whom  still  survive — Anna,  Catha- 
rine and  Samuel.  The  subject  of  our  sketch,  who  was  born  May  22,  1822,  was  mar- 
ried to  Sarah  Ann  Slayback  November  30,  1853,  and  were  the  parents  of  ten  children, 


MIAMI  TOWNSHIP. 


413 


seven  of  whom  are  now  living — Bline,  Henry,  Anna,  Louisa,  Virginia,  Ollie  and  Lizza. 
On  the  4th  of  October,  1880,  death  came  and  took  from  them  their  youngest  son,  Am- 
brose, who  was  at  the  time  of  his  death  eight  years  eight  months  and  twenty-nine  days 
old,  having  been  born  January  5,  1872.  His  death  was  a severe  blow  to  his  aged 
parents,  he  being  the  child  of  their  old  age,  and  his  little  grave  will  be  often  moistened 
with  tears  until  they  meet  in  the  bright  hereafter.  Mr.  Wagoman  was  educated  in  the 
common  schools  of  Clay  Township,  then  being  supported  by  subscription,  and  which 
were  of  the  most  primitive  kind. 

DAVID  WORM  AN,  farmer,  P.  0.  Center.  David  VVorman,  Sr.,  was  born  in 
Frederick  County,  Md.,  in  1775.  He  married  Mrs.  Mary  Slong,  a daughter  of  Mr. 
Boyer,  about  the  year  1804,  and  settled  in  VanBuren  Township  in  1805.  The  farm 
on  which  they  located  is  about  two  miles  south  of  the  corporation  line  of  Dayton. 
They  were  the  parents  of  six  children,  two  sons  and  four  daughters,  four  of  whom  are 
still  living — Solomon,  Mary,  Lida  and  David.  The  subject  of  this  memoir  was  born 
March  5,  1818,  in  Dayton  Township  (now  Van  Buren).  He  married  Miss  Susan 
Kemp,  May  16,  1844.  She  was  born  October  20,  1827,  in  Butler  County,  Ohio,  and 
was  a daughter  of  John  Kemp,  who  was  born  in  Berks  County,  Penn.,  in  1779,  and 
one  of  the  first  to  settle  in  Butler  County.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Worman  are  the  parents  of 
eight  children,  seven  of  whom  still  survive — Alwilda,  Mary,  Elizabeth,  Lenia,  Rebecca, 
John,  David  and  Hamilton.  Mr.  Worman  was  educated  in  the  common  schools  of  the 
early  day.  In  politics,  Mr.  Worman  is  a Republican. 


MIAMI  TOWNSHIP. 

GEORGE  C.  B ARC  ALOW,  farmer,  P.  0.  Carlisle  Station,  Warren  County,  son  of 
John  and  Nancy  (Coon)  Barcalow,  was  born  in  Madison  Township,  Butler  County,  Ohio, 
August  3,  1841.  His  grandfather,  James  B.  Barcalow,  settled  in  Butler  County  about 
1800,  where  our  subject’s  father  was  born,  and  his  maternal  grandparents  settled  in  W arren 
County,  Ohio,  in  1795,  where  his  mother  was  born.  Of  John  and  Nancy  Barcalow’s 
nine  children,  six  are  living,  viz.:  John  C.,  Dirrick,  Matilda,  George  C.,  Martha  and 
William  E.  Our  subject  spent  his  boyhood  days  upon  the  farm,  and  when  sixteen 
years  old  entered  a select  school,  where  he  studied  two  years,  subsequently  spending 
one  year  at  the  Normal  School  of  Lebanon,  Ohio,  which  completed  his  education.  He 
moved  to  Hull’s  Prairie,  Wood  County,  Ohio,  and  engaged  in  the  grain  trade  one  year. 
Here  he  was  married  March  4,  1862,  to  Miss  Olive  Jones,  daughter  of  A.  and  Sophia  Jones, 
of  Sandusky  City,  a native  of  Steuben  County,  N.  Y.  Her  parents  came  to  Ohio  in 
1851,  and  located  on  a farm  east  of  Sandusky,  thence  removed  to  Put-in  Bay  Island, 
where  her  father  superintended  the  clearing  of  said  island ; thence  to  Sandusky  City, 
from  where  he  removed  to  Chicago,  111.;  subsequently  to  Marengo,  in  the  same  State, 
from  whence  he  went  to  Emporia,  Kan.,  where  he  is  engaged  in  cattle  dealing,  having 
a ranch  of  900  acres.  In  April,  1862,  Mr.  Barcalow  purchased  his  present  farm,  upon 
which  he  moved  the  same  year,  and  which  has  since  been  his  home,  excepting  a few 
months’  residence  in  Chicago.  They  ai-e  the  parents  of  two  children,  Minnie  A.  and 
Efifie  May,  and  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  at  Carlisle  Station,  in  which 
Mr.  Barcalow  has  been  Superintendent  of  the  Sabbath  school  four  years.  When  first 
settling  on  their  farm  they  lived  in  the  log  cabin  which  had  been  built  fifty  years  pre- 
viously by  Andrew  Baird,  but  Mr.  Barcalow,  with  his  well-known  energy,  has  erected 
other  buildings  and  improved  the  farm  generally,  which  now  surrounds  his  happy  home. 

REV.  W.  A.  BOWMAN,  Lutheran  minister,  Carrollton,  was  born  on  the  29th 
of  September,  1840,  one  mile  south  of  New  Reading,  Perry  Co.,  Ohio.  His  parents,  George 
and  Elizabeth  Bowman,  were  devoted  members  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church. 
The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  baptized  on  the  30th  of  November,  1840,  and  in  his  youth 
enjoyed  a common  school  education,  extending  from  the  year  1846  to  1856,  the-first 


414 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


two  years  in  Bremen,  Fairfield  Co.,  Ohio,  and  the  remainder  in  Hopewell  Township, 
Perry  Co.,  Ohio.  During  the  years  1857-58,  he  attended  three  sessions  at  the  Somer- 
set Institute,  Perry  County,  Ohio,  under  charge  of  C.  Nourse,  and  from  April  to  Sep- 
tember, 1859,  was  engaged  as  teacher  in  District  No.  1,  Hopewell  Township,  Perry 
Co.,  Ohio.  In  the  meantime  his  spiritual  wants  aud  desires  were  not  neglected  ; at 
the  age  of  sixteen,  he  was  received  into  full  communion  with  the  Evangelical  Lutheran 
Church.  Having  an  earnest  desire  to  serve  the  Lord  in  the  Hospel  ministry,  he  entered 
upon  a regular  course  of  instruction  at  Capitoi  University,  Columbus  Ohio,  begin- 
ning on  his  birthday,  in  the  year  1859,  and  closing  in  the  summer  of  1865.  His  ad- 
vancement in  the  studies  of  the  several  departments  was  in  keeping  with  the  other 
members  of  the  class,  excelling  in  mathematics,  and  excelled  by  but  few  in  languages. 
At  the  commencement,  in  the  year  1861,  he  opened  the  exercises  by  an  address  on 
the  “ Present  Rebellion.”  At  his  college  graduation  in  1863,  he  delivered  the  valedic- 
tory, subject,  “ Value  of  Time,”  and  at  his  graduation  in  the  seminary,  he  delivered  the 
English  valedictory,  subject,  “The  Study  of  Theology.”  His  ordination  to  the  ministry 
took  place  at  G-ermantown,  Ohio,  on  the  23d  of  August,  1865,  and  he  was  installed 
by  Rev.  C.  Albrecht,  as  pastor  of  Zion  Church,  Miami  Township,  Montgomery  Co., 
Ohio,  on  the  1st  of  October,  the  same  year.  In  addition  to  Zion  Church,  he  has  beeu 
serving  other  congregations.  His  present  charge  is  known  as  the  West  Carrollton 
charge,  embracing  four  congregations,  all  in  Miami  Township,  Montgomery  Co., 
Ohio.  The  charge  is  in  connection  with  the  English  District  Synod  of  the  Joint 
Synod  of  Ohio.  He  has  been  laboring  faithfully  and  unceasingly  in  this  his  first 
charge,  during  the  past  sixteen  years.  On  the  28th  of  September,  1865,  he  was 
married  to  Amelia  Ernestine  Coutellies,  who  was  born  on  the  5th  of  April,  1841,  in 
Paris,  France,  and  came  to  America  in  the  year  1848  ; during  her  sojourn  in  Spring 
field,  111.,  formed  the  acquaintance  with  a citizen  who  subsequently  became  the  martyr 
President.  Her  father  and  brother,  machinists,  accompanied  the  train  bearing  the  mor- 
tal remains  of  Lincoln  from  Columbus,  Ohio,  to  Springfield,  111.  Three  children  were 
born  to  Rev.  Bowman — Alfaretta  E.,  in  1867,  Amelia,  in  1873,  and  Emma  L.,  in 
1877.  The  second  child  departed  this  life  in  the  year  1877.  Three  languages  are 
spoken  in  the  family — Herman,  English  and  French. 

M.  S.  BLOSSOM  was  born  in  Monmouth,  Kennebec  Co.,  Me.,  in  1804.  The 
family  is  of  English  extraction,  three  brothers  of  which  settled  in  Barnstable,  on  Cape 
Cod,  Mass.  Mr.  Blossom’s  grandfather,  Josiah  Blossom,  was  a seafaring  man,  com- 
manding a whaler,  and  was  a Captain  in  the  continental  army,  in  the  war  of  1776,  sus- 
taining wounds  at  the  battle  of  Brandywine  that  disfigured  him  for  life.  In  1817, 
Mr.  Blossom  came  with  his  parents  to  Ohio.  The  family  traveled  overland  with  teams 
until  they  reached  the  Monongahela,  where  they  bought  a flatboat  and  continued  the 
journey  by  water.  On  the  way,  Mr.  Blossom,  then  but  thirteen  years  old,  contracted 
small-pox.  The  boat  was  stopped,  and  the  whole  family  vaccinated.  Fifteen  miles  be- 
low Wheeling,  at  “ Dille’s  Bottom,”  Mr.  Blossom  and  his  father,  Ansel  Blossom,  disem- 
barked, rented  a cabin  in  the  mountains,  and  remained  six  weeks,  while  the  boat  con- 
tinued down  the  stream.  Alone  in  the  mountains,  with  this  terrible  malady,  the 
faithful  father  watched,  and  prayed,  and  ministered  to  his  son.  Only  once  was  he 
visited  by  a physician,  Dr.  Stanton,  who  rode  twelve  miles  through  the  snow,  and  found 
the  patient  doing  well.  Father  and  son  joined  the  family  at  Point  Pleasant,  where  they 
remained  one  winter  and  then  proceeded  to  Franklin,  Warren  County,  where  Mr.  Blossom’s 
father  taught  school,  numbering  with  the  subject  of  this  article,  as  pupils,  such  prom- 
inent names  as  Robert  Schenck,  James  Schenck,  Lewis  Campbell,  and  others.  Mr. 
Blossom  located  in  Miamisburg  in  1827.  There  were  then  but  two  brick  houses  in  the 
place,  while  many  were  built  of  logs  in  the  primitive  fashion  of  the  day.  At  that 
time,  the  citizens  of  Miamisburg  went  to  Centerville  to  vote,  this  being  a part  of  Wash- 
ington Township,  and  there  were  no  railroads  nor  canals  here.  He  engaged  in  the  sad- 
dle and  harness  making  business,  occupying  a room  jointly  with  a tailor  and  a shoe- 
maker. He  served  one  term  as  Mayor  of  the  town,  and  was  for  many  years  a member 
of  the  Board  of  Education.  Born  of  a blood  that  throbbed  with  the  boom  of  the  sea, 


MIAMI  TOWNSHIP. 


415 


that  flowed  on  Brandywine,  toiling  o’er  the  rocky  soil,  and  inured  to  hardships  along 
the  rugged  coast  of  Maine,  the  life  of  M.  S.  Blossom,  with  many  dauntless  spirits,  is 
scarred  into  and  inseparably  linked  forever  with  the  . early  history  of  Ohio.  It  is  fit- 
ting, therefore,  ere  the  mist  of  years,  like  the  sod,  shall  hide,  that  these  names  and  lives 
be  gathered  here. 

ANTHONY  BROWN,  farmer,  P.  0.  Miamisburg,  was  born  in  Schuylkill 
County,  Penn.,  June  13,  1820.  His  parents  were  George  and  Elizabeth  Brown,  both 
natives  of  Pennsylvania,  who  emigrated  to  Ohio  in  1822,  settling  in  Greene  County, 
where  they  resided  till  their  decease.  Our  subject  was  educated  in  the  common  schools 
of  that  early  period,  but  his  principal  education  was  got  with  the  ax  and  grubbing  hoe 
used  in  the  clearing  of  the  land  for  agricultural  purposes.  He  married  Miss  Rebecca 
Lindenwood,  daughter  of  John  and  Rosanna  Lindenwood,  who  were  natives  of  Virginia, 
in  1842,  November  8.  They  resided  in  Greene  County  six  years,  when  they  removed 
to  Montgomery  County  in  1848,  where  they  have  since  resided.  Their  family  consists 
of  six  children  as  follows,  viz.:  Rosanna  E.,  born  November  21,  1843;  Rebecca  A., 
April  26,  1845  ; Lydia  A.,  November  13,  1847,  died  September  13,  1849;  William, 
October  10,  1849  ; Leah  P.,  born  January  11,  1856;  John  A.,  June  13,  1858.  Mr. 
Brown  has  a fine  farm  of  124  acres,  finely  located  and  well  improved,  two  and  one- 
quarter  miles  east  of  Miamisburg,  on  the  Centerville  Pike.  Mr.  Brown  and  wife  are 
both  members  of  the  Reformed  Church  of  Miamisburg. 

GEORGE  W.  BYERS,  farmer,  P.  0.  Carlisle  Station,  Warren  Co.,  was  born 
December  23,  1832,  on  the  old  homestead  farm,  which  lies  three  miles  southeast  of 
Miamisburg,  Ohio.  His  father,  Robert  Byers,  was  a native  of  Ireland,  near  Belfast, 
and  emigrated  to  America  with  his  parents,  locating  in  Pittsburgh,  Penn.  Here  he 
became  acquainted  with  Nancy  Laughlin,  a native  of  Belfast,  Ireland,  to  whom  he 
was  married.  The  year  prior  to  his  marriage  he  made  a trip  to  Ohio,  and  purchased  the 
farm  now  owned  by  Nancy  Byers,  widow,  and  began  the  erection  of  a cabin,  when  he 
went  back  to  Pittsburgh,  was  married,  and  with  his  young  wife  returned  to  Ohio,  finished 
his  house,  and  began  clearing  his  land.  They  were  the  parents  of  seven  children,  of 
whom  James  L.,  Robert,  Agnes  J.  and  George  W.  are  now  living,  and  Alexander  L., 
William  J.  and  David  B.  are  deceased.  As  the  children  grew  to  maturity,  they  began 
life’s  battles  for  themselves.  Robert  is  now  a miller  in  Olney,  111.;  James  S.,  a broker 
in  Leavenworth,  Kan.;  Agnes,  now  Mrs.  David  Marques,  resides  at  Olatha,  Kan.; 
George  W.  received  his  education  in  the  district  school,  with  the  exception  of  one  year 
he  attended  the  academy  at  Monroe,  Butler  Co.,  Ohio.  His  occupation  so  far  has  been 
that  of  a farmer,  at  which  he  expects  to  continue.  He  was  married  October  27,  1857, 
to  Miss  Mary  Ann  Johnson,  daughter  of  Jacob  and  Catherine  (Montfort)  Johnson. 
She  was  born  August  17,  1837,  in  Butler  County,  Ohio.  Her  father  was  a native  of 
Kentucky,  and  her  mother  of  Warren  County,  Ohio.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  George  Byers  have 
three  children  living,  viz.:  Henry  L.,  William  M.  and  Irene;  and  three  dead,  viz.,  Net- 
tie May,  Adda  L.  and  Annie  Belle.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Byers  are  members  of  the  Presby- 
terian Church  at  Carlisle  Station  ; Mr.  B.  has  been  one  of  the  Trustees  of  said  church 
some  nine  years.  They  moved  to  their  present  home  (which  is  in  the  southwestern  part 
of  Miami  Township,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio),  in  1868,  where  they  own  a well-improved 
farm  of  118  acres  of  excellent  land,  and  a pleasant  home.  David  B.  Byers,  who  died 
December  16,  1879,  was  born  June  26,  1835.  Was  married  October  17,  1866,  to 
Mary  E.  Osborn,  daughter  of  David  and  Eliza  E.  (Love)  Osborn,  who  was  born  in 
Dayton  December  28,  1839,  where  her  father  was  a wholesale  merchant  for  several 
years.  Mrs.  Byers  had  six  children  by  this  union,  viz.,  Harriet,  Nancy  L.,  Erwin  0., 
Ida  R.,  Ella  E.  and  Walter  B. 

NELSON  CLARK  (deceased)  was  born  in  New  York  State  in  the  year  1801, 
and  died  at  Miamisburg,  Ohio,  August  8,  1859.  His  father,  with  our  subject  when  a 
child,  removed  to  Indiana,  settling  on  White  River,  where  Nelson’s  boyhood  days  were 
spent,  and  there  he  learned  the  art  of  basket-making  from  his  Indian  playmates. 
About  the  age  of  twenty-one,  he  came  to  Lebanon,  Warren  County,  Ohio,  and  learned 
the  trade  of  a gunsmith,  the  entire  weapon  being  then  made  out  of  rough  iron  and 


416 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


steel  by  the  gunmaker.  In  1825,  Mr.  Clark  located  in  Miamisburg,  built  the  brick 
house  at  the  head  of  Main  street,  where  he  resided  and  manufactured  guns.  He 
made  the  N.  Clark  rifle,  an  arm  well  and  familiarly  known  throughout  the  West. 
He  was  a natural  botanist,  a practical  chemist,  an  inventor,  a musician,  and  a fair  Ger- 
mau  scholar.  In  those  early  days,  he  had  access  to  few  books,  but  like  Curran,  “ he 
read  them  well.”  In  November,  1828,  he  married  Sarah,  daughter  of  Joseph  Tapscott, 
the  founder  of  the  Jersey  Settlement.  Mrs.  Clark  had  born  to  her  two  daughters — 
Anna  S.,  the  wife  of  Col.  M.  P.  Nolan,  of  Dayton,  and  Elizabeth,  who  married  the  late 
John  E.  Kinder,  of  Miamisburg.  Mrs.  Clark  died  May  13,  1841,  and  her  husband 
was  again  married,  of  which  union  five  children  survive. 

SYLVANUS  E.  DERR,  farmer,  P.  O.  Alexanders ville.  was  born  in  Frederick 
County,  Md.,  June  18,  1842,  and  is  the  son  of  Jacob  and  Sophia  (Gladhill)  Derr,  natives 
of  Maryland,  where  his  mother  died  April  15,  1860,  and  where  his  father  now  resides. 
Our  subject  is  the  eldest  of  eleven  children — Sylvanus  E.,  Mary,  Ann  M.  (deceased), 
Ann  R.  J.,  Maria  E.,  Sophia  C.,  Jacob  D.,  Sarah  M.,  Amanda  M.,  Cyrus  E.,  James 
M.  and  Martha  E.,  who  are  scattered  in  different  States  of  the  Union.  Sylvanus  E. 
grew  up  in  his  native  county  attending  the  schools  of  the  neighborhood,  and,  August 
13,  1862,  enlisted  in  the  Seventh  Maryland  Volunteer  Infantry,  serving  until  the  end  of 
the  war.  He  participated  in  the  following  battles : Haymarket  Virginia,  Wilderness, 

including  the  fights  at  Laurel  Hill  and  Po  River,  Spottsylvania,  Todd’s  Tavern,  Spott- 
sylvania  Court  House,  Harris  Farm,  North  Anna,  including  the  fights  at  Jericho  Mills, 
and  North  Anna  River,  Tolopotomy  Creek,  Bethseda  Church,  including  the  fights  at 
Magnolia  Swamp  and  Bethesda  Church,  Cold  Harbor,  Petersburg,  including  the  fights  j 
at  Norfolk  Railroad,  Jerusalem  Plank  Road,  Petersburg,  Weldon  Railroad,  Peebles’ 
farm,  Chappel  House,  Hatcher’s  Run,  Warren’s  raid  on  the  Weldon  Railroad,  and  the 
battle  of  Five  Forks,  ending  with  Lee’s  surrender  at  Appomattox,  which  he  witnessed. 
After  the  war  ended,  he  was  mustered  out  at  Washington,  being  present  at  the  grand  ' 
review,  and  was  discharged  at  Baltimore,  Md.,  May  9,  1865.  He  was  married,  Feb- 
ruary  11,  1866,  to  Amanda  E.  Summers,  a native  of  Frederick  County,  Md.,  and 
daughter  of  Abraham  and  Catherine  Summers  of  the  same  State,  where  her  mother  yet  | 
resides,  her  father  dying  many  years  ago.  Of  this  union  six  children  have  been  born — 
Jacob  D.  (deceased),  Charles  E.,  Laura  V.,  Catherine  A.  M.  (deceased),  John  L.  and  ' 
Ida  F.  In  April,  1878,  Mr.  Derr  came  from  Maryland  to  Ohio,  and  located  in  Miami 1 
Township,  where  he  now  resides.  In  politics,  a Republican;  he  adheres  to  the  new  ; 
School  Lutheran  Church,  and  his  wife  to  the  Reformed  denomination.  Mr.  Derr,  j 
although  a new-comer  to  Ohio,  feels  a deep  interest  in  the  progress  and  development  of 
his  adopted  county  and  State. 

JOSEPH  H.  DRYDEN,  Jr.,  farmer,  P.  0.  Alexandersville,  was  born  in  Van 
Buren  Township,  Montgomery  County,  February  3,  1837.  His  parents  were  Joseph  II.  j 
and  Nancy  L.  Dryden.  Our  subject  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  the  county, 
and  in  1856  took  charge  of  his  father’s  distillery,  and  continued  in  the  business  until' 
abandonment  of  the  business  in  1863,  since  which  time  he  has  been  engaged  in  farming. 
He  married,  April  7,  1859,  Miss  Harriet  A.  Miller,  daughter  of  John  and  Elizabeth 
Miller,  both  natives  of  Pennsylvania.  Their  family  consists  of  seven  children,  viz.: 
Nancy  Elizabeth,  born  August  14,  I860,  married  December  16,  1880,  died  January 
24,  1881  ; Harriet  A.,  April  17,  1862;  Eveline  J.,  May  16,  1864;  Francis  0.,  June 
11,  1868  ; Willie,  May  2,  1870,  died  May  18, 1870  ; Joseph  M.,  September  20, 1871 ; 
Emma  J.,  October  8,  1874.  Mr.  Dryden  was  drafted  in  the  army  in  the  fall  of  1862 
but  was  discharged  at  Camp  Dennison  October  13,  1862.  He  enlisted  in  Company  A, 
Twelfth  Regiment,  Ohio  National  Guard,  as  a private,  in  July,  1863;  was  appointed 
Sergeant  and  was  elected  Captain  September,  1865,  and  was  discharged  May  1,  1866, 
from  the  military  service  of  the  State  of  Ohio.  They  were  called  out  in  the  one  hun- 
dred days’  service,  and  went  to  Fort  McHenry,  near  Baltimore,  serving  about  twoj 
weeks  over  their  time. 

JOHN  T.  DRYDEN,  farmer,  P.  O.  Alexandersville,  born  in  Miami  Township, 
Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  May  28,  1849.  His  parents  were  Joseph  II.  and  Nancy1 


MIAMI  TOWNSHIP. 


417 


L.  Dryden.  He  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  the  county  and  the  Miami  Com- 
mercial College  of  Dayton,  Ohio.  He  married  Miss  Charlotte  E.  Shuder,  daughter  of 
Daniel  and  Susan  Shuder,  October  3,  1872.  Their  family  consists  of  four  children,  as 
follows:  Susan  C.,  born  July  4,  1873;  Joseph  W.,  August  21,  1875,  died  De- 
cember 21,  1873;  Nancy  V.,  born  June  9,  1878;  John  L.,  January  2,  1881.  Mr. 
Dryden  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Zion  Reformed  Church,  in  Miami  Township. 

JOHN  EAGLE,  farmer,  P.  0.  Alexandersville,  was  born  in  Miami  Township, 
Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  December  15,  1815.  His  parents  were  Henry  and  Sarah 
Eagle,  both  natives  of  the  State  of  Virginia,  and  emigrated  to  this  county  at  a very 
early  date  in  the  settlement  of  this  part  of  the  country.  Our  subject  received  a limited 
education  in  the  common  schools  of  the  township,  his  time  being  principally  engaged 
in  assisting  his  father  in  clearing  up  the  land  for  farming  on  which  he  now  resides.  In 
the  year  1839,  in  October,  he  married  Miss  Elizabeth  Ulrich,  daughter  of  Christian 
and  Mary  Ulrich,  both  natives  of  Pennsylvania.  Their  family  consists  of  ten  children; 
only  five  of  whom  are  living,  viz.:  Mary,  born  February  5,  1840  ; Jacob,  April  25, 
1841,  died  February  20, 1842  ; Ephraim  B.,  born  August  30, 1842  ; Henry  W.,  Novem- 
ber 1,  1844,  died  July  9,  1861  ; Alfred  C.,  born  October  12,  1846 ; John  B.,  December 
27,  1848,  died  May  2,  1849;  Louisa,  born  June  17,  1850,  died  May  9,  1861  ; Sarah 
A.,  born  June  23,  1855,  died  May  22.  1861;  John  F.,  born  November  9,  1859; 
Amanda,  September  10,  1862,  died  June  14,  1881.  Mr.  Eagle  and  wife  are  members 
of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church,  known  as  St.  John’s  Church,  of  Miami  Town- 
ship. They  have  a fine  farm  of  219J  acres,  in  a' good  state  of  cultivation,  and  are  well 
situated  to  enjoy  the  fruits  of  their  labor  the  remainder  of  their  lives. 

ELIAS  GEBHART,  farmer,  P.  O.  Miamisburg,  was  born  in  Miami  Township, 
Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  August  9,  1817.  His  father,  John  Gebhart,  and  his  mother, 
Christina  Gebhart,  were  natives  of  Berks  Co.,  Penn.,  where  they  grew  to  manhood  and 
womanhood,  and  where  they  were  married.  In  1805,  they  moved  to  Montgomery  County, 
Ohio,  and  settled  on  a farm  about  two  miles  southeast  of  Miamisburg.  Mr.  John  Geb- 
hart was  a carpenter  by  trade,  but  devoted  his  time  exclusively  to  farming  after  his  arrival 
in  Ohio.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  G.  were  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  and  among  the  orig- 
inators of  the  first  organization  of  said  denomination  in  their  neighborhood.  He  died  May 
31,  1842,  and  she  August  25,  1870.  They  were  true  followers  of  Christ,  and  were 
much  respected  by  all  who  knew  them.  Of  their  nine  children,  but  two  survive — 
Jonathan  and  Elias.  Elias  learned  the  cooper  trade,  at  which  he  worked  until  his 
marriage,  and  since  then  has  followed  farming.  He  was  married  March  22,  1840,  to 
Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Christina  (Hubler)  Gebhart,  who  was  born  in  Preble 
County,  Ohio,  June  20,  1822.  Her  mother  died  in  1850.  The  father  is  still  living 
at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-four  years.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  G.  have  followed  the  teachings 
of  their  parents,  and  have  been  consistent  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church  since  1835, 
Mr.  Gebhart  serving  officially  in  the  church  quite  a number  of  years,  filling  the  office 
of  Deacon  and  Elder.  Mr.  G.  financially  is  in  very  easy  circumstances,  having  started 
a poor  boy.  He  now  owns  300  acres  of  land,  besides  a considerable  amount  of  per- 
sonal property. 

JACOB  A.  GEPHART,  farmer,  P.  O.  Carrollton  Station,  was  born  in  Jeffer- 
son Township,  Montgomery  County,  July  10,  1839.  His  parents  were  John  I.  and 
Elizabeth  Gephart,  the  father  a native  of  Berks  County,  Penn.,  and  the  mother  a native  of 
Jefferson  Township,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio.  The  great-grandfather  of  our  subject,  on 
his  mother’s  side,  was  one  of  the  pioneers  of  this  county.  His  father  came  to  Ohio  in  1827, 
when  he  was  but  nine  vears  of  age.  Our  subject  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  the 
county,  but  his  education  was  quite  limited.  He  married  in  the  year  1860,  April  5,  to 
| Miss  Rebecca  Strunk,  of  Shelby  County,  Ohio.  She  was  born  in  Pickaway  County,  Ohio, 
December  23,  1839.  The  family  consists  of  six  children,  three  sons  and  three  daugh- 
ters, viz.:  Minerva  Ellen,  born  March  9,  1861 ; Sarah  Elizabeth,  February  8,  1S64  ; 
Charles  Franklin,  September  17,  1866;  John  Calvin,  July  25,  1869  ; Clara  Aldora, 
January  23,  1872;  Robert  Marion,  November  21,  1874.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gephart  and 
their  eldest  daughter  are  members  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  of  Carrollton. 

A A 


418 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


Mr.  Gephart  lias  a well  improved  farm,  and  has  been  engaged  in  raising  tobacco  for 
thirty  years,  in  which  business  he  has  been  reasonably  successful. 

RICHARD  M.  GERHART,  farmer,  P.  O.  Alexandersville,  was  born  in  Miami 
Township,  September  22,  1846.  His  parents  were  John  A.  and  Mary  A.  Gebhart 
both  natives  of  Miami  Township,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio.  Our  subject  was  educated 
in  the  public  schools  of  Montgomery  County,  and  the  Normal  School  at  Lebanon,  War- 
ren Co.,  Ohio.  He  was  married,  December  21,  1869,  to  Miss  Katie  G.  Lamme,  daugh- 
ter of  James  and  Susan  Lamme,  both  natives  of  Miami  Township,  Montgomery  Co., 
Ohio.  Mr.  Gebhart  was  elected  Assessor  of  Van  Buren  Township,  in  the  spring  of 
1879,  and  has  held  the  office  of  Constable  two  years  in  Van  Buren  Township,  and  one 
year  in  Miami  Township.  Mr.  Gebhart  is  a member  of  the  Zion  Reformed  Church  of 
the  township. 

DAVID  ILETZEL,  retired  manufacturer,  Miamisburg.  One  by  one  those  who 
saw  this  country  as  a wilderness,  and  have  watched  its  transformation  into  the  now  well- 
improved  farms,  are  passing  away.  Among  the  few  who  remain  is  our  old  and  worthy 
citizen,  David  Hetzel,  son  of  Peter  and  Catharine  (Dumis)  Hetzel,  who  was  born  in 
Berks  County,  Penn.,  May  4,  1806 ; came  to  Ohio  with  his  parents  in  1812, 
and  settled  on  a farm  in  Miami  Township.  Peter  Hetzel  was  a carpenter  by  trade,  and 
after  his  settlement  in  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  carried  on  a manufactory  of  fanning 
mills,  for  cleaning  wheat,  etc.  He  also  built  hand-looms  and  furniture.  He  died  about 
1863.  Catharine  died  a few  years  before.  They  were  the  parents  of  five  children,  viz.: 
Catharine  (deceased),  Elizabeth,  Godfrey  (deceased),  David  and  Sarah.  David  learned 
the  carpenter’s  trade  with  his  father,  and  worked  for  him  awhile  in  the  shop,  manufact- 
uring the  fanning  mills,  and  while  at  work  in  his  shop  invented  a sausage  cutter,  which 
he  afterward  manufactured  quite  extensively.  He  also  invented  and  built  a velocipede 
for  a crippled  man,  which  enabled  him  to  propel  himself  from  place  to  place.  Mr. 
David  Hetzel  was  married  April  29,  1830,  to  Miss  Margaret  Neibel,  daughter  of  Jacob 
and  Christina  (Early)  Neibel.  They  have  had  born  unto  them  six  children — Catherine 
(now  Mrs.  Jacob  Wagoner),  Jacob,  Christina  (now  Mrs.  Benjamin  Eornshell),  Louise 
(now  Mrs.  Samuel  Hager),  Sarah  (now  Mrs.  George  W.  Hubler),  and  Jeremiah.  After 
a happy  married  life  of  forty-eight  years,  Mr.  Hetzel  was  called  to  mourn  the  death  of 
his  beloved  wife  September  18,  1878.  Mr.  Hetzel  was  one  of  the  Trustees  of  Miami 
Township,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  nine  successive  years.  He  retired  from  active  labor 
in  1870,  and  since  then  has  occupied  his  time  in  looking  after  his  farm,  conversing  with 
old  friends,  and  doing  odd  jobs,  as  best  suits  him.  Since  his  retirement  from  business, 
his  son,  Jacob,  and  son-in-law,  Mr.  Hager,  have  carried  on  the  saw-mill  and  the  manu- 
facture of  the  sausage  machines. 

FISHER  N.  McCREIGHT,  grocer,  Miamisburg,  son  of  William  and  Elizabeth 
(Patton)  McCreight,  was  born  in  Adams  County,  Ohio,  October  16,  1848.  His  father 
died  iu  the  fall  of  1850,  when  the  care  of  their  five  children  devolved  upon  the  mother. 
In  1865,  she  sold  their  farm  in  Adams  County,  and  moved  to  Montgomery  County  and 
rented  the  farm  which  now  forms  a part  of  the  “ Soldiers’  Home,”  then  owned  by  John 
C.  Cole.  In  1867,  they  removed  to  Miami  Township,  in  this  county,  on  a farm,  and 
thence  to  Miamisburg,  where  she  still  resides;  she  is  now  in  her  seventy-second  year. 
In  1868,  Fisher  entered  the  store  of  Beachler  & Werts  as  clerk,  with  whom  he  remained 
three  years,  and  then  with  Hoff  & Son  two  years.  At  this  time,  November  13,  1873, 
he  married  Miss  Amanda  Shupert,  daughter  of  George  and  Mary  Sliupert.  Mr.  Shu- 
pert  is  one  of  the  leading  capitalists  of  Miamisburg,  also  one  of  the  leading  grain  mer- 
chants of  the  town,  and  whose  parents  were  among  the  earliest  settlers  of  Miami  Township. 
In  1874,  Mr.  McCreight  engaged  in  the  grocery  trade  with  Peter  M.  Gebhart,  and  in 
1875  Mr.  Gebhart  sold  his  interest  to  Mr.  Shupert.  In  1879,  Mr.  McCreight  took  sole 
charge  of  the  store,  at  which  occupation  he  is  still  engaged,  keeping  a full  line  of  first- 
class  family  groceries.  He  is  a member  in  good  standing  and  a Past  Grand  of  Marion 
Lodge,  No.  18,  and  a Patriarch  of  Miamisburg  Encampment,  No.  82,  I.  0.  O.  F.  He 
was  a member  of  the  Town  Council  during  the  years  1879  and  1880.  Although  a 
young  man,  yet  he  is  a thorough  and  reliable  business  man,  being  honorable  and  upright 
in  all  his  transactions.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  McCreight  have  two  children. 


MIAMI  TOWNSHIP. 


419 


LEWIS  MEASE,  farmer,  P.  0.  Miamisburg,  was  born  April  18,  1822,  in  a log 
cabin  which  stood  on  the  site  of  his  present  residence.  His  father,  Lewis  T.,  was  a 
native  of  Dauphin  County,  Penn.,  and  was  raised  upon  a farm,  but  also  learned  the 
trade  of  a wagon-maker.  He  enlisted  in  the  war  of  1812,  but  the  struggle  closed  soon 
after,  and  he  was  discharged.  In  1817,  he  came  on  horseback  to  Ohio  and  purchased 
the  farm  where  our  subject  now  lives.  He  passed  about  two  years  in  clearing  and  im- 
proving the  same.  In  the  winter  of  1818-19,  he  returned  to  Pennsylvania,  where  he 
married  Mary  Zehring,  whom  he  brought  West  to  his  new  home  in  Ohio.  Three  of 
their  children  are  living,  viz.:  Lewis,  Levi  W.  and  Samuel,  the  latter  being  a minister 
of  the  Reformed  Church,  of  which  denomination  his  father  was  a leading  member,  dy- 
ing in  that  faith  November  20,  1856,  his  wife  surviving  him  many  years  and  dying 
: May  7,  1880.  Our  subject  has  always  resided  on  the  home  farm,  and  was  married 
September  27,  1849,  to  Sarah  A.  Dubbs,  daughter  of  Daniel  and  Sarah  (Diel)  Dubbs, 
who  was  born  near  Philadelphia,  Penn.,  February  6,  1828.  They  have  had  seven  chil- 
dren ; five  living — Dora  C.,  Florence  E.,  Agnes  V.,  Mary  C.  and  Ira  A.  The  deceased 
are  Daniel  N.  and  Cora  C.  Mr.  Mease  taught  school  from  1841  to  1849  ; served  as 
Township  Trustee  some  ten  years ; as  School  Director  eighteen  consecutive  years,  and 
served  as  Township  Superintendent  of  Schools  three  years.  He  is  one  of  the  charter 
members  of  the  Trinity  Chapter,  A.,  F & A.  M.,  and  he  and  wife  have  been  members 
of  the  Reformed  Church  since  1840,  in  which  he  has  held  offices  since  that  date.  He 
was  also  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  Miamisburg  Cemetery  Association.  Thus  it  will  be 
seen  that  Mr.  Mease  has  ever  taken  an  active  interest  in  the  progress  and  development 
of  his  native  township,  where  his  entire  life  has  been  passed. 

ISAAC  MOSES,  farmer,  P.  0.  Carlisle  Station,  Warren  County,  is  the  son  of 
John  B.  and  Catharine  (Koontz)  Moses,  who  were  the  parents  of  four  children,  viz.: 
Nancy,  Levi,  Robert  and  Isaac,  of  whom  the  latter  is  the  only  survivor.  He  was  born 
in  Augusta  County,  Va.,  February  27,  1802  ; worked  at  home  until  twenty-one  years 
of  age,  and  was  married  May  29,  1822,  to  Catherine  Early,  born  in  Augusta  County, 
Ya.,  November  25,  1803,  and  daughter  of  John  and  Christina  Early.  Isaac’s  mother 
was  the  widow  of  George  Underwood,  by  whom  she  had  one  child,  John  C.,  when 
John  B.  Moses  married  her.  In  1823,  Robert  Moses  and  John  C.  Underwood,  with 
: their  families,  came  to  Ohio  and  settled  near  Germantown,  Montgomery  County,  the 
former  on  a farm  and  the  latter  erecting  the  mill  now  owned  by  James  Hankinson. 
In  1825,  our  subject,  with  his  wife,  father,  mother  and  grandfather,  also  came  to  German 
Township,  where  the  mother  died  in  1830,  and  the  grandfather  in  1833.  The  father 
! subsequently  married  Mrs.  Nancy  (Hall)  Clark,  and  dying  in  Germantown  in  1856. 
In  the  spring  of  1S26,  Isaac  returned  with  his  wife  to  Virginia,  remaining  there  until 
1829,  when  he  again  came  to  Ohio  and  located  in  Warren  County,  where  he  lived  until 
i 1869,  when  he  sold  his  farm  and  purchased  bis  present  home  in  Miami  Township.  They 
have  had  eight  children — John  0.,  Nancy  J. , Mary  B.  and  Ellen  S.,  living,  and  Hiram, 
Benjamin,  Isaac  R.  and  Catherine,  deceased.  In  1830,  Mr.  Moses  brought  his  wife’s 
parents  to  Ohio,  who  settled  in  Preble  County,  a few  years  afterward  moving  to  Miami 
Township,  where  Mr.  Early  died  in  1855,  and  his  widow  a few  years  subsequently.  We 
might  here  say  that  she  was  not  the  mother  of  Mrs.  Moses,  her  mother  having  died  when 
she  was  but  fifteen  years  old,  and  her  father  marrying  Magdalena  Birely,  who  came  with 
him  to  this  State.  Mr.  Moses  has  been  a member  of  the  Baptist  Church  since  1826, 
and  his  wife  since  1840,  and  have  ever  tried  to  do  unto  others  as  they  would  wish  tliao 
men  should  do  unto  them. 

WILLIAM  NEIBEL,  farmer,  P.  0.  Dayton,  was  born  in  Rockingham  County, 
Va.,  May  17,  1805.  His  parents  were  John  and  Elizabeth  Neibel.  Mr.  Neible  was  a 
native  of  Pennsylvania,  and  removed  to  Virginia  when  he  was  twenty-two  years  of  age, 
where  he  was  married  the  following  year,  and  remained  until  1810.  In  the  spring  of 
that  year,  he  visited  the  State  of  Ohio,  with  a view  to  emigrate  with  his  family,  if  he 
was  pleased  with  the  country.  He  made  the  trip  on  horseback,  and  in  the  fall  started 
with  his  family,  consisting  of  his  wife  and  four  children,  in  a wagon.  When  only  two 
days’  journey  from  their  starting-place  they  met  with  a serious  accident : the  wagon 


420 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES  : 


was  overturned  and  one  son  was  killed.  The  bereaved  parents  buried  this  child  and 
-continued  their  journey  for  their  future  home  in  Ohio,  where  they  landed  in  Miami 
Township  in  October,  1810.  He  resided  in  this  township  until  the  death  of  his  wife, 
which  occurred  May  27,  1847,  when  he  removed  to  Indiana ; built  and  ran  a saw-mill 
for  several  years,  when  he  returned  to  his  old  home,  in  Miami  Township,  where  he  de- 
parted this  life  December  22,  1855.  Our  subject  was  educated  in  the  common  schools 
of  the  neighborhood.  The  first  schoolhouse  built  in  the  district  was  in  1822,  but 
school  had  been  kept  at  different  times  in  an  old  log  cabin,  and  in  a building  formerly 
oised  as  a tannery.  He  married  Miss  Susan  Hamaker,  daughter  of  Daniel  and 
Trances  Hamaker,  natives  of  Pennsylvania  (March  8,  1832).  Their  family  con- 
sists of  eight  children  as  follows,  viz.:  John  Elliot,  born  August  5,  1833,  died 
May  10,  1863;  Daniel  W.,  June  12,  1836;  David  L.,  August  28,  1838;  Susan 
E.,  May  19,  1840;  Mary  C.,  March  18,  1843;  Joseph  II.  D.,  May  4,  1845,  and 
two  died  in  infancy.  Mr.  Neibel  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Zion  Reformed 
Church,  and  he  has  been  an  elder  in  the  church  a number  of  years.  Mr.  Neibel 
was  elected  Justice  of  the  Peace,  and  served  one  term  of  three  years.  He  has  always 
taken  an  interest  in  education,  and  held  the  office  of  School  Director  for  many  years. 
He  has  a fine  farm  of  172  acres  under  a high  state  of  cultivation,  and  grain  and  to- 
ibacco  are  the  principle  crops  raised. 

GEORGE  PEASE,  deceased,  was  a native  of  Suffield,  Conn.,  born  November  25, 
1798.  He  received  a good  education,  and  in  his  earlier  years,  followed  the  profession 
of  a teacher,  and  in  1825,  emigrated  to  Ohio,  coming  over  the  mountains  in  a stage  to 
Pittsburgh,  Penn.,  at  which  point  he  and  a companion  purchased  a canoe  and  floated 
down  the  river  to  Cincinnati,  arriving  there  late  in  October.  When  he  got  to  Cincin 
nati,  his  whole  capital  was  $5,  and  he  there  spent  the  winter  with  his  brother 
Horace,  who  was  engaged  in  business  at  that  point.  In  the  early  spring  of  1826,  he 
came  to  Miami  Township  and  stopped  with  his  brother  Perry,  who  was  running  a dis- 
tillery at  a point  called  Lamme’s  Mills.  He  was  married,  August  23,  1831,  to  Ellen 
Wheatley,  to  whom  were  born  four  children,  viz.:  Mary  D.  (deceased),  Mindwell  (de- 
ceased), Gamaliel  and  Ellen.  His  wife  died  November  16,  1839,  and  he  was  again 
married,  April  6,  1841,  to  Mary  A.  Lamme,  daughter  of  David  Lamme,  oue  of  the 
pioneers  of  the  Miami  Valley.  Of  this  union  three  children  were  born,  as  follows: 
Horace  L.,  David  W.  and  Harriet.  At  the  opening  of  the  canal,  Perry  Pease  moved 
to  Carrollton  and  built  a mill,  George  taking  charge  of  the  old  distillery,  but  shortly 
after  he  also  removed  to  Carrollton,  where  he  engaged  with  his  brothers,  Horace  and 
Perry,  and  took  charge  of  the  office,  in  which  capacity  he  was  employed  until  1848, 
when  he  retired  from  the  mills,  purchased  a comfortable  home  and  engaged  in  outside 
business.  He  was  for  many  years  Treasurer  and  General  Manager  of  the  Great  Miami 
Turnpike  Company,  but  in  1868,  retired  from  active  business  to  live  quietly  at  his  com- 
fortable home,  in  the  enjoyment  and  companionship  of  wife  and  family.  Thus  some  seven 
years  were  passed  when  death  again  visited  his  happy  fireside,  taking  from  him  his 
loving  wife,  who  died  August  30,  1875.  He  survived  her  until  February  23,  1880. 
when  he  too  passed  away,  leaving  a name  and  record  bright  with  good  deeds.  He  be- 
came a Mason  in  April,  1822,  joining  Appollo  Lodge,  of  Suffield,  Conn.,  in  that  year, 
and  at  the  time  of  his  death  was  an  honored  member  of  Minerva  Lodge,  No.  98,  at 
Miamisburg.  by  which  the  funeral  services  were  conducted.  He  was  also  one  of  the 
oi’ganizers  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  Carrollton,  and  at  his  decease  one  of  its  oldest 
members.  Politically,  Mr.  Pease  was  always  a Whig  and  Republican,  and,  although 
interested  in  politics  and  in  early  life  an  earnest  worker  for  his  party,  he  never  held  nor 
•desired  official  position.  Mr.  Pease,  through  all  his  years  of  business,  was  a man  of 
sterling  integrity,  whose  word  was  ever  as  good  as  his  bond,  and  he  died  respected  and 
.honored  by  the  entire  community  in  which  he  spent  such  a long  and  useful  life. 

ALFRED  PEASE,  deceased,  was  born  May  26,  1793.  His  parents  were 
Seth  and  Bathsheba  Pease.  Seth  Pease  was  a distinguished  mathematician,  and 
a man  of  prominence,  having  been  Surveyor  General.  He  surveyed  the  West- 
ern Reserve  in  Ohio,  also  did  important  work  in  the  survey  of  the  Mississippi 


MIAMI  TOWNSHIP. 


421 


River.  He  was  born  January  9,  1764,  and  died  September  1, 1819.  Alfred  Pease  re- 
moved from  Suffield,  Conn.,  where  he  was  born,  to  Washington  City,  with  his  parents, 
in  the  year  1810,  where  he  engaged  in  the  business  of  steamboating  until  he  eame  to 
Hole’s  Creek,  Montgomery  County,  in  the  year  1831.  He  was  one  of  the  firm  that 
built  the  flouring-mill  now  used  as  a paper-mill  at  Carrollton,  in  which  he  had  an  inter- 
est for  several  years.  He  married  Amelia  Lowry,  daughter  of  Robert  aud  Margaret 
Lowry,  of  Washington  City,  January  19, 1820.  The  family  consists  of  seven  children, 
as  follows:  Lucy,  born  October  14,  1820,  died  September  20,  1869;  Hannah,  born 

December  15,  1821  ; Seth,  February  23,  1824,  died,  December  16,  1869  ; James  Al- 
fred, born  November  16,  1825,  died  September,  1828;  Alfred,  October  16,  1828,  died 
August  30,  1838;  Elizabeth,  born  JuneS,  1832;  and  one  son  died  in  infancy  un- 
named. Mr.  Pease  was  widely  and  favorably  known,  and  was  highly  esteemed  for  his 
many  virtues  and  sterling  worth.  He  died  October  25,  1870,  and  thus  a wife  lost  a 
devoted  husband,  and  his  children  a kind  and  gentle  father.  His  wife  is  still  living  at 
the  advanced  age  of  eighty-five  years,  being  born  March  3,  1796,  and  enjoys  good 
health  and  is  in  possession  of  all  her  faculties. 

GAMALIEL  PEASE,  farmer,  P.  O.  West  Carrollton,  was  born  in  Miami 
Township,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  May  31,  1837.  His  parents  were  George  and  Ellen, 
Pease.  He  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  this  county  and  the  “Miami  Valley 
Institute,”  located  in  Miami  City.  In  the  year  1850,  he  went  to  Dayton  and  learned 
the  trade  of  iron  molder,  at  which  business  he  continued  till  1857.  From  that  time 
to  1861,  bre  was  employed  farming  and  working  in  the  distillery  of  his  uncle,  Perry 
Pease.  In  1861,  December  14,  he  enlisted  in  the  Sixty-ninth  Regiment  Ohio  In- 
fantry, participating  in  the  battles  at  Gallatin,  Murfreesboro,  Chickamauga  and  Mission 
Ridge.  In  1864,  he  was  transferred  to  the  recruiting  service,  in  which  service  he  re- 
mained till  the  close  of  the  war.  While  in  this  service,  he  visited  nearly  all  the  principal 
cities  of  the  United  States,  both  East  and  West.  He  was  discharged  February  14, 
1865,  having  been  in  continuous  service  over  three  years.  In  1869,  March  18,  he 
married  Miss  Mary  Leisz,  daughter  of  Jacob  and  Elizabeth  Leisz,  the  father  being  a 
native  of  Germany  and  the  mother  of  Pennsylvania.  Their  family  consists  of  three 
children,  as  follows,  viz.:  Oscar  M.,  born  April  16,1870;  Jennie  G.,  August  31, 

1871  ; Gecrge,  September  27,  1876.  Mr.  Pease  has  made  the  cultivation  of  tobacco- 
his  principal  business  for  several  years. 

DAVID  W.  PEASE,  station  agent  and  operator,  West  Carrollton,  was  bom 
September  22,  1846.  His  parents  were  George  and  Mary  A.  Pease.  He  was 
! educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Montgomery  County,  and  also  a graduate  of  the  Mi- 
ami Commercial  College  of  Dayton,  Ohio.  He  married,  July  28,  1870.  Miss  Annie  E. 
Lecompte,  and  their  family  consists  of  four  children,  viz.:  Harry  L.,  born  July  13, 

1871;  GeorgeS.,  March  13,  1873;  Louis  D.,  December  6,  1875,  and  William  B., 
July  7,  1880.  Mr.  Pease  is  employed  by  the  Cleveland,  Columbus,  Cincinnati  & Indi- 
! anapolis  Railroad  Co.,  as  station  agent  and  operator  at  Carrollton,  Montgomery  County, 
Ohio,  where  he  has  been  since  the  road  was  built  in  1872.  He  is  a member  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  also  Trustee  of  the  same.  He  also  was  Postmaster  four  years  at 
Carrollton  during  the  first  administration  of  President  Grant,  which  office  he  resigned  to 
accept  the  position  he  now  holds.  He  is  a member  of  Minerva  Lodge,  No.  98,  A.,  F.  & 
A.  M.,  at  Miamisburg,  having  been  made  a Mason  October  16,  1867.  He  is  also  a 
member  of  Trinity  Chapter  No.  44,  since  1868.  Also  a member  of  Reed  Commandery, 
Knights  Templar,  No.  6,  of  Dayton,  since  September  6,  1869.  at  which  time  he  was 
the  youngest  member  of  nearly  three  hundred  members.  He  is  also  a member  of  Mar- 
ion Lodge,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  No.  18,  since. September  19,  1869. 

OLIVER  W.  PEASE  (deceased)  was  born  in  Henry  County,  Va.,  November 
4,  1824,  and  emigrated  to  Ohio  with  his  parents  in  1832,  locating  in  Montgomery 
County,  where  they  lived  continuously  until  the  time  ot  their  decease.  Our  subject 
was  educated  in  the  common  schools  of  the  county,  and  was  engaged  in  agricultural 
I pursuits  all  his  life.  Mr.  Pease  was  married,  October  26,  1852,  to  Isabella  Dodds, 
daughter  of  James  and  Mary  Dodds.  Mr.  Dodds  was  a native  of  Ohio,  and  his  wife 


: 


422 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


a native  of  Virginia.  Mrs.  Pease  was  born  November  8,  1825 ; Mr.  Pease  died  Sep- 
tember 24,  1878.  He  was  a member  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Thirty-first  Ohio 
National  Guards,  serving  four  months.  Their  family  consists  of  three  children,  two 
sons  and  a daughter;  J.  Edward,  the  eldest,  was  born  August  31,  1853  ; Fannie  E. 
was  born  October  6,  1857  ; and  Harry  D.,  who  was  born  July  6,  1859.  Mrs.  Pease 
resides  on  the  old  homestead  with  her  children. 

HENRY  C.  SCHUBERTH,  dealer  in  leaf  tobacco,  Miamisburg,  was  born  June 
7,  1848;  in  Wandsbeck,  near  Hamburg,  Germany.  Emigrated  to  America  with  his 
parents  in  1852.  He  came  to  Miamisburg,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  in  1865,  and  began 
work  at  $5  per  month  for  his  cousin,  C.  H.  Spitzner,  who  was  connected  with  the  firm 
of  Bunzl  & Dormitzer,  of  New  York  City,  who  are  extensive  tobacco  dealers.  By  a 
close  application  to  business,  and  his  honorable  and  upright  manner,  won  for  Henry  the 
confidence  of  the  above-named  firm  ; hence,  in  1873,  when  Mr.  Spitzner  removed  to 
New  York,  Mr.  Schuberth  was  given  charge  of  the  business  at  Miamisburg,  Ohio,  that 
of  purchasing  tobacco  on  joint  account  with  said  firm.  Their  trade  at  this  place  amounts 
to  several  millions  of  pounds  yearly.  Mr.  Henry  C.  Schuberth  was  married,  September 
29,  1870,  to  Miss  Sarah  O.  Shultz,  daughter  of  the  Hon.  Emanuel  and  Sarah  Shultz 
They  have  three  children — Clifford  M.,  Mary  and  Shultz  Schuberth.  After  landing  in 
America,  and  before  coming  to  Miamisburg,  Mr.  Schuberth  spent  his  time  in  Allegheny 
City,  Penn.,  and  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  clerking.  In  Masonry,  he  ranks  as  a Master  Mason, 
He  is  a member  of  Marion  Lodge,  No.  18,  also  a Patriarch  of  Miamsbucg  Encamp- 
ment, No.  82,  I.  0.  0.  F.  Since  his  sojourn  in  JVIiamisburg,  he  has  won  many  friends 
both  in  business  and  social  circles. 

HON.  EMANUEL  SHULTZ,  manufacturer  and  member  of  Congress,  Miamis- 
burg, was  born  in  Berkshire  County,  Penn.,  July  25,  1819.  His  parents,  George  and 
Mary  (Vinyard)  Shultz,  were  also  natives  of  that  State,  and  his  grandfather,  Frederick 
Shultz,  was  from  Hesse-Cassel,  Germany,  coming  to  America  some-time  in  the  last  Cent- 
ury. Emanuel  received  a common-school  education  up  to  the  age  of  eleven  years, 
when,  in  consequence  of  his  father’s  death,  he  was  compelled  to  leave  school  and  depend 
on  diligent  study  and  self-teaching.  In  boyhood,  he  learned  the  trade  of  shoemaking,  i1 
and  in  1838  came  to  Ohio,  settling  at  Miamisburg,  Montgomery  County,  where  he  estab- 
lished and  for  about  eight  years  was  engaged  in  the  boot  and  shoe  business.  At  the 
end  of  this  period  he  changed  his  vocation  to  that  of  a trader  in  general  produce,  and 
continued  to  be  one  of  the  largest  and  most  successful  operators  in  that  branch  of  com- 
merce in  the  Miami  Valley.  He  soon  took  a leading  place  in  the  establishment,  organ- 
ization and  development  of  all  the  prominent  enterprises  of  Miamisburg.  In  1865,  he 
was  one  of  the  originators  of  the  private  bank  of  H.  Groby  & Co.,  and  the  prin- 
cipal projector  of  the  Miami  V alley  Paper  Company,  which,  in  connection  with  Dr. 
William  H.  Manning,  he  organized  in  1871,  and  in  which  he  is  a stockholder  and  J 
Director.  Both  of  these  institutions  are  largely  indebted  to  Mr.  Shultz  for  their  suc- 
cess and  present  strong  financial  position,  his  sound,  shrewd,  business  judgment  having  i 
rendered  them  panic  proof,  and  above  the  consequences  of  business  depression.  Mr. 
Shultz  has  also  been  an  extensive  tobacco  dealer  since  1853,  and  has,  therefore, 'done 
much  toward  encouraging  the  growth  of  this  important  staple  of  the  commercial  world. 

He  was  married,  July  23,  1840,  to  Miss  Sarah  Beck,  of  Miamisburg,  of  which  union 
three  daughters  were  born,  viz.,  Mary  A.,  the  wife  of  Dr.  William  H.  Manning; 
Amanda  M.,  wife  of  A.  T.  Whittich  ; and  Sarah  0.  Letta,  wife  of  H.  C.  Schuberth, 
all  af  Miamisburg.  Mr.  Shultz  is  a member  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  and  has  been 
a Mason  since  1844,  in  which  fraternity  he  takes  a deep  and  active  interest.  He  has 
held  many  minor  offices  in  Montgomery  County,  and  in  1875  was  elected  to  the  Legis- 
lature,  but  was  not  a candidate  for  re-election.  In  1873,  he  was  a member  of  the  con- 
vention that  revised  the  State  Constitution.  In  October,  1880,  he  was  elected  to 
Congress,  from  the  Fourth  District  of  Ohio,  which  position  of  trust  and  honor  he  is 
now  filling.  He  was  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  Lima  Car  Works,  in  which  he  is  a 1 
stockholder,  and  also  Vice  President  of  the  company.  Few  men  are  possessed  of  a 
more  genial  temperament,  or  endowed  with  such  a faculty  of  winning  friends  as  Capt.  j. 


MIAMI  TOWNSHIP. 


428 


Shultz.  Of  quick  perception,  he  reads  at  a glance  the  character  of  those  with  whom 
he  comes  in  contact ; a ready  conversationalist,  he  is  never  at  a loss  for  a fitting  subject 
to  suit  the  occasion  ; free,  off-handed  and  courteous,  he  is  withal  dignified  and  earnest ; 
a representative  man  in  the  practical  affairs  of  every-day  life  and  business,  of  excellent 
judgment  and  clear  discrimination,  he  is  altogether  one  of  the  most  useful  members  in 
the  present  House  of  Congress. 

JOHN  H.  THOMPSON,  farmer,  P.  0.  Carlisle  Station,  Warren  County,  was 
born  in  Monmouth  County,  N.  J.,  September  3,  1831;  is  a son  of  Samuel  A.  and.  Jane 
(Smock)  Thompson.  They  came  to  Ohio  in  1835,  and  settled  in  Butler  County,  where 
they  lived  two  years,  when  they  removed  to  Montgomery  County,  and  located  on  the 
farm  where  our  subject  now  resides.  His  father  enlisted  in  1862,  in  the  Eighty-first 
Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry  and  served  three  years,  when  he  re-enlisted  and  served  to  the 
end  of  the  war.  He  died  in  1865.  The  mother  still  survives.  Their  family  consisted 
of  nine  children,  viz. : Margaret  (now  deceased),  John  H.,  George  S.,  Samuel  L., 
Isaac  S.,  Jacob,  Joseph,  Theodore  F.  and  Sarah  -Jane  (now  deceased).  Samuel  and 
Jacob  served  in  the  first  three  months’  service  during  the  late  rebellion,  in  the  First 
Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  and  at  the  end  of  said  term  Jacob  re-enlisted  and  Joseph  en- 
listed for  three  years,  both  in  the  Second  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry.  Jacob  rose  from 
the  rank  of  private  to  that  of  First  Lieutenant  and  was  brevetted  Sergeant  Major  for 
bravery.  He  was  wounded  at  the  battle  of  Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  and  died  from  the 
effects  of  said  wounds  in  1863.  In  1862,  Isaac  enlisted  in  the  Ninty-third  Ohio  Vol- 
unteer Infantry,  and  served  three  years ; was  wounded  three  different  times.  Nobly 
did  this  family  answer  their  country’s  call  for  men  to  preserve  the  Union.  John  H. 
was  married  December  27,  1854,  to  Mary  Ann  Craig,  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Jane 
(Schenk)  Craig.  She  was  born  in  Monmouth  County,  N.  J.,  March  5,  1831,  came  to 
Ohio  with  her  parents  in  1839,  and  settled  some  thirty  miles  north  of  Columbus.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  John  H.  Thompson  have  one  child — Rulef  C.  Thompson.  Mr.  T.  has  always 
followed  farming,  preferring  that  to  any  other  occupation  in  life.  He  is  one  of  the 
leading  farmers  of  Miami  Township.  Isaac  resides  at  present  in  New  Jersey  ; George, 
in  Missouri  ; Joseph,  in  Bloomington,  111.;  Samuel,  in  Darke  County,  Ohio,  and  Theo- 
dore in  Montgomery  County,  Ohio. 

DR.  JOHN  TREON,  retired  physician,  Miamisburg.  Of  the  pioneer  medical 
men  of  Montgomery  County,  but  few  are  left  to  tell  of  the  trials  and  hardships  of  the 
early  days,  nearly  all  having  long  since  been  laid  beneath  the  sod ; but  in  the  gentle- 
man whose  name  heads  this  sketch  we  find  the  oldest  living  physician  of  the  Miami 
Valley,  one  who  practiced  his  profession  in  this  county  from  1811  up  to  1872,  in  fact, 
we  might  almost  say  from  the  first  settlement  to  the  present  time.  He  was  born  in  the 
town  of  Hamburg,  Berks  County,  Penn.,  March  25,  1791,  and  is  the  son  of  Dr. 
Michael  and  Elizabeth  (Selzer)  Treon,  When  John  was  fourteen  years  old  he  began 
reading  medicine  in  his  father’s  office,  afterward  reading  under  the  tutorship  of  Dr. 
De  Weiss,  one  of  the  most  prominent  physicians  of  Philadelphia.  In  1811,  he,  with 
his  uncle,  Peter  Treon,  started  from  Pennsylvania  for  Ohio,  reaching  the  present  site  of 
Miamisburg  October  3,  of  that  year,  traveling  the  entire  distance  on  horseback.  The 
Doctor  served  nine  months  as  Surgeon  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  assisted  in  setting  up 
the  first  picket  of  the  fort  built  by  Gen.  Hull,  at  Greenville,  Ohio.  Upon  arriving  in 
Ohio,  he  was  the  possessor  of  371  cents  in  money  and  a horse,  on  which  he  owed  $50, 
but  fortune  favored  him  and  he  was  soon  able  to  join  with  his  uncle,  Peter,  in  purchas- 
ing 140  acres  of  land  at  $10  per  acre,  upon  which  they  laid  out  a part  of  the  present 
town  of  Miamisburg,  in  1818.  Dr.  Treon’s  practice  extended  to  a circuit  of  seventy 
miles,  and  was  so  extensive  that  he  was  compelled  to  keep  horses  stationed  at  different 
points  in  order  to  visit  his  patients,  as  one  horse  could  not  stand  the  long  trips  he  made 
each  day.  He  was  married,  November  13,  1818,  to  Miss  Eve  Weimer,  who  died  May 
20,  1873,  after  a happy  and  prosperous  union  of  fifty-four  years.  Dr.  Treon  married 
for  his  second  wife  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Black,  widow  of  Hezekiah  Black  and  daughter  of 
George  and  Elizabeth  Weaver.  Beginning  in  life  a poor  man,  Dr.  Treon  has  made  a 
wonderful  success,  and  although  by  trying  to  build  up  the  manufacturing  interests  o f 


424 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


Montgomery  County  he  lost  about  $120,000,  he  is  yet  worth  over  $100,000,  all  the 
legitimate  result  of  his  unremitting  toil  and  business  sagacity,  coupled  with  steady 
habits  and  well-ordered  economy.  Besides  being  well  versed  in  the  English  language, 
he  can  both  read,  write  and  converse  in  French  and  G-erman,  and  has  frequently  con- 
tributed articles  to  the  medical  journals.  He  has  been  a man  of  wonderful  endurance 
and  possessed  of  a powerful  constitution,  and  now  in  his  ninety-first  year,  although 
feeble,  retains  much  of  his  mental  vigor.  When  eighty-five  years  old,  he  amputated  a 
leg  for  a patient  and  even  yet  he  is  sometimes  professionally  consulted,  though  long 
since  retired  from  active  practice.  Politically,  he  was  a Whig,  and  afterward  a Re- 
publican,  and  says  he  has  never  missed  casting  his  vote  for  President  from  1812  to 
1880,  a period  of  nearly  seventy  years.  He  has  been  a Mason  nearly  all  his  life,  and  a 
member  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  since  1808,  giving  liberally  of  his  time, 
labor  and  money  to  the  upbuilding  of  the  church  and  the  spread  of  the  Gospel. 

WILLIAM  TURNER,  farmer,  P.  O.  West  Carrollton,  was  born  in  Mifflin 
County,  Penn.,  April  17,  1820.  His  parents  were  John  and  Margaret  Turner,  both 
natives  of  Mifflin  County,  Penn.,  and  removed  to  Ohio  in  1820,  making  the  journey  by 
wagon,  and  landing  at  West  Liberty,  in  Jefferson  Township,  in  this  county,  August  7, 
1820.  John  Turner  was  one  of  the  representative  men  of  the  county  in  that  early 
day.  In  1824,  he  was  elected  to  the  Legislature  of  this  State,  and,  in  1826,  moved  to 
Union,  Randolph  Township,  and,  in  the  fall  of  1829,  was  again  elected  to  the  Legisla- 
ture. In  1831,  he  moved  to  Salem,  and  while  there  was  appointed  one  of  the  Associate 
Judges  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas.  In  1840,  he  moved  to  White  County,  Ind., 
and,  in  1834,  returned  to  Ohio,  settling  in  Greenville,  Darke  County.  He  returned  to 
Salem  after  the  death  of  his  wife,  where  he  again  married.  He  died  in  October,  1866, 
at  the  age  of  seventy-seven  years  and  seven  months,  thus  ending  a busy  and  useful  life. 
The  subject  of  this  sketch  went  with  his  father  to  Indiana  in  1840,  and  assisted  in 
making  a farm  for  his  father ; then  entered  the  land  for  a farm  for  himself,  where  he 
remained  until  1853,  when  he  moved  to  Greenville,  Darke  County,  and  engaged  in  mill- 
ing and  distilling  with  his  brothers,  H.  M.  and  J.  M.  Turner,  where  he  continued  until 
1865,  when  he  returned  to  Montgomery  County,  locating  at  Carrollton,  where  he  now 
resides.  He  married,  September  14,  1843,  at  Monticello,  White  Co..  Ind.,  Miss 
Susanna  James,  daughter  of  Richard  and  Mary  James,  by  whom  he  had  seven  children 
— Mary  Margaret,  born  August  17,  1844  ; John  M..  February  1, 1847  ; Nancy,  October 
9,  1849  ; Sarah  Cornelia,  October  7,  1852  ; William  Edgar,  born  June  15,  1855,  died 
January  28,  1857  ; Franklin  Pulman,  born  February  7,  1858,  died  March  12,  1861  ; 
Louisa  V.,  born  August  14,  1863.  His  wife  died  May  5,  1878.  He  was  married 
again,  December  30,  1880,  to  Miss  Katie  Conley,  daughter  of  Thomas  and  Margaret 
Conley,  both  deceased.  Mr.  Turner  has  been  an  active  member  of  society  all  his  life, 
and  is  still  actively  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits.  He  has  one  of  the  finest  resi- 
dences in  the  township. 

SAMUEL  M.  UMBENHAUER,  tobacco  buyer  and  Township  Treasurer, 
Miamisburg,  son  of  Henry  and  Nellie  (Miller)  Umbenhauer;  was  born  at  Pine  Grove, 
Schuylkill  County,  Pennsylvania,  June  20,  1836.  He  came  to  Montgomery  Coimty, 
Ohio,  with  his  parents  in  the  fall  of  1852.  The  parents  bought  and  located  on  the 
John  Tobias  farm  in  Miami  Township,  where  they  still  reside,  and  Samuel  began  as 
clerk  in  a store  in  Miamisburg,  which  he  followed  eight  or  nine  years.  In  1868,  he 
engaged  in  the  enterprise  of  buying  and  selling  leaf  tobacco,  and  is  connected  with  the 
firm  of  Havemeyers  & Vigelius,  of  New  York  City.  They  handle  some  two  million 
pounds  at  this  point.  Mr.  Samuel  M.  Umbenhauer  and  Miss  Annie  E.  Wallace  were 
united  in  marriage  July  4,  1856.  She  is  the  daughter  of  William  and  Elizabeth  Wal- 
lace, of  Columbus,  Ohio,  who  were  both  natives  of  London,  England.  Of  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Samuel  Umbenhauer’s  four  children,  but  two  are  now  living — Allie  J.  and  Bertha 
M.  ; Charles  F.  and  Ida  L.,  deceased.  Mr.  Umbenhauer  is  regarded  as  one  of  the 
honorable,  upright  young  business  men  of  Miamisburg.  He  was  elected  Treasurer  of 
Miami  Township  in  1880,  and  having  performed  the  duties  of  said  office  so  satisfacto- 
rily. He  was  re-elected  in  1881  on  the  Republican  ticket. 


MIAMI  TOWNSHIP. 


425 


GEORGE  W.  WEAVER,  merchant,  Miamisburg.  The  grandfather  of  this  gen- 
tleman was  Jacob  Weaver,  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  who  there  married  Margaret  Geb- 
hart  of  that  State,  and,  in  1804,  came  to  Ohio,  entering  a tract  of  land  on  Little  Bear 
Creek  in  Jefferson  Township,  Montgomery  County.  They  had  a family  of  ten  chil- 
dren, but  two  of  whom  are  now  living,  and  as  each  child  grew  to  maturity,  the  father 
presented  them  with  a farm,  Philip,  the  father  of  our  subject,  receiving  a farm  lying 
one  mile  west  of  Miamisburg,  which  is  yet  owned  by  his  heirs.  Philip  married  Mag- 
dalena Gebhart,  a daughter  of  George  and  Elizabeth  Gebhart,  who  came  to  this  county 
from  Pennsylvania  in  1805,  and  by  this  union  was  the  father  of  fifteen  children,  of 
whom  our  subject  was  the  third  oldest.  Philip  was  an  industrious,  temperate  Christian 
man,  and  died  July  12,  1851,  his  wife  surviving  him  thirty  years,  and  dying  in  Novem- 
ber, 1881,  after  a worthy  Christian  life  of  nearly  eighty-one  years.  George  W.  was 
born  on  the  old  homestead  September  27,  1824,  and  worked  at  home  until  twenty-one 
years  old,  when,  with  the  small  amount  of  $8,  and  8150  which  he  borrowed,  he  pur- 
chased a stock  of  groceries  and  opened  a store  on  North  Main  street,  Miamisburg,  Ohio, 
where,  by  close  application  to  business  and  an  invincible  determination  to  succeed,  he 
rose  step  by  step  until,  to-day,  he  ranks  among  the  wealthy  men  of  his  native  township. 
He  was  married,  October  8,  1845,  to  Rebecca  Rowe,  daughter  of  Henry  and  Sarah 
(Squires)  Rowe,  who  was  born  in  Warren  County,  Ohio,  October  22,  1827.  They 
have  had  eight  children — -Sarah  M.,  Eliza  E.,  George  C.,  Mary  Ann  L.,  Emma  C., 
Charles  E.,  Louisa  J.  and  Harry  C.  He  and  wife  have  been  members  of  the  Reformed 
Church  for  the  past  twenty-five  years,  in  which  organization  he  has  been  Deacon, 
Treasurer  and  Trustee.  Mr.  Weaver  carries  the  largest  stock  of  goods  of  any  house 
in  Miamisburg,  and  is  recognized  as  a man  of  integrity  and  honor  in  all  his  dealings,  a 
man  who  is  ever  alive  to  the  spirit  and  progress  of  this  enlightened  age. 

JACOB  ZIMMER,  tobacco  buyer,  Miamisburg,  was  born  in  Bettenhausen,  a vil- 
age  in  Rhine  Bavaria,  Germany,  September  3,  1815.  His  father  having  died  in  1825, 
his  mother,  with  a younger  brother,  in  company  with  another  family  of  seven  persons, 
in  November,  1827,  left  their  native  land,  descending  the  Rhine  from  Bingen  to  a vil- 
lage near  Rotterdam,  where  a merchant  vessel  awaited  them.  In  January,  1828,  they 
left  the  Netherlands  and  landed  at  Baltimore,  Md.,  in  March,  from  where  they  moved 
to  Hagerstown,  Washington  County.  In  1836,  Mr.  Zimmer  came  to  Miamisbuig,  where 
he  has  since  resided.  He  was  married  in  1839,  to  Mary  M.  Klinck,  who  bore  him 
seven  children — Eliza  J.,  Mary  L.,  Amelia  M.,  George  C.,  J.  Charles,  Otto  M.  and 
Henry  E , all  of  whom  are  living,  except  Otto  M.,  who  died  in  1861.  His  wife  died 
in  1873,  and,  in  1876,  he  married  Mary  T.  Emerick.  From  1843  to  1853.  he  was 
engaged  in  the  hotel  business  iu  the  building  now  known  as  the  Miami  House,  where 
the  Canal  Packet  line  and  mail  stage  lines  were  quartered  until  the  completion  of  the 
railroad.  In  1848,  he  commenced  the  cultivation  of  the  grape,  which  he  continued 
until  1873,  the  vineyard  being  located  on  land  west  of  the  town  and  surrounding  his 
present  residence.  The  undertaking  was  successful  for  a number  of  years,  but.  the 
northern  part  of  the  State  proving  better  adapted  to  grape  culture;  the  cultivation  of 
the  same  on  a large  scale  was  generally  abandoned  in  Southern  Ohio.  In  1852,  Mr. 
Zimmer  was  elected  County  Auditor  and  served  in  that  capacity  two  years.  He  was  a 
member  of  the  school  board  that  built  the  first  of  a series  of  houses  on  the  present 
site,  and  a member  of  the  Council  several  years ; was  also  one  of  the  originators  of  the 
“Miamisburg  Cemetery  Association,”  of  which  he  was  first  President,  and  is  at  pres- 
ent filling  the  same  position.  When  the  Miamisburg  and  Carrolton  Hydraulic  Com- 
pany was  organized,  he  was  chosen  as  one  of  the  Board  of  Directors,  and  was  re-elected 
every  year  until  the  company  was  merged  into  its  present  ownership.  In  1856,  he 
assumed  the  agency  of  the  Cincinnati,  Hamilton  & Dayton  Railroad  Company  at 
Miamisburg,  serving  in  that  capacity  over  twenty  consecutive  years.  Himself  and 
brother  are  the  only  survivors  of  those  who  crossed  the  ocean  with  them  in  1828. 
For  several  years  Mr.  Zimmer  has  been  engaged  in  buying  tobacco,  and  is  intimately 
known  throughout  his  vicinity  as  a man  of  progressive  views  and  wide  experience  on 
general  affairs.  Politically,  he  was  a Whig  in  early  life,  after  which  he  joined  the  Re- 


426 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


publican  party  with  which  he  yet  affiliates.  He  is  a member  of  the  Reformed  Church, 
a good  citizen  and  worthy  gentleman. 

■JOHN1  A.  ZIMMERMAN,  farmer,  P.  0.  West  Carrollton,  was  born  in  G-erman- 
town,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  February  1,  1837.  His  parents  were  John  and  Mary 
Zimmerman ; his  father  was  a native  of  Maryland,  and  his  mother  a native  of  Yan 
Buren  Township,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio.  He  came  to  Ohio  about  the  year  1821,  set- 
tling in  Germantown,  where  he  resided  until  the  year  1856,  when  he  removed  to  Salem, 
Randolph  Township,  Montgomery  County,  where  he  lived  until  the  death  of  his  second 
wife,  which  occurred  in  September,  1865.  He  married,  about  1823,  Miss  Mary  Catrow, 
by  whom  he  had  ten  children,  as  follows:  Catherine,  Benjamin,  Elizabeth,  Jacob,  Fran- 
cis, John  A.,  Maria,  Mary,  David  S.,  and  Jane — only  sis  of  whom  are  now  living.  By 
his  marriage  with  Harriet,  his  second  wife,  he  had  two  children,  viz.:  Lovina  and  Jere- 
miah. He  died  at  Winchester,  Preble  Co.,  Ohio,  in  September,  1876.  His  first  wife 
died  in  October,  1845.  Our  subject  left  home  to  live  with  strangers  soon  after  the  death 
•of  his  mother,  and  acquired  a good  common  education  in  the  public  schools  of  the 
county,  and,  at  the  age  of  eighteen,  passed  an  examination  and  taught  his  first  school  in 
Carrollton  in  1856.  He  afterward  attended  the  Normal  School  at  Lebanon,  Ohio.  He 
followed  teaching  for  six  years.  He  married  Miss  Elizabeth  Pease,  daughter  of  Perry 
and  Emeline  Pease,  October  5,  1858.  Mr.  Zimmerman  is  engaged  in  farming,  and  is 
also  Justice  of  the  Peace,  which  office  he-ffias  held  for  six  years,  although  the  township 
is  Democratic,  and  Mr.  Z.  is  a strong  Republican.  Mr.  Zimmerman  is  a member  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  and  an  active  worker  in  the  Temperance  cause. 


HARRISON  TOWNSHIP. 

I.  J.  BASSETT,  County  Commissioner,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Leicestershire, 
England,  September  10,  1837.  He  is  the  son  of  George  W.  and  Harriett  (Knight) 
Bassett,  natives  of  the  above  place.  The  father  came  to  America  in  1844,  and  worked 
in  Maryland  until  1850,  when  he  came  to  Dayton  and  engaged  in  the  business  of  horse 
farrier,  in  which  he  is  still  engaged.  The  rest  of  the  family,  which  consisted  of  the 
mother,  three  boys  and  three  girls,  emigVated  in  1847.  Our  subject  attended  the  com  - 
mon schools  of  Maryland  until  1857,  when  he  came  to  Montgomery  County,  and,  after 
working  as  a farm  hand  for  two  years,  commenced  farming  for  himself,  in  which  occu- 
pation he  still  continues.  He  has  been  twice  married,  first  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Putter- 
baugh,  daughter  of  George  Putterbaugh,  of  Dayton,  who  died  in  1863,  leaving  three 
children,  one  boy  and  two  girls.  He  was  married,  in  1869,  to  Lydia  Connett,  daughter 
of  Woodruff  Connett,  of  Athens  County,  Ohio,  by  whom  he  has  had  two  children,  only 
one  of  whom  survives.  Mr.  Bassett  is  a man  of  considerable  ability  and  great  popu- 
larity, as  is  evinced  by  the  fact  that  he  has  been  County  Commissioner  since  1877,  and 
was  a Trustee  of  Harrison  Township,  in  which  he  lives,  for  eight  years,  previous  to  his 
election.  He  is  a member  of  the  Odd  Fellows  fraternity  only. 

JOHN  BOLINGER,  proprietor  of  saw-mill,  Dayton,  Ohio,  was  born  in  Cumber- 
land County,  Pennsylvania,  December  15,  1830.  He  is  the  son  of  Samuel  and  Eliza- 
beth Bolinger,  natives  of  Pennsylvania.  His  father  came  to  Ohio  in  1847,  and  com- 
menced running  a saw-mill  in  Green  County.  He  afterward  located  mills  in  different 
parte  of  the  State,  and  in  1867  died,  being  followed  by  his  wife  three  years  later.  Our 
subject  remained  at  home  until  he  reached  his  majority,  when  he  married  Miss  Amanda 
Harris,  of  Miami  County,  and  located  at  Taylorville,  where  he  started  a saw-mill.  Here 
he  remained  five  years,  and  then  located  on  the  Little  Miami  River,  where  he  remained 
■one  year,  during  which  time  his  wife  died,  leaving  two  children,  viz.:  Samuel  L.  and 
Mary  E.,  wife  of  William  Limebaugh.  He  was  again  married,  in  1859,  to  Miss  Catha- 
rine Sensenbaugh,  of  Greene  County.  Mr.  Bolinger  is  a Republican.  Mrs.  Bolinger  is 
a member  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 


HARRISON  TOWNSHIP. 


427 


DANIEL  BRAME,  farmer,  P.  0.  Dayton,  was  born  in  Adams  County,  Penn., 
April  6,  1845.  He  is  the  son  of  Daniel  and  Mary  (Arnold)  Brame,  old  residents 
of  the  Keystone  State.  His  father  was  born  in  1802,  and  his  mother  in  1812.  He 
remained  with  his  parents  until  twenty-two  years  of  age,  when  he  came  to  Dayton,  and 
for  five  years  worked  for  Mr.  John  Ewing.  In  1878,  he  married  Mrs.  Kitty  A.  Beck, 
widow  of  Holister  W.  Beck,  a conductor  on  the  Dayton  & Michigan  Railroad,  who 
died  with  consumption.  Mrs.  Beck  was  the  daughter  of  Henry  Haller,  whose  sketch 
appeal’s  on  another  page  of  this  work.  By  her  marriage  to  Mr.  Beck  she  had  one  son, 
and  by  Mr.  Brame  she  has  two  children,  now  living.  Shortly  after  his  marriage,  Mr. 
Brame  located  on  the  place  he  now  occupies,  where  he  has  since  remained.  He  is  a 
Republican,  and,  with  his  wife,  a member  of  the  First  Lutheran  Church. 

HENRY  S.  CITONE,  gardener,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Dayton  Ohio,  January, 
1846.  His  father,  Stephen,  was  born  in  Italy,  in  1811,  and  came  to  the  United  States 
when  sixteen  years  of  age.  He  landed  at  New  York  and  went  from  there  to  New 
Orleans,  peddling  for  a living.  He  came  to  Dayton  in  1830,  and  in  1832  married 
Angelina  Hess,  daughter  of  a Canadian  family  who  came  to  the  States  during  the 
Revolution,  took  the  part  of  the  patriots,  and  wove  cloth  with  which  to  cover  the 
soldiers.  Her  grandfather.  John  Hess,  took  such  part  in  the  war  of  1812,  as  entitled 
his  widow  to  a pension  after  his  death.  Our  subject’s  parents  had  seven  children,  of 
whom  three  now  survive.  In  1848,  the  mother  died,  and  four  years  afterward  the 
father  married  Ellen  Dye,  to  whom  seven  children  were  born  ; four  now  living.  In 
1855,  Mr.  Citone  moved  to  Troy,  Ohio,  where  he  still  lives.  Henry,  the  subject  hereof, 
lived  with  his  parents  until  fifteen  years  of  age,  when  he  went  to  work  for  a Mr. 
Kreitzer,  with  whom  he  remained  eight  years,  and  then  commenced  learning  the  print- 
ing trade  with  Frederick  Riser,  of  Dayton,  Ohio.  When  the  war  broke  out,  he  enlisted 
in  Company  I,  Seventy -first  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  under  Capt.  Houck,  and  after 
being  out  one  year  was  wounded  at  the  battle  of  Nashville,  Tenn.,  and  discharged.  In 
1869,  he  married  Annie  Roth,  daughter  of  William  and  Mary  Roth,  Herman  residents 
of  Dayton.  By  this  marriage  five  children  were  born,  all  living.  Mr.  C.  has  followed 
gardening  since  the  war.  He  lives  on  the  River  road,  is  a member  of  the  old  guards, 
and,  with  his  family,  is  connected  with  the  Catholic  Church. 

W.  H.  CLARK,  farmer,  P.  0.  Dayton,  was  born  in  Van  Buren  Township,  Mont- 
gomery County,  Ohio,  May  8,  1837.  He  is  the  son  of  John  and  Margaretta  (Ashton) 
Clark.  His  father  was  born  in  Montgomery  County  in  1813,  and  was  married  in  1833 
to  Miss  Ashton,  by  whom  he  had  three  children.  The  father  died  on  the  home  farm 
at  the  good  old  age  of  sixty-one  years,  and  the  mother  on  the  same  farm  at  seventy- 
one  years  of  age.  Within  seventeen  hours  after  the  death  of  the  mother,  her  daughter, 
Mrs.  Martha  Shawn,  died.  W.  H.,  our  subject,  is  still  an  unmarried  man,  and  is  living 
on  the  old  home  place.  He  has  received  a common-school  education,  and  is  in  every 
way  capable  of  conducting  the  work  on  the  farm  to  the  best  advantage. 

GEORGE  L.  CLEMMER,  retired  farmer,  P.  O.  Dayton.  Just  across  the  line 
which  separates  Dayton  from  Harrison  Township,  quietly  watching  the  progress  of  our 
growing  county,  and  settled  probably  for  the  remainder  of  his  life,  on  a half  acre  of 
ground,  containing  a comfortable  dwelling-house  and  large  storeroom,  we  find  the  sub- 
ject of  our  sketch.  His  father,  Andrew,  was  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  who  emigrated 
to  Virginia  in  an  early  day,  and  there  married  Salome  Black.  Not  liking  that  State 
he,  in  1814,  removed  to  Ohio,  and  with  his  family,  located  in  Perry  Township,  Mont- 
gomery County,  where  he  entered  a three-quarter  section  of  land,  cleared  a part  of  it, 
built  a mill,  and  with  no  neighbor  nearer  than  three  miles,  commenced  his  pioneer  life. 
The  wild  deer,  turkeys  and  wolves  were  then  familiar  objects  of  every  day  life  in  that 
locality.  It  was  there  our  subject  first  saw  the  light  of  day,  on  the  14th  of  June,  1815  ; 
there  he  received  his  limited  education  in  the  old  slab-seated  schoolhouse,  and  amid 
these  scenes  he  grew  up  to  man’s  estate.  He  remained  with  his  parents  until  twenty- 
three  years  of  age,  when  he  married  Susan  Drayer,  who  was  born  March  30,  1820, 
daughter  of  Peter  and  Elizabeth  (Myers)  Drayer,  natives  of  Pennsylvania.  After  his 
marriage,  he  took  100  acres  of  land,  cleared  it  himself,  built  his  own  house,  made  his 


428 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


own  farming  implements  and  commenced  doing  his  share  toward  making  his  county 
what  it  is  to-day.  After  remaining  in  Perry  Township  fifty-two  years  he  moved  to 
Dayton,  having,  while  in  that  township,  accumulated  some  320  acres  of  land.  He  has 
had  six  children,  of  whom  he  has  succeeded  in  raising  four,  viz. : David,  Eliza- 

beth, Lewis  D.  and  Sarah.  His  other  two  were  John  W.  and  one  that  died  in  its 
infancy.  Mr.  Clemmer  was  Trustee  of  his  township  five  years  and  School  Director 
nine  years.  He  and  his  wife  are  both  members  of  the  German  Reformed  Church,  of 
which  he  has  been  an  Elder  for  some  time.  This  couple,  though  old,  are  hale  and 
hearty,  and  are  now  enjoying  the  health  and  comforts  due  to  two  whose  lives  have 
been  so  well  spent. 

CHARLES  DIEHL,  gardener,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Prussia  February  25,  1817. 
He  is  the  son  of  Nicholas  and  Lizzie  (Culman)  Diehl  of  Prussia,  where  our  subject  re- 
ceived an  education  such  as  was  afforded  by  the  schools  of  his  district.  He  emigrated 
to  America  in  1853,  and  after  a short  stay  in  New  York  came  to  Dayton,  where  he 
worked  as  a day  laborer.  In  1855,  he  married  Mary  Stark,  who  was  born  in  Wurtem- 
berg,  Germany,  in  1822.  In  1856  he  purchased  his  present  place,  commenced  garden- 
ing, and  has  since  continued  at  it.  He  has  had  five  children,  one  being  dead.  In 
politics  he  is  a Democrat.  He  is  a member  of  the  German  Lutheran  Church,  and  has 
served  as  School  Director  for  his  district. 

ADAM  EBY,  farmer.  P.  0.  Dayton.  Among  the  wealthy  farmers  of  Harrison 
Township,  mention  may  be  made  of  the  above-named  gentleman,  who  was  born  near 
Big  Gunpojvder  Falls,  Baltimore  Co.,  Md.,  July  10,  1814.  He  is  the  son  of  Christian 
and  Susan  (McDaniels)  Eby,  natives  of  Pennsylvania,  who  came  to  Ohio  in  1838,  and 
located  near  Farmersville,  Jackson  Township,  Montgomery  Co.  His  father  and  mother 
died  at  the  advanced  ages  of  eighty-two  and  eighty-five  respectively,  leaving  thirteen  chil- 
dren, of  whom  nine  now  survive.  Our  subject  received  a common-school  education, 
and  remained  with  his  parents  until  twenty-six  years  of  age,  when  he  married  Susan 
Mullendore,  of  Virginia,  and  moved  to  his  present  location  on  the  River  road.  By  in- 
dustry, perseverance  and  tact  he  has  accumulated  a considerable  property,  consisting  of 
the  home  place  of  427  acres,  150  acres  in  Jefferson  Township,  and  80  acres  in  Indi- 
ana. He  lias  had  thirteen  children,  of  whom  ten  are  now  living. 

JOSEPH  L.  ENSLEY,  farmer,  P.  O.  Dayton,  was  born  in  Butler  Township, 
Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  May  18,  1821.  He  is  the  son  of  James  and  Susanna  (Lodge) 
Ensley.  His  father  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  in  1785  ; came  to  Ohio  in  1818,  and 
located  on  160  acres  of  land  in  Butler  Township.  His  mother  was  born  in  Virginia, 
in  1789,  and  went  to  Pennsylvania,  where  she  married  Mr.  Ensley.  Mr.  Ensley  was  a 
Justice  of  the  Peace  for  eighteen  or  twenty  years  in  Butler  Township,  where  be  died. 
His  wife  is  still  living  in  Darke  County,  Ohio,  with  one  of  her  daughters,  Mrs.  John 
Eichleman.  Our  subject’s  grandfather  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812.  Our  subject 
lived  with  his  parents  until  twenty-five  years  of  age,  when  he  came  to  Harrison  Town- 
ship and  commenced  farming  on  his  father’s  farm,  where  he  remained  four  years,  and 
then  married  Miss  Ann  R.  Drill,  daughter  of  George  and  Jemima  Drill,  of  Montgom- 
ery County,  who  were  married  in  1813.  Her  father  and  mother  both  came  from  Mary- 
land about  1827.  He  was  born  in  1787,  and  she  in  1791.  After  marriage  our  sub- 
ject farmed  in  the  neighborhood  until  1865,  when  Ire  bought  his  present  place,  and  now 
owns  about  100  acres  in  all.  He  has  had  six  children,  four  girls  and  two  boys,  two 
girls  being  married  and  one  dead.  Mr.  Ensley,  his  wife  and  four  children  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Methodist  Church,  in  which  Mr.  Ensley  was  Steward  and  is  Trustee.  In 
politics,  he  is  a Republican. 

MAFIALA  ENSLEY,  P.  O.  Dayton,  widow  of  George  W.  Ensley,  and  daughter 
of  William  and  Susanna  (Warrenfeldt)  Patton,  was  born  in  Montgomery  County,  Ohio, 
October  4,  1821,  and  on  the  16th  of  April,  1839,  was  united  in  marriage  with  George 
W.  Ensley,  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  born  in  Bedford  County,  March  20,  1813,  of 
parents,  James  and  Susanna  Ensley,  he  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  and  she  of  Virginia. 
Mr.  Ensley  came  to  Montgomery  County,  with  his  parents,  in  1818,  and  ever  afterward 
remained  a resident  of  the  county,  until  his  death.  He  was  a member  of  the  United 


HARRISON  TOWNSHIP. 


429 


Brethren  Church,  a kind  neighbor  and  a good  citizen.  In  politics,  a Republican.  As  a 
result  of  this  union  between  our  subject  and  Mr.  Ensley,  there  was  born  to  them  one 
daughter,  Laura,  who  married  William  G.  Turner,  and  became  the  mother  of  two  chil- 
dren, Mary  V.  and  Nettie  E.  The  parents  of  our  subject  were  born,  the  father  in 
Yirginia  September  27,  1796,  and  the  mother  in  Frederick  County,  Md.,  December 
9,  1797,  and  were  married  in  the  latter  State,  September  22,  1818;  that  same  fall  they 
emigrated  to  Montgomery  County,  and  in  about  ten  years  settled  where  Mahala  Ensley 
now  resides,  on  which  farm  he  died,  May  8,  1864.  The  mother  is  still  surviving  and 
living  on  the  homestead  with  her  daughter.  The  union  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Patton  was 
blessed  with  two  daughters,  viz.,  Mahala  and  Sophia,  the  latter  marrying  George  Heikes, 
and  died,  August  31,  1866,  leaving  one  daughter,  Dora— the  wife  of  Cornelus  Mumma, 
to  whom  were  born  the  following  children  : Marion  V.,  Blanche  E., Ernest  L.,  Norma 

G.  and  Edith  C.  The  great-grandfather  of  our  subject,  Jacob  Warrenfeldt,  at  the  age 
of  fourteen  years  was  sent  to  America  to  escape  service  in  the  army  of  his  native  land, 
Mrs.  Mahala  Ensley  is  a member  of  the  United  Brethren  Church,  and  her  mother 
identified  with  the  Lutheran  Church. 

JOHN  EWING,  gardener,  P.  0.  Dayton,  was  born  in  New  Jersey  in  May  1817. 
His  parents,  Abijah  Ewing,  who  was  born  in  1792,  and  Olive  (Ayers)  Ewing,  were  old 
residents  of  New  Jersey,  and  both  died  before  our  subject  reached  the  age  of  eight  years. 
After  their  death,  John  worked  for  a man  named  McPherson,  and  remained  in  New 
Jersey  until  nineteen  years  old,  when  he  came  to  Cincinnati,  where  he  married  Etna 
Inman,  daughter  of  old  residents  of  Miami  County.  After  a seven  years’  residence  in 
Cincinnati,  he  came  to  Dayton  and  located  in  the  city  as  a drayman,  in  which  occupa- 
tion he  continued  fifteen  years.  He  then  moved  to  his  present  residence  on  the  River 
road  in  Harrison  Township,  and  took  up  the  occupation  of  gardener,  in  which  he  has 
since  continued.  He  has  been  twice  married,  his  first  wife  dying  and  leaving  six  chil- 
dren, of  whom  two  are  now  living.  In  1866,  he  married  his  second  wife,  Miss  Harriet 
Bostwick,  of  New  York  State.  Mr.  Ewing  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  Linden 
Avenue  Baptist  Church,  in  which  he  has  for  a long  time  been  an  officer,  now  occupying 
the  office  of  Treasurer.  He  was,  for  a number  of  years,  connected  with  the  old  fire  de- 
partment of  the  city.  His  political  views  are  in  unison  with  the  principles  of  the  Repub- 
lican party.  He  is  a man  of  the  highest  degree  of  integrity,  thoroughly  posted  in  his 
business,  and  has  the  respect  and  esteem  of  all  who  know  him.  His  success  as  a gar- 
dener is  fully  attested  by  the  large  number  of  patrons  that  flock  around  his  stand  on  mar- 
ket day. 

JOHN  W.  GAINES,  of  the  Dayton  Star  Nurseries,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Mont- 
gomery County,  Ohio,  January  9,  1846,  and  is  the  son  of  John  N.  and  Catherine 
(Crow)  Gaines,  the  former  being  a native  of  Virginia  and  the  latter  of  Pennsylvania. 
His  mother  came  to  this  county  in  childhood,  while  his  father  did  not  settle  here  until 
1844,  shortly  after  which  he  was  married  and  settled  in  Randoph  Township,  where  our 
subject  was  born,  being  the  eldest  in  a family  of  six  children,  five  of  whom  are  living, 
as  well  as  his  mother,  who  resides  in  his  native  township.  John  W.  grew  to  maturity, 
as  a farmer’s  son,  attending  the  district  school  as  much  as  circumstances  would  allow, 
and  in  1867  purchased  a half-interest  in  the  nursery  of  Samuel  Kinsey,  although  hav- 
ing no  capital,  in  which  he  remained  until  1871,  when  Samuel  W.  Hoover  bought 
Kinsey’s  half  and  the  firm  changed  to  Hoover  & Gaines.  Mr.  Gaines  was  married, 
December  12,  1871,  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Hoover,  daughter  of  John  and  Elizabeth  Hoover. 
Mrs.  Gaines  was  born  in  Miami  County,  Ohio,  and  has  had  one  child — Melvin  A.  In 
1879,  Hoover  & Gaines  moved  their  nurseries  to  the  Wolf  Creek  pike,  on  the  Northern 
suburbs  of  Dayton,  where  they  now  operate  about  300  acres  in  the  nursery  business, 
wholesaling  about  870,000  in  their  line  during  the  past  year.  They  have  one  of  the 
largest  and  most  extensive  nurseries  west  of  the  Alleghanies,  and  ship  their  trees  to 
every  part  of  the  United  States.  Their  success  has  been  rapid  and  strongly  marked 
by  shrewd  business  sagacity,  upright  dealing  and  strict  integrity,  which  have  won  for 
them  a name  second  to  none.  Politically,  Mr.  Gaines  is  a Republican,  and  he  and  wife 
are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  Beginning  in  life  without  means,  he 


430 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


has  attained  in  a few  years,  a leading  position  among  the  business  men  of  his  native 
county,  and  judging  the  future  by  the  past,  his  business  career  will  inevitably  terminate 
in  uncommon  success.  Mr.  Gaines  is  a man  of  alfable  manners  and  pleasant  address, 
who  has  won  many  friends  throughout  his  native  county. 

MATHIAS  GLASER,  Jr.,  gardener,  Dayton,  is  of  German  descent,  his  father, 
Mathias,  Sr.,  having  been  born  in  Prussia,  Germany,  in  1808,  and  his  mother,  Helen 
(Weber)  Glaser,  being  born  in  the  same  country  in  1810.  They  emigrated  to  America 
in  1844,  and  lived  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  where  our  subject  was  born,  and  where  they 
remained  four  years,  and  then  came  to  Montgomery  County,  Ohio.  In  about  1850, 
they  located  on  what  was  then  known  as  “ the  old  bottom  place,”  and  here  carried  on 
gardening  with  the  help  of  our  subject  as  long  as  he  remained  at  home.  In  1864, 
Mathias,  Jr.,  left  home  and  worked  out.  In  1865,  he  enlisted  in  the  Seventy-first 
Volunteer  Infantry,  and  was  afterward  transferred  to  the  Fifty-eighth  Ohio  Veterans, 
in  which  he  served  six  months,  principally  on  provost  duty  at  different  places.  In 
1870,  he  married  Mary  T.  Schneider,  by  whom  he  has  had  four  children.  They  are 
members  of  Emanuel’s  Catholic  Church.  Though  unfortunate,  through  sickness  in 
his  family,  Mr.  G.,  with  the  assistance  of  his  wife,  is  making  rapid  strides  toward 
success. 

ANDREW  GREULICH,  butcher,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Dayton,  Ohio,  Septem- 
ber 14,  1846.  His  parents  were,  Balser  Greulich,  who  was  born  in  Baden,  February 
8,  1810,  and  Volberg  (Abberger)  Greulich,  who  was  born  in  Wurtemberg  in  1816. 
Balser  Greulich  emigrated  to  America  in  1834,  and  landed  in  New  York,  where  he 
was  married  in  1836.  He  worked  at  his  trade  of  butchering  in  New  York  until 
1839,  when  he  went  to  Pittsburgh,  where  he  worked  six  years,  and  then,  in  1845,  came 
to  Dayton,  Montgomery  County,  Harrison  Township,  where  he  has  since  obtained,  by 
dint  of  hard  labor  and  close  economy,  about  thirty-one  acres  of  land,  well  improved, 
and  a comfortable  brick  dwelling.  He  is  the  father  of  nine  living  children,  and  has  had 
one  child  that  died  in  infancy.  He  is  one  of  the  oldest  butchers  in  the  city  of  Dayton, 
having  commenced  attending  market  when  the  old  Market  House  was  built.  Andrew, 
our  subject,  is  unmarried,  and  still  lives  at  home.  He  has  taken  charge  of  his  father’s 
business,  and  can  always  be  found  at  his  stand,  No.  33  Market  House.  He  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  Butchers’  Society  and  Catholic  Church. 

HENBY  HALLER,  farmer  and  gardener,  P.  O.  Dayton,  is  the  son  of  Daniel 
and  Kitty  (Bowles)  Haller,  of  Frederick  County,  Md.,  where  our  subject  was  born, 
and  there  received  a good  common  school  education.  At  twenty-two  years  of  age,  he  mar- 
ried Elizabeth  Barger,  who  was  born  in  1809.  In  1848  he  came  to  Dayton,  and,  in 
1849,  commenced  farming  for  Col.  Patterson,  with  whom  he  remained  three  years,  and 
then  bought  the  place  On  which  he  now  resides.  He  is  a Republican  in  politics,  and  in 
religion  a member  of  the  United  Brethren  Church.  He  has  had  six  children,  of  whom 
two  are  now  dead.  Mr.  Haller  has  a nice  home,  and  twenty  acres  of  ground,  on  which 
he  raises  vegetables  for  the  city  markets. 

FRANCIS  M.  HALLER,  farmer,  P.  O.  Dayton,  was  born  on  the  old  homestead, 
October  18, 1836.  He  is  the  son  of  John  and  Elizabeth  (Yost)  Haller.  His  father  was 
born  in  Frederick  County,  Md.,  in  1803,  came  to  Ohio  in  1827,  lived  six  months 
in  Dayton,  and  then  moved  to  his  farm,  where  he  died  April  1,  1881,  having  been  an 
Elder  in  the  Reformed  Church  fifty  years.  He  had  been  married  twice;  first  to  Miss 
Anna  Yost,  by  whom  he  had  three  children,  and  afterward  to  her  sister  Elizabeth,  sub- 
ject’s mother,  by  whom  he  had  two  children.  Our  subject  has  always  been  at  home.  [ 
He  has  had  a fair  education.  He  married  Miss  Nancy  Olinger,  daughter  of  William 
Olinger,  by  whom  he  has  had  six  children,  four  girls  and  two  boys.  He  is  a Repub- 
lican in  polities,  and  a member  of  the  Reformed  Church. 

SAMUEL  W.  HOOVER,  of  the  Dayton  Star  Nurseries,  P.  O.  Dayton,  was  born 
in  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  April  16,  1837.  His  parents  were  Jacob  and  Elizabeth 
(Gripes)  Hoover,  natives  of  Pennsylvania,  who  came  to  this  county  prior  to  1820,  and 
settled  in  Jefferson  Township,  where  his  father  still  resides.  His  mother  died  in  1864. 
Samuel  W.  was  the  eldest  in  a family  of  four  children,  three  of  whom  are  living,  and 


HARRISON  TOWNSHIP. 


431 


his  boyhood  was  spent  upon  the  home  farm,  attending  the  common  district  school  as 
much  as  circumstances  permitted.  He  was  married  January  26,  1860,  to  Catherine 
Basore,  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Lydia  Basore  ; he  was  a native  of  the  “ Keystone 
State,”  and  she  of  Ohio,  they  being  early  settlers  of  Montgomery  County.  Mrs.  Hoover 
was  born  in  this  county,  and  has  had  three  children,  two  of  whom  are  living,  viz.,  Oliver 
P.  and  W.  I.  T.  Hoover.  In  1869,  Mr.  Hoover  began  working  in  the  nursery  of  Kin- 
sey & Gaines,  and  in  1871,  although  having  but  little  capital,  he  purchased  Kinsey’s 
interest,  and  became  a partner,  under  the  firm  name  of  Hoover  & Gaines,  which  has 
continued  to  the  present  time.  In  1879  they  moved  their  business  to  their  present 
location  upon  the  Wolf  Creek  pike,  in  the  northern  suburbs  of  Dayton,  where  they 
operate  about  three  hundred  acres  in  the  nursery  business,  doing  a wholesale  trade  of 
about  $70,000  in  the  past  year,  their  nursery  being  one  of  the  most  extensive  west  of 
the  Alleghanies.  Mr.  Hoover  and  wife  are  members  of  the  German  Baptist  Church. 
He  is  a member  of  the  Montgomery  County  Horticultural  Society,  also  of  the  Miami 
Yalley  Nurserymen’s  Association,  of  which  he  was  Secretary  several  years;  and  of  the 
American  Nurserymen’s  National  Association,  of  which  he  was  one  of  the  Executive 
Committee  two  years.  Thus  it  will  be  seen  that  Mr.  Hoover’s  life  has  been  an  active 
one,  and  productive  of  much  good ; and  besides  his  well-known  successful  business  qual- 
ifications, he  has  ever  taken  a deep  interest  in  the  elevation  of  humanity  and  the  de- 
velopment of  his  native  county.  Courteous  and  affable  at  all  times,  he  is  a fitting 
representative  of  the  successful  business  man  and  well-bred  Christian  gentleman. 

JOHN  KELLER,  gardener,  P.  O.  Dayton,  was  born  in  Dayton  May  24,  1844. 
He  is  the  son  of  Phillip  and  Elizabeth  (Martinthaler)  Keller.  The  father  was  born 
in  Bavaria,  emigrated  to  America  in  1835,  and  after  a short  stay  in  New  York  went  to 
Cincinnati,  Ohio,  where  he,  in  1837,  met  and  married  subject’s  mother,  by  whom  he 
had  two  children — Rachel,  relict  of  Frank  Bethinghamer,  deceased,  and  John,  our 
subject.  The  children  were  both  made  orphans  by  the  death  of  their  parents  a few 
years  ago.  John  lived  with  his  parents  until  twenty-two  years  of  age,  when  he  mar- 
ried Theresa  Ries,  by  whom  he  had  nine  children.  He  and  family  are  members  of  the 
Catholic  Church.  He  is  also  a member  of  the  Knights  of  St.  George. 

JOHN  KENNEDY,  farmer,  P.  O.  Dayton,  was  born  in  Montgomery  County, 
Ohio,  December  21,  1822.  He  is  the  son  of  Joseph  and  Nancy  (Kerr)  Ken- 
nedy. His  father  was  born  in  Lancaster  County,  Peun.,  in  1775,  came  to  Ohio  in 
1803,  and  located  in  Montgomery  County  where  he  erected  a distillery,  which  he  con- 
ducted in  connection  with  his  farm  work.  His  wife  was  a native  of  Virginia,  born  in 
1797.  She  was  a life-long  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  and  died  in  1862,  at 
the  ripe  old  age  of  sixty-five  years.  She  was  the  mother  of  six  children,  three  of 
them  now  surviving.  Her  husband,  when  he  came  to  Ohio,  purchased  forty  acres  of 
land,  but  by  industrious  habits  and  close  attention  to  his  work  he  succeeded  in  accumu- 
lating 300  acres  at  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1856.  John,  our  subject, 
lived  with  his  parents  until  1855,  when  he  married  Miss  Martha  Darst,  of  Greene 
County,  Ohio.  He  received  a very  good  education  in  the  common  schools  of  Dayton, 
and  afterward  attended  Center  College  at  Danville,  111.  After  his  marriage,  he  located 
on  the  farm  of  160  acres,  which  he  now  occupies.  He  has  had  five  children,  all  of 
whom  are  living.  Himself,  wife  and  oldest  daughter  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church.  Mr.  Kennedy  is  a Republican,  a good  farmer,  an  indulgent  father  and  a 
highly  esteemed  citizen. 

JACOB  KNECHT,  farmer,  P.  O.  Dayton,  is  a native  of  the  village  of  Haha- 
frashen  in  Bavaria,  Germany,  where  he  was  born  December  23,  1835,  of  parents,  Jacob 
and  Marion  (Gilder)  Rnecht,  both  of  German  birth.  By.  occupation,  the  father  was 
a farmer.  Both  parents  died  when  Jacob  was  but  a youth.  In  the  fall  of  1853,  No- 
vember 20,  he  came  to  America,  money  for  his  passage  having  been  sent  him  by  an 
uncle,  Christ  Miller,  then  living  in  Montgomery  Couuty.  On  landing  in  New  York 
City,  he  there  passed  a few  days,  going  to  Philadelphia,  thence  to  Cincinnati,  and  in  a 
few  weeks  on  up  into  Montgomery  County.  Here  he  was  employed  some  years  per- 
forming farm  labor  and  working  in  the  nursery  of  George  R.  Mumma.  On  the  15th 


♦ 


432  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES : 

of  January,  lie  was  united  in  marriage  to  Magdalena,  daughter  of  Jacob  and  Mary  A. 
(Pollurst)  Semon,  a native  of  Germany,  and  to  them  have  been  born  the  following- 
named  children  : John,  Charles,  Elizabeth,  Catharine,  Jacob,  G&orge,  Christ  and  Julia, 
the  three  last  named  being  dead.  Our  subject,  not  differing  from  che  Germans  in  gen- 
eral, is  frugal  and  industrious,  as  is  evidenced  in  the  fact  of  his  possessing  a fine  farm 
of  130  acres  in  Harrison  Township,  near  Dayton,  and  has,  upon  eight  acres  near  by, 
erected  a large  and  neat  brick  residence. 

JOSEPH  KUNZ,  gardener,  P.  0.  Dayton,  was  born  in  Germany  March  2, 1848. 
His  father,  Frank,  was  born  in  1817,  and  his  mother,  Margaretta,  in  1820.  During 
his  stay  in  the  old  country,  his  father  was  in  the  regular  army  six  years.  In  1854,  he 
concluded  to  emigrate  to  America,  and,  bidding  the  land  of  his  birth  farewell,  he  set 
sail  for  the  New  World.  The  West  attracted  his  attention,  and  accordingly  he  came  to 
Ohio,  located  in  Dayton,  and  at  once  commenced  gardening.  In  1865,  he  moved  to 
Van  Wert,  and  after  spending  eight  years  there,  moved  again  to  Allen  County,  where 
he  and  wife  still  live.  He  has  raised  a family  of  nine  children,  three  of  whom  are  in 
Montgomery  County.  Joseph,  our  subject,  remained  with  his  parents  until  nineteen 
years  of  age,  when  he  commenced  work  as  a gardener,  and  has  followed  it  successfully 
ever  since.  At  twenty-two,  he  married  Sarah  Armstrong,  of  near  Sandusky,  Ohio,  and 
has  had  by  her  five  children,  four  now  living.  They  are  all  members  of  the  United 
Brethren  Church,  of  which  he  is  Steward. 

GEORGE  A.  KUNZ,  gardener,  P.  0 Dayton,  is  a brother  of  Joseph  Kunz,  whose 
sketch  appears  in  this  work.  He  was  born  in  Germany,  September,  1849,  and  until  of 
age  lived  with  his  parents,  helping  in  the  garden  and  going  to  school.  He  began  life 
for  himself  as  a gardener,  and  has  since  continued  in  the  same  employment.  In  1874, 
he  married  Maggie  Bentley,  whose  parents  came  from  Maryland  at  an  early  day,  and 
settled  in  Harrison  Township,  where  Mrs.  Bentley  now  lives  with  her  eldest  daughter, 
her  husband  having  died  twelve  years  ago.  Mr.  Kunz’s  marriage  was  blest  with 
four  children,  all  of  whom  with  their  parents  are  members  of  the  First  Lutheran 
Church.  Mr.  Kunz  has  also  been  connected  with  Patterson  Chapel  Sabbath  School 
from  its  organization,  and  since  1875  has  been  its  Treasurer. 

MICHAEL  KURTZ,  nurseryman,  P.  0.  Dayton,  was  born  in  Germany  December 
18, 1842 : came  to  this  country  when  young,  and  for  nine  years  worked  for  J.  B.  Mumma, 
Esq.  In  1862,  he  enlisted  in  Company  A,  Ninety-third  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry  under 
Captain  Martin,  now  a conductor  on  the  Cincinnati,  Hamilton  & Dayton  Railroad.  He 
served  with  his  company  three  years,  taking  part  in  all  the  battles  in  which  the  Ninety- 
third  engaged.  In  1868,  he  married  Margaret  Stark,  of  Montgomery  County,  who 
died  in  1877,  leaving  four  children,  and  in  1879  he  was  married  to  Elizabeth  Diehl, 
whose  parents  we  have  spoken  of  elsewhere.  By  her  he  has  one  child.  Mr.  Kurtz  lo- 
cated soon  after  the  war  on  twenty-five  acres  of  land  in  Harrison  Township,  where  he 
still  resides  and  carries  on  the  nursery  business.  He  is  a Republican,  and  a Director  of 
School  District  No.  9. 

GEORGE  KURTZ,  nurseryman,  P.  0.  Dayton,  was  born  in  Germany  June  16, 
1846.  He  is  the  son  of  Michael  and  Theresa  Kurtz,  who  came  to  the  United  States  in 
1854,  and  located  in  Dayton,  Ohio,  where  Mr.  Kurtz  worked  at  day  labor  until  his  death, 
which  occurred  in  1874.  Our  subject  was  hired  to  a nurseryman  at  nine  years  of  age,  j 
and  worked  until  1870,  when  he  married  Miss  Harriett  Stepleton,  and  commenced 
growing  trees,  on  shares,  for  Mr.  George  Heikes.  In  1872,  he  bought  10  acres  of 
land,  built  a house,  and  commenced  business  for  himself,  in  which  he  still  continues. 

He  is  the  father  of  four  children,  one  boy  and  three  girls,  all  living.  His  wife’s  father 
was  a Pennsylvanian,  who  married  a Miss  Olinger,  and  came  to  Montgomery  County  in 
1821.  Mr.  K.,  our  subject,  when  sixteen  years  of  age  enlisted  in  the  Ninety-third 
Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  but  after  three  days  his  father  compelled  him  to  return  home. 

He  is  doing  a good  nursery  business,  and  is  taking  rapid  strides  toward  the  goal  of  suc- 
cess. Politically,  he  is  a Democrat. 

REV.  PHILLIP  J.  MILLHOFF,  minister,  Dayton,  son  of  Phillip  and  Mary 
(Merrick)  Millhoff,  was  born  in  Franklin  County,  Penn.,  September  5,  1832.  His  father 


HARRISON  TOWNSHIP. 


433 


was  one  of  the  first  settlors  of  Shelby  County,  Ohio,  but  came  to  Montgomery  County 
in  1840  ; and,  after  remaining  eleven  years  returned  to  Shelby  County,  where  he  died  in 
1865,  and  was  followed  by  his  wife  six  years  afterward.  Our  subject  lived  with  his 
parents  until  1861,  when  he  enlisted  in  the  Fourth  Ohio  Cavalry.  In  four  months  after  he 
entered  the  service,  he  was  captured  by  John  Morgan,  but  was  discharged  by  general 
orders.  In  1862,  he  re-enlisted  in  Company  C,  One  Hundred  and  Eighteenth  Ohio 
Volunteer  Infantry,  under  Capt.  Stone.  He  was  stricken  with  paralysis  and  came 
home  in  April,  1863.  In  1864,  he  married  Catharine  Snow.  After  the  war,  he  went  to 
farming  in  Shelby  County,  Ohio,  and  continued  that  occupation  until  entirely  disabled. 
For  the  last  eleven  years  he  has  lived  in  Harrison  Township.  He  does  not  adhere  to 
any  particular  church,  but  has  preached  the  Gospel  for  thirty  years.  He  has  four 
children,  all  living  at  home.  He  is  a member  of  the  Old  Guard. 

LEWIS  NEFF,  P.  O.  Dayton,  is  a descendant  of  one  of  the  old  pioneer  fami- 
lies of  Montgomery  County.  His  grand-father,  John  Neff,  a native  of  Virginia, 
emigrated  to  what  is  now  Montgomery  County  in  the  year  1801,  and  entered 
1,800  acres  of  land  along  the  Great  Miami  Fiver.  As  quite  an  extended  account 
of  this  pioneer  and  his  family  have  been  given  in  the  history  proper  of  Harrison 
Township,  we  will  refer  the  reader  to  it,  and  not  repeat  the  same  in  this  sketch. 
The  immediate  parents  of  our  subject  were  Abraham  and  Mary  (Speece)  Neff, 
the  former  a native  of  Shenandoah  County,  Va.,  and  the  mother  born  near  Hagers- 
town, Md.  The  mother  was  a daughter  of  Lewis  and  Barbara  Speece,  who  died 
in  the  State  of  Indiana.  Abraham  and  Mary  (Speece)  Neff  died,  the  former  August 
23,  1847  in  his  seventieth  year,  and  the  latter  April  18,  1879  in  her  ninety-fourth 
year,  and  both  were  buried  in  the  graveyard  at  Beardshear  Chapel.  Our  subject  was 
born  at  the  old  homestead  April  30,  1810.  He  was  educated  in  the  district  schools  of 
the  neighborhood  and  reared  a farmer.  Mr.  Neff  has  been  married  three  times.  His 
first  wife  was  Mary,  daughter  of  Christopher  and  Elizabeth  Boyer,  to  whom  he  was 
married  July  25,  1833,  and  to  them  there  were  born  the  following  children  : Mary, 
Margaret,  Catharine,  Caroline  and  Harriet.  Mrs.  Neff  died  June  21,  1850.  Next, 
Mr.  Neff  was  married  to  Hannah  Wise,  and  the  third  time  to  Mary  A.  Weddel,  who 
is  still  living.  Our  subject  has  for  a long  period  of  years  been  closely  identified  with 
the  interests  of  Montgomery  County.  He  was  elected  a Justice  of  the  Peace  of 
Harrison  Township  soon  after  its  formation  and,  if  he  lives  until  October,  1882,  will 
have  served  in  that  capacity  thirty  consecutive  years.  He  was  for  fifteen  years  Township 
Assessor,  and  has  for  quite  a number  of  years  been  engaged,  chiefly,  in  settling  up 
estates.  “ Squire  Neff,”  as  he  is  generally  called,  is  an  honest  and  conscientious  man 
and  a good  citizen.  We  omitted  to  note  in  its  proper  place,  that  early  in  life  Mr.  Neff 
learned  the  cooper  trade,  at  which  he  worked  for  several  years  and  was  employed  in 
operating  some  of  the  early  copper  stills. 

A.  C.  NICHOLAS,  farmer,  P.  O.  Dayton,  is  a son  of  Abram  and  Mary 
W.  Nicholas;  he  was  born  on  the  old  homestead  May  13,  1827,  and  remained  with 
his  parents  until  twenty-three  years  of  age,  when  he  went  to  West  Baltimore,  and  for 
nine  years  engaged  in  mercantile  pursuits.  In  the  spring  of  1879,  he  located  in  Har- 
rison Township,  where  he  has  since  farmed.  He  married  Miss  Febecca  Finehart, 
daughter  of  Peter  Finehart,  an  old  pioneer  of  Dayton,  and  Mary,  his  wife.  Mr.  Nich- 
olas’ marriage  was  blessed  with  four  children,  all  living — Mollie  F.,  Jennie,  Hattie  and 
John  Wesley.  Mr.  Nicholas  and  wife  are  both  members  of  the  United  Brethren 
Church,  in  which  he  has  been  a class  leader  and  Sabbath-school  Superintendent,  and 
in  which  he  is  now  Assistant  Sabbath  School  Superintendent. 

JOSEPH  NVE  (deceased),  was  born  in  Lancaster  County,  Penn.,  January  8, 
1808,  and,  receiving  a common-school  education,  remained  with  his  parents  until  1834, 
when  he  came  to  Ohio  and  located  in  Miamisburg,  Montgomery  County,  where  he 
worked  at  his  trade  of  weaving.  In  1836,  he  married  Miss  Febecca  Weldy,  who  died 
three  years  afterward.  In  1842,  he  was  again  married  to  Catharine  Oyler,  who  was 
born  in  Jessamine  County,  Ky.,  in  1825.  They  remained  in  Miamisburg  ten  years, 
during  which  time  Mr.  Nye  commenced  farming  and  market  gardening.  They  next 

J ° T>T> 


434 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


moved  to  Harrison  Township,  where  Mr.  Nye  died  in  1872  with  heart-disease,  leaving 
his  wife  and  seven  children.  He  was  a consistent  member  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 
Mrs.  Nye  lives  on  the  old  place  with  one  daughter  and  two  sons.  She  sent  two  boys 
to  protect  their  country’s  flag  when  fanatical  rebellion  threatened  it,  and  was  fortunate 
enough  to  receive  them  both  back  safely.  She  is  a member  of  the  United  Brethren 
Church,  and  teacher  in  the  Sunday  school. 

JACOB  PUTERBAUGH,  gardener,  P.  0.  Dayton,  was  born  in  Bedford 
County,  Penn.,  January  12,  1814;  he  is  a son  of  George  and  Barbara  Puterbaugh, 
natives  of  Pennsylvania,  and  both  descendants  of  German  families.  They  came  to  Ohio 
in  1824,  and,  after  one  year  spent  in  Darke  County,  they  moved  to  the  old  Puter- 
baugh farm,  of  300  acres,  on  the  Eaton  & Dayton  pike,  where  the  father  died  in 
1867,  aged  seventy-two  years.  The  mother  died  in  1825.  Our  subject  remained  with 
his  parents  until  twenty-two  years  of  age,  helping  on  the  farm  and  attending  school  a 
little.  In  1838,  he  married  Christina  Arbaugh,  daughter  of  an  old  resident  millwright 
of  Montgomery  County.  By  this  marriage  they  had  nine  children,  five  now  living. 
Mr.  P.  moved  onto  his  present  farm  in  1843,  and  has  since  cultivated  a market  garden 
for  the  supply  of  the  city  market.  He  had  one  son,  George,  in  the  Fourth  Ohio  Cav- 
alry, who  received  a wound  in  the  war,  and  has  since  died,  leaving  one  child. 

GEORGE  PUTERBAUGH,  farmer,  P.  O.  Dayton,  was  born  in  Pennsylvania 
January  18,  1818,  and  came  to  Ohio  with  his  parents,  with  whom  he  lived  until 
twenty-three  years  of  age,  when  he  commenced  raising  watermelons  in  the  “ Bottoms,” 
in  which  business  he  continued  four  years.  In  1846.  he  married  Mary  Rhinehart,  by 
whom  he  has  eleven  children  living.  His  wife’s  parents  came  from  Pennsylvania  in 
1837.  They  are  both  dead.  They  had  eleven  children,  seven  of  whom  are  now  living. 
Mr.  P.,  after  marriage,  bought  five  acres  of  land  on  which  he  built  a cabin,  14x20,  of 
Buckeye  logs,  in  which  he  lived  four  years,  and  then  selling  it  bought  thirty-six  acres 
on  the  river.  This  he  sold  twelve  years  afterward  and  moved  to  the  corner  of  the  River 
road,  where  he  remained  six  years,  and  then  bought  seventeen  acres  on  the  Greencastle 
road,  where  he  now  lives.  He  also  owns  seven  acres  on  the  Eaton  pike.  He  and  wife 
are  members  of  the  United  Brethren  Church,  of  which  he  is  a Trustee. 

JOHN  RECHER,  farmer,  P.  0.  Dayton,  was  born  in  Frederick  County,  Md., 
February  22,  1840.  His  father,  John  Recher,  who  was  born  in  1808,  and  his  mother, 
Anna  (Marken)  Recher,  born  in  1816,  are  both  still  living  in  Maryland.  John 
remained  at  home  until  twenty-one  years  of  age,  when  he  came  to  Montgomery  County 
and  worked  on  a farm.  In  1867,  he  married  Miss  Sarah  Nicholas,  sister  of  A.  C. 
Nicholas,  and  for  five  years  thereafter  lived  on  the  Nicholas  homestead.  At  the  expi- 
ration of  this  time  he  moved  to  his  present  farm,  and  has  remained  here  since.  He 
has  three  children,  two  hoys  and  one  girl.  During  the  war,  he  was  drafted  into  the 
service,  but  did  not  serve.  He  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  United  Brethren 
Church. 

HENRT  REDDER,  farmer  and  nurseryman,  P.  0.  Dayton,  was  born  in  Ger- 
many October  13,  1833.  He  is  the  son  of  Henry  and  Sophia  (Shroer)  Redder,  who 
never  came  to  this  country.  Henry,  our  subject,  came  to  America  in  1852,  landed  in 
New  Orleans,  and  then  came  to  Cincinnati,  where  he  remained  eight  months,  working 
in  a dairy.  From  Cincinnati  he  came  to  Dayton,  where  he  worked  as  a day  laborer 
until  1857,  when  he  married  Laura  Shawen,  daughter  of  David  Shawen.  After 
marriage,  he  rented  a farm,  which  he  worked  ten  years,  and  then  bought  the' place 
adjoining  his  father-in-law,  where  he  still  lives.  He  has  two  sons  living  at  home. 
He  is  a member  of  the  Christian  Church,  in  which  his  wife  is  Sunday-school  Superin- 
tendent. He  is  a Democrat  in  politics. 

JOHN  D.  RIDER,  gardener,  P.  0.  Dayton,  was  born  in  Germany  March  20, 1S29, 
and  emigrated  to  America  with  his  parents,  Frederick  and  Margaret  Rider,  in  1835. 
At  fourteen  years  of  age,  his  parents  being  poor,  he  was  thrown  on  his  own  resources, 
and  began  life  by  working  for  Mr.  Adam  Eby,  at  $1  per  month.  His  entire  schooling 
has  amounted  to  about  six  months’  attendance  at  a country  school.  In  1857,  he  married 
Elizabeth  Welsh,  daughter  of  James  Welsh,  one  of  the  pioneer  settlers  of  Harrisburg, 


HARRISON  TOWNSHIP. 


435 


Ohio,  and  by  her  had  ten  children,  nine  of  whom  survive.  Mr.  Rider  is  a stanch 
Democrat ; has  been  a Supervisor  of  Roads  in  his  township,  and  is  now  a School  Di- 
rector and  Township  Treasurer.  Himself,  wife  and  two  daughters  are  members  of 
Miami  Chapel  of  the  United  Brethren  Church.  Mr.  Rider  has  been  for  some  time  a 
Class-leader  and  Sabbath  School  Superintendent.  He  is  possessor  of  seventy-one  acres 
of  good  land  on  the  Germantown  pike,  valued  at  120,000.  He  is  surely  a self-made  man. 

GEORGE  RIDER,  gardener,  P.  0.  Dayton,  was  born  in  Germany  in  1832,  and 
emigrated  to  America  with  his  parents  in  1835.'  He  remained  at  home  until  his  father’s 
death,  which  occurred  in  1853,  when  he  took  his  mother  and  sister  and  move!  to  the 
place  he  now  occupies,  where  he  has  since  been  engaged  in  raising  vegetables  for  mar- 
ket. His  mother  died  January  11,  1876,  and  he,  with  his  sister,  has  since  carried  on 
the  work  of  the  farm.  He  is  a member  of  the  United  Brethren  Church,  in  which  he 
has  long  been  Steward.  He  is  a brother  of  John  D.  Rider,  whose  sketch  appears  else- 
where in  this  work. 

JOHN  S.  SACKSTEDER,  gardener,  P.  O.  Dayton.  Surrounding  the  city  of 
Dayton  there  is  a complete  network  of  market  gardeners,  who  supply  the  city  with  every 
.kind  of  produce,  and  among  those  who  have  built  up  this  very  necessary  industry  of  the 
county,  and  become  wealthy  and  prominent  in  that  line,  through  their  own  efforts,  the  gen- 
tleman of  whom  we  write  stands  at  the  head  of  the  list.  John  S.  Sacksteder  was  born  in 
Prussia,  Germany,  January  20,  1832,  and  is  the  son  of  John  P.  and  Barbara  (Muntz) 
Sacksteder,  natives  of  the  above  place,*  who,  with  their  family,  emigrated  in  1836,  to 
Livingston  County,  N.  Y.,  removing  to  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  in  1844,  where  they  lived  ten 
years,  coming  to  Montgomery  County  in  1854,  Barbara  dying  here  in  1868,  her  hus- 
band still  survives.  Our  subject  received  a limited  education  in  the  common  schools 
of  New  York  and  Ohio,  and  in  boyhood  learned  the  painter’s  trade.  Upon  coming  to 
Montgomery  County,  the  whole  family  engaged  in  market  gardening,  which  our  subject 
has  successfully  continued.  He  was  married,  September  4,  1856,  to  Mary  Ann  Citone, 
daughter  of  Stephen  and  Angelina  (Hess)  Citone  ; he  a native  of  Italy,  born  in  1811, 
and  she  of  Canada,  born  in  1813.  Her  grandfather,  John  Hess,  was  a soldier  in  1812, 
fighting  on  the  American  side  against  English  tyranny,  afterward  coming  to  Dayton, 
Ohio,  where  a street  has  been  named  in  honor  of  him.  Mrs.  Sacksteder  was  born  in 
Dayton,  and  eight  children  have  blessed  her  marriage,  viz.:  Katie  (deceased),  Frank, 
Louis,  Laura,  Willie,  Maggie,  John  (deceased)  and  Annie.  Mr.  Sacksteder  began  in  his 
\ present  location  and  business  upon  a capital  of  $225,  from  which  small  beginning  he  has 
worked  up  year  after  year,  until  to-day  he  is  worth  about  $25,0(10,  all  the  legitimate 
result  of  the  constant  toil  and  rigid  economy  of  himself  and  wife.  He  and  family  be- 
long to  St.  Emanuel’s  Catholic  Church,  and  take  a deep  and  active  interest  in  the 
growth  and  propagation  of  Catholic  Christianity,  giving  liberally  of  their  means  toward 
the  support  of  the  Church  and  her  benevolent  institutions.  His  handsome  brick  resi- 
dence is  located  in  the  southwestern  suburbs  of  Dayton,  where  he  and  family  are  enjoy- 
ing the  fruits  of  their  own  industry,  as  well  as  the  unlimited  confidence  of  all  who 
know  them.  . 

PETER  SACKSTEDER,  gardener,  P.  0.  Dayton,  was  born  in  Prussia  January 
31,  1833.  His  parents,  J.  P.  and  Barbara  (Muntz)  Sacksteder,  came  to  America  in 

1 1836,  and  settled  twenty  miles  south  of  Rochester,  where  they  lived  eight  years  and 
then  moved  to  Cincinnati.  After  a ten  years’  residence  in  the  Queen  City,  they  came 
to  Dayton  and  settled  on  the  place  where  our  subject  now  lives,  and  where  they  re- 
mained until  the  death  of  the  mother  in  1868,  when  the  father  went  to  live  with  his 
1 son  John,  where  he  still  remains.  Although  seventy-seven  years  of  age,  he  is  still  hale, 
and  is  enjoying  good  health  for  one  of  his  years.  Peter  remained  with  his  parents  until 
1857,  when  he  married  Barbara  Greulich,  daughter  of  Bolser  and  Volberg  Greulich, 
whose  names  appear  elsewhere  in  this  work.  By  her  Mr.  Sacksteder  has  twelve  chil- 
dren. In  1860,  he  bought  the  homestead  and  has  since  followed  market  gardening. 
He,  his  wife  and  all  his  children  are  members  of  the  Catholic  Church. 

JOHN  SIEBENTHALER,  nurseryman,  P.  0.  Dayton,  was  born  in  Franklin 
County,  Ind.,  May  4,  1854.  He  is  the  son  of  George  and  Margaret  Siebenthaler, 


436 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES : 


■natives  of  Bavaria,  Germany,  who  came  to  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  in  1832,  and  went  to  In- 
diana in  1834.  In  the  spring  of  1867,  they  came  to  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  where 
Margaret  died  in  the  fall  of  that  year,  and  where  her  husband  still  resides.  John  was 
in  his  fourteenth  year  when  his  parents  came  to  this  county.  He  attended  school  in 
Indiana  and  Ohio,  and  for  two  months  attended  the  Collegiate  Institute  of  Dayton. 
He  began  the  nursery  business  in  Harrison  Township  in  1876,  and  has  since  continued 
in  that  line  quite  successfully.  He  taught  school  in  the  winter  of  1876-77,  and  in  the 
•spring  of  the  latter  year  was  elected  Township  Clerk  on  the  Democratic  ticket.  He 
has  since  been  re-elected  four  consecutive  years.  He  was  also  census  enumerator  in 
1880.  He  is  the  seventh  in  a family  of  twelve  children,  nine  now  living. 

CHARLES  H.  STALEY,  gardener,  P.  0.  Dayton,  was  born  in  Harrison  Town- 
ship, Montgomery  County,  May  28,  1840,  and  is  the  son  of  Conrad  and  Margaret 
(Smith)  Staley.  His  father  and  mother  were  both  born  in  Maryland,  he  in  1800  and 
she  in  1811.  His  father  followed  the  carpenter  trade,  and  in  1838  came  to  Ohio.  In 
1840,  he  located  on  the  place  now  occupied  by  our  subject,  and  continued  to  follow  his 
trade  until  1850,  when  he  commenced  farming,  which  he  followed  until  1867.  From  j 
this  time  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1877,  he  was  not  engaged  in  any  business. 
His  wife  died  in  1872,  leaving  seven  children  of  the  nine  born  to  them.  Our  subject 
remained  with  his  parents  until  their  death,  receiving  but  a limited  education.  In 
1873,  he  married  Catharine,  daughter  of  Charles  Keller,  one  of  the  pioneers  of  Mont- 
gomery County.  After  his  marriage  Mr.  Staley  took  charge  of  his  father’s  place  and 
has  since  conducted  it.  He  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  United  Brethren  Church, 
of  which  he  is  Steward. 

PETER  STUCK,  gardener,  P.  O.  Dayton,  was  born  in  Dayton,  Ohio,  March  29,  i 
1834.  He  is  the  son  of  John  and  Margaret  (Sluser)  Stuck.  His  father  was  born  in 
Pennsylvania  in  1805,  and  his  grandfather  was  a pioneer  of  Montgomery  County.  Our 
subject  was  a day-laborer  and  butcher  from  the  time  he  was  eight  years  old.  His  edu- 
cation has  been  most  meager  on  account  of  his  youthfulness  when  he  commenced  life. 
He  was  married  in  1860  to  Mary  Bolander,  daughter  of  John  Bolander,  by  whom  he  || 
has  had  seven  children,  six  now  living. 

JOHN  W.  TURNER,  retired,  P.  O.  Dayton.  Books  of  history  and  remi- 
niscences of  a busy,  well-spent  life  will  be  of  far  greater  value  to  posterity  than 
glittering  gold,  and  in  writing  of  the  gentleman  whose  name  stands  at  the  head  of  this 
sketch,  we  can  truly  say  that  few  of  its  citizens  are  more  widely  known  throughout  ji 
Montgomery  County,  and  few  more  deserving  or  possessing  to  a greater  degree  the 
respect,  confidence,  and  affections  of  its  people.  His  parents,  John  and  Margaret 
Turner,  natives  of  the  Keystone  State,  came  to  Ohio  in  1820,  and  settled  at  Liberty,  j 
Jefferson  Township,  Montgomery  County,  and  in  1824  his  father  was  elected  to  a seat  1 
in  the  State  Legislature.  In  1826,  he  removed  to  Union,  Randolph  Township,  and  in  j; 
the  fall  of  1829  the  people  again  chose  him  to  represent  them  in  the  legislative  halls  of  j 
Ohio.  His  wife  died  in  1828,  a sincere  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  She 
ever  maintained  a high  Christian  character.  The  Rev.  David  Winters  officiated  at  her 
funeral.  In  1831,  John  Turner,  Sr.,  removed  to  Salem,  and  while  there  was  appointed 
one  of  the  Associate  Judges  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas  for  Montgomery  County. 
Judge  Turner,  as  he  was  generally  called,  died  in  1866,  aged  seventy-seven  years  and  ji 
seven  months ; his  life  was  full  of  honor  and  usefulness,  dying  with  a strong  and 
abiding  faith  in  a happy  future.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Mifflin  County,  j[ 
Penn.,  November  29,  1813,  and  was  in  his  seventh  year  when  his  parents  came  to  i1 
Ohio,  yet  he  and  his  brother,  James,  walked  the  greater  part  of  the  way  from  Pennsyl- 
vania to  the  Miami  Yalley.  He  was  reared  in  the  pioneer  days  when  schools  were 
almost  unknown  in  this  region,  and  hard,  constant  toil  a necessity  ; thus  he  early  acquired  jl 
those  habits  of  industry  and  self-denial  which  are  the  stepping-stones  to  prosperity. 
His  memory  now  takes  him  back  to  the  days  of  his  boyhood,  when  he  sat  beside  his 
dear  mother,  watching  her  carding  wool,  or  listening  to  the  music  of  the  old-fashioned  I 
spinning-wheel  as  it  went  humming  upon  its  busy  errand.  Such  were  the  days  and 
^scenes  in  which  he  grew  to  manhood,  receiving,  in  the  meantime,  a limited  education,  j 


HARRISON  TOWNSHIP. 


43T 


which  rough  contact  with  the  world  sood  developed  into  practical  worth.  In  telling  of 
how  he  began  life’s  battle,  we  cannot  do  better  than  quote  his  language  verbatim.  He 
says : “ At  the  age  of  twenty-two,  I started  out  in  the  world  without  a dollar,  but 

determined  to  have  a home.  It  was  my  greatest  desire  to  have  good  health,  for  I was 
not  afraid  of  hard  work.  Thus  armed,  I went  forth,  using  care  and  economy,  always 
living  within  my  means,  keeping  a cash  account  of  my  expenses  when  working  by  the 
day  or  month,  and  being  blessed  by  reasonable  health,  I have  succeeded  beyond  my 
expectations  ; so  that  the  longer  I live  the  more  I am  convinced  that  economy  and 
invincible  determination  of  purpose  are  the  qualities  that  win  success.”  In  1836,  Mr. 
Turner  was  married  to  Miss  Eleanor  Turner,  who  died  happily  rejoicing  in  Christ,  June 
27,  1840,  leaving  two  children,  James  H.  and  Samuel,  both  of  whom  are  dead.  He 
was  again  married,  September  7,  1841,  to  Miss  Elizabeth  J.  Randall,  of  West  Milton, 
Miami  County,  Ohio,  who  was  born  at  Ellicott’s  Mills,  Md.,  April  16,  1820,  her 
father  coming  to  Miami  County  in  1829.  Settling  at  West  Milton,  eight  children  have 
blessed  this  union,  six  of  whom  are  now  living,  viz.:  Joseph,  John  D.,  William  G.r 
Charles  C.,  Frank  M.  and  Maggie,  and  it  is  the  greatest  desire  of  the  parents  to  leave 
them  such  a Christian  examble  as  will  be  a lasting  benefit  for  time  and  eternity.  Mr. 
Turner  has  followed  various  kinds  of  work  through  life  ; he  has  worked  by  the  day  and 
month,  farmed,  sold  goods,  bought  and  packed  pork,  operated  a Hour-mill  several  years 
and  manufactured  highwines.  In  1844,  he  was  appointed  Postmaster  at  Salem,  Clayton 
P.  0.  In  1847-8-9,  served  as  Township  Treasurer;  in  1850,  he  sold  out  his  interest 
in  the  firm  of  Turner  & Bros.,  at  Salem,  and  the  following  year  purchased  the  mill 
property  of  James  Ensley’s  estate  on  Stillwater  River  ; moved  from  Salem  to  that  place 
the  same  year,  rebuilt  the  mill  and  erected  a new  dam.  In  1856,  our  subject  was  elected 
a Commissioner  of  Montgomery  County;  in  1866,  was  elected  County  Ti’easurer,  and 
re-elected  in  1868/,  he  has  served  as  one  of  the  Trustees  of  the  Children’s  Home  for 
eight  years,  an  office  where  all  the  time  required  is  given  gratuitously.  As  to  his  faith- 
fulness as  a public  servant,  he  desires  to  leave  it  to  a generous  public  to  decide.  And 
now  retired  from  active  life,  he  has  no  aspirations  for  official  positions,  preferring  to 
pass  the  remainder  of  his  days  in  the  peaceful  enjoyment  of  his  happy  home  and  the 
companionship  of  his  faithful  wife,  who,  for  more  than  forty  years,  has  cheered  him 
i on  life’s  pathway. 

JOHN  VANCE,  retired  farmer,  P.  0.  Dayton,  was  born  in  Jackson  Township, 
Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio,  April  15,  1832,  and  is  the  son  of  Manuel  and  Elizabeth  (Say- 
ler)  Vance,  natives  of  Ohio.  His  grandfather,  Michael  Vance,  a native  of  Virginia, 
was  a pioneer  of  Ohio,  and  his  maternal  grandfather,  John  Sayler,  also  a native  of  the 
Old  Dominion,  was  a Revolutionary  soldier,  and  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  Jackson 
Township,  Montgomery  Co.,  Ohio.  When  the  subject  of  this  sketch  wTas  an  infant  his 
father  died,  leaving  two  sons,  Samuel  and  John.  Three  years  after  his  father’s  death, 
his  mother  married  Joseph  Heiney,  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  who  had  previously  set- 
tled in  this  county,  of  which  union  eight  children  were  born,  five  of  whom  are  now 
living.  Mr.  Vance  grew  up  on  the  home  farm,  attending  a few  months  of  country 
school,  and  at  the  age  of  eighteen  went  to  learn  the  carpenter’s  trade  with  William 
McGrew,  for  whom  he  worked  two  and  one-half  years.  He  was  married,  October  23, 
1853,  to  Mary  A.  Recher,  daughter  of  Elias  and  Elizabeth  (Anspaugh)  Recher  (he  a 
native  of  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  and  she  of  Pennsylvania),  and  grand-daughter  of 
Peter  and  Elizabeth  Recher,  natives  of  Frederick  County,  Md.,  who  were  among  the 
first  settlers  of  Montgomery  County.  Mrs.  Vance  was  born  in  Harrison  Township 
November  16,  1835,  and  has  had  oue  son,  Joseph  K.,  who  is  now  residing  upon  the 
home  farm  of  167  aci’es,  on  the  River  road.  After  marriage,  our  subject  farmed  lor 
his  father-in-law  for  a short  time;  then  moved  upon  a rented  farm,  which  he  worked 
fifteen  years;  then  spent  four  years  in  the  grocery  business  in  Miami  City,  during  which 
time  he  purchased  the  farm  on  which  he  had  formerly  lived,  and  moved  upon  it.  On 
the  breaking-out  of  the  rebellion,  Mr.  Vance  was  a member  of  the  National  Guard,  and 
■ at  once  organized  Company  G ; was  elected  Second  Lieutenant,  and  afterward  Captain  ; 
was  mustered  into  the  One  Hundred  and  Thirty-second  Ohio  National  Guard,  and  served 


438 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


100  days,  doing  duty  in  Baltimore,  Md.,  under  Colonel  John  G.  Lowe,  of  Dayton. 
Mr.  Vance  is  at  present  retired  from  active  business,  and,  with  his  wife,  is  residing  in  a 
handsome  residence  on  South  Broadway,  Miami  City.  Both  are  members  of  the 
Reformed  Church,  and  are  well-known  and  respected  by  all  good  citizens. 

MOSES  WAMPLER,  farmer,  P.  0.  Dayton.  The  grandparents  of  this  gentle- 
man were  Philip  and  Catharine  (Royer)  Wampler,  who  emigrated  from  Frederick 
County,  Md.,  in  1825,  and  settled  on  a tract  of  land  in  Section  5,  formerly  owned  by 
John  Miller,  and  purchased  of  the  Miller  heirs  at  $14  per  acre.  His  immediate  parents 
were  David  and  Sarah  (Shaup)  Wampler,  the  former  a native  of  Maryland,  and  the 
latter  of  Greene  County,  Ohio,  both  of  whom  are  now  living  and  residents  of  Mont- 
gomery County.  Our  subject  was  born  in  Greene  County,  Ohio.  November  10,  1855, 
and  was  united  in  marriage  to  Mary  E.,  daughter  of  Daniel  and  Margaret  (Miller) 
Stoner,  February  19,  1880.  She  was  born  December  2,  1861.  Her  father,  Daniel 
Stoner,  is  a native  of  Carroll  County,  Md. 

SAMUEL  WAMPLER,  farmer,  P.  O.  Dayton.  Among  the  prosperous  and 
prominent  farmers  of  Montgomery  County  we  find  the  subject  of  our  sketch.  He  is 
the  son  of  Philip  and  Catharine  (Royer)  Wampler.  His  father  was  born  in  Maryland 
in  1790,  came  to  Ohio  at  an  early  day,  and  located  in  Harrison  Township,  Montgomery 
County,  where  he  has  a fine  farm  on  which  our  subject  was  born  in  1836.  He  (Samuel) 
remained  at  home  assisting  in  the  farm  work  until  1858,  when  he  married  Miss  Agnes 
Eby,  of  Preble  County,  and  daughter  of  a family  that  came  from  Maryland  about 
1840.  By  this  marriage  six  children  were  born,  viz.  : Vernon  E.,  Jennie,  Mary  L, 
Wilbur  C.,  Susan  and  Milton  E.,  all  living  at  home.  Mr.  Wampler  is  a Republican  of 
the  old  stamp,  and  a stanch  adherent  to  party  principles.  He  has  been  for  twelve  years  { 
a School  Director  of  District  No.  1.  He  owns  a fine  large  farm  of  450  acres  which 
he  cultivates  with  the  best  of  success.  He  is  spoken  of  in  the  highest  terms  by  all 
who  know  him  and  stands  in  the  foremost  rank  of  this  county’s  prosperous  farmers. 


SVSAD  RSVE  R TOWNSHIP. 

DAVID  B.  DAVIS,  farmer,  P.  O.  Harshmanville,  was  born  on  the  16tli  day  of 
June,  1831,  in  Indiana.  Mr.  Davis’  father  was  of  Welsh  parentage.  His  mother  was 
born  in  this  county,  about  the  year  1810.  Her  parents  were  born  in  North  Carolina, 
and  came  to  this  county  in  1808.  Mr.  Davis’  father  and  mother  died  when  he  was  in 
his  sixth  year,  and  he  then  went  to  live  with  an  uncle,  remaining  until  his  fifteenth 
year,  when  he  went  to  John  Flory,  of  Lambertine,  to  learn  the  blacksmith  trade; 
remained  one  and  one-half  years;  thence  to  Cambridge  City,  Ind.,  where  he  completed 
his  trade  ; Mr.  Davis  worked  one  year  in  Piqua,  Ohio ; was  married  to  Miss  Mary 
Noffsinger,  removed  with  her  to  Cambridge  City,  Ind.,  living  there  one  year;  returned 
to  this  county  where  he  has  since  resided.  Mrs.  Davis’  father,  Mr.  Noffsinger,  was 
born  in  Pennsylvania  and  her  mother  in  North  Carolina.  Mr.  Noffsinger  came  to  Ohio 
about  the  year  1806,  and  settled  in  this  county.  Mrs.  Davis  was  born  on  the  14th  day 
of  March,  1832,  in  Jefferson  Township,  where  her  parents  lived  and  died.  Mr.  Davis 
was  in  the  late  war,  in  the  One  Hundred  and  Thirty-first  Ohio,  under  Col.  Lowe,  sta- 
tioned at  Baltimore.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Davis  have  had  ten  children.  The  first  died  when 
three  days  old  ; Daniel  A.  died  when  three  months  old.  Cassius,  Oscar,  Lizzie  Jennie, 
H oward,  Harry,  David  and  John  are  at  home  with  their  parents. 

MRS.  ANNIE  (FRYBERGER)  ECKMAN,  farmer,  P.  O.  Dayton,  born  in  this 
township  the  7th  of  March,  1809,  is  the  daughter  of  George  and  Catharine  Fry- 
berger.  When  Mrs.  Eckman  was  born,  this  county  was  an  almost  uubroken  wild- 
erness and  when  she  was  a child,  her  time  was  chiefly  spent  in  helping  the  older 
ones  of  the  family  to  clear  up  the  country  and  make  them  a home.  Her  early  life  was 
intimately  identified  with  the  suffering  and  hardships  of  the  early  pioneer,  when  this 
country  was  swarming  with  bear,  deer  and  other  wild  animals.  Mrs.  Eckman  was  mar- 


MAD  RIVER  TOWNSHIP. 


439 


ried,  September  9,  1828,  to  Daniel  Eckman,  and  moved  to  her  present  residence,  where 
she  has  since  resided.  She  has  five  children,  viz.  : Valentine,  Henry  and  Daniel  (de- 
ceased), and  Mary  E.  and  Sarah  A. — one  married  to  William  Gross,  and  living  in  Day- 
ton,  the  other  married  to  George  F.  Wentz,  and  living  on  the  home  farm. 

FREDERICK  EICKMAN,  machinist,  Dayton.  Mr.  Frederick  Eickman  was 
born  in  Prussia,  Germany,  on  the  9th  day  of  August,  1845.  His  father  came  to  this 
country  in  1846.  Two  years  later,  his  mother  and  grandmother  came  with  the  subject 
of  our  sketch  and  joined  the  father  in  Dayton,  Ohio.  Two  weeks  after  their  arrival, 
Mr.  E.’s  grandmother  died  of  the  cholera.  Mr.  E.  remained  with  his  parents  until  his 
twenty-fourth  year.  In  his  nineteenth  year,  he  began  to  learn  the  business  of  machin- 
ist, and  has  continued  at  that  until  now.  Mr.  E.  was  married  on  the  22d  of  December, 
1870,  to  Miss  Louise  Frohlich,  of  Dayton.  She  was  born  on  the  30th  day  of  January, 
1850,  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  Her  parents  were  born  in  the  Kingdom  of  Hanover,  and 
came  to  this  country  in  1846.  Mr.  E.  has  lived  in  this  county  all  the  time,  with  the 
exception  of  two  years  that  he  worked  in  Cambridge  City,  Ind.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  E. 
have  four  children — Charles  W.,  born  on  the  7th  of  November,  1872  ; Ida  L.,  born 
on  the  15th  of  August,  1874;  Elmer,  born  July  24,  1876  ; Frederick,  born  the  16th 
of  November,  1878.  Mr.  E.  is  now  serving  his  second  term  as  School  Director,  and 
is  living  in  his  residence  in  Harries  plat,  where  he  has  been  nine  years,  having  previ- 
ously lived  in  the  city  of  Dayton.  When  Mr.  E.  came  to  this  country  with  his  mother, 
they  were  twenty-one  weeks  on  shipboard,  landing  at  New  Orleans,  thence  by  steam- 
boat to  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  thence  by  canal  to  Dayton,  being  the  entire  distance  from 
Bremen  to  Dayton  bv  water. 

JESSE  FOLKERTH,  farmer,  P.  0.  Dayton,  born  September  28,  1853,  son  of 
Ebenezer  and  Ann  (Eversole)  Folkerth.  Ebenezer  was  born  in  Frederick  County, 
Md.,  March  7,..  1811  ; came  with  his  parents  to  Ohio,  in  1817  ; located  in  Preble 
County,  near  Big  Twin  Creek,  where  they  resided  until  1830,  when  they  removed  to 
Van  Buren  Township,  Montgomery  County.  At  this  early  day,  land  in  the  heart  of 
the  city  could  be  bought  for  85  per  acre,  but  it  was  all  swamp  land  at  that  time  ; 
when  Ebenezer’s  father  located  in  Van  Buren  Township  he  bought  land  at  88  per  acre. 
At  this  time  game  was  plenty,  deer,  wild  turkey,  squirrel  and  small  game  could  be  shot 
from  one’s  door.  Here  Ebenezer  showed  his  skill  as  a marksman.  The  land  was 
swampy,  and  Ebenezer  would  stall  with  but  a barrel  of  flour  with  a six-horse  team.  In 
the  year  1833,  he  married  Ann  Eversole,  who  was  born  in  Virginia,  Jefferson  County, 
near  Shepardsville,  in  the  year  1813,  May  5.  Ebenezer  and  wife  commenced  farming 
in  Van  Buren  Township,  which  occupation  he  followed  to  his  death.  By  his  marriage 
with  Ann  Eversole  there  were  four  children  born — Christopher  C.,  born  September  8, 
1834;  Abraham,  born  July  29,1836;  John  H.,  November  19,  1840;  Jesse,  Sep- 
tember 28,  1853.  Mrs.  Ann  Folkerth  died  November  26,  1853.  On  the  20th  of  April, 
1854,  Ebenezer  was  again  married  to  Margrette  S.  Zingling  ; one  son  was  born  to 
them — Frank  Jordan,  January  1,  1857.  Margrette  S.  Zingling  was  born  in  Frederick 
County,  Md.,  January  27,  1827.  Ebenezer  united  with  the  German  Baptist 
Church  about  1870,  and  lived  a faithful  Christian  until  his  death,  which  occurred 
January  5,  1879.  He  was  a kind  neighbor,  a faithful  friend  and  a bounteous  giver  to 
all  in  need.  His  widow  and  three  sons  survive  him. 

VALENTINE  FRYBARGER,  deceased.  Mr.  Valentine  Frybarger  was  the 
son  of  George  Frybarger,  a native  of  Germany.  Valentine  was  born  on  what 
is  now  known  as  the  Frybarger  estate  and  owned  by  his  heirs.  He  married  Elizabeth 
Hosier,  April  14,  1831,  Parson  Winters  officiating.  Mr.  Frybarger  was  identified 
very  closely  with  the  early  history  of  this  county,  being  a citizen  for  many  years  during 
the  early  struggles  of  the  pioneers  to  make  this  county  habitable  and  beautiful.  Mr. 
Frybarger  and  wife  were  members  of  the  Reformed  Church  for  many  years.  He  died 
July  22,  1873,  and  his  wife  August  24,  1874. 

ROSANA  HOFFMAN,  retired,  P.  O.  Dayton,  was  born  in  Bedford  County, 
Penn.,  on  the  5th  day  of  March,  1810,  aud  is  the  daughter  of  James  and  Susanna 
Ensley.  Mr.  Ensley  was  born  in  Pennsylvania  and  Mrs.  Ensley  in  Virginia.  They  came 


440 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


to  this  county  in  1818,  and  settled  at  Little  York,  in  this  county,  where  Mr.  Ensley 
died.  Mrs.  Ensley  is  now  living  at  the  advanced  age  of  ninety-two  years.  Mrs.  Hoff- 
man remained  with  her  parents  until  her  marriage  with  Peter  Hoffman,  which  took 
place  on  the  18th  day  of  May,  1830.  Mr.  Hoffman  was  the  son  of  Phillip  and  Anna 
M.  Hoffman,  and  was  born  on  the  16th  day  of  October,  1802.  Mrs.  Hoffman  accom- 
panied her  husband  to  his  farm  in  the  Hoffman  settlement  the  next  day  after  the 
wedding,  where  they  lived  until  1850,  when  he  sold  his  farm  and  bought  another  in 
this  township,  near  Dayton  ; our  subject  also  bought  30  acres  of  land  in  her  own  right 
one-half  mile  from  the  city  limits,  on  which  her  husband  and  herself  settled  and  cleared 
off  the  timber,  and  built  the  commodious  brick  residence  she  now  occupies.  Mrs. 
Hoffman  is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  as  was  her  husband.  He 
died  in  November,  1868,  and  was  buried  at  Concord  Church  where  he  was  a class- 
leader  for  fifteen  years.  Mrs.  Hoffman  has  had  seven  children,  only  one  of  whom  sur- 
vive— Mary  Jane,  married  to  John  Brown,  and  living  on  the  home  farm.  Mrs.  Hoff- 
man is  one  of  the  very  few  who  are  living  that  were  identified  with  the  early  struggles 
of  the  county  in  its  pioneer  days. 

JOSEPH  11.  HUSTEN,  farmer,  P.  O.  Dayton.  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Husten,  one  of 
the  oldest  of  the  native  citizens  of  this  township,  was  born  on  the  17th  day  of  Novem- 
ber, 1808,  and  has  resided  in  this  township  all  her  life,  and  is  the  daughter  of  Jona- 
than and  Susanna  (Reneh)  Harshman.  Her  father  and  mother  were  born  in  Maryland, 
her  father  on  the  21st  of  December,  1781,  and  her  mother  on  the  11th  day  of  Novem- 
ber, 1786.  Mrs.  Husten  lived  with  her  parents  until  her  seventeenth  year.  She  was 
married  to  Israel  Husten  on  the  20th  day  of  June,  1826.  Israel  Husten  was  born  Sept. 
24,  1805.  His  father  was  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  and  his  grandfather  of  Ireland. 
Shortly  after  Mrs.  Husten’s  marriage  she  removed  to  their  present  home,  called  “ Hus- 
tonia,”  where  she  has  resided  for  the  last  fifty  four  years.  Mr.  Israel  Husten  died  on 
the  11th  day  of  August,  1846.  They  had  twelve  children, as  follows:  Susan  C.,born 

May  10,  1827  ; Mary  E.,  December  16,  1828;  David  B..  April  15,  1830;  Jonathan 
H.,  February  5,  1832,  deceased;  Israel,  Jr.,  born  October  8,  1833,  deceased;  Sarah, 
May  28,  1835,  deceased;  Jane  E.,  January  4,  1837  ; Harriet  F.,  January  7,  1839; 
Emily  H.,  January  1,  1841;  Joseph  R.,  January  1,  1843;  Martha  C.,  March  12, 
1845,  deceased  ; and  Abigail,  August  20,  1846,  deceased.  Mr.  Joseph  R.  Husten,  now 
managing  the  large  estate  of  his  mother,  was  married  on  January  25, 1866,  to  Miss  Cal- 
lie  Dickey,  daughter  of  William  Dickey,  whose  biography  appears  in  this  work.  She 
died  on  the  11th  day  of  November,  1870.  Mr.  Husten  had  three  children  by  this  mar- 
riage, viz.:  Harries  D.,  born  November  1 7,  1866;  Joseph  E.,  October  4,  1868,  de- 

ceased ; William  D.,  November  28,  1869.  Mr.  Husten  was  married  the  second  time 
on  June  21,  1877,  to  Miss  Fannie  L.  Turpen,  daughter  of  James  Turpen,  of  Dayton, 
Ohio. 

DAVID  C.  KEMP,  farmer,  P.  O.  Dayton,  was  born  in  this  township  on  the  18th  • 
day  of  September,  1837,  and  has  made  it  his  home  all  his  life.  In  his  twenty-first  year 
his  father  moved  to  Dayton,  leaving  him  in  charge  of  the  home  place.  Mr.  Kemp  was 
married  on  the  30th  day  of  September,  1864,  to  Miss  Gabriella  Johnston,  of  Dayton, 
Ohio.  In  1869,  Mr.  Kemp  built  the  handsome  brick  residence  which  he  calls  “ Spring 
Hill,”  from  the  many  springs  in  the  hill,  requiring  twenty-two  drains  to  carry  the  water 
to  the  main  drain.  When  Kirby  Smith  threatened  to  invade  the  State,  Mr.  Kemp 
promptly  joined  the  Squirrel  Hunters,  and  may  justly  be  proud  of  his  discharge  from 
that  organization.  He  has  five  children,  viz.:  Johnson,  Ulysses  Grant,  David  Frank- 

lin, Bertha  and  Nonsal  Duane.  Mr.  Kemp  has  ninety-four  and  a half  acres  of  land  in 
this  township,  and  is  one  of  our  most  enterprising  citizens. 

JACOB  KEEFER,  farmer,  P.  O.  Harshmanville  born  in  Franklin  County, 
Penn.,  October  22,  1830  ; is  a son  of  David  and  Catharine  (Beard)  Keefer ; is  a shoe- 
maker by  trade;  came  to  Ohio  October  19,  1847  ; is  farming  there;  his  grandfather 
on  father’s  side  was  a private  in  the  war  of  1812;  his  father  was  born  in  1800; 
and  his  mother  in  1809  ; they  had  three  children.  Subject  had  poor  school  advantages  ; 
when  his  parents  came  to  Ohio  they  leased  a place  in  Mad  River  Township,  42  acres  ; 


MAD  RIVER  TOWNSHIP. 


441 


subject  remained  with  his  parents  until  twenty-seven  years  of  age  ; then  married  Ellen  J. 
Coffman,  daughter  of  John  and  Catherine  Coffman,  of  Yan  Buren  Township,  old  set- 
tlers of  Montgomery  County,  both  dead  ; he  located  on  his  present  place  of  175 
acres,  which  he  leases  of  George  Harshman ; subject  has  three  children  living,  all  at 
home — James  M.,  William  TI.,  Eliza  A.;  is  School  Director  of  District  No.  4,  Harsh- 
manville.  The  son  James  is  Township  Clerk,  helps  father  on  the  farm,  and  was  only 
twenty-two  years  of  age  when  elected  to  the  office  of  Township  Clerk. 

MARY  KING,  P.  0.  Dayton,  was  born  in  France  on  the  12th  of  November,  1823. 
Her  parents  were  Joseph  and  Mary  Schmerber,  also  natives  of  France;  when  she 
was  three  years  old,  the  family  moved  to  Baden,  in  Germany.  She  was  married  to  Jo- 
seph King — a native  of  France,  also — on  the  10th  of  September,  1833,  he  having  re- 
moved to  Baden  in  his  twelfth  year.  After  living  in  Baden  nine  years,  they  traveled 
in  Switzerland  two  years,  and  then  returned  to  Baden.  In  1848,  Mr.  King  engaged  in 
the  Revolution,  serving  under  Franz  Sigel.  To  escape  arrest,  Mr.  King  smuggled  him- 
self and  family  out  of  Germany,  and  came  to  the  United  States,  landing  at  Baltimore. 
They  traveled  by  easy  stages,  stopping  in  various  places  across  the  continent  to  San 
Francisco,  remaining  six  months ; then  returned  by  the  overland  route  to  Chicago  ; 
thence  to  Cumberland,  Md.,  where  Mr.  King  enlisted  in  the  Second  Maryland 
Volunteers;  served  in  that  three  years;  thence  to  Chicago  again,  remaining  one  and 
one-half  years  ; thence  to  her  present  place  in  1869,  where  Mrs.  King  has  since  resided. 
Mr.  King  died  in  March,  1879  ; Mrs.  King  has  had  ten  children,  of  whom  the  following 
are  now  living : Matilda,  married  to  Henry  Scherber,  living  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio  ; Ste- 

phanie, married  to  George  Brown,  of  Dayton  ; Gotfried,  living  in  this  township  ; The- 
resa, married  to  Jacob  Sobrecht,  of  Chicago;  John,  married  and  living  in  this  town- 
ship ; Mary,  Eliza  and  Joseph,  at  home  with  Mrs.  Kins. 

JOHN  W.  KNEISLY,  farmer,  P.  0.  Dayton,  son  of  John  and  Susan  (Whit- 
more) Kneisly,  was  born  in  Cumberland  County,  Penn.,  on  the  16th  day  of  June,  1826. 
Mr.  Kneisly  worked  for  his  father,  alternating  between  the  farm,  mill  and  distillery, 
until  he  was  thirty  years  of  age.  Was  married  in  the  year  1856  to  Harriet  L.  Kemp, 
daughter  of  David  Kemp,  Sr.,  of  this,  Mad  River  Township.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kneisly 
have  four  children,  viz.,  Carry,  Harry,  Ida  and  Clarence.  Mr.  Kneisly  lives  in  his 
beautiful  brick  residence  on  the  Smithville  Pike  that  leads  into  the  Dayton  & Xenia 
pike,  where  he  owns  sixty-four  and  one-half  acres  of  land  under  a fine  state  of  culti- 
vation. 

RACHEL  LEE  was  born  near  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  on  the  1st  day  of  December, 
1801.  Her  parents  were  Stephen  and  Mehitable  Dye.  When  she  was  three  weeks 
old,  her  father  removed  to  Miami  County,  settling  two  and  one-half  miles  south  of  Troy, 
the  county  seat,  and  made  one  of  the  first  permanent  settlements  in  that  neighborhood, 
building  a large  stronghouse,  to  which  the  neighbors  all  flocked  for  protection  when 
there  was  danger  from  hostile  Indians.  Mr.  Dye  converted  this  building  into  a tavern, 
and  Mrs.  Lee  helped  to  cook  for  the  soldiers  passing  aod  repassing  during  the  war  of 
1812.  She  was  married  on  the  29th  day  of  March,  1821,  to  John  W.  Lee,  of  Vir- 
ginia, a cousin  to  Robert  E.  Lee,  the  famous  leader  of  the  Confederate  forces  in  the 
late  war.  Mrs.  Lee  resided  during  her  married  life  in  and  around  Troy,  Ohio,  and 
since  her  children  are  married  she  has  resided  with  them.  Mrs.  Lee  has  had  thirteen 
children,  and  has  buried  seven  of  them  and  her  husband  ; is  in  her  eighty-first  year, 
and  hale  and  hearty. 

NICHOLAS  OHMER,  horticulturist,  P.  0.  Dayton,  is  the  eldest  son  of  Fran- 
cis and  Margaret  Ohmer,  who  were  born  in  France,  and  emigrated  to  this  country  in 
1832,  coming  as  emigrants  in  a sailing  vessel,  landing  in  New  York  in  that  year,  bring- 
ing with  them  three  sons  and  two  daughters.  After  remaining  a short  time  in  New 
York,  they  moved  westward,  via  the  New  York  & Erie  Canal,  to  Buffalo,  thence  by 
steamer  to  Sandusky,  Ohio,  thence  by  wagon  to  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  Francis  Ohmer, 
Sr.,  being  a tailor  by  trade,  and  finding  no  employment,  went  to  Trenton.  Butler  County, 
Ohio,  where  a member  of  his  own  nationality  had  settled  ; he  remaining  there  until 
1837,  working  at  his  trade.  The  subject  of  this  sketch,  evidently  not  being  adapted 


442 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


for  the  business  of  his  father,  was  sent  to  Hamilton,  Ohio,  and  engaged  to  learn  the 
confectionery  business  for  one  and  one-half  years.  This  convinced  Mr.  Ohmer,  Sr., 
that  there  were  other  ways  of  gaining  a livelihood  besides  the  needle  and  yard-stick, 
and  he  accordingly  removed  to  Dayton,  Ohio,  with  his  family,  in  March,  1837,  and 
located  on  Second  street,  between  Jefferson  and  Main,  where  he  opened  a confectionery 
and  restaurant.  The  family  of  Francis  Ohmer  consisted  of  himself,  wife  and  seven 
children,  as  follows  : Nicholas,  born  April  17,  1823 ; Michael,  Mary,  Margaret  and 

Peter,  born  in  France,  and  Augustus  and  George,  born  in  Trenton,  Ohio,  all  living  ex- 
cept Mary,  who  died  about  five  years  past  as  the  wife  of  James  Sage,  and  Rosella, 
born  in  Dayton  and  now  married  to  Jacob  Kemper,  of  Philadelphia,  Penn.  Mr. 
Ohmer  worked  with  his  father  in  the  confectionery  during  the  summer  and  in  the  win- 
ter in  Richard’s  cotton  factory,  then  at  the  head  of  the  basin,  and  afterward  in  the 
Cooper  cotton  factory.  In  the  year  1838,  Francis  Ohmer  opened  a branch  confec- 
tionery in  a one-story  frame  building,  corner  Main  and  Third  streets,  where  the  Phillips 
House  now  stands,  and  placed  Nicholas  in  charge.  He  remained  two  years,  after 
which  the  establishment  was  transferred  one  door  south  in  a new  building,  erected  by 
A.  M.  Clark,  where  he  remained  three  years,  during  this  time  Mr.  Ohmer  was  working 
for  his  father,  who  now  opened  a branch  in  the  building  then  and  now  owned  by  J. 
Manning  Smith  (the  only  four-story  building  then  in  the  city).  Mr.  Ohmer  became  a 
partner  with  his  father,  and  to  enable  him  to  do  so  borrowed  $100  of  Valentine  Winters. 
This  partnership  continued  until  the  fall  of  the  same  year,  when  his  father  retired  from 
the  business,  leaving  our  subject  in  full  charge  and  ownership.  This  stimulated  him 
to  extra  exertion  to  succeed,  and  he  was,  during  the  thirteen  years  he  was  in  the  busi- 
ness, the  first  in  importance  in  the  city  in  his  line.  When  the  Cincinnati,  Hamilton 
& Dayton  depot  building  was  put  up  Mr.  Ohmer  was  awarded  the  eating  department, 
and  it  has  remained  in  his  hands  and  that  of  his  son,  F.  B.  Ohmer,  up  to  the  present 
time,  and  is  now  managed  by  them.  Since  that  time  Mr.  Ohmer  has  became  associated 
with  his  brother  George  in  this  branch  of  his  business  under  the  name  of  N.  & G. 
Ohmer.  They  had  the  eating  house  at  Columbus  for  thirteen  years,  and  are  now  the 
proprietors  of  the  hotel  and  lunch  rooms  at  Xenia,  Ohio,  at  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  at  Terre 
Haute,  Ind.,  at  Lafayette,  Ind.,  and  at  the  Relay  Depot,  East  St.  Louis,  all  of  which  are 
justly  popular.  We  now  come  to  the  most  important  epoch  in  the  history  of  our  sub- 
ject. Mr.  Ohmer  inherited  from  his  mother  and  her  father,  who  were  horticulturists, 
a passionate  fondness  for  growing  fruits  and  flowers.  To  that  end  he  purchased  from 
different  persons  104  acres  of  land,  upon  which  he  built  the  residence  he  now  occupies, 
near  the  S.  0.  Insane  Asylum  and  adjoining  the  city  of  Dayton,  where  he  laid  out  and 
planted  the  entire  tract  in  fruit,  and  the  place  is  pronounced  by  practical  men  to  be  the 
finest  fruit  farm  in  the  State.  Mr.  Ohmer  gives  his  attention  largely  to  the  cultivation 
of  fruit  for  the  wholesale  trade,  and  while  he  is  not  a nurseryman  he  sends  small  fruit 
plants  to  every  State  in  the  Union  and  also  the  Canadas.  Mr.  Ohmer  was  married  in 
June,  1847,  to  Miss  Susanna  Sprat,  of  Greene  County,  Ohio.  This  union  was  blessed 
with  twelve  children,  eleven  of  whom  are  now  living — Francis  B.,  Edward  J.,  Laura 
M.,  Emma  A.,  Mamie  M.,  Charles  T.,  Anna  M.,  Harry  S.,  Maggie  U.,  Albert  G. 
(deceased),  Lillian  R.  and  Louis  A.  Ohmer.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ohmer  visited  the  East 
during  the  centennial  year,  and  during  that  year  Mrs.  Ohmer  died  of  paralysis  in 
Washington  City,  which  was  her  birthplace.  Mr.  Ohmer  contracted  his  second  mar- 
riage in  December,  1880,  with  Miss  Jennie  E.  Hassler,  of  Mercersburg,  Penn.  Mr. 
Ohmer’s  life  has  been  a very  busy  one,  and  is  still  actively  engaged  at  all  times.  He 
is  a member  of  St.  Joseph’s  Catholic  Church,  and  a member  of  the  Church  Committee  ; 
is  President  of  St.  Joseph’s  Public  School  Association,  Vice  President  of  Calvary 
Cemetery  Association  ; a Director  of  the  Merchant’s  National  Bank  of  Dayton  ; Presi- 
dent of  the  Montgomery  County  Horticultural  Society  ; President  of  the  Montgomery 
County  Farmer’s  Club  and  Vice  President  of  the  Ohio  State  Horticultural  Society. 

DAVID  C.  RENCH,  farmer,  P.  O.  Dayton,  was  born  on  the  12th  day  of  De- 
cember, 1828,  in  Dayton,  Ohio,  and  is  the  son  of  John  and  Mary  (Croft)  Rench.  His 
father  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  and  his  mother  in  Maryland,  and  they  came  to  this 


MAD  RIVER  TOWNSHIP. 


413 


county  in  the  year  1810.  Mr.  Rench  remained  with  his  parents  until  his  twenty-first 
year.  He  was  on  a stock-farm  in  Madison  County  three  years  ; was  teller  in  the  branch 
of  the  State  Bank,  at  Eaton,  Ohio,  for  eighteen  months ; was  teller  for  Harshman  & 
Winters,  Dayton,  for  four  years;  bought  grain  two  years  for  Harshman  & Bro.;  was 
elected  County  Treasurer  of  Montgomery  County  in  1860;  was  re-elected  in  1862; 
served  six  months  and  resigned.  This  is  said  to  be  the  only  instance  on  record  of  an 
important  county  office  being  vacated  by  resignation  in  Montgomery  County.  He  wass 
then  appointed  cashier  of  the  banking  house  of  Harshman  & Cc.,  Dayton,  Ohio;,  was 
elected  cashier  of  the  Second  National  Bank,  Dayton,  Ohio,  serving  five  years ; then 
returned  to  Harshman  & Co.’s  private  banking  house,  remaining  five  or  six  years,  when 
he  was  compelled  to  resign  on  account  of  ill  health,  and  has  since  been  engaged  in  the 
cultivation  of  his  farm.  Mr.  Rench  was  married  on  October  5,  1854,  to  Miss  Mary  C. 
Williams,  who  is  the  daughter  of  Lockhard  and  Charity  Williams.  They  were  born, 
the  father  in  Ohio  and  the  mother  in  New  Jersey.  Mrs.  Rench  was  born  on  the  7th 
day  of  August,  1828,  in  the  city  of  Dayton,  and  lived  there  until  her  marriage.  They 
have  five  children,  John  Charles,  living  in  Chattanooga,  Tennessee;  James  W.,  living 
in  Toledo,  Ohio;  David  L.,  living  in  Atlanta,  G-eorgia;  Edwin,  at  home,  and  Katie  at- 
tending the  High  School  in  Dayton,  Ohio. 

MRS.  CAROLINE  SCHAEFFER,  retired,  P.  0.  Dayton,  was  born  in  this 
township  on  the  3d  day  of  September,  1824,  at  Harshmanville,  the  daughter  of  John 
and  Mary  (Croft)  Rench.  Her  parents  moved  to  Dayton  when  she  was  an  infant,  and 
where  she  lived  until  she  was  married  to  Thomas  Schaeffer,  on  the  25th  of  July.  1844, 
Parson  David  Winters  officiating.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Schaeffer  remained  in  Dayton  after 
their  marriage  for  fourteen  years,  where  he  was  engaged  in  the  dry  goods  business.  At 
the  beginning  of  the  late  war,  Mr.  Schaeffer  sold  out  his  business  and  engaged  with  the 
Fiftieth  Ohio  Volunteers  as  Sutler,  remaining  nearly  to  the  end  of  the  regiment’s  term 
of  service ; then  engaged  with  Chambers,  Stevens  & Co.,  of  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  in  the 
wholesale  dry  goods  business ; leaving  that,  opened  a broker’s  office  in  Dayton,  Ohio,  in 
which  he  remained  until  his  death,  which  sad  event  occurred  on  the  14th  day  of  June, 
1873.  Mrs.  Schaeffer  and  family  moved  to  her  present  residence,  called  “ Floral  Hill,” 
in  1859,  where  she  has  since  resided.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Schaeffer  had  nine  children,  viz.: 
Charles  R.,  born  May  7,  1845.  died  at  three  years  of  age;  Mary  J.,  born  13th  of  De- 
cember, 1846,  married  to  W.  H.  Shearer;  Emily  H.,  born  on  the  14th  day  of  Septem- 
ber, 1848,  married  to  E.  J.  Ohmer  and  living  in  Fargo,  Dakota  Territory;  William  T., 
born  June  6,  1850,  living -in  Nelsonville ; Ida  B.,  born  21st  January,  1852,  married 
to  E.  J.  Thomas,  living  in  Indianapolis,  Ind.;  Fannie  C.,  born  February  11,  1856, 
married  to  W.  H.  Hoskott,  living  in  Dayton  ; Lillie  B..  September  6,  1858,  married 
to  Frank  T.  Ellis,  of  Springfield  ; Minnie  E.,  December  20,  1861,  died  August  12, 
1872.  Mrs.  Schaeffer  lives  in  a very  beautiful  residence  adjoining  the  city  of  Dayton, 
and  near  the  Southern  Ohio  Asylum  for  the  Insane,  and  is  justly  proud  of  “ Floral 
Hill.” 

WILLIAM  STEEL,  carpenter,  Dayton,  was  born  in  the  State  of  Maryland 
the  16th  day  of  August,  1812,  and  came  to  Ohio  with  his  parents,  Ebenezer  and  Anna 
Steel,  in  1814.  Mr.  Steel  lived  near  what-  is  called  “ Trebein’s  Mills,”  in  Greene 
County,  Ohio,  at  a time  when  there  were  only  a few  log  cabins  between  there  and 
Dayton.  Mr.  Steel  was  personally  acquainted  with  the  first  officers  who  ever  held 
court  in  Greene  County,  Ohio,  and  often  saw  the  little  log  cabin  in  which  sat  the  court, 
and  the  pole  corn-cribs  in  which  sat  the  jury.  When  he  was  thirty -two  years  old,  he 
removed  to  Dayton,  living  there  fourteen  years,  thence  to  the  terminus  of  Huffman 
avenue  for  four  years,  when  he  removed  to  the  place  where  he  now  resides.  He  was 
married  on  the  5th  of  October,  1837,  to  Miss  Barbara  Kemp,  Parson  Winters  officiat- 
ing. Miss  Kemp  was  born  on  the  23d  of  September,  1814,  and  was  the  daughter  of 
Joseph  and  Elizabeth  Kemp,  early  pioneers  of  this  township.  She  is  now  living  almost 
on  the  spot  where  she  was  born.  When  Mrs.  Steel  was  a girl,  the  only  means  of  travel 
was  on  horseback,  and  she  says  the  girls  of  that  day  were  generally  good  riders.  They 
have  had  no  children  of  their  own,  but  have  raised  three,  viz.:  James  Duke,  Elizabeth 


444 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


Valentine  and  Carry  Woodward.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Steel  were  brought  up  in  the  German 
Reformed  Church,  and  were  taken  into  the  church  by  Parson  David  Winters.  For 
many  years  the  meetings  were  held  in  schoolhouses,  barns  and  private  houses.  Mr. 
Steel  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  old  log  church  known  as  the  “Beaver  Church,” 
whose  first  pastor  was  the  Rev.  Thomas  Winters,  and  heard  young  David  Winters 
(now  called  Parson  Winters)  preach  his  first  sermon  before  the  floor  was  all  laid.  The 
women  wore  sunbonnets  and  the  men  went  in  their  shirt-sleeves. 

MRS.  E.  M.  STONER,  retired,  Dayton,  was  born  in  Wayne  Township,  Mont- 
gomery Co.,  Ohio,  on  the  30th  day  of  November,  1842.  Her  parents  were  Samuel 
and  Mary  Strausburg.  Mr.  Strausburg  was  born  in  Maryland,  and  Mrs.  Strausburg 
in  Ohio.  Mrs.  Stoner’s  grandfather,  on  her  father’s  side,  was  born  in  Germany,  and 
on  coming  to  this  country  first  settled  in  the  State  of  Maryland.  Her  grandfather,  on 
her  mother’s  side,  was  born  in  Maryland,  and  his  father  before  him  in  Brandenburg, 
in  Germany.  Mrs.  Stoner  lived  with  her  parents  until  her  marriage  with  Mr.  John  S. 
Stoner,  which  occurred  on  the  29th  day  of  August,  1861.  Mr.  Stoner  was  born  in 
Wayne  Township  on  the  3d  day  of  December,  1833.  His  father  was  born  in  Mary- 
land, and  his  mother  in  Pennsylvania.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stoner,  after  their  marriage,  lived 
on  their  farm,  in  Wayne  Township,  until  1866,  when  they  sold  it  and  bought  the 
present  place  where  Mrs.  Stoner  lives,  consisting  of  fifty-seven  acres  of  land.  Mrs. 
Stoner  has  two  children,  both  living  with  her— -Gates  E.,  born  June  6,  1862  ; Warren 
V.,  October  11,  1866.  Mrs.  Stoner’s  place  is  situated  on  the  North  Miami  pike,  run- 
ning back  to  the  Brant  pike,  two  and  a half  miles  from  Dayton. 

ISAAC  WEINREICH,  butcher  and  cattle-dealer,  Dayton,  was  born  June  7, 
1840,  in  Bavaria,  Germany.  His  parents  were  David  and  Matilda  (Katz)  Weinreich, 
both  born  in  Bavaria.  Mr.  W.’s  father  was  born  of  poor  parents,  and  was  only  five 
years  old  when  his  father  died.  Mr.  W.,  Sr.’s  mother  followed  knitting  to  support  her 
children,  often  working  by  moonlight  to  economize.  Mr.  W.’s  grandfather,  on  his 
father’s  side,  died  at  the  advanced  age  of  101  years.  His  great  grandfather  died  at 
103  years  of  age.  Mr.  W.’s  father  commenced  his  business  life  as  a butcher  in  Ba- 
varia in  1830.  Mr.  Weinreich  is  one  of  twelve  children,  six  boys  and  six  girls.  The 
eldest,  a girl,  came  to  this  country  in  1853.  Mr.  Weinreich  followed  with  another  sis- 
ter in  1857,  arrived  at  Castle  Garden  without  money  enough  for  both  to  come  farther; 
he  left  his  sister  in  New  York  and  came  to  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  where  the  first  who  came 
resided,  sought  work  at  his  trade  of  butcher  without  success,  even  though  he  should 
work  for  nothing  ; was  then  advised  to  get  goods  and  peddle ; tried  it  and  failed  ; then 
went  to  work  at  his  trade  in  Carthage,  Ohio,  but  as  there  was  not  enough  work  to  do, 
cut  wood  all  winter  at  $5  per  month,  then  went  to  Cincinnati  and  served  an  apprentice- 
ship at  the  confectionery  business  at  $2  per  week.  At  the  end  of  uineteen  weeks,  sent 
$2U  to  Europe,  keeping  the  balance  for  clothing.  At  the  end  of  one  year  went  back  to 
Cincinnati  at  his  old  trade  of  butcher;  hired  to  a man  at  Cheviot,  Ohio,  eight  months 
for$100  ; then  sent  money  to  Europe  to  bring  his  next  oldest  brother  to  Dayton  ; then 
got  $18  per  month,  working  in  Dayton  and  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  until  1861,  when  his 
wages  were  reduced  to  $12  per  month  again  until  August,  1862  ; then  went  to  Mem- 
phis in  a leather  and  finding  store  at  $25  per  month  for  two  months,  and  then  $50  per 
month  until  April,  1863 ; then  back  to  Dayton,  and  entered  the  firm  of  Henry  Strick- 
ler  & Co.  for  nine  months.  Mr.  W.  was  married. to  Miss  Ernestine  Kauffmann.  She 
was  the  daughter  of  Hersh  Kauffmann,  of  Coennern  by  Leipzig,  in  Saxony.  She  came 
to  this  country  in  September,  1857,  and  worked  at  her  trade,  seamstress,  until  her 
marriage  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  Mr.  W.  severed  his  connection  with  H.  Strickler  & Co., 
and  engaged  with  Charles  Jacobs,  moving  to  his  present  place  and  remaining  until 
April,  1864,  not  being  successful.  Mr.  W.  then  engaged  in  business  with  his  brother 
at  Harbine’s  Station,  Greene  County,  in  1865.  Mr.  W.  sent  money  to  Europe  lor 
another  sister.  After  four  years  at  Harbine’s,  his  health  suffering,  he  returned  to  Day- 
ton  to  his  old  stock  yard  and  commenced  dealing  in  live  stock;  continued  this  until 
1875.  Those  yards  not  being  sufficient,  Mr.  W.  was  one  of  the  first  movers  and  incor- 
porators of  the  new  stock  yards,  located  in  West  Dayton.  Mr.  W.  at  this  time  joined 


VAN  BUREN  TOWNSHIP. 


445 


the  firm  of  N.  & C.  Jacobs  & Co.,  of  Dayton — previous  to  this  time,  preferring  to  live 
in  the  country,  he  purchased  the  place  where  he  now  resides.  Then  there  were 
no  buildings  except  the  house  and  stable  and  a shed  slaughter-house.  Mr.  W.  has 
added  a two-story  slaughter-house,  three  ice-houses  and  a number  of  outbuildings, 
together  with  stock  yard  and  scales,  where  he  is  now  carrying  on  a regular  line  of 
butcher  business  in  all  departments  unequaled  by  any  in  the  city,  either  private  or 
incorporated.  The  firm  is  now  N.  Jacobs  & Co.,  Charles  Jacobs  having  retired  from 
the  firm.  In  1867,  Mr.  W.  sent  money  to  Europe  for  another  brother,  Mr.  Jacob 
Weinreich,  now  engaged  in  the  hide  business  and  a member  of  the  City  Council.  In 
April,  1870,  his  father  and  mother  arrived  in  this  country,  bringing  the  rest  of  the 
family  with  them  and  located  in  Dayton,  and,  in  1876,  they  for  the  first  time  in  their 
lives  saw  all  their  children  together,  and  it  was  the  only  time,  for  one  week  later  the 
only  one  of  the  family  deceased  died  in  Denver,  Colo.  All  the  residue  of  the  family, 
father,  mother  and  eleven  children,  are  now  living  in  Dayton,  and  all  in  good  circum- 
stances. 

J.  CLINTON  WILSON,  farmer,  P.  0.  Dayton,  was  born  on  the  13th  day  of 
May,  1826,  on  the  corner  of  Fifth  and  Main  streets,  Dayton.  His  parents  were 
Samuel  and  Jane  (Newcom)  Wilson.  His  father  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  and  his 
mother  was  the  first  female  child  born  in  Dayton,  Ohio,  and  was  the  daughter  of  Col. 
George  Newcom,  so  well  known  to  the  first  settlers.  Our  subject  was  with  Brown  & 
Wilson  in  the  dry  goods  business  until  1855,  when  he  was  married  to  Miss  Elizabeth 
Young,  of  Dayton,  Ohio.  Mr.  W.  moved  to  Van  Buren  Township,  in  this  county, 
remaining  one  year  ; thence  to  Dayton,  for  one  year  ; thence  to  Van  Buren  Township 
again,  for  three  years,  and  then  to  his  present  home,  where  he  has  since  resided,  and 
where  Mrs.  Wilson  died  on  the  12th  of  April,  1872.  They  had  ten  children,  viz.: 
Hugh  M.,  Nathaniel,  Malinda,  Elwood  C.  and  Jane  E.,  living  at  home,  and  five  chil- 
dren deceased. 

WILLIAM  ZEIGLER,  brickmaker,  P.  0.  Dayton,  born  in  Germany,  January  11, 
1830,  and  is  a son  of  William  and  Wilhelmina  Zeigler,  the  latter  of  whom  is  dead. 
He  remained  with  his  parents  until  his  eighteenth  year,  receiving  a good  common 
school  education.  In  1847,  he  came  to  America,  landing  at  New  York  on  the  8th  of 
January,  1848.  He  came  directly  to  Dayton  and  began  work  on  the  farm  of  John 
Kennedy  with  whom  he  remained  six  months,  spending  the  next  six  months  making 
shingles  at  Yandalia,  Ohio.  The  following  ten  months  he  worked  for  James  Sunder- 
land, and  then  returned  to  Dayton  and  was  engaged' as  hostler  for  P.  P.  Lowe  for  four- 
teen months.  From  that  time  until  the  latter  part  of  1867,  he  worked  at  brickmaking 
for  different  parties,  and  in  1868  started  a brickyard  in  Miami  City,  where  he  manu- 
factured brick  three  years.  For  the  next  three  years,  he  worked  on  Harries’  Plat  on  the 
hydraulic  and  then  came  to  his  present  location,  where  he  owns  eight  and  a half  acres 
of  good  brick  land.  In  1853,  he  was  married  to  Frederica  Klus,  who  was  a native 
of  Germany,  whose  parents  are  both  dead.  They  have  six  children,  and  the  family 
belong  to  the  Lutheran  Church.  Mr.  Zeigler  has  served  as  Trustee  and  School  Director 
in  his  township;  was  Second  Lieutenant  of  Company  K,  Ohio  National  Guard,  and 
is  a member  of  the  I.  0.  O.  F.  and  Order  of  Red  Men. 


VAN  BUREN  TOWNSHIP. 

THOMAS  BRADFORD,  farmer,  P.  0.  Dayton,  was  born  in  Washington 
Township,  Montgomery  County,  January  27,  1819.  His  father,  Robert  Bradford,  was 
a native  of  Ireland,  born  August  22,  1788.  He  was  raised  on  a small  farm  and  learned 
weaving.  In  1812,  he  emigrated  to  America,  starting  in  March  and  landing  in 
Philadelphia  in  April.  His  mother,  four  brothers  and  his  sister  started  to  this  county 
in  June  of  the  same  year,  his  father  having  died  in  Ireland.  Of  the  children  who 


446 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


accompanied  their  mother,  James  died  soon  after  landing  at  Philadelphia.  William 
and  David  learned  the  trade  of  carder  and  fuller  and  followed  their  trade  at  Cincinnati. 
The  former  died  near  Terra  Haute,  Ind.,  and  the  latter  at  Xenia,  Ohio.  Thomas 
was  a laborer  in  a foundry  in  Philadelphia,  where  he  died.  Margaret  was  a teacher  ; 
taught  at  Cincinnati  forty  years,  thirty-eight  years  in  one  school.  Her  husband,  Edward 
Wing,  was  also  a teacher.  Robert  was  the  oldest  of  the  family.  He  settled  at  Cincin- 
nati and  for  three  years  worked  in  a flouring  mill.  In  1817,  he  settled  on  a farm  in 
Washington  Township,  Montgomery  County,  on  which  he  lived  for  over  sixty  years. 
His  marriage  with  Elizabeth  Myers  was  solemnized  in  April  of  1817.  Ten  children 
were  the  issue,  viz.:  Nancy,  Thomas,  Eliza  Jane,  Martha,  Mary,  Margaret,  Sarah, 
Ann  Maria,  John  Mitchel  and  James.  The  first  born  died  in  infancy,  the  rest  are  all 
living  and,  with  one  exception,  are  residents  of  Ohio.  John  M.  is  a physician  in 
Kansas.  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Bradford  was  a native  of  Virginia,  born  in  1797  and  died  in 
1844.  Mr.  Bradford  survived  till  December  11,1877.  The  subject  of  this  sketch 
was  reared  a farmer,  and  for  the  last  twenty-nine  years  has  resided  in  Van  Buren 
Township,  where  he  owns  ninety-five  acres  of  land,  which  is  well  improved  and  under 
good  cultivation.  He  married  Abigail  Jane  Cavender,  August  10,  1854.  She  was 
born  in  Greene  County  October  10. 1838.  The  fruits  of  this  union  are  five  children — 
Lizzie,  Dellsena,  Mary  M.,  Abby  Luetta  and  Thomas  Chalmers.  Mr.  Bradford  and 
wife  are  members  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church.  Lizzie  is  identified  with  the 
German  Reformed  Church. 

WILLIAM  BRADFORD,  Jr.,  farmer,  P.  0.  Dayton,  is  a grandson  of  one  of 
the  first  settlers  of  Van  Buren  Township,  John  Bradford,  a native  of  Pennsylvania, 
where  he  grew  to  manhood.  He  married  Mary  Gillespie  July  15,  1782.  Twelve  chil- 
dren were  the  fruits  of  this  union,  viz.:  Robert,  George  G.,  John,  Jean  Ellenor,  James 
G.,  William,  Samuel  D.,  Mary,  Margaret,  David  D.,  Martha  Ellen  and  Allen.  He  came 
to  Ohio  in  1800,  and  spent  one  year  near  Cincinnati.  He  then  entered  160  acres  of 
land  south  of  Dayton,  and  in  1801  moved  his  family  to  their  forest  home.  The  forests 
then  abounded  in  wild  animals,  which  gradually  receded  as  settlers  came  in.  As  the 
years  went  by,  one  after  another  was  added  to  their  number,  until  the  cabins  were  dotted 
here  and  there  all  through  the  forest.  By  dint  of  hard  labor,  the  mighty  oak  was  laid 
low,  the  fields  spread  abroad,  and  the  rich  grain  could  be  seen  ripening,  to  the  great  sat- 
isfaction of  these  old  pioneers.  George  G.  Bradford,  the  father  of  our  subject,  was 
born  in  Red  Stone,  Penn.,  April  29,- 1787.  He  was  reared  a farmer.  On  the  29th  of 
March,  1821,  was  united  in  marriage  with  Margaret  McAnless,  a daughter  of  James 
McAnless,  born  January  11,  1796.  To  them  nine  children  were  born,  viz.:  James  J., 
Mary  A.,  John,  Jane  A.,  William,  George  G.,  Margaret,  Martha  D.  and  Joseph  A. 
Mr.  George  G.  Bradford,  Sr.,  died  June  1,  1840.  She  survived  till  September  17, 
1872.  William,  the  subject  hereof,  was  born  in  Van  Buren  Township,  June  12, 1830. 
His  occupation  is  farming.  In  1858,  he  and  his  brother  John  purchased  100  acres  of 
land  adjoining  the  home  farm.  He  finally  sold  his  interest  and  bought  eighty  acres  of 
timber  land  in  1868.  This  he  has  cleared  up,  and  has  erected  good  substantial  build- 
ings. His  rharriage  with  Louisa  Jane  Hopkins  was  celebrated  July  11,  1878.  She  is 
a native  of  Bellbrook,  Greene  Co.  June  10,  1847,  is  the  date  of  her  birth.  Her 
parents,  Samuel  H.  and  Mary  Ann  Hopkins,  were  natives  of  Warren  County,  Qhio,  he 
born  October  5,  1806,  and  she  August  1,  1814.  Their  marriage  contract  was  solem- 
nized May  28,  1829.  Fourteen  children  were  born  to  them,  viz.:  Mary  C.,  James  H., 

Sarah  M.,  William  A.,  Josephine  R.,  Lydia  A.,  John  F.,  Francis  M.,  Isabel  A.,  Louisa 
Jane,  Samuel  T.,  Alfretta  and  Albert  (twins),  and  Clara  V.  The  twins,  Lydia  A.  and 
James  IT.  are  deceased.  The  latter  met  his  death  by  the  accidental  discharge  of  a 
gun.  Mr.  William  Bradford  and  wife  are  members  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church. 
He  has  served  the  same  as  Deacon  for  five  years. 

JOHN  BREIDENOUER,  dairyman,  P.  O.  Dayton,  was  born  in  Auglaize  Coun- 
ty, Ohio,  March  1,  1841.  His  parents,  John  and  Elizabeth  (Fishback)  Breidenouer, 
were  natives  of  Germany,  where  they  married  and  had  one  child  born.  They  emigrat- 
ed to  America  in  about  1836,  and  settled  in  the  above-named  county,  where  they  still 


VAN  BUREN  TOWNSHIP. 


447 


reside.  Farming  is  his  occupation.  Five  children  have  been  born  to  them  in  this  coun- 
try. The  names  of  all  are  as  follows : Elizabeth,  Christina,  Maria,  John,  Margaret 

(deceased)  and  Jacob.  In  1858,  John  came  to  Dayton,  and  for  four  years  was  engaged 
with  Harris  & Flutenbarger  in  the  dairy  business;  he  then  spent  four  years  at  the  Asy- 
lum, one  year  as  farm  laborer  and  three  years  as  nurse.  Again  he  engaged  in  the  dairy 
business,  and  for  the  last  fourteen  years,  has  conducted  it  for  himself.  By  close  atten- 
tion to  the  business,  habits  of  economy,  and  the  aid  of  his  good  wife,  he  has  advanced 
step  by  step,  until  he  owns  seventy-two  acres  of  land  in  Van  Buren  Township.  He 
served  four  months  in  the  civil  war,  a member  of  the  Forty-fourth  Begiment,  Company 

H,  Ohio  National  Guards.  His  marriage  with  Caroline  Stultz  was  celebrated  October 

I,  1867.  She  is  a daughter  of  Isaac  Stultz,  of  Mad  River  Township,  born  January  13, 
1848.  John  and  Caroline  Breidenouer  are  the  parents  of  four  children — Emma  E., 
William  E.,  John  H.  and  Pearly  May. 

THOMAS  BRIDGMAN,  farmer,  P.  0.  Dayton.  Among  the  early  settlers  of 
Van  Buren  Township  we  are  pleased  to  give  space  to  the  gentleman  whose  name  ap- 
pears above.  He  was  born  in  Jefferson  County,  Va.,  April  15, 1803 — a son  of  Francis 
Brigdman,  also  a native  of  Virginia.  Francis  was  of  English  and  French  extraction,  and 
married  Mary  Scott,  a lady  of  Irish  descent ; thirteen  children  were  born  to  them,  ten 
of  whom  grew  to  maturity,  viz.,  William,  Uriah,  Thomas,  Mary,  Joseph,  Nancy,  John, 
Francis,  Catharine  and  Elizabeth.  William  was  a very  early  settler  in  Champaign 
County,  and  died  January  1.  1881.  Uriah  was  drowned  in  the  Potomac  River.  Nan- 
cy is  a widow  residing  in  Washington,  D.  C.  John  died  in  Missouri.  Francis  is  a 
farmer  in  Logan  County,  and  the  rest  are  supposed  to  be  dead.  At  the  age  of  twenty- 
four,  Thomas  came  to  Ohio  through  the  persuasion  of  his  uncle,  John  Bridg- 
man, who  had  been  residing  here  about  two  years.  He  located  in  what  is  now  Van 
Buren  Township,  and  for  a year  or  two  worked  by  the  month  for  Asa  John,  on 
the  farm  and  in  the  distillery.  On  the  25th  of  May,  1829,  he  married  Sarah,  daugh- 
ter of  Asa  John.  She  was  born  July  8,  1814,  and  died  March  26,  1836,  the  mother 
of  two  children — Benjamin  F.  and  Asa  J.  Mr.  Bridgman  consummated  his  second 
marriage  July  4,  1838,  with  Esther  John,  a sister  of  his  first  wife.  She  was  born 
June  12,  1820.  Nine  children  are  the  fruits  of  this  union — Sarah,  Mary  Jane,  W.  H. 
Harrison,  John  T.,  Perry  B.,  Albert,  Laura  Ann,  Francis  Marion  and  Charles  Grant. 
Since  coming  to  this  county,  Mr.  Bridgman  has  resided  most  of  the  time  on  the  farm 
where  he  lives  at  present.  His  farm  of  151  acres,  is  a good  one,  well  improved  and 
under  good  cultivation.  For  a number  of  years,  he  and  his  father-in-law  ran  a steam 
saw  mill,  which  was  erected  on  the  farm  of  Mr.  John  in  1833.  In  1860,  they  rebuilt 
on  the  Beavertown  and  Indian  Riffle  pike.  Since  the  death  of  Asa  John,  his  interest  in 
the  mill  is  owned  by  his  son,  John  John.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bridgman  and  two  children 
are  members  of  the  United  Brethren  Church. 

JONAH  J.  BULL,  farmer,  P.  0.  Dayton,  was  born  in  Greene  County,  Ohio,  Feb- 
ruary 28,  1812,  a son  of  Thomas  and  Isabella  Bull.  His  father  was  of  English  de- 
scent, born  in  1763,  on  Bull’s  Run,  in  Virginia.  The  stream  probably  derived  its 
name  from  the  family,  as  they  were  very  early  settlers  there.  Jameson  was  his  moth- 
er’s maiden  name.  She  was  of  Irish  parentage,  born  in  Lancaster  County,  Penn.,  in 
1784.  They  emigrated  to  Ohio  in  1800,  and  settled  in  Greene  County  where  they 
resided  several  years,  when  they  moved  to  Shelby  County,  Ohio,  and  there  spent  the  re- 
mainder of  their  days.  He  died  when  about  fifty  years  of  age,  the  father  of  two  sons — - 
Jefferson  and  Jonah  J.  His  widow  afterward  married  Daniel  Valentine,  by  whom 
she  had  five  children,  viz.,  Anna,  Mary,  Rebecca,  Esther  and  Isabella.  Mrs.  Isabella 
Valentine  survived  her  second  husband  some  eight  or  ten  years,  and  died  at  the  age  of 
seventy-two.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  raised  to  farm  life.  From  the  time  he 
was  eight  years  old,  the  time  when  his  mother  married  her  second  husband,  he  lived 
with  his  grandmother,  and,  with  her  aid,  managed  her  affairs  till  twenty-four  years  of 
age.  He  worked  at  whatever  he  could  get  to  do  by  the  day  or  by  the  month,  when  wages 
were  6 I cents  per  day  and  $3  per  month.  On  coming  to  this  county,  he  paid  his  tax 
with  95  cents,  and  had  40  cents  remaining.  He  now  owns  a fine  farm  in  Van  Buren 


448 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 


Township,  Montgomery  County,  besides  the  lot  near  the  Asylum,  where  he  resides — 
all  the  fruits  of  his  own  industry,  aided  by  his  good  wife.  Mr.  Bull  has  served  his 
township  as  Trustee  for  about  twelve  years.  His  marriage  was  consummated  No- 
vember 17,  1835,  with  Miss  Eliza  Jane  Braden.  She  was  born  in  Turtle  Creek  Town- 
ship, Warren  county,  January  8,  1816.  To  them  six  children  were  born;  two  died 
in  infancy,  and  one,  Alpha  J.,  at  the  age  of  twenty-one.  The  living  are  Isabella  J., 
Galveston  T.  and  William  H.  Mrs.  Bull  and  daughter  are  members  of  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church. 

S.  A.  BUTTERFIELD,  retired  farmer,  P.  0.  Dayton,  is  a representative  of  a 
very  ancient  noble  family  of  Scotland,  who  for  about  300  years  were  the  owners  of  a 
castle.  At  the  time  of  the  contest  of  Great  Britain  with  Scotland,  when  the  latter  was 
brought  into  subjection  to  the  former,  an  old  gentleman  and  his  five  sons  were  banished 
to  the  Colonies.  They  landed  at  Boston,  Mass.,  and  from  them  the  Butterfields  of  this 
country  originated.  One  of  these  sons  was  the  father  of  Benjamin  Butterfield,  the 
father  of  John  Butterfield,  of  Massachusetts,  the  father  of  Jeremiah  Butterfield.  He 
was  born  in  Massachusetts,  March  4,  1776.  Although  he  was  subject  to  the  King  for 
the  space  of  four  months,  he  frequently  remarked  that  he  saw  no  difference  between 
living  in  a republic  and  a kingdom,  tie  came  to  the  Northwest  Territory  in  1787, 
traveled  through  what  is  now  Ohio,  Indiana  and  Illinois,  and  on  to  the  Spanish  country, 
where  he  learned  there  were  great  inducements  offered  by  the  Spanish  Government  to 
persons  who  would  found  colonies.  He  decided  not  to  attempt  to  found  a colony,  but 
accepted  a section  of  land  by  paying  $40,  the  charges  of  surveying,  recording  deed,  etc. 
This  was  in  Missouri,  about  thirty-five  miles  above  the  mouth  of  the  Missouri  River. 
On  account  of  the  unhealthy  climate  and  his  dislike  of  the  government,  after  spending 
about  three  years,  he  started  on  his  return  trip  to  New  York,  across  Missouri  and  Illi- 
nois, to  Vincennes,  Ind.,  thence  to  the  mouth  of  Salt  River,  and  wintered  at  Boones- 
boro,  Ky.,  where  he  engaged  in  chopping  wood  and  clearing  land.  In  the  spring, 
he  renewed  his  journey  on  foot  and  reached  his  destination  in  August.  In  1799,  he 
married  Mary  Campbell,  a native  of  Massachusetts,  born  in  1781.  He  took  a second 
trip  to  the  Northwest  in  the  spring  of  1800,  accompanied  by  a brother  and  brother-in- 
law,  who  returned  in  the  fall.  He  was  engaged  in  surveying,  and  assisted  in  establish- 
ing the  Ludlow  line.  In  the  meantime,  he  made  choice  of  a tract  of  land  on  the  west 
of  the  Great  Miami,  ten  miles  below  Hamilton.  He  returned  to  New  York,  and  in 
1802  brought  his  wife  to  their  new  home  in  the  forest.  Their  first  house  was  erected 
within  the  present  limits  of  Hamilton  County.  They  owned  something  over  a section 
of  land,  which  they  cleared  and  improved,  afterward  building  in  Butler  County,  making 
one  of  the  best  farms  in  Ross  Township,  Butler  County,  where  the  residue  of  life  was 
spent.  Few  men  have  endured  the  hardships  that  he  did  and  accomplished  as  much, 
having  traveled  thousands  of  miles  on  foot  and  on  horseback,  wading  or  swimming 
streams,  and  endangered  on  all  sides  by  wild  beasts  and  Indians.  After  settling  here 
he  dealt  largely  in  hogs,  and  made  frequent  trips  to  New  Orleans  by  means  of  flatboats. 
On  arriving  at  New  Orleans,  they  sometimes  found  the  market  glutted,  in  which  case 
they  would  take  shipping  for  Havana,  Cuba.  On  one  of  these  trips  the  ship  was 
wrecked ; but  he  opened  the  pens  and  his  hogs  swam  to  the  shore,  where  some  were 
stolen.  He  also  made  his  way  to  the  shore  safe,  and  afterward  returned  to  his  family. 
His  children  were  eight  in  number,  and  were  named  as  follows : Sarah,  Sherebiah  A., 
John,  Jeremiah,  Nathaniel,  Elijah,  Mary  and  Elizabeth.  Sarah  died  at  the  age  of 
twenty-one,  and  Nathaniel  at  the  age  of  forty-four.  The  rest  are  all  living,  but  reside 
in  different  parts  of  the  United  States.  Jeremiah  Butterfield,  Sr.,  departed  this  life  in 
1853,  his  wife  having  preceded  him  about  seven  years.  Sherebiah,  the  eldest  son,  was 
born  in  Hamilton  County,  Ohio,  June  2,  1804.  He  was  raised  a farmer,  and  was 
acquainted  with  the  hardships  of  frontier  life.  He  used  to  accompany  his  father  on  his 
trips  South  with  stock ; was  on  another  vessel  at  the  eventful  time  before  mentioned. 
His  marriage  was  celebrated  in  1828.  His  wife,  Mary,  was  born  in  Kentucky  February 
10,  1S06,  and  came  to  Ohio  in  about  1822.  Five  children  were  born  to  them — Sarah, 
born  March  29,  1829;  Supplya,  September  12,  1832;  Jennie,  February  5,  1834; 


VAN  BUREN  TOWNSHIP. 


449 


Elizabeth,  April  11,  1837,  and  Anna,  January  — , 1841.  Sarah  is  now  the  widow  of 
William  Willey,  and  resides  in  this  township.  Supplya  was  killed  by  a French 
rough  in  June  of  1857.  He  had  been  practicing  medicine  in  Texas,  but  left  on 
account  of  trouble  in  government  affairs.  He  was  on  his  way  to  Monterey,  and  was 
known  to  have  money  or  notes  about  bis  person.  Jennie  is  now  Mrs.  William  Smith, 
farmer,  of  Cynthiana,  Ky.  Elizabeth  is  the  wife  of  George  G.  Bradford,  married  April 
29,  1861.  Mr.  Bradford  is  a representative  of  a very  old  family  of  Yan  Buren  Town- 
ship, and  resides  on  the  old  homestead,  where  he  was  born  April  29,  1833.  Elizabeth 
Bradford  is  a graduate  of  College  Hill.  Anna  graduated  at  the  Cincinnati  Medical 
College,  and  is  now  Mrs.  John  Campbell,  of  Indianapolis,  a very  prominent  lady  of  the 
State.  She  is  President  of  the  Woman’s  Rights  Association  of  Indiana,  and  made 
quite  a number  of  Greenback  speeches  during  the  campaign  of  1880.  Mrs.  Mary  But- 
terfield departed  this  life  December  20,  1872.  He  is  still  living,  and  makes  his  home 
with  his  daughter  Elizabeth.  He  has  in  his  possession  a gun  that  an  uncle  carried 
through  the  Revolution,  and  that  his  father  carried  on  his  tour  through  the  Northwest. 
It  now  has  its  third  stock,  and  is  highly  prized  by  its  owner. 

ADAM  COBLENTZ,  retired  farmer,  P.  0.  Dayton.  Among  the  old  residents  of 
Yan  Buren  Township,  Montgomery  County,  we  are  pleased  to  mention  the  gentleman 
whose  name  heads  this  sketch.  His  father,  Adam  Coblentz,  was  born  in  Frederick 
Co.,  Md.,  May  19, 17 62 ; grew  to  manhood  and  learned  the  shoemaker’s  trade  in  his  native 
State,  where,  in  the  latter  part  of  1787,  or  the  early  part  of  1788,  he  married  Elizabeth 
Coleman.  She  was  a native  of  the  same  place,  born  July  12, 1769.  They  were  of  German 
descent,  and  in  1807,  came  to  Ohio  and  entered  a fractional  section  (190  acres  ) of  land  in 
what  is  now  Van  Buren  Township,  Montgomery  County,  and  purchased  ninety  acres 
besides,  on  which  was  a small  improvement.  The  remainder  they  reduced  to  a state  of 
cultivation,  and  made  it  their  home.  He  departed  this  life  January  28,  1838.  His 
wife  survived  till  May  5,  1862.  Both  were  exemplary  members  of  the  German  Re- 
formed Church.  Their  children  were  nine  in  number,  and  were  named  as  follows : 
Peter,  Elizabeth,  Jacob,  Mary  M.,  Daniel,  John  and  Joseph,  born  in  Maryland  ; Mary 
Ann  and  Adam,  born  in  this  State.  Peter  served  in  the  war  of  1812,  under  Hull  ; 
was  present  at  the  time  of  the  surrender  at  Detroit.  Jacob  went  out  in  1813  with 
Capt.  Brier,  but  soon  returned.  Adam,  the  youngest  of  the  family,  was  born  Septem- 
ber 26,  1812.  He  was  reared  a farmer,  and  still  lives  on  his  farm  of  158  acres.  He 
has  a sacred  relic  in  the  shape  of  a German  Bible,  printed  in  1776,  for  which  his  father 
subscribed.  Mr.  Coblentz  was  united  in  marriage,  January  25,  1876,  with  Anna  Mary 
Bridenbaugb.  She  was  born  in  Dayton  July  26,  1852.  One  child,  Ann  Rebecca, 
has  been  the  issue  of  this  marriage.  They  are  members  of  the  Reformed  Church 

C.  W.  CREAGER,  retired  farmer,  P.  O.  Dayton,  BoxSIO,  was  born  in  Frederick 
County,  Md.,  November  24,  1812,  a son  of  Casper  and  Barbara  (Smith)  Creager.  They 
were  of  German  descent,  and  natives  of  the  above-named  State.  In  1813,  they,  with 
three  children,  came  to  Ohio  and  settled  in  Warren  County,  near  Franklin.  His  death  oc- 
curred in  May  of  1846,  aged  eighty-five  years,  as  nearly  as  can  be  ascertained.  His  wife 
survived  just  one  year,  and  died  at  the  age  of  sixty-eight.  He  died  at  6 A.  M.  and  she 
at  6 P.  M.  They  were  reared  in  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church,  and  remained  in 
fellowship  with  the  same,  and  had  their  children  instructed  in  the  doctrines  of  that 
church.  Adam,  Solomon  and  Christian  William,  were  the  children  born  in  Maryland, 
and  Ezra,  David,  John,  Sophia,  Daniel  and  Mary,  born  in  Warren  County,  Ohio.  C. 
W.  was  reared  a farmer;  worked  for  his  father  till  twenty-one  years  of  age,  when  lie 
began  life  for  himself ; worked  by  the  month  and  cropped  for  about  six  years.  On  the 
25th  of  March,  1830,  he  married  Susan  Dolan.  She  was  of  Irish  parentage,  born 
April  14,  1822.  They  lived  on  rented  land  at  different  places  till  1845,  when  they 
purchased  a farm  in  the  western  part  of  Montgomery  County,  where  he  remained  twelve 
years,  and  then  purchased  151  acres  in  Van  Buren  Township,  of  the  same"  county, 
where  they  now  reside  and  are  comfortably  situated  for  life.  They  are  the  parents  of 
eleven  children — William  Henry,  John  P.,  Mary  A.,  Ezra,  Susan,  Jacob,  Eliza  Jane, 
infant  daughter  deceased,  Daniel,  George  and  Emma  Florence.  The  two  youngest 


450 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


sons  and  the  oldest  are  deceased.  William  H.  was  a member  of  the  Catholic  Church, 
with  which  his  mother  is  also  identified.  Mr.  Creager  is  a member  of  the  Evangelical 
Lutheran  Church. 

WASHINGTON  DERN,  farmer,  P.  0.  Dayton,  was  born  in  Frederick  County, 
Md.,  December  1,  1811,  a son  of  Frederick  and  Elizabeth  Dern.  They  were  both  na- 
tives of  Maryland,  and  were  the  parents  of  eight  children.  Washington,  the  fourth 
child  and  only  one  to  leave  his  native  State,  learned  the  miller’s  trade.  After  following 
his  trade  a few  years  in  the  East,  and  thinking  there  were  better  opportunities  in  the 
West  for  young  men  to  start  in  life,  he  decided  to  emigrate.  He  came  to  Ohio  in 

1837,  and  for  several  years  lived  in  different  parts  of  the  State.  After  coming  to 
Montgomery  County,  for  two  years  he  was  engaged  in  Pease’s  mill,  Dayton.  He  then 
rented  the  Umbaugh  Mill,  four  miles  north,  and  operated  it  for  about  seven  years.  In 
1858  or  1859,  he  purchased  a farm  of  ninety  acres  in  Van  Buren  Township,  quit  mill- 
ing, located  on  his  farm  and  has  since  been  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits.  His  mar- 
riage was  celebrated  with  Mary  Ann  Pentzer  November  16,  1841.  She  was  born  in 
Maryland  July  8,  1816,  and  came  to  Ohio  in  1837,  with  her  parents,  Valentine  and 
Mary  Pentzer,  who  settled  in  this  county.  Washington  and  Mary  Ann  Dern  are  the 
parents  of  five  children — Mary  E.,  Frederic  V.,  Washington  P.  (deceased),  William 
H.  and  George  E.  On  the  24th  of  March,  1879,  Frederic  V.  was  united  in  marriage 
with  Miss  Crinda  Whipp.  Mr.  Dern  and  family  are  members  of  the  German  Reformed 
Church. 

WILLIAM  EWRY,  wagon-maker,  Beavertown.  His  father,  Basil  Ewry,  was  a 
son  of  John  and  Elizabeth  Ewry,  born  November  20,  1812.  He  was  reared  a farmer, 
with  fair  advantages  for  obtaining  an  education.  By  application  and  a tenacity  of  pur- 
pose, his  intellectual  attainments  were  above  mediocrity.  On  the  8th  of  November, 

1838,  he  married  Magdalene  Swigard,  by  whom  he  had  two  children — William  and 
David.  Mrs.  Ewry  departed  this  life  March  18,  1843.  The  second  marriage  of  Mr. 
Ewry  was  with  Miss  Elizabeth  Swigard.  The  result  of  this  union  was  ten  children, 
viz. : Henry  H.,  John  G.,  Benjamin  F.,  Albert  R.,  Oliver  P.,  Isaac  W.,  Charles  0., 
two  infants  and  Mary  E.  Mr.  Ewry  started  in  life  under  adverse  circumstances,  but 
became  well  off.  In  1845,  he  purchased  a farm  east  of  Beavertown,  on  which  the  resi- 
due of  his  life  was  spent.  He  was  a Republican  in  politics,  and  a member  of  the  Ger- 
man Reformed  Church,  having  served  the  same  about  twenty  years  as  Elder  and  Dea- 
con. He  met  his  death  by  a vicious  horse;  the  animal  kicked  him  three  times,  from 
the  effects  of  which  he  died  four  days  later,  April  5,  1864.  His  widow  is  still  living 
and  resides  in  Beavertown.  William,  the  oldest  child,  was  born  July  31.  1839.  He 
assisted  in  the  labors  on  his  father’s  farm  till  eighteen  years  of  age,  when  he  commenced 
to  learn  the  trade  of  wagon-maker,  with  hranklin  Bridgman.  This  has  been  his  occu- 
pation ever  since,  for  the  last  twenty  years  acting  as  proprietor  ; five  years  in  the  West. 
He  was  united  in  marriage  with  Amelia  Harper,  November  9,  1866.  She  was  a native 
of  Van  Wert  County,  Ohio,  born  in  1843.  Dora  Maude  is  the  only  child.  On  the 
12th  of  September,  1880,  death  entered  this  happy  little  family  and  claimed  the  mother 
for  his  prey.  She  was  a consistent  member  of  the  United  Brethren  Church,  with  which 
her  husband  is  also  identified. 

JOSEPH  B.  JOHNS,  retired  surveyor,  P.  0.  Dayton,  was  born  in  Montgomery 
County,  Ohio,  Feb.  26, 1813.  His  parents,  Benjamin  and  Rhoda  Johns,  were  natives-  of 
Pennsylvania,  the  former  of  Welsh  and  the  latter  of  English  extraction.  They  came 
to  Ohio  in  1811,  landing  at  Cincinnati  in  April.  They  then  set  out  on  horseback  for 
Dayton,  and  soon  after  entered  land  iu  the  vicinity  of  where  Trotwood  now  is.  Here 
he  died  in  June  of  1814,  from  exposure  in  the  war  of  1812,  in  which  he  served.  He 
was  born  May  19,  1786.  His  wife  was  born  April  18,  1786,  and  died  in  1835.  Their 
children  were  Mary  Ann  and  Joseph  B.  Mary  Ann  was  born  in  Fayette  County 
Penn.,  December  20,  1810.  She  became  the  wife  of  Leonard  Miller.  He  was  also  a 
native  of  Pennsylvania,  born  May  6,  1804,  and  died  January  9,  1867,  their  five  chil- 
dren having  gone  before.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  received  a good  education,  and  at 
the  age  of  nineteen  began  teaching,  which  he  followed  eighteen  years.  He  has  been 


VAN  BUREN  TOWNSHIP. 


451 


identified  with  the  principal  offices  of  the  township,  serving  as  Assessor,  Clerk,  Trustee, 
and  was  Justice  of  the  Peace  nine  years,  was  City  Engineer  for  the  city  of  Dayton 
twelve  years  and  was  County  Surveyor  for  fiften  years.  He  now  resides  with  his 
widowed  sister,  on  a farm  in  Van  Buren  Township. 

JOHN  A.  KOHL,  farmer,  P.  0.  Dayton,  is  a son  of  Jacob  and  Catharine  (Mil- 
ler) Kohl.  They  were  natives  of  Hesse,  Germany,  he  born  February  2,  1795,  and  she 
October  15,  1813.  In  about  1834,  they  emigrated  to  America  and  spent  the  first  two 
years  in  Miamisburg,  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  after  which  they  lived  in  Dayton  two 
years,  and  then  moved  to  the  country  south  of  the  city  In  1846,  they  purchased  a 
farm  of  thirty-three  acres  and  engaged  in  farming.  They  were  industrious,  economical 
people,  and  afterward  added  twenty  acres  to  their  farm.  Two  children  were  born  to 
them — John  Augustus  and  Harriet.  The  latter  died  at  the  age  of  sixteen.  Mr.  Jacob 
Kohl  was  confirmed  in  the  German  Reformed  Church  ; but,  on  coming  to  this  country, 
there  being  no  German  services  in  his  church,  and  his  wife  being  a member  of  the 
Evangelical  Lutheran  Church,  he  connected  himself  with  it,  and  remained  in  com- 
munion with  the  same  till  death.  He  departed  this  life  January  2,  1880.  His  widow 
is  still  living,  and  resides  with  her  son.  He  was  born  in  Miamisburg  April  12,  1836, 
and  is  now  an  enterprising  farmer  of  Van  Buren  Township.  Besides  the  home  farm, 
he  owns  fifty-eight  acres,  which  is  under  good  cultivation  and  well  improved.  On  the 
29th  of  January,  1860,  he  was  united  in  marriage  with  Catharine  Ridenour,  the  only 
daughter  of  Jacob  and  Rebecca  Ridenour.  They  were  natives  of  Maryland,  came  to 
Ohio  nearly  fifty  years  ago,  and  were  parents  of  eight  children.  Catharine  was  born 
August  23.  1842.  To  this  union  four  children  have  been  given — Frances  M.,  Anna 
R.,  Jacob  II.  and  an  infant  son.  Mrs.  Kohl  and  daughter  are  members  of  the  German 
Reformed  Church. 

WILLIAM  KRAMER,  proprietor  of  vineyard  and  flower  garden,  P.  0.  Dayton. 
The  gentleman  named  above  was  born  in  Stuttgart,  Wurtemberg,  Germany,  June  25, 
1S26,  and  as  soon  as  large  enough  commenced  learning  wine-making,  the  prevailing 
business  in  that  land,  noted  for  its  extensive  vineyards  and  excellent  wines.  In  1848, 
he  emigrated  to  America  and  landed  in  New  York  in  December  of  that  year,  having 
been  forty-four  days  on  the  voyage  over.  He  did  not  tarry  long  in  the  East,  but  came 
directly  to  the  Miami  Valley,  and  in  Mad  River  Township,  this  county,  started  a vine- 
yard, which  he  successfully  operated  for  a period  of  three  years,  after  which  he  located 
in  Van  Buren  Township  near  the  Insane  Asylum.  Here  he  continued  for  four  years, 
or  until  1855,  when  he  bought  sixty  acres  of  his  present  place,  which  was  then  in  a 
perfectly  wild  state,  never  even  having  known  the  sound  of  the  woodman’s  ax.  He  has 
since  then  put  the  whole  of  it  under  cultivation,  and  from  time  to  time  added  more, 
until  now  he  has  ninety-five  acres,  all  under  a high  state  of  cultivation,  and  method- 
ically laid  out  in  orchards,  vineyards  and  flower-gardens.  He  has  deep,  cool  cellars  in 
which  huge  casks  of  1,600  gallons  capacity  are  placed  for  the  reception  of  the  wine 
annually  pressed  from  his  luscious  grapes.  He  has  transformed  his  large  dooryard  into 
a magnificent  wine  garden,  where  he  dispenses  good  cheer  to  the  thirsty  people  who 
hourly  visit  him  from  the  city.  Each  year  witnesses  some  improvement  in  his  beautiful 
grounds.  There  are  cool  wine-houses,  delightful  summer-houses  where  the  youth  can 
.enjoy  their  tete  a-tete'  undisturbed  and  deeply-shaded  walks  between  beds  filled  with  the 
finest  blooming  plants.  In  addition  to  these,  he  has  recently  erected  a bowling-alley  for 
those  that  desire  more  vigorous  amusement.  On  the  3d  of  March,  1849,  Mr.  Kramer 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Caroline  Agryshe,  who  was  born  in  Germany  in  1823,  and 
came  to  this  country  in  1845.  By  her  he  has  had  three  children,  now  living — William 
(of  the  firm  of  Cook  & Kramer,  carriage-makers,  Dayton),  Frederica  (now  Mrs.  Chris- 
tian Lechner),  and  Adolph  (a  mechanic  in  the  city  of  Dayton).  The  old  folks  stay  at 
the  vineyard  and  devote  the  whole  of  their  attention  to  their  many  visitors,  whose  vehi- 
cles constantly  crowd  the  beautiful  avenue  leading  to  the  gardens.  In  addition  to  the 
immense  home  consumption  supplied  by  Mr.  Kramer,  he  ships  to  all  points  of  the 
country,  and  the  increasing  demand  for  his  productions  indicate  the  inadequacy  of  his 
facilities  for  supplying  the  future  wants  of  his  customers.  No  wiue  is  allowed  to  leave 


452 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


his  cellars  under  four  years  of  age,  and  none  of  it  is  drawn  from  the  well,  but  consists 
of  pure  grape  juice  alone.  Mr.  Kramer  is  a live,  enterprising  citizen,  one  of  the 
founders  of  the  County  Horticultural  Society,  and  an  interested  actor  in  any  enterprise 
for  the  advancement  of  agriculture  in  his  county.  His  worth  is  acknowledged  and 
appreciated  by  all  who  know  him. 

PETER  MARSHALL,  farmer,  P.  0 Dayton,  was  born  at  Ivercyth,  Sterling- 
shire,  Scotland,  November  14, 1825  ; was  raised  to  agricultural  pursuits.  In  1849,  he  emi- 
grated to  America,  leaving  his  parents,  two  brothers  and  four  sisters.  One  brother  and 
one  sister  having  died  prior  to  that  time.  His  mother,  Mary  Marshall,  died  in  1861, 
and  his  father,  Peter  Marshall,  followed  eight  years  later.  Six  of  the  children  still  sur- 
vive— William,  Mary,  Agnes  and  Jane  reside  in  Scotland  ; Peter  and  John  in  Mont- 
gomery County,  Ohio.  The  first  four  years  of  Mr.  Marshall’s  stay  in  this  country 
were  spent  in  different  States;  engaged  about  half  that  time  in  mining  coal.  In  1858, 
he  came  to  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  and  for  about  three  years  worked  by  the  month 
at  farming.  On  the  9th  of  March,  1856,  he  married,  and  one  year  later  moved  to  Mis- 
souri, ramaiuing  five  years,  when  he  returned  to  Montgomery  County,  and  for  the  last 
seventeen  years  has  resided  on  the  farm  where  his  wife  Catharine  Ann  Johnston  was 
born,  December  23,  1833.  Peter  and  Catharine  Ann  Marshall  are  the  parents  of  eleven 
children — Mary  Jane,  John  Alexander  (deceased),  Oliver,  Washington  Grant,  Elvira, 
Emmeline,  Jennetta,  Elizabeth,  William  P.,  Rosa  and  Charles  Edward.  Alexander  and 
Catharine  Ann  Johnston,  the  parents  of  Mrs.  Marshall,  were  both  natives  of  Frederick 
County,  Md.  ; he  born  October  of  1789,  and  came  to  Ohio  in  1809.  She  was  born 
November  8,  1793,  and  came  to  this  State  in  1808  with  her  mother,  who  settled  on 
the  farm  which  she  now  owns.  Their  marriage  was  consummated  in  the  spring  of 
1810;  twelve  children  were  the  issue  ; seven  of  whom  grew  to  maturity,  viz.  : James 

Riley,  Ezra  T.,  Benjamin  B.,  Joseph  A.,  Elvira,  Catharine  Ann  and  Sarah  M.  ; James 
R.,  Catharine  A.  and  their  mother  are  the  survivors  of  the  family.  Alexander  Jolm- 
ston  departed  this  life  in  1855. 

EDWARD  NEWCOM,  farmer,  Dayton.  This  gentleman  comes  of  Irish  an- 
cestry, his  father,  Edward,  having  been  born  in  the  ‘‘  Seagirt  Isle”  in  1769.  He  made 
three  trips  across  the  Atlantic,  and  desiring  to  live  in  a land  where  the  bated  English 
flag  of  oppression  could  no  longer  be  flaunted  in  tyranny,  he  finally  concluded  to  seek 
an  asylum  in  this  land  of  freemen  and  settled  in  Montgomery  County,  Ohio.  He  was 
here  married  about  1810  to  Elizabeth  Grimes,  a native  of  Rockbridge  County,  Va., 
who  came  to  this  county  with  her  family  in  1805,  and  soon  after  marriage  Mr.  New- 
com  purchased  160  acres  of  land  in  Van  Buren  Township  from  a Mr.  Huston,  who 
had  previously  entered  it,  and  here  they  toiled,  clearing  up  the  farm  and  making  a 
home  for  their  increasiug  family.  They  reared  ten  children,  viz. : George,  William, 

Edward,  Charles  D.,  Matthew,  Mary  Ann,  Samuel  G.,  Robert,  Franklin  and  Eliza 
Jane,  all  except  one  lived  to  have  a family,  and  five  are  still  living.  Edward 
Newcom,  Sr.,  was  a brother  of  Col.  George  Newcom,  the  first  Sheriff  of  Montgomery 
County,  Ohio,  but  he  never  aspired  to  office,  choosing  rather  to  live  quietly  on  his  farm 
free  from  the  cares  of  public  life.  He  died  January  14,  1839,  andhis  wife  August  17, 
1842.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  on  the  homestead  in  Van  Buren  Township, 
April  25,  1814 ; grew  up  on  the  farm,  following  the  duties  thereof  until  his  eighteenth 
year,  when  he  began  work  in  a distillery,  which  he  continued  seven  years,  and  during 
this  period  never  tasted  whisky.  Upon  the  death  of  his  father,  he  returned  to  the  old 
home  for  the  purpose  of  taking  charge  of  the  farm  and  family,  his  elder  brothers  having 
began  in  life  for  themselves,  and  he  kept  the  children  together  until  all  grew  to  maturity  ; 
finally  purchasing  the  interest  of  the  balance  he  became  sole  owner  of  the  old  home. 
He  was  married  June  22,  1846,  to  Miss  Cynthia  Irvin,  daughter  of  Moses  I.  Irvin, 
who  was  born  August  28,  1821,  and  who  has  borne  him  seven  children — George  G. 
(deceased),  Irene  D.,  Caroline,  Lucy  Bell,  Rachel,  Luella  (deceased),  Edward,  Frank- 
lin and  Marietta.  Mr.  Newcom  is  the  owner  of  nearly  500  acres  of  fine  land  ; is  a go- 
ahead,  energetic  farmer,  and  is  recognized  as  a man  of  enterprise  and  public  spirit,  who 
has  been  the  architect  of  his  own  good  fortune.  He  is  a man  of  quiet  habits  and  retir- 


VAN  BUREN  TOWNSHIP. 


453 


ing  disposition,  who  attends  closely  to  his  own  business,  leaving  others  to  follow  his  ex- 
ample. In  his  home  he  has  ever  been  kind  and  hospitable  to  friend  or  stranger  alike, 
and  his  family  have  in  him  a prudent,  kind  and  provident  protector,  who  has  always 
watched  over  them  with  loving  care.  In  his  business  intercourse  with  his  neighbors, 
his  actions  have  been  characterized  by  strict  integrity  and  upright  dealing,  demonstrat- 
ing that  success  was  reached  through  the  channels  of  industry,  honesty  and  justice. 

[Note.] — Since  the  above  was  written,  Mr.  Newcom  died,  his  death  occurring 
suddenly,  March  23,  1882. 

FLEMING  RICE,  farmer,  P.  0.  Dayton.  His  father,  James  Rice,  was  a native  of 
Maryland,  born  October  5,  1786,  and  raised  a farmer.  He  was  united  in  marriage  June 
21, 1821,  with  Rebecca  Drill.  She  was  born  in  the  above-named  State  March  5,  1797. 
They  came  to  Ohio  in  1826,  and  settled  in  Ross  County,  where  they  remained  five  or  six 
years  and  then  moved  to  Montgomery  County,  north  of  Dayton,  fn  about  1838,  they 
moved  to  Van  Buren  Township  and  rented  one  of  the  Compton  farms  on  the  Cincin- 
nati pike.  Here  his  decease  occurred,  September  25,  1842,  his  wife  having  preceded 
him  about  five  years.  They  had  both  been  reared  in  the  Episcopal  Church,  and 
remained  faithful  to  the  same  till  death.  Six  children  were  born  to  them.  Fleming, 
James  Andrew,  Louisa  Ann,  John  W.,  George  K.  and  Milton.  They  are  all  living, 
but  are  considerably  scattered.  Fleming,  the  eldest  was  born  in  Maryland  September 
26,  1822.  He  assisted  his  father  in  the  labors  of  the  farm  until  the  time  of  his  death  ; 
when  he  took  charge  of  affairs,  kept  the  children  together  and  provided  for  them.  He 
remained  on  the  farm  about  nineteen  years.  In  the  fall  of  1858,  he  purchased  a farm 
of  228  acres  of  land  adjoining  the  one  on  which  he  lived.  He  located  on  his  farm  in 
1861,  and  in  1872  sold  sixty-eight  acres  for  the  Catholic  Cemetery,  leaving  him  160 
acres  of  excellent  land  which  is  in  a high  state  of  cultivation  and  well  improved.  He 
also  owns  a farm  of  122  acres  in  Harrison  Township,  and  is  extensively  engaged  in 
the  cultivation  of  tobacco,  having  grown,  on  the  two  farms,  from  twenty  to  twenty- 
seven  acres  annually.  He  has  been  Trustee  of  the  township  for  the  last  four  years. 
His  first  marriage  was  celebrated  February  24,  1843,  with  Catherine  Fenstemacher, 
a.  native  of  Pennsylvania,  born  in  1824,  and  died  in  January,  1864,  having  been  a 
consistent  member  of  the  German  Reformed  Church.  She  was  the  mother  of  four 
children — Hester  Jane  (now  Mrs.  Daniel  Peters),  John  W.,  Mary  (the  wife  of  Jacob 
Sheets),  and  Franklin.  On  the  13th  day  of  November,  1866.  Mr.  Rice  consum- 
mated his  second  marriage  with  Mary  E.  Miller.  She  was  born  in  Pennsylvania 
April  2,  1834,  and  when  young  came  to  Ohio  with  her  parents,  John  and  Eliza- 
beth Miller,  who  settled  in  Montgomery  County.  They  now  reside  in  Darke  County. 
Fleming  and  Mary  E.  Rice  are  the  parents  of  three  children — Ann  Estella,  Charles 
D.  and  Olive  , Leora. 

ALEXANDER  C.  SAYRE,  blacksmith,  P.  0.  Dayton,  was  born  at  Cleavetowu, 
Hamilton  County,  Ohio,  June  4,  1845,  a son  of  Oliver  and  Mary  (Morgan)  Sayre. 
Our  subject  was  left  an  orphan  at  the  age  < f seven.  His  father  died  in  1852 
and  his  mother  the  following  year.  They  were  of  English  descent,  but  very  little 
of  their  history  can  be  obtained  except,  that  (heir  ancestors  came  over  in  the 
Mayflower.  After  the  death  of  his  parents,  Alexander  C.  lived  with  Judge  Wade, 
of  Butler  County,  and  received  such  an  education  as  could  be  obtained  in  the  common 
school.  In  May  of  1864,  he  enlisted  in  Company  K,  of  One  Hundred  and  Sixty- 
seventh  Regiment  Ohio  National  Guard,  served  his  time,  and  then  enlisted  in  Com- 
pany C of  One  Hundred  and  Ninety-fourth  Regiment  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry. 
He  served  till  the  close  of  the  war,  received  an  honorable  discharge  and  returned 
to  Butler  County.  In  the  spring  of  1866,  he  began  the  blacksmith  trade  at  Venice, 
in  the  above-named  county,  and  has  since  followed  that  business.  He  located 
in  Dayton  in  1872,  and  for  seven  months  worked  as  journeyman  at  his  trade. 
He  then  became  proprietor  of  a shop.  In  June  of  1879,  he  was  made  Superintend- 
ent of  the  Oakwood  Street  Rail  Road,  which  position  he  still  holds,  and  discharges 
his  duties  with  credit  to  Jiimself  and  satisfaction  to  parties  interested.  On  the 
7th  of  October,  1867,  he  was  united  in  marriage  with  Addie  Folick,  a native  of 


454 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES: 


Butler  County,  born  November  20,  1850.  Four  children  are  the  fruits  of  this  union 
— Harvey,  Harry,  Eva  and  Mattie. 

WILLIAM  H.  SNYDER,  miller,  P.  0.  Dayton,  is  a son  of  Peter  Snyder,  who 
was  born  in  Maryland  June  25,  1805,  and  came  to  Ohio  in  about  1826.  I4e  was  a 
distiller  by  trade,  and  for  several  years  ran  a copper  still  for  John  Compton,  south  of 
Dayton.  In  1831,  he  built  a flouring-mill  on  the  canal  at  Lock  No.  1,  and  some- 
time after  he  erected  a distillery,  a short  distance  east  of  the  mill,  where  he  lived.  He 
quit  distilling  in  1850,  but  having  added  a saw-mill  to  his  grist-mill,  he  continued  to 
operate  them,  and  also  established  a flour  and  feed  store  in  Dayton,  on  Fifth  street,  be- 
tween Jefferson  and  St.  Clair.  For  a number  of  years,  he  was  an  officer  of  the  town- 
ship, serving  as  Trustee  and  Justice  of  the  Peace.  His  marriage  was  celebrated  Octo- 
ber 13,  1831,  with  Elizabeth  Schnepp  (sometimes  spelled  Snapp).  She  is  a native  of 
this  county,  born  May  16,  1812.  Nine  children  were  the  fruits  of  this  union — Israel, 
Abraham,  Mary,  Isaac,  Jacob,  John  P.,  Maggie  J.,  Peter  and  William  H.  Peter 
Snyder,  Sr.,  departed  this  life  July  3,  1870.  He  and  his  family  were  members  of  the 
Evangelical  Lutheran  Church ; he  was  a Deacon  of  the  same  at  the  time  of  his  death. 
His  widow  and  seven  of  the  children  are  still  living.  Abraham  was  wounded  at  the 
battle  of  Buzzard’s  Roost,  from  the  effects  of  which  he  died.  The  subject  of  this  sketch 
was  born  March  23,  1852.  His  early  life  was  spent  in  the  mill  and  on  the  farm.  After 
the  death  of  his  father,  he  spent  a few  years  in  Dayton,  where,  for  the  greater  part  of 
the  time,  he  was  engaged  in  a feed  and  flour  store  with  his  brother  Peter,  whose  inter- 
est he  afterward  purchased.  In  1877,  he  took  his  brother  Jacob  in  as  an  equal  part- 
ner in  the  store,  left  him  in  charge  and  returned  home  to  superintend  the  mill  and  farm 
for  his  mother.  They  have  a hominy  mill  attached  to  their  flouring-mill,  and  are  doing 
an  extensive  business  with  both.  While  in  Dayton,  in  the  spring  of  1875,  he  was 
elected  Constable  and  served  about  fourteen  months.  He  is  still  single,  and  resides 
with  his  mother  on  the  old  farm. 

SAMUEL  SWADENER,  farmer,  P.  O.  Dayton,  was  born  in  Montgomery 
County,  Ohio,  October  23,  1822,  a son  of  Henry  and  Ellen  Swadener,  who  emigrated 
from  Maryland  and  settled  in  Montgomery  County  at  an  early  date.  They  were  the 
parents  of  nine  children — -Mary  Jane,  Daniel,  Samuel,  Sarah,  Elizabeth,  Clarinda,  Lavina, 
Charlotte  and  Henry.  The  parents,  with  the  oldest  and  youngest  daughters,  are  deceased. 
Samuel,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  reared  to  farm  life,  and  has  always  been  engaged 
in  agricultural  pursuits.  He  owns  100  acres  of  land  in  Van  Buren  Township,  Mont- 
gomery County,  which  is  well  improved  and  under  good  cultivation.  He  was  united  in 
marriage,  February  11,  1847,  with  Caroline  Routsong,  a native  of  this  county,  born 
January  16,  1826.  Seven  children  are  the  fruits  of  this  union — Michael  J.,  Francis 
G.,  Julia  A.  (deceased),  William  H.,  Ida  Belle,  Maggie  and  Samuel  C.  The  two 
oldest  are  married  and  reside  in  Miami  Township.  Mr.  Swadener  and  family,  except 
two  children,  are  members  of  the  Reformed  Church. 

JOHN  WOODMAN,  farmer,  P.  O.  Dayton,  was  born  in  “ Browntown,”  Dayton, 
February  15,  1826,  and  is  a son  of  Samuel  and  Mary  (Miller)  Woodman,  he  a native 
of  Frederick  County,  Md.,  and  she  of  Schuylkill  County,  Penn.,  who  came  to  this 
county  at  an  early  day.  Being  raised  to  river  life,  Samuel  followed  boating  on  the  , 
Miami  River,  and'  teaming.  In  1823,  he  married  Mary  Miller,  and  began  farming  on 
Col.  Patterson’s  farm,  in  what  is  now  “ Browntown.”  In  1827,  he  moved  on  what 
is  now  known  as  the  “ Woodman  Farm,”  which  contained  225  acres,  also  owned  177  in 
Jefferson  Township,  one-half  interest  in  118  acres  in  Wayne  Township,  and  considera- 
ble property  in  Dayton.  Samuel’s  parents  died  when  he  was  quite  young,  and  therefore 
hi3  education  was  very  limited,  but  yet  he  was  a very  successful  and  useful  citizen,  and 
held  many  minor  official  positions.  He  was  the  father  of  the  following  children  : Will- 
iam, John,  Nancy,  Margaretta  A.,  Thomas  (deceased),  Lucy  A.,  Mary  A.  (deceased), 
Samuel.  Caroline  C.,  Mahala  (deceased)  and  one  died  in  infancy.  Samuel  died  in  1860. 
The  subject  of  this  sketch  received  a common  school  education,  and  lived  with  his 
parents  until  thirty-five  years  old,  renting  land  a portion-of  the  time  from  his  father. 
In  i860,  he  was  married  to  Catherine  Eversole,  who  has  had  two  children — Lincoln 
(deceased),  and  Deorge  W.  Mr.  Woodman  owns  a nice  farm,  upon  which  he  resides, 


VAN  BUREN  TOWNSHIP. 


455 


a part  of  which  is  the  old  homestead.  Mrs.  Woodman  is  a member  of  the  German 
Baptist  Church,  and  the  family  is  one  of  the  most  intelligent  and  enterprising  in  Van 
Buren  Township. 

DANIEL  YIKE,  carpenter,  P.  0.  Dayton,  was  born  in  Schuylkill  County,  Penn., 
December  22,  1822.  His  parents,  Daniel  and  Catharine  Yike,  were  also  natives  of 
the  above-named  State  In  about  1834,  they,  with  a family  of  four  children,  emigrated 
to  Ohio  and  settled  in  Fairfield  County,  where  he  followed  farming  and  blaeksmithing, 
and  where  four  more  children  were  born  to  them.  The  names  of  their  children  are  as 
follows:  Daniel,  Rebecca,  John,  Catharine,  Henry,  Elizabeth,  Abraham  and  Mary. 
Daniel  Yike,  Sr.,  departed  this  life  in  1879,  at  the  age  of  eighty-two  years.  His  widow 
is  still  living,  and  resides  in  Fairfield  County.  The  boyhood  days  of  our  subject  were 
spent  on  his  father’s  farm.  He  started  in  life  for  himself  at  the  age  of  eighteen  , came 
to  Montgomery  County  and  worked  at  farming  several  years.  He  then  learned  the 
carpenter  trade,  which  he  has  since  followed.  He  owns  fourteen  acres  of  land  in  Van 
Buren  Township,  which  he  cultivates.  His  marriage  was  celebrated  in  Fairfield 
County,  Ohio,  February  22,  1852,  with  Elizabeth  Parrish.  Three  children  arc  the 
fruits  of  this  union — Rachel,  Romanca  and  Joseph.  The  oldest  and  youngest  are  mar- 
ried. Mrs.  Yike  and  the  daughters  are  members  of  the  German  Reformed  Church. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

JACOB  ROHRER,  farmer  and  capitalist,  P.  0 Tippecanoe  City,  Miami  County. 
Our  subject  is  honored  by  having  resided  a number  of  years  in  Montgomery  county,  and 
feels  the  importance  of  being  remembered  in  her  history,  as  many  of  the  name  will  hereafter 
wish  to  know  of  their  ancestry.  Although  a resident  of  Miami  County,  Mr.  Rohrer 
has  a love  for  the  old  home  that  a lapse  of  years  fails  to  diminish,  and  we  cheerfully 
accord  him  a place,  to  which  he  is  entitled,  among  those  of  his  relatives  who  are  repre- 
sented in  this  work.  He  was  born  in  Lancaster  County,  Penn.,  in  1815,  and  his  father, 
Christian,  and  also  his  father,  Christian,  were  born  on  the  same  farm.  This  land  was 
deeded  by  one  of  William  Penn’s  agents  to  a member  of  the  earlier  Rohrer  families, 
and  has  been  in  their  possession  for  more  than  one  and  a half  centuries,  their  ownership 
ending  in  November,  1S78,  when  the  death  of  the  last  surviving  brother  occurred,  at 
the  age  of  eighty-six.  The  father  of  Jacob,  Christian  Rohrer,  was  wedded  to  Maria 
Farrar;  they  reared  a family  of  nine  children.  The  parents  lived  to  a ripe  old  age. 
Jacob  came  to  Ohio  in  May,  1835,  and  located  near  Dayton,  where  he  remained  seven 
years.  June  23,  1837,  he  purchased  a farm,  near  Tippecanoe  City,  of  Joseph  Jones, 
who  had  entered  the  land.  December  25,  1838,  he  married  Elizaoeth  Kendig,  of  Lan- 
caster County,  Penn.  One  son  and  two  daughters  have  been  the  issue  of  this  union. 
They  removed  to  their  Miami  County  farm  March  1,  1842,  and  he  has  ever  since  been  one 
of  the  most  enterprising  men  of  that  county.  Besides  dealing  largely  in  stock,  he  has 
helped  forward  the  manufacturing  interests  of  his  town  more  largely,  perhaps,  than  any 
one  man  in  the  neighborhood,  not  only  by  his  liberal  expenditures  of  capital,  but  also 
lending  his  personal  assistance.  As  a financier,  he  has  been  remarkably  successful, 
and  is  a man  renowned  every  where  for  his  honor  and  correct  dealing  with  men.  Out- 
side of  landed  estate,  he  owus  a controlling  interest  in  the  “ Wheel  Works  ” of  Tippe- 
canoe; has  an  interest  in  the  Grape  Sugar  Co.  of  the  same  place  ; also  of  the  <l  Troy 
Wagon  and  Wheel  Works,”  and  the  “Spiker  Wagon  Works”  at  Piqua.  Formerly  an 
Old-Line  Whig,  he  became  identified  with  the  Republican  party  at  its  organization,  and 
has  ardently  supported  it  since.  In  1858,  he  was  elected  County  Commissioner,  and 
subsequently  re-elected,  serving  six  years.  He  has  also  filled  his  third  term  as  Land 
Appraiser  of  Monroe  Township ; was  a Director  in  the  Troy  Bank  for  fifteen  years,  and 
for  four  or  five  years  was  its  Vice  President.  He  is  a Director  in  the  Firemen’s  Insur- 
ance Co.  of  Dayton,  Ohio,  aud  a Trustee  of  the  “ Knoop’s  Children’s  Home,”  of  Eliz- 
abeth Township,  Miami  County.  All  these  responsible  positions  have  been  filled  with 
credit  to  himself  and  satisfaction  to  the  public.  He  has  settled  more  estates  than  any 
other  man  in  Miami  County,  and  has  ever  shown  himself  honest  and  efficient  in  every 
business  transaction. 


BUSINESS  REFERENCES 


DAYTON. 

Allen,  Stephen  J.,  County  Treasurer. 
Ambrose,  Samuel  A.,  Plasterer. 
Anderton,  C.,  Merchant. 

Anderson,  It.  C.,  Plow  Manufacturer. 
Baggott,  J.  H.,  Attorney  at  Law. 

Baird,  John  C.,  Manufacturer  of  Sash, 
Doors,  Blinds,  etc. 

Baker,  J.  L.,  Carriage  Manufacturer. 
Barlow,  John  T.,  Wholesale  Merchant. 
Barney,  E.  J.,  Vice  President  of  B.  & S. 

Manufacturing  Company  (Car  Works.) 
Bauman,  A.  L.,  Cracker  Manufacturer. 
Bauman,  Erhard,  Baker. 

Baumheekel,  Prank,  Butcher. 

Best,  Edwin,  Jeweler. 

Best,  W.  H.,  Jeweler. 

Bettelon,  John,  Proprietor  of  Saloon  and 
Restaurant. 

Biekham,  W.  D.,  Editor  and  Proprietor  of 
the  Dayton  Journal. 

Bierce,  G.  N.,  Manufacturer  of  Victor’s 
Turbine  Water  Wheels,  etc. 

Bimm,  E.,  Wholesale  and  Retail  Grocer. 
Boren,  W.,  Contractor  and  Brick  Manu-' 
facturer. 

Boyer,  J.  E.,  Manufacturer  of  Stoves,  etc. 
Boyer,  D.  K.,  Justice  of  the  Peace. 
Breneman,  Edward,  Dayton  Grain  and 
Drill  Works. 

Brown,  O.  B.,  Attorney  at  Law,  and  Clerk 
of  Court  of  Common  Pleas. 

Brown,  A.  C.,  Hatter. 

Brownell,  E.  H.,  Dayton  Boiler  Works. 
Brownell,  John  A.,  Boiler  Manufacturer. 
Bryce,  S.  T.,  Contractor. 

Burrous,  M.,  Architect. 

Butz,  Lawrence,  Jr.,  Wholesale  Grocer. 
Clark,  Charles  E.,  Business  Manager  of 
the  Dayton  Journal. 

Colby,  H.  P.,  Baptist  Clergyman. 


Conway,  E.,  Dentist. 

Grume,  William  E.,  Manufacturer. 

Davidson,  Joseph  H.,  Contractor. 

Davis,  Isaac,  Coal  Dealer  and  Canal  Col- 
lector. 

Day,  Solomon,  Teacher. 

Dearmon,  Thomas  M.,  Manufacturer  of 
Engines,  Oil  Presses,  etc. 

Dickey,  B,  B.,  President  Dayton  Gas  Light 
and  Coke  Company. 

Dickler,  William,  Dealer  in  Agricu  tural 
Implements. 

Dohme,  Louis,  Physician. 

Doren,  J.  G.  & Co.,  Editors  and  Propri- 
etors of  the  Dayton  Democrat. 

Dueer,  John,  Mason. 

Earnshaw,  William,  Chaplain  of  the  Sol- 
dier’s Home. 

Egry,  William,  Physician  and  Surgeon. 

Evans,  G.  B , Assistant  Physician  at  Asy- 
lum for  the  Insane. 

Eversole,  H.  C.,  Clothing  Merchant. 

Fare  & Walker,  Clothing  Merchants. 

Fenner,  A.  C.,  Tobacco  Manufacturer. 

Ferneding,  Henry,  Malster. 

Forgy,  E.  S , Dry  Goods  Merchant. 

Frank,  John  L.  H.,  Attorney  at  Law. 

Freeman,  Charles  F.,  Sheriff  of  Mont- 
gomery County. 

Gebhart,  J osiah,  White  Lead  Manufat  turer. 

Gebhart,  David,  Manufacturer. 

Gillispie,  W.  II.,  Secretary  Ohio  Insurance 
Company. 

Gottschall,  O.  M.,  Attorney  at  Law. 

Graves,  H.  G,  Manufacturer  of  Agricult- 
ural Implements,  etc. 

Grundy,  William  H.,  Physician. 

Gunckel,  Lewis  B.,  Attorney  at  Law. 

Gump,  Charles  A.,  Mill  Furnishings,  etc. 

Hahne,  Charles,  Catholic  Priest  Emanuel 
Church. 


BUSINESS  REFERENCES. 


457 


Hale,  Thomas  D.,  Painter. 

Hardy,  John,  Jr.,  Railroad  Agent. 
Harman,  R.  M.,  Carpet  Merchant. 
Haynes,  Daniel  A.,  Attorney  at  Law. 
Hawes,  A.  L.,  Paper  Manufacturer. 

Hotr,  G.  W.,  Clergyman  and  Editor. 
Huffman,  William,  Dealer  in  Stone. 
Huffman,  W.  P.,  President  Third  National 
Bank. 

Hughes,  J.  R.,  Presbyterian  Clergyman. 
Jessup,  James,  Artist. 

Jones,  W.  D.,  Attorney  at  Law. 

Judson,  L.,  Assistant  Postmaster. 

Kaiser,  H.  W.,  Agent. 

Kemp,  Rev.  John,  Collector  for  the  United 
Brethren  Seminary. 

Kiefaber,  W.,  Grocer. 

Kimmerle,  F.,  Butcher. 

Kimsey,  W.  T.,  Printer. 

Knecht,  Ad.,  Superintendent  of  the  Markets. 
Kneeht,  C.  J.,  Superintendent  of  Mont- 
gomery County  Children’s  Home. 

Krebs,  Joseph,  Grocer. 

Kreidler,  J.  U.,  Superintendent.  Street  Rail- 
road. 

Kuhns,  Benjamin,  Manufacturer  of  Agri- 
cultural Implements. 

Parkin,  D.  C.,  Chief  Engineer  of  Fire  De-  j 
partment. 

Leaman,  C.  H.,  Dentist. 

Legler,  Thomas  A.,  Wholesale  Dry  Goods 
Merchant. 

Legler,  Barlow  & Co.,  Importers  and 
Jobbers  of  Dry  Goods  and  Notions. 
Leland,  Lyman  W.,  Boiler  and  Sheet  Iron  J 
Works. 

Light,  Joseph,  Superintendent  Gas  Works. 
Loehninger,  F.,  Teacher. 

Loury,  F.,  Ex-Postmaster. 

Lowe,  Thomas  O.,  Attorney  at  Law. 

Lowe,  John  G.,  Attorney  at  Law. 

Lowes,  J.  E.,  Physician. 

Lyon,  E.  B.,  Manufacturer. 

Lytle,  John  S.,  Wholesale  Boot  and  Shoe 
Dealer. 

Malambre,  George  W.,  Attorney  at  Law. 
Marshall,  A.  C.,  Manufacturer  of  Agricult- 
ural Implements,  etc. 

McCormick,  F.  J.,  Steam  Heating,  Plumb- 
ing, etc. 

McDowell,  W.  G.,  Physician. 

MeXlhenny,  J.  J.,  Physician. 

McXntire,  James,  Wholesale  Grocer. 


McSherry.  D.  E.,  Manufacturer  of  Grain 
Drills. 

; Miesenhelder,  John  A.,  Miller, 
j Mills,  W.  M.,  Manufacturer  of  the  American 
Turbine  Water  Wheel 
j Miskelly,  T.  M.,  Recorder. 

Mitchell,  P.,  Leather  Merchant  and  Manu- 
facturer. 

Mittendorf,  W.,  Editor  and  Clergyman. 
Moosbrugger,  otto,  Editor  Anzeiger. 

J Morrison,  D.  H.,  Bridge  Manufacturer. 

Neder,  George,  Editor  Volkzeitung. 

\ Hip  gen,  M.  A.,  Wholesale  Liquor  Dealer. 

] Nixon,  A.  C.,  Tobacco  Dealer. 

| Nolan,  M.  P.,  Attorney  at  Law. 

Odlin,  J.  H.,  Dairyman. 

I Owen,  B.  F.,  Attorney  at  Law. 

I Palmer,  C.  B.,  Dayton  View  Mills. 

! Parrott,  Charles,  Aughe  Plow  Works. 
Payne,  E.  D.,  Proprietor  of  Flax  Mill. 
Peters,  Joseph,  Builder. 

Phelps,  W.  S.,  Cashier  Dayton  National 
Bank. 

Phillips,  W.  W.,  Manufacturer  of  Carriages 
and  Buggies. 

Phillips,  Charles  A.,  Manufacturer  of 

Cotton  Goods. 

Powell,  A.  M.,  Merchant. 

Pritz,  Adam,  Manufacturer  of  Agricultural 
Implements. 

j Pruden,  David,  Druggist, 
j Reeve,  J.  C.,  Physician. 

Reynolds,  L D.,  Printing  and  Book  Mak- 
ing. 

Ridgway,  A.  B , Proprietor  Phillips  House. 
Rike,  D.  L.,  Dry  Goods  Merchant. 

Ritty,  James,  Proprietor  Pony  House. 
Robbins,  Z.  J.,  Demist. 

Robertson,  John  S.,  Ex-Clerk  of  Courts. 
Rouzer,  John,  Contractor  and  Builder. 
Rowe,  E.  L.,  Attorney  at  Law. 

Runck,  J ohn,  Jr.,  Butcher. 

Rutledge,  George  E.,  Paper  Mill. 
Sanders,  Gus  W.,  Liquor  Dealer. 

Sayre,  A.  C.,  Blacksmith. 

Schantz,  Adam,  Butcher, 
j Scheibenzuber,  A.,  Physician. 

Schenck,  R.  C.,  Jr.,  United  States  Deputy 
Collector. 

J Schieble,  John  A.,  Insurance  Agent. 
Sehiml,  Michael,  Brewer. 

Sehoen,  John,  Bailiff  Superior  Court. 
Schutte,  Frederick,  County  Auditor. 


458 


BUSINESS  REFERENCES. 


Sehwind,  Colestin,  Dayton  View  Brewery. 
Shuey,  William  J.,  Superintendent  United 
Brethren  Publishing  House. 

Simonds,  A Ivan  A.,  Manufacturer  of 
Hives,  etc. 

Smith,  S.  T.,  Attorney  at  Law. 

Smith,  W.  W.,  Manufacturer. 

Snyder,  W.  F.,  Cigar  Dealer. 

Snyder,  Frank,  Civil  Engineer. 
Sollenberger,  J.  W.,  Builder. 

Spindler,  Jacob,  Manufacturer. 
Stephans,  Jacob,  Notary  Public. 

Stickle,  Jacob,  Brewer. 

Stoddard,  John  W.,  Manufacturer  of  Ag- 
ricultural Implements. 

Stomps,  Gustav,  Chair  Manufacturer. 
Sullivan,  Stith  M.,  Attorney  at  Law. 
Temple,  John  C.,  Manufacturer  American 
Turbine  Water  Wheel. 

Thompson,  E.,  Attorney  at  Law. 

Thorne,  I.  IL,  Merchant. 

Thresher,  E.  M.,  Manufacturer. 

Tobey,  H.  A , Superint.*  ndent  of  Asylum 
for  the  Insane. 

Tower,  C.  F.,  Tower  Varnish  Company. 
Vallandigham,  C.  IL,  Attorney  at  Law. 
Weaver,  John  A.,  Tobacco  Dealer. 
Webber,  L.  H.,  Proprietor  Stone  Yard. 
Webster,  J.  T.,  Episcopal  Clergyman. 
Wensthoff,  W.,  Manufacturer. 
Whitmore,  J.  D.,  Coal  Dealer. 

Wild,  J.  H.,  Woolen  Mills. 

Wilt,  A.  D.,  Principal  Commercial  College. 
Williams,  Robert,  Jr.,  Collector  Internal 
Revenue. 

Winters,  David,  Minister. 

Wolfe,  M.,  Photographer. 

Wolf.  James  P.,  Dealer  in  Leaf  Tobacco. 
Wolf,  W.  W.,  Physician. 

Wyatt,  EL,  Sr.,  Cracker  Manufacturer. 
Young,  E.  S.,  Attorney  at  Law. 

Young,  James  C.,  Attorney  at  Law. 
Zeller,  Abia,  Druggist. 

GERMAN  TOWNSHIP. 

G EKMASTOWU. 

Antrim,  J.  J.,  Physician. 

Auehenboch,  Simon,  Proprietor  of  Feed 
Stable. 

Axman,  A.  E.,  Jeweler. 

Axman,  Elvina,  Jewelry  Store. 

Bose,  Alfred,  Cigar  Manufacturer. 
Brown,,  J.  A.,  Physician. 


| Donnellan,  J.  E.,  Physician. 

Frank,  Adam,  Attorney  at  Law. 

Harkrider,  F.  D.,  Printer  Press. 

Harlan,  B?B.,  Superintendent  of  Schools. 

Hentz,  J.  P.,  Lutheran  Minister. 

Ingram,  William,  Tobacco  Raiser. 

Lewis,  IL,  Tannery. 

Prugh,  P.  C.,  Minister. 

Shank,  Joseph  W.,  President  of  the  First 
National  Bank. 

j Trout,  Michael,  Physician. 

Young,  Clinton  H.,  Trader  of  and  Dealer 
in  Horses. 

Zehring,  John,  Merchant. 

Bennett,  Stephen,  Farmer  and  Tobacco' 
Raiser,  Section  30,  P.  0.  Carlisle  Station, 
Warren  County. 

Conover,  A.  S.,  Farmer,  Miller  and  Pro- 
prietor of  Saw-mill,  Section  11,  P.  0. 
Germantown. 

Hankinson,  James,  Farmer,  Proprietor  of 
Saw-mill,  also  Miller,  Section  19,  P.  0- 
Carlisle  Station,  Warren  County. 

Rohrer,  David,  Distiller,  Section  14,  P.  0. 
Germantown. 

MIAMI  TOWNSHIP. 

9IIAMISBUKO. 

Blossom  Brothers,  Bulletin. 

Ebert,  J.  M.,  Teacher. 

Hoff,  George  S.,  Merchant. 

Hoover,  A.,  Manufacturer. 

Kalenberg,  John  F.,  Catholic  Priest. 

Kinder,  Charles  E.,  News. 

Manning,  Dr.  William  H.,  Manufact- 
urer. 

McCreight,  Fisher  IL,  Grocer. 

Schuberth,  H.  C.,  Dealer  in  Leaf  Tobacco. 

Shuler,  W.,  Physician. 

Shultz,  Emanuel,  Manufacturer,  and  Mem- 
ber of  Congress. 

Treon,  Dr.  John,  Physician. 

Weaver,  W.  P.,  Physician. 

Weaver,  G.  W.,  Grocer  and  General  Mer- 
chant. 

Zimmer,  Jacob,  Tobacco  Dealer. 

CAKROtLTOJf. 

(West  Carrollton  P.  0.) 

Bowman,  W.  A.,  Minister. 

Pease,  D.  W.,  Agent  and  Operator. 

A IEXA  I»  E KSAI  EE  E. 

Pease,  William,  Proprietor  of  Hotel. 


BUSINESS  REFERENCES. 


459 


BUTLER  TOWNSHIP. 

VASBAiJl. 

Anderson,  James  I.,  Proprietor  of  Steam 
Saw  and  Planing  Mills. 

Barrett,  A.  M.,  Minister. 

Bennert,  Michael,  Teacher. 

Crook,  Walter,  Grain  Dealer. 

Curtis,  Lafayette,  Traveling  Salesman. 
Holden,  S.  S.,  Minister. 

Jordan,  A.  V.,  Merchant. 

Miller,  J.  C.,  Clergyman. 

Hine,  J.  P.,  Teacher. 

Patton,  M.  V.,  Physician. 

Westerman,  Lafayette,  Dealer  in  Dry 
Goods  and  Groceries. 

ESTTEE  YOKE. 

Be  Bra,  J.  H.,  Physician. 

Rankin,  Perry  N.,  Merchant. 

Eby,  Ephraim,  Minister,  Section  30,  P.  0. 
Little  York. 

Waymire,  Henry,  Notary  Public  and  Re- 
tired Farmer,  Section  13,  P.  0.  lamton. 


CLAY  TOWNSHIP. 

BROOSiVILLE. 

Baker,  W.  W.,  Proprietor  of  Hotel. 

Baker,  Levi,  Dealer  in  Tobacco,  Grain  and 
Stock. 

Barnes,  A.  G.,  Merchant. 

Gish,  C.,  Physician. 

Green,  George  M.,  Minister. 

Grnenig,  Albert,  Baker. 

Olinger,  Jesse  P.,  Dealer  in  Dry  Goods 
and  Groceries,  corner  of  Main  and  Mul- 
berry streets. 

Pretzinger,  M.,  Druggist. 

Sanford,  W.  R.,  Druggist. 

Smith,  James  R.  S.,  Attorney  at  Law. 

Smith,  Lewis  R.,  Justice  of  the  Peace  and 
Notary  Public. 

BACHMAS, 

Good,  Solomon,  Minister. 

Wogoman,  Samuel,  Justice  of  the  Peace 
and  Farmer. 

Reed,  D.  W.,  Carpenter,  Section  33,  P.  0. 
Dodson. 


RANDOLPH  TOWNSHIP. 

I YK»Y. 

] Becker,  Henry,  Miller. 

Hawkins,  S.,  Physician  and  Surgeon. 
Purcell,  George  W.,  Manufacturer. 
Shaw,  David,  Grain  Dealer. 

Thomson,  Walter  J.,  Physician. 

West,  William  A.,  Carriage  Maker. 

SALEM,  CLAYTON  P.  • . 

Carl,  William  H.,  Undertaker. 

Hous,  G.  W.,  Physician. 

Smith,  Webster  S.,  Physician. 

Stoker,  Evelina,  Hotel  Keeper. 

Warner,  E.  F.,  Teacher. 

HAUBISBIRC.  IAMTON  P.  O. 

j Becker,  Jacob  E , Proprietor  of  Hotel, 
j Boone,  A.,  Physician. 

lams,  Jacob,  Manufacturer. 

! Weaver,  H.  C.,  Merchant. 

Engle,  B.  M.,  Miller,  Section  31,  Dayton 
P.  0. 

Kinsey,  Samuel,  Nurseryman,  Section  27, 
P.  0.  Kinsey  Station. 

JEFFERSON  TOWNSHIP. 

GETTESiSJBITRG,  EI.LERTOS  P.  ©. 
Linebaugh,  John  H.,  Wagon  Maker. 
Miller,  George,  Blacksmith  and  Farmer. 
Ridenour,  James  A.,  Minister. 

LIBERTY. 

| Coler,  E.  J.,  Manufacturer. 

Fitzgerald,  J.  W.,  Minister. 

Haines,  Isaac,  Superintendent  County  In- 
firmary, P.  0.  Dayton. 

Holler,  George,  Minister  and  Farmer,  P. 
0.  Dayton. 

Michael,  Cornelius,  Manufacturer  of  Sor- 
ghum Sirup  and  Farmer,  Section  13,  P.  0. 
Dayton. 

JACKSON  TOWNSHIP. 

NEW  EE B ANON. 

Edwards,  O.  F.,  Physician. 

; Gauvey,  Abraham,  Merchant. 

Musselman,  C.,  Tobacco  Dealer. 

[ Weaver,  W.  A.,  Merchant, 
j Wood,  J.  P.,  Physician. 


460 


BUSINESS  REFERENCES. 


I,  - FAKBiERSVILLE. 

Heisey,-D  E.,  Postmaster  and  Merchant. 

Nushawg,  B.  F,,  Carpenter  and  Builder. 

Printz,  John  N.,  General  Merchant. 

Spitler,  H.  B.,  Farmer  and  Proprietor  of 
Saw-mill,  Section  18,  P.  0.  Farmersville. 

FE  RRY  TOWNSHIP. 

JOHftSVILJLiE. 

Brower,  J.,  Physician. 

Mikesell,  Simon,  Merchant. 

Wombold,  A.,  General  Merchant. 

Wyrick,  William,  Merchant.. 

WASHINGTON  TOWNSHIP. 

CENTERVILLE. 

Benkam,  J.  P , Merchant. 

Kindle,  John  S.,  Blacksmith. 

Lamme,  William  J.,  Miller,  P.  0.  West  I 
Carrollton. 

Pine,  Clark,  Township  Clerk  and  Farmer,  j 
Section  36,  P.  0.  Centerville. 

0VIAD5SON  TOWNSHIP. 

Gilliam,  Sidney  E.,  Teacher,  Section  15, 

P.  0.  Trotwood. 

Kimmel,  Lewis  C.,  County  Commissioner 
and  Farmer,  P.  0.  Dayton. 

WAYNE  TOWNSHIP. 

Minnich,  Thomas  B.,  Teacher,  Section 
17,  P.  0.  Sulphur  Grove. 

Strasburg,  Samuel,  Wagon  Maker,  Sec- 
lion  17,  P.  0.  Sulphur  Grove. 

HARRISON  TOWNSHIP. 

Bassett,  Isaac  J.,  County  Commissioner, 
Dayton  P.  0. 

Citone,  Annie,  Gardener,  Section  5,  Day- 
ton  P.  0. 

Diehl,  Charles,  Gardener,  Section  4,  Day- 
ton  P.  O. 

Ewing,  John,  Gardener,  Section  4,  Dayton 
P.  0. 

Gaines,  J.  W.,  Nurseryman,  Section  29, 
Dayton  P.  0. 

Glaser,  Mathias,  Gardener,  Dayton  P.  0. 

Graybill,  J.  H.,  Minister,  Dayton  P.  0. 

Greulich,  A.,  Butcher,  Dayton  P.  0. 

Hoover,  Samuel  H.,  Nurseryman,  Section 
29,  Dayton  P.  0. 


Keller,  John,' Gardener,  Section  4,  Dhvton 
P.  0. 

Knecht,  Jacob,  Gardener,  Section  16,  Day- 
ton  P.  0. 

Kunz,  Joseph,  Gardener,  Dayton  P.  0. 

Kurtz,  Michael,  Farmer  and  Nurseryman, 
Dayton  P.  0. 

Millhoff,  Philip  J.,  Preach’er,  Dayton  P.  O. 

Nye,  Catherine,  Gardener,  Section  5,  Day- 
ton  P.  O. 

Rider,  John  D.,  Gardener,  Section  6,  Day- 
ton  P.  Q. 

Rider,  George,  Gardener,  Section  31,  Day- 
ton  P.  0. 

Sacksteder,  Peter,  Gardener,  Section  4, 
Dayton  P.  0. 

Sacksteder,  John,  Gardener,  Section  4, 
Dayton  P.  0. 

Siebenthaler,  John,  Nurseryman,  Dayton 
P.  0. 

Staley,  Charles  H.,  Gardener,  Section  4, 
Dayton  P.  0. 


IV! AD  RIVER  TOWNSHIP. 

Keefer,  James  M.,  Township  Clerk,  Sec- 
tion 17,  P.  0.  Harshmansville. 

Ohmer,  Nicholas,  Horticulturist,  Section 
27,  P.  0.  Dayton. 

Steel,  William,  Carpenter,  P.  0.  Dayton. 
Weinrich,  Isaac,  Dealer  in  and  Breeder  of 
Cattle,  Section  28,  P.  O Dayton. 

| Zeigler,  W.,  Brick  Manufacturer,  Section 
27,  P.  0.  Dayton. 


VAN  BISREN  TOWNSHIP. 

Breidenouer,  John,  Dairyman,  Section  20, 
P.  0.  Dayton. 

Brubaker,  R.  B.,  Tobacco  Dealer,  Dayton 
P.  0. 

Ewry,  William,  Wagon  Maker,  Section  23, 
P.  0.  Dayton. 

Johns,  John  B.,  Surveyor,  Section  13,  P. 
0.  Dayton. 

J Kramer,  William,  Vineyard,  Section  1,  P. 

O.  Dayton. 

Ramsey,  William,  Horticulturist,  Section 
2,  P.  0.  Dayton. 

Snyder,  William  PI.,  Miller,  Section  11, 

P.  0.  Dayton. 

[ Yike,  Daniel,  Carpenter,  Section  34,  Day- 
ton  P.  0. 


